Effects of Dietary Sanguinarine on Growth Performance, Relative Organ Weight, Cecal Microflora, Serum Cholesterol Level and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens

Dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract alleviates intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide by regulating gut microbiota and plasma metabolites

Introduction

The prevention and mitigation of intestinal immune challenge is crucial for poultry production. This study investigated the effects of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on the prevention of intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups using a 2×2 factorial design with 2 MCE supplemental levels (0 and 400 mg/kg) and 2 LPS challenge levels (0 and 1 mg/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21 d.

Results and discussion

The results showed that MCE supplementation increased the average daily feed intake during days 0-14. MCE supplementation and LPS challenge have an interaction on the average daily gain during days 15-21. MCE supplementation significantly alleviated the decreased average daily gain of broiler chickens induced by LPS. MCE supplementation increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in jejunal mucosa. MCE addition elevated the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the ileum. MCE supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the jejunum. MCE addition mitigated LPS-induced mRNA up-expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-17 in the jejunum. MCE supplementation increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Blautia) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (such as Actinobacteriota, Peptostretococcaceae, and Rhodococcus), leading to alterations in gut microbiota composition. MCE addition altered several metabolic pathways such as Amino acid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, Energy metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, and Lipid metabolism in broilers. In these pathways, MCE supplementation increased the levels of L-aspartic acid, L-Glutamate, L-serine, etc., and reduced the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, thromboxane B2, 13-(S)-HODPE, etc. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg MCE effectively improved the growth performance and intestinal function in LPS-challenged broiler chickens, probably due to the modulation of gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

Macleaya cordata extract improves growth performance, immune responses and anti-inflammatory capacity in neonatal piglets

Macleaya cordata was a kind of traditional herbal medicine, which may a potential substitute for antibiotics. However, the effects of Macleaya cordata on neonatal piglets have rarely been reported. In this study, three groups were designed, including normal saline (Control group, CON), 8 mg/mL Macleaya cordata extract (MCE group, MCE) and 5 mg/mL Chlortetracycline Hydrochloride (CCH group, CCH), to investigate the effects of MCE on growth performance, blood parameters, inflammatory cytokines, regenerating islet-derived 3 gamma (REG3γ) expression and the transcriptomes of neonatal piglets. The results showed that, compared with the control group, MCE significantly increased the average daily gain (p < 0.01); spleen index (p < 0.05) contents of IL-10, TGF-β, IgG in serum and sIgA in the ileum mucus of neonatal piglets at 7 d and 21 d (p < 0.01). The diarrhoea incidence and serum TNF-α and IFN-γ contents of neonatal piglets at 7 d and 21 d were significantly decreased (p < 0.01). In addition, MCE significantly increased the mRNA expression of TGF-β, IL-10, and REG3γ (p < 0.01) and significantly decreased the mRNA expression of IL-33, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the ileal mucosa of neonatal piglets at 21 d (p < 0.01). The differentially expressed genes and the signal pathways, related to cytokine generation and regulation, immunoregulation and inflammation were identified. In conclusion, MCE can significantly improve growth performance, reduce diarrhoea incidence, relieve inflammation, improve immune function, and improve disease resistance in neonatal piglets. MCE can be used as a potential substitute for antibiotics in neonatal piglets.

Effects of a dietary isoquinoline alkaloids blend on gut antioxidant capacity and gut barrier of young broilers

Extensive mechanistic evidence to support the beneficial function of dietary phytobiotic applications for broiler performance, gut function and health is highly warranted. In particular, for isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) the underlying mechanisms related to critical gut homeostasis components such as cytoprotection and gut barrier are scarce, especially for young broilers at the starter growth stage (d1-10). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a standardized blend of IQs on the relative gene expression of critical biomarkers relevant for antioxidant response and barrier function along the intestine of young broilers at the end of starter growth phase. For this purpose, 182 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allocated in 2 treatments with 7 replicates of 13 broilers each: control diet-no other additions (NC), and control diet containing a standardized blend of IQs at 200 mg/kg of diet (M) for the starter growth period (1-10d). The results revealed that the IQs blend significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes related to antioxidant response in all intestinal segments. Moreover, the IQs blend enhanced (P < 0.05) gut barrier components primarily at duodenal level. In conclusion, the blend of IQs beneficially affected critical pathway components relevant for the gut antioxidant capacity and barrier along the intestine of young broilers.

Sanguinarine Improves Intestinal Health in Grass Carp Fed High-Fat Diets: Involvement of Antioxidant, Physical and Immune Barrier, and Intestinal Microbiota

An eight-week trial was conducted to investigate the effects of sanguinarine supplementation (600 μg and 1200 μg/kg) in high-fat (crude fat: 10%) diets (HF) on the intestinal physiological function of Ctenopharyngodon idellus (initial weight 50.21 ± 0.68 g), based on a basic diet (5% crude fat, CON), which were named HFLS and HFHS, respectively. The results showed that the HF diet significantly impaired the intestinal immune and physical barrier function, and disrupted the balance of the intestinal microbiota in grass carp. Compared to the HF diet, sanguinarine supplementation significantly improved the levels of serum C4, C3, AKP, IgA, and IgM, and enhanced the intestinal antioxidant capacity (gr, CuZnsod, gpx4, cat, gsto, and nrf2 expression were significantly up-regulated). Sanguinarine significantly down-regulated the expression of claudin-15 and up-regulated the expression of claudin-b, claudin-c, occludin, and zo-1 by inhibiting MLCK signaling molecules. Additionally, sanguinarine significantly down-regulated the expression of il-6, il-1β, and tnf-α and up-regulated the expression of il-10, tgf-β2, and tgf-β1 by inhibiting NF-κB signaling molecules, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation caused by HF diets. Furthermore, compared to the HF diet, the abundance of Fusobacterium and Cetobacterium in the HFHS diet increased significantly, while the abundance of Firmicutes and Streptococcus showed the opposite trend. In conclusion, the HF diet had a negative impact on grass carp, while sanguinarine supplementation enhanced intestinal antioxidant ability, alleviated intestinal barrier damage, and ameliorated the homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. extract and leaves (Sangrovit® extra) for all poultry species (excluding laying and breeding birds) (Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. extract and leaves (Sangrovit® Extra) when used as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: other zootechnical additives) for all poultry species (excluding laying and breeding birds). The additive is standardised to contain a concentration of the sum of the four alkaloids sanguinarine, chelerythrine, protopine and allocryptopine of 1.25%, with 0.5% sanguinarine. Owing to the presence of the DNA intercalators sanguinarine and chelerythrine, a concern for genotoxicity was identified. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concerns when the additive is used at the recommended level of 150 mg/kg complete feed (corresponding to 0.750 mg sanguinarine/kg complete feed) for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening. No conclusion can be drawn for poultry reared for laying/breeding. The use of Sangrovit® Extra in poultry species for fattening at the maximum recommended level was considered of low concern for consumers. The additive was shown to be irritant to the eyes but not irritant to skin or a skin sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel could not exclude the potential of the additive to be a respiratory sensitiser. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to sanguinarine and chelerythrine may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of users should be reduced. The use of Sangrovit® Extra as a feed additive under the proposed conditions of use was considered safe for the environment. The additive Sangrovit® Extra had the potential to be efficacious in improving performance of chickens for fattening at 45 mg/kg complete feed. This conclusion was extended to chickens reared for laying/breeding and extrapolated to all poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding.

Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat

Background and Aim

Secondary bioactive compounds of medicinal plants exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolism-modulating effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding 4-hexylresorcinol, as well as its combinations with gamma-octalactone and 7-hydroxycoumarin, on the digestibility of dietary nutrients, weight gain, and quality characteristics of the meat and liver of Arbor Acres broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods

The following feeding scheme was applied on the chickens: Control, basal diet (BD); I experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol at 0.5 mg/kg of live weight per day; II experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone at 0.4 mg/kg of live weight per day; III experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.1 and 0.15 mg/kg of live weight per day; and IV experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.01 mg/kg of live weight per day.

Results

Chickens in I, II, and IV experimental groups at the age of 35 days showed superior live weight than chickens in the control group. Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, significantly increased the digestibility coefficients of dietary nutrients. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin significantly increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles. However, the mass fraction of fat in the thigh muscles of broiler chickens decreased in II, III, and IV experimental groups. The pectoral muscles of broiler chickens in experimental Group IV contained small amounts of lysine, tyrosine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, serine, alanine, and glycine. Supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly reduced the levels of lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, and alanine in the thigh muscles. However, supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly increased the concentrations of P, Fe, Se, Zn, and B and decreased the concentrations of I, Ni, V, Al, and Pb in the pectoral muscles. Supplementation with the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin resulted in the accumulation of Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, and Li and a decrease in the concentrations of K, Mg, and V.

Conclusion

Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, exerted a positive effect on the indicators of live weight gain and dietary nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles but decreased it in the thigh muscles. Supplementation with all the tested additives decreased the concentrations of I in the pectoral muscles and Zn in the thigh muscles in all the experimental groups compared with those in the control group.

Potency of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extracts on growth performance in poultry

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of phytobiotics combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata water extracts (FOA) mixed into the feed of broiler and specific-pathogen-free chickens as an alternative to Antibiotics Growth Promoter (AGP). Performance, intestinal bacteria characteristic, and oocysts of Eimeria spp. in feces were measured and compared with the AGP-added group. The first experiment in broiler chickens compared FOA, Zinc Bacitracin (ZB, as an AGP group), and negative control. On day 28, FOA group and ZB group showed significantly higher body weight than the control group (P < 0.05). The FCR of ZB group was better than FOA group. However, FOA group displayed better microbiota profile than ZB group and negative control, with more Lactobacillus spp. and Bacillus spp., and less Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from intestines. The second experiment in specific-pathogen-free chickens showed the anticoccidial effect of FOA addition to reduce the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) from live coccidia vaccine. FOA group and Amprolium group showed OPG reduction (82.53% and 92.02%, respectively) after 7 days of treatment. In conclusion, the combination of Origanum vulgare and Andrographis paniculata extract can function as an AGP replacement in feed.

Assessing Performance and Safety of Feeding a Standardized Macleaya cordata Extract to Calves

This study examined the effects of Sangrovit®, a Macleaya cordata plant extract (MCE) preparation on feed intake, growth, blood chemistry, and tissue-residue levels of calves. Twenty male and 20 female calves (~5 d of age) were assigned to one of four daily Sangrovit® doses: 0.0 and 0.0 (CTL), 2.0 and 4.0 (D1), 5.0 and 10.0 (D2), and 10.0 and 20.0 (D3) g/calf in pre-weaning (5 to 49 d of age) and post-weaning (50 to 95 d of age) periods, respectively. Sangrovit® doses were fed in milk replacer pre-weaning and top-dressed on calf starter post-weaning. Milk replacer and calf starter intake was recorded daily. Body weight, hematology, and serum chemistry were measured at 5, 49, and 95 d of age. Calves were slaughtered at 95 d of age for MCE tissue residue analysis. Compared to CTL, D1 increased milk-replacer intake (4.90 to 5.09 L/day), but decreased calf starter intake pre- (0.65 to 0.53 kg/d) and post-weaning (3.42 to 3.20 kg/d). No Sangrovit® dose affected average daily gain. The hematology and blood chemistry of all treatment groups fell within the ranges of healthy calves. Results showed no adverse effects of MCE on health and growth performance of calves when fed up to 10.0 g/calf/day pre-weaning and up to 20.0 g/calf/day post-weaning.

Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens: A Review on the Pathogen, Pathogenesis, and Prevention

Clostridium perfringens type A and C are the primary etiological agents associated with necrotic enteritis (NE) in poultry. The predisposing factors implicated in the incidence of NE changes the physical properties of the gut, immunological status of birds, and disrupt the gut microbial homeostasis, causing an over-proliferation of C. perfringens. The principal virulence factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NE are the α-toxin, β-toxin, and NetB toxin. The immune response to NE in poultry is mediated by the Th1 pathway or cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. C. perfringens type A and C are also pathogenic in humans, and hence are of public health significance. C. perfringens intoxications are the third most common bacterial foodborne disease after Salmonella and Campylobacter. The restrictions on the use of antibiotics led to an increased incidence of NE in poultry. Hence, it is essential to develop alternative strategies to keep the prevalence of NE under check. The control strategies rely principally on the positive modulation of host immune response, nutritional manipulation, and pathogen reduction. Current knowledge on the etiology, pathogenesis, predisposing factors, immune response, effect on the gut microbial homeostasis, and preventative strategies of NE in this post-antibiotic era is addressed in this review.

Effects of Macleaya cordata Extract on Blood Biochemical Indices and Intestinal Flora in Heat-Stressed Mice

Heat stress (HS) leads to disturbance of homeostasis and gut microbiota. Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and gut health maintenance properties. Still, the specific effects of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota homeostasis in heat-stressed mice are not entirely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MCE on blood biochemical indices and gut microbiota in heat-stressed mice. A control group (CON) (25 °C, n = 6) and HS group (42 °C, n = 6) were gavaged with normal saline 0.2 mL/g body weight/day, and HS plus MCE group (HS-MCE) (42 °C, n = 6) was gavaged with 5 mg MCE/kg/day. HS (2 h/d) on 8–14 d. The experiment lasted 14 days. The results showed that HS increased mice’ serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transferase activities, heat shock protein 70 level, and malondialdehyde concentrations, and decreased serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. HS also disrupted microbiota diversity and community structure in mice, increasing the Bacteroidetes and decreasing Firmicutes and Lactobacillus; however, MCE can alleviate the disturbance of biochemical indicators caused by HS and regulate the flora homeostasis. Furthermore, MCE was able to moderate HS-induced metabolic pathways changes in gut microbiota. The Spearman correlation analysis implied that changes in serum redox status potentially correlate with gut microbiota alterations in HS-treated mice.

Oregano Oil Combined with Macleaya Cordata Oral Solution Improves the Growth Performance and Immune Response of Broilers

Simple Summary

Developing safe and effective antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) substitutes is particularly important to improve animal health and production performance. As an essential plant oil, the oregano oil's main bioactive substance is carvacrol, which has been proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The sanguinarine from macleaya cordata is the primary bioactive substance. Sanguinarine has anti-tumor, immune-enhancing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it has not been reported whether the compatibility of oregano oil and macleaya cordata extract could produce better results. This study is the first to report the effect of oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution on the growth of broilers. The oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution significantly improved the growth performance of broilers. At the same time, serum biochemical indices, serum antioxidant indices, serum immune indices, serum cytokines, and intestinal morphology were significantly improved. In summary, our results demonstrated that the mixed solution of oregano oil and macleaya cordata has substantial potential to be an alternative to AGPs for broilers to reduce costs and improve benefits. This study provides basic data and technical support for further research.

Abstract

The abuse of AGPs in animal husbandry has led to severe problems such as drug resistance and ecological, and environmental destruction, which seriously threaten human health and public health security. In recent years, extracts of oregano oil and macleaya cordata have become a hot spot in the research and application of AGP substitutes for their safety and high efficiency. This study is the first to report the effect of oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution on broiler growth performance. A total of 960 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups (240 chickens per group). Each treatment group was divided into six replicate groups (40 birds per replicate group). There were four groups in this study: the solvent control group, the oregano essential oil combined with macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (OS group), the oregano essential oil oral solution group (OEO group), and the macleaya cordata extract oral solution group (MCE group). Two chickens from each replicate group were collected and mixed into a composite sample. Six composite samples were obtained for each treatment group. The results showed that the oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution significantly improved the growth performance of broiler chickens. At the same time, serum biochemical indices, serum antioxidant indices, serum immune indices, serum cytokines, and intestinal morphology were significantly improved by the OS group. This study shows that oregano oil combined with macleaya cordata oral solution has substantial potential to be an alternative to AGPs for broilers.

Sanguinarine attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in liver of Monopterus albus: Role of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

In aquatic animals, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is a source of oxidative stress, can cause physiological dysfunction, inflammation, and death. Sanguinarine (SAN) is a plant extract known to improve antioxidant and immune capacity. However, the roles of SAN in H₂O₂-induced liver tissue toxicity is unclear. The effects on hepatic oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were investigated by feeding rice field eel with 0, 375, and 750 μg/kg of SAN for eight weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with H₂O₂. The results showed that after 24 h of H₂O₂ injection, the activities of ALT and AST in serum were significantly increased, oxidative damage and inflammatory response occurred in the liver, and apoptosis was induced, which indicated that H₂O₂ induced liver damage in rice field eel. However, dietary supplemented with 375 or 750 μg/kg SAN significantly decreased the activities of ALT and AST in serum, and significantly increased the antioxidant function (decreased ROS, MDA, and antioxidant enzymes levels, downregulated antioxidant-related gene expression, and inhibited the transcription level of nrf2). The addition of SAN at 375 or 750 μg/kg ameliorated H₂O₂-induced inflammatory response of liver (upregulated tgf-β1 mRNA expression, downregulated il-1β, il-6, il-8, and il-12β mRNA expression, and inhibited the transcription levels of tlr-3 tlr-7, and nf-κb). In addition, dietary supplemented with 375 or 750 μg/kg SAN alleviated the apoptosis of liver induced by H₂O₂ (downregulated bax mRNA expression, upregulated caspase3 mRNA expression, and reduced the number of apoptotic cells by TUNEL staining). Overall, these results suggested that SAN could alleviate the liver injury in rice field eel induced by H₂O₂, mainly by improving antioxidant capacity, alleviating inflammatory response and inhibiting apoptosis, and the effect of 750 μg/kg SAN addition is better than 375 μg/kg.

Study of antibacterial and antioxidant properties of medical plant extracts

The study analyzed the biological (antimicrobial and antioxidant) activity of such medicinal plants grown in the Kemerovo region as Leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.), Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Maral root (Rhaponticum carthamoides), Thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpúrea), Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.), Milk thistle (Sílybum mariánum L.), Common marigold (Caléndula officinális), Tansy (Tanacétumá vulgáre), and Common dandelion (Tarináxum officinum). It was found that all investigated plant extracts have antimicrobial properties against the tested strains of microorganisms (E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 25923, P. vulgaris ATCC 63, C. albicans EMTC 34, L. mesenteroides EMTC 1865). It was proved that all tested extracts of medicinal plants are characterized by a high antioxidant status; according to the tests performed this parameter of the samples varies within the limits from 145.09 to 235.00 mg of ascorbic acids per 1 gram. Both the high concentration level of biologically substances and the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics of the studied herb extracts from the selected medicinal plants make it possible to recommend their use as components of feed additives for agricultural animals.

Effects of Combined Supplementation of Macleaya cordata Extract and Benzoic Acid on the Growth Performance, Immune Responses, Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Composition in Weaned Piglets

Because the use of antibiotics is forbidden, piglets experience a considerable weanling stress, resulting in increased incidence of diarrhea and death. Macleaya cordata extract or benzoic acid have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities that makes them potential antibiotic alternatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of feed supplemented with Macleaya cordata extract and benzoic acid on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microflora in weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets [Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] 28 days of age and weighing 8.41 ± 0.13 kg were randomly divided in equal numbers (n = 8) into three groups fed a basal diet (CON), CON + 20 mg/kg flavomycin + 50 mg/kg quinocetone (AGP), or CON + 50 mg/kg Macleaya cordata extract + 1,000 mg/kg benzoic acid (MB). Compared with the CON diet, dietary MB or AGP increased the final weight and average daily gain, and reduced feed efficiency and the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON diet, MB supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD activity) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)-10 IgA and IgM were higher (P < 0.05) in MB-fed piglets than in CON-fed piglets. Piglets fed the MB diet had greater villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VC) in the duodenum, villus height in the ileum, and lower crypt depth in the jejunum than did piglets given the CON diet (P < 0.5). Piglets in the MB group had increased concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids in the ileum or cecum compared with the CON and AGP groups (P < 0.05). Streptococcus proportion was lower in the MB than in the AGP group. Dietary MB increased the Lactobacillus and decreased Escherichia-Shigella populations compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The study results indicate that MB can be used to replace AGP as a feed supplement for weaned piglets.

Recent advances in the use of phytochemicals to manage gastrointestinal oxidative stress in poultry and pigs

Plants are integral components of pig and poultry feed, and aside from their raw nutritive value, some phytochemicals contain bioactive compounds. The aim of the present paper is to review recent advances in the use of some phytochemicals in pig and poultry feed, focusing on the examples of isoquinoline alkaloids, polyphenol rich sugarcane extracts and superoxide dismutase-rich melon pulp extracts. As gut health is critical for efficient production, the review will focus on recent results modulating oxidative stress within the gastrointestinal tract and the potential mechanisms of action.

Metabolism and Tissue Distribution of Chelerythrine and Effects of Macleaya Cordata Extracts on Liver NAD(P)H Quinone Oxidoreductase

Background:Macleaya cordata (Willd.) (Papaveraceae) is listed as a feed additive in animal production by the European Food Authority.

Methods: The metabolites of chelerythrine in rats were measured in vitro and in vivo by rapid and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOF-MS). The structures of CHE metabolites were elucidated by comparing their changes in accurate molecular masses and fragment ions with those of parent ion or metabolite. The metabolic enzymes that were involved in chelerythrine reduction were investigated using an inhibition method. The tissue distribution of chelerythrine and the effects on NQO1 following intragastric administration with M. cordata extracts in rats were examined.

Results: A total of twelve metabolites of chelerythrine were characterized by this approach in rat liver S9 and in vivo. The reduction of the iminium bond of chelerythrine and subsequent O-demethylation was the main metabolic pathway of chelerythrine in rat liver S9 while the reduction of the iminium bond of chelerythrine was the main metabolic pathway of chelerythrine in rats in vivo. After the rats were given intragastric administration, the low concentration residues of sanguinarine and chelerythrine in different rat tissues were found at 48 h after the last dose, suggesting that both compounds could be widely distributed in tissues. The results also indicated that XO, NQO1, NQO2, and carbonyl reductase are involved in chelerythrine reduction. Macleaya cordata extracts treated female and male rats, respectively, showed different responses, inhibiting NQO1 activity in males, but inducing NQO1 activity in females. Chelerythrine had a weak impact on NQO1 activity, but sanguinarine inhibited NQO1 activity

Conclusion: Through studying the effects of cytosolic reductase inhibitors on chelerythrine reduction and the impact of chelerythrine and sanguinarine on the activity of NQO1 in vitro and in vivo, we clarified the potential drug interaction of Macleaya cordata extract in clinical application, so as to provide theoretical guidance for clinically safe medication. In addition, it provided a reference basis for the metabolic mechanism of chelerythrinein rats.

Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids from Macleaya cordata on growth performance, survival, immune response, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Isoquinoline alkaloids (IQs) from Macleaya cordata are promising natural products for enhancing the growth performance and overall health condition of farmed animals. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two formulas of IQ extract, provided in either a powdered formula (IQ-E) or a water-soluble, granulated formula (IQ-WS) and containing the main active component sanguinarine at a concentration of 0.5% and 1%, respectively, on the growth, survival, immune response, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In Experiment 1, the postlarvae were divided into five groups (four replicates/group and 100 shrimp/tank) and fed four times/day for 30 days with a control feed, IQ-E at 200 or 300 mg/kg of feed, or IQ-WS at 100 or 150 mg/kg of feed. In Experiment 2, the surviving shrimp from Experiment 1 were redistributed into six groups (four treatment groups as in Experiment 1 plus the positive and negative controls with four replicates/group and 30 shrimp/tank) and challenged with V. parahaemolyticus by immersion at a concentration of 103 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and were fed with the same diets for another 14 days. The results revealed that all IQ-fed shrimp in Experiment 1 had significantly enhanced survival rates and immune parameters (total hemocyte count and phagocytic, phenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities) compared to the control group, even though the growth performances were similar across all groups. In Experiment 2, all IQ-fed groups showed better growth performance and survival rates compared to the positive control. Other than in the positive control group, no histopathological lesions in the hepatopancreas and the intestine were found. In summary, the current study demonstrated the benefits of using IQs from M. cordata as feed additives for improving the growth performance, survival rate, immune responses, and resistance to vibriosis of Pacific white shrimp.

Phytobiotics to improve health and production of broiler chickens: functions beyond the antioxidant activity

Phytobiotics, also known as phytochemicals or phytogenics, have a wide variety of biological activities and have recently emerged as alternatives to synthetic antibiotic growth promoters. Numerous studies have reported the growth-promoting effects of phytobiotics in chickens, but their precise mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Phytobiotics are traditionally known for their antioxidant activity. However, extensive investigations have shown that these compounds also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and transcription-modulating effects. Phytobiotics are non-nutritive constituents, and their bioavailability is low. Nonetheless, their beneficial effects have been observed in several tissues or organs. The health benefits of the ingestion of phytobiotics are attributed to their antioxidant activity. However, several studies have revealed that not all these benefits could be explained by the antioxidant effects alone. In this review, I focused on the bioavailability of phytobiotics and the possible mechanisms underlying their overall effects on intestinal barrier functions, inflammatory status, gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, and metabolism, rather than the specific effects of each compound. I also discuss the possible mechanisms by which phytobiotics contribute to growth promotion in chickens.

Sanguinarine improved nutrient digestibility, hepatic health indices and productive performance in laying hens fed low crude protein diets

A major mean to minimize feeding costs and faecal nitrogen excretion on poultry farms is to decrease the supplied dietary protein content. This, however, is associated with the declines in productive performance and systemic health indices. Sanguinarine may improve protein efficiency via decreasing the intestinal amino acid decarboxylation and stimulating the tryptophan‐serotonin pathway. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of sanguinarine on the performance, egg yolk biochemical parameters, serum enzyme activities, nutrient digestibility, ovarian follicles, and hepatic health indices in laying hens fed decremental levels of crude protein (CP). For this purpose, 180 laying hens were allocated into nine dietary treatments with four replicates of five birds each. The experimental treatments consisted of three levels of CP (85.0%, 92.5%, and 100% of Hy‐Line W‐36 manual recommendation) and three levels of sanguinarine (0.00, 3.75, and 7.50 mg/kg) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement administered during a 70‐day feeding trial. Results showed that the decremental levels of CP led to significant increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (p < .05), alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase (p < .01) activities, egg yolk cholesterol concentration (p = .064), and hepatic fat and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents (p < .05). It also caused the significant declines in ileal dry matter (DM) digestibility (p < .05) and eggshell strength (p < .05), and also tended to decrease CP digestibility (p = .071), Haugh unit (p = .057) and egg production percentage (p = .062). The interaction effects of the experimental factors indicated that dietary supplementation of sanguinarine, especially at 7.50 mg/kg, led to significant improvements in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities (p < .01), egg yolk cholesterol (p < .001) and triglyceride (p < .05) concentrations, eggshell strength (p < .001), Haugh unit (p < .05), hepatic fat (p < .001) and MDA (p = .059) contents, ileal DM and CP digestibility (p < .01) as well as egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR; p < .05) in birds receiving decremental levels of CP. Taken together, the results indicate that dietary administration of sanguinarine could enhance productive performance via improving nutrient digestibility, hepatic health indices and fortifying systemic antioxidant capacity in laying hens fed low‐CP diets.

Effects of Macleaya cordata extract on laying performance, egg quality, and serum indices in Xuefeng black-bone chicken

The abuse of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in feed has led to drug resistance and ecological damage would threaten human health eventually. Natural plants have become a hotspot in the research and application of substituting AGPs because of their advantages of safety, efficiency, and availability. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) in the diet of Xuefeng black-bone chicken on laying performance, egg quality, and serum indices. In this study, 576 birds (47-week-old) were evenly distributed between 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 24 hens each. The control group was fed a basal diet without MCE and the remaining groups received 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg MCE for 84 d. Results revealed that the strength and thickness of the eggshell increased significantly with the dietary addition of MCE (P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase increased in the MCE groups (P < 0.01). Simultaneously, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol as well as serum luteinizing hormone levels also increased with the addition of MCE (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, supplementation of MCE significantly decreased the tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.01). In summary, it was concluded that diet addition of 200 mg/kg MCE ameliorated egg quality, enhanced anti-oxidation and immune activity, and regulated hormone secretion of Xuefeng black-bone chicken.

Effects of plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloids on growth performance and intestinal function of broiler chickens under heat stress

Broiler chickens reared under heat stress (HS) conditions have decreased growth performance and show metabolic and immunologic alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a standardized blend of plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) on the growth performance, protein catabolism, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory status of HS-treated chickens. Three hundred sixty 0-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly distributed into 2 treatment groups: control diet (no additives) or diet supplemented with 100 ppm IQ. At day 14, the chicks in each diet group were further divided into 2 groups, each of which was reared under thermoneutral (TN) (22.4°C) or constant HS (33.0°C) conditions until day 42. Each group consisted of 6 replicates with 15 birds per replicate, and chickens were provided ad libitum access to water and feed. During days 15–21, the body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were significantly lower in the HS treatment group than in the TN group, and feed conversion ratio was higher (P < 0.05); these factors were not alleviated by IQ supplementation. During days 22–42, the final BW, BWG, and FI of the HS birds were better among those administered IQ than those that were not (P < 0.05). HS treatment increased plasma lipid peroxide, corticosterone, and uric acid concentrations as well as serum fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran, a marker of intestinal barrier function, and decreased plasma total protein content (P < 0.05). These changes were not observed in the IQ group, suggesting that IQ supplementation improved oxidative damage, protein catabolism, and intestinal barrier function of chickens under HS. Isoquinoline alkaloid supplementation inhibited the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor–like factor 1A, and inducible nitric oxide synthase under HS treatment (P < 0.05). These results suggest that IQ supplementation can improve the growth performance of broiler chickens under HS conditions, which may be associated with amelioration of oxidative damage, protein catabolism, intestinal barrier function, and inflammation.

Influence of sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation on post necrotic enteritis challenge recovery

In the animal production industry, plant-derived antimicrobial phytobiotics are used as an alternative to antibiotics. Here we investigated the role sanguinarine-based phytobiotic in broiler recovery from Necrotic Enteritis (NE) infection. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to four treatments: negative control CTR (no challenge, no phytobiotic supplementation); positive control NE (NE challenged); phytobiotic SG (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg); and SG + NE, (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg and NE challenge). Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation caused significant changes between the groups in performance, livability and histological measurements, however, these changes were not significantly different between SG + NE and NE groups. Significant improvement was detected in NE lesion score of the duodenum and ileum of SG + NE birds compared to NE challenged birds at the end of the production cycle at 40 days old, indicating improved post-NE recovery with the addition of phytobiotic. Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation in NE challenged birds significantly compensated for a NE associated reduction of Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes. Functional profile of sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplemented birds microbiota was distinct from CTR functional profile. NE challenge was associated with a significant increase in cecal propionic acid, while sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation resulted in an increase in cecal acetic acid.

Effects of phytobiotic feed additives on growth traits, blood biochemistry, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens exposed to Salmonella typhimurium

Because of concerns over the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, this study was designed to determine the effectiveness of phytobiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic use based on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. The effects of an antibiotic and 3 phytobiotic feed additives (PFA), Mix-Oil Mint (MO_mint), Mix-Oil Liquid (MO_liq), and Sangrovit Extra (Sang_ext), were compared. At day of age, 280 Ross chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments. At 15 d, all chicks except negative control were exposed to S. typhimurium. The offered 6 diets were as follows: T1, negative control; T2, infected with S. typhimurium; T3, infected + avilamycin (0.1 g/kg); T4, infected + MO_mint (0.2 g/kg); T5, infected + plant extract in liquid form MO_liq (0.25 mL/L); and T6, infected + Sang_ext (0.15 g/kg). During the cumulative starter period, PFA improved performance over that of the control, and the food conversion ratio (FCR) was lower for T3 and T5 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). During the cumulative finisher period (15–35 d), a lower body weight gain (P < 0.01) was observed in T2. T1 had the best FCR and production efficiency factor, but they were not significantly different from those of T3, T4, and T6 (P < 0.001). At 35 d, T1 and T4 had a higher breast percentage as compared with those of T2 (P < 0.05). Blood glucose decreased significantly (P > 0.05) in T2 and T5 compared with that in T1 and T4. Alanine transaminase concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in T4 and T5 compared with that in T1, T2, and T3. Treatments had significant effects on breast temperature and pH (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the myofibril fragmentation index occurred in T1 and T6. Hardness and chewiness were influenced by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PFA could effectively compare with that of antibiotic avilamycin in the maintenance of growth performance and improvement in meat characteristics of broilers challenged with S. typhimurium.

Sanguinarine modulate gut microbiome and intestinal morphology to enhance growth performance in broilers

Sanguinarine is a bioactive compound as a quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloid from plant of the Macleaya cordata, Papaveraceae family. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary sanguinarine supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry parameters, intestinal mucosal morphology and gut microbiome in yellow feathered broilers. Two hundred and seventy 1-d-old female broilers were randomly assigned to 3 treatments ① Basal diet (NG); ② Basal diet containing bacitracin methylene disalicylate (50mg/Kg diet) (ANT); ③ Basal diet containing sanguinarine (0.7 mg/ kg of feed) (SAG). The statistical results showed that dietary sanguinarine supplementation enhanced growth performance and decreased glucose, uric acid as well as urea nitrogen levels of broilers at 28d of age (P<0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that sanguinarine significantly decreased the species from the phyla Bacteroidetes, and increased the species from phyla Firmicutes. Moreover, dietary sanguinarine supplementation improved mucosal morphology to achieve higher ratio of intestinal villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05), and decreased the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-4 in jejunum mucosal. This study demonstrated that sanguinarine supplementation in the diet of yellow feathered broilers improved intestinal morphology and microbiota community structure to promote growth performance on 1-28d.

Ethanolic extract of mango seed used in the feeding of broilers: effects on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and meat quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different levels of ethanolic extract of mango seed (EEMS) in broiler chicken rations on their phenolic compound levels, antioxidant activity, and meat quality. Initially, 756 one-day-old male chicks of the Ross 308 line were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with seven treatments and six replicates of 18 birds. The treatments consisted of (i) a ration without the addition of antioxidants, (ii) a ration with the addition of 200 ppm of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (iii) a ration with the addition of 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1000 ppm of EEMS. According to the results, the values of phenolic compounds, the lipid stability of meat (measured by the value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), shear force, loss of cooking water, color, and pH of the meat differed significantly between the treatments. For the antioxidant activity of the meat, there was no significant difference between the treatments by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method; however, by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, the breast meat of broilers fed diets containing EEMS from 600 ppm and up presented higher antioxidant capacity when compared with the meat of the birds fed the control diet. In the ABTS method, there was no significant difference between the use of synthetic antioxidant BHT and the addition of EEMS at different levels. In conclusion, the addition of EEMS does not affect meat quality parameters of broilers, but when a dose of 600 ppm or more is added, the antioxidant capacity of meat measured by the ABTS method increases.

An open source physiologically based kinetic model for the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus): Calibration and validation for the prediction residues in tissues and eggs

Xenobiotics from anthropogenic and natural origin enter animal feed and human food as regulated compounds, environmental contaminants or as part of components of the diet. After dietary exposure, a chemical is absorbed and distributed systematically to a range of organs and tissues, metabolised, and excreted. Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models have been developed to estimate internal concentrations from external doses. In this study, a generic multi-compartment PBK model was developed for chicken. The PBK model was implemented for seven compounds (with log K_ow range -1.37-6.2) to quantitatively link external dose and internal dose for risk assessment of chemicals. Global sensitivity analysis was performed for a hydrophilic and a lipophilic compound to identify the most sensitive parameters in the PBK model. Model predictions were compared to measured data according to dataset-specific exposure scenarios. Globally, 71% of the model predictions were within a 3-fold change of the measured data for chicken and only 7% of the PBK predictions were outside a 10-fold change. While most model input parameters still rely on in vivo experiments, in vitro data were also used as model input to predict internal concentration of the coccidiostat monensin. Future developments of generic PBK models in chicken and other species of relevance to animal health risk assessment are discussed.

Sanguinarine has anthelmintic activity against the enteral and parenteral phases of trichinella infection in experimentally infected mice

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Trichinella spiralis, and it is also a widely prevalent foodborne parasitic disease. At present, albendazole and benzimidazole are the most commonly used therapeutic drugs for the clinical treatment of trichinellosis, but they have many side effects. Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid that has biological activity, such as antibacterial, antitumour and antiparasitic activities. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-Trichinella effect of sanguinarine in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that sanguinarine had a lethal effect on muscle larvae, adults and new-borne larvae in vitro. The damage to adults treated with sanguinarine was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Sanguinarine could significantly reduce the burden of worms in mice during the pre-adult, migrating larva and encysted larva stages. The ratio of intestinal villus to crypt (V/C) in mice treated with sanguinarine was significantly higher than that in non-treated control mice. Compared with the non-treated control group, the sanguinarine-treated group exhibited a significantly increased number of small intestine goblet cells. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum of mice treated with sanguinarine was significantly higher than that of the control group mice in the pre-adult and encysted larva stages. This study suggests that sanguinarine is a potential drug against trichinellosis.

Application of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine By-products as Dietary Feed Supplements and Antibiotic Replacements in Animal Production

BACKGROUND

Misuse of synthetic antibiotics in livestock leads to the transfer of antibiotic resistant pathogens into humans and deposits toxic residues in meat and milk. There is therefore an urgent need for safe and viable alternative approaches to improve the nutrition and wellbeing of farm animals. An alternative source that has been widely exploited is Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM). These herbs contain several but less toxic bioactive compounds which are generally regarded as biodegradable. Recently, advances in the knowledge of the importance of TCHM have led to a rapid increase in its production and hence, increasing the amount of by-products generated. Such by-products have become a serious environmental challenge because producers regard them as industrial waste and discard them directly. This review summarizes scientific findings on the bioactive compounds in TCHM and TCHM by-products, discusses functional dietary patterns and outlines challenges that may hinder full utilization of TCHM by-products in animal production.

METHODS

Information for this review was obtained through scientific databases and websites such as Pubmed and Google scholar from 2004 to 2017 using experimental studies on bioactive compounds in TCHM and their effects in animal production.

RESULTS

Studies have shown that TCHM by-products contain high amounts of bioactive compounds which confer several nutritional and health benefits to animals and thus could be incorporated as feed additives.

CONCLUSION

The findings for this review indicate that TCHM by-products apart from being a good alternative for synthetic antibiotics could also minimize the current environmental challenges associated with its disposal.

Effects of orange essential oil on intestinal microflora in mice

BACKGROUND

The intestinal microbiota has a wide variety of functions in the host. A positive effect of plant extract on intestinal microbiota in animals has been reported. However, the effect of orange essential oil and its components limonene, linalool and citral on intestinal microflora in mice has seldom been reported. The effects of intragastric administration of orange essential oil and limonene, linalool and citral on intestinal microflora and biochemical indexes in mice were studied.

RESULTS

The effect of essential oil, linalool and citral on immune organ index (spleen and thymus index), IgM and IL-2 was not significant (P > 0.05). A significant increase (P < 0.05) of H⁺ K⁺ -ATPase activity, IgA, IgG, and IL-2 in the limonene group was observed when compared with the control group. Orange essential oil, limonene, linalool and citral could significantly reduce the content of short-chain fatty acids in the cecum and colon of mice. Principal coordinates analysis showed that intestinal bacterial structure of limonene group cecum and colon was apparently separated from other groups. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in cecum and colon in essential oil, limonene, linalool and citral groups was higher than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Orange essential oil and limonene, linalool and citral could affect the intestinal microflora of mice, and enhance the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. The intestinal bacterial structure of cecum and colon in the limonene group was quite different from other groups. This indicated a more obvious effect of limonene on intestinal bacteria, also resulting in significant changes in blood immune index and short-chain fatty acids in mice. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Modulation of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis by overexpression berberine bridge enzyme in Macleaya cordata

Macleaya cordata produces a variety of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), such as sanguinarine, protopine, and berberine, which are potential anticancer drugs and natural growth promoters. The genes encoding the berberine bridge enzyme (BBE) were isolated from M. cordata and Papaver somniferum, and then the two genes were overexpressed in M. cordata. Through liquid chromatography with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis, it was determined that McBBE-OX caused higher levels of (S)-norcoclaurine, (S)-coclaurine, (S)-N-cis-methylcoclaurine, (S)-reticuline, (S)-tetrahydrocolumbamine, (S)-tetrahydroberberine, (S)-cheilanthifoline, and (S)-scoulerine than PsBBE-OX, empty vector or control treatments. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the introduced genes in the transgenic lines were all highly expressed. However, the levels of sanguinarine (SAN) and chelerythrine (CHE) in all the transgenic lines were slightly lower than those in the wild-type lines, possibly because the overexpression of McBBE causes feedback-inhibition. This is the first report on the overexpression of potential key genes in M. cordata, and the findings are important for the design of metabolic engineering strategies that target BIAs biosynthesis.

Effects of natural dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract containing sanguinarine on growth performance and gut health of early-weaned piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Sangrovit^® (SAG; minimum of 1.5% sanguinarine, a quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid extracted from Macleaya cordata) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora and its metabolites of early-weaned piglets. A total of 20 healthy weaned piglets (Duroc× [Large White×Landrace]), weaned at 21 days of age with an average body weight (BW) of 6.52 ± 0.23 kg, were randomly assigned to receive either a corn-soybean meal basal diet (CTR) or a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg SAG (SAG). During the 21-days trial, we collected and analysed intestinal tissues and the luminal digesta for their morphology and populations of gut microbiota, as well as for measuring the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and ammonia. Compared with the CTR group, supplementation with SAG improved average daily gains (p = 0.011) and average daily feed intake (p = 0.037). Piglets fed the SAG diet had an average lower value for crypt depth of the jejunum (p = 0.011) and greater values for villus height in the ileum (p = 0.015) and ratios of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (p < 0.01) and in the ileum (p = 0.027) than did animals receiving the CTR diet. The addition of SAG increased the amounts of Lactobacillus in the ileum (p = 0.033) and caecum (p < 0.01), and tended to increase the amounts of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.058) in the caecum, while decreasing the amounts of Escherichia coli (p = 0.046) and Salmonella spp. (p = 0.035) in the ileum, as well as Salmonella spp. (p = 0.029) in the caecum. Dietary supplementation with SAG enhanced (p < 0.05) the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total SCFAs, and also tended to increase the level of valerate (p = 0.055 and p = 0.052) in the ileal and caecal contents when compared with the CTR group. Concentrations of ammonia also declined in the caecal (p = 0.037) and ileal (p = 0.046) digesta in response to SAG. These results indicate that feeding early-weaned piglets a SAG-supplemented diet can potentially improve their growth performance and intestinal morphology, and can modify the intestinal luminal environment in a beneficial manner.

The impacts of Macleaya cordata extract and naringin inclusion in post-weaning piglet diets on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal histomorphology

The current study investigated the impacts of supplementation of post-weaning piglet diets with Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) and naringin (NAR) on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal histomorphology. Post-weaning crossbred piglets (28 males and 28 females; age at weaning 25 d) were randomly allotted to 28 pens. The experiment consisted of a control and three treatment groups (MCE60, MCE120 and NAR). For diets MCE60 and MCE120, the control diet was supplemented with 60 and 120 mg Sangrovit® Extra (a standardised premixture of MCE) per kg diet, respectively. Group NAR received 50 mg pure NAR per kg diet. The experiment lasted 42 d (d 25 - 66 of age). At d 66, apparent pre-caecal digestibility (APD) of nutrients was determined and histomorphological changes in mid-jejunum were evaluated. Feeding diets MCE120 and NAR improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of piglets. After feeding diets MCE120 and NAR, the APD of phosphorus and different single and total amino acids were greater than after feeding the control diet. The present data demonstrated that supplementation of post-weaning piglet diets with 120 mg MCE or 50 mg NAR per kg diet could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility and had no impact on histomorphological variables in the jejunum. These findings indicate the potential of these products to be used as growth promoters in pig nutrition.

Effects of golpar (Heracleum persicum Desf.) and probiotics in drinking water on performance, carcass characteristics, organ weights, blood plasma constituents, and immunity of broilers

Increasing levels of Heracleum persicum (golpar) in drinking water were studied in broilers. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old male chickens were allocated to one of six treatments: control, without added phytogenics nor probiotics in drinking water, and probiotics at recommended manufacturer's level (P) or 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ml/l of golpar extract solution (G1, G1.5, G2, and G2.5 treatments, respectively) in drinking water. As a result of this study, no linear or quadratic trends in the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) due to golpar supplementation were found. Body weight gain, final body weight, and relative carcass weight showed a positive linear response with increasing levels of golpar supplementation. Neither golpar nor probiotics had effects on the percentages of edible parts of the carcass. Golpar supplementation levels caused a linear negative response of the albumin content in blood plasma, whereas both abdominal fat as percentage of carcass weight and uric acid levels in blood plasma linearly increased. The effects on Ig responses were only observed at 42 days of age and were similar in probiotics and the highest level of golpar supplementation. Based on our results, both probiotics and golpar supplementation could improve broiler performance and immune function.

The effect of phytogenic feed additives to substitute in-feed antibiotics on growth traits and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium

There is a growing concern over the use of antibiotics due to the increased resistance of pathogens in broiler. The present study was designed to find the comparative effect of an antibiotic, and some phytogenic on performance traits, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status during starter phase exposed to Salmonella typhimurium challenge. A total of 560-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to seven treatments (eight replicates). Control (basal diet); T1, infected with Salmonella enterica subsp. typhimurium; T2, infected + avilamycin at the rate of 0.2 g/kg; T3, infected + essential oil of thymol; T4, infected + phytogenic; T5, infected + anti-Salmonella organic acid; and T6, infected + essential oils of thyme, anise, and other components. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P < 0.05) high in the T2 and T5 at the end of the first and the second week and similar to T4. During the second week, European production efficiency factor (EPEF) was also significantly (P < 0.05) high in T2, T4 and T5. Blood albumin increased significantly (P < 0.05) in birds of T2 in the first week, while during the second week, blood glucose and triglyceride concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in T5. Blood ALT concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in T6 compared to other treatments in the second week. Total antioxidant capacity (at the end of the second week) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) did not change significantly. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that different feed additives could be substituted with antibiotics in the feed of broiler exposed to S. typhimurium challenge.

Analysis of the Impact of Isoquinoline Alkaloids, Derived from Macleaya cordata Extract, on the Development and Innate Immune Response in Swine and Poultry

Medicinal extract has been chronicled extensively in traditional Chinese medicine. Isoquinoline alkaloids, extract of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br., have been used as feed additive in both swine and poultry. Dietary supplementation with isoquinoline alkaloids increases feed intake and weight gain. In addition, recent researches have demonstrated that isoquinoline alkaloids can regulate metabolic processes, innate immune system, and digestive functioning in animals. This review summarizes the latest scientific researches on isoquinoline alkaloids which are extracted from Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. This review specifically focuses on its role as a feed supplement and its associated impact on growth performance and innate immune system, as well as its capacity to act as a substitute for oral antibiotics.