Dietary supplementation of coated sodium butyrate improves growth performance of laying ducks by regulating intestinal health and immunological performance

Introduction

This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on the growth performance, serum antioxidant, immune performance, and intestinal microbiota of laying ducks.

Methods

A total of 120 48-week-old laying ducks were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups: the control group (group C fed a basal diet) and the CSB-treated group (group CSB fed the basal diet + 250 g/t of CSB). Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates, with 10 ducks per replicate, and the trial was conducted for 60 days.

Results

Compared with the group C, the group CSB showed a significant increase in the laying rate (p<0.05) of the 53-56 week-old ducks. Additionally, the serum total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity and immunoglobulin G level were significantly higher (p<0.05), while the serum malondialdehyde content and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a level were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the serum of the group CSB compared to the group C. Moreover, the expression of IL-1b and TNF-a in the spleen of the group CSB was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to that of the group C. In addition, compared with the group C, the expression of Occludin in the ileum and the villus height in the jejunum were significantly higher in the group CSB (p<0.05). Furthermore, Chao1, Shannon, and Pielou-e indices were higher in the group CSB compared to the group C (p<0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidetes in the group CSB was lower than that in the group C (p<0.05), while the abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were higher in the group CSB compared to the group C (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the dietary supplementation of CSB can alleviate egg-laying stress in laying ducks by enhancing immunity and maintaining the intestinal health of the ducks.

Dietary Corn Silk (Stigma maydis) Extract Supplementation Modulate Production Performance, Immune Response and Redox Balance in Corticosterone-Induced Oxidative Stress Broilers

Immunosuppression is a serious consequence of oxidative stress exposure that negatively affects the productivity and profitability of birds, as well as their well-being. Thus, the present investigation was designed to evaluate the potential of corn silk extract (CSE) supplementation to overcome the negative impacts of oxidative stress induced by corticosterone administration (CORT) in broiler chickens. A total of 280 one day old Cobb 500 male chicks were divided into four groups in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. The experimental groups included CSE supplementation (0 or 500 mg/kg diet, from 20 to 35 days of age) and CORT administration (0 or 25 mg/kg diet, from 22 to 35 days of age) as independent factors. At the end of week five of age, production performance parameters were measured. The humoral and cell-mediated immune response parameters, redox status, and stress markers were determined. Data revealed deleterious effects of CORT administration on the broilers' body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, an exponential increase in stress marker levels, in addition to immunosuppression and redox imbalance, were associated with CORT administration. However, CSE supplementation, with its high total phenols content, partially alleviated the negative impacts of CORT administration, as shown by a significant improvement in immune response parameters and antioxidant activity, as well as a reduction in stress marker levels. Furthermore, CSE supplementation to non-stressed birds even significantly improved total antioxidant activity, total white blood cells (TWBCs) count, T-lymphocyte stimulating index, and wattle thickness. It can be concluded that, under stress conditions in commercial broiler farms, dietary CSE supplementation can strongly be recommended to modulate the negative impacts of stress. Therefore, CSE can be used as an effective immunomodulator and antioxidant agent to increase commercial broiler farm productivity and profitability.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Postbiotics: Alternative of Antibiotic Growth Promoter to Ameliorate Gut Health in Broiler Chickens

The postbiotic produced from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum has been revealed as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). It helps to stimulate growth performance, improve nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and improve meat quality in livestock. However, there is a paucity of information on the effects of L. plantarum postbiotic produced by formulated media on the gut health and immune response. Therefore, this study was conducted by using three strains of dietary L. plantarum postbiotics to determine the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, intestinal mucin production, and immune status in broiler chickens. A 245 male Cobb 500-day-old birds were assigned randomly to five treatments, namely, NC: basal diet only (negative control), OTC: basal diet + 0.01% (w/w) oxytetracycline (positive control), RG11: basal diet + 0.1% (v/w) Postbiotic RG11, RI11: basal diet + 0.1% (v/w) Postbiotic RI11, and RS5: basal diet + 0.1% (v/w) Postbiotic RS5. The body weight and feed intake were taken weekly. The small intestine and its mucus, ceca digesta were collected on days 21 and 42. Fresh excreta for crude mucin production were collected 3 days before slaughter on day 42. From the findings, RS5 recorded a significant highest (p < 0.05) final body weight, body weight gain, and significant lowest (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), acidic mucin, sulfated mucin, and intestinal trefoil factor were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the birds fed with RI11 and RS5. Postbiotics RI11 and RS5 had up-regulated expression of intestinal Mucin 2, occludin, and secretory immunoglobulin A. The antibiotic-fed chickens also showed a reduced (p < 0.05) total bacteria and Bifidobacterium population but a significantly increased (p < 0.05) the population of Escherichia coli in the jejunum. In conclusion, the supplementation of L. plantarum postbiotic can be used to substitute AGP as it promoted growth performance, mucin production, ameliorated tight junction permeability, and immune status in broiler chickens due to improved gut health and beneficial bacteria colonization.

Alterations in Intestinal Antioxidant and Immune Function and Cecal Microbiota of Laying Hens Fed on Coated Sodium Butyrate Supplemented Diets

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on the intestinal antioxidant, immune function, and cecal microbiota of laying hens. A total of 720 52-week-old Huafeng laying hens were randomly allocated into five groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with CSB at levels of 0 (control), 250 (S250), 500 (S500), 750 (S750), and 1000 (S1000) mg/kg for eight weeks. The results revealed that CSB supplementation quadratically decreased the malondialdehyde content and increased the superoxide dismutase activity of the jejunum as well as the total antioxidative capacity activity of the ileum (p < 0.05). Dietary CSB supplementation linearly decreased the diamine oxidase and D-lactic acid content of the serum (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of CSB resulted in linear and/or quadratic effects on the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). The short-chain fatty acid concentrations increased quadratically as supplemental CSB improved (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary CSB levels had no effect on microbial richness estimators, but ameliorated cecal microbiota by raising the abundance of probiotics and lowering pathogenic bacteria enrichment. In conclusion, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with CSB could improve the intestinal health of laying hens via positively influencing the antioxidant capacity, inflammatory cytokines, short-chain fatty acids, and gut microbiota. In this study, 500 mg/kg CSB is the optimal supplement concentration in the hens’ diet.

Chemically Protected Sodium Butyrate Improves Growth Performance and Early Development and Function of Small Intestine in Broilers as One Effective Substitute for Antibiotics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chemically protected sodium butyrate (CSB) on growth performance and the early development and function of small intestine in broilers as one potential substitute for antibiotics. A total of 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned into three dietary treatment groups (eight replicates per treatment): the control (CON) diet; ANT diet, CON diet supplemented with the antibiotics (enramycin, 8 mg/kg and aureomycin, 100 mg/kg); CSB diet, CON diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg CSB, respectively. The results showed that dietary CSB and antibiotics addition significantly improved the growth performance of broilers by increasing the body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during different stages (p < 0.05). On day 21, the supplement of CSB in diet improved the structure of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) in broilers by increasing the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) (p < 0.05) and enhanced the butyric acid (BA) (p < 0.05) and total short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentrations of small intestine (jejunum and ileum) compared with the CON and ANT diets. Besides that, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and TAC to malondialdehyde (TAC/MDA) ratio of the ileal and jejunal mucosa were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CSB and ANT than in the CON. In addition, the supplement of CSB in diet markedly significantly enhanced α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin activities of the ileum (p < 0.05) as compared to the ANT diet. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that CSB markedly increased the microbiota diversity of ileum in broilers at 21 days of age as compared to CON and ANT (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that Firmicutes was the predominant phyla and Lactobacillus was the major genus in the ileum of broilers. Compared with the ANT diet, the supplement of CSB in diet increased the relative abundance of some genera microbiota (e.g., Candidatus_Arthromitus, Romboutsia) by decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Moreover, Akkermansia in the CSB was the highest in comparison to that in the CON and ANT. In addition, Kitasatospora that belongs to the phylum Actinobacteriota was only found in ileum of broilers fed the ANT diet. In summary, the supplement of 1000 mg/kg CSB in the diet improved the growth performance by promoting early development and function of the small intestine, which is associated with the regulation of intestinal flora and reestablishment of micro-ecological balance in broilers. Thus, CSB has great potential value as one of effective substitutes for in-feed antibiotics in the broiler industry.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome analysis insights into cold stress of Winter Rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) grown in the field

Winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) is a major oilseed crop in Northern China, where its production was severely affected by chilling and freezing stress. However, not much is known about the role of differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) during the chilling and freezing stress. In this study, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology was performed to identify DAPs under freezing stress. To explore the molecular mechanisms of cold stress tolerance at the cellular and protein levels, the morphological and physiological differences in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of two winter rapeseed varieties, Longyou 7 (cold-tolerant) and Lenox (cold-sensitive), were explored in field-grown plants. Compared to Lenox, Longyou 7 had a lower SAM height and higher collar diameter. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content was also decreased. Simultaneously, the soluble sugars (SS) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, soluble protein (SP) content, and collar diameter were increased in Longyou 7 as compared to Lenox. A total of 6330 proteins were identified. Among this, 98, 107, 183 and 111 DAPs were expressed in L7 CK/Le CK, L7 d/Le d, Le d/Le CK and L7 d/L7 CK, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of the coding genes for seventeen randomly selected DAPs was performed for validation. These DAPs were identified based on gene ontology enrichment analysis, which revealed that glutathione transferase activity, carbohydrate-binding, glutathione binding, metabolic process, and IAA response were closely associated with the cold stress response. In addition, some cold-induced proteins, such as glutathione S-transferase phi 2(GSTF2), might play an essential role during cold acclimation in the SAM of Brassica rapa. The present study provides valuable information on the involvement of DAPs during cold stress responses in Brassica rapa L, and hence could be used for breeding experiments.

Tributyrin Plays an Important Role in Regulating the Growth and Health Status of Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala), as Evidenced by Pathological Examination

The present study aimed to assess the role of tributyrin (TB) in regulating the growth and health status of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) through an 8-week feeding experiment. Six groups were fed experimental diets with added TB percentages of 0% (control group), 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.09%, 0.12% and 0.15%. The present results showed that TB supplementation in feed had some positive impacts on FW, WG, FCR and SGR, and the best results were found in the 0.06% TB group (P<0.05). However, TB supplementation in feed had no significant effects on SR, CF, VSI or whole-body composition (P>0.05). TB supplementation in feed increased antioxidant capacity and immunological capacity and attenuated the inflammatory response by increasing the activity of T-SOD, GPx, CAT and the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) and decreasing the levels of MDA and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) (P<0.05). Furthermore, TB supplementation improved immunity by increasing the levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG), C3 and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Surprisingly, 0.06%-0.12% TB supplementation significantly increased the content of IL-1β (P<0.05). However, TB supplementation in feed had no significant effects on the plasma content of GSH, HSP70, IL-8 and the activity of T-AOC (P>0.05). The possible mechanism was that TB activated PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 and inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, further regulating the mRNA levels of key genes with antioxidant capacity and the inflammatory response; for example, it increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, HO-1, CAT, Akt, PI3K, GPx, IL-10, and TGF-β and decreased the mRNA levels of NF-κB and TNF-α (P<0.05). In addition, 0.06%-0.15% TB supplementation significantly increased the mRNA levels of IL-1β (P<0.05). TB supplementation in feed had no significant effects on the mRNA levels of HSP70, Mn-SOD and IL-8 (P>0.05). Evidence was presented that TB supplementation decreased the mortality rate caused by Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. In pathological examination, TB supplementation prevented hepatic and intestinal damage. Generally, TB supplementation improved the growth performance of juvenile blunt snout bream. Furthermore, TB supplementation activated PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating health status and preventing hepatic and intestinal damage.

Sodium butyrate as an effective feed additive to improve performance, liver function, and meat quality in broilers under hot climatic conditions

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, liver function, antioxidant capacity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in broilers under hot climatic conditions. A total of 288 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments as follow: CON, control diet without SB; T1, control diet with 300 mg/kg SB; T2, control diet with 600 mg/kg SB; and T3, control diet with 1,200 mg/kg SB. Each treatment had 6 replication pens and 12 broilers per pen. The results indicated that the BW on day 35; ADG from day 1 to 21, day 22 to 35, and day 1 to 35; and ADFI from day 22 to 35 linearly (P < 0.05) increased with SB supplementation. Interestingly, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase content in serum were linearly (P < 0.05) decreased by SB supplementation. There was linear (P < 0.05) improvement in activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver, whereas the content of malondialdehyde was linearly (P < 0.05) decreased with the inclusion of SB. Increasing SB level linearly (P < 0.05) increased CP composition and decreased drip loss percentage on day 1 and 3 of breast muscle. Furthermore, there was linear (P < 0.05) improvement in activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, whereas the content of malondialdehyde showed decreasing trend (P < 0.10) with the inclusion of SB in breast muscle. In conclusion, SB can be used as an effective feed additive to improve growth performance, liver function, and meat quality of broilers under hot climatic conditions.

Sodium butyrate can improve intestinal integrity and immunity in juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) fed glycinin

Butyrate is a fermentation byproduct of gut microbiota and is susceptible to chronic oxidative stress. This study investigates the mitigative effects of sodium butyrate (SBT) on growth inhibition and intestinal damage induced by glycinin in juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). All four experimental diets containing 80 g/kg glycinin were formulated with 0, 10, 20 and 40 g/kg SBT respectively. There was no glycinin or SBT in the control diet. Juvenile crabs (0.33 ± 0.01g) were respectively fed with these five diets for eight weeks. The diets with 10 and 20 g/kg SBT significantly improved the survival and weight gain of the crabs compared with those in the 0 g/kg SBT group, and showed no difference with the control group. The crabs fed diets containing glycinin without SBT had lower glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities but higher malondialdehyde in the intestine than those in the control group. Moreover, dietary glycinin decreased the lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities and improved the level of histamine in the intestine compared with the control group, while the supplementation of SBT counteracted these negative effects. The addition of SBT could also restore the impaired immunity and morphological structure of the intestine. Dietary SBT could increase the mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptides genes (anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 1 and 2) and decrease the content of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α. The SBT could restore the intestinal microbial community disorganized by glycinin. The abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas, Vibrio and Pseudomonas) decreased significantly and the potential probiotic bacteria (Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Chitinibacter and Dysgonomonas) increased significantly in the 10 g/kg SBT group. This study suggests that sodium butyrate supplementation can mitigate the negative effects induced by glycinin such as growth inhibition, intestinal inflammation and reduction of beneficial flora in the gut.

Dietary Tributyrin Attenuates Intestinal Inflammation, Enhances Mitochondrial Function, and Induces Mitophagy in Piglets Challenged with Diquat

The study evaluated the effects of butyric acid, in the form of tributyrin on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in diquat-challenged pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were allocated to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main effects of tributyrin supplementation and diquat challenge. The results showed that supplemental tributyrin increased ( P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake of diquat-challenged pigs. Tributyrin elevated ( P < 0.05) the activities of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, reduced ( P < 0.05) malondialdehyde content, and increased ( P < 0.05) mRNA levels of copper and zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese-containing superoxide dismutase of diquat-challenged pigs. Tributyrin relieved ( P < 0.05) intestinal inflammation reflected by decreased mRNA abundances of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and interleukin-6 in the intestine. Tributyrin reduced ( P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase activity and d-lactate content, increased ( P < 0.05) transepithelial electrical resistance, decreased paracellular flux of dextran (4 kDa), and prevented the diquat-induced decrease ( P < 0.05) in the expressions of claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. Tributyrin alleviated ( P < 0.05) diquat-induced mitochondrial dysfunction shown by lowered reactive oxygen species, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased adenosine triphosphate content. Furthermore, tributyrin increased ( P < 0.05) expressions of mitophagy proteins (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 and Parkin), and ratio of light chain 3-II to light chain 3-I in intestine. Collectively, tributyrin attenuated oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation, improved mitochondrial function, and induced mitophagy in diquat-challenged pigs.

Dietary sodium butyrate improves intestinal development and function by modulating the microbial community in broilers

This study investigated the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation, provided as a specially coated product, on growth performance, intestinal development, morphological structure and function in broilers. In total, 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allocated into six treatment groups with six replicates each and then fed basal diets (control) supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 800 or 1000 mg/kg of SB or with antibiotics (100 mg/kg aureomycin and 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate). The growth trial lasted for 42 days. No differences (P>0.05) in growth performance were detected between groups during the grower period (1–21 d) or over the total (1–42 d) trial period, whereas the addition of SB improved the intestinal structure by stimulating (P<0.05) goblet cells on jejunal and ileal villi accompanied by a trend towards increased (P_diets<0.10) ileal villus height. In addition, more inerratic leaf-shaped villi and mucus secretion and significantly fewer erosions were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. Apart from decreased (P<0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ileal mucosa at 21 d of age, supplemental SB at higher doses (800 mg/kg) led to greater (P<0.05) total antioxidant capacity and depressed (P<0.05) MDA concentrations in the jejunal mucosa. Birds fed with 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg SB had higher (P<0.05) acetic acid concentrations at 42 d and higher butyric acid at 21 d in the jejunum chyme. Morever, chicks fed SB diet were found to have higher concentrations of butyric acid (P<0.05) in the ileal chyme. SB additions at 400 mg/kg displayed higher Firmicutes and Proteobacteria levels, while a higher (P<0.05) relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was observed at 800 mg/kg. Furthermore, we found a striking decrease in Enterobacteriaceae and increases in Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae in the cecal lumen of birds fed 800 mg/kg SB as well as a higher proportion of Ruminococcaceae and a noticeable reduction (P<0.05) of Lactobacillaceae in birds treated with 400 mg/kg SB. Taken together, our results support the importance of SB in improving the intestinal development, morphological structure and biological functions of broilers through modulation of the microbial community, which seems to be optimized for gut health at higher doses (800 mg/kg) of SB.