Effects of fermented cottonseed meal on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune functions, antioxidative abilities, and cecal microflora in broilers

Effects of fermented cottonseed meal inclusions on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism of geese during 28-70 d of age

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of solid-state fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) inclusion levels on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and hepatic lipid metabolism in geese from 28 to 70 d of age. A total of 288 twenty-eight-d-old male geese were randomly divided into 4 treatments with FCSM levels of 0, 5, 15 and 25% including 0, 22.74, 67.33, 111.27 mg FG/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment contained 6 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. Treatments of FCSM inclusions from 0 to 25% had no effect on growth rate and feed intake in geese during d 28 to 70. The F/G ratio was increased (P < 0.05) in geese fed the diet with 25% FCSM compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Treatment with 25% FCSM levels had no effect on the contents of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, but increased (P < 0.05) AST and ALT activities in serum of geese at d 70. Treatment with 25% FCSM increased the contents of FG, HDL-C, TC, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and PUFA and decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of NEFA, SFA, MUFA in liver compared with treatment of 0% FCSM inclusion. Additionally, treatment with 25% FCSM decreased (P < 0.05) the PPARα, AMPK, and LXR mRNA expression related to lipid deposition, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARγ and ACC mRNA expression related to lipolysis in liver compared with birds fed the diet with 0% FCSM. Overall, treatment with 0 to 15% FCSM (<=67.33 mg FG/kg diet) had no adverse effects on the growth performance and lipid metabolism of geese. However, treatment fed 25% FCSM (111.27 mg FG/kg diet) decreased feed efficiency and promoted hepatic lipid deposition associated with the alteration of related gene expression in geese at 28 to 70 d of age.

An investigation into the influence of fermented cottonseed meal on the productive performance, egg quality, and gut health in laying hens

The present study investigates the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with either cottonseed meal (CSM) or fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on the productive performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry parameters, gut bacterial population, and small intestinal morphology of laying hens. A total of 648 Hy-Line W36 laying hens aged 40 weeks were randomly assigned to 9 treatments, with 6 replicates each and 12 birds per replicate. The feeding trial lasted 12 weeks. The treatments consisted of a control diet based on corn and SBM, as well as 8 experimental diets in which 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30% of the SBM in the control diet was replaced with either CSM or FCSM. Laying hens fed diets with different levels of FCSM had higher egg production and egg mass than those fed with CSM diets at weeks 46 to 51 (P < 0.05). Diets containing FCSM also significantly improved the feed conversion ratio at weeks 40 to 45 and 46 to 51 (P < 0.05). Eggshell strength was significantly greater in birds fed diets containing FCSM than those fed other dietary treatments at 51 weeks of age (P < 0.05). Hens fed diets containing FCSM had higher calcium and lower cholesterol in serum than those on other diets (P < 0.05). Replacing SBM with FCSM decreased the egg yolk cholesterol content (P < 0.05). Additionally, feeding diets containing different levels of FCSM increased villus height and villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Diets containing FCSM also reduced pH and coliform population in the ileum, and ceca and increased lactic acid bacteria count in the crop and ceca (P < 0.05). Overall, the present data showed that including FCSM in the diet of laying hens can positively affect productive performance compared to CSM. Moreover, substituting SBM with FCSM, can improve eggshell quality, promote gut health, and reduce egg yolk cholesterol concentration.

Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of lion-head goslings

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented feed on growth performance, antioxidant indexes and intestinal health in lion-head goslings.

Methods

288 male lion-head goslings (one-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups (6 replicates per group, 12 samples per replicate): control group (basal diet) and fermented feed (FF) groups (basal diet supplemented with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% FF, respectively). The experimental period lasted 28 days.

Results

The results showed that 5.0 and 7.5% FF groups decreased feed conversion rate (FCR) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The 5.0% FF group reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum; while the 7.5% FF group decreased the concentration of total cholesterol (TC), ALP and LDH activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the 7.5% FF group significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum (p < 0.05); 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (p < 0.05); all FF groups increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum (p < 0.05). For intestinal health, the villous height and villi/crypt ratio in jejunum were increased in all FF groups, but crypt depth was decreased (p < 0.05); The 5.0% FF groups enhanced T-AOC activity in jejunum (p < 0.05); The 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups enhanced GSH-Px activity (p < 0.05) in jejunum; All FF groups reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level in jejunum (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis showed that the cecum microbiota was significantly dominant in the 2.5% FF group compared to the control group including Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella; the flora that were significantly dominant in the 5.0% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, Megamonas, and Prevotella; and the groups that were significantly dominant in the 7.5% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, Bacteroidaceae, and Ruminococcaceae.

Discussion

In summary, dietary FF supplementation improved growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of lion-head goslings, as well as improved jejunal tissue morphology and optimized intestinal flora structure. In particular, the FF addition at a dose of 7.5% was relatively more effective for lion- head goslings.

Impacts of Solid-State Fermented Barley with Fibrolytic Exogenous Enzymes on Feed Utilization, and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

The present and future high demand of common cereals as corn and wheat encourage the development of feed processing technology that allows for the dietary inclusion of other cereals of low nutritional value in poultry feeding. Barley grains contain anti-nutritional factors that limit their dietary inclusion in the poultry industry. The treatment of barley with solid-state fermentation and exogenous enzymes (FBEs) provides a good alternative to common cereals. In this study, barley grains were subjected to solid-state microbial fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to assess the impact of FBEs on growth, feed utilization efficiency, immune modulation, antioxidant status and the expression of intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter-related genes. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308, n = 400) comprised four representative groups with ten replicates (10 chicks/replicate) and were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets with inclusions of FBEs at 0, 5, 10 and 15% for 38 days. Solid-state fermentation of barley grains with fibrolytic enzymes increased protein content, lowered crude fiber and reduced sugars compared to non-fermented barley gains. In consequence, the group fed FBEs10% had the superior feed utilization efficiency and body weight gain (increased by 4.7%) with higher levels of nutrient metabolizability, pancreatic digestive enzyme activities and low digesta viscosity. Notably, the group fed FBEs10% showed an increased villi height and a decreased crypt depth with a remarkable hyperactivity of duodenal glands. In addition, higher inclusion levels of FBEs boosted serum immune-related parameters and intestinal and breast muscle antioxidants status. Intestinal nutrient transporters encoding genes (GLUT-1, CAAT-1, LAT1 and PepT-1) and intestinal barriers encoding genes (MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, claudins-1 and β-defensin 1) were upregulated with higher dietary FBEs levels. In conclusion, feeding on FBEs10% positively enhanced broiler chickens' performance, feed efficiency and antioxidant status, and boosted intestinal barrier nutrient transporters encoding genes.

Evaluating Fermentation Quality, Aerobic Stability, and Rumen-Degradation (In Situ) Characteristics of Various Protein-Based Total Mixed Rations

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate changes in fermentation quality, chemical composition, aerobic stability, anti-nutritional factors, and in situ disappearance characteristics of various protein-based total mixed rations. Soybean meal (control, non-fermented), fermented cottonseed meal (F-CSM), and fermented rapeseed meal (F-RSM) group were used to prepare the TMRs with corn, whole-plant corn silage, corn stalks, wheat bran, and premix. The test groups were inoculated at 50% moisture with Bacillus clausii and Saccharomyces cariocanus and stored aerobically for 60 h. The nylon-bag method was used to measure and study the rumen's nutrient degradation. The pH of all TMRs after 48 h of air exposure was below 4.8, whereas that of the F-CSM and control and F-RSM groups increased to 5.0 and >7.0, respectively. After 8 h of aerobic exposure, the temperatures of all groups significantly increased, and 56 h later, they were 2 °C higher than the surrounding air. The lactic acid concentration in the F-CSM and F-RSM groups increased after 12 h of aerobic exposure and then decreased. The acetic acid concentrations in the fermented groups decreased significantly with the increasing air-exposure time. The yeast population of the TMRs increased to more than 8.0 log10 CFU/g before 72 h of air exposure, followed by a decrease in the population (5.0 log10 CFU/g). After fermentation, the free gossypol (FG) concentration in F-CSM decreased by half and did not change significantly during the air-exposure period. Fermentation with probiotics also reduced the F-RSM's glucosinolate concentration, resulting in a more than 50% detoxification rate. Compared with the F-CSM and F-RSM groups, the effective degradation rates of nutrients in the control group were the lowest, and the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), natural detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) all degraded effectively at rates of 28.4%, 34.5%, 27.8%, and 22.8%, respectively. Fermentation with B. clausii and S. cariocanus could improve the fermentation quality and nutrient composition, decrease the anti-nutritional factor, and increase nutrient degradation of the TMR with cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal as the main protein source, thus achieving detoxification.

Effects of Solid-State Fermentation on the Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids and Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Peanut Meal Fed to Broiler Chickens

Peanut meal (PNM) is a byproduct of the peanut oil extraction process, but its application is seriously limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors, imbalance in amino acid profiles, and susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional quality of PNM, as well as the effects of PNM and fermented peanut meal (FPNM) on the ileal digestibility of amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of broiler chickens. The results indicated that the fermentation improved the quality of PNM by increasing the crude protein, TCA-soluble protein, and L-lactic acid concentration (p < 0.05), and decreasing the crude fiber, phytic acid, and aflatoxin B1 concentration (p < 0.05). Solid-state fermentation also increased the free amino acids level and improved the balance of hydrolyzed amino acids of PNM. A nitrogen-free diet was used to determine the loss of endogenous amino acid in birds, and the PNM or FPNM as the only protein source to formulate semi-purified diets. The result showed that feeding on FPNM resulted in higher apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of the essential amino acids of methionine, lysine, leucine, and phenylalanine (p < 0.05). Moreover, the AID and SID values of the non-essential amino acids of FPNM were both higher than those of PNM, except for proline (p < 0.05). The AME was determined by the classic substitution method, and the results showed that fermentation had no effect on the AME value (p > 0.05). In conclusion, solid-state fermentation improved the nutritional value of PNM, and FPNM was a potential ingredient as an alternative protein source for broilers.

Fermented cottonseed and rapeseed meals outperform soybean meal in improving performance, rumen fermentation, and bacterial composition in Hu sheep

Background

This study examined the effects of substituting cottonseed meal (CSM) or rapeseed meal (RSM) for soybean meal (SBM) on Hu sheep performance, rumen fermentation, and bacterial composition. 51 four-month-old indigenous male Hu sheep with starting body weights of 22.51 ± 2.84 kg and similar origins were randomly assigned to three treatments; (1) non-fermented total mixed ration (TMR) with SBM (CK), (2) fermented TMR containing CSM (F-CSM group), and (3) fermented TMR containing RSM (F-RSM group).

Results

The three groups’ intake of dry matter differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of average daily gain, the F-RSM group outperformed the CK and F-CSM groups (p &lt; 0.05). The pH of the rumen was substantially lower in the CK group than in the F-CSM and F-RSM groups (p &lt; 0.05), and the F-CSM group had greater amounts of volatile fatty acids (VFA) than the F-RSM and CK groups. In comparison to the CK group, the microbial crude protein yield was significantly higher in the F-CSM and F-RSM groups (p &lt; 0.05). The F-CSM group significantly outperformed the F-RSM group of pepsin and cellulose enzyme activity (p &lt; 0.05). The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was greater in the CK and F-RSM groups compared to the F-CSM group (p &lt; 0.05). In comparison to the other groups, Firmicutes were less abundant in the CK group (p &lt; 0.05). Prevotella was present in a higher relative abundance in the F-CSM and F-RSM groups than in the CK group (p &lt; 0.05). Prevotella was greater in relative abundance in the F-CSM and F-RSM groups than in the CK group (p &lt; 0.05). The relative abundances of Veillonellaceae_UCG-001 and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 correlated with rumen butyric acid content and NH3-N content (p &lt; 0.05). Gene function prediction revealed that replacing SBM with F-CSM or F-RSM in the diet of Hu sheep can promote glycan biosynthesis and metabolism.

Conclusion

The replacement of F-CSM and F-RSM for SBM has an influence on the richness and diversity of rumen bacteria at the phylum and genus levels. Replacement of SBM with F-CSM increased VFA yield and further promoted the performance of Hu sheep.

Effects of dietary fermented peony seed dreg on the laying performance, albumen quality, antioxidant capacity, and n-3 PUFA-enriching property of laying hens

Introduction

It is of great importance to seek agro-industrial byproducts that can serve as unconventional or alternative feedstuffs for poultry, especially those that are substitutive sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as this will contribute to alleviating feed shortage pressure and improving poultry performance and product quality. In this study, the effects of dietary fermented peony seed dreg (FPSD) on the production performance of hens and fatty acid composition of meat and egg yolk were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 480 54-week-old Xinyang chickens were divided into 5 groups: control (basal diet); 5% peony seed dreg (PSD); and 5%, 7% and 9% FPSD, and each group consisted of 6 replicates with 16 birds per replicate. Production performances were recorded daily, and egg quality, serum parameters, antibody titers and fatty acid profile in the muscle and yolk were measured at 64 weeks of age.

Results and discussion

Egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg albumen quality were improved (p < 0.05) by 5% and 7% FPSD groups compared to 5% PSD and the control diet. Immune status was not influenced by PSD, but antibody titres against H7N9 and ND were improved by FPSD diets during most of the experimental periods. Dietary 5% and 7% FPSD increased (p < 0.05) serum high density lipoprotein concentrations and glutathione peroxidase actives. Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in meat and yolk increased gradually, while the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased gradually with increasing dietary FPSD levels. In conclusion, up to 7% dietary FPSD has the potential use to be utilized as a supplement in Xinyang laying hen diets to produce n-3 PUFA-enriched meat and eggs and positively affect production performance and health status.

Dietary replacement of soybean meal by fermented feedstuffs for aged laying hens: effects on laying performance, egg quality, nutrient digestibility, intestinal health, follicle development, and biological parameters in a long-term feeding period

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with fermented soybean meal (FSM) or fermented miscellaneous meal (FMM, cottonseed meal: coconut meal = at a 1:1 ratio) on the intestinal health, laying performance, egg quality, and follicle development of laying hens. A total of 1,008 54-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 7 treatment groups and fed a corn-soybean base diet in addition to 2%, 4%, and 8% FSM or FMM. The results showed that fermentation increased the contents of crude protein, amino acids (Ser, Gly, Cys, Leu, Lys, His, and Arg), and organic acids (butyric acid, citric acid, succinic acid) and decreased the contents of neutral and acid detergent fiber in the soybean and miscellaneous meals (P < 0.05). Compared with the results found for the control group, feeding with 4% FSM increased the egg production, egg mass and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feeding with 4% FMM increased the ADFI of laying hens (P < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding with 8% FMM reduced the productive performance and laying performance, supplementation with 4% FSM increased the eggshell strength and weight, and 2 to 4% FSM increased the egg albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05). Moreover, 2 to 8% FSM or 2 to 4% FMM enhanced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and NDF for laying hens (P < 0.05). The relative weight, villus height, crypt depth, and villus:crypt ratio of the jejunum were higher in the 4% FSM- and FMM-fed groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occluding, and Claudin1), the intestinal stem cell marker Lgr5, and the proliferation cell marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was upregulated in the jejunum of laying hens fed 4% FSM and FMM (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the ovaries, and the number of small yellow follicles and large white follicles were elevated after 4% FSM or FMM supplementation. Furthermore, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were increased in the 4% FSM and FMM groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of laying hen feed with FSM and FMM improved the laying performance, egg quality, intestinal barrier function, and follicle development of aged laying hens, and 4% FSM supplementation was optimal.

Three-stage fermentation of the feed and the application on weaned piglets

Numerous studies have demonstrated that soybean meal (SBM) contains high levels of anti-nutritional factors, which interrupt gastrointestinal homeostasis or metabolism normally of the weaned piglets. Here, the mixed probiotics, including Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis, CGMCC 8147), Saccharomyces cerevisiae H11 (S. cerevisiae H11) and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei, CGMCC 8149) were applied to the three-stage fermentation of functional feed. Our research investigated the optimum ratio of inoculation, optimal time of inoculation, combination of substrates, and nutritional value of the fermented feed. The optimal microbial combination was B. licheniformis: S. cerevisiae: L. casei = 2:2:1, inoculating at 0, 12 and 24 h, respectively. The results revealed that crude protein and acid-soluble protein were remarkably improved and had lower pH. Trypsin inhibitor, glycine and β-glycine were reduced by 79.86, 77.18, and 69.29%, respectively. Moreover, animal trials further evaluated the growth-promoting effects of the fermented feed. It was noted that the average daily gain of weaned piglets was significantly higher, and the ratio of feed with weight, diarrhea incidence and mortality were lower significantly. The concentrations of serum immunoglobulin G(IgG), IgA, IgM, Complement C3 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and lysozyme activity were all increased. The relative abundance of fecal microbiota improved, especially lactobacillus, which increased the abundance of fecal dominant probiotics. Overall, the fermented feed may be conducive to the growth and health of weaned piglets by improving nutritional value, immunity properties, relative abundance of fecal microflora, and decreasing anti-nutritional factors of feed, thereby making them viable and usable feedstuffs for potential use in livestock industries.

Effects of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed meal solid‐state fermentation on the growth, metabolism, and immunity of yellow‐feathered broilers

This study investigated the effects of bioactive peptides derived from solid-state fermentation of cottonseed meal on the growth performance, apparent dietary digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, protein metabolism, antioxidant activity, and immunity in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of two hundred forty 21-days-old male broilers were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group. The control group received a basal diet and three experimental groups were fed diets with 1%, 2%, and 3% cottonseed meal bioactive peptides (CSBP) replacing equivalent protein of cottonseed meal in basic diet. Dietary supplementation of 2% and 3% CSBP increased the average daily weight gain, crude protein digestibility, total serum protein, and immunoglobulin (Ig) G contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 3% CSBP increased albumin, total antioxidant capacity, spleen weight/bodyweight, interleukin-6, and IgM, while reducing the feed to gain ratio, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde contents in serum (P < 0.05). The 2% CSBP diet increased PepT1 expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). The 1%, 2%, and 3% CSBP diets increased S6kinase-polypeptide-1 and inositol-3-hydroxylase expression in chest and leg muscles (P < 0.05). The CSBP addition in diets can improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, protein metabolism, antioxidant, and immune capabilities of yellow-feathered broilers.

Enhancing the Quality of Total Mixed Ration Containing Cottonseed or Rapeseed Meal by Optimization of Fermentation Conditions

Cottonseed meal (CSM) and rapeseed meal (RSM) are protein sources in livestock feed. However, the applications of both ingredients are limited in diets due to the existence of anti-nutritional factors such as free gossypol and glucosinolate. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal fermentation conditions for reducing anti-nutritional factors and increasing the nutritional value of fermented total mixed rations containing cottonseed or rapeseed meal. An orthogonal design L9 (34) was performed to optimize the fermentation conditions, including fermentation time, temperature, moisture content and microbial strain. Optimum fermentation conditions were performed using different fermentation times (48, 60, 72 h), fermentation temperatures (28 °C, 32 °C, 36 °C), moisture content (40%, 50%, 60%) and microbial inoculations (1 = Bacillus clausii with 1 × 109 CFU/kg DM for CSM or 1 × 1010 CFU/kg DM for RSM; 2 = Saccharomyces cariocanus with 5 × 109 CFU/kg DM; 3 = mixed strain (B. clausii:S. cariocanus ratio 1:1). The results show that the concentration of free gossypol content was reduced (p < 0.05), while the crude protein content was increased (p < 0.05) in CSM through optimum fermentation conditions: time 60 h; temperature 32 °C; moisture content 50% and inoculated with B. clausii (1 × 109 CFU/kg DM) as well as S. cariocanus (5 × 109 CFU/kg DM). Likewise, the concentration of glucosinolate was lowered (p < 0.05) and the crude protein was increased (p < 0.05) in RSM through optimum fermentation conditions: time 60 h; temperature 28 °C; moisture 50% and inoculated with B. clausii (1 × 1010 CFU/kg DM) as well as S. cariocanus (5 × 109 CFU/kg DM). Our findings indicate that the optimal fermentation conditions of total mixed rations with cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal enhance the nutritional value, thereby making them viable and usable feedstuffs for potential use in livestock industries.

Fermented Cottonseed Meal as a Partial Replacement for Soybean Meal Could Improve the Growth Performance, Immunity and Antioxidant Properties, and Nutrient Digestibility by Altering the Gut Microbiota Profile of Weaned Piglets

The study investigated the impact of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets by replacing soybean meal with FCSM in the diet. The experimental piglets were fed with either the soybean meal diet (SBM group) or fermented cottonseed meal diet (FCSM group) for 14days after weaning. The digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), amino acids and nitrogen was higher in the FCSM diet than those in the SBM diet (p<0.05). The piglets in the FCSM group showed greater growth performance and lower diarrhea rate than those in the SBM group (p<0.05). The concentration of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antioxidase, intestinal and hepatic antioxidase were increased and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum was decreased in those piglets in the FCSM group compared to those piglets in the SBM group (p<0.05). The piglets in the FCSM group had a higher concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in their ileum and cecum and a higher Simpson index of ileum than piglets in the SBM group (p<0.05). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and [Ruminococcus]_torques_group in ileum and Intestinibacter, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, unclassified_o_Lactobacillales and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group in cecum were enhanced in piglets fed with the FCSM diet, whereas the relative abundance of Sarcina and Terrisporobacter were increased in piglets fed with the SBM diet. Overall, FCSM replacing SBM improved the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, and nutrient digestibility; possibly via the alterant gut microbiota and its metabolism of weaned piglets. Graphical AbstractFermented cottonseed meal as a partial replacement for soybean meal could improve the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, and nutrient digestibility by altering the gut microbiota profile of weaned piglets. SBM, soybean meal; FCSM, fermented cottonseed meal.

Effect of lactic acid bacteria and yeast supplementation on anti-nutritional factors and chemical composition of fermented total mixed ration containing cottonseed meal or rapeseed meal

Objective

This study aimed to determine the appropriate supplementation level of lactic acid bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus clausii), yeast (Saccharomyces cariocanus and Wickerhamomyces anomalus) for degrading free gossypol and glucosinolate in the fermented total mixed ration (TMR) containing cottonseed meal (CSM) or rapeseed meal (RSM), to improve the utilization efficiency of these protein sources.

Methods

For LAB, L. plantarum or B. clausii was inoculated at 1.0×10⁸, 1.0×10⁹, 1.0×10¹⁰, and 1.0×10¹¹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/kg dry matter (DM), respectively. For yeast, S. cariocanus or W. anomalus was inoculated at 5×10⁶, 5×10⁷, 5×10⁸, and 5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM, respectively. The TMR had 50% moisture and was incubated at 30°C for 48 h. After fermentation, the chemical compositions, and the contents of free gossypol and glucosinolate were determined.

Results

The results showed that the concentration of free gossypol content was reduced (p<0.05), while that of the crude protein content was increased (p<0.05) in the TMR containing CSM inoculated by B. clausii (1×10⁹ CFU/kg DM) or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM). Similarly, the content of glucosinolate was lowered (p<0.05) and the crude protein content was increased (p<0.05) in TMR containing RSM inoculated with B. clausii (1×10¹⁰ CFU/kg DM) or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/g DM).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that inclusion of B. clausii with 1.0×10⁹ or 1.0×10¹⁰ CFU/kg DM, or S. cariocanus (5×10⁹ CFU/kg DM) to TMR containing CSM/RSM improved the nutritional value and decreased the contents of anti-nutritional factors.

Assessment of Fermented Soybean Meal on Salmonella typhimurium Infection in Neonatal Turkey Poults

Simple Summary

Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) improved the performance of neonatal turkey poults, and these changes were associated with morphometric changes in the intestinal mucosa, as well as reduction of leaky gut, within turkeys challenged with Salmonella typhimurium (ST) in two experimental infective models. Although the two strains used for the fermentation process showed in vitro activity against ST, no significant effect was observed in vivo. Nevertheless, FSBM reduced the severity of the ST infection in the therapeutic model. The fermentation with different beneficial bacteria and different inclusion rates of FSBM requires further investigation.

Abstract

This study’s objective was to evaluate the effect of the fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on Salmonella typhimurium (ST) to turkey poults using two models of infection. In the prophylactic model, one-day-old turkeys were randomly allocated to one of four different groups (n = 30 turkeys/group): (1) Control group, (2) FSBM group, (3) Control group challenged with ST (Control + ST), and (4) FSBM group challenged with ST (FSBM + ST). On day 9 of age, all poults were orally challenged with 10⁶ colony forming units (CFU) ST and 24 h post-inoculation, intestinal samples were collected to determine ST recovery and morphometric analysis. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-d). In the therapeutic model, a similar experimental design was used, but turkeys were orally gavaged 10⁴ CFU ST on day 1, and samples were collected at day 7. FSBM improved performance and reduced leaky gut in both experimental infective models. In the prophylactic model, FSBB induced morphology changes in the mucosa. Although the strains (Lactobacillus salivarius and Bacillus licheniformis) used for the fermentation process showed in vitro activity against ST, no significant effect was observed in vivo. The fermentation with different beneficial bacteria and different inclusion rates of FSBM requires further investigation.

Effects of hydrolyzed cottonseed protein supplementation on performance, blood metabolites, gastrointestinal development, and intestinal microbial colonization in neonatal calves

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an enzymatically hydrolyzed cottonseed protein (HCSP) as a peptide source on performance, blood metabolites, gastrointestinal development, and intestinal microbes. Forty-eight newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments including 0, 2, 4, and 6% of HCSP (dry matter basis). All calves received the same amount of pasteurized whole milk, weaned on d 56 of the experiment, and the study was concluded on d 70. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) as a randomized complete block design with linear and quadratic contrasts. Results showed that increased amount of HCSP linearly decreased the starter intake during the postweaning (d 57 to 70) and overall period (d 1 to 70). In addition, when dietary HCSP increased during the overall period, average daily gain tended to linearly decrease. All skeletal growth variables also linearly decreased as dietary HCSP increased at the end of the study, except for body length, which did not differ among the treatments. Serum cortisol concentration was higher in calves supplemented with 6% of HCSP at weaning and at the end of the study. This indicates that these calves may have experienced a stressful condition compared with calves in other treatments. Total antioxidant capacity was quadratically affected by HCSP supplementation; calves fed 2 and 4% of HCSP diets had the highest total antioxidant capacity, whereas calves fed 0 and 6% HCSP diets had lower total antioxidant capacity at weaning and at end of the study. Calves supplemented with 6% HCSP had lower empty reticulo-rumen and omasum weights and rumen wall thickness compared with calves in other treatments at the end of the study. In conclusion, supplementation of HCSP at the rate of 2% of starter diet enhanced antioxidant status without any detrimental effects on the performance and metabolic status of calves, whereas greater inclusion rates impaired starter intake and growth of calves, and exposed them to a stressful status.

Solid-state fermented plant protein sources in the diets of broiler chickens: A review

Protein sources are the second most important component in poultry diets. Due to the fluctuation in price of soybean meal (SBM) and persistent increase in feed prices, nutritionists have been exploring alternative protein sources. Replacement of SBM with alternative protein sources in poultry diets could reduce human-livestock competition for soybean and support the production of more animal protein. However, the use of alternative protein sources is limited to low inclusion due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANF) such as glucosinolates (rapeseed meal), gossypol (cottonseed meal), non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in lupin flour, high fibre (palm kernel cake), total phenolic contents and phytic acid (canola meal) known to impair animal performance, nutrient digestibility and feed utilization. As a processing technique, solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been researched for a long time in the food industry. An important objective of SSF is the production of enzymes, organic acids and other metabolites of economic importance. In recent times, SSF has been employed to enhance nutrient bioavailability, inhibit gut pathogenic bacteria and reduce ANF in plant protein sources resulting in improved nutrient digestibility, thereby improving performance and gut health of broiler chickens. Unlike pigs, there is still a dearth of information on feeding solid-state fermented feed ingredients to broiler chickens. This review aims to describe the nutritional value of the solid-state fermented products of rapeseed meal, canola meal, cottonseed meal, palm kernel cake and lupin flour on performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Effect of Fermented Cottonseed Meal on the Lipid-Related Indices and Serum Metabolic Profiles in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the changes of lipid-related gene and serum metabolites in broiler chickens fed with fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) diet, through quantitative real-time PCR and metabolomics analysis. Totally, 180 1-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly assigned to two groups with six replicates of 15 birds in each. The two diets consisted of a control diet supplemented with 0% FCSM (CON group) and an experimental diet with 6% FCSM (fermented by Candida tropicalis) replacing the soybean meal (FCSM group). The results showed that both abdominal fat content and subcutaneous fat thickness significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in response to dietary FCSM supplementation at the age of 21 d. Serum concentrations of glucose, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (p < 0.05) in FCSM fed broilers compared with CON fed broilers, while the levels of epinephrine and growth hormone in serum, liver and abdominal fat tissue were higher (p < 0.05) in FCSM than in CON fed broilers. The activity of hormone-sensitive esterase and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the liver and abdominal fat were higher (p < 0.05) in FCSM than CON group. Additionally, compared with the CON group (p < 0.05), the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and LPL genes were upregulated in the livers of FCSM group broilers. Gene expressions of hormone-sensitive lipase and LPL in the abdominal fat tissue were also upregulated (p < 0.05) with the broilers fed with FCSM diets. A total of 20 significantly different metabolites were obtained in the serum of different dietary FCSM supplemented fed broilers. The mainly altered pathways were clustered into organic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. These results not only provide a better understanding of broilers' lipid metabolism with FCSM but also can be helpful in further improvement of the broilers' healthy production and utilization of FCSM.