Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 and Macleaya cordata Extract on Performance, Immunity, Gastrointestinal System Microbiome, and Profitability in Holstein Calves

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 (BA) and Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the performance, morbidity and mortality rates, body measurements, immunity, rumen parameters, antioxidant parameters, microbiome level, and profitability of calves during the pre-weaning period. In the study, 51 calves were divided into three groups as one control and two treatment groups considering their age (1 day old), gender (nine females and eight males in each group), and birth weight (37.7 ± 0.4 kg). The calves in the control group (CON) were fed milk without supplements whereas the first treatment group (BA) was fed milk containing 10 mL/day/head of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FD777 and the second treatment group (MCE) was fed milk containing 2 g/day/head of MCE. As a result, supplementing BA and MCE to calf milk had no significant effect on body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), morbidity and mortality rates, rumen pH, IgG, IgA, and IgM values, and gastrointestinal microbiota (p > 0.05). On the other hand, it was determined that body weight gain (BWG), body length, body depth, rump width, withers height change, rump height change, rump width change, and serum GSH level increased significantly in the BA group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). According to the partial budget analysis, despite the additional cost of supplementing BA to the calf milk, no calf deaths and lower disease were observed in this group, unlike the other groups, resulting in a lowest calf rearing cost and highest profit. In calves receiving MCE, withers height, rump height, body length, rump width, body depth, chest circumference change, withers height change, rump height change, and rump width change values increased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results obtained not only reveal the positive effects of BA and MCE on calves during the pre-weaning period, but also encourage the necessity of investigating their effects on the long-term performance of animals and farm economies.

Macleaya cordata extract exhibits some potential as a surrogate antibiotic by improving gastrointestinal epithelial status and humoral response in goats

Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is a potential replacement for antibiotics. In the current study, effects of MCE on the gastrointestinal health and humoral responses of host animals were explored. A total of 30 weanling goats with similar body weight of 9.15 ± 1.36 kg were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10 per group): control group (CON group, fed with a basal diet), antibiotic group (Abx group, fed with the basal diet supplemented with 0.18 g/d vancomycin and 0.36 g/d neomycin), and MCE group (fed with the basal diet supplemented with 5 g/d MCE), for three weeks. Results showed that antibiotic addition decreased the height and area of rumen papillae, ruminal mucosa Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene relative expression levels and microbial diversity, altered the volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile in the rumen, and increased monocytes amount and CD4+ T cells percentage in the peripheral blood (P < 0.05) compared to CON group. MCE addition increased the average daily gain, ileal villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content in the peripheral blood (P < 0.05) compared to the CON. Additionally, MCE addition decreased the proportion of isobutyric acid in the chyme of the ileum (P = 0.005) compared to the CON group. These results suggest that antibiotic supplementation may suppress the epithelial state and microbial diversity and fermentation in goats, but stimulate cellular response to maintain the growth performance of goats. MCE administration improved the epithelial state and humoral response to promote the growth performance in goats.

Lupin Seed Supplementation as a Functional Feed Additive: In Vitro Ruminal Gas, Methane and Carbon Dioxide Production, Fermentation Kinetics, and Nutrient Degradability

The inevitable enteric gas emission from ruminants is considered a modern-day problem from an environmental perspective. Addressing this problem requires nutritional approaches such as the use of phytogenic additives in ruminant diets. In this regard, lupin seed (LS) can be a useful additive due to its phytochemical constituents. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed supplementation as a functional and sustainable feed additive in sheep diet (50:50 concentrate-to-forage ratio) on in vitro gas production (GP; mL/g DM), methane (CH4; mL/g DM) and carbon dioxide (CO2; mL/g DM) emissions, fermentation parameters, and nutrient degradability (g/kg DM incubated). Gas production and CH4 were measured per gram of incubated dry matter (DM), degradable DM (dDM), degradable neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and degradable acid detergent fiber (dADF). Lupin seeds were included at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% of the diet. The seeds contained 3.27% essential oils (DM basis), with eucalyptol as the main phytochemical. The highest GP per gram of DM and dDM was observed (p < 0.01) with 2.0% LS supplementation level. While 1.0% LS had the highest GP per gram of dNDF, 0.5% lupin diet had the highest GP per gram of dADF. Asymptotic GP and CH4 emissions linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) with increasing LS level, while lag time decreased. Despite increased CH4 production, the proportion of CH4 in total biogas was lower (p = 0.008) for LS treatments than the control, with the 0.5% LS showing the lowest CH4 proportion. Production of CO2 increased with lupin seed treatments, with 0.5% LS producing the highest proportion (p = 0.027). Degradability of DM, NDF, and ADF was greater (p < 0.01) for the high LS supplementation level, while 0.5% supplementation level decreased ADF degradability. Total short-chain fatty acids, acetic acid, and propionic acid increased (p < 0.05) with LS supplementation level, leading to a reduced acetate:propionate ratio. Rumen pH decreased (p = 0.036) with LS supplementation, while ammonia-N decreased (p = 0.045) and estimated metabolizable energy increased (p < 0.001) linearly. Calculated microbial protein synthesis (p = 0.005) and gas yield (p = 0.047) increased with LS supplementation level. LS supplementation at 2.0% of diet (DM basis) increased GP and CH4 emission (mL/g DM) and enhanced nutrient degradability, suggesting its potential use as a functional feed additive for ruminants when supplemented at a 2.0% level into diet.

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.

Advances in the Application of Phytogenic Extracts as Antioxidants and Their Potential Mechanisms in Ruminants

Under current breeding conditions, multiple stressors are important challenges facing animal husbandry in achieving animal wellbeing. For many years, the use of antibiotics has been a social concern in the livestock industry. With the implementation of the non-antibiotics policy, there is an urgent need to find relevant technologies and products to replace antibiotics and to solve the problem of disease prevention during animal growth. Phytogenic extracts have the unique advantages of being natural and extensive sources, having a low residue, and being pollution-free and renewable. They can relieve the various stresses, including oxidative stress, on animals and even control their inflammation by regulating the signaling pathways of proinflammatory cytokines, improving animal immunity, and improving the structure of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby becoming the priority choice for improving animal health. In this study, we reviewed the types of antioxidants commonly used in the livestock industry and their applicable effects on ruminants, as well as the recent research progress on their potential mechanisms of action. This review may provide a reference for further research and for the application of other phytogenic extracts and the elucidation of their precise mechanisms of action.

Evaluating Ruminal and Small Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota Composition of Calves Fed a Macleaya cordata Extract Preparation

The objective was to determine the impact of feeding MCE on ruminal and intestinal morphology and microbiota composition of calves. A total of 10 male and 10 female crossbred (dairy × beef) calves (6 d of age) were assigned randomly to control (CTL; n = 10) or MCE-supplemented (TRT; n = 10) groups. The MCE was fed in the milk replacer and top-dressed on the calf starter during pre-weaning (6 to 49 d) and post-weaning (50 to 95 d) periods, respectively. Calves were slaughtered at 95 d to collect rumen and intestinal samples to determine volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile, mucosal morphology, and microbiota composition. The effects of MCE were analyzed by accounting for the sex and breed effects. Feeding MCE increased rumen papillae length (p = 0.010) and intestinal villus height: crypt depth (p < 0.030) compared to CTL but did not affect rumen VFA profile. The TRT had a negligible impact on microbial community composition in both the rumen and the jejunum. In conclusion, feeding MCE from birth through weaning can improve ruminal and small intestinal mucosa development of calves despite the negligible microbiota composition changes observed post-weaning.

Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones, intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) and Bacillus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.

METHODS

A total of 360 29-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments: control group (basal diet), MCE group (basal diet + MCE), Probiotics Bacillus Compound (PBC) group (basal diet + compound Bacillus), MCE + PBC group (basal diet + MCE + compound Bacillus). The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.

RESULTS

The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE + PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05) and better than the MCE and PBC group. Combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene (estrogen receptor-β, FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor) in the ovary of laying hens (P < 0.05). In the MCE + PBC group, the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1, Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity (P < 0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) as well as apoptosis-related genes (Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and P53) (P < 0.05). The concentration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE + PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, dietary supplementation of 600 μg/kg MCE and 5 × 108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier, regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens, and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Sanguinarine ameliorates DSS induced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and modulating intestinal microbiota in C57BL/6 mice

BACKGROUND

Sanguinarine (SAN) is an important natural anti-inflammatory constitutes and dietary supplementation with SAN could improve the relative length of the intestine, alter gut microbiota, and enhance growth performance of pigs, broiler chickens, and cattle. However, it is unclear whether it has the therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis (UC).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of SAN on UC and explore its mechanisms of action.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Several efficacy indexes of SAN on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced C57BL/6 mice were evaluated. ELISA kit and western blot analysis were used to evaluate it's anti-inflammatory effect and the mechanism of action. 16S rDNA sequencing detection was used to determine the impact of SAN on gut microbiota.

RESULTS

SAN and Sulfasalazine could significantly improve the colon length, the weight loss, the symptoms and the pathological injury of colon in DSS-induced mice. Meanwhile, SAN could decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-18) and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in colon, and suppress DSS-induced high expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β. In addition, SAN (0.5, 1 μM) could inhibit the expression level of NLRP3 and the activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells in non-cytotoxic doses, which was similar to that of MCC950, a specific inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The abundance changes of many genera such as Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Helicobacter were also closely related to the improvement of SAN on intestinal inflammatory response.

CONCLUSION

SAN exhibited therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis by blocking NLRP3-(Caspase-1)/IL-1β pathway and improving intestinal microbial dysbiosis. SAN might be developed to treat UC and other disorders associated with microbial dysbiosis.

Preclinical safety evaluation of Macleaya Cordata extract: A re-assessment of general toxicity and genotoxicity properties in rodents

Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is widely used for its diverse pharmacological actions and beneficial effects on farm animals. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial activities, and is gradually becoming a long-term additive veterinary drug used to improve animal intestinal health and growth performance. Although some evidence points to the DNA mutagenic potential of sanguinarine (SAN), a major component of MCE, there is a lack of sufficient basic toxicological information on the oral route, posing a potential safety risk for human consumption of food of animal origin. In this study, we assessed the acute oral toxicity, repeated 90-day oral toxicity and 180-day chronic toxicity of MCE in rats and mice and re-evaluated the genotoxicity of MCE using a standard combined in vivo and ex vivo assay. In the oral acute toxicity test, the LD₅₀ for MCE in rats and mice was 1,564.55 mg/kg (95% confidence interval 1,386.97–1,764.95 mg/kg) and 1,024.33 mg/kg (95% confidence interval 964.27–1,087.30 mg/kg), respectively. The dose range tested had no significant effect on hematology, clinical chemistry, and histopathological findings in rodents in the long-term toxicity assessment. The results of the bacterial reverse mutation, sperm abnormality and micronucleus test showed negative results and lack of mutagenicity and teratogenicity; the results of the rat teratogenicity test showed no significant reproductive or embryotoxicity. The results indicate that MCE was safe in the dose range tested in this preclinical safety assessment. This study provides data to support the further development of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for MCE.

Sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of Macleaya cordata extracts in rats

Macleaya cordata extracts (MCE) are listed as feed additives in animal production by the European Food Authority. The core components of MCE are mainly sanguinarine (SA) and chelerythrine (CHE). This study aims to investigate sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of MCE in rats.Male and female rates were intragastrically administered MCE (1.25 mg·kg^-1 body weight and 12.5 mg·kg^-1 body weight dose for 28 days). SA and CHE concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.The peak plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the curve (AUC) of both CHE and SA were higher in female than in male rats (12.5 mg·kg^-1 body weight group), whereas their half-life (T_1/2) and apparent volume of distribution (V_d) was lower (p < 0.05). Tissue rfesidue analysis indicated that SA and CHE were more distributed in male than in female rats and were highly distributed in the cecum and liver. SA and CHE were completely eliminated from the liver, kidney, lung, heart, spleen, leg muscle, and cecum after 120 h, indicating they did not accumulate in rats for a long time.Overall, we found that the pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of SA and CHE of male and female rats showed sex differences.

Dose-dependent effect of plants of the Lamiaceae family on the concentration of methane, fatty acids and nitrogen in the ecosystem in vitro

Fermentation processes in the rumen of ruminants determine how much final metabolites and their derivatives will be formed, which are necessary for the full development of the organism, the level of productivity, and also affect the level of formation of endogenous substances, namely, greenhouse gas emissions. These criteria lead us to the search for new feed products that improve the metabolic processes of the rumen and the digestive system as a whole, so phyto-substances can serve as an alternative. The article presents the results of in vitro study of the influence of Salviae folia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Oríganum vulgáre on formation of methane, synthesis of volatile fatty acids and nitrogen, as the main indicator parameters of the enzymatic activity of the rumen of ruminants. It was found that when using phyto- substances: Salviae folia and Scutellaria baicalensis, more acetic and propionic acid was formed, Oríganum vulgare in various dosages shifted towards propionic and valeric acid. Formation of a larger amount of microbial protein (P≤0.05) with use of Salviae folia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Oríganum vulgáre in various dosages was established. Methane production decreased with use of Oríganum vulgáre.

Use of a natural herbal-based feed additive containing isoquinoline alkaloids in newborn calves with cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium infections are one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea in calves and considered to be one of the major sources of economic loss in livestock production. A global trend is currently underway, in identifying natural and sustainable alternatives to support animal husbandry and production. Isoquinoline alkaloids are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in the promotion of gut health. Thus, an experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of natural, herbal-based feed isoquinoline alkaloids to support calves experimentally inoculated with Cryptosporidium parvum. Twenty-six calves were randomly divided into control (CN) (n = 13) and treatment (SG) (n = 13) groups. The SG group received 5 g of feed additive in every milk feeding from 1 to 21 days of age. The CN group received milk without any additives. All calves were orally inoculated on the third day of life with 1 × 10⁶Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. The animals were evaluated daily, from 3 to 30 days of age, for the occurrence, duration, and intensity of diarrhea. Calves with a base deficit of ≥ 9 mEq/L were hydrated to aid recovery. The SG calves showed a higher average weight gain between 14 and 21 days of age, without mortality and with reduced intensity and duration of diarrhea. In contrast, calves in the CN group showed more serious acid-base disorders, required more hydration support, and had a mortality rate of 15.4 %. These results showed that calves supplemented with isoquinoline alkaloids had decreased intensity and duration of symptoms, reduced requirement for supportive therapy, and prevented mortality among animals.

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.

Physicochemical stressors and mixed alkaloid supplementation modulate ruminal microbiota and fermentation in vitro

The drop of ruminal pH and heat are common physicochemical stressors challenging ruminal microbiota, nutrient digestion and cattle performance. We characterized the ruminal microbiota and digestive activity in response to different pH (6.0 and 6.6) and temperature (39.5 and 42 °C), as well as established the effective dose of alkaloid supplementation (0, 0.088 and 0.175% of feedstock DM) to modulate ruminal fermentation under these conditions. The acidotic condition decreased microbial diversity and abundances of minor bacterial families whereas most of the highly abundant families like Lactobacillaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae thrived under the stress. Abundances of all three methanogenic archaea taxa detected increased with heat, as did methane production. However, while Methanomassiliicoccaceae benefited from the low pH, Methanomicrobiaceae diminished and methane production decreased. The low dose of alkaloid addition shifted the fermentation to more propionate and less acetate and the high dose decreased methane and ammonia concentration under the low pH. In conclusion, physicochemical stressors shape the microbial community and function. Mixed alkaloid supplementation facilitates the activity of rumen microbial community under acidotic stress.

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.

Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids on apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, acid hydrolyzed ether extract, and starch by young growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a preparation of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) obtained from Macleaya cordata and added to corn-soybean meal diets increases the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA), crude protein (CP), starch, and acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) when fed to young growing pigs. Thirty-two ileal cannulated barrows (initial body weight = 12.19 ± 1.38 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with four diets and eight replicate pigs per diet. Diets were supplemented with 0, 90, 180, or 360 mg/kg IQ and with 0.40% chromic oxide. Diets were fed for 27 d and ileal digesta were collected on days 13 and 14 (period 1) and on days 26 and 27 (period 2). Effects of IQ inclusions were analyzed using contrast statements, and differences between periods were analyzed using a repeated measures statement. A quadratic increase (P &lt; 0.05) in the AID of Thr, Trp, Val, Pro, and Tyr was observed in period 1 as IQ was included in the diets, and AID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, Val, Pro, and Tyr was greater in period 2 than in period 1 (P &lt; 0.05). In period 1, a quadratic increase (P &lt; 0.05) was observed for the AID of starch as IQ increased in the diet, but the AID of starch was less (P &lt; 0.05) in period 2 than in period 1. No differences among treatments or periods were observed for AID of AEE. Results indicate that inclusion of approximately 90 mg/kg of IQ in diets for weanling pigs may increase the AID of starch and some AA.

Effects of the supplementation of plant-based formulations on microbial fermentation and predicted metabolic function in vitro

This study aimed at testing the effects of three different formulations of feed supplements based on three different combinations of plant derived alkaloids, prebiotics, tannins, vitamins and minerals on rumen fermentation and the microbiome in vitro. A Rusitec experiment was conducted in 2 identical runs using a complete randomized design with 3 replicates per treatment resulting in total of 6 treatment combinations (n = 6). Each run lasted 12 d with sampling occurring in the last 5 d. Diets were a standard dairy ration (60:40; concentrate:forage) supplemented with one of 3 different plant-based combinations (PI, PII, and PIII) at a level of 100 mg/l and a non-supplemented control (basal diet, control). Microbial DNA samples were taken on the last day of each run and the 16S rRNA target gene sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. The supplementations had no effect on the pH, methane and carbon dioxide production. However, both total SCFA (P = 0.08) and molar concentrations of acetate (P = 0.06) tended to be increased in the treatment groups in comparison to control, with PII having the highest overall values (102.7 mmol/L and 43.3 mmol/L, respectively). Alpha diversity indices Shannon, Simpson and Chao1 showed no effect of supplementations or combinations. The addition of PII increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes compared to all other treatments (P = 0.05). Supplementation with plant-based combinations reduced the relative abundance of Pyramidobacter from the family Dethiosulfovibrionaceae in comparison with the control diet (P = 0.05). Evaluation of predicted gene function through PICRUSt analysis showed variation in predicted cellular function and metabolism between bacterial communities supplemented with plant-based combinations compared to the control diet. This shows that the addition of plant-based combinations can have the potential to modulate the metabolic function of rumen microbes, and likely the production of small-sized rumen metabolites, without disrupting the rumen microbial community structure and diversity.

Alteration in Inflammatory Responses and Cytochrome P450 Expression of Porcine Jejunal Cells by Drinking Water Supplements

The intestinal epithelium is the first determining barrier to the drugs administered per os. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are substantial in the initial step of xenobiotic metabolism; therefore, intestinal CYP enzyme activities could be an important influencing factor of the oral utilization of xenobiotic substances. In this study, the effect of four drinking water supplements on CYP mRNA levels of porcine intestinal epithelial cells was examined. Further goal of the study is to describe the effect of these feed additives on the proinflammatory response of the LPS-treated enterocytes. The nontransformed porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were grown on six-well polyester membrane inserts. Cell cultures were treated with LPS (10 μg/ml), β-glucan (5 and 50 μg/ml), sanguinarine-containing additive (5 and 50 μg/ml), drinking water acidifier (0.1 and 1 μl/ml), and fulvic acid (25 and 250 μg/ml) for 1 hour. Cells were washed with culture medium and incubated for additional 1 h before total RNA isolation. IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, HSP70, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A29 mRNA levels were measured. The LPS treatment upregulated the gene expression of IL-8 and TNF-α. The relative gene expression of IL-6 remained unchanged and TNF-α and HSP70 were downregulated after the treatment with each feed additive. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 expressions increased after sanguinarine-containing solution, fulvic acid, and drinking water acidifier treatment. None of the treatments changed the gene expression of CYP3A29, responsible for the metabolism of the majority of drug substances used in swine industry. The feed additive substances inhibited the expression of proinflammatory mediators HSP70 and TNF-α; however, β-glucan and fulvic acid elevated the production of the chemokine IL-8 mRNA in endotoxin-treated enterocytes. All acidic supplements increased the expression of CYP1A1 gene; their constituents may serve as a ligand of CYP1A1 nuclear receptors.

Isoquinoline alkaloids supplementation on performance and carcass traits of feedlot bulls

Objective

Isoquinoline Alkaloids, derived from one plant (Macleaya cordata) can be an alternative when it is desired to increase performance in feedlot cattle. However, results on these nutritional additives in high energy diets in ruminants are still incipient in literature. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate performance and carcass traits of feedlot bulls supplemented with sanguinarine, the main alkaloid presents in Macleaya cordata in high energy density diets.

Methods

Thirty-two crossbred Angus-Nelore bulls with mean initial body weight of 365±10 kg and mean initial age of 11±3 months were used. The experiment lasted 119 days, with 14 days of adaptation and 105 experimental days. Experimental diet consisted of 85% whole corn grains and 15% protein-vitamin-mineral nucleus and supplied ad libitum. Treatments consisted of a control diet (CON) and a diet with sanguinarine supplementation (SAN) at a dosage of 4 g of product sufficient to provide 6 mg of sanguinarine/d. Experimental design was completely randomized.

Results

Dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed conversion were similar (p>0.05) between treatments. However, SAN group animals had higher carcass yield (p = 0.045) and were more efficient in the transformation of dry matter consumed in carcass gain (p = 0.046) than CON. In addition, haptoglobin, increased throughout feedlot duration meaning high challenge for the animals due to the diet, but this behavior was similar (p>0.05) between treatments.

Conclusion

Sanguinarine produced positive results in relation to carcass yield and could be used as an additive for bulls fed diets receiving high energy density diet.

Influence of zeolite (clinoptilolite) supplementation on characteristics of digestion and ruminal fermentation of steers fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet

Four Holstein steers (328 ± 14 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to examine the effect of level of zeolite supplementation (0, 10, 20 or 30 g clinoptilolite-Ca/kg of diet) in a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet on the characteristics of ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestion. Zeolite was top-dressed with the basal diet at time of feeding; therefore, intake of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), starch and N was equal in all treatments. Zeolite supplementation did not affect site and extent of digestion of N or NDF. Zeolite linearly decreased (P < 0.01) NH3-N flow to duodenum, but did not affect duodenal flow of microbial N, feed N, or microbial efficiency. Inclusion of zeolite linearly increased (P = 0.02) ruminal OM digestion and tended (linear, P = 0.08) to increase ruminal digestion of starch. Zeolite supplementation increased (linear effect, P < 0.01) faecal excretion of ash, resulting in decreased total tract DM digestion (linear effect, P = 0.04). However, total tract digestion of OM tended to increase (P = 0.06) with increasing zeolite supplementation. Thus, dilution of the diet with zeolite did not depress dietary digestible energy. There were no treatment effects on ruminal pH. Total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration tended (P = 0.08) to increase as zeolite increased. Zeolite supplementation decreased ruminal molar proportion of acetate and increased molar proportion of propionate (linear effect, P < 0.01), resulting in decreased (linear effect, P < 0.01) of acetate: propionate ratio. Supplementation with zeolite at levels of up to 30 g of zeolite/kg of diet may enhance ruminal OM digestion, largely due to the tendency of increased ruminal starch digestion. Zeolite supplementation altered ruminal volatile fatty acid molar proportions (decreased acetate : propionate ratio), and therefore may have an positive impact on energy efficiency.

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.