Effects of dietary arginine and glutamine on alleviating the impairment induced by deoxynivalenol stress and immune relevant cytokines in growing pigs

Effects of increasing dietary arginine supply during the three first weeks after weaning on pig growth performance, plasma amino acid concentrations, and health status

A total of 425 weaned pigs (Exp. 1: 225 pigs [5.8 ± 0.9 kg]; Exp. 2: 200 pigs [6.1 ± 1.2 kg]) were used to determine the optimal dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) arginine (Arg) level in early nursery diets based on growth and health responses. The basal diet in Exp.1 was formulated to meet SID Arg recommendation (0.66%; NRC, 2012) and in Exp. 2, SID Arg was set to simulate current industry practices for feeding nursery pigs (1.15 %). Basal diets were supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2% of l-arginine to provide five levels of dietary SID Arg. Experimental diets were fed during phases I (days 0 to 7) and II (days 8 to 21) with common diets until market. Feed disappearance and body weight (BW) were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 43. Final BW was recorded at first removal of pigs for market. Pen fecal score was assigned daily from days 0 to 21. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was determined on days 0, 7, and 14 and amino acids (AAs) concentration and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) on days 0 and 14. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of dietary Arg. Optimal SID Arg was determined by fitting the data with piecewise regression, using growth performance as the primary response variable. In Exp. 1, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) ratio on day 21, as well as reduced (χ2 = 0.004) the percentage of pigs that lost weight (PLW) in week 1 by 29%. Dietary Arg resulted in linear improvement (P = 0.082) of ADG for the overall nursery period and quadratic improvement (P < 0.1) of final BW at marketing. In Exp. 2, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in week 1, BW and ADFI (P < 0.1) on day 14, as well as reduced (χ2 ≤ 0.001) PLW in week 1. From days 0 to 21, G:F was improved quadratically (P < 0.1). Dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) ADG and BW on day 43. Dietary Arg supplementation decreased the incidence (χ2 < 0.05) of soft and watery feces during the first weeks after weaning and lower concentration of plasma IgA on days 7 and 14. Dietary Arg linearly and/or quadratically influenced plasma AA concentrations (P < 0.05), including an increase in Arg, Leu, Phe, Val, citrulline, ornithine, and PUN concentrations. Overall, weaned pigs exhibit optimal nursery growth performance and health when provided with dietary SID Arg ranging from 1.5% to 1.9%. This dietary range contributes to a reduction in the occurrence of fall-back pigs and improvements in final BW at marketing.

Accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors: Does the dose matter in swine production?

Oxidative stress has been associated with a number of physiological problems in swine, including reduced production efficiency. Recently, although there has been increased research into regulatory mechanisms and antioxidant strategies in relation to oxidative stress-induced pig production, it remains so far largely unsuccessful to develop accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors. Here, we discuss the dose and dose intensity of the causes of oxidative stress involving physiological, environmental and dietary factors, recent research models and the antioxidant strategies to provide theoretical guidance for future oxidative stress research in swine.

Investigation of the effects of T-2 toxin in chicken-derived three-dimensional hepatic cell cultures

Despite being one of the most common contaminants of poultry feed, the molecular effects of T-2 toxin on the liver of the exposed animals are still not fully elucidated. To gain more accurate understanding, the effects of T-2 toxin were investigated in the present study in chicken-derived three-dimensional (3D) primary hepatic cell cultures. 3D spheroids were treated with three concentrations (100, 500, 1000 nM) of T-2 toxin for 24 h. Cellular metabolic activity declined in all treated groups as reflected by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, while extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased after 500 nM T-2 toxin exposure. The levels of oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were reduced by the toxin, suggesting effective antioxidant compensatory mechanisms of the liver. Concerning the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 concentration was decreased, while IL-8 concentration was increased by 100 nM T-2 toxin exposure, indicating the multifaceted immunomodulatory action of the toxin. Further, the metabolic profile of hepatic spheroids was also modulated, confirming the altered lipid and amino acid metabolism of toxin-exposed liver cells. Based on these results, T-2 toxin affected cell viability, hepatocellular metabolism and inflammatory response, likely carried out its toxic effects by affecting the oxidative homeostasis of the cells.

Global distribution, toxicity to humans and animals, biodegradation, and nutritional mitigation of deoxynivalenol: A review

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the main types of B trichothecenes, and it causes health-related issues in humans and animals and imposes considerable challenges to food and feed safety globally each year. This review investigates the global hazards of DON, describes the occurrence of DON in food and feed in different countries, and systematically uncovers the mechanisms of the various toxic effects of DON. For DON pollution, many treatments have been reported on the degradation of DON, and each of the treatments has different degradation efficacies and degrades DON by a distinct mechanism. These treatments include physical, chemical, and biological methods and mitigation strategies. Biodegradation methods include microorganisms, enzymes, and biological antifungal agents, which are of great research significance in food processing because of their high efficiency, low environmental hazards, and drug resistance. And we also reviewed the mechanisms of biodegradation methods of DON, the adsorption and antagonism effects of microorganisms, and the different chemical transformation mechanisms of enzymes. Moreover, nutritional mitigation including common nutrients (amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and microelements) and plant extracts was discussed in this review, and the mitigation mechanism of DON toxicity was elaborated from the biochemical point of view. These findings help explore various approaches to achieve the best efficiency and applicability, overcome DON pollution worldwide, ensure the sustainability and safety of food processing, and explore potential therapeutic options with the ability to reduce the deleterious effects of DON in humans and animals.

Dietary taurine supplementation counteracts deoxynivalenol-induced liver injury via alleviating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation in piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON), as a widespread Fusarium mycotoxin in cereals, food products, and animal feed, is detrimental to both human and animal health. The liver is not only the primary organ responsible for DON metabolism but also the principal organ affected by DON toxicity. Taurine is well known to display various physiological and pharmacological functions due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the information regarding taurine supplementation counteracting DON-induced liver injury in piglets is still unclear. In our work, twenty-four weaned piglets were subjected to four groups for a 24-day period, including the BD group (a basal diet), the DON group (3 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet), the DON+LT group (3 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet + 0.3% taurine), and the DON+HT group (3 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet + 0.6% taurine). Our findings indicated that taurine supplementation improved growth performance and alleviated DON-induced liver injury, as evidenced by the reduced pathological and serum biochemical changes (ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH), especially in the group with the 0.3% taurine. Taurine could counteract hepatic oxidative stress in piglets exposed to DON, as it reduced ROS, 8-OHdG, and MDA concentrations and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Concurrently, taurine was observed to upregulate the expression of key factors involved in mitochondrial function and the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, taurine treatment effectively attenuated DON-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, as verified through the decreased proportion of TUNEL-positive cells and regulation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. Finally, the administration of taurine was able to reduce liver inflammation due to DON, by inactivating the NF-κB signaling pathway and declining the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, our results implied that taurine effectively improved DON-induced liver injury. The underlying mechanism should be that taurine restored mitochondrial normal function and antagonized oxidative stress, thereby reducing apoptosis and inflammatory responses in the liver of weaned piglets.

Effect of Resveratrol Supplementation on Intestinal Oxidative Stress, Immunity and Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets Challenged with Deoxynivalenol

(1) Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a general mycotoxin that induces severe intestinal barrier injury in humans and animals. Resveratrol (RES) efficiently exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the information regarding RES protecting against DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation in piglets is limited. (2) Methods: A total of 64 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d-old, barrow) were randomly allocated to four groups (eight replicate pens per group, each pen containing two piglets) for 28 d. The piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 300 mg RES/kg diet (RES group), 3.8 mg DON/kg diet (DON) or both (DON+RES) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. (3) Compared with unsupplemented DON-challenged piglets, RES supplementation in DON-challenged piglets increased ileal villus height and the abundance of ileal SOD1, GCLC and PG1-5 transcripts and Muc2 protein (p < 0.05), while decreasing the mRNA and proteins expression of ileal IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and ileum in DON-challenged piglets (p < 0.05). Moreover, the abundances of class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales, family Lactobacillaceae and species Lactobacillus gasseri were increased in DON-challenged piglets fed a RES-supplemented diet compared with those in DON-challenged piglets(p ≤ 0.05). (4) Conclusions: our results indicated that RES supplementation in DON-challenged piglets efficiently attenuated intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress and improved gut microbiota, thereby alleviating DON-induced intestinal barrier injury.

The Rumen Microbiota Contributes to the Development of Mastitis in Dairy Cows

Mastitis, a highly prevalent disease in dairy cows, is commonly caused by local infection of the mammary gland. Our previous studies have suggested that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of mastitis in mice. However, the effects of rumen microbiota on bovine mastitis and the related mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects and mechanisms of rumen microbiota on bovine mastitis based on the subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) model induced by feeding Holstein Frisian cows a high-concentrate diet for 8 weeks. Then, the inflammatory responses in the mammary gland and the bacterial communities of rumen fluid, feces, and milk were analyzed. The results showed that SARA induced mastitis symptoms in the mammary gland; activated a systemic inflammatory response; and increased the permeability of the blood-milk barrier, gut barrier, and rumen barrier. Further research showed that lipopolysaccharides (LPS), derived from the gut of SARA cows, translocated into the blood and accumulated in the mammary glands. Furthermore, the abundance of Stenotrophomonas was increased in the rumen of SARA cows, and mastitis was induced by oral administration of Stenotrophomonas in lactating mice. In conclusion, our findings suggested that mastitis is induced by exogenous pathogenic microorganisms as well as by endogenous pathogenic factors. Specifically, the elevated abundance of Stenotrophomonas in the rumen and LPS translocation from the rumen to the mammary gland were important endogenous factors that induced mastitis. Our study provides a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies that target the rumen microbiota in cow mastitis. IMPORTANCE Mastitis is a common and frequently occurring disease of humans and animals, especially in dairy farming, which has caused huge economic losses and brought harmful substance residues, drug-resistant bacteria, and other public health risks. The traditional viewpoint indicates that mastitis is mainly caused by exogenous pathogenic bacteria infecting the mammary gland. Our study found that the occurrence of mastitis was induced by the endogenous pathway. Evidence has shown that rumen-derived LPS enters the mammary gland through blood circulation, damaging the blood-milk barrier and then inducing inflammation of the mammary gland in cows. In addition, a higher abundance of Stenotrophomonas in the rumen was closely associated with the development of mastitis. This study provides a basis for novel therapeutic strategies that exploit the rumen microbiota against mastitis in cows.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Intestinal Damage Challenged With Deoxynivalenol Through Mitophagy in vitro and in vivo

Deoxynivalenol (DON) reduces growth performance and damage intestinal function, and resveratrol (RES) has positive effects on growth performance and intestinal function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of RES in vitro and vivo challenged with DON. The results showed that dietary supplementation with DON significantly increase the mRNA expression levels of mitophagy- related genes, and protein level for PINK1, Parkin, Beclin-1, Lamp, Atg5, Map1lc, Bnip3, Fundc1, Bcl2l1 and SQSTMS1 (P < 0.05), while supplementation with both RES and DON decreased those indexes in the ileum. Besides DON significantly decreased protein level for Pyruvate Dehydrogenase, Cytochrome c, MFN1, OPA1, and PHB1 (P < 0.05), while supplementation with both RES and DON increased protein level for PHB1, SDHA, and VDAC in the ileum. Moreover, in vitro, we found that DON significantly decreased mitochondrial respiration (P < 0.05), while RES + DON increased the rate of spare respiratory capacity. Also, DON significantly decreased total NAD and ATP (P < 0.05), while RES + DON increased the total NAD and ATP. These results indicate that RES may ameliorates the intestinal damage challenged with deoxynivalenol through mitophagy in weaning piglets.

Effect of amino acid blend as alternative to antibiotics for growing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing arginine (Arg) + glutamine (Gln) replacing antibiotics on performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of pigs in the growing phase. One hundred fifty 63-d-old pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 25.0 ± 1.46 kg were distributed in a randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates. The three diets were control; antibiotic, control + 100 mg/kg tiamulin and 506 mg/kg oxytetracycline; amino acid, control + 10 g/kg Arg and 2 g/kg Gln. Dietary treatments were fed from 63 to 77 d. Following the treatment period, all pigs were fed the control diet from 77 to 90 d. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and UNIVARIATE in SAS 9.4. From 63 to 70 d, pigs fed diets with antibiotics had improved (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and 70-d BW compared to those fed control or amino acid diets. From 70 to 77 d, including antibiotics in the diet increased (P < 0.05) ADG and 77-d BW. From 77 to 90 d, pigs fed control or amino acid diets had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than those fed an antibiotic diet. From 63 to 90 d, although pig performance was not affected (P > 0.05), growth curve of pigs fed the antibiotic diets was different (P < 0.05) from those fed the control and amino acids diets. At 70 d, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and diamine oxidase (DAO) were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet than the control diet, and pigs fed the amino acid diet had intermediate results. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than the antibiotic diet, and pigs fed the control diet had intermediate results. Serum immunoglobulin A was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet. At 77 d, DAO and serum immunoglobulin G were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet. FRAP was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid and control diets. Serum malondialdehyde was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than those fed the control diet, and pigs fed the antibiotic diet had intermediate results. At 90 d, antibiotics or amino acids did not affect (P > 0.05) serum parameters. Amino acid blend supplementation at the selected doses in this study did not positively affect growing pigs. Although from 63 to 77 d, antibiotics improved performance, when considering the overall study period, growing pigs did not benefit from a diet containing antibiotics.

Baicalin-Zinc Complex Alleviates Inflammatory Responses and Hormone Profiles by Microbiome in Deoxynivalenol Induced Piglets

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of baicalin–zinc complex (BZN) on intestinal microorganisms in deoxynivalenol (DON)-challenged piglets and the association between intestinal microorganisms and host immunity and hormone secretion. Forty weaned piglets were randomly divided into four treatments with 10 piglets in each treatment: (1) control (Con) group (pigs fed basal diet); (2) DON group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg basal diet); (3) BZN group (pigs fed 0.5% BZN basal diet); and (4) DBZN group (pigs fed 4 mg DON/kg and 0.5% BZN basal diet). The experiment lasted for 14 days. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets changed the intestinal microbiota composition and increased intestinal microbial richness and diversity of piglets. The BZN supplementation in DON-contaminated diets also alleviated the inflammatory responses of piglets and modulated the secretion of hormones related to the growth axis. Moreover, microbiota composition was associated with inflammatory and hormone secretion. In conclusion, BZN alleviated inflammatory response and hormone secretion in piglets, which is associated with the intestinal microbiome.

The toxicity mechanisms of DON to humans and animals and potential biological treatment strategies

Deoxynivalenol, also known as vomitotoxin, is produced by Fusarium, belonging to the group B of the trichothecene family. DON is widely polluted, mainly polluting cereal crops such as wheat, barley, oats, corn and related cereal products, which are closely related to lives of people and animals. At present, there have been articles summarizing DON induced toxicity, biological detoxification and the protective effect of natural products, but there is no systematic summary of this information. In addition to ribosome and endoplasmic reticulum, recent investigations support that mitochondrion is also organelles that DON can damage. DON can't directly act on mitochondria, but can indirectly cause mitochondrial damage and changes through other means. DON can indirectly inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, ATP production, and mitochondrial transcription and translation. This review will provide the latest progress on mitochondria as the research object, and systematically summarizes all the toxic mechanisms of DON. Here, we discuss DON induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and various mitochondrial toxicity. For the toxicity of DON, many methods have been derived to prevent or reduce the toxicity. Biological detoxification and the antioxidant effect of natural products are potentially effective treatments for DON toxicity.

Dietary Baicalin Zinc Supplementation Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Enhances Nutrition Absorption in Deoxynivalenol Challenged Pigs

BACKGROUND

Deoxynivalenol contamination is increasing worldwide, presenting great challenges to food security and causing great economic losses in the livestock industry.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of baicalin zinc as a dietary supplement on pigs fed with a deoxynivalenol contaminated diet.

METHODS

A total of 40 weaned pigs (21 d of age; 6.13 ± 0.42 kg average BW) were randomly assigned (10 pigs/group) to 4 dietary treatments: basal diet (Con group), basal diet + 4 mg/kg DON (DON group), basal diet + 5 g/kg BZN (BZN group), and basal diet + 5 g/kg BZN + 4 mg/kg DON (DBZN group) for a 14-d period. Seven randomly-selected pigs from each treatment were killed for blood and tissue sampling.

RESULTS

The results showed that piglets challenged with DON exhibited significantly reduced levels of ADG, ADFI, and F/G (p < 0.05). BZN supplemented diets significantly suppressed the protein expression of p-Nrf2, p-NF-kB, and HO-1 in the jejunum of DON challenged piglets (p < 0.05). In liver, DON markedly increased the mRNA expression of P70S6K and HSP70 in piglets fed the basal diet, but significantly reduced that of HO-1, NQO-1, NF-kB, AMPKα2 and HSP70 in piglets fed the BZN supplemented diet (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with BZN markedly increased the T-AOC level of serum in weaned piglets (p < 0.05). In jejunum, dietary supplementation with BZN activated the mRNA expression of ZIP4 in piglets (p < 0.05), BZN supplementation significantly suppressed the activity of sucrose and increased the protein concentration in chyme (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

BZN can play a protective role by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing nutrient absorption in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets.

Hepatotoxicity of food-borne mycotoxins: molecular mechanism, anti-hepatotoxic medicines and target prediction

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi. The widespread contamination of food and feed by mycotoxins is a global food safety problem and a serious threat to people's health. Most food-borne mycotoxins have strong hepatotoxicity. However, no effective methods have been found to prevent or treat Mycotoxin- Induced Liver Injury (MILI) in clinical and animal husbandry. In this paper, the molecular mechanisms and potential anti-MILI medicines of six food-borne MILI are reviewed, and their targets are predicted by network toxicology, which provides a theoretical basis for further study of the toxicity mechanism of MILI and the development of effective strategies to manage MILI-related health problems in the future and accelerate the development of food safety.

Dietary resveratrol attenuation of intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage is linked to the alteration of gut microbiota and butyrate in piglets challenged with deoxynivalenol

Background

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widespread mycotoxin that induces intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in humans and animals. Resveratrol (RES) effectively exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the protective effects of RES on alleviating DON toxicity in piglets and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of RES on growth performance, gut health and the gut microbiota in DON-challenged piglets. A total of 64 weaned piglets [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d-old, 6.97 ± 0.10 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups (8 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 2 males; n = 16 per treatment) for 28 d. The piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 300 mg RES/kg diet (RES group), 3.8 mg DON/kg diet (DON) or both (DON+RES) in a 2 × 2 factorial design.

Results

DON-challenged piglets fed the RES-supplemented diet had significantly decreased D-lactate concentrations and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA and protein expression, and increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA and protein expression compared with those of DON-challenged piglets fed the unsupplemented diet (P < 0.05). Compared with unsupplemented DON-challenged piglets, infected piglets fed a diet with RES showed significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levelsand increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant genes (i.e., GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, SOD1 and NQO-1) and glutamate-cysteine-ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM) protein expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, RES supplementation significantly abrogated the increase in the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells and the protein expression of caspase3 in DON-challenged piglets (P < 0.05). Finally, RES supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Roseburia and butyrate concentrations, while decreasing the abundances of Bacteroides and unidentified-Enterobacteriaceae in DON-challenged piglets compared with DON-challenged piglets alone (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

RES supplementation improved gut health in DON-challenged piglets by strengthening intestinal barrier function, alleviating intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage, and positively modulating the gut microbiota. The protective effects of RES on gut health may be linked to increased Roseburia and butyrate concentrations, and decreased levels of Bacteroides and unidentified-Enterobacteriaceae.

Functional Amino Acids in Pigs and Chickens: Implication for Gut Health

In pigs and broiler chickens, the gastrointestinal tract or gut is subjected to many challenges which alter performance, animal health, welfare and livability. Preventive strategies are needed to mitigate the impacts of these challenges on gut health while reducing the need to use antimicrobials. In the first part of the review, we propose a common definition of gut health for pig and chickens relying on four pillars, which correspond to the main functions of the digestive tract: (i) epithelial barrier and digestion, (ii) immune fitness, (iii) microbiota balance and (iv) oxidative stress homeostasis. For each pillar, we describe the most commonly associated indicators. In the second part of the review, we present the potential of functional amino acid supplementation to preserve and improve gut health in piglets and chickens. We highlight that amino acid supplementation strategies, based on their roles as precursors of energy and functional molecules, as signaling molecules and as microbiota modulators can positively contribute to gut health by supporting or restoring its four intertwined pillars. Additional work is still needed in order to determine the effective dose of supplementation and mode of administration that ensure the full benefits of amino acids. For this purpose, synergy between amino acids, effects of amino acid-derived metabolites and differences in the metabolic fate between free and protein-bound amino acids are research topics that need to be furtherly investigated.

Dietary supplementation with N-carbamoylglutamate initiated from the prepartum stage improves lactation performance of postpartum dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing N-carbamoylglutamate (NCG), an Arg enhancer, on amino acid (AA) supply and utilization and productive performance of early-lactating dairy cows. Thirty multiparous Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 15) and NCG (CON diet supplemented with NCG at 20 g/d per cow, n = 15) groups at 4 wk before calving. Diets were offered individually in tie-stalls, and NCG was supplemented by top-dress feeding onto total mixed ration for the NCG group. The experiment lasted until wk 10 after calving. Dry matter intake tended to be higher (P = 0.06), and yields of milk (P < 0.01), milk protein (P < 0.01), and milk fat (P < 0.01) were higher in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. Plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.03), and plasma level of β-hydroxybutyrate (P = 0.04) were lower in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows, whereas plasma glucose (P = 0.05) and nitric oxide (NO, P < 0.01) concentrations were higher. Coccygeal vein concentrations of Cys (P < 0.01), Pro (P < 0.01), Tyr (P = 0.05), most essential AA except Thr and His (P < 0.01), total essential AA (P < 0.01), and total AA (P < 0.01) were higher in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. The arterial supply of all AA was greater in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. The NCG-cows had higher mammary plasma flow of AA (P = 0.04) and clearance rate of Cys (P < 0.01), Pro (P < 0.01) and Asp (P < 0.01), and higher ratios of uptake to output of Met (P = 0.05), Lys (P < 0.01), Cys (P = 0.01), Pro (P = 0.03), and Asp (P = 0.01). In summary, addition of NCG initiated from the prepartum period improved the lactation performance of postpartum dairy cows, which might attribute to greater Arg and NO concentrations, as well as improved AA supply and utilization, liver function, and feed intake in these cows.

Influences of Selenium-Enriched Yeast on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Capacity in Weaned Pigs Exposure to Oxidative Stress

This study elucidated the function role of dietary selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in weaned pigs exposure to oxidative stress. Thirty-two similarity weight pigs were randomly divided into four treatments: (1) nonchallenged control, (2) control+SeY, (3) control+diquat, and (4) control+SeY+diquat. The period of experiment was 21 days; on day 16, pigs were injected with diquat or sterile saline. Results revealed that oxidative stress was notably detrimental to the growth performance of piglets, but SeY supplementation ameliorated this phenomenon, which might be regarding the increasing of body antioxidant capacity and immune functions. In details, SeY supplementation improved the digestibility of crude protein (CP), ash, and gross energy (GE). Moreover, the serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) were reduced via SeY supplemented, and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins A (IgA), IgG, and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) ,and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were improved in the diquat-challenged pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, SeY supplementation acutely enhanced the activities of these antioxidant enzymes in the liver and thymus upon diquat challenge, which involved with the upregulation of the critical genes related antioxidant signaling such as the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (P < 0.05). Importantly, we also found that SeY supplementation apparently reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the liver, thymus, and serum (P < 0.05). Specifically, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver and thymus were downregulated by SeY upon diquat challenge. These results suggested that SeY can attenuate oxidative stress-induced growth retardation, which was associated with elevating body antioxidant capacity, immune functions, and suppressed inflammatory response.

Growth Performance, Cytokine Expression, and Immune Responses of Broiler Chickens Fed a Dietary Palm Oil and Sunflower Oil Blend Supplemented With L-Arginine and Varying Concentrations of Vitamin E

This study set out to examine the combined effects of the supplementation of a dietary palm oil (PO) and sunflower oil (SO) blend, 0. 25% L-Arginine (L-Arg), and different levels of vitamin E (Vit E) on growth performance, fat deposition, cytokine expression, and immune response in broilers. A total of 216 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb500) were randomly distributed into six dietary groups as follows: Diet 1: 6% palm oil (negative control); Diet 2: PO and SO blend (4% palm oil and 2% sunflower oil) + 0.25% L-Arg (positive control); Diet 3: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 20 mg/kg Vit E; Diet 4: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 50 mg/kg Vit E; Diet 5: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 100 mg/kg Vit E; and Diet 6: (PO and SO blend + 0.25% L-Arg) + 150 mg/kg Vit E. Weight gain and serum IgG and IgM increased while feed conversion ratio, fat deposition, and plasma cholesterol decreased in broilers fed Vit E with the oil blend and L-Arg, compared to those fed the negative control (Diet 1). Expression of IFN and TNF-α were reduced, whereas TGF-ß1 was up-regulated as the level of Vit E increased in the broiler diets. In summary, the combination of oil blend, L-Arg, and Vit E at a level of 50 mg/kg increased the performance and altered the expression of cytokines that may positively influence immune function in broiler chickens.

Sodium Butyrate Protects the Intestinal Barrier by Modulating Intestinal Host Defense Peptide Expression and Gut Microbiota after a Challenge with Deoxynivalenol in Weaned Piglets

This study aims to determine whether sodium butyrate (SB) could antagonize deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. In a four-week feeding trial, twenty-eight barrows were randomly divided into four treatments: (1) uncontaminated basal diet (control); (2) 4 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet (DON); (3) basal diet supplemented with 0.2% SB (SB); and (4) 4 mg/kg DON + 0.2% SB (DON + SB). A decrease in performance was observed in DON-exposed animals, which was prevented by the dietary SB supplementation. DON exposure also depressed the expression of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the intestine, impaired the intestinal barrier integrity, and disturbed the gut microbiota homeostasis. These alterations induced by DON were attenuated by SB supplementation. The supplementation of 0.2% SB ameliorated the adverse effects of DON on the liver in terms of hepatic lesions as well as serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. In IPEC-J2 cells, pretreatment with SB alleviated the DON-induced decreased cell viability. Additionally, the NOD2/caspase-12 pathway participated in the alleviation of SB on DON-induced diminished HDP expression. Taken together, these data demonstrated that SB protected piglets from DON-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction potentially through stimulation of intestinal HDP assembly and regulation in gut microbiota.

Safety and efficacy of l-glutamine produced using Corynebacterium glutamicum NITE BP-02524 for all animal species

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l-glutamine (≥ 98.0%) produced by fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (NITE BP-02524). It is intended to be used in feed for all animal species and categories as nutritional additive (amino acid) and as sensory additive (flavouring compound). Viable cells of the production strain and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the additive. l-Glutamine manufactured by fermentation using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the genetic modification of the production strain. The use of l-glutamine produced by fermentation using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 in animal nutrition is considered safe for all animal species when applied as a nutritional additive to achieve an adequate amino acid profile in feed and to overcome potential glutamine shortages during critical periods of life. The proposed use level (25 mg/kg feed) when used as sensory additive (flavouring compound) is safe for all animal species. The uses of l-glutamine produced using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 as nutritional additive or as flavouring compound are considered safe for the consumer. l-Glutamine produced using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 is not toxic by inhalation, is non-irritant to skin and eyes and is not a skin sensitiser. l-Glutamine produced using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 is considered safe for the environment. l-glutamine is a non-essential amino acid and it plays a physiological role as such. Recent evidence shows that glutamine may act as conditionally essential amino acid mainly in growing animals and has some specific effects e.g. in improving intestinal development and immune response. This amino acid produced by fermentation using C. glutamicum NITE BP-02524 is regarded as an efficacious source of glutamine for all animal species. For supplemental l-glutamine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminants, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen. The use of l-glutamine as sensory additive at 25 mg/kg feed is considered efficacious.

Dietary l-arginine supplementation ameliorates inflammatory response and alters gut microbiota composition in broiler chickens infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary arginine (Arg) supplementation on the inflammatory response and gut microbiota of broiler chickens subjected to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. One hundred and forty 1-day-old Arbor Acres male birds were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including diet treatment (with or without 0.3% Arg supplementation) and immunological stress (with or without S. typhimurium challenge). Samples were obtained at 7 D after infection (day 23). Results showed that S. typhimurium challenge caused histopathological and morphological damages, but Arg addition greatly reduced these intestinal injuries. S. typhimurium challenge elevated the levels of serum inflammatory parameters, including diamine oxidase, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, IL-1β, IL-8, and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha factor (LITNF) homolog. However, Arg supplementation decreased the serum procalcitonin, IL-1β, IL-8, and LITNF concentration. S. typhimurium challenge significantly increased jejunal IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 mRNA expression and tended to upregulate IL-22 mRNA expression, but Arg supplementation remarkably reduced IL-8 mRNA expression, tended to downregulate IL-22 mRNA expression, and dramatically elevated IFN-γ and IL-10 mRNA expression. In addition, sequencing data of 16S rDNA indicated that the population of Proteobacteria phylum; Enterobacteriaceae family; Escherichia–Shigella, and Nitrosomonas genera; and Escherichia coli and Ochrobactrum intermedium species were more abundant, but the population of Rhodocyclaceae and Clostridiaceae_1 families and Candidatus Arthromitus genus were less abundant in the ileal digesta of birds with only S. typhimurium infection when compared with the controls. Treatment with Arg in birds subjected to S. typhimurium challenge increased the abundances of Firmicutes phylum, Clostridiaceae_1 family, Methylobacterium and Candidatus Arthromitus genera but decreased the abundance of Nitrosomonas genus and Rhizobium cellulosilyticum and Rubrobacter xylanophilus species as compared with the only S. typhimurium–challenged birds. In conclusion, Arg supplementation can alleviate intestinal mucosal impairment by ameliorating inflammatory response and modulating gut microbiota in broiler chickens challenged with S. typhimurium.

Small intestinal transcriptome analysis revealed changes of genes involved in nutrition metabolism and immune responses in growth retardation piglets1

Postnatal growth retardation (PGR) is common in piglets. Abnormal development in small intestine was casually implicated in impaired growth, but the exact mechanism is still implausible. The present study unveiled transcriptome profile of jejunal mucosa, the major site of nutrient absorption, in PGR and healthy piglets using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). The middle segments of jejunum and ileum, and jejunal mucosa were obtained from healthy and PGR piglets at 42 d of age. Total RNA samples extracted from jejunal mucosa of healthy and PGR piglets were submitted for RNA-seq. Lower villus height was observed in both jejunum and ileum from PGR piglets suggesting structural impairment in small intestine (P < 0.05). RNA-seq libraries were constructed and sequenced, and produced average 4.8 × 107 clean reads. Analysis revealed a total of 499 differently expressed genes (DEGs), of which 320 DEGs were downregulated in PGR piglets as compared to healthy piglets. The functional annotation based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) highlighted that most DEGs were involved in nutrient metabolism and immune responses. Our results further indicated decreased gene expression associated with glucose, lipid, protein, mineral, and vitamin metabolic process, detoxication ability, oxidoreductase activity, and mucosal barrier function; as well as the increased insulin resistance and inflammatory response in the jejunal mucosa of PGR piglets. These results characterized the transcriptomic profile of the jejunal mucosa in PGR piglets, and could provide valuable information with respect to better understanding the nutrition metabolism and immune responses in the small intestine of piglets.

Arginine accelerates intestinal health through cytokines and intestinal microbiota

Arginine supplementation improves intestinal damage and intestinal immunity, but the underlying mechanism of the effects of arginine supplementation on intestinal SIgA secretion is largely unknown. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the underlying pathway on the effects of arginine supplementation in secretory IgA (SIgA) production in mice. The results showed that 0.4% arginine supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) SIgA production in intestinal lumina and IgA⁺ plasma cell numbers in the ileum of mouse. Arginine supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) cytokines expression in mouse ileal associated with T cell-dependent and T cell-independent pathways of SIgA induction, including IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, transforming growth factor (TGF-)β2, TGF-β3, TGF-βR2, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), B cell-activating factor (BAFF), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor, and retinal dehydrogenases. Further study showed that 0.4% arginine supplementation markly decreased (P < 0.05) bacterial loads in mouse mesenteric lymph nodes and increased bacterial invasion into the mouse ileal wall, while supplementation of antibiotic abrogated the influence of arginine supplementation on SIgA secretion. Therefore, these data suggest that arginine supplementation might promote SIgA secretion through cytokines and intestinal microbiota might play an important role in SIgA secretion by arginine supplementation in the mouse intestine.

The variation in hectolitre weight of wheat grain fed with or without enzyme supplementation influences nutrient digestibility and subsequently affects performance in pigs

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding a wheat-based diet of two different hectolitre weights (66 vs. 74 kg/hl), achieved through different agronomical conditions, with or without the supplementation of a β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme mix on young pigs. The parameter categories which were assessed included growth performance, coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD), faecal consistency, faecal microbial populations and faecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Sixty-four pigs (11.6 kg SD 0.97) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (T1) low hectolitre weight wheat diet, (T2) low hectolitre weight wheat diet containing 0.1 g/kg β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme supplement, (T3) high hectolitre weight wheat diet and (T4) high hectolitre weight wheat diet containing 0.1 g/kg β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme supplement. The inclusion of wheat was 500 g/kg in the diet. The low hectolitre weight grain had a higher level of zearalenone, aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination compared to the high hectolitre weight grain. The high hectolitre weight wheat had a higher gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and lysine contents compared to the low hectolitre weight wheat. Pigs offered the low hectolitre weight diet had a lower average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.001), a lower gain to feed (G:F) ratio (p < 0.001) and a higher faecal score (more diarrhoea) (p < 0.001) compared to pigs offered the high hectolitre weight. The low hectolitre weight diet had a reduced CATTD (p < 0.05) of nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE) compared with pigs offered the high hectolitre weight diet. In conclusion, the higher level of mycotoxins and lower content of GE, CP and lysine in the low-quality wheat reduced ADG and the CATTD of nutrients in pigs offered this diet. The inclusion of a β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme mix had no effect on growth performance or nutrient digestibility.

Fermented corn-soybean meal elevated IGF1 levels in grower-finisher pigs

Fermentation has attracted increasing attention in pig industry, because of low costs and numerous benefits on pig growth and health as well as environmental improvement, although the mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the present study, fermented corn-soybean meal significantly improved average daily gain and gain:food ratio (P < 0.05). Fermented feed (FF) significantly increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) transcription in liver (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, fermented meal significantly enhanced the binding of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) to IGF1 promoter and C/EBPβ expression in liver (both P < 0.05). FF tended to increase IGF1 proteins in liver and serum too (both 0.05 < P < 0.10). Meanwhile, FF slightly but significantly increased hepatic and circulating triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, as well as serum ratio of high-density to low-density cholesterol (all P < 0.05). Our data indicated that FF could significantly augment the binding of C/EBPβ to IGF1 promoter and promote hepatic IGF1 expression and production, thus boost pig growth.

Dietary supplementation with an amino acid blend enhances intestinal function in piglets

The traditionally classified nutritionally non-essential amino acids are now known to be insufficiently synthesized for maximal growth and optimal health in piglets. This study determined the effects of dietary supplementation with an amino acid blend (AAB; glutamate:glutamine:glycine:arginine:N-acetylcysteine = 5:2:2:1:0.5) on piglet growth performance and intestinal functions. Sixteen piglets (24-day-old) were randomly assigned to a corn and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0.99% alanine (isonitrogenous control) or 1% AAB. On day 20 of the trial, blood and intestinal tissue samples were obtained from piglets. Compared with the control, AAB supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) diarrhoea incidence; plasma alanine aminotransferase and diamine oxidase activities; intestinal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and heat shock protein-70, and intestinal mRNA levels for interleukin-1β, interferon-γ, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-9; and the numbers of Enterobacterium family, Enterococcus genus and Clostridium coccoides in the colon digesta. Furthermore, AAB supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05): the plasma concentrations of serine, aspartate, glutamate, cysteine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, arginine, citrulline, ornithine, taurine, and γ-aminobutyric acid; intestinal villus height and surface area, villus height/crypt depth ratio, antioxidative enzyme activities, and mRNA levels for porcine β-defensin-1, sodium-independent amino acid transporters (b^0,+AT and y⁺LAT1), aquaporin (AQP) 3, AQP8, AQP10, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione S-transferase omega-2, and protein abundances of AQP3, AQP4, claudin-1, occludin and myxovirus resistance 1; and the numbers of Bifidobacterium genus and Lactobacillus genus in the colon digesta. Collectively, these comprehensive results indicate that dietary AAB supplementation plays an important role in improving piglet growth and intestinal function.

Challenge with fumonisins B1 and B2 changes IGF-1 and GHR mRNA expression in liver of Nile tilapia fingerlings

Although fumonisins are identified as responsible for alterations in weight gain, little information is available on their effects on expression of growth-related genes, especially for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. In this study, Nile tilapia fingerlings were treated with increasing levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and fumonisin B2 (FB2) (diets of 0, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg) to evaluate their effects on weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression in liver of this fish. All variables were evaluated at 15 and 30 days of treatment. Diet containing 0 mg fumonisin/kg was used as control treatment. Treatment with 20, 40, and 60 mg fumonisin/kg of diet significantly reduced WG (P<0.0001) and FE (P<0.0001), while GHR and IGF-1 mRNA expression was reduced both at 15 and 30 days of treatment. Feed intake was not affected by diets in any of the evaluated periods. These results indicate that fumonisins (FB1 + FB2) affect the growth of Nile tilapia fingerlings through mechanisms that involve reduction of GHR and IGF-1 expression.

Antioxidant agents against trichothecenes: new hints for oxidative stress treatment

Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins mainly produced by fungi of genus Fusarium. Due to high toxicity and widespread dissemination, T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) are considered to be the most important compounds of this class. Trichothecenes generate free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce lipid peroxidation, decrease levels of antioxidant enzymes, and ultimately lead to apoptosis. Consequently, oxidative stress is an active area of research on the toxic mechanisms of trichothecenes, and identification of antioxidant agents that could be used against trichothecenes is crucial for human health. Numerous natural compounds have been analyzed and have shown to function very effectively as antioxidants against trichothecenes. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress induced by these compounds, and discuss current knowledge regarding such antioxidant agents as vitamins, quercetin, selenium, glucomannan, nucleotides, antimicrobial peptides, bacteria, polyunsaturated fatty acids, oligosaccharides, and plant extracts. These products inhibit trichothecene-induced oxidative stress by (1) inhibiting ROS generation and induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation; (2) increasing antioxidant enzyme activity; (3) blocking the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways; (4) inhibiting caspase activity and apoptosis; (5) protecting mitochondria; and (6) regulating anti-inflammatory actions. Finally, we summarize some decontamination methods, including bacterial and yeast biotransformation and degradation, as well as mycotoxin-binding agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of antioxidant agents against trichothecenes and casts new light on the attenuation of oxidative stress.

Effect of deoxynivalenol on apoptosis, barrier function, and expression levels of genes involved in nutrient transport, mitochondrial biogenesis and function in IPEC-J2 cells

This study was conducted to determine the effect of 200 ng mL^-1 and 2000 ng mL^-1 deoxynivalenol (DON) on apoptosis, barrier function, nutrient transporter gene expression, and free amino acid variation as well as on mitochondrial biogenesis and function-related gene expression in the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) for 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Exposure to 200 ng mL^-1 DON inhibited the cell viability and promoted cell cycle progression from the G2/M phase to the S phase (P < 0.05). The data showed that the IPEC-J2 cell content of free amino acids, such as valine, methionine, leucine, and phenylalanine, was increased (P < 0.05) after treatment for 6 h; the aspartate, threonine, and lysine contents increased (P < 0.05) after treatment for 12 h; and the aspartate, serine, glycine, alanine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine contents decreased (P < 0.05) after treatment for 24 h. The expression levels of barrier function genes, including zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin (OCLN), and claudin 1 (CLDN1), showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of differently regulated nutrient transporter genes, including B^0,+ amino acid transporter (B^0,+AT) and sodium-glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) genes, showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05), while the Na⁺-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 2 (ASCT2) and glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) showed a significant increase (P < 0.01). The expression levels of cytokine genes, including IL-8, and IL-1β genes, showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis and function-related genes, including mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF), mitochondrial single-strand DNA-binding protein (mt SSB) and mitochondrial polymerase r (mt polr), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) and cytochrome c oxidase (CcOX) IV, CcOX V and cytochrome c (Cyt c), mammalian silencing information regulator-2α (SIRT-1), glucokinase and citrate synthase (CS), showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). Taken together, the present study indicated that 200 and 2000 ng mL^-1 DON could affect proliferation and cell cycle progression from the G2/M phase to the S phase and could mediate the expression levels of differently regulated barrier function, nutrient transport, and mitochondrial biogenesis and function-related genes.

Arginine metabolism and its protective effects on intestinal health and functions in weaned piglets under oxidative stress induced by diquat

The intestine plays key roles in maintaining body arginine (Arg) homoeostasis. Meanwhile, the intestine is very susceptible to reactive oxygen species. In light of this, the study aimed to explore the effects of Arg supplementation on intestinal morphology, Arg transporters and metabolism, and the potential protective mechanism of Arg supplementation in piglets under oxidative stress. A total of thirty-six weaned piglets were randomly allocated to six groups with six replicates and fed a base diet (0·95 % Arg,) or base diet supplemented with 0·8 % and 1·6 % l-Arg for 1 week, respectively. Subsequently, a challenge test was conducted by intraperitoneal injection of diquat, an initiator of radical production, or sterile saline. The whole trial lasted 11 d. The diquat challenge significantly decreased plasma Arg concentration at 6 h after injection (P<0·05), lowered villus height in the jejunum and ileum (P<0·05) as well as villus width and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P<0·05). Oxidative stress significantly increased cationic amino acid transporter (CAT)-1, CAT-2 and CAT-3, mRNA levels (P<0·05), decreased arginase II (ARGII) and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels, and increased TNF- α mRNA level in the jejunum (P<0·05). Supplementation with Arg significantly decreased crypt depth (P<0·05), suppressed CAT-1 mRNA expression induced by diquat (P<0·05), increased ARGII and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels (P<0·05), and effectively relieved the TNF- α mRNA expression induced by diquat in the jejunum (P<0·05). It is concluded that oxidative stress decreased Arg bioavailability and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the jejunum, and that Arg supplementation has beneficial effects in the jejunum through regulation of the metabolism of Arg and suppression of inflammatory cytokine expression in piglets.

Protective Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii on Deoxynivalenol-Induced Injury of Porcine Macrophage via Attenuating p38 MAPK Signal Pathway

The aims of our study were to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) on deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced injury in porcine alveolar macrophage cells (PAMCs) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometric analysis, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blot were performed to assess whether S. boulardii could prevent DON-induced injury by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signal pathway. The results showed that pretreatment with 8 μM DON could decrease the viability of PAMC and significantly increase the apoptosis rate of PAMC, whereas S. boulardii could rescue apoptotic PAMC cells induced by DON. Further experiments revealed that S. boulardii effectively reversed DON-induced cytotoxicity via downregulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-lβ. In addition, S. boulardii significantly alleviated DON-induced phosphorylation and mRNA expression of p38 and further increased the expression of apoptosis regulation genes Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 and inhibited the activation of Bax. Our results suggest that S. boulardii could suppress DON-induced p38 MAPK pathway activation and reduce the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines, as well as promote the expression of anti-apoptotic genes to inhibit apoptosis induced by DON in PAMC.

Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol in feed ingredients and complete feed from different Province in China

BACKGROUND

The current study was carried out to provide a reference for monitory of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds were collected from different Province in China from 2013 to 2015.

METHODS

A total of 443 feed ingredients, including 220 corn, 24 wheat, 24 domestic distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS), 55 bran, 20 wheat shorts and red dog, 37 imported DDGS, 34 corn germ meal and 29 soybean meal as well as 127 complete feeds including 25 pig complete feed (powder), 90 pig complete feed (pellet), six duck complete feed and six cattle complete feed were randomly collected from different Province in China, respectively, by high-performance chromatography in combined with UV or fluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of AFB₁, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds were 80.8, 92.3 and 93.9 %, respectively. The percentage of positive samples for DON ranged from 66.7 to 100 %. Domestic DDGS and imported DDGS presented the most serious contamination AFB₁, ZEN and DON contamination levels of feeds ranged from 61.5 to 100 %, indicated that serious contamination over the studied 3-year period.

CONCLUSION

The current data provide clear evidence that AFB₁, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds in different Province in China is serious and differs over past 3-year. The use of corn, domestic DDGS, imported DDGS and corn germ meal, which may be contaminated with these three mycotoxins, as animal feed may triggered a health risk for animal. Feeds are most contaminated with DON followed by ZEN and AFB₁. Mycotoxins contamination in feed ingredients and complete feeds should be monitored routinely in China.

Effects of Glutamate and Aspartate on Serum Antioxidative Enzyme, Sex Hormones, and Genital Inflammation in Boars Challenged with Hydrogen Peroxide

Background. Oxidative stress is associated with infertility. This study was conducted to determine the effects of glutamate and aspartate on serum antioxidative enzymes, sex hormones, and genital inflammation in boars suffering from oxidative stress. Methods. Boars were randomly divided into 4 groups: the nonchallenged control (CON) and H₂O₂-challenged control (BD) groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 2% alanine; the other two groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% glutamate (GLU) or 2% aspartate (ASP). The BD, GLU, and ASP groups were injected with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on day 15. The CON group was injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the same day. Results. Dietary aspartate decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum (P < 0.05) compared with the BD group. Additionally, aspartate maintained serum luteinizing hormone (LH) at a relatively stable level. Moreover, glutamate and aspartate increased transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the epididymis and testis (P < 0.05) compared with the BD group. Conclusion. Both glutamate and aspartate promoted genital mRNA expressions of anti-inflammatory factors after oxidative stress. Aspartate more effectively decreased serum MDA and prevented fluctuations in serum sex hormones after H₂O₂ challenge than did glutamate.

Long-term effects of oral tea polyphenols and Lactobacillus brevis M8 on biochemical parameters, digestive enzymes, and cytokines expression in broilers

This study investigates the long-term effects of oral tea polyphenols (TPs) and Lactobacillus brevis M8 (LB) on biochemical parameters, digestive enzymes, and cytokines expression in broilers. In experiment 1, 240 broiler chickens were selected to investigate the effects of 0.06 g/kg body weight (BW) TP and 1.0 ml/kg BW LB on broilers; in experiment 2, 180 broiler chickens were assigned randomly to three groups to investigate the effects of different dosages of TP (0.03, 0.06, and 0.09 g/kg BW) combined with 1.0 ml/kg BW LB on broilers; in experiment 3, 180 broiler chickens were assigned randomly to three groups to investigate the effects of different dosages of LB (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ml/kg BW) combined with 0.06 g/kg BW TP on broilers. The results showed that TP and LB affected serum biochemical parameters, and TP reduced serum cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) abundances in a dosage-dependent manner (P<0.05) on Day 84. Meanwhile, broilers fed a diet supplemented with TP or LB had a lower intestinal lipase activity on Day 84 compared with the control group (P<0.05). Middle and high dosages of TP increased pancreatic lipase and proventriculus pepsin activities (P<0.05). Also middle and high dosages of LB significantly enhanced pancreatic lipase activity (P<0.05), while high LB supplementation inhibited intestinal trypsase (P<0.05) on Day 84. Furthermore, both TP and LB reduced intestinal cytokine expression and nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) mRNA level on Days 56 and 84. In conclusion, long-term treatment of TP and LB improved lipid metabolism and digestive enzymes activities, and affected intestinal inflammatory status, which may be associated with the NF-κB signal.

Review on biological degradation of mycotoxins

The worldwide contamination of feeds and foods with mycotoxins is a significant problem. Mycotoxins pose huge health threat to animals and humans. As well, mycotoxins bring enormous economic losses in food industry and animal husbandry annually. Thus, strategies to eliminate or inactivate mycotoxins in food and feed are urgently needed. Traditional physical and chemical methods have some limitations such as limited efficacy, safety issues, losses in the nutritional value and the palatability of feeds, as well as the expensive equipment required to implement these techniques. Biological degradation of mycotoxins has shown promise because it works under mild, environmentally friendly conditions. Aflatoxin (AF), zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) are considered the most economically important mycotoxins in terms of their high prevalence and significant negative effects on animal performance. Therefore, this review will comprehensively describe the biological degradation of AF, ZEA and DON by microorganisms (including fungi and bacteria) and specific enzymes isolated from microbial systems that can convert mycotoxins with varied efficiency to non- or less toxic products. Finally, some strategies and advices on existing difficulties of biodegradation research are also briefly proposed in this paper.

Effects of purified zearalenone on selected immunological measurements of blood in post-weaning gilts

Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is produced mainly by Fusarium fungi. Previous studies have indicated that acute ZEA exposure induced various damages in different species; however, its transparent hematotoxicity in female piglets at dietary levels of 1.1 to 3.2 mg/kg has not been shown. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ZEA (1.1–3.2 mg/kg) on hematology, T lymphocyte subset, immunoglobulin, antibody titer, lymphocyte proliferation rate (LPR), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in peripheral blood of post-weaning gilts. A total of 20 female piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), weaned at 42 d with an average body weight of 10.36 ± 1.21 kg were used in the study. Female piglets were kept in a temperature controlled room, divided into four treatments, and fed a diet based on corn-soybean meal-fishmeal-whey, with an addition of 0, 1.1, 2.0, or 3.2 mg/kg purified ZEA for 18 d ad libitum. Feed intake and refusal were measured daily and individual pigs were weighed weekly. Blood and serum samples were collected for selected immunological measurements. Female piglets fed different levels of dietary ZEA grew similarly with no difference in feed intake. Hematological values including leukocytes, platelets, lymphocytes, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary ZEA increased. Female piglets fed diets containing 2.0 mg/kg ZEA or greater showed significantly decreased CD4⁺CD8⁺, CD4⁺, and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in comparison to the control (P < 0.05), whereas CD8⁺ was significantly increased (P = 0.026) in the gilts which were fed the diet containing 3.2 mg/kg ZEA. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the antibody titer on d 18 were reduced linearly as dietary ZEA levels increased (P < 0.001). Linear decrease in LPR was observed (P < 0.05). Female piglets fed diets containing 2.0 mg/kg ZEA or more showed significantly decreased IL-2 in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary ZEA at the levels of 1.1 to 3.2 mg/kg can induce different degrees of hematotoxicity and negatively affect immune function in female piglets.

Impact of mycotoxin on immune response and consequences for pig health

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites detected in many agricultural commodities, especially cereals. Due to their high consumption of cereals, pigs are exposed to these toxins. In the European Union, regulations and/or recommendations exist in pig feed for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, and trichothecenes, deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin. These mycotoxins have different toxic effects, but they all target the immune system. They have immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects depending on the toxin, the concentration and the parameter investigated. The immune system is primarily responsible for defense against invading organisms. The consequences of the ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated feed are an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, a reactivation of chronic infection and a decreased vaccine efficacy. In this review we summarized the data available on the effect of mycotoxins on the immune system and the consequences for pig health.

Pyrosequencing investigation into the influence of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on fungal diversity and toxigenic fungal growth in a fermented liquid feed

A L9(34) orthogonal experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of 9 mixtures which consisted of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- ions at different ion concentrations on fungal diversity and toxigenic fungal growth in a Bacillus subtilis-fermented liquid feed (FLF) using pyrosequencing. The maximal Chao estimator and Shannon index were achieved in the FLF with a mixture of Cu2+ (200 mg/kg), Zn2+ (160 mg/kg), Fe2+ (150 mg/kg) and I- (2.4 mg/kg). The minimal relative abundance of Aspergillus was achieved when a mixture of Cu2+ (200 mg/kg), Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- was added to the FLF. Compared with Zn2+, Fe2+ and I-, Cu2+ was the most important ion in inhibiting Aspergillus growth. Adding Zn2+ (160 mg/kg), Cu2+, Fe2+ and I- to the FLF minimized the relative abundance of Fusarium. It was Zn2+ instead of Cu2+ played a critical role in suppressing the growth of Fusarium. The proper use of the mixture of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- in FLF contributes to inhibit the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi during storage. The new findings of this study help farmers properly use the mixture of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- to inhibit the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi in the production of high quality FLF and alleviate mycotoxins damages to animals and humans.

Oral administration of putrescine and proline during the suckling period improves epithelial restitution after early weaning in piglets

Polyamines are necessary for normal integrity and the restitution after injury of the gastrointestinal epithelium. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of putrescine and proline during the suckling period on epithelial restitution after early weaning in piglets. Eighteen neonatal piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large Yorkshire) from 3 litters (6 piglets per litter) were assigned to 3 groups, representing oral administration with an equal volume of saline (control), putrescine (5 mg/kg BW), and proline (25 mg/kg BW) twice daily from d 1 to weaning at 14 d of age. Plasma and intestinal samples were obtained 3 d after weaning. The results showed that oral administration of putrescine or proline increased the final BW and ADG of piglets compared with the control (P < 0.05). Proline treatment decreased plasma D-lactate concentration but increased the villus height in the jejunum and ileum, as well as the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). The protein expressions for zonula occludens (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-3 (P < 0.05) but not mRNA were increased in the jejunum of putrescine- and proline-treated piglets compared with those of control piglets. The voltage-gated K+ channel (Kv) 1.1 protein expression in the jejunum of piglets administrated with putrescine and the Kv1.5 mRNA and Kv1.1 protein levels in the ileum of piglets administrated with proline were greater than those in control piglets (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that polyamine or its precursor could improve mucosal proliferation, intestinal morphology, as well as tight junction and potassium channel protein expressions in early-weaned piglets, with implications for epithelial restitution and barrier function after stress injury.

Short Communication: Antioxidant capacity in the intestinal mucosa of weanling piglets fed diets containing Fusarium mycotoxins and the efficacy of commercial supplements sold as detoxifiers

Le Thanh, B. V., Lessard, M., Chorfi, Y. and Guay, F. 2015. Short Communication: Antioxidant capacity in the intestinal mucosa of weanling piglets fed diets containing Fusarium mycotoxins and the efficacy of commercial supplements sold as detoxifiers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 569–575. The ability of commercial feed additives to prevent oxidative damage due to deoxynivalenol (DON) in piglets was studied. Sixty piglets (6.0±0.5 kg) were assigned randomly to six wheat–corn–soybean diets: control (<0.5 mg kg−1 DON), DON-rich diet (4 mg kg−1 DON), and four DON-rich diets supplemented with either glucomannan (DON+GLUC), yeast, live bacteria, enzymes and plant extract (DON+YBP), aluminosilicate (DON+ALS), or a mixture of preservatives (DON+PV). Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), catalase activity (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the small intestine were measured after 14 d. The DON-rich diet increased MDA in the jejunum while decreasing CAT in the jejunum and SOD in the ileum and increasing GPx in the ileum (P<0.05). The DON+GLUC diet decreased GPx and SOD (P<0.05) and tended to decrease MDA in the jejunum (P<0.10). The DON+YBP, DON+PV and DON+ALS diets all decreased CAT in the jejunum, while DON+YBP and DON+PV also did so in the ileum (P<0.05). DON+GLUC decreased SOD in the jejunum, while DON+YBP increased it (P<0.05). In the ileum, DON+PV decreased SOD, while DON+ALS increased GPx (P<0.05). No significant differences in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in intestinal tissues were found. This study demonstrates that the mycotoxin DON and anti-mycotoxin additives modify oxidative status, including the antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD or GPx) in the intestinal mucosa of piglets. However, it was not possible to identify a specific antioxidant enzyme involved in counteracting the effect of DON.

Hepatotoxic effects of mycotoxin combinations in mice

This study was performed to assess the individual and combined toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) within the liver of mice. A total of 56 4-week-old weanling female mice were divided into seven groups (n = 8). For 2 weeks, each group received an oral administration of either solvent (control), AFB1, ZEA, DON, AFB1 + ZEA, AFB1 + DON or ZEA + DON per day. The results showed that AFB1, ZEA and DON induced liver injury, indicated by elevated relative liver weight, activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as decreased albumin (ALB) and/or total protein (TP) concentration in the serum. These mycotoxins also decreased hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and/or increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, AFB1 + DON displayed synergistic effects, while AFB1 + ZEA displayed antagonistic effects on those parameters previously described. Furthermore, the apoptotic potential was demonstrated associated with an upregulation of the apoptotic genes Caspase-3 and Bax, along with a downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 in liver. In conclusion, this study provides a better understanding of the toxic effects of AFB1, ZEA, DON, alone or in combinations on the liver of mice, which could contribute to the risk assessment of these mycotoxins in food and feed.

Growth performance, serum biochemical profile, jejunal morphology, and the expression of nutrients transporter genes in deoxynivalenol (DON)- challenged growing pigs

BACKGROUND

Fusarium infection with concurrent production of deoxynivalenol (DON) causes an increasing safety concern with feed worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the effects of varying levels of DON in diets on growth performance, serum biochemical profile, jejunal morphology, and the differential expression of nutrients transporter genes in growing pigs.

RESULTS

A total of twenty-four 60-day-old healthy growing pigs (initial body weight = 16.3 ± 1.5 kg SE) were individually housed and randomly assigned to receive one of four diets containing 0, 3, 6 or 12 mg DON/kg feed for 21 days. Differences were observed between control and the 12 mg/kg DON treatment group with regards to average daily gain (ADG), although the value for average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the 3 mg/kg DON treatment group was slightly higher than that in control (P<0.01). The relative liver weight in the 12 mg/kg DON treatment group was significantly greater than that in the control (P<0.01), but there were no significant differences in other organs. With regard to serum biochemistry, the values of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) in the 3 treatment groups were higher than those in the control, and the serum concentrations of L-valine, glycine, L-serine, and L-glutamine were significantly reduced in the 3 treatment groups, especially in the 12 mg/kg DON group (P<0.01). Serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were markedly decreased after exposure to DON contaminated feeds (P<0.01). The villi height was markedly decreased and the lymphocyte cell numbers markedly increased in the 3 DON contaminated feeds (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of excitatory amino acid transporter-3 (EAAC-3), sodium-glucose transporter-1 (SGLT-1), dipeptide transporter-1 (PepT-1), cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) and y(+)L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT-1) in control were slightly or markedly higher than those in the 3 DON treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that feeds containing DON cause a wide range of effects in a dose-dependent manner. Such effects includes weight loss, live injury and oxidation stress, and malabsorption of nutrients as a result of selective regulation of nutrient transporter genes such as EAAC-3, SGLT-1, PepT-1, CAT-1 and LAT-1.

Effectiveness of activated carbon and Egyptian montmorillonite in the protection against deoxynivalenol-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in rats

This study was conducted to prepare and characterize activated carbon (AC) and to evaluate its protective effect against deoxynivalenol (DON) toxicity in rats compared to Egyptian montmorillonite (EM). AC was prepared using a single-step chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). The resulted AC has a high surface area and a high total pore volume. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 10) and treated for 3 weeks as follow: the control group, the groups fed AC or EM-supplemented diet (0.5% w/w), the group treated orally with DON (5 mg/kg b.w.) and the groups fed AC or EM-supplemented diet and treated with DON. Blood and liver samples were collected for different analyses. Treatment with DON increased liver function enzymes, lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor α, DNA fragmentation, decreased hepatic glutathione content, up regulating mRNA Fas and TNF-α genes expression and increased micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and normochromatic erythrocytes in bone marrow. Co-treatment of DON plus AC or EM succeeded to normalize the levels of the biochemical parameters, reduced the cytotoxicity of bone marrow and ameliorated the hepatic genotoxicity. Moreover, AC was more effective than EM and has a high affinity to adsorb DON and to reduce its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Dietary L-arginine supplementation protects weanling pigs from deoxynivalenol-induced toxicity

This study was conducted to determine the positive effects of dietary supplementation with l-arginine (Arg) on piglets fed a deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated diet. A total of eighteen, 28-day-old healthy weanling pigs were randomly assigned into one of three groups: uncontaminated basal diet (control group), 6 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet (DON group) and 6 mg/kg DON + 1% l-arginine (DON + ARG group). After 21 days of Arg supplementation, piglets in the DON and DON + ARG groups were challenged by feeding 6 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet for seven days. The results showed that DON resulted in damage to piglets. However, clinical parameters, including jejunal morphology, amino acid concentrations in the serum, jejunum and ileum, were improved by Arg (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA levels for sodium-glucose transporter-1 (SGLT-1), glucose transporter type-2 (GLUT-2) and y⁺l-type amino acid transporter-1 (y⁺LAT-1) were downregulated in the DON group, but the values were increased in the DON + ARG group (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with Arg exerts a protective role in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets.

Effects of dietary supplementation with glutamate and aspartate on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary glutamate and aspartate supplementations on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets. Diquat injection significantly reduced growth performance, including body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed intake (P<0.05). Meanwhile, diquat administration induced oxidative stress evidenced by the decreased serum nitric oxide (NO) and elevated malondialdeyhde (MDA) concentration (P<0.05). Furthermore, diquat-induced oxidative stress disrupted intestinal absorption system and decreased serum threonine, serine, and glycine levels. Dietary supplementation with glutamate improved final body weight, antioxidant system, and expressions of amino acids transporters and enhanced serum glutamate concentration compared with diquat group (P<0.05). While aspartate failed to alleviate diquat-induced oxidative stress, growth depression, and dysfunction of nutrients absorption except for liver relative weight. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with glutamate confers beneficial effects on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets, while aspartate exhibits little effects.

Influence of trace elements mixture on bacterial diversity and fermentation characteristics of liquid diet fermented with probiotics under air-tight condition

Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- are often supplemented to the diet of suckling and early weaning piglets, but little information is available regarding the effects of different Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on bacteria growth, diversity and fermentation characteristics of fermented liquid diet for piglets. Pyrosequencing was performed to investigate the effect of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- mixtures on the diversity, growth and fermentation characteristics of bacteria in the liquid diet fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis under air-tight condition. Results showed that the mixtures of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- at different concentrations promoted Bacillus growth, increased bacterial diversity and lactic acid production and lowered pH to about 5. The importance of Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is different for Bacillus growth with the order Zn2+> Fe2+>Cu2+> I- in a 21-d fermentation and Cu2+>I->Fe2+>Zn2+ in a 42-d fermentation. Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and I- is recommended at a level of 150, 60, 150 and 0.6 mg/kg respectively for the production of fermented liquid diet with Bacillus subtilis. The findings improve our understanding of the influence of trace elements on liquid diet fermentation with probiotics and support the proper use of trace elements in the production of fermented liquid diet for piglets.

Dietary glutamate supplementation ameliorates mycotoxin-induced abnormalities in the intestinal structure and expression of amino acid transporters in young pigs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with glutamic acid has beneficial effects on growth performance, antioxidant system, intestinal morphology, serum amino acid profile and the gene expression of intestinal amino acid transporters in growing swine fed mold-contaminated feed. Fifteen pigs (Landrace×Large White) with a mean body weight (BW) of 55 kg were randomly divided into control group (basal feed), mycotoxin group (contaminated feed) and glutamate group (2% glutamate+contaminated feed). Compared with control group, mold-contaminated feed decreased average daily gain (ADG) and increased feed conversion rate (FCR). Meanwhile, fed mold-contaminated feed impaired anti-oxidative system and intestinal morphology, as well as modified the serum amino acid profile in growing pigs. However, supplementation with glutamate exhibited potential positive effects on growth performance of pigs fed mold-contaminated feed, ameliorated the imbalance antioxidant system and abnormalities of intestinal structure caused by mycotoxins. In addition, dietary glutamate supplementation to some extent restored changed serum amino acid profile caused by mold-contaminated feed. In conclusion, glutamic acid may be act as a nutritional regulating factor to ameliorate the adverse effects induced by mycotoxins.