Dietary mulberry leaf powder affects growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality in finishing pigs

Maternal supplementation with mulberry-leaf flavonoids improves the development of skeletal muscle in the offspring of chickens

The development of skeletal muscle is a crucial factor in determining the meat yield and economic benefits of broiler production. Recent research has shown that mulberry leaves and their extracts can be used to significantly improve the growth performance of livestock and poultry. The present study aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in broiler offspring by dietary mulberry-leaf flavonoids (MLF) supplementation from the perspective of maternal effect theory. A total of 270 Qiling broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned to 3 treatments with different doses of MLF (0, 30, 60 mg/kg) for 8 weeks before collecting their fertilized eggs. The chicken offspring at 13 and 19 d of embryonic stage, and from 1 to 28 d old after hatching were included in this study. The results showed that maternal supplementation increased the breast muscle weight and body weight of the offspring at the embryo and chick stages (P < 0.05). This was followed by increased cross-sectional area of pectoral muscle fibres at 14 d (P < 0.05). Further determination revealed a tendency towards increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (P = 0.092) and muscle fibre count (P = 0.167) at 1 d post-hatching following maternal MLF treatment, while serum uric acid (UA) was decreased at 14 d after hatching (P < 0.05). Moreover, maternal MLF supplementation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the myogenic regulatory factor Myf5 in skeletal muscle at the both embryonic and growth stages (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of the downstream protein of BMPR2, Smad1 and p-Smad1/5/9 in the TGFβ signalling pathway was significantly increased by maternal MLF treatment. Meanwhile, the increased expression of the target protein p-mTOR in the breast muscle of the offspring chicks is in accordance with the improved growth rate of the breast and the body. In conclusion, maternal MLF supplementation can promote muscle protein metabolism and muscle fibre development of chick embryos through upregulation of Myf5 expression and BMP/p-Smad1/5/9 axis, thereby improving growth performance of slow growing broiler.

Effects of dietary mulberry leaves on growth, production performance, gut microbiota, and immunological parameters in poultry and livestock: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary mulberry leaves on the growth, production performance, gut microbiota, and immunological parameters of poultry and livestock.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were systematically analyzed to identify pertinent studies up to December 2022. The effects of mulberry leaf diet was assessed using the weighted mean difference, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 18 studies that sampled 2,335 poultry and livestock were selected for analysis. Mulberry leaves improved the average daily gain and reduced the feed/meat ratio in finishing pigs, and the average daily gain and average daily feed intake in chicken. In production performance, mulberry leaves lowered the half carcass weight, slaughter rate, and loin eye area in pigs, and the slaughter rate in chickens. Regarding meat quality in pigs, mulberry leaves reduced the cooked meat percentage, shear force, crude protein, and crude ash, and increased the 24 h pH and water content. In chickens, it increased the drip loss, shear force, 45 min and 24 h pH, crude protein, and crude ash. Mulberry leaves also affect the abundances of gut microbiota, including Bacteroides, Prevotella, Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella, Butyricicoccus, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli in poultry and livestock. Mulberry leaves at different doses were associated with changes in antioxidant capacity in chickens, and immune organ indexes in pigs. With respect to egg quality, mulberry leaves at different doses improved the shell strength, yolk color, eggshell thickness, and eggshell weight. However, moderate doses diminished the egg yolk ratio and the egg yolk moisture content.

CONCLUSION

In general, dietary mulberry leaves improved the growth, production performance, and immunological parameters in poultry and livestock, although the effects varied at different doses.

Mulberry Leaf Dietary Supplementation Can Improve the Lipo-Nutritional Quality of Pork and Regulate Gut Microbiota in Pigs: A Comprehensive Multi-Omics Analysis

Mulberry leaves, a common traditional Chinese medicine, represent a potential nutritional strategy to improve the fat profile, also known as the lipo-nutrition, of pork. However, the effects of mulberry leaves on pork lipo-nutrition and the microorganisms and metabolites in the porcine gut remain unclear. In this study, multi-omics analysis was employed in a Yuxi black pig animal model to explore the possible regulatory mechanism of mulberry leaves on pork quality. Sixty Yuxi black pigs were divided into two groups: the control group (n = 15) was fed a standard diet, and the experimental group (n = 45) was fed a diet supplemented with 8% mulberry leaves. Experiments were performed in three replicates (n = 15 per replicate); the two diets were ensured to be nutritionally balanced, and the feeding period was 120 days. The results showed that pigs receiving the diet supplemented with mulberry leaves had significantly reduced backfat thickness (p < 0.05) and increased intramuscular fat (IMF) content (p < 0.05) compared with pigs receiving the standard diet. Lipidomics analysis showed that mulberry leaves improved the lipid profile composition and increased the proportion of triglycerides (TGs). Interestingly, the IMF content was positively correlated with acyl C18:2 and negatively correlated with C18:1 of differential TGs. In addition, the cecal microbiological analysis showed that mulberry leaves could increase the abundance of bacteria such as UCG-005, Muribaculaceae_norank, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Limosilactobacillus. Simultaneously, the relative levels of L-tyrosine-ethyl ester, oleic acid methyl ester, 21-deoxycortisol, N-acetyldihydrosphingosine, and mulberrin were increased. Furthermore, we found that mulberry leaf supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ in muscle (p < 0.01). Mulberry leaf supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (p < 0.05) while significantly decreasing the expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase in backfat (p < 0.05). Furthermore, mulberry leaf supplementation significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (p < 0.05) in backfat. In addition, mulberry leaf supplementation led to increased serum leptin and adiponectin (p < 0.01). Collectively, this omic profile is consistent with an increased ratio of IMF to backfat in the pig model.

Flavonoids from mulberry leaves inhibit fat production and improve fatty acid distribution in adipose tissue in finishing pigs

This study evaluated the effects of flavonoids from mulberry leaves (FML) on plasma biochemical indices, serum activities of lipid metabolism-related enzymes, fat morphology, fatty acid composition, and lipid metabolism in different adipose tissues of finishing pigs. We used 120 Chinese hybrid barrows of Berkshire and Bama mini-pigs with an average initial body weight of 45.11 ± 4.23 kg. The pigs were randomly assigned to five treatment groups and fed a control diet based on corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran or a control diet supplemented with 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.08%, or 0.16% FML. Each experimental group had six replicates (pens), with four pigs per pen. After a 7-d adaptation period, the feeding trial was conducted for 58 d. Blood and adipose tissue samples were collected from 30 pigs (one pig per pen) at the end of the test. The results showed that FML supplementation significantly decreased the feed intake to body gain ratio, the plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and free fatty acids, and the serum activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (linear or quadratic effects, P < 0.05), and decreased the plasma triglyceride concentration (quadratic, P = 0.07). Increasing FML supplementation increased the average daily gain and serum activities of lipoprotein lipase (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.05) and adipose triglyceride lipase (linear, P < 0.05). Dietary FML supplementation decreased the adipocyte area in the dorsal subcutaneous adipose (DSA) tissue of finishing pigs (linear, P = 0.05) and increased the adipocyte area in the visceral adipose tissue (quadratic, P < 0.01). Increasing FML supplementation decreased the C20:1 content in DSA, abdominal subcutaneous adipose, and visceral adipose tissues of finishing pigs (P < 0.05) and increased the C18:3n3 and n-3 PUFA contents (P < 0.05). The lipid metabolism genes were regulated by the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 signaling pathway, and their expressions differed in different adipose tissues. These findings suggest that FML improved growth performance, regulated lipid metabolism, inhibited fat production, and improved fatty acid distribution in the adipose tissue of finishing pigs, thereby improving pig fat's nutritional quality and health value.

Dietary Morus alba L. leaf supplementation improves hepatic lipid accumulation of laying hens via downregulating CircACACA

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is the most common metabolic disease in laying hens. Morus alba L. (mulberry) leaf has the effect of regulating lipid metabolism. We evaluated the effects of dietary 3% mulberry leaf (MUL) supplementation in production performance, egg quality, and liver lipid deposition in laying hens. Differentially expressed genes and circRNAs in the liver were identified using whole-transcriptome sequencing. We also evaluated the effects of the MUL extract using an in vitro model of primary hepatocytes induced by free fatty acids and explored the role of key circRNAs in this process. Dietary supplementation with 3% MUL alleviated liver steatosis in laying hens, as shown by decreased fatty liver color score, relative liver weight (P < 0.01), and triglyceride levels (P < 0.05), and showed a tendency to reduce the mortality rate of laying hens (P = 0.09). In addition, mulberry leaf supplementation significantly reduced cholesterol content in egg yolk (P < 0.01). Dietary mulberry leaf supplementation downregulated the expression of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis, and upregulated the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in the liver. CircACACA, which is derived from exons 2 and 3 of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA) pre-mRNA, was significantly reduced in the MUL group (P < 0.01). Upregulation of circACACA expression reversed the lipid-lowering effect of mulberry leaf extract by upregulating sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1 c (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) (P < 0.05). Overall, mulberry leaf is an effective therapeutic strategy for FLHS in hens and can improve liver lipid metabolism by downregulating circACACA.

Genetic- and Fiber-Diet-Mediated Changes in Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Pig Colon Contents and Feces and Their Driving Factors

Comprehensive studies on the effects of genetics and fiber diets on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remain scarce. In this study, we analyzed the profiles of ARGs in colonic contents and fecal samples of Taoyuan, Duroc, and Xiangcun pigs (n = 10) fed at different fiber levels. Through macrogenomic analysis, we identified a total of 850 unique types of ARGs and classified them into 111 drug resistance classes. The abundance of partially drug-resistant ARGs was higher in the colonic contents of local pig breeds under a large-scale farming model. ARGs were found to be widely distributed among a variety of bacteria, predominantly in the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Fiber diets reduce the abundance of ARGs in colonic contents and feces, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are important drivers in mediating the effect of fiber diets on the abundance of ARGs. In vitro fermentation experiments confirmed that butyric acid significantly reduced the abundance of ARGs. In summary, the results of this study enhanced our understanding of the distribution and composition of ARGs in the colon of different breeds of pigs and revealed that a fiber diet can reduce ARGs in feces through its Butyric acid, providing reference data for environmental safety.

Mulberry leaf extract improves intestinal barrier function and displays beneficial effects on colonic microbiota and microbial metabolism in weaned piglets

BACKGROUND

Mulberry leaf extract (MLE) extracted from mulberry leaves is rich in a variety of bioactive ingredients and can be used as feed additives of weaned piglets. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary MLE supplementation on intestinal barrier function, colon microbial numbers and microbial metabolites of weaned piglets.

RESULTS

MLE supplementation increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio in jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), increased the mRNA expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1 and MUC-2 in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05), and decreased the serum level of lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, MLE reduced the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β (P < 0.05) and increased secretory immunoglobulin A level in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). In addition, MLE increased the numbers of beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05) and decreased the number of potential pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (P < 0.05) in the colon. Correspondingly, MLE supplementation reduced the pH value of colonic digesta (P < 0.05) and altered the microbial fermentation pattern of the colon by increasing the concentrations of microbial metabolites derived from carbohydrates fermentation such as lactate, acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (P < 0.05), and decreasing the concentrations of microbial metabolites derived from amino acid fermentation such as p-cresol, skatole, spermine, histamine and tryptamine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MLE supplementation improved intestinal barrier function and displayed beneficial effects on colon microbes and microbial metabolism in weaned piglets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective Application of Morus and Its Extracts in Animal Production

Different components of the mulberry tree (fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots) are rich in active compounds, and have been reported to possess potent beneficial properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergenic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective. The mulberry and its extracts can effectively improve the growth performance and fitness of animals. They not only possess the properties of being safe and purely natural, but also they are not prone to drug resistance. According to the literature, the supplemental level of the mulberry and its extracts in animal diets varies with different species, physiological status, age, and the purpose of the addition. It has been observed that the mulberry and its extracts enhanced the growth performance, the quality of animal products (meat, egg, and milk), the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory responses of animals. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have antibacterial properties and can effectively moderate the relative abundance of the microbial populations in the rumen and intestines, thus improving the immunity function of animals and reducing the enteric methane (CH₄) production in ruminants. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have the potential to depurate tissues of heavy metals. Collectively, this review summarizes the nutrients, active compounds, and biological functions of mulberry tree products, as well as the application in livestock production with an aim to provide a reference for the utilization of the mulberry and its extracts in animal production.

Effect of Mulberry Leaf TMR on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Expression of Meat Quality Master Genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in Crossbred Black Goats

This study was conducted to examine the effect of a mulberry leaf total mixed ration (TMR) diet on growth performance, apparent digestibility, meat quality and the expression of related meat-quality genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats. Forty-four Guizhou crossbred black goats (Nubian black goat ♂ × Guizhou black goat ♀), weighing 33.43 ± 0.55 kg, were chosen. The goats were randomly divided into four groups, with 11 test replicates in each group. Group I was the control group and fed with the traditional feeding method of roughage and concentrate supplement without adding mulberry leaf. Group II was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf pellet TMR diet. Group III was fed with a freshly processed 40% mulberry leaf TMR diet. Group IV was fed with a 40% mulberry leaf fermented total mixed rations (FTMR) diet. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of group II was significantly higher than that of group I and III (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of group II of ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05), and the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.01). Compared with group I, meat in group II had lower meat color lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values (p < 0.01) in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The shear force of group II was significantly lower than that of group I (p < 0.05). The total fatty acids (TFA) of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I and III (p < 0.05), but the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) of group II was significantly lower that than of group I (p < 0.01). Subsequently, the Unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of group II were significantly higher than those in group I (p < 0.01). The contents of total amino acids (TAA), total essential amino acids (EAA), total non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and total of major fresh-tasting amino acids (DAA) of groups II, III and IV were significantly higher than those of group I (p < 0.05), as well as the contents of IMP (p < 0.01). The expression of the H-FABP gene in the arm triceps of group II was significantly higher than that of groups I, III and IV (p < 0.05). The expression of the ADSL gene in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris of group II was significantly higher than that of group I (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the current study indicated that the mulberry leaf TMR diet improved the growth performance, apparent digestibility and expression of related meat-quality master genes (ADSL, H-FABP) in crossbred black goats, which promoted the deposition of intramuscular fat (IMF) and inosinic acid (IMP) and improved the composition of fatty acids and amino acids in the muscles.

Effect of the Replacement of Maize Silage and Soyabean Meal with Mulberry Silage in the Diet of Hu Lambs on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Slaughter Performance, and Meat Quality

Maize silage has a high demand for fertilizer and water. As an unconventional feed resource, mulberry silage has the potential to replace most maize silage and to alleviate the shortage of roughage in the mutton sheep industry in China. The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of the replacement of maize silage and soyabean meal with mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, slaughter performance, and meat quality. Ninety-six healthy Hu lambs were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group and four lambs per replicate. The amounts of 0, 20, 40, and 60% of maize silage were replaced by mulberry silage in each group (denoted as CON, L, M, and H, respectively). The results showed that replacing maize silage with mulberry silage had no significant effect on the growth performance or the slaughter performance of Hu lambs (p > 0.05). Feeding Hu lambs with mulberry silage significantly reduced serum glucose (GLU) and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content (p < 0.05), and it increased the content of ether extract (EE) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of EAA in the M and H groups was significantly lower than that in the CON and L groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in the fatty acid profile, the percentage of C16:1 in the M group was significantly increased, while the percentage of C18:0 and C20:0 were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, it was recommended that 20−40% of maize silage be replaced by mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs.

Effect of Mulberry Leaf Powder of Varying Levels on Growth Performance, Immuno-Antioxidant Status, Meat Quality and Intestinal Health in Finishing Pigs

Background: The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of mulberry leaf powder (MP) of varying levels on growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status, meat quality and intestinal health. A total of 120 healthy finishing pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], 72.2 ± 4.8 kg) were selected for this experiment and divided into four treatments, according to randomized complete block design, with three replicates of 10 pigs each (barrow:gilt = 1:1). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) Ctrl, corn-soybean meal basal diet; (2) MP_6: basal diet with 6% MP. (3) MP_9: basal diet with 9% MP; (4) MP_12, basal diet with 12% MP. The whole experiment lasted for 33 days. Results: Compared to the Ctrl, dietary supplementation of 9% MP had no negative effects on growth performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and inflammatory factors, carcass trait, the lipid profile and amino acid of muscle or related mRNA expression. MP_6 and MP_12 showed detrimental effects on average daily gain (p < 0.05) and digestibility (p < 0.05) of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy. Furthermore, MP_9 could improve (p < 0.05) the level of serum immunoglobulin M, enhance (p < 0.05) the a*24h of meat, up-regulate (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of occludin and Mucin-2, increase (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and decrease (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Campylobacter in the hindgut. Conclusion: Summarizing our study, dietary supplementation of 9% MP had no negative effects on growth performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and inflammatory factors, carcass trait, the lipid profile and amino acid of muscle, or related mRNA expression. Furthermore, MP_9 could improve serum immunity, enhance meat quality, up-regulate the mRNA expression related to the mechanical and chemical barriers and enrich the beneficial microbiota of the hindgut. Hence, dietary supplementation of 9% MP in finishing pigs may be advisable.

Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review

Medicinal plants from the family Moraceae have diverse applications in agriculture, cosmetics, food, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their extensive spectrum of pharmacological activity for treating numerous inflammatory illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems reflects their biological and therapeutic value. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms related to the biological implications of mulberry extracts, fractions, and isolated bioactive compounds from different parts in various health-related ailments. Additionally, the food industry and animal nutrition applications are summarized. Phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins are found in this medicinal plant. The aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, as well as bioactive compounds, have anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immune-modulatory, cardioprotective, and skin protecting activities. Mulberry supplementation in food products improves the stability of phenolics, sensory properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Mulberry leaves in animal feed increase the nutrient digestibility, growth parameters, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological activities of the mulberry and isolated constituents in various health conditions. In addition, the food uses such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, and physicochemical properties were discussed. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed mulberry as a significant protein source and its flavonoids as potential animal foliage.

The Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Mulberry Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Tibetan Pigs

This research was conducted to study the effects of dietary inclusion of mulberry leaf powder (MLP) on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant activity, and carcass traits of Tibetan pigs. Eighteen Tibetan pigs (33.8 ± 1.1 kg) were assigned to two treatment groups randomly and received either the control diet (CON) or a basal diet containing 8% MLP (MLP) for two months. After the two-month feeding trial, the MLP group showed lower backfat thickness while a higher lean percentage. Compared with CON pigs, MLP pigs had higher serum CAT activity. In addition, dietary MLP supplementation significantly decreased the muscle shear force. Muscle fiber morphology analysis showed that MLP pigs had larger muscle fiber density while smaller muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Up-regulated gene expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC)IIa was also observed in MLP pigs. These results indicate that the enhanced antioxidant activity and altered muscle fiber type and morphology appeared to contribute to the improvement of meat quality in Tibetan pigs fed diets containing MLP.

Influence of dietary fermented Folium mori on growing performance, lipometabolism and disease resistance of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

Folium mori, as a plant unconventional feedstuff, are comparatively available due to cost-effectiveness, whereas their usage as aquafeed in pure form is restricted owing to the great fibre and antinutritional factors (ANFs) levels. Thereof, several methods of processing are introduced to remove antinutrient factors from the plant products, leading to improvement of bioactivity and digestibility. The assay was completed to evaluate the method of fermentation and the role of dietary fermented Folium mori (FFM) in golden pompano. Each of 5 diets with FFM at contents of 0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0% and 8.0% (D0.0, D2.0, D4.0, D6.0 and D8.0) was fed to the fishes with original body weight of 9.02g in triplicate sea cages for 56 days. The outcomes revealed that FFM in D4.0 and D6.0 elevated the growing performance of the fishes and the growing performance of D4.0 was remarkably improved in contrast to D0.0 and D2.0(P < 0.05). Whole body lipidic levels were obviously elevated when the diet FFM contents were below 8.0% (P < 0.05), whereas the contents of muscular moisture were generally reduced. In addition, FFM significantly increased serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and remarkably reduced overall triglyceride (TG) in D2.0 to D6.0(P < 0.05). Moreover, FFM remarkably elevated the activities of lipase of stomach and hepatopancreas in contrast to D0.0 (P < 0.05) as well as intestinal tryptic enzyme in the entire FFM groups (P < 0.05). Eventually, FFM remarkably ameliorated disease-resistant characters of golden pompano to Vibrio harveyi in D4.0 and D6.0 (P < 0.05) and the RPS in D4.0 was optimal. To sum up, the present research displayed favorable role of FFM in growing performance, digestion, lipometabolism and disease-resistant characters, and the recommendation as to the supplementation content of diet FFM in compound feed of juvenile golden pompano is 4.0% as per the experiment status herein.

Effects of dietary protein levels on production performance, meat quality and flavor of fattening pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein level on the production performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and flavor of finishing pigs. Twenty-seven Duroc♂ × Bamei♀ binary cross-bred pigs (60.86 ± 2.52 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to three groups, each group has three replicates, and each replicate has three pigs. Three groups of finishing pigs were fed 16.0, 14.0, and 12.0% crude protein levels diets, and these low-protein diets were supplemented with four limiting amino acids (lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan). The results showed that the pigs fed low-protein diets increased (P < 0.05) loin eye muscle area, and reduced (P < 0.05) heart weight, lung weight. The feed-weight ratio of the 14.0% protein group was reduced (P > 0.05); Dietary protein levels significantly affected the luminance (L_24h), yellowness (b_45min and b_24h) (P < 0.05), reduced shear stress, muscle water loss, drip loss, the levels of crude fat (P < 0.05), and increased marbling score (P < 0.05) in the muscle of finishing pigs; The low-protein diets improved PUFA/TFA, PUFA/SFA (P > 0.05), and increased hexanal, E-2-heptenal, 1-octen-3-ol, EAA/TAA in the muscle of finishing pigs (P < 0.05); The results indicated that reduced the crude protein levels of dietary by 2.0–4.0%, and supplementation with four balanced limiting amino acids had no significant effects on the production performance and slaughter performance of finishing pigs, and could effectively improve meat quality and flavor.

Assessment of components related to flavor and taste in Tan-lamb meat under different silage-feeding regimens using integrative metabolomics

Two untargeted metabolomics approaches based on gas chromatography mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry were used to identify the effects of different feeding regimes (concentrate, corn silage, alfalfa silage, mulberry leaf silage) on the potential meat flavor and taste components of Tan-lamb. Among 31 identified volatiles, hexanal was affected by the alfalfa silage diet, and 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid was changed by the mulberry leaf silage diet. l-Pipecolic acid (area under the curve = 1, fold change = 0.18-0.48) and trimethylamine N-oxide (area under the curve = 1, fold change = 5.26-22.84) was the potential best discriminant biomarker under alfalfa silage and concentrate feeding, respectively. The hydrophilic components were more readily changed by feeding regimes than volatile flavor compounds. Our findings are helpful for the illustration of Tan-lamb meat chemistry and producing high-quality lamb meat with improved flavor and taste by corn silage, alfalfa silage, or mulberry leaf silage.

Phytochemical Composition of Different Botanical Parts of Morus Species, Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

In recent years, mulberry has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects. Botanical parts of Morus sp. (fruits, leaves, twigs, roots) are considered a rich source of secondary metabolites. The aim of our study was to highlight the phytochemical profile of each of the botanical parts of Morus tree, their health benefits and applications in food industry with an updated review of literature. Black and white mulberries are characterized in terms of predominant phenolic compounds in correlation with their medical applications. In addition to anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside), black mulberry fruits also contain flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves are a rich source of flavonols, including quercetin and kaempferol in the glycosylated forms and chlorogenic acid as predominant phenolic acids. Mulberry bark roots and twigs are a source of prenylated flavonoids, predominantly morusin. In this context, the exploitation of mulberry in food industry is reviewed in this paper, in terms of developing novel, functional food with multiple health-promoting effects.

Effect of Mulberry Leaf powder on reproductive performance, serum indexes and milk amino acid composition in lactating sows

Experiment was conducted to study the effects of Mulberry Leaf (ML) powder on reproductive performance, serum and milk amino acid composition in sows. Fifty sows (D 85 at gestation) with parity 3 or 4 were randomly divided into 5 groups: C, M100, M200, M300 and M400, receiving 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g ML powder per sow per day. Blood and milk of sows at Days 1 and 21 of lactation were collected. Results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI) during lactation was higher in groups supplemented ML compared with control group (p < 0.01). Litter weight gain during lactation was higher in M400 than in groups M200 and C (p < 0.05), with no significant difference compared with M100 and M300. Serum glucose concentration in groups M400 and M300 was higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.01). Serum HDL-C concentration in group M400 was significantly greater than those in groups M100 and M200 (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between group M400 and groups M300, control. Milk amino acid concentrations such as isoleucine, leucine, lysine and valine were all lower in group M400 than in control (p < 0.01). Serum methionine (Met) concentration was higher in M300 than in other groups (p < 0.01). Milk Met concentration in group C was higher than those of the sows in the group M400, with no significant difference compared with groups M100, M200 and M300 (p < 0.05). Serum Lys and Met concentrations were lower in M400 than in control group (p < 0.05). In summary, our results have revealed the ML supplementation at a high dose such as 300 g/day during later gestation and lactation showed benefit in regulating lipid and amino acid metabolism in sows and then improved growth performance of their offspring.

Effects of mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaf extracts on growth, immune response, and antioxidant functions in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study evaluates how white mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts affect the growth, antioxidant activity, and immune response in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Mulberry leaf extracts were obtained through aqueous extraction (AE) and ethanol extraction (EE). Powder of mulberry leaf (PML) was added directly to feed and compared with the effects of feeds supplemented with the different extracts. Fish were divided into eight groups for an 8-week feeding trial where they were fed the basal diet or supplementation with 10% PML, 10% AE, 20% AE, 40% AE, 10% EE, 20% EE, or 40% EE. The inclusion of mulberry leaf extract obtained with either method showed better effects on fish growth performance, antioxidant activities and acid phosphatase activity (ACP) in serum, immune cytokine expression, and intestinal morphology as compared with controls or fish fed the 10% PML diet. The specific growth rate was significantly higher in the 10% AE, 10% EE, and 20% EE groups compared with all other groups (P<0.05). Catalase activity was significantly greater in most groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls. Similarly, ACP, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-2 expression was significantly increased in groups fed an extract, and in the 10% PML group, when compared with controls (P<0.05). IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, and Toll-like receptor 2 expression was significantly greater in the 10% EE group than in the 10% PML and 10% AE groups (P<0.05). Villus length in the middle intestine was significantly increased in the 10% AE and 10% EE groups compared with controls and the 10% PML group (P<0.05). Thus, 10% mulberry leaf ethanol extract added to feed is recommended for enhancing the growth rate and health of cultured Nile tilapia.

Effects of the Inclusion of Fermented Mulberry Leaves and Branches in the Gestational Diet on the Performance and Gut Microbiota of Sows and Their Offspring

Fermented feed mulberry (FFM), being rich in dietary fiber, has not been fully evaluated to be used in sow's diet. In this study, we investigated the effects of 25.5% FFM supplemented in gestation diets on the performance and gut microbiota of sows and their offspring. Results showed that the serum concentration of glucose, progesterone, and estradiol were not affected by the dietary treatment, while the level of serum insulin and fecal short chain fatty acid were both reduced in FFM group on gestation day 60 (G60, p < 0.05). Additionally, FFM increased both voluntary feed intake and weaning litter weight (p < 0.05), while decreased the losses of both Backfat thickness and bodyweight throughout lactation (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing showed FFM supplementation significantly increased the diversity and relative abundance of sows' fecal microbiota on G60 (p < 0.05). The differential microbiota for sows from FFM group was that Bacteroidetes was increased on G60 while Firmicutes were decreased on Lactation day 7 (L7, p < 0.05), and which for the FFM piglets was that both unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae on L0 and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae on L7 were increased (p < 0.05). In short, FFM can be recognized as a potential feed ingredient used in sow's diet.

Potential of Mulberry Leaf Biomass and Its Flavonoids to Improve Production and Health in Ruminants: Mechanistic Insights and Prospects

Leaf biomass from the mulberry plant (genus Morus and family Moraceae) is considered a potential resource for livestock feeding. Mulberry leaves (MLs) contain high protein (14.0-34.2%) and metabolizable energy (1130-2240 kcal/kg) with high dry matter (DM) digestibility (75-85%) and palatability. Flavonoid contents of MLs confer unique antioxidant properties and can potentially help alleviate oxidative stress in animals during stressful periods, such as neonatal, weaning, and periparturient periods. In addition, mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) possess antimicrobial properties and can effectively decrease the population of ruminal methanogens and protozoa to reduce enteric methane (CH4) production. Owing to its rich flavonoid content, feeding MLs increases fiber digestion and utilization leading to enhanced milk production in ruminants. Dietary supplementation with MLFs alters ruminal fermentation kinetics by increasing total volatile fatty acids, propionate, and ammonia concentrations. Furthermore, they can substantially increase the population of specific cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. Owing to their structural homology with steroid hormones, the MLFs can potentially modulate different metabolic pathways particularly those linked with energy homeostasis. This review aims to highlight the potential of ML and its flavonoids to modulate the ruminal microbiome, fermentation, and metabolic status to enhance productive performance and health in ruminants while reducing CH4 emission.

Baicalin-Copper Complex Modulates Gut Microbiota, Inflammatory Responses, and Hormone Secretion in DON-Challenged Piglets

Simple Summary

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin contaminant in the agriculture industry worldwide. Copper is very efficacious in promoting growth performance and improving feed remuneration, and baicalin may alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in humans and animals. We speculated that the combined effect of baicalin and copper would have some effect in DON-challenged piglets. The present study examined the effects of a baicalin-copper complex on inflammatory responses, hormone secretion, and gut microbiota in DON challenged piglets. These findings provide new application prospects in piglets involving the combination of baicalin and copper.

Abstract

The present experiment assessed the inflammatory responses, hormone secretion, and gut microbiota of weanling piglets administered baicalin-copper complex (BCU) or deoxynivalenol (DON) supplementation diets. Twenty-eight piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: control diet (Con group), a 4 mg DON/kg diet (DON group), a 5 g BCU/kg diet (BCU group), a 5 g BCU + 4 mg DON/kg diet (DBCU group). After 14 days, the results showed that dietary BCU supplementation remarkably increased the relative abundance of Clostrium bornimense and decreased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the DBCU group (p < 0.05). BCU decreased the serum concentration of IgG, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IgA in DON treated piglets (p < 0.05), and promoted the serum concentration of IL-1β, IgG, IL-2, IFN-γ, IgA, IL-6, IgM, and TNFα in normal piglets (p < 0.05). BCU increased the concentrations of serum IGF1, insulin, NPY, GLP-1, and GH, and decreased the concentrations of serum somatostatin in no DON treated piglets (p < 0.05). Dietary BCU supplementation significantly promoted the secretion of somatostatin, and inhibited the secretion of leptin in piglets challenged with DON (p < 0.05). BCU regulated the expression of food intake-related genes in the hypothalamus and pituitary of piglets. Collectively, dietary BCU supplementation alleviated inflammatory responses and regulated the secretion of appetite-regulating hormones and growth-axis hormones in DON challenged piglets, which was closely linked to changes of intestinal microbes.