Supplemental Effects of Functional Oils on the Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota, Intestinal Health, and Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional oils on modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Forty newly weaned pigs (20 barrows and 20 gilts) with 7.0 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW) were housed individually and randomly allotted in a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. The dietary treatments were a basal diet with increasing levels (0.00, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 g/kg feed) of functional oils (a blend of castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid; Oligo Basics USA LLC, Cary, NC) fed to pigs for 34 days divided in two phases (P1 for 13 days and P2 for 21 days). Growth performance was analyzed weekly. On day 34, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal health, and ileal digesta for analyzing apparent ileal digestibility. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Supplementation of functional oils did not affect the overall growth performance. Increasing supplementation of functional oils reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) Lactobacillus kitasatonis. Supplementation of functional oils tended (p = 0.064) to decrease protein carbonyl and increase the villus height (p = 0.098) and crypt depth (p = 0.070). In conclusion, supplementation of functional oils enhanced intestinal health of nursery pigs by increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria, potentially reducing oxidative stress and enhancing intestinal morphology, without affecting overall growth performance of pigs. Supplementation of functional oils at 0.75-1.50 g/kg feed was the most beneficial to the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal integrity of nursery pigs.

Interactive effect of corn particle size and insoluble fiber source on performance, nutrient utilization and intestine morphology in broilers fed pelleted diets

The effects of corn particle size and dietary fibre on the performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and intestinal characteristics in broiler starters fed pelleted diets were studied. The experiment included 10 treatments arranged as a 2 × 5 factorial with two corn particle sizes (GMD of 1071 [CGC] vs. 534 [FGC]) and five diets that consisted in a low-fibre diet and four extra diets resulting from the inclusion of insoluble fibre sources (10 g/kg of lignocellulose (LC), and 30 g/kg of oat hulls; OH, rice hulls; RH, and sunflower hulls; SFH). In coarse grinding, all-fibre sources improved body weight gain and feed intake compared to the control diet (p < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with fibre supplementation (p < 0.01) and fine grinding of corn (FGC) (p < 0.01). Coarse grinding of corn (CGC) and inclusion of RH, SFH and OH reduced gizzard pH (p < 0.01). Fibre inclusion increased ileal fat and Ca digestibility (p < 0.01), gizzard weight (p < 0.01), digesta transit time (p < 0.01) and length of duodenum and small intestine (p < 0.01). The CAID of phosphorus increased in CGC fed birds and inclusion of RH, SFH and OH (p < 0.05). The weight of gizzard, proventriculus and pancreas (p < 0.01) was greater in CGC fed birds. Feeding SFH, RH and OH (p < 0.01), and CGC (p < 0.01) increased the villus height (VH) of the duodenum. The OH, RH and SFH supplementation increased the caecal population of Lactobacillus spp. and total anaerobic bacteria (p < 0.01) only in FGC fed birds. Overall, birds fed pelleted diets containing RH, OH and SFH (3%) exhibited improved performance, and increased nutrient digestibility, which may be caused by developed gizzards and intestine. Furthermore, coarse grinding of corn is beneficial to gizzard development.

The Effects of Feed Particle Size and Floor Type on the Growth Performance, GIT Development, and Pododermatitis in Broiler Chickens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of feed particle size and flooring designs on organ traits, performance and pododermatitis in broilers. A total of 480 broilers (Ross 308) of both sexes were randomly assigned to two feeding groups (finely or coarsely ground pelleted diets; with addition of 5% to 10% intact wheat in coarsely diets) and four different housing systems (litter; litter with floor heating; partially or fully slatted floor) with three subgroups each. A coarse diet increased the final gizzard and pancreas weights (p < 0.001) while decreasing the risk of Isthmus gastrici dilatation compared to a fine diet (p < 0.001). Broilers fed a coarse diet displayed an increased final body weight (p = 0.023) and led to a favourable feed conversion ratio. Final body weight was the highest (p < 0.001) for birds housed on partially or fully slatted floor. Housing birds on litter with floor heating showed the lowest pododermatitis scoring (p < 0.001). It seems to be favourable to use coarse diets for organ development, whereas slatted floors seem to foster enlargement of the Isthmus gastrici. Increasing growth performance was possible both when using coarse diets or slatted floors.

Impact of corn particle size on nutrient digestibility varies depending on bird type

The interaction between bird type (broilers and layers) and corn particle size (fine, medium, and coarse) on the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of DM, nitrogen (N), starch, fat, gross energy (GE), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), and AMEn was investigated in a 2 by 3 factorial study of 6 dietary treatments. Whole corn was ground in a hammer mill to pass through screen sizes of 2.0, 5.0, and 8.0 mm for fine, medium, and coarse grades, respectively. A corn-soybean meal diet, mixed using the same batch of ingredients, was fed to both bird types. Titanium dioxide was included in all diets for digestibility measurements. 35-day-old Ross 308 male broilers and 59-wk-old Hy-Line Brown layers were used in this study. For each bird type, 108 birds of uniform body weights were accommodated in 18 replicates (6 replicates per particle size and 6 birds per replicate). The treatment diets were offered ad libitum for 7 d prior to the collection of ileal digesta. A bird type by particle size interaction was observed (P < 0.001) for the CAID of DM, starch and GE. In broilers, CAID of DM, starch and GE was unaffected by particle size, whilst in layers, increasing the corn particle size to medium and coarse resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) CAID for DM, starch and GE compared to fine particles. The CAID of N and fat was greater (P < 0.05) in broilers than layers and the opposite was observed (P < 0.05) for Ca and P. Regardless of bird type, coarse and medium-ground corn resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) Ca digestibility compared to finely-ground corn. Overall, broilers had a greater digestibility of nutrients than layers, except for Ca and P. Feeding medium and coarse corn particles benefited the CAID of DM, starch and GE in layers, suggesting that digestive system in these birds is probably more sensitive to feed particle size than broilers.

The effects of coarse corn and refined functional carbohydrates on the live performance and cecal Salmonella prevalence in coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers1

The interaction between corn particle size and feed additives as it pertains to broiler live performance has been overlooked. This study evaluated the effects of corn particle size and refined-functional carbohydrates (RFC; 100 g/MT) on live performance and Salmonella prevalence in coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers. The following treatments were applied: fine corn (FC), coarse corn (CC), FC+RFC, CC+RFC, and CC+SAL (salinomycin). A natural, non-experimental necrotic enteritis (NE) outbreak began at 12 D of age, and mortality was impacted by dietary treatments. The use of RFC was observed to increase NE-associated mortality compared to broilers fed CC+SAL (P ≤ 0.10). At 19 D, greater than 50% of all broilers were found to be Salmonella-positive; however, at 48 D the use of RFC was shown to decrease cecal Salmonella prevalence. Although differences in early mortality were observed, coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers fed CC or CC+RFC exhibited similar BW and FCR as broilers fed CC+SAL at 48 D (P ≤ 0.05). These data suggested that CC use after 10 D may provide value in a production system free of antibiotic growth promoters and coccidiostats by ameliorating live performance losses associated with coccidiosis vaccination. Further research is warranted to determine how RFC and CC specifically affect Eimeria cycling and the immune response following coccidiosis vaccination and an NE challenge.

Influence of the particle size and form of feed on growth performance, digestive tract traits and nutrient digestibility of white egg-laying pullets from 1 to 112 D of age

The influence of the grinding and physical form of diets on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development and nutrient digestibility was studied in layer pullets from hatch to 112 d of age. Diet formed a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 hammer mill screen sizes to grind cereals (4 and 8 mm) and 2 forms (mash and crumble). A total of 864 1-day-old layer chickens were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatment groups with 8 replicates (27 birds per replicate). Cumulatively, pullets fed crumbles consumed less feed (P < 0.05) and had better feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.01) than those fed mash. Coarse grinding cereals (CG) improved FCR (P < 0.05) without significant change in cumulative feed consumption compared to that of fine grinding (FG). With regard to body weight gain (BWG), pullets benefited from crumbles from 1 to 56 d of age (P < 0.01). There were interactions (P < 0.05) between screen size and feed form in relation to FCR (1 to 28 d) and overall BWG. At 112 d of age, the relative weight (RW, g/100 g body weight) of the crop, gizzard, pancreas, and liver of crumble-fed birds were lower (P < 0.05) than those for birds fed mash. Pullets fed coarsely ground feed had higher RW of the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, and caecum compared to those fed finely ground feed. Compared to mash feeding, pullets fed crumbles increased (P < 0.05) total tract digestibility of ether extract and crude protein and the activities of pancreatic amylase and lipase. Digestibility of ether extract (P < 0.05) and pancreatic amylase activity (P < 0.01) were higher in birds fed a CG diet than in birds fed the FG regimen. Regarding the nutrition of egg-laying pullets, crumbles might be preferred to mash feed when the main objective is to improve FCR. Data also suggested that cereals used for pullet feed can be ground more coarsely than is in current practice.

Influence of feed particle size and feed form on productive performance, egg quality, gastrointestinal tract traits, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility of laying hens reared in enriched cages

A total of 640 Lohmann LSL hens were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments arranged in 2 × 2 factorial with 2 feed particle sizes (fine and coarse) and 2 feed forms (mash and crumble). The 2 particle sizes were achieved by grinding whole corn and wheat in the hammer mill to pass through 4- and 8-mm sieves. The laying hen diet was isonutritive, and each diet was fed to 8 enriched cages of 20 hens from 21 to 52 wk of age. Screen size and feed form did not affect feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and quality traits of the eggs, except for yolk color score, which decreased with crumbling of the feed. Feed conversion ratio was greater (P < 0.01) in hens fed the coarsely ground diet than in hens fed the finely ground diet. Crumbling the feed increased (P < 0.01) feed intake and feed conversion ratio compared to those after mashing. The relative weight of the liver and length of the small intestines were greater (P < 0.05) in hens fed crumble than in hens fed mash. Finely grinding cereals decreased (P < 0.01) the pancreas and gizzard weight compared to those after coarse grinding. The pH of digestive organs showed significant responses to feed form. Crumbling resulted in increased (P < 0.01) pancreatic activities of amylase, while lipase secretion was not affected by the manipulations in screen size and feed form. Ileal villus measurements (villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, villus surface area) were greater (P < 0.01) in hens fed crumble than in hens fed mash, whereas particle size had no effect. Total tract digestibility coefficients of crude ash and ether extracts were improved narrowing screen size from 8 to 4 mm. Data illustrated that grinding cereals to pass through a 4-mm screen could improve the efficiency of feed conversion. However, feeding crumbles provided no benefit to productive performance and egg quality, although the absorptive capacity of laying hens increased.

Effect of pH-lowering litter amendment on animal-based welfare indicators and litter quality in a European commercial broiler husbandry

Several studies have shown that litter moisture is a major reason for foot pad lesions (FPD) and promotes microbial growth of nitrifying bacteria. The aim of the current study was to determine the possible effects of a sodium bisulfate complex (SBS) as a litter additive on FPD, hock burn (HB), and litter parameters. Two application rates of SBS were examined in 2 experiments on a commercial farm. Two groups of about 30,000 broiler chicks each were introduced on spelt granulate spread at 700 g/m² and kept for 36 d. In the first experiment (TRT1), 250 g/m² SBS was spread on top of litter 20 h before chick placement; in the second experiment (TRT2), SBS was reduced to 150 g/m². Each experiment consisted of 1 treatment group (SBS) and a control group without treatment (CON). Both experiments were repeated once. Litter parameters (pH, percentage of dry matter), foot pad, hock condition and body weight of randomly sampled birds (n = 60 per group) were recorded weekly. Mortality rate was higher in SBS groups compared to CON groups (TRT1 2.79 vs. CON 2.03%, TRT2 2.88 vs. CON 2.27%). SBS had no effect on body weight averaged over the whole production period (P > 0.05). Incidence of FPD was significantly reduced in both groups treated with SBS compared to CON (P < 0.05), with group TRT1 showing the best results. Incidence of HB was not affected by SBS (P > 0.05) but by dry matter content (P < 0.05). At the beginning, SBS reduced litter pH to 1.7 and 2.0 in TRT1 and TRT2, respectively, compared to 6.5 and 6.7 in CON. Litter pH in TRT groups increased over time and approached pH of control groups by day 15. Results of the current study indicate that SBS treatment may be beneficial regarding foot pad health in broilers. However, further studies are needed to investigate alternative SBS application rates, and to verify the results.

Upregulation of genes encoding digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in the digestive system of broiler chickens by dietary supplementation of fiber and inclusion of coarse particle size corn

BACKGROUND

Measures to improve bird performance have been sought due to the imminent phase out of in-feed antibiotics in poultry and continued demand for higher poultry feeding efficiency. Increasing grain particle size and dietary fibre may improve gizzard function, digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect increased particle size of corn and inclusion of sugarcane bagasse (SB) on mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in broilers.

RESULTS

A total of 336 day-old Ross 308 males were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with corn particle size - coarse 3576 μm or fine 1113 μm geometric mean diameter, and SB - 0 or 2% inclusion. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain and feed intake were measured from d 0-10 and d 10-24. The relative gizzard weight and mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes and intestinal nutrient transporters were measured on d 24. During d 10-24, a particle size × SB interaction was observed for FCR (P < 0.01), where birds fed coarsely ground corn (CC) with 2% SB had lower FCR than those fed CC without SB. A particle size × SB interaction was observed for both expression of pepsinogen A and C (P < 0.01) which were negatively correlated with FCR on d 24. Addition of 2% SB upregulated pepsinogen A and C only in CC fed birds. Further, 2% SB also upregulated pancreatic amylase (AMY2A) and intestinal cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT1). Inclusion of dietary CC upregulated duodenal amino peptidase N (APN), jejunal alanine, serine, cysteine and threonine transporter-1 (ASCT1), and ileal peptide transporter-2 (PepT2).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that both SB and coarse particle size modulate expression of genes encoding important digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters and thus are directly related to bird performance. These findings provide insights into the combination effects of dietary fiber and particle size in the future management of broiler feeding.

Impact of varying analytical methodologies on grain particle size determination

The determination of particle size is an important quality control measurement for feed manufacturers, nutritionists, and producers. The current approved method for determining the geometric mean diameter by weight (d) and geometric standard deviation (S) of grains is standard ANSI/ASAE S319.4. This method controls many variables, including the suggested quantity of initial material and the type, number, and size of sieves. However, the method allows for variations in sieving time, sieve agitators, and the use of a dispersion agent. The objective of this experiment was to determine which method of particle size analysis best estimated the particle size of various cereal grain types. Eighteen samples of either corn, sorghum, or wheat were ground and analyzed using different variations of the approved method. Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement with 5 sieving methods: 1) 10-min sieving time with sieve agitators and no dispersion agent, 2) 10-min sieving time with sieve agitators and dispersion agent, 3) 15-min sieving time with no sieve agitators or dispersion agent, 4) 15-min sieving time with sieve agitators and no dispersion agent, and 5) 15-min sieving time with sieve agitators and dispersion agent conducted in 3 grain types (ground corn, sorghum, and wheat) with 4 replicates per treatment. The analytical method that resulted in the lowest d and greatest S was considered desirable because it was presumably representative of increased movement of particles to their appropriate sieve. Analytical method affected d and S ( ≤ 0.05) measured by both standards. Inclusion of sieve agitators and dispersion agent in the sieve stack resulted in the lowest d, regardless of sieving time. Inclusion of dispersion agent reduced d ( ≤ 0.05) by 32 and 36 µm when shaken for 10 and 15 min, respectively, compared to the same sample analyzed without dispersion agent. The addition of the dispersion agent also increased S. The dispersion agent increased the quantity of very fine particles collected in the pan; therefore, S was significantly greater ( ≤ 0.05). Corn and sorghum ground using the same mill parameters had similar d ( > 0.05), but wheat ground using the same mill parameters was 120 to 104 µm larger ( ≤ 0.05) than corn and sorghum, respectively. Both sieve agitators and dispersion agent should be included when conducting particle size analysis. The results indicate that 10 and 15 min of sieving time produced similar results.