Effect of feed supplementation with zinc glycine chelate and zinc sulfate on cytokine and immunoglobulin gene expression profiles in chicken intestinal tissue

Proteome and Peptidome Changes and Zn Concentration in Chicken after In Ovo Stimulation with a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zn-Gly Chelate: Preliminary Research

The aim of the study was to determine differences in the proteome and peptidome and zinc concentrations in the serum and tissues of chickens supplemented with a multi-strain probiotic and/or zinc glycine chelate in ovo. A total of 1400 fertilized broiler eggs (Ross × Ross 708) were divided into four groups: a control and experimental groups injected with a multi-strain probiotic, with zinc glycine chelate, and with the multi-strain probiotic and zinc glycine chelate. The proteome and peptidome were analyzed using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS, and the zinc concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. We showed that in ovo supplementation with zinc glycine chelate increased the Zn concentration in the serum and yolk sac at 12 h post-hatch. The results of SDS-PAGE and western blot confirmed the presence of Cu/Zn SOD in the liver and in the small and large intestines at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching in all groups. Analysis of the MALDI-TOF MS spectra of chicken tissues showed in all experimental groups the expression of proteins and peptides that regulate immune response, metabolic processes, growth, development, and reproduction.

Dietary Dihydromyricetin Zinc Chelate Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Magang Geese

To fulfill the nutritional requirements of poultry, effective Zn supplementation is required due to Zn deficiency in basic feed. In this study, we investigated the effects of DMY-Zn (dihydromyricetin zinc chelate) on the growth performance, morphology, and biochemical indices; the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes; the intestinal microflora; and the cecum metabolome of Magang geese. A total of 300 14-day-old Magang geese (equal number of males and females) with an average body weight of 0.82 ± 0.08 kg were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet; these groups were given DMY-Zn (low, medium, or high level of DMY-Zn with 30, 55, or 80 mg/kg Zn added to the basal diet) or ZnSO4 (80 mg/kg Zn added) for 4 weeks. Our results revealed that DMY-Zn significantly impacts growth and biochemical indices and plays a significant role in regulating the intestinal barrier and microflora. DMY-Zn is involved in the upregulation of intestinal barrier gene (ZO1 and MUC2) expression, as well as upregulated Zn-related gene expression (ZIP5). On the other hand, a low concentration of DMY-Zn increased the ɑ diversity index and the abundance of Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium. Additionally, a cecal metabolomics study showed that the main metabolic pathways affected by DMY-Zn were the pentose phosphate pathway, the biosynthesis of different alkaloids, and the metabolism of sphingolipids. In conclusion, DMY-Zn can reduce feed intake, increase the expression of intestinal barrier-related genes, help maintain the intestinal microflora balance, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine to improve intestinal immunity.

Zinc glycine chelate ameliorates DSS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction via attenuating TLR4/NF-κB pathway in meat ducks

BACKGROUND

Zinc glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) has anti-inflammation and growth-promoting properties; however, the mechanism of Zn-Gly contribution to gut barrier function in Cherry Valley ducks during intestinal inflammation is unknown. Three-hundred 1-day-old ducks were divided into 5 groups (6 replicates and 10 ducks per replicate) in a completely randomized design: the control and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) groups were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, and experimental groups received supplements of 70, 120 or 170 mg/kg Zn in form of Zn-Gly. The DSS and treatment groups were given 2 mL of 0.45 g/mL DSS daily during d 15-21, and the control group received normal saline. The experiment lasted 21 d.

RESULTS

Compared with DSS group, 70, 120 and 170 mg/kg Zn significantly increased body weight (BW), villus height and the ratio of villus to crypt, and significantly decreased the crypt depth of jejunum at 21 d. The number of goblet cells in jejunal villi in the Zn-Gly group was significantly increased by periodic acid-Schiff staining. Compared with control, the content of intestinal permeability marker D-lactic acid (D-LA) and fluxes of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-D) in plasma of DSS group significantly increased, and 170 mg/kg Zn supplementation significantly decreased the D-LA content and FITC-D fluxes. Compared with control, contents of plasma, jejunum endotoxin and jejunum pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased in DSS group, and were significantly decreased by 170 mg/kg Zn supplementation. Dietary Zn significantly increased the contents of anti-inflammatory factors IL-10, IL-22 and sIgA and IgG in jejunum. Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that 170 mg/kg Zn supplementation significantly increased mRNA expression levels of CLDN-1 and expression of OCLN protein in jejunum, and decreased gene and protein expression of CLDN-2 compared with DSS group. The 120 mg/kg Zn significantly promoted the expressions of IL-22 and IgA. Dietary Zn-Gly supplementation significantly decreased pro-inflammatory genes IL-8 and TNF-α expression levels and TNF-α protein expression in jejunum. Additionally, Zn significantly reduced the gene and protein expression of TLR4, MYD88 and NF-κB p65.

CONCLUSIONS

Zn-Gly improved duck BW and alleviated intestinal injury by regulating intestinal morphology, barrier function and gut inflammation-related signal pathways TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB p65.

Effect of In Ovo Administration of a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zinc Glycine Chelate on Antioxidant Capacity and Selected Immune Parameters in Newly Hatched Chicks

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of in ovo co-supplementation of chicken embryos with a multi-strain probiotic containing effective microorganisms and zinc glycine chelate on total antioxidant capacity; concentrations of sulfhydryl groups, bityrosine bridges, formylkynurenines, hydroperoxides, proteins, corticosterone, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and heat shock proteins; and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the serum, yolk sac and tissues of broiler chickens at 12 h and at 7 days after hatching. The results indicate high SOD activity in the small and large intestines of chicks at 12 h post-hatch in the groups receiving the multi-strain probiotic and in the small intestine and yolk sac of birds receiving the multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate. High concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the yolk sac and serum after in ovo administration of Zn-Gly chelate were observed 12 h after hatching. The use of a probiotic and a probiotic with Zn-Gly chelate increased the total antioxidant capacity in the tissues of chickens. It can be concluded that in ovo administration of a multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate can maintain the oxidant/antioxidant balance in chickens and increase the defense capacity against oxidative stress.

The role of human milk nutrients in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an intestinal disease that primarily impacts preterm infants. The pathophysiology of NEC involves a complex interplay of factors that result in a deleterious immune response, injury to the intestinal mucosa, and in its most severe form, irreversible intestinal necrosis. Treatments for NEC remain limited, but one of the most effective preventative strategies for NEC is the provision of breast milk feeds. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which bioactive nutrients in breast milk impact neonatal intestinal physiology and the development of NEC. We also review experimental models of NEC that have been used to study the role of breast milk components in disease pathophysiology. These models are necessary to accelerate mechanistic research and improve outcomes for neonates with NEC.

Effects of dietary zinc chloride hydroxide and zinc methionine on the immune system and blood profile of healthy adult horses and ponies

The effects of dietary zinc on the immune function of equines have not been evaluated in detail so far. In the present study, eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were fed a diet supplemented with either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine in six feeding periods of four weeks each (according to maintenance zinc requirement, 120 mg zinc/kg dry matter, and 240 mg zinc/kg dry matter, for both dietary zinc supplements, respectively). All animals received the six diets, with increasing amounts of zinc chloride hydroxide in the feeding periods 1-3, and with increasing amounts of zinc methionine in the feeding periods 4-6. At the end of each feeding period, blood samples were collected for a blood profile and the measurement of selected immune variables. Increasing dietary zinc chloride hydroxide doses increased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the erythrocyte lysate, decreased the numbers of total leukocytes and granulocytes in the blood, and also decreased the interleukin-2 concentrations in the plasma of the animals. The dietary supplementation of increasing doses of zinc methionine enhanced the mitogen-stimulated proliferative activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and decreased the glutathione concentrations in the erythrocyte concentrate and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the plasma of the animals. The percentage of blood monocytes with oxidative burst after in vitro stimulation with E. coli decreased with increasing dietary zinc concentrations, independently of the zinc compound used. The blood profile demonstrated effects of the zinc supplements on the red blood cells and the bilirubin metabolism of the horses and ponies, which require further investigation. Overall, high doses of dietary zinc modulate the equine immune system, for the most part also depending on the zinc compound used.

Organic zinc glycine chelate is better than inorganic zinc in improving growth performance of cherry valley ducks by regulating intestinal morphology, barrier function, and the gut microbiome

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that has physiological and nutritional functions. However, excessive use of Zn can lead to waste of resources. In this study, we compared the effects of inorganic (ZnSO4) and organic Zn glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune function, barrier integrity, and gut microbiome of Cherry Valley ducks. We randomly divided 180 one-day-old male meat ducks into three groups, each with six replicates of 10 birds: basal diet group (CON), basal diet with 70 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4 (ZnSO4 group), and basal diet with 70 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly (Zn-Gly group). After 14 and 35 d of feeding, birds in the Zn groups had significantly increased body weight and average daily gain (ADG), decreased intestinal permeability indicator d-lactate, improved intestinal morphology and barrier function-related tight junction protein levels, and upregulated mucin 2 and secretory immunoglobulin A levels compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnSO4 group, we found that supplementation with Zn-Gly at 70 mg/kg Zn resulted in the significant increase of body weight at 35 d, 1 to 35 d ADG and average daily feed intake, villus height at 14 and 35 d, secretory immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G at 14 d, and mucin 2 mRNA level at 14 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary Zn had a significant effect on the gene expression of metallothionein at 14 and 35 d (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Zn significantly increased alpha diversity (P < 0.05), whereas no differences in beta diversity were observed among groups (P > 0.05). Dietary Zn significantly altered the cecal microbiota composition by increasing the abundances of Firmicutes, Blautia, Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae NK3B31, and [Ruminococcus] torques group and reducing that of Bacteroides (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the changes in microbiota were highly correlated (P < 0.05) with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune function-related parameters. Taken together, our data show that, under the condition of adding 70 mg/kg Zn, supplementation with Zn-Gly promoted growth performance by regulating intestinal morphology, immune function, barrier integrity, and gut microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks compared with the use of ZnSO4 in feed.

Organic Selenium Alleviates Ammonia-Mediated Abnormal Autophagy by Regulating Inflammatory Pathways and the Keap1/Nrf2 Axis in the Hypothalamus of Finishing Pigs

Ammonia is a significant pollutant in the livestock houses and the atmospheric environment, and excessive ammonia would harm the health of livestock and breeders. Previous studies have shown that ammonia exposure could damage the tissue structure of the nervous system, but the molecular mechanism of ammonia-induced hypothalamus damage was still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of excessive ammonia in abnormal autophagy of pig hypothalamus and whether selenomethionine would have a mitigating effect on ammonia toxicity. Twenty-four 18-week pigs were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (C group), the selenium group (Se group), the ammonia + selenium group (A + Se group), and the ammonia group (A group). In our study, the expression levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, IKK-α, p-IKK-α, Nrf2, ATG5, ATG 10, ATG 12, LC3 I/II, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were increased after ammonia exposure; meanwhile, IFN-γ, IKB-α, p-IKB-α, Keap1, P62, mTOR, AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, SQSTM, and Beclin1 showed decreasing trends. The results indicated that excessive ammonia inhalation inhibited the AKT/mTOR pathway to acclerated autophagy through oxidative stress-mediated inflammation in the porcine hypothalamus. L-selenomethionine could alleviate hypothalamus injury induced by ammonia exposure.

Alterations in bacterial metabolites, cytokines, and mucosal integrity in the caecum of broilers caused by feed additives and host-related factors

A total of 2,880 one-day-old male and female broiler chicks from two breeds, Ross308 and Cobb500 were randomly assigned to 72 pens. Broilers were offered three diets: a wheat-soybean diet without (CO), or with either a probiotic (probiotic; 2.4 x 10⁹ CFU/kg diet of Bacillus subtilis DSM32324 and DSM32325 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSM25840) or a phytobiotic (phytobiotic; grape extract with 165 ppm procyanidin and 585 ppm polyphenol) product. The trial was conducted with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diet, breed and sex in a completely randomized design and consisted of 6 replicate-pens per treatment (40 birds per pen). At day 7, 21, and 35, one chicken per pen was slaughtered for caecal sampling to quantify bacterial metabolites (digesta) as well as evaluate mRNA abundance and histomorphology (tissue). Data were subjected to ANOVA using GLM procedure to evaluate age, diet, breed and sex and their interactions. Spearman’s correlation (r) was analyzed between metabolite concentration and mRNA abundance. Overall, the concentration of short chain fatty acids increased with age, while lactate decreased from day 7 to 21 (p < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17α, IL-18, IFN-γ and TGF-β2 increased with age but IL-1β and TNF-α increased in abundance from day 7 to 21 and then decreased (p < 0.05). Abundance of MUC2 and CLDN5 increased after day 21 (p < 0.05). Caecal crypt depth increased with age (p < 0.05). Acidic goblet cell (GC) number peaked at day 21 (p < 0.05), while mixed GC number was not affected by age. A few impacts of breed, diet and interactions on the investigated variables showed no meaningful biological pattern. Propionate positively correlated with all cytokines investigated (r = 0.150–0.548), except TNF-α. Lactate negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β (r = −0.324). Aging affected caecal histomorphology, bacterial activity and genes responsible for barrier integrity and inflammatory response. This effect could be attributed to the interaction between gut microbiota and immune system as well as the direct effect of metabolites on gut histomorphology and cytokine mRNA abundance.

Relative Bioavailability of Broiler Chickens Fed with Zinc Hydroxychloride and Sulfate Sources for Corn-Soybean Meal

This study was conducted to determine relative bioavailability (RBV) of basic zinc chloride (BZC) compared to zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZSM) for broilers. A randomized design involving a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of the different treatment regimens plus one negative control was set up for this study. A total of 630 newly hatched male AA broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 42 different pens (15 chickens/pen) and assigned to 7 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The diet was supplemented with 0, 20, 40, or 80 mg of Zn mg/kg of feed in the form of ZSM or BZC. The results showed that zinc supplementation altered average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05) for both zinc sources. It was observed that the weight gain increased linearly (P < 0.01) and FCR decreased linearly as dietary BZC and ZSM concentration increased. Moreover, compared with chickens fed with ZSM, chickens fed with BZC had higher ADG and lower FCR from days 0 to 14 (P < 0.05), and higher activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.05), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) (P < 0.01) in the plasma of chickens fed with BZC at zinc level 80 mg/kg at day 14. The pancreas divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1) mRNA expression of chickens fed with BZC was found to be significantly enhanced at day 28, and the pancreas metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression for BZC fed group was also markedly increased at Zn levels of 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively. The relative bioavailability (RBV) of BZC (Zn sulfate 100%) based on ADG in the starter phase was 110.82%, whereas the tibia zinc content, as well as the activities of plasma ALP and CuZn-SOD, and the pancreas MT mRNA level were in the range between 108 and 119%. It was thus concluded that BZC was more efficacious than Zn sulfate and could serve as a potentially novel zinc source in the broilers.

A perspective review on the effect of different forms of zinc on poultry production of poultry with special reference to the hazardous effects of misuse

Zinc (Zn) is a unique micro-mineral because it is an essential component in many enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as being important for regulation of proteins and lipids metabolism, and sex hormones. This mineral is applied in poultry production in three forms; inorganic, organic, and nanoparticle form. The nano-form of Zn is preferable in application to other conventional forms with regard to absorption, bioavailability, and efficacy. Broilers fed on diets supplemented with Zn showed improvement of growth performance, carcass meat yield, and meat quality. In addition, Zn plays an important role in enhancing of both cellular and humeral immune responses, beside its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In laying hens, dietary addition of Zn improves the eggshell quality and the quantity of eggs. Moreover, Zn has a vital role in breeders in terms of improving the egg production, fertility, hatchability, embryonic development, and availability of the hatched chicks. Therefore, this review article is focused on the effects of using Zn on the performance and immunity of poultry, as well as its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with special reference to the hazardous effects of the misusing of this mineral.

The Impact of Zinc and Zinc Homeostasis on the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Intestinal Diseases

Zinc is an essential trace element for living organisms, and zinc homeostasis is essential for the maintenance of the normal physiological functions of cells and organisms. The intestine is the main location for zinc absorption and excretion, while zinc and zinc homeostasis is also of great significance to the structure and function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Zinc excess or deficiency and zinc homeostatic imbalance are all associated with many intestinal diseases, such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and CRC (colorectal cancer). In this review, we describe the role of zinc and zinc homeostasis in the intestinal mucosal barrier and the relevance of zinc homeostasis to gastrointestinal diseases.

Low Level of Dietary Organic Trace Elements Improve the Eggshell Strength, Trace Element Utilization, and Intestinal Function in Late-Phase Laying Hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) on performance, egg quality, trace elements utilization, and intestinal function in late-phase laying hens. A total of 1,080 laying hens (Hy-line brown, 65 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replications of 45 layers each. The basal diet was prepared without adding exogenous trace elements. The control group was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg of inorganic trace elements. The three treatment groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg organic trace elements (OTE300, 450, and 600), respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance among all treatments. However, OTE450 significantly improved the eggshell strength of laying hens (p &lt; 0.05), but had no significant effects on haugh unit, egg yolk weight, eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness, compared with other groups. Moreover, compared with the control group, OTE450 significantly increased the contents of copper, iron, and zinc in serum (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, all of the trace elements had a lower deposition in the feces in organic trace elements groups (p &lt; 0.05). Histological analysis showed that the addition of organic trace elements could significantly improve the villus height and villus concealment ratio (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), zinc transporter 1 (ZnT-1), and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) were the highest in the OTE450 group. In conclusion, OTE450 could improve egg quality, intestinal function, and trace element utilization efficiency. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of low levels of organic trace elements in laying hens.

Zinc Methionine Improves the Growth Performance of Meat Ducks by Enhancing the Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn-Met) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function of meat ducks. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old male Cherry Valley ducks were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates (10 birds each), and fed diets with 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 150 mg/kg Zn for 35 d. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with Zn-Met substantially increased the average daily gain (ADG), and reduced the feed to gain ratio (F/G) during 1–35 d (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary Zn-Met markedly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the jejunum (P &lt; 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of critical antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were increased by Zn in the jejunum (P &lt; 0.05). Supplementation with 60, 90, 120, and 150 mg/kg of Zn significantly reduced the diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in the serum (P &lt; 0.05). Different levels of Zn can increase the mRNA expression of occluding (OCLN) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum (P &lt; 0.05). Diets supplemented with zinc significantly increased the content of mucin2 (MUC2), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the jejunum of meat ducks (P &lt; 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that 150 mg/kg of Zn had a higher relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia in cecal digesta (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, Zn-Met improved the growth performance of meat ducks by enhancing intestinal antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function. This study provides data support for the application of Zn-Met in meat duck breeding.

Preparation and characterization of vanillin-chitosan Schiff base zinc complex for a novel Zn2+ sustained released system

In this work, a novel sustained released system (VCSB-Zn(II)) for zinc supplements was built by vanillin-chitosan Schiff base (VCSB) chelated with Zn²⁺ to improve the zinc trace element utilization ratio. Samples were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, XRD, SEM, and TGA. The results showed that VCSB exhibited a more excellent chelation capacity of Zn²⁺ than chitosan. The chelation capacity of VCSB was about 1.7 times more than that of chitosan, corresponding to 50.96 mg/g and 29.91 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, VCSB-Zn(II) showed excellent sustained released performance at simulated gastric fluid because of the acid slow-dissolving ability. And the higher the CN content of VCSB, the higher the cumulative release rate (R_i) of Zn²⁺, the highest R_i reached 77.81%. The sustained released curves were described by the first-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas equation, which described the Zn²⁺ sustained released performance caused by the dissolution of VCSB-Zn(II) and Fick diffusion. This Zn²⁺ sustained released system shows great potential in the application in the field of trace elements supplements for animals.

Effects of Injectable Trace Minerals (ITMs) on Th1/Th2 Cytokine Balance of Newborn Calves with Tropical Theileriosis

Injectable trace minerals (ITMs) could provide a potential alternative way of trace mineral delivery for sick animals. Therefore, evaluation of ameliorative potentials of ITMs (copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc) on the circulating Th1/Th2 cytokine misbalance in Theileria annulata-infected calves was aimed. Forty-three T. annulata-infected newborn calves were randomly allocated into four groups: buparvaquone alone-treated group (BUPA), buparvaquone + oxytetracycline (BUPA + OXY)-treated group, buparvaquone + injectable trace minerals (BUPA + ITMs)-treated group, and BUPA + OXY + ITM-treated group. Blood samples were collected from each of the calves before the start of therapy (day 0) and on day 14 post-therapy. Serum contents of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were estimated by bovine specific ELISA kits. On day 14 post-therapy, significant amelioration in the circulating levels of the studied cytokines was not observed in the calves treated with BUPA, while the calves treated with BUPA + OXY revealed significant (P ≤ 0.04) amelioration in the circulating tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. The calves treated with BUPA + ITMs revealed significant (P ≤ 0.041) elevation in the circulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and significant (P ≤ 0.011) reduction in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. Moreover, the calves treated with BUPA + OXY + ITMs revealed significant reduction in TNF-α (P ≤ 0.0001) and IL-10 (P ≤ 0.012) contents, and significant elevation in IFN-γ (P ≤ 0.0002) content on day 14 post-therapy. None of the treated calve group revealed significant alteration in the circulating level of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on day 14 post-therapy. In conclusion, administration of ITMs to the therapeutic regimen of newborn calves with tropical theileriosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy. ITMs can be recommended for the amelioration of immunological misbalance due to tropical theileriosis in newborn calves.

Protective Effect of Grape (Vitis vinifera) Seed Powder and Zinc-Glycine Complex on Growth Traits and Gut Health of Broilers Following Eimeria tenella Challenge

The current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed powder and zinc-glycine complex on growth parameters and cecal health of broiler following Eimeria tenella challenge. A total of 250 day-old male broilers (Hubbard) were distributed into five treatments as follows: I-negative control (basal diet); II-positive control (E. tenella challenge); III-group infected + Amprolium; IV-group coccidial infection + organic zinc (OZ) at 50 ppm + grape seed powder (GSP) at 2.5 g/kg; V-coccidial infection + organic zinc (OZ) at 50 ppm + grape seed powder (GSP) at 5.0 g/kg. From findings, a lower (p < 0.05) feed intake was noted for positive control compared to the other treatment groups. Conversely, higher (p < 0.05) body weight, dressing percentage, and feed conversion ratio were observed in infected + Amprolium, GSP2.5 + OZ50, and GSP5 + OZ50 treatments in comparison to the positive control. Moreover, the positive control showed severe cecal lesions of thickness and hemorrhages with mild congestion. The lesion scores decreased (p < 0.05) in GSP and OZ treated groups compared to the positive control. Significant (p < 0.05) lower oocyst per gram of feces was found in infected + Amprolium, GSP2.5 + OZ50, and GSP5 + OZ50 in comparison to positive control. Supplementing diet with GSP and OZ at both levels showed restoration of intense sloughing of villi. From the present findings, it can be concluded that OZ and grape seed powder positively ameliorated the growth performance, lesion score, and oocysts shedding in broilers infected with E. tenella.

Protective effects of γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides on intestinal development and mucosal immune function of immunosuppressed broilers

This study was aimed to assess the protective effects of γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) on the development of small intestine and intestinal mucosal immunity of immunosuppressed broilers induced by cyclophosphamide (CPM). A total of 384 one-day-old broiler chicks with similar initial weight were randomly assigned into 6 groups: non-treated group (control), and CPM-treated groups fed either a basal diet or the diets containing 900 mg/kg APS, or 900, 600, 300 mg/kg IAPS, respectively. On days 16, 18, and 20, all broilers except for control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL CPM (40 mg/kg of BW). Broilers in the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL sterilized saline (0.75%, wt/vol). This trial was lasted for 21 d. The results revealed that both APS and IAPS treatment elevated the duodenal IgA-producing cells number and the jejunal mRNA expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon γ of CPM-injected broilers (P < 0.05). The decreased jejunal villus height (VH), the ratio of VH to crypt depth (V/C), as well as the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells number in CPM-injected broilers were elevated by dietary supplementation with 900 mg/kg APS or 900, 600 mg/kg IAPS (P < 0.05). The CPM-induced decrease in jejunum index, the duodenal VH and the jejunal IgA-producing cells number were only improved in the 900 mg/kg IAPS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the number of IELs and IgA-producing cells in duodenum, VH, V/C, the number of goblet cells, and mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-10 in jejunum were higher in the 900 mg/kg IAPS group than those in the 900 mg/kg APS group (P < 0.05). In summary, IAPS possessed stronger immunomodulatory effect than APS at the same supplementation level. Therefore, gamma irradiation can be used as an alternative treatment to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of APS.

Effect of Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on Broilers: A Preliminary Study on the Effective Components of Yeast Culture

Simple Summary

The value of yeast culture (YC) as alternative feed additives in poultry farming has been proven. YC is a nutrient-rich and complex micro-ecological fermentation product containing various metabolites. However, the major or specific effective components of YC and their importance in poultry farming are unknown. Herein, we screened the “effective ingredients” of YCs obtained from different fermentation times based on metabolomics and animal feeding experiments. Glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose were identified as potential effective metabolites in YCs. These findings provide an important basis for objective, accurate, and quick evaluation of the quality of YC products, as well as a scientific understanding of their functions.

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the effective ingredients of yeast culture (YC) for animal breeding. First, the contents of YCs obtained from various fermentation times were detected using gas-chromatography. A total of 85 compounds were identified. Next, 336 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into seven experimental groups and fed a basal diet, diets supplemented with YCs obtained at various fermentation times, or SZ1 (a commercial YC product). A significant increase in body weight gain (BWG) and a significant decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR) of AA broiler chicks were observed with YC supplementation. Additionally, most of blood and immunological indices were improved with YC supplementation. According to the production performance and the results of multivariate analysis, glycine, fructose, inositol, galactose, and sucrose were found as the potential effective compounds of YC and were involved in metabolic pathways including glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Supplementation with diets based on combinations of effective compounds improved weight gain, feed efficiency, serum immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G, but decreased blood urea concentration. These findings suggest YCs as effective and harmless feed additives with improved nutritional properties for broiler chicks.

Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration

Simple Summary

The extensive use of antibiotics in the poultry industry to increase production performance has led to human health hazards. The use of natural herbs as antibiotic substitutes has been reported in the poultry feed industry. Therefore, the objective of this review was to determine the effect of different levels of mushrooms and their extract in diet on laying performance and health status. On the basis of previous findings, dietary supplementation using mushrooms as a natural feed supplement sustained laying performance and improved immunity in laying hens.

Abstract

Application of different medicinal mushrooms intended to enhance production performance and health status has created an importance demand in poultry production. One goal of using medicinal mushrooms is to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting the optimum performance. Increasing concerns about this issue have led to more attention on antibiotic substitutes and a significant demand for them for organic egg production. Thus, supplementation with medicinal mushrooms is a new concept for research in layer production, however, there is still a great deal of confusion about inclusion levels and the mode of action of medicinal mushrooms on production performance and health status in laying hens. Taking this into account, this review outlines the experimental uses of medicinal fungi on the growth performance, laying performance, egg quality, and health status of layer birds based on previous findings to date. Finally, we highlight that supplementation with medicinal fungi can play a role on the immunity, health, and production performance in laying hens.

Zinc source modulates zootechnical characteristics, intestinal features, humoral response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broilers

The current experiment was performed to find the potential effect of inorganic and organic forms of zinc (Zn) on growth, intestinal histomorphology, immune response, and paraoxonase (PON1) activity in broiler. In this experiment, a total of 450 broiler chickens were assigned to four experimental and control groups. The birds received organic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (OZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (OZ-60) or inorganic Zn at the rate of 50 mg/kg (IZ-50) and 60 mg/kg (IZ-60) for an experimental period of 30 days. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed consumption, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor (PEF) were recorded in OZ-50. Similarly, antibody titer against infectious bronchitis (IB) and PON1 activity was higher (P < 0.05) in OZ-50 compared with the control group. In addition, significantly (P < 0.05) higher villus dimensions and goblet cell count were recorded for the group OZ-50 compared with other treatments. It was concluded that the organic form of Zn was superior in improving the growth, histological features of intestines, humoral response, and PON1 activity in broiler.

Effects of dietary inclusion levels of palm oil on growth performance, antioxidative status and serum cytokines of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary palm oil inclusion levels on growth performance, serum antioxidative status and cytokines in Sanhuang broiler chickens. A total of 208 one-day-old female Sanhuang chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates per group and of 13 birds each for a 42-day feeding trial. Dietary treatments were basal diet without palm oil (control) and diets containing 2%, 4% or 6% palm oil. During days 22 to 42 and the overall experimental period, chickens fed diets supplemented with 4% and 6% palm oil had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.019) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) (p = 0.031). Average daily gain (ADG) tended to be higher (p = 0.089) for palm oil inclusion treatments compared with the control treatment from days 1 to 42. Dietary 2% and 4% palm oil treatments significantly lowed serum malondialdehyde concentration on day 21 when compared to the control and 6% palm oil treatments (p = 0.027). Dietary 6% palm oil treatment significantly reduced the catalase (CAT) activity (p = 0.018) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.027) in serum in comparison with the control treatment on day 21. No significant differences were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum among dietary treatments on day 21. There were no significant differences in T-AOC, CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities among dietary treatments on day 42. Dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil significantly increased (p = 0.01) serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) content, but improved transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) content in serum on both days 21 and 42 (p = 0.032 and 0.022 respectively) as well as IL-10 content on day 42 (p = 0.022) when compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 6% palm oil significantly reduced tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content on days 21 and 42 (p = 0.021 and 0.001 respectively) compared with the control treatment. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil could improve the growth performance, modulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and show limited effect on antioxidative status in Sanhuang broiler chickens.

Dietary inclusion of mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste on growth performance and immune responses in growing layer hens

BACKGROUND

Medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active substances that can be used as an immune-modulating agent in poultry. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom waste (FVW) on performance, immune response and serum immunity in growing layer hens.

RESULTS

No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed with respect to average daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups during the entire study period (1-70 days). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW fed groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. On day 28, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG were higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic fed groups. On day 70, serum IgA was higher (P < 0.05) in FVW fed groups than in the control group; IgG was higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. However, IgM was higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups for both experimental periods. Serum cytokine interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW grousp than in the control and antibiotic groups; IL-4 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control group; and IL-6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic groups.

CONCLUSION

FVW at the 6% level can be used as a potential phytogenic feed stuff in growing layer hen rations with respect to improving the immune response without affecting normal weight gain. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Copper and zinc sources and levels of zinc inclusion influence growth performance, tissue trace mineral content, and carcass yield of broiler chickens

A 35-d experiment was conducted in broilers to study the effect of supplementation of sulfate or hydroxychloride forms of Zn and Cu at 2 supplemental Zn levels on growth performance, meat yield, and tissue levels of Zn. On day 0, 900 male Ross 308 broiler chicks (45 ± 1.10 g) were allocated to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design and 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors were 2 sources (sulfate or hydroxychloride) of Zn and Cu and 2 levels (low or high) of Zn. The Zn sources were zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZSM) or hydroxychloride Zn. Copper sources were copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate or hydroxychloride Cu. Each of the 4 treatments had 15 replicates and 15 birds per replicate. Birds were weighed on days 0, 21, and 35 for growth performance. On day 35, left tibia bone, liver, and blood were collected from 4 randomly selected birds per pen. In addition, 7 birds per pen were used for carcass evaluation. There was no significant source × level interaction on any of the growth performance response. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) gain: feed, whereas broiler chickens receiving lower Zn level had greater (P < 0.01) weight gain. There was no source × level interaction on meat yield. Broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu had greater (P < 0.05) % breast yield than those receiving sulfate Zn and Cu. Higher level of Zn, irrespective of source, produced greater (P < 0.01) tibia and plasma Zn levels, whereas liver Cu was greater (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens receiving hydroxychloride Zn and Cu. It was concluded that hydroxychloride Zn and Cu were more efficacious than sulfate Zn and Cu in promoting growth performance and enhancing meat yield in the current study.

Effect of golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste on laying performance, calcium utilization, immune response and serum immunity at early phase of production

Objective

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (FVW), on organic eggs production, calcium utilization, antibody response, serum immunoglobulin, and serum cytokine concentration at early phase of production in laying hens.

Methods

A total 210, 19 weeks old aged ISA Brown layers were randomly assigned into 5 equal treatment groups, with 7 replications of 6 hens each. Dietary treatment included a standard basal diet as control; antibiotic (0.05% flavomycin); 2% FVW; 4% FVW; and 6% FVW. The experimental duration was 10 weeks.

Results

There was no significant differences (p>0.05) on hen day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among experimental groups. Unmarketable eggs were significantly lower (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than control group. The calcium retention and calcium in egg shell deposition were significantly higher (p<0.05) in FVW inclusion groups than control and antibiotic groups. Antibody titers against Newcastle diseases were significantly higher (p<0.05) in 6% FVW fed group (except combined with 4% FVW at day 147) and infectious bronchitis were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in FVW fed groups (except 2% FVW and 4% FVW at day 161) than control and antibiotic groups. Serum immunoglobulin sIgA was significantly higher (p<0.05) in all levels of FVW and IgG was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 4% FVW than control and antibiotic groups. Serum cytokine concentration interleukin-2 (IL-2) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 6% FVW; IL-6 and tumor necrotic factor-α were significantly higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW than control and antibiotic groups; IL-4 was significantly higher (p<0.05) in antibiotic, 2% FVW and 4% FVW fed groups than control.

Conclusion

F. velutipes mushroom waste can be used as a novel substitute for antibiotic for organic egg production and sound health status in laying hens.