Physiological and immunological benefits of probiotics and their impacts in poultry productivity

In-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their combinations enhances hatchability, gut health, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and early development of broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to assess the response of chicks to in-ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis (probiotic), raffinose (prebiotic), and their combinations. The study used 1,500 embryonated eggs allotted to 10 groups/ 6 replicates (150 eggs/group). The experimental treatments were: 1) un-injected control (NC); 2) sham (sterile distilled water) (PC); 3) probiotic 4 × 105CFU/egg (LBS); 4) probiotic 4 × 106CFU/egg (HBS); 5) prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LR); (6 prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HR); 7) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (LBS+LR); 8) probiotic 4 × 105CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (LBS+HR); 9) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 2 mg/egg (HBS+LR); and 10) probiotic 4 × 106CFU + prebiotic 3 mg/egg (HBS+HR). Results showed that in-ovo inclusion of Bacillus subtilis, prebiotic, and their combinations improved hatchability, yolk-free chick weight, and chick weight compared to the control group. Moreover, the in-ovo treatment reduced residual yolk weight on the day of hatch compared to the control group. Different levels of in-ovo B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose significantly (P ≤ 0.001) reduced total bacterial count and total yeast and mold count compared to the negative control group. Total coliform and E. coli decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.001) in groups treated with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics with different doses during incubation compared to those in the control. Clostridium spp. was not detected in the groups injected with B. subtilis alone or combined with raffinose. In-ovo probiotics and synbiotics (LBS+LR & LBS+HR) significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased ileal villus length compared to other groups. In-ovo treatment increased mRNA expression of JAM-2 compared to the control group. The fold change significantly increased in group LBS+HR for genes MUC-2, OCLN, VEGF, SGLT-1, and EAAT-3 compared to the negative control. In conclusion, in-ovo injection of a low dose of B. subtilis plus a high or low dose of raffinose can positively affect hatching traits, cecal microbial populations, intestinal histomorphometry, nutrient transport- and intestinal function-related genes, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks.

The Effect of Synbiotics and Probiotics on Ochratoxin Concentrations in Blood and Tissues, Health Status, and Gastrointestinal Function in Turkeys Fed Diets Contaminated with Ochratoxin A

The aim of this study was to evaluate carcass quality and analyze gastrointestinal functional status, ochratoxin A (OTA) accumulation in tissues and organs, and the health status of turkeys fed diets contaminated with OTA and supplemented with synbiotic preparations in comparison with commercial probiotic feed additives. The research involved 120 female BIG 6 turkeys, divided into six treatment groups (five replicates, four birds per replicate). Wheat naturally contaminated with OTA (662.03 μg/kg) was used in turkey diets. Turkeys in group 1 received an OTA-contaminated diet without additives. Groups 2 and 3 received 0.4 g/kg of probiotic preparation BioPlus 2B or Cylactin. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 0.5 g/kg of synbiotics S1, S2, or S3. The following parameters were monitored: growth performance, carcass quality, gastrointestinal tract structure and digesta pH, health status, and concentrations of OTA in the blood and tissues of turkeys. The study found no significant differences in the growth performance and carcass quality of turkey. However, the introduction of probiotics or synbiotics into OTA-contaminated feed mixtures resulted in a reduced pH of the digesta in certain sections of the turkey digestive tract (p < 0.05). Additionally, the tested synbiotic additives significantly reduced liver weight in turkeys at weeks 6 and 15 (p < 0.05). The addition of probiotic and synbiotic preparations based on lactic acid bacteria strains, inulin, and S. cerevisiae yeasts to OTA-contaminated diets in commercial turkey farming may improve health status (p < 0.05) and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in organs and tissues of poultry (p < 0.05).

Influence of Dietary Probiotic and Alpha-Monolaurin on Performance, Egg Quality, Blood Constituents, and Egg Fatty Acids' Profile in Laying Hens

This work was designed to evaluate the advantages of using multi-strain probiotics feed (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Clostridium butyricum) (PRO) and alpha-monolaurin (AML) on laying performance, criteria of egg quality, blood parameters, and yolk fatty acids' profile in laying hens. One hundred forty of Bovans brown laying hens at 45 weeks old (25th week of egg production) were randomly allocated into four groups, with seven replicates of five birds each in a complete randomized design. The first group was fed a basal diet without feed additives (0 g/kg diet), and the second, third, and fourth groups received diets containing 1 g PRO, 1 g AML, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML/kg diet, respectively. No significant impacts of PRO, AML, or their mixture on body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), or egg weight. Egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were enhanced by 1 g PRO/kg and /or 1 g AML/kg supplementation in laying hen diets. Furthermore, egg shape index, eggshell thickness, and yolk color were statistically higher by PRO and AML supplementation at 55 weeks. However, oviduct, infundibulum, and uterus weights were significantly decreased by 1 g PRO or/and 1 g AML. Additionally, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) levels were decreased by PRO and AML supplementation. In conclusion, it seems that dietary inclusion with 1 g PRO/kg, 1 g of AML/kg, and 1 g PRO + 1 g AML improved egg production, egg mass, FCR, and yolk fatty acids profile and lowered total cholesterol and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in laying hens.

Isolation and in vitro assessment of chicken gut microbes for probiotic potential

Poultry production occupies an important place in the economy of any country. High broiler production in recent years has badly affected its profitability due to bad feed quality, excessive use of chemotherapeutic agents, emergence of diverse pathogens, and the deficiencies in management practices during rearing cycle. Microbiological improvement of the meat quality using potential probiotics can be beneficial for broiler farming. Present study was initiated to isolate chicken gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bacteria with probiotic potential. To isolate probiotics from chicken gut, alimentary canal of chickens of known sizes and ages was suspended in ringers soln. Under shaking conditions for overnight followed by serial dilutions of ringers soln. Bacterial isolates were analyzed via growth curve analysis, biochemical testing using RapID™ NF Plus Panel kit, molecular characterization, antimicrobial activity assay, antibiotic sensitivity assay, GIT adherence assay, bile salt and gastric acid resistant assay, and cholesterol assimilation assay. Four bacteria isolated in present study were identified as Limosilactobacillus antri strain PUPro1, Lactobacillus delbrueckii strain PUPro2, Lacticaseibacillus casei strain PUPro3, and Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain PUPro4. L. delbrueckii strain PUPro2 grew extremely fast. All isolates exhibited exceptional resistance to increasing concentrations of NaCl and bile salts with value of p >0.5. L. delbrueckii strain PUPro2 adhered to chicken ileum epithelial cells and demonstrated the highest viable counts of 320 colony forming units (CFUs). Antagonistic action was found in all isolates against P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, B. proteus, and S. aureus, with value of p >0.5. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to all the antibiotics used. Cholesterol assimilation was detected in all bacteria, with values ranging from 216.12 to 192.2 mg/dL. All isolates exhibited γ-hemolysis. In future, these bacteria might be tested for their impact on broilers meat quality and growth and can be recommended for their use as supplements for broilers diet with positive impact on poultry production.

Physiological and immunological aspects of feed restriction and its beneficial impacts in fattening rabbits' productivity-an updated review

Two feed restriction (FR) regimens are utilized with weaned rabbits including a quantitative FR (amount-limited feed or time-restricted admission to feed) and a qualitative FR (modulation of diet content especially protein and energy). The use of post-weaning FR may help in preventing post-weaning digestive disorders, stimulating compensating growth, improving feed efficiency, and decreasing carcass fat content. Interestingly, FR may contribute to changing meat's chemical composition and its physical quality attributes by regulating the morphological and biochemical characteristics of muscle fibers. Also, FR could enhance the gastrointestinal tract development, its histomorphology, and improve feed digestibility and absorption. Furthermore, FR regimens are involved in establishing gut microbial balance and enhancing the host immunological response. It might be concluded that post-weaning FR is involved in influencing the physiological and immunological aspects of growing rabbits. It might be documented that light to mild FR (i.e., 80-90% AL), early (i.e., at the first 2 weeks post-weaning), and relatively short in duration (i.e., for 2-3 weeks) had no negative effects on live body weight, while severing FR reduced live body weight in comparison with ad libitum rabbits.

Effects of antibiotic, acidifier, and probiotic supplementation on mortality rates, lipoprotein profile, and carcass traits of broiler chickens

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant issue, therefore it's relevant to assess the effects of antibiotics, acidifiers, and probiotic supplementation finding a good alternative to reduce the use of antibiotics in broiler production in rural areas of Bangladesh. Using randomized control trial, this 28-day study evaluated 360 Hubbard Classic broiler chicks divided into four groups: oxytetracycline-treated, acidifier-treated, Lactobacillus-based probiotic-treated, and control (no antibiotics, acidifiers, or probiotics). Each group was replicated three times with 30 birds each with adlibitum feeding. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly, and on 28th day, carcass traits and blood lipoprotein levels were evaluated. Results showed that in first and fourth weeks, the body weight gain significantly varied in probiotics and acidifier-treated birds than the control group (P < 0.001). The probiotic group had gained considerable increase in body weight (185.0 g vs 161.7 g and 1745.0 g vs 1592.7 g) than the control group. Notably, in the first week, the feed conversion ratio for the probiotic group was 0.76, but the antibiotic group's was 0.96 (P < 0.001). The weights of the drumstick (88.33 g) and liver (61.0 g) having probiotic supplements were substantially higher than those in the control group (77.0 g and 51.33 g, respectively) (P < 0.001). According to serum lipoprotein analysis, the probiotic and acidifier groups exhibited lower LDL levels (71.1 mg/dl and 69.8 mg/dl, respectively) and higher triglyceride levels (122.9 mg/dl and 135.4 mg/dl). These findings highlight the potential of probiotics and acidifiers as effective antibiotic alternatives, promoting carcass traits and lowering LDL levels in broilers in Bangladesh.

Effect of dietary supplementation of betaine and organic minerals on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, nutrients digestibility, and growth-related genes in broilers under heat stress

Global warming and climate changes have a detrimental impact on poultry production, causing substantial economic losses. This study investigated the effects of incorporating dietary betaine (BT) and organic minerals (OMs) on broilers' performance as well as their potential to mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS). Six hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to 12 experimental treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds each (5 male + 5 female). The birds were provided with diets containing BT (0 and 2,000 ppm) and OMs (0, 250, and 500 ppm), either individually or in combination, under both thermoneutral and HS-inducing temperatures. The HS conditions involved exposing the birds to cyclic periods of elevated temperature (35°C ± 2°C) for 6 h daily, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, starting from d 10 and continuing until d 35. The exposure to HS deteriorated birds' growth performance; however, dietary BT and OMs inclusion improved the growth performance parameters bringing them close to normal levels. Carcass traits were not affected by dietary supplementation of BT, OMs, HS, or their interaction. Interestingly, while HS led to increased (P < 0.05) levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), these adverse effects were mitigated (P < 0.05) by the addition of BT and OMs. Moreover, dietary BT supplementation led to elevated serum total protein and globulin concentrations. Cyclic HS did not alter Mn, Zn, and Cu contents in the pectoral muscle. However, the incorporation of OMs at both levels increased concentrations of these minerals. Notably, the combination of 500 ppm OMs and 2,000 ppm BT improved Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe digestibility, which has been compromised under HS conditions. Cyclic HS upregulated gene expression of interleukin-1β, heat shock protein 70, and Toll-like receptor-4 while downregulated the expression of claudin-1, uncoupling protein, growth hormone receptor, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase 1 and insulin-like growth factor 1. The aforementioned gene expressions were reversed by the combination of higher dietary levels of BT and OMs. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 500 ppm OMs along with 2,000 ppm BT yielded significant improvements in growth performance and mineral digestibility among broiler chickens, regardless of thermal conditions. Moreover, this combination effectively restored the expression of growth-related genes even under heat-stress conditions.

Ramifications of Heat Stress on Rabbit Production and Role of Nutraceuticals in Alleviating Its Negative Impacts: An Updated Review

Heat stress has become a widespread concern worldwide, which is a major environmental stress that causes substantial economic loss in the rabbit industry. Compared to other agricultural animals, rabbits are more sensitive to heat stress as they have fewer sweat glands and a thicker coat of fur, increasing the heat dissipation complexity. Thus, heat stress hurts rabbits' productivity, meat quality, reproductive performance, antioxidative properties, immune responsiveness, intestinal histomorphology, and microbiome. Nutraceuticals include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, organic acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, enzymes, and medicinal plants due to the possible impacts on maintaining common biological situations, strengthening immune response, and preventing illness, which ultimately led to an increase in productivity. Nutraceuticals have recently attracted a lot of attention to alleviate the adverse impacts of heat stress in rabbit farms. The objective of the current review is to provide acquaintance with the recent findings about the impact of heat stress on rabbit productivity and the advantages of dietary supplementation of nutraceuticals in mitigating it.

The Effects of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Growth, Blood Biochemical, and Meat Quality Indicators of Specific Pathogen-Free Broiler Chickens

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on live weight gain, feed consumption indicators, and some metabolic blood biochemical and meat quality indicators of specific pathogen-free Ross 308 broiler chickens. We carried out the study in three trials and included a total of 780 unsexed Ross 308 chickens, which we randomly divided into two groups: the control group (Con, n = 390, basal diet) and the probiotic group (ProL, n = 390, basal diet + a powder consisting of L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus 4 g/10 kg of feed). We raised broilers until day 35. We determined the amount of feed consumed, the average daily weight gain, the feed conversion ratio, the average daily feed intake, and the cumulative feed intake once a week. We collected blood samples from 45 broilers from each group at the end of the study. In addition, we slaughtered 30 broilers from each group by cervical dislocation to obtain a breast muscle sample (without skin) to determine meat quality in these chickens (cholesterol and unsaturated, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and saturated fatty acids). Feeding a probiotic mixture containing L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus did not significantly affect the growth and feed intake indicators. Feeding these probiotics significantly lowered the blood serum cholesterol levels but did not provide the expected reduction in meat cholesterol levels. However, feeding a probiotic mixture increased the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) in the breast meat and decreased saturated fatty acids. To better explain the effect of the combination of lactic acid bacteria (L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus) on the growth and development of broiler chickens in our study, histological and immunohistochemical examinations should be performed.

L-serine improves lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and intestinal parameters in feed restricted broiler chickens during the hot-dry season

The study evaluated effects of L-serine on lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and small intestinal parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction. Broiler chickens were divided into four groups, comprising 30 each. Group 1, feed restriction (FR); Group 2, feed restriction + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (FR + L-serine); Group 3, ad libitum (AL); Group 4, ad libitum + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (AL + L-serine). L-serine was administered orally from days 1 to 14, and feed restriction was performed on days 7-14. Serum harvested from blood samples on days 21, 28 and 35 was evaluated for lipid profile. Feed and water intake, live weight gain, organ and carcass weight were measured. At 35 days old, broiler chickens (n = 7) per group were sacrificed to evaluate small intestinal morphology. Temperature-humidity index in the pen (30.88 ± 0.81) was above thermoneutral zone, indicating that chickens were subjected to heat stress. Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and total triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05), while higher concentration of high-density lipoprotein was recorded in L-serine groups than in the controls. Feed intake and live weight gain on day 35 in L-serine groups were higher (p < 0.05) than in controls. In L-serine groups, liver, spleen, pancreas and heart weight were higher, but abdominal fat was lower than in FR and AL groups. Villus height:crypt height ratio and area of villus surface were highest in L-serine groups than any other group. In conclusion, L-serine decreased low-density lipoprotein, increased feed intake, live weight, organ and carcass weight, villus height:crypt height ratio and villus surface area.