Effect of Polysavone (Alfalfa Extract) on Abdominal Fat Deposition and Immunity in Broiler Chickens

The effect of Froriepia subpinnata on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and breast meat fatty acid content of broiler chickens

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of F. subpinnata powder (FSP) on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system, microbial population, intestinal morphology, and percentage of fatty acids in the breast meat of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old male chickens from the ROSS 308 strain were used in the form of a completely random design with four treatments of five replicates (15 birds each). The experimental treatments were, respectively, (1) control with base diet (without additives), (2) base diet + 1% FSP, (3) base diet + 2% FSP, and (4) base diet + 3% FSP. The results showed that the feed intake and weight gain increased in the treatments containing 2% and 3% FSP when compared to the control (P < 0.05). Cholesterol and ALT levels in the treatment containing 3% FSP were lower that the control (P < 0.05), while the concentration of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in the treatment containing 3% FSP significantly increased (P < 0.05). Thymus weight and antibodies produced against AIV in all three levels of FSP increased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The population of lactobacilli and coliforms in the treatments containing FSP increased and decreased significantly compared to the control (P < 0.05). The length and width of the intestinal villi of the chickens that were fed with 3% of FSP had a significant increase compared to the control (P < 0.05). The percentage of saturated fatty acids in the breast decreased significantly with the consumption of all three levels of FSP (P < 0.001). In general, the results showed that the use of 3% FSP in the broiler diet increased the efficiency of growth performance and enzyme activity, while strengthening the immune system, favorably altering the intestinal microbial population, and reducing the fat in breast meat.

Effect of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails

Citrus citrus peeling has a wide range of vitamins and trace minerals that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is hypothesized that the addition of citrus peeling to broiler quail diets can improve their production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization. A trial was performed to study the impact of a methanolic extract of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails. A healthy day-old 300 quails were randomly assigned with 5 replicates each replicate had 15 birds and used CRD for the trial. Different dietary supplementations were presented to different groups. The control group was not supplemented with any supplementation in their feed. While, the 3 other groups were supplemented by 0.5 mL/kg, 1 mL/kg, and 1.5 mL/kg of methanolic extract of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) in the basal diet (DCSP0.5, DCSP1, and DCSP1.5 groups, respectively). All the birds were allowed ad libitum feeding and water. The feed intake and FCR were significantly higher in the control group, followed by DCSP0.5, and then DCSP1. The significantly lowest feed intake and FCR were observed in the DCSP1.5 group. The weight gain and dressing % were significantly improved with the increasing level of methanolic extract of Citrus sinensis. The significantly highest weights of thymus, spleen, and bursa were recorded in the DCSP1.5 group, followed by the DCSP1. The antibody titers against infectious bursal disease, New Castle disease, and infectious bronchitis disease were significantly higher in the DCSP1.5, DCSP1, and DCSP0.5 groups than in the control group. It was concluded from the study that supplementation of quails with methanolic extract of citrus at a dose rate of 0.5 to 1.5 mL/kg of feed can improve feed intake, weight gain, FCR, dressing percentage, relative weight of lymphoid organs, and digestibility coefficient. Supplementation of Citrus sinensis has also concluded positive impacts on antibody titers against various viral diseases. The best improvement in the evaluated parameters was observed at a dose of extract of citrus was 1.5 mL/kg of feed.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Natural Feed Additives for Meat Chickens

Broiler chickens are increasingly kept in large numbers in intensive housing conditions that are stressful, potentially depleting the immune system. With the prohibition of the use of antibiotics in poultry feed spreading worldwide, it is necessary to consider the role of natural feed additives and antibiotic alternatives to stimulate the chickens' immune systems. We review the literature to describe phytogenic feed additives that have immunomodulatory benefits in broilers. We initially review the major active ingredients from plants, particularly flavonoids, resveratrol and humic acid, and then describe the major herbs, spices, and other plants and their byproducts that have immunomodulatory effects. The research reviewed demonstrates the effectiveness of many natural feed additives in improving the avian immune system and therefore broiler health. However, some, and perhaps all, additives have the potential to reduce immunocompetence if given in excessive amounts. Sometimes additives are more effective when given in combination. There is an urgent need to determine tolerance levels and optimum doses for additives deemed most suitable to replace antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens. Effective replacement is most likely with readily available additives, such as olive oil byproducts, olive leaves and alfalfa. It is concluded that effective replacement of antibiotic function with plant-derived additives will be possible, but that further research is necessary to determine optimum doses.

Antioxidant status in the blood, liver, and muscle tissue of turkey hens receiving a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the oxidative potential of turkeys fed a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate (APC), used throughout the rearing period or periodically at 2-wk intervals. The research material consisted of 6-wk-old BIG 6 turkey hens kept in pens, 5 birds per pen in 6 replicates. The experimental factor was the addition of APC to the diet in the amount of 15 or 30 g/kg of diet. APC was administered in 2 ways: birds received a diet with APC throughout the experiment or periodically. In the latter case, the birds received the diet with APC for 2 wk, and then for 2 wk they received the standard diet without APC. Levels of nutrients in the diet; flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins in APC; uric acid, creatinine, bilirubin, and some antioxidants in the blood; and enzyme parameters in the blood and tissues of turkeys were determined. The use of APC in the diet stimulated antioxidant processes, which could be seen in the values of the pro-oxidant-antioxidant parameters of the tissues and blood plasma of turkeys. The significant reduction in the H₂O₂ level (P = 0.042) and slight reduction in the MDA level (P = 0.083), accompanied by an increase in catalase (P = 0.046) activity in the turkeys continuously receiving APC in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet, as well as the increase in plasma antioxidant parameters (vitamin C, P = 0.042 and FRAP, P = 0.048) in these birds, reflects improvement in their antioxidant status. Thus continuous use of the APC supplement in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet proved to be a better feeding practice to optimize oxidative potential than periodic inclusion of APC.

Poultry nutrition

Nutrition is the most important environmental factor affecting development, health status, growth performance and profitability of poultry production. Feeds for poultry constitute up to 70–75% of total production costs. Poultry nutrition differs considerably from that of other livestock, which is determined by the specific anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. Protein, energy, fat, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and water are of basic importance for poultry nutrition and their content in feeds must cover the requirement that differ depending on the bird’s age and species. In general, feed protein must be of good value including the content of essential amino acids. Among them lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine and tryptophan are the limiting ones. The main ingredient of poultry feeds are cereal grains, i.e. wheat and maize, which predominantly constitute an energy source because their protein content is insufficient for birds. Because of that cereals cannot be the only feed for poultry and must be combined with protein sources such as soybean or rapeseed meal, legume seeds or protein concentrates. Despite birds’ requirement for nutrients and chemical composition of feeds are well known, nutrition must face many problems. One of the most important issues is to find alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.

Dietary Fructooligosaccharides Effectively Facilitate the Production of High-Quality Eggs via Improving the Physiological Status of Laying Hens

The focus of this study was to investigate the influence of prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on laying performance, egg quality, apparent fecal amino acid digestibility, jejunal morphology, hematological indices, immunological response, and antioxidant capacity in laying hens. A total of 216 healthy Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 30 weeks were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.3 percent FOS, or 0.6 percent FOS. For 84 days, each treatment was fed the corresponding experimental diet. According to the findings, dietary supplementation with FOS enhanced laying performance and egg mass while lowering mortality rate. Albumen height, thick albumen content, Haugh unit, and eggshell thickness were also improved by the prebiotics. Prebiotics also boosted antioxidant status by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, improved morphological development of the jejunum as demonstrated by significant increases in villi height, villi width, ratio of villi height to crypt depth, and reduced crypt depth. The prebiotics group showed a considerable increase in immunoglobulin M, G, and A (IgM, IgG, and IgA) levels, as well as a similar effect on complement proteins (C3). Furthermore, the apparent fecal amino acid digestibility of most essential amino acids was significantly enhanced. Conclusively, fructooligosaccharides at inclusion level of 0.6% efficiently enhanced laying performance and production of high-quality eggs while positively modulating amino acid digestibility, jejunal morphology, antioxidant status, and immune functions of the laying hens.

Effects of alfalfa meal on quality and function of pork meatballs

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is abundant in dietary fiber, alfalfa saponins, and other active ingredients. However, the application of alfalfa is scarce in food. Meatball is one of the most popular meat products in daily life, but eating too many meatballs could result in obesity, hyperlipidemia, and other diseases. With increasing attention to healthy diet, how to keep the original color, aroma, taste, and shape of food with low fat and nutrition has become an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, different amounts of alfalfa meal or extruded alfalfa meal were added to pork meatballs to explore the optimal adding ratio of two kinds of alfalfa meal in pork meatballs. Further animal experiments were conducted for two weeks to prove the efficacy of two kinds of alfalfa balls in lowering blood lipid and body weight. The results showed that 0.5% alfalfa meal and 1% extruded alfalfa meal could improve the quality of prepared pork meatballs. Animal experiments demonstrated that two kinds of alfalfa meal pork meatballs had a good effect of reducing blood lipid, and the alfalfa meal pork meatballs had a better effect on reducing serum cholesterol and average daily weight gain of mice. This study provided a theoretical basis for making healthy and nutritious pork meatballs, which could provide more delicious food for people, especially people who are obese and the elderly.

Herbal Plants Application in Organic Poultry Nutrition and Production

Background:

Medicinal plants and natural feed additives are the most important alternatives in animal production, especially broiler production, due to the ban on the use of certain antibiotics, their cost-effectiveness and harmful residual effects.

Objective:

In this mini-review article, some important medicinal herbs and plants with positive effects on organic broiler production have been highlighted.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, Springer, Medline and PubMed.

Results:

Medicinal plants such as ginger, ginkgo, thyme, ponderosa pine, soybean, forsythia, peppermint, Chinese star anise, astragalus, mistletoe, schisandra, cumin, capsicum, garlic, hooker chives, artichoke, Borreria latifolia, zataria, pomegranate, turmeric, lingzhi, Lippia javanica, neem, oriental chaff flower, mulberry leaf, goji berry, Aloe vera, pumpkin, grape, common nettle, marigold, coriandrum, Citrus sinensis, Alisma canaliculatum, Persian hogweed, Eucommiaulmoides, bamboo leaf extract, rosemary, Morina citrifolia, chestnut, green tea, wild mint, clove, sumac, satureja, ashwagandha, Lonicera japonica, Acacia, liquorice, Artemisia annua, milk thistle, cinnamon, black cumin and etc. have positive effects on organic broiler production.

Conclusion:

Herbal medicines lead to increased body weight due to a higher feed intake and a higher feed conversion ratio, and improve antioxidant activity of broiler chickens based on their phenolic compound contents. The combination of medicinal herbal additives also has a positive impact on broiler production. In organic broiler production with the usage of herbal plants, reducing hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics should be organized as well as considering appropriate organic feed management and higher production.

Dietary fiber in poultry nutrition and their effects on nutrient utilization, performance, gut health, and on the environment: a review

Dietary fiber (DF) was considered an antinutritional factor due to its adverse effects on feed intake and nutrient digestibility. However, with increasing evidence, scientists have found that DF has enormous impacts on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, digestive physiology, including nutrient digestion, fermentation, and absorption processes of poultry. It may help maintain the small and large intestine's integrity by strengthening mucosal structure and functions and increasing the population and diversity of commensal bacteria in the GIT. Increasing DF content benefits digestive physiology by stimulating GIT development and enzyme production. And the inclusion of fiber at a moderate level in diets also alters poultry growth performance. It improves gut health by modulating beneficial microbiota in the large intestine and enhancing immune functions. However, determining the source, type, form, and level of DF inclusion is of utmost importance to achieve the above-noted benefits. This paper critically reviews the available information on dietary fibers used in poultry and their effects on nutrient utilization, GIT development, gut health, and poultry performance. Understanding these functions will help develop nutrition programs using proper DF at an appropriate inclusion level that will ultimately lead to enhanced DF utilization, overall health, and improved poultry growth performance. Thus, this review will help researchers and industry identify the sources, type, form, and amount of DF to be used in poultry nutrition for healthy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly poultry production.

Probiotics and potential applications for alternative poultry production systems

Concerns over animal welfare continue to be a critical component of law and policies associated with commercial food animal production. Social and market pressures are the driving forces behind the legislation and result in the change of poultry production management systems. As a result, the movement toward cage-free and aviary-based egg production systems has become standard practices. Cage-based systems being replaced by alternative methods that offer a suitable housing environment to meet or exceed poultry welfare needs and require different management, including the ban of antibiotics in poultry diets. For broiler production, pasture- raised and free-range management systems have become more popular. However, challenges remain from exposure to disease-causing organisms and foodborne pathogens in these environments. Consequently, probiotics can be supplemented in poultry diets as commercial feed additives. The present review discusses the impacts of these probiotics on the performance of alternative poultry production systems for improving food safety and poultry health by mitigating pathogenic organisms and improving egg and meat quality and production.

Host immunity and the colon microbiota of mice infected with Citrobacter rodentium are beneficially modulated by lipid-soluble extract from late-cutting alfalfa in the early stages of infection

Alfalfa is a forage legume commonly associated with ruminant livestock production that may be a potential source of health-promoting phytochemicals. Anecdotal evidence from producers suggests that later cuttings of alfalfa may be more beneficial to non-ruminants; however, published literature varies greatly in measured outcomes, supplement form, and cutting. The objective of this study was to measure body weight, average daily feed intake, host immunity, and the colon microbiota composition in mice fed hay, aqueous, and chloroform extracts of early (1^st) and late (5^th) cutting alfalfa before and after challenge with Citrobacter rodentium. Prior to inoculation, alfalfa supplementation did not have a significant impact on body weight or feed intake, but 5^th cutting alfalfa was shown to improve body weight at 5- and 6-days post-infection compared to 1^st cutting alfalfa (P = 0.02 and 0.01). Combined with the observation that both chloroform extracts improved mouse body weight compared to control diets in later stages of C. rodentium infection led to detailed analyses of the immune system and colon microbiota in mice fed 1^st and 5^th cutting chloroform extracts. Immediately following inoculation, 5^th cutting chloroform extracts significantly reduced the relative abundance of C. rodentium (P = 0.02) and did not display the early lymphocyte recruitment observed in 1^st cutting extract. In later timepoints, both chloroform extracts maintained lower splenic B-cell and macrophage populations while increasing the relative abundance of potentially beneficially genera such as Turicibacter (P = 0.02). At 21dpi, only 5^th cutting chloroform extracts increased the relative abundance of beneficial Akkermansia compared to the control diet (P = 0.02). These results suggest that lipid soluble compounds enriched in late-cutting alfalfa modulate pathogen colonization and early immune responses to Citrobacter rodentium, contributing to protective effects on body weight.

Cottonseed meal fermented by Candida tropical reduces the fat deposition in white-feather broilers through cecum bacteria-host metabolic cross-talk

In the present study, effects of cottonseed meal fermented by Candida tropicalis (FCSM) on fat deposition, cecum microbiota, and metabolites and their interactions were studied in broilers. A total of 180 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into two groups with six replicates of 15 birds in each. The birds were offered two diets consisted one control, i.e., supplemented with 0% FCSM (CON) and an experimental, with 6% FCSM (FCSM). Illumina MiSeq sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to investigate the profile changes of the cecum microbes and metabolites and the interactions among fat deposition, microbes, and metabolites. Results showed that at the age of 21 days, both the abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat thickness of the experimental birds decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in response to the dietary FCSM supplementation. The predominant microbial flora in cecum consisted Bacteroidetes (53.55%), Firmicutes (33.75%), and Proteobacteria (8.61%). FCSM diet increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides but decreased obese microbial including Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Anaerofilum. Cecum metabolomics analysis revealed that lipids, organic acids, vitamins, and peptides were significantly altered by adding FCSM in diet. Correlation analysis showed that abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat thickness related negatively with Bacteroides while the same related positively with Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Moreover, abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat thickness were related negatively with nicotinic acid, sebacic acid, thymidine, and succinic acid. These findings indicated that FCSM reduced the fat deposition by regulating cecum microbiota and metabolites in broilers. The results are contributory to the development of probiotics and the improvement in the production of broilers.

Dietary β-sitosterol regulates serum lipid level and improves immune function, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology in broilers

This research investigated effects of dietary β-sitosterol addition at different levels on serum lipid levels, immune function, oxidative status, and intestinal morphology in broilers. One-day-old broiler chicks were allocated to 5 groups of 6 replicates. Chickens in the 5 groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg of β-sitosterol for 42 D, respectively. β-Sitosterol linearly decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of serum total cholesterol, jejunal tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and ileal interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and mRNA relative expressions levels of jejunal TLR4 and ileal MyD88, whereas it linearly increased (P < 0.05) contents of jejunal immunoglobulin G (IgG), ileal secreted IgA and glutathione, jejunal catalase activity and Nrf2 mRNA relative expression level, villus height (VH), and VH-to-crypt depth (CD) ratio (VH:CD) in the jejunum and ileum. Linear and quadratic increases (P < 0.05) in absolute and relative spleen weight were observed by dietary β-sitosterol, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the jejunum and ileum followed the opposite trend (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary β-sitosterol at higher than or equal to 60 mg/kg level decreased (P < 0.05) contents of serum total cholesterol, ileal MDA, and jejunal TLR4 mRNA relative expression level, whereas it increased (P < 0.05) absolute spleen weight and ileal glutathione content. Higher than or equal to 80 mg/kg level of β-sitosterol enhanced (P < 0.05) jejunal IgG concentration, VH, catalase activity, and Nrf2 relative expression level and ileal secreted IgA content, but reduced (P < 0.05) ileal IL-1β content and MyD88 mRNA relative expression level. β-Sitosterol addition at 60 and 80 mg/kg levels increased (P < 0.05) relative spleen weight, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal MDA accumulation. Moreover, 100 mg/kg level of β-sitosterol reduced (P < 0.05) jejunal TNF-α level, but it increased (P < 0.05) VH in the jejunum and VH:CD in the jejunum and ileum. Accordingly, dietary β-sitosterol supplementation could regulate serum cholesterol level, promote immune function, and improve intestinal oxidative status and morphology in broilers.

Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effects of Alfalfa Flavonoids on Growth Performance

The flavonoids were extracted from alfalfa using ethanol assisted with ultrasonic extraction and purified by D101 macroporous resin column chromatography. The chemical composition and content of ethanol elution fractions (EEFs) were assessed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and aluminum nitrate-sodium nitrite-sodium hydroxide colorimetric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of two EEFs was conducted by scavenging DPPH free radical, and the main antioxidants of 75% EEFs were screened using DPPH-UHPLC. Moreover, the in vivo antioxidant activity of 75% EEFs and the growth performance of broilers were studied. The results showed that the content of 30% and 75% EEFs was 26.20% and 62.57%. Fifteen compounds were identified from 75% EEFs, and five of them were reported in alfalfa for the first time. The scavenging activity of 75% and 30% EEFs (200 μg/mL) against DPPH was 95.51% and 78.85%. The peak area of 5,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone and hyperoside was decreased by 82.69% and 76.04%, which exhibited strong scavenging capacities. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) level of three treated groups against the normal control group (NC) fed with basal diet significantly increased by 3.89-24.49%, 0.53-7.39%, and 0.79-11.79%, respectively. While the malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 0.47-18.27%. Compared with the NC, the feed to gain ratio (F : G) of three treated groups was lowered by 2.98-16.53% and survival rate of broilers significantly increased. Consequently, 75% EEFs extracted from alfalfa exhibited powerful antioxidant activities and might be a potential feed additive to poultry and livestock.

Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effects of Alfalfa Flavonoids on Growth Performance

The flavonoids were extracted from alfalfa using ethanol assisted with ultrasonic extraction and purified by D101 macroporous resin column chromatography. The chemical composition and content of ethanol elution fractions (EEFs) were assessed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and hybrid quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and aluminum nitrate-sodium nitrite-sodium hydroxide colorimetric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of two EEFs was conducted by scavenging DPPH free radical, and the main antioxidants of 75% EEFs were screened using DPPH-UHPLC. Moreover, the in vivo antioxidant activity of 75% EEFs and the growth performance of broilers were studied. The results showed that the content of 30% and 75% EEFs was 26.20% and 62.57%. Fifteen compounds were identified from 75% EEFs, and five of them were reported in alfalfa for the first time. The scavenging activity of 75% and 30% EEFs (200 μg/mL) against DPPH was 95.51% and 78.85%. The peak area of 5,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone and hyperoside was decreased by 82.69% and 76.04%, which exhibited strong scavenging capacities. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) level of three treated groups against the normal control group (NC) fed with basal diet significantly increased by 3.89-24.49%, 0.53-7.39%, and 0.79-11.79%, respectively. While the malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 0.47-18.27%. Compared with the NC, the feed to gain ratio (F : G) of three treated groups was lowered by 2.98-16.53% and survival rate of broilers significantly increased. Consequently, 75% EEFs extracted from alfalfa exhibited powerful antioxidant activities and might be a potential feed additive to poultry and livestock.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Gynura divaricata (L.) on Growth Performance, Hematology, and Carcass Fat Deposition in Broilers

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Gynura divaricata (Jakr-Na-Rai, JNR) on the growth performance, hematology, and carcass fat deposition of broilers. A total of 240 male Cobb-500 birds, 22 d old, were randomly allocated into five treatment groups of six replicates. Each group was raised at a high stocking density of 28 kg of bodyweight/m² until day 43. The treatments consisted of (i) a basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with (ii) 2.5 mg/kg avilamycin (T2), (iii) JNR crude ethanol extract at a flavonoid level of 1.3 g/kg (T3), and (iv and v) JNR powder at a flavonoid level of 1.3 (T4) or 2.6 g/kg (T5). Dietary supplementation with JNR powder at both flavonoid levels decreased the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Birds in the T5 group presented decreased blood glucose (P<0.005) and cholesterol (P<0.002) levels and a numerically (P=0.056) decreased triglyceride level. The total bile acid concentration increased (P<0.001) in all the JNR-fed groups, but there was no significant effect on the digestibility of ileal protein or fat. At 1.3 g/kg of diet, JNR increased the final bodyweight and feed intake (P<0.05), but the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were not different among groups. The carcass and abdominal fat percentages were lowest in chicks fed on the diets supplemented with 2.6 g/kg JNR powder (P<0.007 and P<0.025, respectively). Drip loss and malondialdehyde concentrations in the breast meat did not change. In conclusion, JNR powder improved several hematological parameters, increased total bile acid concentrations, and decreased the percentage of abdominal fat. The powder form of JNR elicited better results than the ethanol extract form at the same flavonoid inclusion level.

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.

Soapnut shell powder as immunomodulatory and welfare friendly feed additive in broiler chicken

With growing awareness for safe and clean poultry products among consumer, the industry faces a tough challenge of antibiotic free as well as welfare friendly poultry farming. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of soapnut shell powder, rich in saponins, as immune enhancer and stress reliever in broiler chicken. The broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments, viz. T1 (basal diet, control), T2 (basal diet with 100 mg saponin/kg diet), T3 (basal diet with 150 mg saponin/kg diet), and T4 (basal diet with 200 mg saponin/kg diet) and reared up to 42 days of age. The results revealed that supplementing saponin level beyond 100 mg/kg diet significantly reduced body weight gain and feed intake of birds at 4th and 5th week of age with no significant effect on the FCR. The cell mediated and humoral immunity of birds also improved due to saponins @ 100 mg/kg diet or above. However, no significant dietary effects were observed on the weight of immune organs. Similarly, the abdominal fat (%) and H:L ratio of birds significantly decreased at 100 mg saponin level indicating the stress relieving effect of saponins. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of saponins (100 mg/kg diet) in the form of soapnut shell powder not only enhances the immunity but also improves the welfare of birds without affecting feed efficiency. Thus, soapnut shell powder can be used as an alternative option for the antibiotic free broiler chicken production especially in hilly areas where it is cheaply available.

Effect of dietary saponin rich soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry and gut health of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP), a cheap source of saponins, on growth performance, immunity, serum biochemistry and gut health of broiler chickens. The experimental design was 4×2, employing four saponin levels (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg diet), each provided for two time durations (0-42 day and 21-42 day) resulting into eight dietary treatments. Results revealed no significant effect of dietary saponins on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of birds. The abdominal fat percentage, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, faecal total plate count, coliform count and E. coli count decreased (p < .05) progressively with increasing saponin levels and lower values were observed at 150 mg and 200 mg saponin levels. Significant improvement of cell-mediated and humoral immune response was observed in birds fed 150 mg and 200 mg saponin compared to control. The serum glucose concentration was significantly (p < .05) higher in control group compared to other groups. No significant effects of dietary saponin were observed on carcass characteristics, faecal Lactobacillus count, intestinal histomorphometry and cost economics of broiler chicken production. Thus, dietary saponins at 150 mg/kg diet as SSP for three weeks (21-42 days) was optimum for better immunity and welfare of birds without adverse effects on the growth performance.

Immunomodulatory, antioxidant and intestinal morphology-regulating activities of alfalfa polysaccharides in mice

The effects of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) on immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions, as well as intestinal morphology were investigated in vivo in this study. Sixty-four mice were randomly divided into four groups and administered 0, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg/d body weight APS via gavage for 28 days. The blood parameters and metabolites, viscera indices, antioxidant enzyme activities and intestinal morphology were measured. The results showed that the oral administration of APS improved the immune functions of mice, significantly enhanced the white blood cells and lymphocyte counts, and led to improvements in spleen and thymus indices. APS exhibited significant antioxidant activity by enhancing total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in heart, kidney and liver, and decreasing the malondialdehyde levels of heart and liver. Moreover, administration of APS potently enhanced the small intestinal villous height and the villus-to-crypt ratio, and decreased the crypt depth of duodenum in mice. Therefore, we can conclude that APS possesses pronounced immunomodulatory activities, and plays an important role in the prevention of oxidative stresses and in the improvement of intestinal morphology in the immunological system in vivo. APS thus shows potential for the development as an effective natural immunomodulatory and antioxidant agent.

Supplementing the feeds of layer pullets, at different ages with two different fiber sources improves immune function

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of lignocellulose supplementation on immune function in layer pullets at different stages of growth. Four-wk-old pullets (Experiment 1) were fed a control, diet (Diet C); Diet C plus 1% mixed soluble/insoluble fiber (Diet MF), or plus 1% insoluble fiber (Diet IF). At 7.5 wk-of-age, heterophil phagocytosis, and oxidative burst in Groups MF (328.5 beads/100 cells; 4,330.0 ΔRFU; relative fluorescent units) and IF (350.3; 5,264.4) were greater (P < 0.05) than Controls (303.4; 3,509.0). At 8 wk-of-age, Group MF and IF relative weights of bursa of Fabricius (0.57 g/100 g BW; 0.58 g /100 g BW), thymus glands (0.77; 0.78), and areas of Peyer's patches (PP) (2.7 cm2; 2.9 cm2) were higher (P < 0.05) than Controls (bursa, 0.50 g; thymus, 0.70 g; PP area, 1.8 cm2). In Experiment 2, 10-wk-old pullets were fed a control diet or diets containing 1.5% MF or IF for 8 wk. At 14 wk-of-age IF pullets had higher (P < 0.05) heterophil phagocytosis efficiency (447.9 beads/100 cells) than Controls (376.4) and MF and IF had greater (P < 0.05) oxidative burst (1,302.9 and 1,857.7 ΔRFU) than Controls (744.1). At 17 wk-of-age MF and IF had increased (P < 0.05) proliferation of T-lymphocytes (ConcanavalinA-stimulated) (100.4 and 103.1% of unstimulated cells) and B-lymphocytes (lipopolysaccharide-stimulated) (122.4 and 129.0) than Controls (ConA, 79.4; lipopolysaccharide, 106.6). At 18 wk-of-age, IF pullets were heavier (1,607.5 g, P < 0.05) than Controls (1,506.5 g), had heavier (P < 0.05) bursa of Fabricius (1.12 g) than MF and Control groups (0.98 g; 0.92 g) and cecal tonsils of MF (0.38 g) and IF (0.39 g) weighted more (P < 0.05) than Controls (0.33 g). Number of jejunal and ileal PP (10.0) in IF pullets was higher (P < 0.05) than Controls (7.1). These results indicate that both MF and IF can improve development of the immune system of young and grower pullets during periods of maturation and involution of lymphoid organs.

Effects of dietary alfalfa flavonoids on the performance, meat quality and lipid oxidation of growing rabbits

Objective

The present experiment has tested the effect of dietary alfalfa flavonoids (AAF) supplementation on the productive performances, carcass characteristics, meat quality and lipid oxidation of growing rabbits.

Methods

One hundred and sixty crossbred rabbits (42 days old) were divided into four groups of forty animals each and were fed either a control diet (AAF0) or an AAF0 diet supplemented with 400, 800, or 1,200 mg of AAF/kg per diet (AAF4, AAF8, and AAF12, respectively) from weaning to slaughtering (102 days old). Performance data were recorded over a period of 60 days. At the end of the trial, 12 rabbits were slaughtered per group, and the carcass characteristics were recorded. Moreover, the plasma, liver and dorsal muscles were sampled from 12 rabbits/group, and were analyzed for lipid oxidation.

Results

No significant differences were recorded for the performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits except for lightness parameter that was lower in the control group. Dietary AAF supplementation significantly (p<0.01) affected the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the frozen meat in a dose-related manner, with the lowest value (0.24 mg MDA/kg fresh meat) recorded in the AAF12 group samples.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that the dietary inclusion of AAF in rabbit diets improved muscle oxidation stability with no adverse effects on the growth performance of the animals even if a slight impact on meat lightness color parameter was recorded.

The effect of dietary alfalfa meal on the chicken meat quality

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feed mixtures with proportion of alflafa meal 4% on body weight of broiler chickens, fat content their meat and oxidative stability meat fat under storage conditions. Final hybrid Cobb 500 chickens were used in the experiment. The broiler chickens were fed with feed mixtures starter from the 1st to the 18th day, grower from the 19th to the 31st day and finisher from the 32nd to the 38th ad libitum. An alfalfa meal of 4% was added in the feed mixtures of experimental group. In our experiment, we used alfalfa meal, which was made from Medicago sativa L. harvested in the bud's phase. The carcasses of broilers were stored at -18° C for a period of nine months. The average weight of chickens at the end of our experiment, the control group was 1685.6 g. In experimental group with addition of 4% alfalfa meal in feed mixtures, the chickens weighed 1709.6 g. The difference in body weight between the groups was not statistically significant (p >0.05). The average fat content in chicken meat was lower in the group with a share of 4% alfalfa meal 2.33 g.100g-1 compared to the fat content in meat chickens control group 2.59 g.100g-1. Differences in fat content in meat between the groups were not statistically significant (p >0.05). In our experiment, the average peroxide value of fat in meat under storage conditions 9 months at -18°C was lower in the group with a share of 4% alfalfa meal 2.42 µmol O2.g-1 compared with an average value of peroxide number 5.79 µmol O2.g-1 in the control group. Medicago sativa L. is an interesting object for research. It is characterized by high content of protein and biologically active substances that are effective for the promotion of health, and also an improvement the nutritional value and technological properties of the poultry food, when is used in feed mixtures.

Structural, thermal, and anti-inflammatory properties of a novel pectic polysaccharide from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stem

A pectic polysaccharide (APPS) was purified from the cold alkali extract of alfalfa stem and characterized to be a rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) type pectin with the molecular weight of 2.38 × 10(3) kDa and a radius of 123 nm. The primary structural analysis indicated that APPS composed of a →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→ backbone with 12% branching point at C-4 of Rhap forming side chains by l-arabinosyl and d-galactosyl oligosaccharide units. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed a primary linear-shaped structure with a few branches in its assembly microstructures. The thermal decomposition evaluation revealed the stability of APPS with an apparent activation energy (Ea) of 226.5 kJ/mol and a pre-exponential factor (A) of 2.10 × 10(25)/s, whereas its primary degradation occurred in the temperature range from 215.6 to 328.0 °C. In addition, APPS showed significant anti-inflammatory effect against mRNA expressions of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, especially for IL-1β, suggesting its potential utilization in functional foods and dietary supplement products.

A novel alkaline hemicellulosic heteroxylan isolated from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stem and its thermal and anti-inflammatory properties

A novel hemicellulosic polysaccharide (ACAP) was purified from the cold alkali extraction of alfalfa stems and characterized as a heteroxylan with a weight-average molecular weight of 7.94 × 10(3) kDa and a radius of 58 nm. Structural analysis indicated that ACAP consisted of a 1,4-linked β-D-Xylp backbone with 4-O-MeGlcpA and T-L-Araf substitutions at O-2 and O-3 positions, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination revealed the entangled chain morphology of ACAP molecules. The evaluation of thermal degradation property revealed a primary decomposition temperature range of 238.8-314.0 °C with an apparent activation energy (Ea) and a pre-exponential factor (A) of 220.0 kJ/mol and 2.81 × 10(24)/s, respectively. ACAP also showed significant inhibitory activities on IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 gene expressions in cultured RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. These results suggested the potential utilization of ACAP in functional foods and dietary supplement products.

Dietary high-polyphenols extra-virgin olive oil is effective in reducing cholesterol content in eggs

BACKGROUND

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents an important food in Mediterranean diet due to its favorable effects on human and animal health derived from the consumption of polyphenols. We studied the effects of dietary EVOO differing in polyphenols levels on egg quality.

METHODS

A total of 150 laying hens were allotted into three groups over 10 weeks of the experimental period. The three diets were based on wheat-soybean meal with added oils at 2.5%. Hens were fed the following diets: (1) commercial diet containing sunflower oil (Control), (2) diet EVOO from Cima di Bitonto variety (low-polyphenols content; Low-P), and (3) diet EVOO from Coratina variety (high-polyphenols content; High-P). The performance of the hen, the qualitative traits of eggs, and the fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of egg-yolk were measured.

RESULTS

None of the egg productive parameters studied were influenced by dietary treatment, except for yolk color score that was enhanced in hens fed the both EVOO diets (P<0.05). Feeding high-polyphenols EVOO reduced serum cholesterol level in hens (P<0.01) and egg-yolk cholesterol levels (as per egg; P<0.05). The dietary supplementation of high-polyphenols EVOO raised the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) composition and increased the content of oleic and linolenic acids in egg-yolk. Moreover, the atherogenic index in egg-yolk decreased linearly in accordance with increasing levels of dietary polyphenols (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a diet for hens consisting of high-polyphenols level from extra-virgin olive oil can improve the fatty acid quality of egg-yolk while lowering the egg-yolk cholesterol level, which could be a beneficial functional food for human health.

Nutritional factors affecting abdominal fat deposition in poultry: a review

The major goals of the poultry industry are to increase the carcass yield and to reduce carcass fatness, mainly the abdominal fat pad. The increase in poultry meat consumption has guided the selection process toward fast-growing broilers with a reduced feed conversion ratio. Intensive selection has led to great improvements in economic traits such as body weight gain, feed efficiency, and breast yield to meet the demands of consumers, but modern commercial chickens exhibit excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen area. However, dietary composition and feeding strategies may offer practical and efficient solutions for reducing body fat deposition in modern poultry strains. Thus, the regulation of lipid metabolism to reduce the abdominal fat content based on dietary composition and feeding strategy, as well as elucidating their effects on the key enzymes associated with lipid metabolism, could facilitate the production of lean meat and help to understand the fat-lowering effects of diet and different feeding strategies.

Purification, characterisation and protective effects of polysaccharides from alfalfa on hepatocytes

The objective of this study was to determine the preliminary characteristics and protective effects of alfalfa polysaccharides (APS) on hepatocytes in vitro. The crude APS was purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography, resulting in the four purified fractions: APS-1, APS-2, APS-3 and APS-4. The results indicated that APS-3 had higher carbohydrate and uronic acid contents and that APS-4 had a more complicated monosaccharide composition compared to the other purified fractions. The average molecular weights of APS-1, APS-2, APS-3 and APS-4 were 48,536, 6,221, 66,559 and 13,076 Da, respectively. Furthermore, APS (crude and its purified fractions) restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased the total antioxidant capacity of hepatocytes subjected to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, APS treatment counteracted the increases in lactic dehydrogenase and malonaldehyde in the culture supernatant. These results clearly demonstrate that APS possesses a protective effect against oxidative injury in hepatocytes.

Digital gene-expression profiling analysis of the cholesterol-lowering effects of alfalfa saponin extract on laying hens

BACKGROUND

To prevent cardiovascular disease, people are advised to limit their intake of dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg/day. Egg consumption has been seriously reduced because of the high levels of cholesterol. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cholesterol-lowering effects of alfalfa saponin extract (ASE) in yolk and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects using digital gene-expression profiling analysis. Liver and ovary tissues were isolated from laying hens fed with ASE for RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The cholesterol content of the yolks of eggs from hens fed 120 mg/kg ASE declined considerably on day 60. Other groups (60, 240, 480 mg/kg ASE group) also showed decreases, but they were not significant. Digital gene expression generated over nine million reads per sample, producing expression data for least 12,384 genes. Among these genes, 110 genes showed greater than normal expression in the liver and 107 genes showed greater than normal expression in the ovary. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) and apolipoprotein H (Apoh), which act in the synthesis of bile acid and cholesterol efflux, showed more expression in the livers of hens given dietary ASE supplementation. In the ovary, levels of very low density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), apolipoprotein B (Apob), apovitellenin 1 (ApovldlII) and vitellogenin (VtgI, VtgII and VtgIII) in ovary decreased with dietary ASE supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Transcriptome analysis revealed that the molecular mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering effects of ASE were partially mediated by enhancement of cholesterol efflux in the liver and this reduced of cholesterol deposition in the ovary.

Effects of dietary supplementation of quercetin on performance, egg quality, cecal microflora populations, and antioxidant status in laying hens

Plant polyphenols, especially flavonoids, are of great interest due to their wide range of biological activities. Quercetin, a ubiquitous flavonoid, is known to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of quercetin on performance, egg quality, cecal microflora populations, and antioxidant status in laying hens. Two hundred forty 28-wk-old Hessian laying hens, with an average laying rate of lay 85% at the start, were randomly allotted to 4 treatments and fed 1 of 4 diets (negative control, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g of quercetin/kg of diet) for 8 wk. Layer performance responses, egg quality parameters, cecal microflora populations and antioxidant status were measured at the end of the experiment. Results showed that feed conversion decreased as the quercetin level increased. Laying rate had a quadratic correlation with the level of quercetin (P = 0.056) and was maximized by the supplementation level of 0.2 g/kg of diet. However, no significant quercetin effect was observed on egg quality. Regression analysis showed that the population of total aerobes and coliforms decreased and the population of Bifidobacteria increased as the level of quercetin increased. Regression analysis also showed the activities of Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase increased as the level of quercetin increased (P < 0.05). Results of the study suggest that the appropriate level of supplementation is 0.367 to 0.369 g of quercetin/kg of feed based on the improvement of laying rate (with 88.55 as maximum value) and feed conversion (with 2.0725 as minimum value). Our observations provided further evidence that dietary supplementation of quercetin improved performance by modulation of intestinal environment and liver superoxide dismutase content in laying hens. Quercetin has the potential as functional feed additive in animal production.

Effects of alfalfa meal on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing ducks

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alfalfa meal diets on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing egg-type ducks. A total of 128 healthy 7-week-old female egg-type Shaoxing ducks were selected and randomly assigned into four dietary treatments: 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal for 8 weeks. Each treatment consisted of four replicates of eight ducks each. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was used to characterize the microbiota. The results showed that the DGGE fingerprints of the V6-V8 fragments of the 16S rRNA from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal had significantly higher microbiota species richness than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). The Shannon-Weiner index of the microbiota from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal was significantly higher than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). Molecular analysis of the caecal and faecal DNA extracts showed that the alfalfa meal diet promotes the intestinal microbial diversity, as indicated by their higher species richness and Shannon-Weiner index. However, the groups did not significantly differ in terms of average daily gain, feed intake and gain-to-feed ratio (p > 0.05), and the 3-9% alfalfa meal did not affect the growth performance of the growing egg-type ducks. The proliferation of T and B lymphocytes was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the groups supplemented with 3%, 6% and 9% of alfalfa meal than the unsupplemented control group, and alfalfa meal promoted the lymphocytes proliferation of the growing egg-type ducks. Dietary alfalfa meal supplementation increases intestinal microbial community diversity and improves of the immune response growing egg-type ducks.

Optimization of enzyme-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from alfalfa and its antioxidant activity

In this present study, an efficient complex enzyme-assisted extraction technology was developed and optimized to extract polysaccharides from alfalfa using four factors at five levels central composite rotatable response surface design (CCRD). The experimental data was fitted to a second order polynomial equation with high coefficient of determination values (R(2)>0.95). The results of statistical analysis showed that the linear and quadratic terms of these four variables had significant effects (P<0.05) on the yield of polysaccharides from alfalfa. The optimum conditions were as follows: enzyme concentration of 2.5%, 2.0%, 3.0% (weight of alfalfa) of cellulase, papain and pectase, extraction temperature 52.7 °C, extraction pH 3.87, ratio of water to raw material 78.92 mL/g and extraction time 2.73 h. Under the optimal conditions, the experimental extraction yield of alfalfa polysaccharides was 5.05 ± 0.02%, which was well matched with the value (5.09%) predicted by the CCRD model. Moreover, evaluation of the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from alfalfa in vitro suggested that the polysaccharides had good antioxidant effect, especially scavenging activity for hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical, which indicated that the polysaccharides from alfalfa may be explored as a novel natural antioxidant.