Influence of high dietary vitamin E supplementation on egg production and plasma characteristics in hens subjected to heat stress

The possibly role of GnIH in stress and gut dysfunction in chicken

Stress is known to disrupt the intestinal barrier and induce intestinal dysfunction. A critical role for gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in stress has emerged. However, whether GnIH mediates stress-induced intestinal dysfunction remains unknown. The present study explored this question through in vivo and in vitro experiments in hens. Our in vivo experiments showed that continuous intraperitoneal injection of GnIH not only significantly increased the concentration of stress hormones in serum, but also significantly elevated the mRNA expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the duodenum and jejunum. Moreover, morphological and molecular analyses revealed that GnIH disrupted the physical and chemical barriers of the intestine and dramatically increased inflammatory factor levels in the intestine and serum of hens. Interestingly, the microbiomics results showed that GnIH altered the structure and composition of the gut flora in the cecum, revealing an increased abundance of harmful intestinal bacteria such as Desulfovibrionaceae. Similar results were found in in vitro studies in which the GnIH-induced intestinal mucosal barrier was disrupted, and inflammation increased in jejunal explants, although no significant difference was found in the expression of GR between the control and GnIH groups. Our results demonstrated that GnIH not only directly damaged intestinal barriers and elevated intestinal inflammation but also mediated stress and microflora imbalance-induced intestinal function disorder, suggesting that GnIH is a potential therapeutic target for gut dysfunction, stress-induced intestinal function disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and humans.

Dietary quercetin and vitamin E supplementation modulates the reproductive performance and antioxidant capacity of aged male breeder chickens

Aged male chickens experience rapid declines in spermatogenesis, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and hormone synthesis. Vitamin E plays a significant role in reproduction, nervous system function, and disease resistance in animals. Quercetin also exerts many biological effects, such as antioxidant ability, immunostimulation, and protection of spermatozoal plasma membranes. This study evaluated the effects of combining dietary quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (VE) on sperm quality, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and expression of genes related to spermatogenesis, immunity, apoptosis, and inflammation in aged male chickens. A total of 120 Tianfu breeder male chickens (65 wk old) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 3 replicates (10 birds each). The birds were fed diets containing Q (0.4g/kg), VE (0.2g/kg), Q+VE (0.4g/kg + 0.2g/kg), and a basal diet for 11 wk. At the end of the experimental period, blood, semen, liver, testes, and spleen samples were collected from 2 birds per replicate. Serum hormones, antioxidant parameters, cytokines, and immunoglobulins were evaluated; and the mRNA expression of genes related to spermatogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammation are determined in the testes and liver tissues.

The results showed that the combination quercetin and vitamin E significantly promoted the sperm count and motility, as well as elevated the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione, and Total antioxidant capacity), and serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) in the aged male chickens; also Q+VE showed protective effects on the liver against injury. In addition, Q+VE significantly increased the expression of genes related to spermatogenesis (AR, pgk2, Cyclin A1, and Cyclin A2), immunity (IFN-γ and IL-2), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) (P < 0.05), whereas the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) was decreased (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data indicate that the combination of quercetin and vitamin E improved reproductive characteristics such as spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and hormone regulation, as well as promoted antioxidant defense, hepatoprotective capacity, and immune response in aged male chickens without any detrimental effects.

Perspective, Opportunities and Challenges in Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in Poultry Health and Production as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review

Following the European Union’s restriction on antibiotic growth promoters, research on enhancing gut health has been accelerated. As the poultry industry is facing issues that were previously managed by antimicrobial growth promoters, the hunt for the best remedies continues to find suitable alternatives. Simultaneously, social pressure is mounting to reduce the usage of antibiotics and replace them with other feed additives. Consumers believe a number of accessible options to be safe, with phytogenics playing a crucial role. This review describes how the use of fennel seeds could be beneficial for poultry. An overview of the broad chemical diversity of fennel is presented together with their physicochemical and biological properties. According to investigations, fennel seeds have a variety of biological effects in birds, including improved performance, higher immune cell proliferation, reduced oxidative stress, and boosted antibody titers against infectious diseases. The efficacy of poultry outcomes is determined by the stage and age of the plants, the extraction process, the geographical location, the chicken species, management techniques, and the concentrations administered. The present review focuses on the effects of fennel seeds as a feed additive on poultry growth, carcass quality, blood biochemistry, antioxidant activity, immunity, and microbiological aspects.

Pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) Needle Extract Supplementation Improves Performance, Egg Quality, Serum Parameters, and the Gut Microbiome in Laying Hens

The effects of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) needle extract (PNE) on gastrointestinal disorders and oxidative stress have been widely investigated using experimental models; however, the functions and mechanisms of these effects in chicken models remain unknown. We investigated the effects of Masson PNE supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum parameters, and the gut microbiome in laying hens. A total of 60 healthy 50-week-old Peking Pink laying hens with similar body conditions and egg production were randomly divided into the control (CON) (0 mg/kg PNE), PNE100 (100 mg/kg PNE), PNE200 (200 mg/kg PNE), and PNE400 (400 mg/kg PNE) groups, with fifteen replicates per treatment and one hen per replicate. Compared with the CON group, egg mass, feed conversion ratios, and yolk weight were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the PNE100 group. Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg PNE increased the serum total protein, albumin, and glucose concentrations (p < 0.01) and decreased the alanine aminotransferase activity (p < 0.05) compared with those of the CONs. Hens in the PNE100 group had reduced serum malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05) and increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities (p < 0.01) compared with those of the CON group. Serum proinflammatory cytokine concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were lower (p < 0.01) and the IL-10 level was higher (p < 0.01) in the PNE100 group than in the CON group. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, and IgM concentrations were increased in the PNE100 group (p < 0.01). The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, while the relative abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were decreased in the PNE100 group. The relative abundances of Vibrio, Shewanella, and Lactobacillus were decreased, while the relative abundances of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, unclassified_f_Rikenellaceae, and Butyricicoccaceae were increased in the PNE100 group compared with those of the CON group. PNE supplementation at 100 mg/kg improved the diversity and structure of the gut microbial composition, production performance, egg quality, and serum parameters of laying hens. The laying hens in this study had good production performance when supplemented with 100 mg/kg PNE.

Effect of dietary tomato powder on growth performance and blood characteristics of heat-stressed broiler chickens

This study investigated the ameliorative effect of dietary tomato powder (TP) on performance and blood characteristics of broilers under heat stress condition. A total of 240 (21 days old), unsexed Marshall broiler chicks were allotted to four dietary treatments having 6 replicates of 10 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were exposed to ambient temperature of 33 °C between 8:00am and 5:00 pm and relative humidity of 81.5% for 2 h per day, throughout the 21-day feeding trial. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and polynomial contrast (linear (L) and quadratic (Q)) applied using IBM SPSS version 20. The experimental diets 1 (control), 2, 3, and 4 contained 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% TP, respectively. Results showed that live weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio increased (L.Q: P < 0.05) while mortality rate reduced (P < 0.05) following increasing dietary inclusion of TP. Birds fed diets containing 0, 2.5, and 5.0% TP had similar feed cost per weight gain which was lower (L: P < 0.001: Q: P < 0.05) than those of birds fed diet containing 7.5% TP. Most hematological parameters and serum enzymes measured were not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion of TP. Birds fed diets containing 5.0 and 7.5% TP had similar serum cholesterol (L.Q: P < 0.05) and triglyceride (L:P < 0.001:.Q:P < 0.05) concentration which is lower than those of control. It was concluded that tomato powder (especially at 5% inclusion) in the diet of heat-stressed broiler chickens is beneficial for improved growth, health, and production cost with no adverse effect.

Effects of ambient temperature during the nestling stage on a stress indicator in nestling pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca

Long-term and short-term changes in ambient temperature can cause stress in birds, leading to changes in the level of hematological parameters. The H:L ratio (heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) is a hematological index that allows for the assessment of the stress induced by environmental changes, including weather conditions. In this paper, we examined the influence of temperatures and the sum of precipitation on the health of nestling pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) by using the H:L ratio reflecting the body's response to stress. All examined temperature indicators influenced the H:L ratio, yet the average value of daily minimum temperature during the first 12 days of nestling life had the strongest influence, maximum temperature had the weakest effect, while precipitation had no significant influence. Our research indicates that even a small increase in temperature caused a stress reaction in nestling pied flycatchers, which was reflected by an increase in the H:L ratio. The increase in the stress index (H:L ratio) was probably a result of poor weather conditions (precipitation, low temperature), which prevented the adult birds from actively foraging and properly feeding the nestlings.

Multigenerational selection towards longevity changes the protective role of vitamin C against graphene oxide-induced oxidative stress in house crickets

This research was designed to investigate changes that can arise in an invertebrate organism due to stress caused by a strong prooxidant, graphene oxide (GO), and a potent antioxidant, vitamin C. The study aimed to investigate if vitamin C may support convalescence after chronic GO intoxication. We investigated the toxicity of chronic dietary graphene oxide administration in house cricket (Acheta domesticus) types: wild and selected for longevity (with a better developed antioxidant system, conducive to long life). Vitamin C was applied immediately after cessation of graphene oxide intoxication to check if it can support the remedial effect. The condition of cells, DNA stability, catalase activity, and the reproduction potential, measured as the Vitellogenin (Vg) protein expression level, were investigated in control and GO treated groups, recovery groups (-GO), and recovery groups with Vit. C (-GO + Vit.C). In this study vitamin C had no evident remedial effect on the house crickets exposed to graphene oxide. Most probably, the mechanism of vitamin C action, in case of intoxication with nanoparticles, is much more complicated. In the context of the results obtained, it is worth considering whether Vit. C, applied after GO intoxication, causes further disturbance of homeostasis in terms of the cells' redox potential.

Potential impact of stocking density on growth, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of different broiler breeds

The aim of the current study to investigate the potential impact of different stocking densities on growth performance, carcass traits, indicators of biochemical and oxidative stress and meat quality of Arbor Acres and Ross-308 broiler breeds to recommend the better stocking density with low production cost simultaneously with high quality. A total of 312 one-day old of each Arbor Acres broiler and Ross-308 were randomly classified into 3 experimental groups with different stocking density, each of 6 replicates. The first group (SD1) was 14 birds/m2 (28 kg/m2), while the second group (SD2) was 18 birds/m2 (36 kg/m2) and the third group (SD3) was 20 birds/m2 (40 kg/m2). The growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. SD3 group possessed the lowest body weight. Alanine transaminase in Arbor Acres was 15 and 14% higher in SD3 when compared with SD1 and SD2, respectively. While, was 21 and 20% of Ross-308, respectively. SD3 revealed the highest values of cholesterol, TG, MDA, and LDL of both breeds when compared with SD1 and SD2, with the lowest levels of HDL, GPX, and IGG. Birds of SD3 was the nastiest carcass weight 873 (P = 0.000) and 1,411.60 g (P = 0.000); dressing percentage 63.07 (P = 0.000) and 75.83% (P = 0.000); breast weight 513.10 g (P = 0.000) and 885.50g (P = 0.000); thigh weight 359.90 g (P = 0.000) and 526.08 g (P = 0.000) when compared with SD1 and SD2 of Arbor Acres and Ross-308, respectively. The dressing % of SD1 and SD2 was approximately 19% better than that of SD3 of Arbor Acres, while it was 4% of Ross-308. The cooking loss and drip loss of breast and thigh muscles were higher in SD3 of both breeds. Moreover, SD3 possessed the highest bacterial count. In conclusion birds reared in medium stocking density revealed better performance and welfare than high density but similar to low density. Therefore, from the economic point, medium density was the best.

Synergistic effects of quercetin and vitamin E on egg production, egg quality, and immunity in aging breeder hens

Laying hens experience a rapid decline in egg production, egg quality, and immunity, usually at the end of the peak laying period. Quercetin, a known flavonoid, exerts biological activities, including phytoestrogenic, immunity, antibiotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E also shows egg production and immunoregulatory potential in animals. This study evaluated the capacity of dietary quercetin, vitamin E, and the combination of both, to promote egg production and egg quality, and to improve the immunity of aging breeder hens. We also elucidated how quercetin and vitamin E combination could synergistically affect egg production, egg quality, and immunity in aging breeder hens. A total of 400 Tianfu broiler breeders at the age of 52 wk were randomly allotted to 4 treatments with 4 replicates, 100 hens per treatment and 25 hens per replicate. They were fed diets containing quercetin at 0.4 g/kg, Vitamin E (200 mg/kg), quercetin and vitamin E (0.4 g/kg and 200 mg/kg), and a basal diet (control) for a period 10 wk. Daily feed intake and egg production rate were recorded, and weekly records were recorded on egg quality tests. At the end of the 10-wk experimental period, blood samples and immune organ (spleen) were collected from 2 birds per replicate, totaling 32 birds. Feed intake, immune organ index, serum cytokines, and immunoglobulins were evaluated, and the mRNA expression of genes related to immunity was determined from the spleen tissue. Generally, the results showed that separately or as a combination, supplemental quercetin and vitamin E significantly improved performance and egg quality (P < 0.05), and significantly increased serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) concentrations, as well as promoted immune organ development and index, and promoted the expression of splenic immune-related genes (IL-2 and INF-γ) (P < 0.05), compared with the control. It was confirmed in this study that the combination of quercetin and vitamin E exert synergistic effects on egg production, egg quality, and immune function in aging hens.

Combination of Quercetin and Vitamin E Supplementation Promotes Yolk Precursor Synthesis and Follicle Development in Aging Breeder Hens via Liver-Blood-Ovary Signal Axis

Simple Summary

This study evaluated the capacity of dietary quercetin, vitamin E and their combination to promote follicle development and attenuate organ inflammation by improving the antioxidant capacity of the liver–blood–ovary signal axis of aging broiler breeder hens. The results from this study showed that the combination of quercetin and vitamin E synergistically improved the chicken’s reproductive organ characteristics, and also showed protective effects on liver morphology and histology. Moreover, the antioxidant parameters, reproductive hormones and receptors, liver lipid synthesis, and the levels of mRNAs related to yolk precursor synthesis (very low density apolipoprotein-II and vitellogenin-II), lipid transport (microsomal triglyceride transport protein), lipogenesis (fatty acid synthase), and follicle developments were increased remarkably by the combination of quercetin and vitamin E. The results obtained in this study provide an important reference for the combination of quercetin and vitamin E as a functional feed additive for promoting the functions of the liver–blood–ovary axis, and also as a potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent for improving liver and ovary functions in chickens by acting as a hepatoprotective and oviprotective agent. This could facilitate the transport and exchange of synthetic substances (including hormones, yolk precursors, and other biochemical substances) among the liver–blood–ovary alliances to ensure the synchronous development and functional coordination between the liver and ovary in aging breeder hens.

Abstract

The fertility of female animals is negatively correlated with increasing chronological age. In aging broiler breeder hens, there is a decline in the functionality of the ovary and liver accompanied by hormonal or endocrine changes, a reduction in antioxidant capacity, and a decrease in folliculogenesis. Therefore, improving the reproductive function in aging breeder hens using dietary strategies is of great concern to the poultry breeder. This study evaluated the capacity of dietary quercetin (Q), vitamin E (VE), and their combination (Q + VE) to promote follicle development and attenuate organ inflammation by improving the antioxidant capacity of aging breeder hens. In this study, 400 broiler breeder hens (Tianfu broilers breeder hens, 435 days old) were allotted into four groups (100 birds each) with four replicates each (25 birds each). They were fed diets containing Q (0.4 g/kg), VE (0.2 g/kg), Q + VE (0.4 g/kg + 0.2 g/kg), and a basal diet for 10 weeks. The results showed that Q + VE improved the organ characteristics (p < 0.05), and also that Q + VE showed protective effects on the liver against injury, as well as increasing the antioxidant capacity of the liver, serum, and ovary (p < 0.05). Furthermore, liver lipid synthesis was increased remarkably, as indicated by the changes in triglyceride levels in hens fed Q + VE (p < 0.05). Levels of E2, FSH, and LH, their receptors, and mRNAs related to yolk precursor synthesis were increased by the Q + VE (p < 0.05). Therefore, the combination of quercetin and vitamin E synergistically promotes and regulates the transportation and exchange of synthetic substances among the liver–blood–ovary alliances to ensure the synchronous development and functional coordination between the liver and ovary in aging breeder hens.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Fermented Pine Needle Extract on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Serum Lipid Parameters in Laying Hens

This study aimed to investigate the supplemental effects of fermented pine (Pinus densiflora) needle extract (FPNE) in laying hen diets on productive performance, egg quality, and serum lipid metabolites. A total of 108 40-week-old Hy-line brown laying hens were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatment groups: (1) basal diet + 0 mL FPNE/kg diet (CON), (2) basal diet + 2.5 mL FPNE/kg diet (T1), or (3) basal diet + 5 mL FPNE/kg diet (T2) for 6 weeks. Each group consisted of four replicates of nine hens each. Feed and water provided ad libitum. Results showed that dietary supplementation of FPNE increased egg production percentage (linear, p < 0.01 and quadratic, p < 0.05), egg mass (linear, p < 0.05), and feed intake (linear, p < 0.05) during the entire experimental period. In addition, dietary inclusion of FPNE significantly increased the eggshell color (linear, p < 0.01), egg yolk color (quadratic, p < 0.01), and eggshell breaking strength (linear, p < 0.05 and quadratic, p < 0.05) while the Haugh unit decreased (quadratic, p < 0.05). However, serum lipid profile did not differ among the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Notably, antioxidant activity of egg yolk was improved by significantly decreasing the malondialdehyde content in egg yolks after 6 weeks of storage (linear, p < 0.001 and quadratic, p < 0.05). In summary, dietary inclusion of FPNE could improve laying performance and the antioxidant capacity of eggs.

Exposed to Mercury-Induced Oxidative Stress, Changes of Intestinal Microflora, and Association between them in Mice

Twelve Kunming mice were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6), and administered with distilled water containing 0 mg/L and 160 mg/L HgCl₂ respectively, with an experimental period of 3 days. Our results showed that mercury exposure significantly reduced weight gain in mice (P < 0.01). Through pathological observation of cecum tissues, significant pathological changes were observed in cecum tissues of mice exposed to mercury. Furthermore, mercury exposure not only significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice (P < 0.01) but also significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) level in mice (P < 0.01). Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that at the genus level some microbial populations including Clostridiales, Lactobacillus, Treponema, Oscillospira, and Desulfovibrio were significantly increased whereas some microbial populations including S24-7, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus were significantly decreased. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated that microorganisms were not correlated with biomarkers of oxidative stress. In summary, mercury exposure reduced the growth performance of mice, resulting in gut microbiota alterations, and led to oxidative stress by increasing the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH).

Importance of micronutrients in bone health of monogastric animals and techniques to improve the bioavailability of micronutrient supplements - A review

Vitamins and minerals categorized as micronutrients are the essential components of animal feed for maintaining health and improving immunity. Micronutrients are important bioactive molecules and cofactors of enzymes as well. Besides being cofactors for enzymes, some vitamins such as the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin A and D have been shown to exhibit hormone-like functions. Although they are required in small amount, they play an influential role in the proper functioning of a number of enzymes which are involved in many metabolic, biochemical and physiological processes that contribute to growth, production and health. Micronutrients can potentially have a positive impact on bone health, preventing bone loss and fractures, decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation. Thus, micronutrients must be provided to livestock in optimal concentrations and according to requirements that change during the rapid growth and development of the animal and the production cycle. The supply of nutrients to the animal body not only depends on the amount of the nutrient in a food, but also on its bioavailability. The bioavailability of these micronutrients is affected by several factors. Therefore, several technologies such as nanoparticle, encapsulation, and chelation have been developed to improve the bioavailability of micronutrients associated with bone health. The intention of this review is to provide an updated overview of the importance of micronutrients on bone health and methods applied to improve their bioavailability.

Multifunctional activity of vitamin E in animal and animal products: A review

Vitamin E is an essential nontoxic fat-soluble micronutrient whose effects on livestock performance and products can be attributed to its antioxidant and nonantioxidant properties. Although it is needed in small quantity in the diet, its roles in livestock production are indispensable as it is required in boosting performance, nutritional qualities, and yield of animal and animal products. The dietary or oral supplementation of vitamin E is essential in reducing lipid oxidation in muscle, egg, and dairy products as well as lowering cholesterol concentrations and improving antioxidant status of livestock. Evidence has shown that bioavailability of vitamin E-enriched animal products could serve as an invaluable nutritional benefit to consumers; especially those in regions of limited resources where vitamin E deficiencies pose a risk that may be detrimental to some cellular activities of the body and on human health. It is therefore important to redirect research on the impact of vitamin E supplementation as antioxidant on livestock performance and animal products.

Deleterious impacts of heat stress on steroidogenesis markers, immunity status and ovarian tissue of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The water temperature of aquacultures is a primary factor of fish welfare, reproductive patterns, and immunity. To elucidate the molecular and biological processes of the temperature modulation of reproduction and immunity, female Nile tilapia (190 ± 10g) were allocated into five groups following acclimatization (150 females, three replicates, each n = 10). Each group was subjected to various temperatures (28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C, 34 °C, and 37 °C), the group at 28 °C representing the control. Their serum levels of estradiol, cortisol, and vitellogenin were measured as well as serum triiodothyronine (T3) hormone, thyroxine (T4) hormone, and non-specific immunity (phagocytic and lysozyme activity). In addition, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), vitellogenin gene receptor, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression were evaluated. The serum levels of estradiol, cortisol, and vitellogenin markedly declined (P < 0.05) in fish group at higher temperatures. In addition to T3, T4 was significantly affected (P < 0.05) in the control group. The expressions of the STAR gene (steroidogenesis) and vitellogenin receptors were also considerably down-regulated. The histopathological photomicrograph of fish subjected to high water temperature revealed injuries in ovary tissues, demonstrating its harmful effects. The experimental results verified the possible role of water temperature as a main stressor on Nile tilapia' physiology through modulation of steroidogenesis-related gene expression and immunity.

Effect of supplementing layer hen diet with phytogenic feed additives on laying performance, egg quality, egg lipid peroxidation and blood biochemical constituents

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing laying hen diet with phytogenic additives on laying performance, egg quality, blood constituents and egg lipid peroxidation. Two hundred Lohmann Brown Lite laying hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments: control (without phytogenic additive), fennel seeds (5 g/kg), black cumin seeds (5 g/kg) and hot red pepper (5 g/kg). Each of the 4 diets was fed to 5 replicates of 10 hens for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight or feed intake between the groups. Dietary inclusion of fennel followed by red pepper improved (P < 0.05) egg weight, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Higher yolk shape index, shell and albumen weight percentages and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) were recorded in the fennel supplemented group compared with control. The egg yolk color score increased by the addition of fennel or hot red pepper in laying hen diets compared with control. The inclusion of black cumin or hot red pepper decreased serum and egg yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05) compared with control. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentration was lower in black cumin group (P < 0.05) than in other treatments. In conclusion, the best laying performance and egg quality were obtained by dietary inclusion of fennel, followed by hot red pepper and black cumin. Dietary supplementation of black cumin or red pepper may lead to the development of low-cholesterol concentration and better antioxidant capacity of eggs.

Rosemary Reduces Heat Stress by Inducing CRYAB and HSP70 Expression in Broiler Chickens

Heat stress negatively affects poultry production and animal health. In response, animals invoke a heat stress response by inducing heat shock proteins (HSPs). Scientists are actively seeking natural products that can enhance the heat shock response. The present study aimed at assessing the effects of a purified rosemary extract comprising antioxidant compounds on the heat shock response and HSP expression profile in broiler chickens. The response of broilers to HS in the presence of purified rosemary extract was assessed using an in vivo myocardial cell model. Pathological lesions of heart tissue were examined microscopically. The levels and activities of enzymes associated with heart damage and oxidative damage were detected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for HSPs in myocardial cells. The results showed that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and myocardial CK (CKMB) levels were reduced by the purified rosemary extract before and during heat stress. Heat stress alone increased CK and CKMB levels. The levels of oxidative damage-associated enzymes were compared between the rosemary + heat stress and heat stress-alone groups. The results indicated that in terms of these enzymes, the purified rosemary extract induced a more antioxidative state. Pathological examinations showed that heat stress caused myocardial fiber fracture, karyopyknosis, and degeneration. The addition of purified rosemary extract ameliorated these lesions to some degree, preserving more of the basic structure. Heat stress decreased the cellular levels of crystallin alpha B (CRYAB) and HSP70. The addition of the purified rosemary extract significantly increased the levels of CRYAB and HSP70 during heat stress (p < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry showed that after rosemary treatment, CRYAB and HSP70 showed more intense staining compared with the no heat stress control group. In the rosemary + heat group, after 10 hours of heat stress, the staining intensity of these two proteins remained higher than in the heat stress group. Thus, purified rosemary extract could induce high levels of HSP70 and CRYAB in chicken hearts before and during heat stress. Purified rosemary extract could be used to alleviate heat stress in broiler chickens.

Productive performance, egg quality, hematological parameters and serum chemistry of laying hens fed diets supplemented with certain fat-soluble vitamins, individually or combined, during summer season

This present study aimed to determine the efficacy of supplementing layer diets with vitamin A (0, 8,000 and 16,000 IU/kg diet) and vitamin E (0, 250 and 500 mg/kg diet) either individually or in combination on egg production and quality, and blood hematology and chemistry of birds reared under summer conditions. A total of 135 Bovans Brown laying hens were distributed to 9 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 hens/pen in a 3 × 3 factorial design. A significant improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed as supplementary vitamin A or E increased (P ≤ 0.01). Hens fed diets supplemented with 16,000 IU vitamin A plus 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet had the best FCR among all groups. Egg quality traits were not significantly affected by the interaction of vitamin A and vitamin E levels. There was a significant increase in monocytes (P ≤ 0.01) and a decrease in basophils counts (P ≤ 0.05) in response to vitamin E. Significant decreases were observed in packed cell volume (PCV), thyroxine (T₄), alanine transferase (ALT), albumin, total cholesterol and total lipids ( (P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01) P ≤ 0.01) , and increases were observed in serum concentrations of globulin (P ≤ 0.05) and calcium (P ≤ 0.01) due to vitamin A. The combination of 0 IU vitamin A and 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet had the highest values of PCV (40.09%) and hemoglobin (Hb) (10.33 mg/100 mL) among all groups. Vitamin E raised serum values of total protein, total cholesterol and total lipids (P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01). Feed intake, FCR, PCV, Hb, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, T₄, ALT and total protein were significantly affected by the interaction of vitamins A and E (P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01). The interaction of vitamins A and E was only significant with respect to serum total protein (P ≤ 0.05). It can be concluded that layer diets supplemented with vitamins A and E had good results in alleviating the harmful impacts of high ambient temperature. The combination of 16,000 IU vitamin A and 500 mg vitamin E per kilogram diet is preferable for obtaining better production of laying hens reared under hot summer conditions.

Growth performance and antioxidant status of growing rabbits fed on diets supplemented with Eucommia ulmoides leaves

<p>The present study evaluated the effect of dietary <em>Eucommia ulmoides leaves</em> (EUL) on growth performance and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under heat stress condition. Four hundred and fifty weaned New Zealand male rabbits (6 wk old) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (150 rabbits/group) and fed with a basal diet (control, digestible energy (DE): 15.92 MJ/kg and crude protein (CP): 19.24%) or the basal diet supplemented with 1 or 5 g of EUL/kg of diet (EUL1 and EUL5), in which the same quantity of barley meal was replaced. During the 21 d of experiment (43 to 63 d of age), the temperature and relative humidity of the rabbit house ranged from 27.5 to 32.5°C and from 65 to 73%, respectively. We analysed feed intake, growth performance and antioxidant status of growing rabbits. Compared with the control group, at the end of the experimental period, EUL supplementation significantly reduced the average daily feed intake (92.0, 92.8 and 100.7 g/d for EUL1, EUL5 and control, respectively; P&lt;0.05), improved the feed conversion ratio (3.80, 3.81 and 4.59 for EUL1, EUL5 and control, respectively; P&lt;0.05), increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (+35.5 and +35.0% in plasma and liver of rabbits in EUL5 vs. control group, respectively; P&lt;0.05) and reduced those of malondialdehyde (–12.0 and –46.0% in plasma and liver of rabbits in EUL5 vs. control group, respectively; P&lt;0.05). These results suggest that inclusion of EUL in the diet of growing rabbits improved the growth performance and antioxidant status in growing rabbits.</p>

Nutritional modulation of health, egg quality and environmental pollution of the layers

World egg production and consumption have been increasing for the past decades. Traditional strategies in poultry nutrition have made vital contributions to this great growth in quantity. However, current global issues should be considered in modern egg production such as growing populations and food security, food safety and quality, limited resources and environmental problems. The development of knowledge of poultry nutrition and modern biotechnology provides novel nutritional approaches to closely fit the requirement of pullets and laying hens, which will consequently decrease the nutrition excretion and maintain the lower cost of feed. Nutrition has also been widely accepted as a strategy to influence health and diseases of laying hens. The maintenance of good health is an important prerequisite for improving productivity and egg quality. In addition, there are many measures and strategies for minimizing the incidence of egg defects and providing a choice of lifestyle to enhance human health. This paper reviews current research progress on developing innovative technologies and strategies to maximize animal health and performance, improve the quality of egg products and minimize pollution caused by poultry production.

Alleviating the environmental heat burden on laying hens by feeding on diets enriched with certain antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium) individually or combined

The present study was designed to alleviate the negative biohazards of high ambient temperature on the productive performance and physiological status of laying hens. A total of 135 Bovans laying hens were distributed into nine groups in a 3 × 3 factorial design experiment. Basal diet was supplemented with vitamin E at levels of 0, 250, and 500 mg /kg diet. Within each dietary vitamin E level, each diet was supplemented with sodium selenite as a source of selenium (Se) to supply 0, 0.25, and 0.50 mg Se/kg diet. Results showed that supplementing layer's diet with 500 mg vitamin E/kg was accompanied with the lowest feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The interaction among vitamin E and Se levels exerted significant effects only on FC and FCR. Insignificant differences were observed in egg quality criteria due to the treatments studied. Increasing vitamin E level was associated with a gradual decrease in basophil count and an increase in monocytes. A gradual decrease in the count of each of heterophils, monocytes, and eosinophils was observed with the elevation in the dietary Se level. The combination among vitamin E and Se levels produced a significant effect on all hematological parameters studied. As vitamin E increased, a marked decrease in serum AST and a gradual increase in total lipids, total cholesterol, and calcium were observed. As the level of dietary Se increased, serum total protein, albumin, T₄, total cholesterol, and total lipids increased. No significant impacts were detected for the interaction among vitamin E and Se levels on any of blood constituents determined except serum globulin, ALT, and calcium. In conclusion, the combination between vitamin E and Se showed a good ability to alleviate the harmful impacts of heat stress and produced the highest productive performance when compared with the other groups, which exhibit the synergistic effect between the two antioxidants.

Impact of temperature-humidity index on egg-laying characteristics and related stress and immunity parameters of Japanese quails

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature-humidity index (THI) level on productive parameters, welfare, and immunity in Japanese quails. One hundred and eighty (180) birds of Japanese quail, 14 weeks old, were used. Birds were divided randomly into three equal groups, control (at low THI, less than 70), H1 (at moderate THI, 70-75), and H2 (at high THI, 76-80). Birds in the control group had higher body weight (281.2 g, p = 0.001), egg mass (745 g, p = 0.001), fertility (85.4 %, p = 0.039), hatchability (80.4 %, p = 0.001), and immune response titer to Newcastle disease virus (p = 0.031), compared with H2 group. Furthermore, the thermoneutral group had higher internal egg quality score [albumen height (5.14 mm, p = 0.001), yolk height (10.88 mm, p = 0.015), yolk index (42.32 %, p = 0.039), and Haugh unit (92.67, p = 0.001)]. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in fertility percentage, immune response, and corticosterone concentration between control and H1 group. Birds in the H2 group had the lowest total leucocytic count and lymphocyte percentage (p = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively) but the highest H/L ratio (0.83, p = 0.001). Corticosterone concentration was lower in control and H1 groups (5.49 and 6.41 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.024) than that in H2 group. Japanese quail exposed to heat stress revealed drop in production and immunological parameters, as well as a detrimental effects on welfare. Thus, practical approaches might be used to reduce the detrimental effects of greater THI level.

Yeast Culture and Vitamin E Supplementation Alleviates Heat Stress in Dairy Goats

This study was conducted to determine and compare the effects of yeast yeast culture (YC) and vitamin E (VE) supplementation on endotoxin absorption and antioxidant status in lactating dairy goats suffering from heat stress (HS). Three first lactation Saanen dairy goats (body weight 30±1.5 kg) were surgically fitted with indwelling catheters in the portal vein, mesenteric vein and carotid artery, and were randomly assigned to a 3×3 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were the basal diet, and the basal diet supplemented with either 100 IU VE or 30 g YC. Goats were kept in temperature and humidity-controlled room at 35°C from 8:00 to 20:00 and at 24°C from 20:00 till the next morning at 8:00. The relative humidity was kept at 55%. HS increased dairy goats' rectum temperature and respiration frequency (p<0.01). HS reduced plasma flux rate of milk goats (p<0.01), but the plasma flux rate increased when the animal was under the conditions of the thermo-neutral period (p<0.01). The VE supplementation lowered dairy goats' rectum temperature during thermo-neutral period (p<0.01). Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed between the control and YC treatment in rectum temperature and respiration frequency (p>0.05). Dietary supplementation of VE and YC reduced heat stressed dairy goats' endotoxin concentration of the carotid artery and portal vein (p<0.01). However, the endotoxin concentration of the YC treatment was higher than that of the VE treatment (p<0.01). Both VE and YC supplementation decreased heat stressed dairy goats' absorption of endotoxin in portal vein (p<0.01). The endotoxin absorption of YC treatment was higher than the VE treatment (p<0.01). The addition of VE and YC decreased dairy goats' superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration during HS and the whole experiment period (p<0.01). The addition of VE lowered SOD concentration during thermo-neutral period (p<0.01). Likewise, the addition of VE and YC lowered dairy goats' malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration during HS and the whole experimental period, and the MDA concentration in the VE treatment was lower than the YC treatment (p<0.05). The addition of VE decreased MDA concentration during thermo-neutral period. On the contrast, the addition of VE increased dairy goats total antioxidant potential (TAP) concentration during HS, thermo-neutral and the whole experimental period (p<0.01). The addition of YC increased TAP concentration only during HS period (p<0.01). It is concluded that both VE and YC are useful in alleviating HS of dairy goats by weakening endotoxin absorption and promoting antioxidant capacity. Compared with YC, VE is much more powerful in easing dairy goats HS.

Antioxidant systems in chick embryo development. Part 1. Vitamin E, carotenoids and selenium

Chick viability is known to be an important factor determining profitability of the poultry industry. Chick embryo tissues contain a high proportion of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids in the lipid fraction and therefore need antioxidant defence. The antioxidant system of the developing embryo and newly hatched chick includes the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase), water-soluble antioxidants (ascorbic acid, taurine, carnitine, glutathione, etc.), fat-soluble antioxidants (vitamin E, carotenoids, coenzyme Q) as well as selenium (Se). In fact, the high levels of endogenous antioxidants within the egg and embryonic tissues can clearly serve as a major adaptive mechanism for the protection of the tissue during the oxidative stress experienced at hatching. It has been shown that among different nutrients in the maternal diet which could significantly affect chick embryo development and their viability in the early posthatch life, natural antioxidants have been suggested to play a central role. Our data indicate that increased supplementation of the maternal diet can substantially increase concentrations of vitamin E, carotenoids (especially canthaxanthin) and Se in developing chick tissues and significantly decrease susceptibility to lipid peroxidation being effective nutritional tools to deal with various commercial stresses in poultry production.

Effects of Dietary Lycopene Supplementation on Plasma Lipid Profile, Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense System in Feedlot Bamei Lamb

Lycopene, a red non-provitamin A carotenoid, mainly presenting in tomato and tomato byproducts, has the highest antioxidant activity among carotenoids because of its high number of conjugated double bonds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lycopene supplementation in the diet on plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in feedlot lamb. Twenty-eight Bamei male lambs (90 days old) were divided into four groups and fed a basal diet (LP0, 40:60 roughage: concentrate) or the basal diet supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg lycopene. After 120 days of feeding, all lambs were slaughtered and sampled. Dietary lycopene supplementation significantly reduced the levels of plasma total cholesterol (p<0.05, linearly), total triglycerides (TG, p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, p<0.05), as well as atherogenic index (p<0.001), whereas no change was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p>0.05). The levels of TG (p<0.001) and LDL-C (p<0.001) were decreased with the feeding time extension, and both showed a linear trend (p<0.01). Malondialdehyde level in plasma and liver decreased linearly with the increase of lycopene inclusion levels (p<0.01). Dietary lycopene intake linearly increased the plasma antioxidant vitamin E level (p<0.001), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p<0.05), and activities of catalase (CAT, p<0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, p<0.05) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, p<0.05). The plasma T-AOC and activities of GSH-Px and SOD decreased with the extension of the feeding time. In liver, dietary lycopene inclusion showed similar antioxidant effects with respect to activities of CAT (p<0.05, linearly) and SOD (p<0.001, linearly). Therefore, it was concluded that lycopene supplementation improved the antioxidant status of the lamb and optimized the plasma lipid profile, the dosage of 200 mg lycopene/kg feed might be desirable for growing lambs to prevent environment stress and maintain normal physiological metabolism.

Robustness to chronic heat stress in laying hens: a meta-analysis

Chronic heat is a major stress factor in laying hens and many studies on the effect of heat stress have been published. It remains difficult, however, to draw general conclusions about the effect of chronic heat stress on performance and its relationship with genetic and environmental factors, as these studies have been done under varying experimental conditions and using various experimental designs. A meta-analysis enabled us to make a quantitative review of the results from 131 published papers. The relative effects of four factors (genotype, age, group size, and amplitude of temperature variation) and their interactions with temperature were analyzed for 13 traits. After pre-correcting the data for a random study effect, the best model for each trait was selected in a stepwise procedure based on its residual sum of squares. Shell strength, daily feed intake, egg mass, and hen-day egg production were found to be more sensitive to heat stress than the other traits as they dropped by 9.0 to 22.6% between thermo-neutrality (15 to 20°C) and heat stress (30 to 35°C) while yolk and albumen proportions or Haugh units showed nearly no variation with temperature (<1.2% between thermo-neutrality and heat stress). Many interactions (17) were found between temperature and one or more factors in the 13 traits studied here, which reinforces the interest of using a meta-analysis to summarize data from the literature. This study highlighted that the impact of heat stress in laying hens depends on the genotype, age, and group size, some of which have rarely been investigated.

Effect of different levels of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) on performance, intestinal Escherichia coli colonization and jejunal morphology in laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) on performance, intestinal Escherichia coli count and morphology of jejunal epithelial cells in laying hens. A total of 100 Leghorn laying hens (Hy-Line W-36) of 49 weeks old were randomly distributed among five cage replicates of five birds each. Experimental diets consisted of different levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 3% of diet) of dietary black cumin inclusion. The experimental period lasted for a total of 10 weeks, and egg quality indexes and laying hens' performance were measured as two 35-day trial periods. At the final day, two hens per replicate were slaughtered to investigate the influence of dietary treatments on intestinal E. coli colonization and morphology of jejunal cells. Although dietary black cumin in all supplementation levels decreased (p < 0.05) the enumeration of ileal E. coli, the morphological and histological alterations in small intestine such as enhancement of villus height to crypt depth ratio, increased goblet cell numbers and proliferation of lamina propria lymphatic follicles were observed after dietary supplementation with at least 2% black cumin. Dietary treatments decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of serum cholesterol and triglycerides and increased (p < 0.05) serum HDL concentration and relative weight of pancreas; however, the egg yolk cholesterol was not influenced by dietary treatments. In addition, dietary supplementation with black cumin improved (p < 0.05) eggshell quality and Haugh unit. The best feed conversion ratio was obtained when diets were supplemented with 2% black cumin. This improvement was due to the increase (p < 0.05) in egg mass and contemporaneous decrease (p < 0.01) in feed consumption. The present results indicated that regardless of supplementation level, dietary inclusion of black cumin decreased E. coli enumeration in ileal digesta and improved serum lipid profile and eggshell quality, whereas the best intestinal health indices and haying hens' performance were obtained by at least 2% black cumin seeds.

Brahma Rasayana enhances in vivo antioxidant status in cold-stressed chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant status of chicken during cold stress and to investigate if there are any beneficial effects of Brahma Rasayana supplementation in cold stressed chicken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Activities of enzymatic and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants in blood / serum and liver tissue were evaluated in chicken exposed to cold (4 +/- 10C and relative humidity of 40 +/- 5%, for six consecutive hours daily, for 5 or 10 days). The antioxidant properties of Brahma Rasayana (BR) supplementation (2 g/kg daily, orally) during cold stress was also studied.

RESULTS

There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in antioxidant enzyme in the blood, such as, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), and serum reduced glutathione (GSH) in cold stressed chicken. Serum and liver lipid peroxidation levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cold stressed untreated chickens when compared to the treated and unstressed groups. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the antioxidant enzymes in the blood, such as, catalase (CAT) and SOD, in the liver CAT and SOD, and in GPX and GR in BR-treated cold stressed chicken, when compared to the untreated controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study conclude that in chicken, BR supplementation during cold stress brings about enhanced actions of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, which nullify the undesired side effects of free radicals generated during cold stress.

Influence of chestnut tannins on welfare, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in rabbits under high ambient temperature

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of chestnut tannins (CT) on welfare, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in rabbits under high ambient temperature. Rabbits in one group were raised at 20°C and fed with basal diet (N) and other three groups (33°C) were fed basal diet with 0 (C), 5 (CT5), and 10 g (CT10) of CT/kg of diet. Compared with the C group, rabbits in CT10 had higher pH(24) and lower cooking loss and thiobarbituric acid reacting substance values at 0, 30, and 60 min of forced oxidation. Rabbits in C group had higher cortisol levels, creatine kinase activities, white blood cell counts, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and lower T(3), T(4) levels, lymphocyte percentage than N and CT10 groups. Supplementation of CT seemed to have a positive effect on growth performance, welfare, and meat quality of rabbits under high ambient temperature.