De-oiled soy lecithin positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, histological intestinal alteration, and antioxidant status in turkeys fed with low energy diets

Influence of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status of broiler birds

This study examined the effect of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematobiochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 300 21-day-old Chikun strain chicks were randomly allocated to 30 pens in which they were allotted to 5 dietary treatments as follows TI (0 g /100kg), T2 (100 g /100kg), T3 (200 g /100kg), T4 (300 g /100kg), T5 (400 g /100kg) of feed with 6 replicates pens of 10 during the finisher phase (28 days). Results showed that dietary supplementation with lysolecithin increased the final body weight (FBW) (quadratic P = 0.0178), body weight gain (BWG) (quadratic P = 0.0232), whilst it decreased the total feed intake (TFI) (linear P = 0.0104). Similarly, it linearly increased the retention of dry matter (P = 0.0324); crude protein (P = 0.0029), crude fibre (P = 0.0147), and crude fat (P = 0.0002). Furthermore, it increased the superoxide dismutase (linear P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (quadratic P < 0.001), glutathione (linear P < 0.001), whilst it decreased malondialdehyde (linear P = 0.003), without affecting (P > 0.05) the haematobiochemistry parameters. Therefore, dietary lysolecithin could be supplemented up to 400 g /100 kg without compromising performance, nutrient retention, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler diets.

Phospholipid supplementation inhibits male and female odor discrimination in mice

Dietary phospholipids (PLs) are promising supplements that are commonly found as natural food ingredients and emulsifier additives. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of major PLs found in food supplements on social behavior in mice. In this study, the effect of short-term high dietary PL content was studied in terms of social odor discrimination and social interactions with male and female intruders in male mice. We used odor discrimination and habituation tests to demonstrate that PL-fed male mice tend to lose preference toward female odor and fail to discriminate against socially significant scents. At the same time, test animals recognize non-social odors. We also found that PL affected the social behavior of the test males, who tend to behave indiscriminately toward male and female intruders during direct contact. Brain metabolomic profiling revealed no major changes in the intermediary metabolism or neurotransmitter biosynthesis. At the same time, intranasal PL application resembled the effects of dietary supplementation. These data suggest that certain PL might suppress pheromone perception in the olfactory system and affect the sense of socially important odor cues.

Advances in the composition, efficacy, and mimicking of human milk phospholipids

Phospholipids are the essential components of human milk, contributing to the enhancement of cognitive development, regulation of immune functions, and mitigation of elevated cholesterol levels. Infant formulas supplemented with phospholipids can change the composition, content, and globule membrane structure of milk lipids, improving their digestive properties and nutritional value. However, mimicking phospholipids in infant formulas is currently limited, and the supplemented standards of phospholipid species and amounts in infant formulas are unknown. Consequently, there is a significant difference between the phospholipids in infant formulas and those in human milk. This article reviews the recent progress in human milk phospholipid research, aiming to describe the composition, content, and positive effects of human milk phospholipids, as well as summarises the dietary sources of phospholipid supplementation and the current state of human milk phospholipid mimicking in infant formulas. This review provides clear directions for research on mimicking human milk phospholipids and evaluating the nutritional functions of phospholipids in infants.

Effect of emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets

BACKGROUND

This study hypothesizes that a natural multicomponent emulsifier (Lipidol) could improve production performance in broiler chickens by aiding lipid digestion and addressing digestive system limitations.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary emulsifier inclusion on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

METHODS

The experiment involved 144 one-day-old male broiler chickens split into 4 treatments. Four diets were used: standard metabolizable energy (ME) as a control diet and three low-ME diets, reducing by 100 kcal/kg by adding 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg of exogenous emulsifier (Em).

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in body weight gain and feed intake. However, during the finisher period (25-42 days), supplementation emulsifier to low-ME diets notably improved feed efficiency. Although crude protein, organic matter and ash digestibility remained unaffected, dry matter (DM) digestibility significantly increased in broilers fed low-ME diets with emulsifier. Broilers receiving 0.5 g/kg of emulsifier showed the highest villus width and surface area values. Moreover, including 1.5 g/kg of emulsifier led to the highest villus height to crypt depth ratio. Faecal microbiota, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Emulsifier supplementation compensated for the energy reduction and enhanced performance, DM digestibility and some intestinal morphology parameters in broiler chickens fed low-ME diet. Using 0.5 g/kg of emulsifier per 100 kcal of ME reduction in broiler diets is suggested.

Dietary Soybean Lecithin Improves Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant Capability and Intestinal Barrier Functions in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Juveniles

This study evaluated the effects of dietary soybean lecithin (SBL) on the growth, haematological indices, immunities, antioxidant capabilities, and inflammatory and intestinal barrier functions because little information of dietary SBL could be obtained in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The fish were fed identical diets except for SBL added at 0, 2, 4 and 8%. It was found that 4 and 8% SBL significantly increased fish weight gain and daily growth rate (p < 0.05), while 4% SBL was optimal for enhancing RBC, HGB, PLT, MCV, MCH, WBC and MON in blood, and ALB and ALP in serum (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) also significantly elevated the antioxidant enzymes activities of T-SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, GST and T-AOC and GSH contents; increased mRNA transcription levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT, GR, GST3 and GPx3; and decreased MDA contents. Keap1a and Keap1b levels were markedly down-regulated (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly enhanced levels of the immune factors (ACP, LZM and C3) and the mRNA expression levels of innate immune-related genes (C3, C4, CFD, HEPC and MHC-I) compared with the control groups (0%) (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly increased IgM and T-NOS in the intestine (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β and IFN-γ and increased TGF-β1 at both transcription and protein levels in the liver and intestine (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of MAPK13, MAPK14 and NF-κB P65 were significantly decreased in the intestine in the 4% SBL groups (p < 0.05). Histological sections also demonstrated that 4% SBL protected intestinal morphological structures compared with controls. This included increased intestinal villus height and muscular thickness (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the intestinal epithelial cell tight junction proteins (TJs) (ZO-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-5, claudin-23 and claudin-34) and mucin-5AC were significantly up-regulated in the 4% SBL groups compared with the controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested that 4% dietary SBL could not only improve growth, haematological indices, antioxidant capabilities, immune responses and intestinal functions, but also alleviate inflammatory responses, thereby providing reference information for the feed formulations in cultured largemouth bass.

Effects of emulsifier, betaine, and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

1. This experiment investigated the efficacy of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) according to a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other eight groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00).2. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P = 0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10-24 d period (P = 0.049), with the greatest values found with concurrent supplementation of three supplements.3. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, digestible energy (DE) and the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat However, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio were lower (P < 0.05).4. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P < 0.05) all performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth and the CAID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P < 0.05) in ADG (d 10-24) and a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d).5. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination ameliorated some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation.

The Effect of Dietary Phospholipids on the Ultrastructure and Function of Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Dietary composition substantially determines human health and affects complex diseases, including obesity, inflammation and cancer. Thus, food supplements have been widely used to accommodate dietary composition to the needs of individuals. Among the promising supplements are dietary phospholipids (PLs) that are commonly found as natural food ingredients and as emulsifier additives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of major PLs found as food supplements on the morphology of intestinal epithelial cells upon short-term and long-term high-dose feeding in mice. In the present report, the effect of short-term and long-term high dietary PL content was studied in terms of intestinal health and leaky gut syndrome in male mice. We used transmission electron microscopy to evaluate endothelial morphology at the ultrastructural level. We found mitochondrial damage and lipid droplet accumulation in the intracristal space, which rendered mitochondria more sensitive to respiratory uncoupling as shown by a mitochondrial respiration assessment in the intestinal crypts. However, this mitochondrial damage was insufficient to induce intestinal permeability. We propose that high-dose PL treatment impairs mitochondrial morphology and acts through extensive membrane utilization via the mitochondria. The data suggest that PL supplementation should be used with precaution in individuals with mitochondrial disorders.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effects of emulsifier, betaine, and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

1. This experiment investigated the efficiency of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions.2. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) in a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other 8 groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00).3. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P=0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10-24 d period (P=0.049), with the greatest values with concurrent supplementation of all three ingredients.4. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P<0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein and fat, but lower (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio.5. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P<0.05) overall performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth, AID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P<0.05) in ADG (d 10-24) and a decrease (P<0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d).6. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination can ameliorate some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation.

Effects of an emulsifier blend supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and muscle fatty acid profile of broiler chickens fed with different levels of energy and protein

The effects of emulsifier blend (EB) supplementation of diets with various levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, digestibility, gut morphology, and muscle fatty acid profile were investigated over a 42-d period. Diets were arranged factorially (2 × 2 × 3) and consisted of 2 levels of ME (normal [commercially recommended levels] and low [100 kcal/kg reduction in dietary ME]), 2 levels of CP and limiting amino acids (normal [commercially recommended levels] and low [95% of the normal CP level]), and 3 levels of EB supplementation (0, 1, and 2 g/kg of diet). A total of 1,200 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups (5 pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen). Supplemental EB linearly improved (P < 0.05) final body weight, overall average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, but the magnitude of the responses was greater in low-ME and low-CP treatments, resulting in significant ME × CP × EB interactions. Similarly, the inclusion of EB in the diet, particularly at 2 g/kg, increased the ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude fat, as well as the AMEn value (P < 0.05), but the response was greater at lower ME concentration, indicating significant ME × EB interactions. Additionally, there were CP × EB interactions (P < 0.05) for duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, indicating that the effect of EB on these responses was more marked at lower dietary CP levels. An increase in dietary EB levels was accompanied by a linear increase in the concentration of total saturated fatty acids and a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of total polyunsaturated fatty acids in both breast and thigh meat. In conclusion, the positive effects of EB supplementation, particularly at a dietary inclusion level of 2 g/kg, were clearly evident in broiler chickens fed with low nutrient diets (−100 Kcal/kg ME and/or −5% CP and limiting amino acids) in terms of growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut morphology.