Effect of vitamins, protein level and probiotics on immune response of moulted male broiler breeders

Abdelrahman S, Chandrasekaran A. Live performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response and fecal microbial load modulation in Japanese quails fed a Bacillus-based probiotic alone or combination with xylanase

Animal industry seeks cost-effective solutions to enhance performance and health of domestic animals. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Bacillus spp. probiotics and xylanase on 2000 one-day-old Japanese quails, randomly assigned to four treatment groups (10 replicates). The control group received no supplementation, while the others were supplemented with a Bacillus-based probiotic at 7.5 × 107 cfu/kg of feed, xylanase enzyme (2,000 U/kg) alone or in combination. Quails receiving both probiotic and enzyme exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher weekly and overall weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the control group. Dressing percentage was higher (p < 0.01), and mortality lower in birds supplemented with a combination of enzyme and probiotic. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal disease were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in quails receiving combined probiotic and enzyme supplementation, while titres against Newcastle disease virus were higher (p < 0.01) in groups supplemented with probiotic and enzyme individually or in combination. Additionally, digestibility was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in groups receiving combined enzyme and probiotic supplementation, with higher apparent metabolizable energy compared to the control. The populations of beneficial Lactobacillus increased, while harmful E. coli and Salmonella decreased significantly in quails supplemented with both probiotic and enzyme. In conclusion, supplementing xylanase enzyme and probiotic together in Japanese quails positively influenced growth, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and cecal microbiota.

Enhancing laying performance and immunity via probiotic and vitamin additives during induced molting

Introduction

Molting is induced in commercial laying hens to rejuvenate the reproductive system and increase egg production. However, this process causes stress and reduces bird health and performance.

Methods

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of multi probiotics and vitamin additives on induced molting in 240 ISA Brown hens. Hens were randomly divided into four groups receiving probiotic and vitamin additives (I-IV) during different period of molting. During the whole molting process, the laying performance indexes such as egg laying rate, egg quality, ovary weight and oviduct lengths were measured, and the spleen index, serum immunoglobulin, immune response of NDV and AIV vaccine were monitored.

Results

Molted hens resumed 50% egg production in just 37 days, with 1.62% mortality. Egg quality such as egg weight, yolk color, Haugh unit, eggshell strength and protein height were significantly improved. After the second production peak, the reproductive organs and immune organs returned to normal, and the immune antibody titer of NDV vaccine increased significantly.

Discussion

Molting with probiotic and vitamin additives improve the laying performance and egg quality, reduce mortality, significantly improve immune function and vaccine titer, and help to enhance disease resistance and maintain production performance of aged laying hens.

Blood hematology and biochemical of four laying hen strains exposed to acute heat stress

This study is aimed at defining physiological responses to heat stress (HS) in four different lines to better understand the underlying mechanisms of various responses in these genotypes when exposed to heat for a short period. At the age of 30 weeks, 176 laying hens (44 each from the Fayoumi, Golden Sabahia, White Leghorn, and Lohman Brown) were allotted to 2 groups (thermoneutral temperature (26.0 ± 1 °C) and HS (35 ± 1 °C) with relative humidity 55 ± 5% for 6 h/day). Blood samples were collected after 6 h of heat. According to the findings of this study, acute HS increased the concentration of LH in hens by 20.2% while decreasing the concentration of FSH by 4.24. Genotype was found to have a significant effect on blood hematology and most blood biochemical. Significant differences were found between heat stress and genotype in most of the blood parameters. Golden sabahia laying hens had significantly higher WBC, IgY, and LH levels than other groups under HS. The findings of the current study suggested that Lohman Brown was less tolerant to acute HS than another genotype.

Prospects of organic acids as safe alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens diet

Genetically, modern broilers are fast-growing birds which attain the market age at the age of 5 weeks. To maintain optimum production, antibiotics have been commonly included in the diets as growth promoters. However, due to the increase in antimicrobial resistance, their uses have been banned worldwide. To keep the optimum level of production and health in broiler industry, the use of alternative growth promoters such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and organic acids has been proposed. Chemically, organic acids are weak acids and only partially dissociate. They are considered safe and have been used for preservation of food for centuries. Nowadays, organic acids have been reported for antibacterial, immune potentiating, and growth promoters in broilers. In this review, the effects of dietary inclusion of organic acids on growth, nutrient digestibility, intestinal integrity, immune system, and antibacterial activity in broilers are discussed.

Perspective, Opportunities and Challenges in Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in Poultry Health and Production as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review

Following the European Union’s restriction on antibiotic growth promoters, research on enhancing gut health has been accelerated. As the poultry industry is facing issues that were previously managed by antimicrobial growth promoters, the hunt for the best remedies continues to find suitable alternatives. Simultaneously, social pressure is mounting to reduce the usage of antibiotics and replace them with other feed additives. Consumers believe a number of accessible options to be safe, with phytogenics playing a crucial role. This review describes how the use of fennel seeds could be beneficial for poultry. An overview of the broad chemical diversity of fennel is presented together with their physicochemical and biological properties. According to investigations, fennel seeds have a variety of biological effects in birds, including improved performance, higher immune cell proliferation, reduced oxidative stress, and boosted antibody titers against infectious diseases. The efficacy of poultry outcomes is determined by the stage and age of the plants, the extraction process, the geographical location, the chicken species, management techniques, and the concentrations administered. The present review focuses on the effects of fennel seeds as a feed additive on poultry growth, carcass quality, blood biochemistry, antioxidant activity, immunity, and microbiological aspects.

Centennial Review: Effects of vitamins A, D, E, and C on the chicken immune system

Vitamins are nutritional elements which are necessary for essential activities such as development, growth, and metabolism of cells. In addition to these conventional functions, vitamins A, D, E, and C have vital roles in normal function of the immune system as their deficiency is known to impair innate and adaptive host responses. By altering transcription of multiple immune system genes and contributing to antioxidant activities, these vitamins influence the immune system in different ways including modulation of cell-mediated and antibody-mediated responses, immunoregulation, and antiinflammatory effects. Furthermore, supplementation of these vitamins to poultry may assist the immune system to combat microbial pathogens while reducing detrimental effects associated with stress and enhancing responses to vaccines. In this article, the relationship between the chicken immune system and vitamins A, D, E, and C is reviewed, and evidence from the literature pertaining to how these vitamins exert their antiinflammatory, regulatory, and antimicrobial effects is discussed.

Comparative effects of zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticle as feed additives on growth, feed choice test, tissue residues, and histopathological changes in broiler chickens

Zinc is an essential nutritional trace mineral required for growth and health. The aim of the current work is to compare the effects of bulk zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the growth performance, feeding behavior, and zinc residues in tissues with the associated histopathological alterations in chicken. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activity against the isolated E. coli O78 strain was evaluated. Ninety Hubbard one-day-aged broiler chicks were divided into 3 groups, 30 each: birds of the 1st group fed a basal ration, those of the 2nd group fed a ration containing zinc oxide at a dose of 3000 mg/kg diet, and chicks of the 3rd group are given a ration containing ZnO-NPs at a dose of 90 mg/kg diet from 2 to 20 days age. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Feed choice test was done at the 3rd week of age on another 12 birds. Results revealed that birds fed with ZnO-NPs showed an improvement in body weight compared with the zinc oxide-administered group. There was no reluctance from birds to both diets supplemented with either zinc oxide or ZnO-NPs, with a constant preference to ZnO-NPs diet throughout the 5-min test. The highest levels of zinc were detected in the livers, kidneys, lungs, and muscles in the 1st day following cessation of drug administration. There was no significant effect on the levels of creatinine, uric acid, AST, and ALT. Mild to moderate degenerative changes as well as necrosis could be detected in the livers and hearts following both treatments. In conclusion, nano-zinc oxide could be practically used in broiler feed at a dose of 90 mg/kg diet instead of bulk zinc oxide, at a dose of 3000 mg/kg diet, with an improved body weight. Both supplements caused no significant effects on serum parameters and had the same antibacterial activity against E. coli O78.

Impact of Reduced Dietary Crude Protein in the Starter Phase on Immune Development and Response of Broilers Throughout the Growth Period

Crude protein (CP) levels in commercial broiler (Gallus gallus) diets, optimized for maximum yield production vs. feed cost, have only begun to be assessed for impact on immune function. In order to study immune effects of dietary CP levels, different starter phase (day 1–14) diets were fed to 230 Ross 708 male broiler chicks randomly assigned at 1 day of age into two treatment groups. Group 1: Standard diet (STD) contained 3,000 kcal AMEn/kg energy and 23.78% CP; and Group 2: Reduced crude protein diet (RCP) contained 3,000 kcal AMEn/kg energy and 21.23% CP. From day 15–35 a common standard grower/finisher diet (3,150 kcal AMEn/kg energy and 22.18% CP) was allocated to both groups. Zymosan, a glycan derived from yeast cell walls that binds to TLR 2 and Dectin-1, was used for intra-abdominal challenge. Results demonstrated that a reduced crude protein starter diet (21.23 vs. 23.78% CP) between age 1–14, while maintaining the same levels of metabolizable energy and essential amino acids, did not affect broilers growth performance or lymphoid organ weights (P > 0.05). Interestingly, basal leukocyte levels in the RCP group significantly (P < 0.01) increased in the blood compartment at d35 in the unchallenged birds. Significant enhancements to leukocyte infiltration into the abdominal cavity were also detected post-immune challenge with zymosan (day 14 and day 35; P < 0.01). Post-challenge levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and CXCL8 gene expression cells collected from the abdominal cavity were not affected by the diets (P > 0.05). Moreover, dietary treatments did not influence percentage of ROS producing cells in the abdominal cavity (P > 0.05). To our best knowledge, this is the first study that reports the impacts of reduced crude protein diet on the innate immune response of poultry to an acute inflammation model in the abdominal cavity. Overall, our results highlight that reduced crude protein diets can be used without negatively impacting broiler performance and may enhance the capacity of broilers to recruit leukocytes upon infection.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc and Multi-Microbe Probiotic on Growth Traits and Alteration of Intestinal Architecture in Broiler

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc (Zn) and a probiotic on the growth and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One hundred ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 groups. The birds were supplemented with Zn (30 and 60 mg/kg) and a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn. The results revealed that the broilers receiving a probiotic mixture alone or in combination with Zn (30 and 60 mg) increased (P < 0.05) final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and total goblet cell count in duodenum compared with the control group. Morphometry of the duodenum also revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH and crypt depth in all the supplemented groups, whereas ileal VH increased (P < 0.05) only in Zn60 group when compared with control. Based on our results, we concluded that compared to the individual supplementation, the combined effect of Zn and probiotic mixture was superior in improving the growth performance and histomorphology of the intestine; however, the effect of two levels of Zn did not vary when combined with probiotic.

Influence of Pichia pastoris X-33 produced in industrial residues on productive performance, egg quality, immunity, and intestinal morphometry in quails

This study was conducted in quails to evaluate the probiotic potential of Pichia pastoris X-33, cultivated in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with biodiesel glycerol or in standard medium Yeast Extract–Peptone–Dextrose (YPD). Forty-days-old female quails were divided into three treatments: T1 (Control) received a basal diet without P. pastoris; T2 (Pichia Effluent) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris grown in parboiled rice effluent and biodiesel glycerol, and T3 (Pichia YPD) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris produced in YPD. The birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease (NDV), Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IBV), and Gumboro Disease on days 1 and 28. The following parameters were analyzed: performance, egg quality, humoral immune response to the vaccines, organ weight, and intestinal morphometry. P. pastoris grown in YPD increased egg weight (p < 0.05). The lowest liver weight on day 14 was obtained in Pichia Effluent, whereas both P. pastoris supplemented groups had the lowest duodenum weights on day 14. Besides that, livers and duodenums presented no morphological changes in any of the three treatments. Supplementation of P. pastoris modulated the immune system of the birds, increasing anti-IBV, anti-NDV, and anti-Gumboro antibodies levels compared to the Control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quail’s immune response was improved by Pichia pastoris X-33, either it was grown in YPD or industrial residues, and the egg weight increased with Pichia pastoris X-33 grown in YPD, thereby demonstrating to be a promising probiotic for poultry.

Supplementing dietary rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) powder and vitamin E in broiler chickens: evaluation of humoral immune response, lymphoid organs, and blood proteins

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) powder (RP) and vitamin E (VE) at different levels on humoral immunity of broilers during a 42-day production cycle. A total of 270 1-day-old male chicks were assigned to nine groups with three replicates of ten birds each, and diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5, or 1.0% RP and 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg VE, respectively. Commercial-inactivated vaccines against avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses, and living infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccine were administered by spray method. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were administered subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected from birds 1 week after each vaccination to determine antibody titers. At the 42nd day, blood samples were also assessed for globulin level, and lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen, and bursa) were weighed. Neither antibody titers against viruses nor lymphoid tissues weight were affected by RP and/or VE (P > 0.05) treatments. However, broilers supplemented with 0 mg/kg of VE had lower antibody titers against SRBC than those fed 100 mg/kg of VE (P < 0.05) at the 24th day. A significant RP × VE interaction effect (P < 0.05) on plasma globulin level was observed. The findings of our study suggest that dietary RP and VE additives can interact and modulate the humoral immunity of broilers, but not sufficiently to improve antibody titers against specific virus during a 42-day production cycle.

The effect of vitamin E, L-carnitine, and ginger on production traits, immune response, and antioxidant status in two broiler strains exposed to chronic heat stress

The present study was designed to find the effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on the performance of two broiler strains under high ambient temperature. A total of 320 day-old chicks of Hubbard and Cobb were reared for a period for 21 days under the same nutritional and management systems. On day 21 onward, one subgroup was kept as control while other subgroups were provided with vitamin E (250 mg/kg), ginger (2 g/kg), and L-carnitine (500 mg/kg) in basal diets. Body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P < 0.05) high in vitamin E-supplemented birds, while feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in L-carnitine supplemented birds irrespective of the strain. Antibody titer against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and paraoxonase (PON1) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in vitamin E-supplemented birds compared to the other treatments. The number of heterophils and toal oxidant status (TOS) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in vitamin E-supplemented birds. Blood glucose was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in vitamin E-supplemented birds, while total protein was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in vitamin E-supplemented group. In conclusion, the supplementation of vitamin E at the rate of 250 mg/kg improved the antioxidant status and immune response in the two broiler strains. Further, the two strains perform similarly in terms of performance and other health status parameters with no significant difference.

Concurrent supplementation of arginine and antioxidant vitamins E and C reduces oxidative stress in broiler chickens after a challenge withEimeriaspp

Dominguez P.A., Pro-Martinez, A., Narciso-Gaytán, C., Hernández-Cázares, A., Sosa-Montes, E., Perez-Hernandez, P., Caldwell, D. and Ruiz-Feria, C. A. 2015. Concurrent supplementation of arginine and antioxidant vitamins E and C reduces oxidative stress in broiler chickens after a challenge with Eimeria spp. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 143–153. Oxidation is a major problem associated with pathogen damage in animals. One-day-old mixed-sex broiler chicks (Cobb 500; n=624) were randomly assigned to one of six treatments: a basal diet [CTL; 40 mg of vitamin E (VE) kg−1of feed and 1.5% Arginine (Arg)] or the basal diet plus Arg (ARG; 0.3%), Arg+VE (AVE; 0.3% and 40 mg kg−1respectively), Arg+vitamin C (VC) (AVC; 0.3% and 1 g kg−1respectively), VE+VC (VEC; 40 mg+1 g kg−1respectively), or Arg+VE+VC (AVEC; 0.3%+40 mg+1 g kg−1respectively). At day 14, all birds were orally challenged with 100× the normal dose of Advent®coccidiosis vaccine (450 000 oocysts). Intestinal lesion scores (LS) in duodenum, jejunum and ceca were recorded, along with relative immune system organ weights at day 23. Plasma samples were taken before (2 h) and after challenge (12, 24 and 48 h) to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx). Birds fed the VEC diet were heavier at 7 d (P<0.05) than birds fed the AVE diet. CTL birds had heavier (P<0.05) bursas than AVC birds; no differences among treatments for spleen and thymus were found. The jejunum LS was lower in the AVC and VEC birds than in CTL birds, whereas ceca LS was highest in AVE birds, and the duodenum LS was not affected by treatment. Birds fed the AVEC diet had the lowest MDA levels before challenge, but higher levels of MDA than birds fed the CTL, ARG or AVE 12 h after challenge. Before challenge ARG birds had higher (P<0.05) NO levels than AVEC-fed birds, but 12 h after challenge birds fed the CTL, ARG or AVE diet had lower NO levels than birds fed the AVC, VEC or AVEC diet. Before challenge AVEC-fed birds had higher (P<0.001) GPx activity than CTL, ARG and AVE birds, but after 12, 24 and 48 h VEC birds showed higher GPx activity than CTL, ARG- and AVE-fed birds. Although Arg, VE and VC, modulated oxidative stress during coccidiosis challenge, the effects were not sufficient to affect performance relative to the control diet.