Effect of ethanolic extract of propolis as an alternative to antibiotics as a growth promoter on broiler performance, serum biochemistry, and immune responses

Replacement of performance enhancers by propolis ethanol extract in broiler diets

The present study was carried out to evaluate the substitution of synthetic performance enhancers by ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) in the diet of broilers and their effects on performance, carcass yield, noble cuts, viscera and bed quality. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and six replicates each, totaling 24 experimental plots with 20 birds each. The experimental treatments were: negative control, without the inclusion of performance improvement and EPE-free; positive control, containing avilamycin performance enhancer; Inclusion of 0.1% of EPE and; Inclusion of 0.2% EPE. The analyzed data were submitted to analysis of variance and applied the SNK test at 5% probability. There was no effect of the inclusion of additives on feed intake and feed conversion in the periods from 1 to 7, 1 to 21, and from 1 to 42 days of age. Weight gain was lower in birds receiving feed with the inclusion of 0.1% EPE in the period from 1 to 7 days, not differing from the other treatments in the other evaluation periods. Carcass characteristics, cuts, and viscera and bed moisture were not influenced by the treatments used. The inclusion of ethanol extract from propolis as a performance enhancer up to 42 days of age provided similar results to the use of performance enhancers based on avilamycin, thus being an efficient substitute in poultry production.

Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Immune, and Serum Biochemical Response in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 on the growth performance, carcass traits, immune response, and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 396 1 day old, mixed-sex commercial Ross 308 broilers with similar body weights were allotted into six treatment groups. The assigned groups were the CON group (basal diet with no supplement), AB (antibiotics) group (basal diet + 150 mg of aureomycin/kg), C+M group (basal diet + 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 powder with vegetative cells + metabolites), C group (basal diet + 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 vegetative cell powder with removed metabolites), M group (basal diet + 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 metabolite powder with removed vegetative cells), and CICC group (basal diet + 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg Bacillus subtilis CICC 20179). Results indicated that chickens in the C+M, C, and M groups had higher body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p = 0.02) compared to the CON group. The C+M group showed the lowest abdominal fat rate compared to those in the CON, AB, and CICC groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum IgA and IgG levels in the C+M, C, and M groups significantly increased while declining in the AB group (p < 0.05). B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 supplementation significantly reduced the serum triglyceride, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine levels, while increasing the serum glucose and total protein (p < 0.05). In conclusion, B. amyloliquefaciens LFB112 significantly improved the growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, and blood chemical indices of broiler chickens and may be used as an efficient broiler feed supplement.

Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance, immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed (BPC) in comparison with using sub-therapeutic doses of lincomycin and the excessive inclusion of vitamin E on performance, immunity, total antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old male broiler chicks with similar initial weight (Ross strain) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (8 chicks/pen): non-treated group (basal diet), basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg lincomycin, basal diet supplemented with 50 IU vitamin E, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter period, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter and grower periods and basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg throughout the whole experiment. The highest final body weight was obtained in the group supplemented with BPC in starter and grower periods. In the finisher phase, broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the starter period and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Jejunal villus height was significantly elevated in broilers supplemented with antibiotic (P < 0.001), furthermore it tended to be greater in broilers fed BPC in the starter period. The jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in broilers fed the diet containing antibiotic in comparison to other groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease vaccine tended to be elevated in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial (P > 0.05). Broilers supplemented with BPC in starter and grower, and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The highest total antioxidant capacity was obtained in broilers supplemented with the excessive level of vitamin E, furthermore it tended to improve in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial. In summary, the results of the study indicated that addition of BPC in broiler diets in the whole trial could improve FCR, immune responses and total antioxidant activity of serum, and BPC could be used in broiler diets as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.

Complete genome sequence analysis of a strain Lactobacillus pentosus ZFM94 and its probiotic characteristics

Lactic acid bacteria have been attracting increased attentions recent years because of harboring probiotic properties. In present study, a Lactobacillus pentosus strain ZFM94 was screened from healthy infant feces and its probiotic characteristics were investigated. We found that ZFM94 was resistant to environmental stresses (temperature, pH and NaCl), tolerant to gastrointestinal juice and bile salts, with inhibitory action against pathogens and capacity of folate production etc. Additionally, complete genome sequence of the strain was analyzed to highlight the probiotic features at genetic level. Genomic characteristics along with the experimental studies is critically important for building an appropriate probiotic profile of novel strains. Genes that correspond to phenotypes mentioned above were identified. Moreover, genes potentially related to its adaptation, such as carbon metabolism and carbohydrate transporter, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and a novel gene cluster RaS-RiPPs, were also revealed. Together, ZFM94 could be considered as a potential probiotic candidate.

Propolis and Its Combination with Boric Acid Protect Against Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, DNA Damage, and Apoptosis in Rats

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury which causes kidney dysfunction is one of the most studied diseases directly linked to oxidative stress. In this regard, it is important to protect cells against damage by inducing antioxidant response. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic roles and possible mechanisms of propolis and boric acid in kidney I/R injury based on relevant basic research and clinical studies. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 50 min of ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Animals were randomly divided into a control group (the abdominal wall was just opened and closed), an I/R injury group, the propolis intervention group (200 mg/kg, intragastric administration, 1 h before ischemia), boric acid intervention group (14 mg/kg, intragastric administration 1 h before ischemia), and the propolis + boric acid intervention group (intragastric administration 1 h before ischemia). Kidney function, the antioxidant defensive system, and renal damage were assessed. In addition, the oxidative stress and inflammatory status were estimated in renal tissue. Furthermore, DNA damageand apoptosis were detected by immunohistochemistry. When compared with I/R group, propolis alone and especially propolis + boric acid groups significantly improved functional parameters. While the antioxidant response was increased, renal injury size and apoptosis were significantly decreased in both groups. Also, the MDA and TNF-α levels besides the 8-OHdG formation were downregulated. According to these outcomes, it can be said that especially propolis together with boric acid ameliorates kidney injury caused by I/R through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic agent. In conclusion, propolis alone and its combination with boric acid could be developed as therapeutic agents against serious renal I/R injuries.

Use of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as a protein source on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and intestinal morphology of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal inclusion in diets as a replacement for fish meal and soybean oil on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and intestinal morphology of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).A total of 160 mixed sex quails at seven-day of age were weighed and allocated to 20 cages. The dietary treatments were as follows: control (C) group containing 370 g soybean meal (SBM)/kg of diet and 30 g fish meal (FM)/kg of diet and four T. molitor (TM) larvae meal groups, in which TM meal was included as a replacement for FM and soybean oil at 7.5 (7.5), 15 (TM15), 22.5 (TM22.5) and 30 (TM30) g TM/kg of diet. The use of TM at the levels of 22.5 and 30 g/kg of diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight (BW) of the birds compared with other groups. Quails fed 22.5 and 30 g TM/kg of diet had better FCR values compared with other groups. The carcass and breast yields obtained in birds fed 30 g TM/kg of diet was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other groups. Significant increases in villous height and crypt depth in TM supplemented birds was found (P < 0.05). Water retention capacity, redness and yellowness were improved by TM meal supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data indicated that increasing TM inclusion up to 30 g/kg of feed in quail diets could improve BW, FCR, carcass yield, meat quality, and histology of jejunum.

Herbal Medicine Additives as Powerful Agents to Control and Prevent Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry – A Review

The complicated epidemiological situation of avian influenza viruses (AIV) caused by continuous emergence of new subtypes with failure of eradication, monitoring and vaccination strategies opens the door to alternative solutions to save the status quo and prevent new disasters for the poultry industry. Using of synthetic antiviral drugs such as neuraminidase and hemagglutinin inhibitors has been limited due to development of drug resistance and expensive commercial application. One of the most promising alternatives is herbal products and botanicals. This review presents a comprehensive and specialized view of in vivo studies of herbal plants in poultry species. Many herbal extracts as Nigella sativa oil, Astragalus, Cochinchina momordica and Sargassum pallidum polysaccharides proved very effective as adjuvants for AIV vaccines. Another beneficial role of herbs is enhancement of host response to vaccination with further better prevention of infection and easier control. For enumeration not inventory, this is best achieved with the use of virgin coconut oil, Echinacea purpurea, Ginseng stem-and-leaf saponins (GSLS), Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), Myrtus communis oil, Garlic powder, Turmeric, Thyme and Curcumin. This review aimed to evaluate most of the in vivo studies performed on poultry species as a step and a guide for scientists and field practitioners in establishment of new effective herbal-based drugs for prevention and control of AIV in poultry.

The propolis and boric acid can be highly suitable, alone/or as a combinatory approach on ovary ischemia-reperfusion injury

PURPOSE

Ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage continues to be a serious infertility problem. The oxidative stress plays central role in the development of IR injuries. Activation of antioxidants decreases IR injuries; however, the efficacy of antioxidant agents remains controversial. Unfortunately, there has been no evidence for medicinal use of boric acid (BA) and propolis (Prop) on ovarian IR injury on rats so far. This study will provide to reveal the potential applications of the Prop and BA in ovarian IR therapy.

METHODS

The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: I-control, II-IR, 3 h of ischemia and 3 h of reperfusion, III and IV-a signal dose of oral BA (7 mg/kg) and Prop (100 mg/kg) alone 1 h before induction of IR, V-Prop and BA together 1 h before induction of IR. SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GSH (glutathione), MPO (myeloperoxidase), MDA (malondialdehyde), and IL-6 (interleukin-6) levels were quantified by ELISA and the TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxylo-2'-deoxyguanosin) and Caspase-3 expressions were performed by immunohistochemical analyses.

RESULTS

BA and Prop pretreatment significantly reduced MPO, MDA, and IL-6 levels and pathologic score in IR rats, with no effects in control group. These agents used in therapy also decreased TNF-α, 8-OHdG and Caspase-3 protein expressions increased by IR. Furthermore, BA and Prop combination showed significant ameliorative effects on ovary injury caused by IR through acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent.

CONCLUSION

BA and Prop alone and especially in combination could be developed as therapeutic agents against ovary IR injury.

Evaluation of Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower as a natural growth promoter in comparison with an antibiotic growth promoter on growth performance, carcass traits and humoral immune responses of broilers

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dried powder of Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower as an antibiotic growth promoter substitute on growth performance, organ weights, and immunological parameters in broilers. A total of 240 mixed sex broilers (Ross 308) at 1 d of age were individually weighed and randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 15 birds for 6 wk. The dietary treatments were: 1) a basal diet (control); 2) control plus 4.5 mg flavophospholipol/kg of diet; 3) control plus 5 g marigold/kg of diet; 4) control plus 10 g marigold/kg of diet. Antibody responses against Newcastle (NDV), influenza (AI) viruses, and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were measured. Supplementing 4.5 mg flavophospholipol/kg of diet enhanced body weight (BW) of broilers at 14 and 28 d of age (P < 0.05), but final BW at 42 d was not markedly affected. At 14 and 28 d of age, broilers fed diets supplemented with 10 g marigold/kg of diet had significantly lower BW compared with broilers fed the basal diet supplemented with antibiotic or 5 g marigold/kg of diet. During the starter period, broilers fed diets supplemented with antibiotic had significantly (P < 0.05) better FCR compared with broilers supplemented with 10 g marigold/kg of diet, but did not differ from broilers fed the basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 5 g marigold/kg of diet. There were no significant differences in FCR between treatments, during grower, finisher phases as well as for the whole experiment. Carcass yield was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in broilers supplemented with 5 g marigold/kg of diet compared with broilers in other groups. The treatments failed to induce any marked effect on immune parameters. In conclusion, the results of this experiment showed that supplementation of 5 and 10 g dried powder of marigold/kg of diet has no affirmative influence on growth performance of broilers.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian green propolis modulates inflammatory process in mice submitted to a low protein diet

The occurrence of inflammation and protein malnutrition is an aggravating risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the clinical setting. The green propolis, a natural product made by Apis mellifera bees from Baccharis dracunculifolia resin, has therapeutic potential to modulate chronic inflammation. However, its effect on inflammation in an impaired nutritional status is not known. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of the administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of the green propolis in the chronic inflammatory process of mice submitted to a low-protein diet. For this, we used the subcutaneous implantation of sponge disks as an inflammatory model and the animals were distributed in the following groups: standard protein diet (12% protein content), control treatment; standard protein diet, propolis treatment; low-protein diet (3% protein content), control treatment; low-protein diet, propolis treatment. Propolis was given daily at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.) during a period of 7 or 15 days. Our main findings show that animals fed with standard protein diet and treated with propolis had low levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, with the subsequent reestablishment of these levels, in addition to monocyte count elevation and higher TNF levels after one week of treatment. In the low-protein diet group, the propolis treatment provided a significant recovery in weight and maintenance of total serum protein levels at the end of two weeks of treatment. Histological analysis showed propolis reduced the inflammatory infiltrate in the sponges of both standard and low-protein diet groups. In addition, the propolis extract presented antiangiogenic effect in both groups. Therefore, our data suggests that the hydroalcoholic extract of the green propolis promotes weight recovery and avoid the reduction of protein levels, in addition to inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis in animals fed with a low-protein diet.

Direct-fed glucose oxidase and its combination with B. amyloliquefaciens SC06 on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal barrier, antioxidative status, and immunity of yellow-feathered broilers

This experiment investigated the effects of dietary glucose oxidase (GOD) and its combination with B. amyloliquefaciens SC06 (BaSC06) on the growth performance, meat quality, intestinal physical barrier, antioxidative status and immunity of male Lingnan yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 720 1-d-old broilers were assigned into 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment (30 birds per replicate): (1) basal diet (Ctr), (2) basal diet with 200 mg/kg enramycin (ER), (3) basal diet with 75 U/kg GOD, and (4) GOD diet (75U/kg) supplemented with 1 × 105 colony-forming units BaSC06/kg feed (GB), for an experimental duration of 52 d. The results showed that there were no significant effects of GOD or GB on growth performance of birds. The shear force and drip loss of breast muscle of birds fed GOD and GB were less than those fed ER, while the shear force in GB significantly decreased compared to Ctr. Also, both GOD and GB treatment increased about 1-fold expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin, and MUC-2 genes in jejunal mucosa compared to Ctr, no difference was found between GOD and GB. Compared to Ctr, serum total antioxidant capability and glutathione peroxidase in GOD and GB increased, while the malondialdehyde level and xanthine oxidase activity significantly decreased. Both GOD and GB treatments reduced the relative level of HO-1, p53, and BAX transcripts in liver. It is worth noting that GB decreased transcription of p53 and Bcl-2 by 76.11% and 50.19% compared to GOD, respectively. In addition, compared to Ctr, GOD and GB markedly increased serum IL-2 content by 110% and 182%, while decreased IFN-γ by 43.57% and 57.51%, respectively. The highest sIgA level in GB was found among four groups. In conclusion, dietary treatment with GOD and its combination with BaSC06 both had beneficial effects on shear force and drip loss, expression of intestinal tight junctions, antioxidative capacity and immune function. It is suggested that GB had better effect than GOD on anti-apoptosis.

Complete genome analysis of Lactobacillus fermentum SK152 from kimchi reveals genes associated with its antimicrobial activity

Research findings on probiotics highlight their importance in repressing harmful bacteria, leading to more extensive research on their potential applications. We analysed the genome of Lactobacillus fermentum SK152, which was isolated from the Korean traditional fermented vegetable dish kimchi, to determine the genetic makeup and genetic factors responsible for the antimicrobial activity of L. fermentum SK152 and performed a comparative genome analysis with other L. fermentum strains. The genome of L. fermentum SK152 was found to comprise a complete circular chromosome of 2092 273 bp, with an estimated GC content of 51.9% and 2184 open reading frames. It consisted of 2038 protein-coding genes and 73 RNA-coding genes. Moreover, a gene encoding a putative endolysin was found. A comparative genome analysis with other L. fermentum strains showed that SK152 is closely related to L. fermentum 3872 and F-6. An evolutionary analysis identified five positively selected genes that encode proteins associated with transport, survival and stress resistance. These positively selected genes may be essential for L. fermentum to colonise and survive in the stringent environment of the human gut and exert its beneficial effects. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of SK152.

Evaluation of thyme and ajwain as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

The present study was to evaluate thyme and ajwain as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A feeding trial was conducted over 28 d with 4 groups of Japanese quails fed experimental diets formulated to provide no supplementation (control), or control + 55 mg zinc bacitracin/kg, 2 g thyme/kg, and 2 g ajwain/kg. At 35 d of age, 2 quails from each replicate were sacrificed and eviscerated. Liver, empty small intestine and heart were weighed and calculated as a percentage of live body weight. The carcasses were weighed and the cuts were performed to evaluate the yield of legs and breast. At 35 d of age, 2 quails per replicate were chosen and approximately 1-mL blood samples were collected through brachial vein, and concentrations of albumin, total protein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) -cholesterol were determined. Final body weight were not affected by the dietary treatment whereas, it tended to increase in quails supplemented with antibiotic. Overall feed conversation ratio values were similar though it tended to improve in quails supplemented with thyme compared with other groups. Daily feed intake, internal organ weights and carcass traits were not influenced by the dietary treatments. Serum total cholesterol contents were lower (P < 0.05) in quails supplemented with ajwain compared with control and quails supplemented with antibiotic and thyme. The highest serum HDL-cholesterol was seen in the group supplemented with thyme compared with other groups. It was concluded that the addition of 2 g/kg thyme can improve serum biochemistry in quails, although its effects on performance criteria was negligible.