Effect of sucrose thermal oligosaccharide caramel, dietary vitamin-mineral level, and brooding temperature on growth and intestinal bacterial populations of broiler chickens

The characteristics of intestinal flora of IBS-D with different syndromes

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of fecal microbiota in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) patients of spleen-kidney-yang deficiency and liver depression and spleen deficiency, to make an objective foundation for dialectics of different type of IBS-D. And to provide the clinical doctors an experimental basis for medication by regulating dysbacteriosis.

METHODS

We collected feces from the control group, spleen-kidney-yang deficiency IBS-D group, and liver-depression and spleen-deficiency IBS-D group. After the extraction of fecal DNA, global DNA was isolated from every sample, and 16S ribosomal RNA was sequenced, and then we analyzed the results for bacteria such as Alpha diversity, community composition, LEfSe, and partial least squares discriminant analysis.

RESULTS

We compared the changes among the fecal bacteria in the intestine of the IBS-D patients and healthy controls and found the specificity of spleen-kidney-yang deficiency syndrome and liver-depression and spleen-deficiency syndrome. The control group has the highest flora diversity (control group > liver-depression and spleen-deficiency > spleen-kidney-yang deficiency group). The control group, spleen-kidney-yang deficiency group, and liver-depression and spleen-deficiency group are different in phylum (Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria), class (Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria), order (Enterobacteriales, Bifidobacteriales, Fusobacteriales), and family (Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Fusobacteriaceae). Bifidobacteriaceae and Ruminococcaceae in the control group, Enterobacteriales, Fusobacteriales, Acidaminococcaceae, and Phascolarctobacterium in the spleen-kidney-yang deficiency group, and streptococcus are the specific bacteria in the liver-depression and spleen-deficiency group. Intestinal flora disturbance is closely related to IBS-D.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndrome type and intestinal flora. The control group, the spleen-kidney-yang deficiency group, and the liver-depression and spleen-deficiency group have specific bacteria.

Xylo-oligosaccharides display a prebiotic activity when used to supplement wheat or corn-based diets for broilers

It is now well established that exogenous β-1,4-xylanases improve the nutritive value of wheat-based diets for poultry. Among other factors, the mechanism of action of exogenous enzymes may involve a microbial route resulting from the generation of prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) in the birds' gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. In a series of three experiments, the effect of XOS on the performance of broilers fed wheat or corn-based diets was investigated. In experiment 1, birds receiving diets supplemented with XOS displayed an increased weight gain (P = 0.08). The capacity of XOS to improve the performance of animals during a longer trial (42 d) was investigated (Experiment 2). The data revealed that diet supplementation with XOS, tested at two incorporation rates (0.1 and 1 g/kg), or with an exogenous β-1,4-xylanase resulted in an increased nutritive value of the wheat-based diet. An improvement in animal performance was accompanied by a shift in the microbial populations colonizing the upper portions of the GI tract. XOS were also able to improve the performance of broilers fed a corn-based diet, although the effects were not apparent at incorporation rates of 10 g/kg. Together these studies suggest that in some cases the capacity of β-1,4-xylanases to improve the nutritive value of wheat-based diets is more related to their ability to produce prebiotic XOS than to their ability to degrade arabinoxylans. The extremely low quantities of XOS used in this study also challenge the depiction of a prebiotic being a quantitatively fermented substrate. These data also bring into question the validity of the "cell wall" mechanism, as XOS elicited an effect with clearly no action on endosperm cell wall integrity and yet the performance effects noted were equivalent or superior to the added enzymes.

The role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition

Along with the intensive development of methods of livestock breeding, breeders' expectations are growing concerning feed additives that would guarantee such results as accelerating growth rate, protection of health from pathogenic infections and improvement of other production parameters such as: absorption of feed and quality of meat, milk, eggs. The main reason for their application would be a strive to achieve some beneficial effects comparable to those of antibiotic-based growth stimulators, banned on 01 January 2006. High hopes are being associated with the use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Used mainly for maintenance of the equilibrium of the intestinal microbiota of livestock, they turn out to be an effective method in fight against pathogens posing a threat for both animals and consumers. This paper discusses definitions of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Criteria that have to be met by those kinds of formulas are also presented. The paper offers a list of the most commonly used probiotics and prebiotics and some examples of their combinations in synbiotic formulas used in animal feeding. Examples of available study results on the effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on animal health are also summarised.

Effects of prebiotic, protein level, and stocking density on performance, immunity, and stress indicators of broilers

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of period on the performance, immunity, and some stress indicators of broilers fed 2 levels of protein and stocked at a normal or high stocking density. Experimental treatments consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of prebiotic (with or without prebiotic), 2 levels of dietary CP [NRC-recommended or low CP level (85% of NRC-recommended level)], and 2 levels of stocking density (10 birds/m(2) as the normal density or 16 birds/m(2) as the high density), for a total of 8 treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates (cages). Birds were reared in 3-tiered battery cages with wire floors in an open-sided housing system under natural tropical conditions. Housing and general management practices were similar for all treatment groups. Starter and finisher diets in mash form were fed from 1 to 21 d and 22 to 42 d of age, respectively. Supplementation with a prebiotic had no significant effect on performance, immunity, and stress indicators (blood glucose, cholesterol, corticosterone, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio). Protein level significantly influenced broiler performance but did not affect immunity or stress indicators (except for cholesterol level). The normal stocking density resulted in better FCR and also higher antibody titer against Newcastle disease compared with the high stocking density. However, density had no significant effect on blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, corticosterone, and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. Significant interactions between protein level and stocking density were observed for BW gain and final BW. The results indicated that, under the conditions of this experiment, dietary addition of a prebiotic had no significant effect on the performance, immunity, and stress indicators of broilers.

Di-D-fructose dianhydride-enriched products by acid ion-exchange resin-promoted caramelization of D-fructose: chemical analyses

Caramelization commonly occurs when sugars, or products containing a high proportion of sugars, are heated either dry or in concentrated aqueous solutions, alone or in the presence of certain additives. Upon thermal treatment of sugars, dehydration and self-condensation reactions occur, giving rise to volatiles (principally 2-hydroxymethylfurfural, HMF), pigments (melanoidines) and oligosaccharidic material, among which di-D-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs) and glycosylated DFA derivatives of different degree of polymerization (DP) have been identified. This study reports a methodology to produce caramel-like products with a high content of DFAs and oligosaccharides thereof from commercial D-fructose based on the use of acid ion-exchange resins as caramelization promotors. The rate of formation of these compounds as a function of D-fructose concentration, catalyst proportion, temperature, catalyst nature and particle size has been investigated. The use of sulfonic acid resins allows conducting caramelization at remarkable low temperatures (70-90 degrees C) to reach conversions into DFA derivatives up to 70-80% in 1-2 h, with relative proportions of HMF < 2%.The relative abundance of individual DFA structures can be modulated by acting on the catalyst nature and reaction conditions, which offers a unique opportunity for nutritional studies of DFA-enriched products with well-defined compositions.

In vitro fermentation response of laying hen cecal bacteria to combinations of fructooligosaccharide prebiotics with alfalfa or a layer ration

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of combining a prebiotic with alfalfa on fermentation by laying hen cecal bacteria. Cecal contents from laying hens were diluted to a 1:3,000 concentration with an anaerobic dilution solution and added to serum tubes filled with ground alfalfa or a layer ration with or without fructooligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotic. Samples were processed in an anaerobic hood, pressurized by using a pressure manifold, and incubated at 37 degrees C. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) and lactic acid concentrations were quantified at 6 and 24 h of substrate fermentation. In this study, fermentation of alfalfa resulted in greater production of acetate, VFA, and lactic acid compared with the layer ration. Although with a relative inconsistency in data between trials, the amendment of FOS to both alfalfa and the layer ration appeared to further increase fermentation as demonstrated by overall higher propionate, butyrate, VFA, and lactic acid concentrations. The effect was more pronounced after 24 h of fermentation, implying time constraints for the optimal production of fermentation products in the chicken gastrointestinal tract. These data indicate that in vitro cecal fermentation can be enhanced by the addition of FOS.

Chemical and enzymatic approaches to carbohydrate-derived spiroketals: di-D-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs)

Di-D-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs) comprise a unique family of stereoisomeric spiro-tricyclic disaccharides formed upon thermal and/or acidic activation of sucrose- and/ or D-fructose-rich materials. The recent discovery of the presence of DFAs in food products and their remarkable nutritional features has attracted considerable interest from the food industry. DFAs behave as low-caloric sweeteners and have proven to exert beneficial prebiotic nutritional functions, favouring the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. In the era of functional foods, investigation of the beneficial properties of DFAs has become an important issue. However, the complexity of the DFA mixtures formed during caramelization or roasting of carbohydrates by traditional procedures (up to 14 diastereomeric spiroketal cores) makes evaluation of their individual properties a difficult challenge. Great effort has gone into the development of efficient procedures to obtain DFAs in pure form at laboratory and industrial scale. This paper is devoted to review the recent advances in the stereoselective synthesis of DFAs by means of chemical and enzymatic approaches, their scope, limitations, and complementarities.

Chemical and enzymatic approaches to carbohydrate-derived spiroketals: di-D-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs)

Di-D-fructose dianhydrides (DFAs) comprise a unique family of stereoisomeric spiro-tricyclic disaccharides formed upon thermal and/or acidic activation of sucrose- and/ or D-fructose-rich materials. The recent discovery of the presence of DFAs in food products and their remarkable nutritional features has attracted considerable interest from the food industry. DFAs behave as low-caloric sweeteners and have proven to exert beneficial prebiotic nutritional functions, favouring the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. In the era of functional foods, investigation of the beneficial properties of DFAs has become an important issue. However, the complexity of the DFA mixtures formed during caramelization or roasting of carbohydrates by traditional procedures (up to 14 diastereomeric spiroketal cores) makes evaluation of their individual properties a difficult challenge. Great effort has gone into the development of efficient procedures to obtain DFAs in pure form at laboratory and industrial scale. This paper is devoted to review the recent advances in the stereoselective synthesis of DFAs by means of chemical and enzymatic approaches, their scope, limitations, and complementarities.

Effects of dietary inulin on the intestinal short chain fatty acids and microbial ecology in broiler chickens as revealed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Inulin can stimulate the growth of the intestinal bacteria as well as alter the ratio among various short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of dietary inulin on the intestinal bacterial community as determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of universal 16S rDNA after amplication with PCR and SCFA profile. Broilers were fed a diet primarily composed of corn-soybean meal or same diet with 1% inulin for 42 d. The relative weight of digesta-filled ceca of the inulin-fed group was higher (P<0.01) than in the control group. Amongst SCFA, only acetate could be detected in the jejunal digesta, which tended to be higher (P=0.09) in inulin-fed group compared with the control group. Inulin did not affect the total concentration of SCFA in the cecal digesta. The relative proportion of n-butyrate was elevated (P=0.05) with a concomitant decrease in the concentration of n-valerate (P<0.05) in the inulin-fed group compared with the control group. Dietary inulin did not affect the number of PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis bands nor their diversity in the jejunal and cecal digesta. Intragroup similarities were not different between the groups, nor were any differences between intra-and intergroup similarities in the jejunal and cecal samples. In conclusion, inulin altered the cecal microbial metabolic activity without any major impact on the composition of intestinal bacterial communities as measured by the present techniques.

Jerusalem artichoke and chicory inulin in bakery products affect faecal microbiota of healthy volunteers

A study was conducted to test the effects of Jerusalem artichoke inulin (JA) or chicory inulin (CH) in snack bars on composition of faecal microbiota, concentration of faecal SCFA, bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms. Forty-five volunteers participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. At the end of a 7 d run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to three groups of fifteen subjects each, consuming either snack bars with CH or JA, or snack bars without fructans (placebo); for 7 d (adaptation period), they ingested one snack bar per day (7.7 g fructan/d) and continued for 14 d with two snack bars per day. The composition of the microbiota was monitored weekly. The consumption of CH or JA increased counts of bifidobacteria (+1.2 log10 in 21 d) and reduced Bacteroides/Prevotella in number and the Clostridium histolyticum/C. lituseburense group in frequency at the end of intervention (P < 0.05). No changes in concentration of faecal SCFA were observed. Consumption of snack bars resulted in a slight increase in stool frequency. Stool consistency was slightly affected in subjects consuming two snack bars containing CH or JA per day (P < 0.05). Consumption of CH or JA resulted in mild and sometimes moderate flatulence in a few subjects compared to placebo (P < 0.05). No structural differences were detected between CH and JA before and after processing. In conclusion, adaptation on increased doses of CH or JA in bakery products stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and may contribute to the suppression of potential pathogenic bacteria.

Effect of dietaryβ1–4 mannobiose in the prevention ofSalmonellaenteritidisinfection in broilers

1. This study investigated the effects of beta1-4 Mannobiose (MNB)-supplemented feeds on the kinetics of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) in broilers and the ensuing histopathological changes. D-Mannose (MAN) was used for comparison. The diets supplemented with MNB or MAN were fed during the first two weeks after hatching to investigate any protection against SE infection in growing birds and any immunomodulatory functions in the gut. 2. MNB-supplementation reduced SE organ colonisation, caecal carriage and faecal shedding in a time-dependent manner. The high concentrations and persistency of the SE-specific IgA response in those birds given rations supplemented with MNB or MAN were associated with a decline in SE shedding and caecal carriage in the later stages of infection. MNB was more effective against SE infection than MAN. 3. Histological examination of the caecal wall and caecal tonsils at 23 d post-infection indicated a lesser degree of intestinal pathology. An increased number of intra-epithelial mononuclear cells (mature lymphocytes and macrophages) in the lining epithelium of birds fed on the diet supplemented with MNB was accompanied by an increased number of lamina propria cells. 4. The present study indicates that feeding a diet supplemented with MNB during the first two weeks after hatching reduced susceptibility to SE infection. Supplementing the diet with MNB or MAN increased IgA production and improved SE clearance by acting as immunomodulatory agents that prevented intestinal pathology. Feeding a MNB-supplemented diet to broilers could be used as an alternative to antibiotics, because it has no adverse effects on mortality or weight gain.

Effect of a Kestose and Nystose Preparation on Growth Performance and Gastrointestinal Tract Function of Turkeys

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary administration of a fructooligosaccharide preparation rich in kestose and nestose on growth performance and gastrointestinal parameters in young turkeys. The kestose and nestose preparation was obtained through bioconversion of sucrose using fungi fructosyl transferase and contained in DM 39.9% of kestose, 17.6% of nystose, as well as 26.5% of glucose and 14.7% of sucrose. Three dietary levels of the sum of kestose and nystose (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2%) were fed to growing turkeys for 8 wk. When compared with the control treatment, addition of the kestose and nestose preparation had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion, and BW. The kestose and nestose-supplemented diet, especially the medium level of kestose and nystose, influenced microbial metabolism, especially in the ceca. Compared with the control group, the medium level of kestose and nestose decreased relative weight of gizzard (from 18.67 to 16.51 g/kg of BW) and weight of small intestine tissue (from 23.3 to 19.6 g/kg of BW) and increased weight of ceca digesta (from 3.51 to 4.77 g/kg of BW) as well as activities of microbial beta-glucosidase (an increase from 0.22 to 0.38 U/g) and alpha-galactosidase (an increase from 0.90 to 1.61 U/g), pH of digesta (a decrease from 6.13 to 5.79), concentration of NH3 (an increase from 0.60 to 0.98 mg/g), and concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (an increase from 81.1 to 107.7 micromol/g) in the cecal digesta. A high content of kestose and nestose in the diet caused a decrease in ileal and cecal pH (to 5.42 and 5.49, respectively).

Isomaltooligosaccharide increases cecal Bifidobacterium population in young broiler chickens

A newly developed compound derived by fermentation, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), was hypothesized to enrich cecal bifidobacterial populations and reduce colonization levels of Salmonella in the ceca of broiler chickens. Broiler starter diets were prepared with final IMO concentrations of 1% (wt/wt), 2% (wt/wt), and 4% (wt/wt) and a control diet without IMO supplementation. Chickens were divided into 4 groups and challenged with 10(8) cell of Salmonlella enterica ser. Typhimurium with 200 microg/mL nalidixic acid resistant (S. Typhimurium Nalr) after 7 d of placement. The experiment was done in 3 replications. IMO-supplemented diets resulted in significantly higher cecal bifidobacteria compared with the control diet (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in bifidobacteria counts among the treatment groups. Chickens fed diets with 1% IMO had a significant 2-log reduction in the level of inoculated S. Typhimurium Nalr (P < 0.05) present in, the ceca compared with the control group, but no differences were found between the control group and the groups fed 2 or 4% IMO for S. Typhimurium Nalr. No differences in feed consumption, feed conversion, or feed efficiency compared with the control group were observed; however, the result showed a significant reduction in weight for birds fed 1% IMO diet compared with those fed the control diet.

Jerusalem artichokes stimulate growth of broiler chickens and protect them against endotoxins and potential cecal pathogens

Control of intestinal pathogens during the earliest phases of broiler production may be the best strategy for the reduction of human pathogens on processed broiler carcasses. The recent ban on antibiotics in poultry feed has served to focus much attention on alternative methods of controlling the gastrointestinal microflora. A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of the fructan-rich Jerusalem artichoke, or topinambur (administered as 0.5% topinambur syrup in drinking water), on cultural numbers of selected cecal bacteria (total aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, Bdellovibrio spp., and Clostridium perfringens) and levels of bacterial endotoxins as well as on body weights and relative weights of organs (the pancreas and the bursa of Fabricius) of chickens in the first 35 days of life (with weekly investigations being conducted). One-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to experimental (with topinambur) and control (without topinambur) groups. They were allowed free access to a standard broiler diet without growth-promoting antibiotics. Topinambur treatment resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.01) in cecal counts of B. bacteriovorus, which parasitizes susceptible gram-negative pathogens. Topinambur led to significantly smaller numbers of total aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, and C. perfringens as well as to reduced levels of endotoxins in the blood compared with those for control birds. Increased body weights resulting from topinambur consumption were observed on day 35 of the trial period (P < 0.05). The relative weights of the pancreas and the bursa of Fabricius, however, were higher (P < 0.05) for topinambur-treated broilers than for control birds at the ages of 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. These results indicate that a small amount of topinambur in broilers' drinking water has a beneficial effect on growth performance, reduces bacterial endotoxin levels, and suppresses potential pathogens in broilers' ceca.

Application of prebiotics and probiotics in poultry production

The intestinal microbiota, epithelium, and immune system provide resistance to enteric pathogens. Recent data suggest that resistance is not solely due to the sum of the components, but that cross-talk between these components is also involved in modulating this resistance. Inhibition of pathogens by the intestinal microbiota has been called bacterial antagonism, bacterial interference, barrier effect, colonization resistance, and competitive exclusion. Mechanisms by which the indigenous intestinal bacteria inhibit pathogens include competition for colonization sites, competition for nutrients, production of toxic compounds, or stimulation of the immune system. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and inhibition may comprise one, several, or all of these mechanisms. Consumption of fermented foods has been associated with improved health, and lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) have been implicated as the causative agents for this improved health. Research over the last century has shown that lactic acid bacteria and certain other microorganisms can increase resistance to disease and that lactic acid bacteria can be enriched in the intestinal tract by feeding specific carbohydrates. Increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics in humans has caused an increase in public and governmental interest in eliminating sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock. An alternative approach to sub-therapeutic antibiotics in livestock is the use of probiotic microorganisms, prebiotic substrates that enrich certain bacterial populations, or synbiotic combinations of prebiotics and probiotics. Research is focused on identifying beneficial bacterial strains and substrates along with the conditions under which they are effective.

Effect of lactose and dried whey supplementation on growth performance and histology of the immune system in broilers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactose and dried whey supplementation as dietary component on growth performance and histology of lymphoid organs and ileum in broilers. A total of 480 day-old chicks were utilised for 42 days. Animals were assigned randomly to one of three treatments: control, lactose (2.5%), and dried whey (3.85%). Body weight was greater for animals supplemented with lactose or dried whey than for those not supplemented. There were no effects of treatments on feed intake and feed efficiency. In general, the effects of lactose or dried whey supplementation on histology of lymphoid organs and ileum were variable. Plasma cell counts were lower for animals supplemented with lactose than for those supplemented with dried whey. However, the length of intestinal villi during the starter period was greater for experimental groups than for control group.

Kinetics of formation of Di-D-fructose dianhydrides during thermal treatment of inulin

Thermal treatments of solid mixtures of inulin and citric acid result in the formation of di-D-fructose dianhydrides and oligomers derived therefrom. The kinetics of formation of these compounds have been investigated and simulated in computer studies. A mechanism is proposed. The conditions used in this study were analogous to the conditions pertaining to the roasting of chicory, during which similar compounds are formed.

Selective enrichment of bifidobacteria in the intestinal tract of broilers by thermally produced kestoses and effect on broiler performance

A series of kestose oligosaccharides have been produced from pyrolysis of sucrose and the effects of feeding these thermal kestoses on broiler performance and cecal microbial populations were evaluated. Eighty-four broiler chicks (day-old Hubbard x Hubbard) were fed either a nutritionally complete basal starter diet (control), the starter diet dressed with 8% of other sugars found in the thermal kestoses mixture (glucose, sucrose, and fructose), or the starter diet dressed with 10% crude thermal kestoses (2% kestoses, 8% other sugars) for a 4-wk period. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly. After 4 wk the birds were killed, cecal contents were collected, and selected microbial populations were enumerated. Weight gains were 938, 968, and 989 g for control, other sugars, and thermal kestoses groups, respectively. There were no dietary effects on weight gain, feed conversion, or concentrations of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, aerobically enumerated lactobacilli, total anaerobes, or clostridia. Cecal bifidobacterial concentrations were increased (P < 0.001) 24-fold in kestose-treated birds compared with controls, with bifidobacterial concentrations being 8.98, 9.09, and 10.36 log10 cfu/g cecal DM in birds fed the control, other sugars, and thermal kestoses diets, respectively. Anaerobically enumerated lactobacilli concentrations in kestose-treated birds were increased (P < 0.007) sevenfold compared with controls, with lactobacilli concentrations being 9.56, 9.53, and 10.36 log10 cfu/g cecal contents, respectively. Thermally produced kestoses altered intestinal bacterial populations in broilers and may have potential to enhance health and performance under the appropriate conditions.