Effects of Hogweed (Heracleum persicum) Powder, Flavophospholipol, and Probiotics as Feed Supplements on the Performance, Carcass and Blood Characteristics, Intestinal Microflora, and Immune Response in Broilers

Immunomodulatory Effects of Natural Feed Additives for Meat Chickens

Broiler chickens are increasingly kept in large numbers in intensive housing conditions that are stressful, potentially depleting the immune system. With the prohibition of the use of antibiotics in poultry feed spreading worldwide, it is necessary to consider the role of natural feed additives and antibiotic alternatives to stimulate the chickens' immune systems. We review the literature to describe phytogenic feed additives that have immunomodulatory benefits in broilers. We initially review the major active ingredients from plants, particularly flavonoids, resveratrol and humic acid, and then describe the major herbs, spices, and other plants and their byproducts that have immunomodulatory effects. The research reviewed demonstrates the effectiveness of many natural feed additives in improving the avian immune system and therefore broiler health. However, some, and perhaps all, additives have the potential to reduce immunocompetence if given in excessive amounts. Sometimes additives are more effective when given in combination. There is an urgent need to determine tolerance levels and optimum doses for additives deemed most suitable to replace antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens. Effective replacement is most likely with readily available additives, such as olive oil byproducts, olive leaves and alfalfa. It is concluded that effective replacement of antibiotic function with plant-derived additives will be possible, but that further research is necessary to determine optimum doses.

Effects of dietary supplementation probiotic complex on growth performance, blood parameters, fecal harmful gas, and fecal microbiota in AA+ male broilers

In this study, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis were made into a probiotic complex (PC). The PC was supplemented in AA+ male broilers' diets to investigate the effects of PC on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, blood indicators, harmful gas emissions in feces and microbiota. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with an average initial body weight (data) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments of 6 replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The control group (T0) was fed a basal diet, while the test groups (T1 and T2) were supplemented with 0.025 and 0.05% PC in the basal diet, respectively. The trail was 42 days. The results showed that the supplementation of 0.05% PC significantly (p < 0.05) improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers from 22 to 42 days and 1-42 days. Compared to the control group, the breast rate was significantly higher in T2, and the thymic index was significantly higher than that in T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The addition of PC had no significant effects on antibody potency in broiler serum (p > 0.05), but significantly increased albumin and total protein content in serum (p < 0.05). The addition of PC reduced H₂S and NH₃ emissions in the feces; the levels of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the feces were significantly reduced and the levels of Lactobacillus were increased. And the most significant results were achieved when PC was added at 0.05%. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the levels of E. coli and Salmonella and the emissions of H₂S and NH₃. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.05% probiotic complex could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced fecal H₂S and NH₃ emissions, as well as fecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella, and increased levels of Lactobacillus. Thus, PC made by Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.05%.

Effects of three probiotics and their interactions on the growth performance of and nutrient absorption in broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three probiotics and their interactions on growth performance, intestinal digestion and absorption, and nutrient transporters in broilers. A total of 350 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into seven groups: the control group (broilers receiving normal drinking water), groups P1, P2 and P3 (broilers receiving drinking water with 1% Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis , respectively) and groups CP1, CP2 and CP3 (broilers receiving drinking water with a 1% compound probiotic mixture in 2:1:1, 1:2:1, 1:1:2 ratios, respectively). The feeding period was divided into two experimental periods: 1∼21 days and 22∼42 days. Compared to those in the control group, the broiler slaughter indexes and average daily feed intakes in the probiotics groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05), but the villus height in the small intestine increased significantly, and the crypt depth decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In the 1- to 21-day, experimental period, the broiler average daily gains in groups CP2 and CP3 were significantly greater than that in the control group. Amylase, lipase, and trypsin activities in the jejunum in groups CP and P3 increased significantly. GLUT2 mRNA expression in the probiotics group was significantly incresaed compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). In the 22- to 42-day period, the average daily gain in the CP group was significantly greater than that in the control group. Amylase activity in the CP2 group, and lipase and trypsin activities in the CP, P1 and P3 groups increased significantly. The GLUT2 mRNA expression in the CP group increased significantly (P < 0.05). In summary, three probiotics and their interactions improved the digestibility and absorption of nutrients by increasing the activities of digestive enzymes, improving the morphology of the digestive tract, and upregulating the expression of GLUT2 mRNA in the intestinalcell membrane to improve the production performance in broilers.

The effects of Cynara scolymus and Silybum marianum on growth, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, blood constitutes, liver enzymes, jejunum morphology, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in broilers

To investigate the effects of adding Cynara scolymus (CS) and Silybum marianum (SM) dry extract to the diet of broiler chickens, a 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. Ten one-day-old male broiler chicks of Ross 308 strain were used in each replicate. Experimental treatments included two levels of supplemental CS and MS, 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM, which were used in combination with a basal diet for 42 days. The 42-day trial was divided into 3 periods, 1-10 days, 11-24 days, and 25-42 days of age. The data were statistically analyzed using SAS software and means differences were tested for significance using Duncan's multiple-range test. The results showed that the effect of the experimental treatments was not significant on growth performance in the entire period (1-42 days), carcass characteristics, and weight of immunity organs. Feed cost per kilogram of live weight increased with supplemental of CS and SM (p < .01). Significant effects of CS and SM supplements were observed on antibody titer against influenza virus at 28 and 42 days and also on antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at 35 and 42 days. Feeding 500 mg/kg of both CS and SM in the diet of broilers resulted in the highest villus height and width, crypt depth, and percentage of oleic and linolenic acids. The results of the present study suggest that feeding 250 and 500 mg/kg of dry extract of CS and SM in the diet may have positive effects on the traits studied, but to save feed costs, only250 mg/kg is recommended.

The use of some plant-derived products as effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in organic poultry production: a review

Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable ingredients to the feed or drinking water of poultry flocks. Because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animal nutrition were prohibited. Additionally, consumer preferences tend towards purchasing products from livestock raised without antibiotics. Therefore, there is a critical need to find effective growth promoter alternatives and treatment methods for common poultry diseases. Some spice plants play important roles in improving the taste, aroma, and color of human food and their positive effects on human and animal health. The current review aimed to provide a broader perspective on some spice crops which can be effective alternatives to antibiotics in organic poultry production. These spices were including Thymus vulgaris, Cichorium intybus, Coriandrum sativum, Aloe vera, Heracleum persicum, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra.

The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis

Introduction: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, Inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.  A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual. Results: The final database consists of 49 in vivo articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte.  Discussion: It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.

The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis

Introduction: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.  A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual. Results: The final database consists of 49 in vivo articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte.  Discussion: It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.

The effects of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts as probiotics on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune responses of broiler: A meta-analysis

Introduction: The number of publications in Scopus on this topic increased from less than 50 in 1995 to more than 250 in 2015. In other hand, inconsistency in results about the correlation between yeast and lactic acid bacteria as probiotics has been evident since the early publications on use in broilers. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine relationship between lactic acid bacteria and yeast as probiotics to broiler diets on the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.  A database was designed based on published data that reported the use of probiotics on the broiler. The method used for selecting articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Articles selected were taken from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science direct databases as well as individual. Results: The final database consists of 49 in vivo articles, 93 studies, and 225 treatments. The analysis statement in the system was a PROC MIXED procedure of SAS software. The level of probiotic increased (p <0.001) body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler. There was a reduction (p <0.01) on feed conversion ratio and mortality on the level probiotic given to broiler. Supplementation of probiotics in broiler diet increased (p <0.001) the weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, bursa of fabricius and carcass yield, while reduced (p<0.001) abdominal fat weight. The probiotic given increased the total of red and white blood cells (both at p < 0.001) but did not affect lymphocyte.  Discussion: It can be concluded the yeast act as supporting agent that serves lactic acid bacteria as probiotic increases the growth performance, relative organ weight, blood parameters, and immune response of the broiler.

Preventive antimicrobial action and tissue architecture ameliorations of Bacillus subtilis in challenged broilers

Background and Aim:

Probiotics improve intestinal balance through bacterial antagonism and competitive exclusion. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, as well as the in vivo preventive, immunological, productive, and histopathological modifications produced by probiotic Bacillus subtilis.

Materials and Methods:

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of B. subtilis (5×10⁶ CFU/g; 0.5, 1.0*, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L) were tested against Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes after exposure times of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 h using minimal inhibitory concentration procedures. A total of 320 1-day-old female Ross broiler chickens were divided into five groups. Four out of the five groups were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0*, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L probiotic B. subtilis from the age of 1 day old. Supplemented 14-day-old broiler chickens were challenged with only E. coli O157: H7 (4.5×10¹² CFU/mL) and S. Typhimurium (1.2×10⁷ CFU/mL). A total of 2461 samples (256 microbial-probiotic mixtures, 315 sera, 315 duodenal swabs, and 1575 organs) were collected.

Results:

The in vitro results revealed highly significant (p<0.001) killing rates at all-time points in 2.0 g/L B. subtilis: 99.9%, 90.0%, 95.6%, and 98.8% against E. coli, S. Typhimurium, C. albicans, and T. mentagrophytes, respectively. Broilers supplemented with 1.5 and 2.0 g/L B. subtilis revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in body weights, weight gains, carcass weights, edible organs’ weights, immune organs’ weights, biochemical profile, and immunoglobulin concentrations, as well as highly significant declines (p<0.01) in total bacterial, Enterobacteriaceae, and Salmonella counts. Histopathological photomicrographs revealed pronounced improvements and near-normal pictures of the livers and hearts of broilers with lymphoid hyperplasia in the bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen after supplementation with 2.0 g/L B. subtilis.

Conclusion:

The studies revealed that 1.5-2.0 g of probiotic B. subtilis at a concentration of 5×10⁶ CFU/g/L water was able to improve performance, enhance immunity, and tissue architecture, and produce direct antimicrobial actions.

RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis of ileum in Taiping chicken supplemented with the dietary probiotic

Taiping chicken is indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), which was one of China's excellent poultry species. As the problems caused by the overuse of antibiotics become more and more concern, people begin to look for ways to replace them. Among them, probiotics and their preparations are the research hotspot to replace antibiotics. Probiotics can promote the absorption of nutrients, improve the ratio of meat to meat, resist and prevent diseases, and improve the intestinal tissue morphology. Here, we performed transcriptome profiling of Taiping chicken ileum which was given probiotics by using the Hiseq™ 2500 sequencing platform. A total of 18 genes were differentially expressed in the ileum under control group and probiotics group. Thirteen genes were upregulated with a range of fold change from 1.02 to 8.61, and 5 were downregulated with a range of fold change from - 1.06 to - 2.29. Ten of the differently expressed genes were further validated by qRT-PCR. In addition, Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched to bile secretion, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study will help us to understand the role of probiotics in indigenous chicken production and provide theoretical basis for the genetic development of indigenous chickens.

The Impact of Probiotics and Egg Yolk IgY on Behavior and Blood Parameters in a Broiler Immune Stress Model

Feed additives are used frequently in variable combinations to maximize broiler productivity and consumer safety. Therefore, we evaluated the efficiency of feed additives used in four different diets: a basal diet, a probiotic (PRO-PAC^®) supplement diet, an egg yolk purified immunoglobulin Y (IgY) supplemented diet, and a combination of IgY and PRO-PAC^® supplement (n = 15 for each group). We assessed the improvement of behavioral and hematological parameters of Ross broilers before and after an immune stress challenge using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Behavioral as well as physiological parameters were analyzed. The standing frequency was the highest (P < 0.05) in broilers supplemented with a combination of probiotics and IgY. Likewise, latency approach score to a novel object improved (P < 0.01) in the combination group at week-3. After intraperitoneal injection of LPS, this combination group achieved the best gait score at week-3, followed by week-5, compared to birds fed the basal diet. The heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, heterophil differential count, and eosinophil differential count in the basal diet group that was challenged with LPS were significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) compared to the combination groups. Therefore, we concluded that the combination of IgY and probiotics can significantly improve the behavior and the underlying physiological parameters of Ross broilers. Consequently, this combination can improve the broilers′ health, welfare and produce a safe meat free from harmful chemical residues.

Effects of Dietary Chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) and Probiotic Blend as Natural Feed Additives on Performance Traits, Blood Biochemistry, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of different levels of chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) powder and a probiotic blend (PrimaLac^®) on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 225 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with five experimental diets as follows: 1—basal-diet without supplements (control-group); 2—basal-diet including probiotic blend; 3— basal-diet including 0.10% chicory; 4—basal-diet including 0.15% chicory; 5—basal-diet including 0.20% chicory. At 42 days of age, representative birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood samples and carcass measurements. Results showed that the body weight gain of broilers fed the probiotic blend or 0.10% chicory was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed on the other treatments. The abdominal fat pad was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds fed diets including chicory compared with control or probiotic. Blood triglycerides and LDL levels were reduced (P < 0.05) and HDL increased (P < 0.05) when fed probiotic or chicory whereas no significant effect on the other serum parameters was found. Broiler ileal microflora from the control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher count of E. coli and lower Lactobacillus than those from the other groups. From findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory powder supported positively growth performance and improved gut microbiota in broiler chickens. However, more research is needed on this subject to better understand the mode of action of feed additives used.