Effects of solid-state fermented wheat bran by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance and intestinal microbiota in broiler chickens

Valorization of agro-industrial wastes into animal feed through microbial fermentation: A review of the global and Ghanaian case

Agricultural and industrial activities around the world lead to the production of large quantities of agro-industrial wastes (e.g., peels of cassava, pineapple, plantain, banana, and yam, as well as rice husks, rice bran , corn husks, corn cobs, palm kernel cake, soybean meal, wheat bran, etc.). These agro-industrial wastes are discarded indiscriminately, thereby polluting the environment and becoming hazardous to human and animal health. Solid-state fermentation (SSF), a microbial fermentation process, is a viable, efficient approach that transforms discarded agro-industrial wastes into a plethora of useful value-added bioproducts. There is growing interest in the application of SSF in valorizing agro-industrial wastes for the production of fermented, protein-rich animal feed within the livestock industry. SSF reduces anti-nutritional factors whose presence hinders the digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients in agro-industrial wastes. Thus, the application of SSF improves the nutrient contents and quality of valorized agro-industrial wastes as animal feed. Fermented animal feed production may be safer, cheaper and enhance the overall growth performance and health of animals. SSF, therefore, as a strategic approach in a circular bioeconomy, presents economic and practical advantages that guarantee efficient recycling and valorization of agro-industrial wastes that ameliorate environmental pollution. This paper reviews the status of global and local Ghanaian biotransformation and valorization of agro-industrial wastes through SSF for the production of nutrient-rich animal feed.

Recent Developments in Fermented Cereals on Nutritional Constituents and Potential Health Benefits

Fermentation is one of the most economical and safe methods to improve the nutritional value, sensory quality and functional characteristics of raw materials, and it is also an important method for cereal processing. This paper reviews the effects of microbial fermentation on cereals, focusing on their nutritional value and health benefits, including the effects of fermentation on the protein, starch, phenolic compounds contents, and other nutrient components of cereals. The bioactive compounds produced by fermented cereals have positive effects on health regulation. Finally, the future market development of fermented cereal products is summarized and prospected.

Impact of every-day versus skip-a-day feeding of broiler breeder pullets during rearing on body weight uniformity and reproductive performance

Genetic selection for increased growth rate in broilers makes feed restriction programs such as skip-a-day (SAD) feeding, for broiler breeders essential to managing body weight, flock uniformity, and reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to compare intestinal development, weight gain of breeder pullets, and reproductive performance (22–45 wk) when fed a high fiber diet (3.8% crude fiber) on either an every-day (ED) or SAD basis during rearing. The same developer ration and feed amounts were fed to both treatments. Day-old Ross 708 pullet chicks (n = 912) were randomly distributed into 4 floor pens (n = 228/pen, 2 pens/treatment). At 20 wk of age all birds were weighed, and the coefficient of variation (CV) and average body weight was calculated for each treatment. Birds were then distributed into 10 lay pens (n = 35 birds/pen, 5 pens/treatment) at 21.5 wk of age. Light was increased from 8 h to 15.25 h at move to the lay facility, and all birds were daily fed for the remainder of the study. Data were analyzed by SAS SLICE using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. During lay, 25% of the birds from each treatment were weighed weekly to adjust feed and monitor body weight. At 21 wk the ED fed pullets were more uniform (P = 0.0007) than the SAD fed pullets. Eggs were collected daily and set for hatch every 4 wk from 28 to 42 wk of age. No significant difference in the hatch data were observed. The ED fed birds achieved first egg at 166 d of age while the SAD fed birds achieved first egg at 173 d of age. Specific gravity was measured every 2 wk from 30 to 40 wk, with ED reared birds having better overall eggshell quality (P = 0.02) and greater egg weight (P < 0.0001) than those fed SAD. Feeding a high fiber diet on an ED basis during rearing, improved body weight uniformity in rearing, encouraged early lay, improved eggshell quality and increased egg weight.

Effects of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Intestinal Morphology and Microflora in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broiler Chickens

The study evaluated the effects of dry and wet solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance, immune function, intestinal morphology and microflora in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A total of 252 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments: basal diet + sterile saline (negative control, NC), basal diet + LPS (positive control, PC), 7% dry FWB + sterile saline (FWB-I), 7% dry FWB + LPS (FWB-II), 7% wet FWB + sterile saline (FWB-III) and 7% wet FWB + LPS (FWB-IV), with containing 6 replicate cages/treatment and 7 broiler chickens/cage, and the experimental period lasted for 42 days. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with either 0.5 mg LPS or sterile saline solution per kg body weight at 16, 18 and 20 d of age. Growth performance, serum immunological parameters and indicators related to intestinal health were analyzed on days 21 and 42. Compared with NC, dry and wet FWB significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily feed intake of days 21 to 42, and increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum on day 21, decreased (p = 0.101) the jejunum crypt depth and decreased (p < 0.05) the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts of the cecum digesta on day 42. Compared with NC, FWB-II and FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum total protein and globulin on day 21; compared with the basal diet groups, dry and wet FWB groups significantly increased (p < 0.05) glucose levels on day 21, and wet FWB significantly decreased (p < 0.05) alanine aminotransferase levels on day 42. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of serum immunoglobulin G on day 21. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and acute C reactive protein (CRP) on day 21; compared with FWB-III, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and tumor necrosis factor alpha on day 42, but the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. These results indicated that supplementing 7% dry or wet FWB can improve growth performance and serum immune functions of broilers, which effectively alleviate the LPS-challenged damage, and wet FWB had a better effect than dry FWB.

Effects of feeding solid-state fermented wheat bran on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

Solid-state fermentation has been used to improve the nutritive value of feed ingredients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance and apparent digestibility in broiler chickens. We measured the growth performance (ADFI, ADG, feed conversion, livability, and European performance efficiency factor) over 38 d in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) or CON plus wet FWB (25 g/kg [T₁]; 50 g/kg [T₂]); or T₁ plus 3 g/kg (T₃); or T₂ plus 6 g/kg (T₄) soybean oil). The same diets were used to determine nutrient availability in chicks aged 20 d. Regression equations for AME and AME_n were obtained using 20-day-old chicks fed either the corn-soybean meal basal diet only or basal diet partially substituted with 50, 150, or 300 g/kg DM FWB. Diets containing 25 or 50 g/kg wet FBW did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens, nor the apparent DM, energy, and nitrogen digestibility of the feeds, compared with the control diets (all P > 0.05). Further supplementation with oil did not improve the growth performance of broiler chickens compared with controls or chickens fed FBW. However, chickens fed diets containing soybean oil (T₃ or T₄) had lower (P = 0.005 and P = 0.040, respectively) apparent DM and energy digestibility than the control and FWB groups. The regression equations for AME and AME_n with the substitution of FWB produced values of 1,854.3 and 1,743.9 kcal/kg DM, respectively, and the equations were Y = 1854.3X + 52.7 (R² = 0.971, n = 24, P < 0.001), and Y = 1743.9X + 44.6 (R² = 0.978, n = 24, P < 0.001), respectively. Supplementation with wet FWB did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, FWB is a suitable feed component for broilers.

Effects of fermented wheat bran and yeast culture on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal microflora in growing-finishing pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding fermented wheat bran (FWB) and yeast culture (YC) on growth performance, immune levels, and intestinal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. In total, 96 crossbred pigs were randomly distributed into four treatments with four replicates pens and six pigs per pen. This study was performed using a 2 × 2 factor design: 1) CON (basal diet), 2) FWB (basal diet + 5% FWB), 3) YC (basal diet + 2% YC), and 4) FWB + YC (basal diet + 5% FWB + 2% YC). Dietary FWB supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain and significantly decreased the feed gain ratio of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). Supplementation of FWB and YC improved the immune capacity and reduced the inflammation level of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs fed FWB, YC, and FWB + YC diets showed better intestinal development and morphology compared with those CON pigs. The relative abundance of Streptococcus in the FWB group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05), and the relative abundance of probiotics (unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacter) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus, norank_f_Muribaculaceae) in the YC group was significantly increased compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The results of this study observed positive effects of FWB and YC on growing-finishing pigs, which provides insights into the application of biological feed in swine industry.

Effects of combination of mannan-oligosaccharides and β-glucan on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune gene expression in broiler chickens

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the combination of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and β-glucan on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 640, one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allocated into 32 pens with 8 replicates and 20 birds per pen. Thirty-two pens were divided into 4 treatments, including control, 0.04% MOS, 0.002% β-glucan, and a combination of MOS and β-glucan. Growth performance was measured on d14, 28, and 35. The ileum and cecal tonsils were collected from one bird per pen at 21 and 35 d of age for further analyses of immune gene expression. Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected for intestinal morphology on d 35. Results indicated that both MOS and β-glucan improved growth performance during starter phase (P < 0.05). In addition, β-glucan further increased body weight gain of birds from d 0 to 28 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combination of MOS and β-glucan presented higher villi height in the jejunum on d 35 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for gene expressions of immune responses on d 21 and 35. In conclusion, the application of prebiotic combination of MOS and β-glucan might perform multiple pathways, improving growth performance in broiler chickens.

Intestinal Microbiota, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Oxidative Status of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing Mushroom Waste Compost By-Products

Simple Summary

This study investigated the effects of Pennisetum purpureum waste mushroom compost (PWMC) supplementation on microbiota, as well as its effects on the antioxidant capacities and inflammatory response characteristics of broiler chickens. Results showed that a 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC feeds could enhance the health of chickens by maintaining intestinal microbiota balance, improving antioxidant capacities, and decreasing inflammatory response. Supplementation also further increased the appetite of broilers, thereby improving their growth performances. Furthermore, the number of Lactobacillus also increased in the intestinal tracts. High-fiber mushroom waste compost effectively increased the mRNA expression of appetite-related genes in broilers. The broilers’ gut barrier function also increased, while the number of Turicibacter in the cecum decreased. It was concluded that a 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC could enhance intestinal health; therefore, it is recommended for the broiler chickens’ diet.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of using mushroom waste compost as the residue medium for Pleurotus eryngii planting, which was used as a feed replacement; its consequent influence on broiler chickens’ intestinal microbiota, anti-inflammatory responses, and anti-oxidative status was likewise studied. A total of 240 male broilers were used and allocated to four treatment groups: the basal diet—control group (corn–soybean); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PWMC (Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2 waste mushroom compost); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via FPW (Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermented PWMC); 5% replacement of a soybean meal via PP (Pennisetum purpureum Schum No. 2). Each treatment had three replicates and 20 birds per pen. The levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase mRNA as well as protein increased in the liver and serum in chickens, respectively; mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes were also suppressed 2 to 10 times in all treatments as compared to those in the control group. The tight junction and mucin were enhanced 2 to 10 times in all treatment groups as compared to those in the control, especially in the PWMC group. Nevertheless, the appetite-related mRNA levels were increased in the PWMC and FPW groups by at least two times. In ileum and cecum, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios in broilers were decreased in the PWMC, FPW, and PP groups. The Lactobacillaceae in the ileum were increased mainly in the PWMC and control groups. Overall, high-fiber feeds (PWMC, FPW, and PP) could enhance the broilers’ health by improving their antioxidant capacities and decreasing their inflammatory response as compared to the control. Based on the results, a 5% replacement of the soybean meal via PWMC is recommended in the broiler chickens’ diet.

The Potential Utilization of High-Fiber Agricultural By-Products as Monogastric Animal Feed and Feed Additives: A Review

With the increase in world food demand, the output of agricultural by-products has also increased. Agricultural by-products not only contain more than 50% dietary fiber but are also rich in functional metabolites such as polyphenol (including flavonoids), that can promote animal health. The utilization of dietary fibers is closely related to their types and characteristics. Contrary to the traditional cognition that dietary fiber reduces animal growth, it can promote animal growth and maintain intestinal health, and even improve meat quality when added in moderate amounts. In addition, pre-fermenting fiber with probiotics or enzymes in a controlled environment can increase dietary fiber availability. Although the use of fiber has a positive effect on animal health, it is still necessary to pay attention to mycotoxin contamination. In summary, this report collates the fiber characteristics of agricultural by-products and their effects on animal health and evaluates the utilization value of agricultural by-products.

Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products Improve Growth Performance and Intestinal Gut Morphology in Broilers under Clostridium perfringens Challenge

Necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens has reemerged as a severe poultry disease worldwide since the ban on the routine use of antibiotics in animal feed. Probiotics are considered alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Bacillus species are the most common microorganisms used as probiotics in the feed industry. The current study investigated the growth and surfactin levels of Bacillus licheniformis in solid-state fermentation using different substrates and evaluated the effects of B. licheniformis-fermented products on growth performance and intestinal morphology in broilers exposed to C. perfringens. The highest viable biomass and surfactin concentration of B. licheniformis-fermented products was observed at 2% molasses and 20% soybean meal supplementation during fermentation (P<0.05). B. licheniformis-fermented product-derived surfactin inhibited the growth of C. perfringens in vitro in a dose dependent manner (P<0.05). B. licheniformis-fermented product supplementation (2 g/kg) significantly improved the body weight and average daily gain weight of broilers challenged with C. perfringens (P<0.05). B. licheniformis-fermented products significantly alleviated necrotic lesions and ameliorated intestinal morphology in broilers exposed to C. perfringens (P<0.05). Collectively, these observations demonstrate that B. licheniformis-fermented products improve growth performance and gut morphology in broilers under C. perfringens challenge. B. licheniformis-fermented products may have the potential to be used as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for preventive treatments against C. perfringens in broilers.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken

Simple Summary

The weight of an animal conforms to a certain growth pattern. Among others, feed, environment, and body composition, in addition to genetics, affect the animal’s feed consumption and body weight. Under normal circumstances, the body weight of an animal is mainly affected by feed intake, and body composition may significantly influence feed intake. Therefore, this report sets out the effects of fat accumulation on lipid metabolism and appetite, and finally introduces the effects of feeding patterns on animal feed intake.

Abstract

In addition to the influence of genes, the quality of poultry products is mainly controlled by the rearing environment or feed composition during rearing, and has to meet human use and economical needs. As the only source of energy for poultry, feed considerably affects the metabolic pattern of poultry and further affects the regulation of appetite-related endocrine secretion in poultry. Under normal circumstances, the accumulation of lipid in adipose reduces feed intake in poultry and increases the rate of adipose metabolism. When the adipose content in cells decreases, endocrines that promote food intake are secreted and increase nutrient concentrations in serum and cells. By regulating the balance between appetite and adipose metabolism, the poultry’s growth and posture can maintain a balanced state. In addition, increasing fiber composition in feed can effectively increase poultry welfare, body weight, lean composition and antioxidant levels in poultry. According to this, the concept that proper fiber content should be added to feed should be considered for better economic benefits, poultry welfare and meat productivity.

2-Nitro-1-propanol improved nutrient digestibility and oocyst shedding but not growth performance of Eimeria-challenged broilers

A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement study was conducted to evaluate 3 dosages of 2-nitro-1-propanol (NP; 0, 150, and 200 ppm) on intestinal health of birds with or without Eimeria challenge. A total of 432 thirteen-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 6 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 9 birds per cage. All birds were fed with treatment diets from day 13 to 21. Birds in the challenge groups were gavaged with Eimeria maxima (50,000 oocysts per bird), Eimeria tenella (50,000 oocysts per bird), and Eimeria acervulina (250,000 oocysts per bird) on day 15. Growth performance was evaluated from day 13 to 21, and gut permeability was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran on day 20. The intestinal lesion, intestinal morphology, and oocysts shedding were determined at the end of the trial. The linear and quadratic orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to evaluate the effects of increasing NP doses in responses to Eimeria challenge. The results showed that NP was not able to maintain efficient growth performance but improved gut leakage during Eimeria infection period. On the other hand, Eimeria infection increased gut permeability (P < 0.0001) and reduced ileal digestible energy (IDE) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nitrogen. However, the increase of NP linearly enhanced IDE and AID of nitrogen (P < 0.01). Moreover, an interaction between challenge and linear dosage effects was observed for IDE (P = 0.0066) and AID of nitrogen (P = 0.0462). The results indicated that NP improved nutrient digestibility and reduced total oocysts shedding in birds challenged with Eimeria spp. Besides, higher NP doses numerically improved villi height in the intestine. In summary, NP was not able to maintain growth performance of birds but presented positive outcomes on nutrient digestibility and reduced oocysts shedding during mixed Eimeria infection.

Graded Eimeria challenge linearly regulated growth performance, dynamic change of gastrointestinal permeability, apparent ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, and tight junctions of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate graded Eimeria challenge on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, gastrointestinal permeability, intestinal morphology, gene expression of tight junction protein, and intestinal lesion scores in broiler chickens. There were 5 groups in this study, including a control and 4 different Eimeria treatment doses. A mixed Eimeria spp. solution with 50,000 Eimeria maxima, 50,000 Eimeria tenella, and 250,000 Eimeria acervulina per milliliter was prepared for the high-dose challenge treatment. The 2-fold serial dilution was used to make the medium-high (25,000 E. maxima; 25,000 E. tenella; 125,000 E. acervulina), the medium-low (12,500 E. maxima; 12,500 E. tenella; 62,500 E. acervulina), and the low challenge dose (6,250 E. maxima; 6,250 E. tenella; 31,250 E. acervulina). A total of three hundred sixty 13-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 5 treatments with 6 replicated cages. Growth performance was calculated from 0 to 6 D postinfection (DPI). Intestine lesion was scored on 6 DPI. Gastrointestinal permeability was measured on 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 DPI. The results indicated significant linear reduction in growth performance, intestinal villi height, and ileal nutrient digestibility in response to the increase of Eimeria challenge dose. Furthermore, gene expression of tight junction protein was linearly upregulated by the increasing challenge doses. Significant linear increases of gastrointestinal permeability were found on 5, 6, and 7 DPI (P < 0.01). On 9 DPI, the gastrointestinal permeability was recovered back to normal level in the challenge groups. In conclusion, the higher Eimeria doses birds received, the more severe intestine damage was observed in several gastrointestinal health parameters. The medium-low or medium-high levels of mixed Eimeria oocysts is suggested as an optimum Eimeria-challenge dose to establish a subclinical challenge model for future studies evaluating nutritional strategies. Moreover, it is recommended to measure gastrointestinal permeability on 5 DPI with higher oocysts doses and 6 DPI when using the lower oocysts doses.

Fermentation of flaxseed cake increases its nutritional value and utilization in ducklings

Flaxseed cake (FSC) is a potential alternative feed source in poultry. However, cyanogenetic glycosides limit its widespread use in feed. In this study, we optimized the parameters of fermentation by Aspergillus niger and Candida utilis and compared the growth performance, serum lipid parameters, and organ indexes of Cherry Valley duckling feed with unfermented FSC (UFSC) or fermented FSC (FFSC). A total of 420 one-day-old male Cherry Valley ducklings were randomly assigned into a 1 plus 2 × 3 factorial design including 2 different FSC resources (UFSC and FFSC) at 3 levels (50, 100, or 150 g/kg) for 3 wk. Each treatment group included 6 pens with 10 ducklings per pen. The hydrocyanic acid (HCN) level was reduced under the following conditions: 1:0.8 FSC:water (w:v), inoculum ratio of 1 mL:1 mL, 30°C, and 60 h. FFSC had higher crude protein (CP) and calcium (Ca) levels and lower HCN levels compared with UFSC (P < 0.05). There was no interactive effect between FSC sources and levels on growth performance. Final body weight (FBW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and average daily gain (ADG) in UFSC groups and ADFI in FFSC groups decreased linearly with increasing FSC levels (P < 0.01). There were no differences in FBW, ADG, or feed:gain ratio (F/G) among FFSC groups, and all 7 FSC groups had no differences in the F/G ratio (P > 0.05). Dietary FSC supplementation decreased triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (P < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.01), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.01). No interactive effect between FSC levels and sources was observed for serum TG, TC, HDL, or LDL. Ducklings fed FFSC had lower TG (P < 0.01), TC (P = 0.05), and LDL (P < 0.01) levels compared with ducklings fed UFSC. The 150 g/kg FFSC group had the lowest TG, TC, HDL, and LDL levels among all 7 groups. Flaxseed cake supplementation decreased the relative weight of the left breast, but FFSC increased the relative weight of the gizzard compared with UFSC. In conclusion, fermentation could increase the nutritional value and usage of FSC in ducklings.