The effect of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on the metabolic parameters, immune status, and intestinal morphology of turkeys

Impact of fermented feed of soybean hulls and rapeseed cake on immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota in Chahua chicken

The present study investigated the effects of replacing part of the basal diet with 2-stage fermented feed (FF) (soybean hulls:rapeseed cake (2:1, m/m)) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of Chahua chicken. A total of 160 Chahua chickens were randomly divided into 4 groups to receive a control diet or diet with 5%, 10%, or 15% of the basal diet replaced by FF, respectively for 56 d. The results showed that FF significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of Chahua chickens (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Chahua chicken receiving the diet added with 15% FF significantly increased (P < 0.05). Chahua chicken in both the 10% and 15% groups showed increased serum IgG and IgM and decreased malondialdehyde. Serum interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma significantly increased in all FF groups. Compared with the CON group, higher ileal villus height (VH) was found in the 10% FF group. Treatment with FF significantly increased the ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, jejunal VH, and jejunal VH/CD ratio while reducing ileal and jejunal CD. The modified gut microbiota composition was observed in the Chahua chicken fed a diet containing FF, in particular, with the increased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus. The abundance of Lactobacillus significantly increased in the 10% and 15% FF groups (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between Lactobacillus and VH (R = 0.38, P = 0.10, Figure 3B), AH/CD ratio (R = 0.63, P = 0.003), and a negative correlation with CD (R = -0.72, P = 0.001). These results indicate that FF improves immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health and consequently enhances growth performance in Chahua chicken.

Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of lion-head goslings

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented feed on growth performance, antioxidant indexes and intestinal health in lion-head goslings.

Methods

288 male lion-head goslings (one-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups (6 replicates per group, 12 samples per replicate): control group (basal diet) and fermented feed (FF) groups (basal diet supplemented with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% FF, respectively). The experimental period lasted 28 days.

Results

The results showed that 5.0 and 7.5% FF groups decreased feed conversion rate (FCR) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The 5.0% FF group reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum; while the 7.5% FF group decreased the concentration of total cholesterol (TC), ALP and LDH activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the 7.5% FF group significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum (p < 0.05); 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (p < 0.05); all FF groups increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum (p < 0.05). For intestinal health, the villous height and villi/crypt ratio in jejunum were increased in all FF groups, but crypt depth was decreased (p < 0.05); The 5.0% FF groups enhanced T-AOC activity in jejunum (p < 0.05); The 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups enhanced GSH-Px activity (p < 0.05) in jejunum; All FF groups reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level in jejunum (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis showed that the cecum microbiota was significantly dominant in the 2.5% FF group compared to the control group including Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella; the flora that were significantly dominant in the 5.0% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, Megamonas, and Prevotella; and the groups that were significantly dominant in the 7.5% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, Bacteroidaceae, and Ruminococcaceae.

Discussion

In summary, dietary FF supplementation improved growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of lion-head goslings, as well as improved jejunal tissue morphology and optimized intestinal flora structure. In particular, the FF addition at a dose of 7.5% was relatively more effective for lion- head goslings.

Impacts of Solid-State Fermented Barley with Fibrolytic Exogenous Enzymes on Feed Utilization, and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

The present and future high demand of common cereals as corn and wheat encourage the development of feed processing technology that allows for the dietary inclusion of other cereals of low nutritional value in poultry feeding. Barley grains contain anti-nutritional factors that limit their dietary inclusion in the poultry industry. The treatment of barley with solid-state fermentation and exogenous enzymes (FBEs) provides a good alternative to common cereals. In this study, barley grains were subjected to solid-state microbial fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. This study aimed to assess the impact of FBEs on growth, feed utilization efficiency, immune modulation, antioxidant status and the expression of intestinal barrier and nutrient transporter-related genes. One-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308, n = 400) comprised four representative groups with ten replicates (10 chicks/replicate) and were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets with inclusions of FBEs at 0, 5, 10 and 15% for 38 days. Solid-state fermentation of barley grains with fibrolytic enzymes increased protein content, lowered crude fiber and reduced sugars compared to non-fermented barley gains. In consequence, the group fed FBEs10% had the superior feed utilization efficiency and body weight gain (increased by 4.7%) with higher levels of nutrient metabolizability, pancreatic digestive enzyme activities and low digesta viscosity. Notably, the group fed FBEs10% showed an increased villi height and a decreased crypt depth with a remarkable hyperactivity of duodenal glands. In addition, higher inclusion levels of FBEs boosted serum immune-related parameters and intestinal and breast muscle antioxidants status. Intestinal nutrient transporters encoding genes (GLUT-1, CAAT-1, LAT1 and PepT-1) and intestinal barriers encoding genes (MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, claudins-1 and β-defensin 1) were upregulated with higher dietary FBEs levels. In conclusion, feeding on FBEs10% positively enhanced broiler chickens' performance, feed efficiency and antioxidant status, and boosted intestinal barrier nutrient transporters encoding genes.

Enhancing the nutritive value of canola meal for broiler chickens through enzymatic modifications

Enzymatic modification of canola meal (CM) is a potential method to enhance its nutritional value as it can depolymerize nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) and mitigate its potential antinutritive properties. Based on the previous studies, pectinase A (PA), pectinase B (PB), xylanase B (XB), and invertase (Inv) were used for the enzymatic modifications. The highest NSP depolymerization ratio was obtained when 4 g/kg of each PA, PB, and XB, and 0.2 g/kg of Inv were used during 48 h incubation at 40 °C. In the current study, changes in pH, simple sugars, sucrose, oligosaccharides, and NSP contents during the enzymatic modification (CM+E) of CM were measured and compared to Control (CM) without enzymes addition or with the addition of bacteriostat sodium azide (CM+E+NaN3). The results showed that spontaneous fermentation occurred during incubation. After incubation, the pH of the slurry decreased, lactic acid was produced, phytate disappeared, and the concentration of simple sugars decreased substantially. The NSP of the slurry was progressively depolymerized by the enzyme blend. The chemical composition and nutritive value of enzymatically-modified CM (ECM) were evaluated. Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 18 cages of six birds each for the standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) assay. A corn/soybean meal-based basal diet formulated to meet Ross 308 breeder recommendations and two test diets contained 70% of the basal diet and 30% of CM or ECM, respectively, were fed to Ross 308 from 13 to 17 d of age. No difference was observed between SIAAD of CM and ECM. The AMEn value of ECM was 2118.0 kcal/kg on a dry matter basis which was 30.9% greater (P < 0.05) than the CM.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant state, ileal histomorphometry, and cecal ecology of broilers fed on fermented canola meal with and without exogenous enzymes

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets that includes fermented canola meal on performance, nutrient digestibility, biochemical indication, antioxidative capacity, digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and gut health. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (5 replicate/group), the first group: a control (CON) contained a basal diet, and the second to the fifth groups were fed diets as follows: containing 20% canola meal (CM), contains 20% fermented canola meal (FCM), contains 20% canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (ECM), and contains 20% fermented canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (EFC), respectively. At the finisher phase, the best body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient utilization were associated with chickens fed EFC compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and superoxide dismutase levels increased (P < 0.05), while cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels decreased in chickens fed on EFC. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and antibody titer against Newcastle disease, whereas the weight of abdominal fat decreased in the EFC group compared to other groups. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the activity of lipase and amylase enzymes (P < 0.05) in the EFC group. Fermented canola meal addition improved gut health (decreased Escherichia coli, increased Lactobacillus, and the highest values of villus height). Overall, these results confirmed that supplementing a fermented canola meal diet with exogenous enzymes improved growth performance through enhancing nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut health. Thus, adding enzymes to a diet containing fermented canola meal can be recommended as an alternative protein source that could be safely used to replace up to 20% soybean meal in broiler diets.

The impacts of fermented feed on laying performance, egg quality, immune function, intestinal morphology and microbiota of laying hens in the late laying cycle

Fermented feed has the potential to improve poultry gastrointestinal microecological environment, health condition and production performance. Thus, the present study was undertaken to explore the effects of fermented feed on the laying performance, egg quality, immune function, intestinal morphology and microbiota of laying hens in the late laying cycle. A total of 360 healthy Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 80 weeks were used to conduct a 56-day study. All hens were randomly separated into two treatment groups, with five replicates of 36 hens each as follows: basal diet containing 0.0% fermented feed (CON) and 20% fermented feed (FF). Subsequent analyses revealed that fermented feed supplementation was associated with significant increases in laying rates together with reduced broken egg rates and feed conversion ratio for hens in FF group (P < 0.05). There were additionally significant increases in both albumen height and Haugh unit values in hens following fermented feed supplementation (P < 0.05). Fermented feed was also associated with increases in duodenal, jejunal and ileac villus height (P < 0.05). Laying hens fed fermented feed had higher immune globulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM levels (P < 0.01,) and higher interleukin 2, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α and interferon γ (P < 0.05) concentrations than CON. Analysis of the microbiota in these laying hens revealed the alpha diversity was not significantly affected by fermented feed supplementation. Firmicutes abundance was reduced in caecal samples from FF hens relative to those from CON hens (30.61 vs 35.12%, P < 0.05). At the genus level, fermented feed was associated with improvements in relative Lactobacillus, Megasphaera and Peptococcus abundance and decreased Campylobacter abundance in laying hens. These results suggest that fermented feed supplementation may be beneficial to the laying performance, egg quality, immunological function, intestinal villus growth and caecal microecological environment of laying hens at the end of the laying cycle.

Microbiome Research as an Effective Driver of Success Stories in Agrifood Systems – A Selection of Case Studies

Increasing knowledge of the microbiome has led to significant advancements in the agrifood system. Case studies based on microbiome applications have been reported worldwide and, in this review, we have selected 14 success stories that showcase the importance of microbiome research in advancing the agrifood system. The selected case studies describe products, methodologies, applications, tools, and processes that created an economic and societal impact. Additionally, they cover a broad range of fields within the agrifood chain: the management of diseases and putative pathogens; the use of microorganism as soil fertilizers and plant strengtheners; the investigation of the microbial dynamics occurring during food fermentation; the presence of microorganisms and/or genes associated with hazards for animal and human health (e.g., mycotoxins, spoilage agents, or pathogens) in feeds, foods, and their processing environments; applications to improve HACCP systems; and the identification of novel probiotics and prebiotics to improve the animal gut microbiome or to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases in humans (e.g., obesity complications). The microbiomes of soil, plants, and animals are pivotal for ensuring human and environmental health and this review highlights the impact that microbiome applications have with this regard.

Influence of fermented feed additive on gut morphology, immune status, and microbiota in broilers

BACKGROUND

This study examined the effects of a solid-state fermented feed additive (FFA) on the small intestine histology/morphology, immunity and microbiota of broilers. Two hundred eighty-eight day-old Arbor Acre chicks, were randomly assigned to one of four groups (each group has 6 replicates, with each replicate containing 12 chickens). The negative control (NC; basal diet), the positive control (PC; basal diet +antibiotic 15 ppm), the fermented feed additive low dose (FFL; basal diet + 0.3 kg/t FFA), and the fermented feed additive high dose (FFH; 3 kg/t FFA) with Lactobacillus casei (L.casei).

RESULTS

The study found that the FFH and FFL groups gained more weight (1-21d) and the FFL and PC diets had better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) than the NC from 0-42d. The FFH group had higher villus height (P < 0.05) in the duodenum than the PC and villus height to crypt depth ratio VH/CD compared to PC and FFL groups. The FFL chickens had greater (P < 0.05) jejunal and ileal villus height than PC and NC groups respectively. The FFL group had a higher ileal VH/CD ratio (P < 0.05). Jejunum VH/CD was higher in FFL and FFH (P < 0.05) than PC (P < 0.05). FFH had a smaller thymus than NC (P < 0.05). FFA diets also increased IL-10 expression (P < 0.05). While IL-1 and TLR4 mRNA expression decreased (P < 0.05) compared to NC. The microbiota analysis showed that the microorganisms that have pathogenic properties such as phylum Delsulfobacterota and class Desulfovibriona and Negativicutes was also significantly reduced in the group treated with FFH and PC while microorganisms having beneficial properties like Lactobacillaceae family, Lactobacillus aviarus genus and Lactobacillus spp were also tended to increase in the FFH and FFL fermented feed groups compared to the PC and NC groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that the FFA diet may modulate cecal microbiota by reducing pathogenic microorganisms such as phylum Delsulfobacterota and class Desulfovibriona and Negativicutes improve beneficial microorganisms like Lactobacillaceae family, Lactobacillus aviarus genus and Lactobacillus spp. While FFA diet also affect immunity, and gene expression related to immunity.

Effect of rapeseed meal degraded by enzymolysis and fermentation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and health status of broilers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nutritional changes of degraded rapeseed meal and its effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and health status of broilers. Raw rapeseed meal (CON), degraded by enzymolysis (protease, ERM), fermentation (Bacillus subtilis, FRM) or both (DRM) were included in diets at 25% and fed to 480 yellow-feathered broilers at 22-63 d of age. Results showed that rapeseed peptide contents (≤1 kDa) were increased (p < 0.05) from 4.13% (CON) to 35.5% (ERM), 24.1% (FRM) and 50.4% (DRM); glucosinolate and erucic acid in DRM were decreased (p < 0.05) by 71.6% and 86.2%, respectively, compared to CON. There were increases (p ≤ 0.029) in feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and precaecal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan and valine in the three degraded diets. Also, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were raised (p ≤ 0.034) in the degraded diets. Additionally, DRM showed more pronounced effects (p < 0.05) on variables related to growth, digestibility and health than ERM and FRM. It is concluded that rapeseed meal degraded by both enzymolysis and fermentation can increase its nutritional values and application in broilers.

Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Raw, Hydrobarothermally-Treated and Fermented Rapeseed Cake

The present study was conducted to investigate how raw rapeseed cake (RRC), hydrobarothermally-treated rapeseed cake (HRC) and fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) fed to laying hens over a period of 12 weeks affected their performance, and the quality, fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability of eggs. A total of 304 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 36 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design to four treatment groups with 38 replicates per treatment and two hens per replicate. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study. During the experiment, the birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets in mash form, with various protein sources. In the control group (C), soybean meal (SBM) was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the experimental groups were fed diets containing 20% of RRC, HRC or FRC. Hydrobarothermal treatment and fermentation decreased the glucosinolate (GLS) content of RC, and fermentation reduced the concentration of phytate phosphorus (PP). In comparison with the RRC group, layers from the HRC and FRC groups were characterized by higher laying performance, comparable with that in group C. Irrespective of its physical form, RC added to layer diets adversely affected eggshell quality in all experimental groups, whereas albumen quality was highest in the FRC group. In comparison with group C, diets containing RRC, HRC and HRC led to a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), an increase in the proportion of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the total FA pool in egg yolks, and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The inclusion of RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in egg yolks, relative to group C. Group FCR eggs were characterized by the highest activity of catalase (CAT) and the lowest lipid peroxides LOOH concentration, compared with the remaining groups. The addition of RC to layer diets did not compromise the sensory quality of eggs, and eggs produced in group FRC received the highest overall score. It can be concluded that the inclusion of 20% RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets does not compromise the sensory quality of eggs and has a beneficial influence on the FA profile and antioxidant potential of egg yolks. The use of FRC is recommended because it contributes to the highest laying performance, superior albumen quality and the highest sensory quality of eggs, relative to RRC and HRC.

Effects of in ovo Injection of Astragalus Polysaccharide on the Intestinal Development and Mucosal Immunity in Broiler Chickens

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of in ovo injection of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on hatchability, body weight (BW), intestinal histomorphology, the number of IgA⁺ cells and sIgA content in intestine, and the expression of intestinal immune-related genes in broiler chickens. On day 18 of the incubation, a total of 960 live embryo eggs were weighed and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: a control group and three APS groups. The eggs in the control group were injected with 0.5 mL physiological saline. The eggs in the APS groups were injected with 3 different amounts of APS in 0.5 mL physiological saline: 1 mg (APS_L), 2 mg (APS_M) and 4 mg (APS_H). The solution was injected into the amnion of each egg. The results showed that in ovo injection of APS did not affect the hatchability but increased the body weight of the 14 d and 21 d chickens, with a significant increase observed in the APS_M group (P < 0.05). At most time points, the villus height (VH) was increased (P < 0.05) and the crypt depth (CD) was decreased (P < 0.05) in the small intestine of the broilers, with higher VH/CD ratios in the APS_L and APS_M groups compared with the control group. The number of IgA⁺ cells in the mucosa and the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in the intestinal washings were higher in the APS_M and APS_H groups than in the APS_L and control groups. The gene expression levels of interleukin (IL)-2, interleukin (IL)-4, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were significantly enhanced by APS stimulation at most time points (P < 0.05). These results indicated that in ovo injection of APS has the potential of promoting intestinal development and enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity of broiler chickens in the early stage after hatching.

The Brassica napus (oilseed rape) seeds bioactive health effects are modulated by agronomical traits as assessed by a multi-scale omics approach in the metabolically impaired ob-mouse

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Oilseed rape seeds are rich in nutritional bioactives.

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Current agronomical traits greatly modulate B. napus seeds bioactive contents.

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Such disparities influence health outcomes in a mice nutritional trial.

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Optimized agronomical conditions may beneficially improve B napus nutritional value.

Beside oil, oilseed rape (Brassica napus) seeds contains nutritional bioactives such as polyphenols and glucosinolates. However, to date their nutritional properties have been overlooked in the new “double zero” breeds.

Seed alcoholic extracts from two B. napus cultivars most contrasting in their phytochemical contents as measured by mass-spectrometry were given to ob-mice. Biological outcomes including clinical metrics, gut and plasma metabolomes, liver transcriptome and metabolome were compared to ob-mice given a similar broccoli extract (Brassica oleracea).

One B. napus extract induced a reduction of the oxidative stress indicated by the decrease of plasma isoprostanoids. This was associated to the regulation of the antioxidant stress defense Nrf2 pathway, to ‘omic’ oxidative stress functions, metabolic and cell process regulations, and the metabolomics microbiota profile.

Extracts of B. napus seeds demonstrated health effects that may be improved by selecting appropriate agronomical traits, highlighting the potential benefits of better utilizing agronomy for improved human and animal nutrition

The effect of fermented and raw rapeseed meal on the growth performance, immune status and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

We evaluated the effect of fermented and raw rapeseed meal (FRCM and RRSM) on the growth performance, carcass traits, serum biochemical indexes, immune status and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 420-day-old Arbor Acre male broilers were randomly assigned to a 1 + 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with one basal diet group, two rapeseed meal (RSM) varieties (FRCM and RRSM) and three addition levels (5%, 10% and 15%) for a duration of 42 days. FRSM significantly increased the ADG and ADFI of broilers during the 22-42 days and 1-42 days (p < 0.05) growth periods compared with RRSM groups. No significant difference was observed in ADG and ADFI between broilers fed FRSM in different dietary levels and control diets (p > 0.05), but broilers fed diet with 15% RRSM showed significantly lower ADG, ADFI and spleen index (p < 0.05). Both FRSM and RRSM in different dietary levels affected the anti-oxidation function of broilers, including a significant increase in the serum contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Fermentation tends to increase the villus height of duodenum (p = 0.09), and significantly increased the villus height and V/C ratio of duodenum (p < 0.05) in birds. The duodenum villus height was the highest in the 5% FRSM group and lowest in birds of 5% RRSM group. A 10% level significantly increased the duodenal V/C ratio in both FRSM and RRSM birds. The results indicated that FRSM could be used to supplemented in broilers diet to improve the production performance and maintain good health. FRSM can be added to broilers diet at 10% without adverse effect on growth performance or immune function.

The Effects of a Fermented Rapeseed or/and Soybean Meal Additive on Antioxidant Parameters in the Blood and Tissues of Piglets

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and/or rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the redox status of blood and tissues in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 150 28-day-old weaned piglets divided into five groups. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in the experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with FRSM and/or FSBM: group FR-8% FRSM; group FR/FS-6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; group FS/FR-2% FRSM and 6% FSBM; and group FS-8% FSBM. Group FR/FS showed an increase in total antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP) and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, i.e., vitamin C, urea, uric acid, and albumin, as well as an increase in catalase activity. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. A reduction in lipid peroxidation due to the use of FR/FS was also indicated by a decrease in liver MDA and jejunum wall LOOH levels. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and vitamin C levels in these tissues were also noted. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet (6%) in combination with soybean meal (2%), improved the redox status of the weaners.

Effects of Raw and Fermented Rapeseed Cake on Growth Performance, Methane Production, and Breast Meat Fatty Acid Composition in Broiler Chickens

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of partial replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by 15% raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC or FRC) to broilers' diets on growth performance, nutrient utilization, methane emission, and breast muscle fatty acid (FA) composition. A total of 420 one-day-old female Ros 308 broilers were used in three independent experiments (300 birds in the first experiment and 60 in the second and third experiments). In each trial, three treatments were set up: a control group (without rapeseed), and diets replaced soybean meal with 15% addition of RRC or FRC. Birds fed the FRC diet experienced no effect (p > 0.05) on performance or nutrients utilization. Methane emission and total methanogen population in the ceca was decreased (p < 0.05) with the FRC diet. The concentrations of n-3 and n-6 FAs in the breast tissue of fourteen-day-old birds were not affected (p > 0.05) by FRC. However, the n-6/n-3 ratio in the breast muscle of 28-day-old birds was reduced (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the replacement of SBM by FRC in the broiler diets did not show any unfavorable effects on performance or nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the breast meat FA profile was improved, methanogen counts significantly decreased, and methane emission was limited.

The Impact of Wheat Bran on the Morphology and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Recently, dietary fiber has gained special attention due to its various beneficial effects on poultry. In poultry, moderate amounts of insoluble dietary fiber have been shown to be beneficial to nutrient utilization by improving the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this study used wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber to investigate wheat bran on digestive function in broiler chickens. The results indicate that supplementation of 30 g/kg wheat bran enhanced nutrient digestibility by improving antioxidant status, gizzard development, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and morphology in broilers. In conclusion, wheat bran could be used for improving feed efficiency in broilers.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence showing that moderate amounts of insoluble dietary fiber can improve nutrient utilization by positively influencing the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of wheat bran as a source of insoluble fiber on nutrient digestibility, serum antioxidant status, gastrointestinal development, digestive enzyme activities and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. A total of 96 one-day-old male Arbor Acre broiler chickens were assigned to two treatments with six replicate cages per treatment and eight birds per replicate for 42 d. Dietary treatments consisted of the control group (CON, control diet) and wheat bran group (WB, 30 g/kg wheat bran). Inclusion of WB increased (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, gross energy and crude protein on Day 42. Birds fed WB had lower (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol concentration on Day 21, and lower (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and total triglyceride on Day 42. Inclusion of WB increased (p < 0.05) serum glutathione peroxidase activity on Day 21 and superoxide dismutase activity on Day 42, but tended (p = 0.07) to decrease serum malondialdehyde concentration on Day 21, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde concentration on Day 42. Birds fed WB had a greater (p < 0.05) relative weight of gizzard on both Day 21 and 42. Inclusion of WB increased (p < 0.05) activities of amylase and trypsin in pancreas and jejunal mucosa on Day 21, and increased (p < 0.05) amylase activity in pancreas and jejunal mucosa. Birds fed WB had greater (p < 0.05) villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in jejunum and ileum on Day 42. In conclusion, supplementation of 30 g/kg WB enhanced nutrient digestibility by improving antioxidant status, gizzard development, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and morphology of broilers.

Effects of Fermentation on Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids and Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Rapeseed Meal Fed to Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a by-product of rapeseed oil production. Owing to its lower cost and abundant sulfur-containing amino acids, RSM can be used for replacing soybean meal in broiler diets. However, its use is limited by the presence of numerous anti-nutritional factors. As an ancient technique to convert the complex substrates into simple compounds by a number of microorganisms, microbial solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been shown as an effective way to eliminate or reduce anti-nutritional factors in RSM and improve growth performance when fed to animals. This improvement is not yet clear; in particular, the understanding of the feeding nutritional value of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) is not very well studied. Hence, the trial is conducted to investigate the effects of fermentation on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) in RSM fed to broiler chickens. According to our findings, fermentation had a significant effect on the chemical composition of RSM. In comparison to RSM, FRSM had greater nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values and SID of amino acids. FRSM was nutritionally superior to RSM for use in broiler diets.

Abstract

Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a common protein ingredient in animal diets, while the proportion of RSM in diets is limited because of its anti-nutritional factors. Fermentation based on mixed microbial strains appears to be a suitable approach to improve the nutritive value of rapeseed meal in animal feed. In this study, we evaluated the effects of fermentation on the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids in RSM fed broilers. The AME and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values of RSM and fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) were determined by the substitution method, with RSM and FRSM proportionally replacing the energy-yielding components of the basal diet by 30%. Results show that fermentation improved AME and AMEn of RSM from 7.44 to 8.51 MJ/kg and from 7.17 to 8.26 MJ/kg, respectively. In the second experiment, two experimental diets were formulated, with RSM and FRSM being the sole sources of amino acids. A nitrogen-free diet (NFD) was also formulated to determine endogenous amino acids losses (EAAL). Feeding on FRSM resulted in higher (p < 0.05) apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and SID of alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, arginine, and phenylalanine. No significant differences between RSM and FRSM were found for AID and SID of asparagine, histidine, threonine, serine, glutamine, praline, glycine, methionine, and cystine. FRSM had greater AMEn values and SID of amino acids compared to RSM, therefore, FRSM was nutritionally superior to RSM in broiler diets.

The unconventional adverse effects of fungal pretreatment on iturin A fermentation by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX-20

Fungal pretreatment is the most common strategy for improving the conversion of rapeseed meal (RSM) into value-added microbial products. It was demonstrated that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX-20 could directly use RSM as the sole source of all nutrients except the carbon source for iturin A fermentation with high productivity. However, whether fungal pretreatment has an impact on iturin A production is still unknown. In this study, the effects of fungal pretreatment and direct bio-utilization of RSM for iturin A fermentation were comparatively analysed through screening suitable fungal species, and evaluating the relationships between iturin A production and the composition of solid fermented RSM and liquid hydrolysates. Three main unconventional adverse effects were identified. (1) Solid-state fermentation by fungi resulted in a decrease of the total nitrogen for B. amyloliquefaciens CX-20 growth and metabolism, which caused nitrogen waste from RSM. (2) The released free ammonium nitrogen in liquid hydrolysates by fungal pretreatment led to the reduction of iturin A. (3) The insoluble precipitates of hydrolysates, which were mostly ignored and wasted in previous studies, were found to have beneficial effects on producing iturin A. In conclusion, our study verifies the unconventional adverse effects of fungal pretreatment on iturin A production by B. amyloliquefaciens CX-20 compared with direct bio-utilization of RSM.

The Fermentation Process Improves the Nutritional Value of Rapeseed Cake for Turkeys-Effects on Performance, Gut Bacterial Population and Its Fermentative Activity

Simple Summary

Rapeseed cake (RC) could be valuable raw material in turkey diets, but its wide use is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors that are detrimental to gut function. The fermentation process contributes to the degradation of over 80% of carbohydrates, 30% of lignin, and 45% of total glucosinolates in RC, which are harmful to birds. Our research showed that fermentation can improve the nutritional value of RC, enabling good performance and maintainenance of a healthy gut in birds. Therefore, FRC appears to be highly promising in commercial turkey nutrition.

Abstract

This experiment investigated the potential inclusion of fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in turkey diets. The turkeys received diets either not supplemented (C) or supplemented with raw rapeseed cake (RRC) or FRC at 150 g/kg diet. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW comparable with that noted in the control group. The dietary inclusion of FRC increased the concentrations of propionic and valeric acid in the cecal digesta compared with the control group, and increased the proportion of butyric acid in SCFA profile compared with RRC group. The activities of glycolytic bacterial enzymes in the cecal digesta, were lowest in turkeys fed FRC. Experimental diets did not cause a shift in the relative abundances of the main bacterial phyla or orders in the cecal digesta. FRC increased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae at the family level, but decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level compared with birds fed RRC. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of FRC at 150 g/kg did not compromise bird performance, did not excessively stimulate bacterial activity, and did not cause shifts in the bacterial composition in the cecum. Actually, FCR exerted several beneficial effects that contributed to maintaining gut health in turkeys, which points to its advantage over RRC.

The Effect of Diet with Fermented Soybean Meal on Blood Metabolites and Redox Status of Chickens

The aim of the study was to determine whether replacing soybean meal with 3% or 6% fermented soybean meal would positively affect blood metabolites and redox status of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 600 broiler chickens assigned to three experimental groups of 200 chickens each (10 replications of 20 individuals each). In the control group, soybean meal (SBM) was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the remaining groups were fed diets in which soybean meal was partially replaced with 3% or 6% fermented soybean meal (FSBM-3%, FSBM-6%). The fermentation of the SBM contributed to an increase of Lactobacillus, content of crude protein, methionine and lysine, and especially over a 30-fold increase in the concentration of lactic acid. The inclusion of 3% or 6% share of FSBM in the diet of chickens contributed to an increase in total antioxidant potential (FRAP) and plasma total glutathione content. In blood of chickens receiving FSBM an increase of total protein and HDL cholesterol content, aspartate aminotransferase activity and a decrease in urea content were noted. In addition to the positive effect on protein and lipid metabolism as well as antioxidant defence, the diet with a 6% share of FSBM improved body weight gain of chickens. In conclusion, it can be suggested that introducing 6% share of FSBM in place of FSM is more justified.

Effects of Increasing Doses of Lactobacillus Pre-Fermented Rapeseed Product with or without Inclusion of Macroalgae Product on Weaner Piglet Performance and Intestinal Development

This study evaluated the effects of increasing doses of pre-fermented rapeseed meal (FRM) without or with inclusion of the brown macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum (AN) on weaner piglets' performance and gut development. Ten days pre-weaning, standardized litters were randomly assigned to one of nine isoenergetic and isoproteic diets comprising (on DM basis): no supplement (negative control, NC), 2500 ppm ZnO (positive control, PC), 8, 10, 12, 15 or 25% FRM, and 10% FRM plus 0.6 or 1.0% AN. Fifty piglets receiving the same pre-weaning diets were weaned at 28 days of age and transferred to one pen, where they continued on the pre-weaning diet until day 92. At 41 days, six piglets per treatment were sacrificed for blood and intestinal samplings. The average daily gain was at least sustained at any dose of FRM (increased at 8% FRM, 28-41 days) from 18-41 days similar to PC but unaffected by inclusion of AN. The percentage of piglets that completed the experiment was increased by FRM compared to NC, despite detection of diarrhea symptoms. FRM showed quadratic dose-response effects on colon and mid-jejunum crypts depth, and enterocyte and mid-jejunum villus heights with optimum development at 8% or 10% FRM, respectively, but this was abolished when AN was also added. In conclusion, FRM sustained piglet growth performance and intestinal development similar to ZnO with an optimum inclusion level of 8-10% of dietary DM.

Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Rapeseed with or without Macroalgae on Performance and Health of Piglets Following Omission of Medicinal Zinc from Weaner Diets

The feeding of medicinal zinc oxide (ZnO) to weaner piglets will be phased out after 2022 in Europe, leaving pig producers without options to manage post-weaning disorders. This study assessed whether rapeseed meal, fermented alone (FRM) or co-fermented with a single (Ascophylum nodosum; FRMA), or two (A. nodossum and Saccharina latissima; FRMAS) brown macroalagae species, could improve weaner piglet performance and stimulate intestinal development as well as maturation of gut microbiota in the absence of in-feed zinc. Weaned piglets (n = 1240) were fed, during 28-85 days of age, a basal diet with no additives (negative control; NC), 2500 ppm in-feed ZnO (positive control; PC), FRM, FRMA or FRMAS. Piglets fed FRM and FRMA had a similar or numerically improved, respectively, production performance compared to PC piglets. Jejunal villus development was stimulated over NC in PC, FRM and FRMAS (gender-specific). FRM enhanced colon mucosal development and reduced signs of intestinal inflammation. All fermented feeds and PC induced similar changes in the composition and diversity of colon microbiota compared to NC. In conclusion, piglet performance, intestinal development and health indicators were sustained or numerically improved when in-feed zinc was replaced by FRM.

The effect of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat quality in turkey

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of including 15% of raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC or FRC) in turkey diets on growth performance, carcass traits, and breast meat characteristics. A total of 1,350 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were allocated to 3 dietary treatments (9 replicates per treatment and 50 birds each) and fed complete isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. In the control group, soybean meal was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the experimental groups were fed diets containing 15% of RRC or FRC. The fermentation of rapeseed cake reduced the content of glucosinolates and phytate-phosphorus. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW, comparable with that noted in the control group. The experimental factor had no effect on carcass dressing percentage or carcass fat content, whereas turkeys fed diets containing rapeseed cake were characterized by lower relative weight of breast muscles and higher relative gizzard weight. The muscles of birds from groups RRC and FRC had also significantly lower cholesterol concentration. In comparison with control diet, diets RRC and FRC contributed to a significant decrease in the levels of saturated fatty acids and an increase in the share of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the total fatty acid pool in breast meat. The highest concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the most desirable n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio were noted in the breast muscles of RRC group turkeys. Both RRC and FRC reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased the malondialdehyde content of muscle tissue. In conclusion, the replacement of RRC with FRC in diets led to an increase in the final BW of turkeys, but it had no influence on carcass quality and the majority of meat quality traits. The inclusion of rapeseed products in turkey diets positively affected meat quality, improving the fatty acid profile and antioxidant status, but it also decreased the yield of breast muscles.

Simultaneous hydrolysis with lipase and fermentation of rapeseed cake for iturin A production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX-20

BACKGROUND

Rapeseed cake (RSC), as the intermediate by-product of oil extraction from the seeds of Brassica napus, can be converted into rapeseed meal (RSM) by solvent extraction to remove oil. However, compared with RSM, RSC has been rarely used as a raw material for microbial fermentation, although both RSC and RSM are mainly composed of proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using untreated low-cost RSC as nitrogen source to produce the valuable cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic iturin A using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX-20 in submerged fermentation. Especially, the effect of oil in RSC on iturin A production and the possibility of using lipases to improve the iturin A production were analyzed in batch fermentation.

RESULTS

The maximum production of iturin A was 0.82 g/L at the optimal initial RSC and glucose concentrations of 90 and 60 g/L, respectively. When RSC was substituted with RSM as nitrogen source based on equal protein content, the final concentration of iturin A was improved to 0.95 g/L. The production of iturin A was further increased by the addition of different lipase concentrations from 0.1 to 5 U/mL into the RSC medium for simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation. At the optimal lipase concentration of 0.5 U/mL, the maximal production of iturin A reached 1.14 g/L, which was 38.15% higher than that without any lipase supplement. Although rapeseed oil and lipase were firstly shown to have negative effects on iturin A production, and the effect would be greater if the concentration of either was increased, their respective negative effects were reduced when used together.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate relative concentrations of lipase and rapeseed oil were demonstrated to support optimal iturin A production. And simultaneous hydrolysis with lipase and fermentation was an effective way to produce iturin A from RSC using B. amyloliquefaciens CX-20.

The Effect of Fermented Soybean Meal on Performance, Biochemical and Immunological Blood Parameters in Turkeys

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of different levels of fermented soybean meal on growth performance, intestinal morphology, metabolic indicators, and immunity in turkeys. The material for the study consisted of day-old BIG 6 turkeys raised to the age of 112 days. The experiment was carried out on 800 turkey hens (10 replications of 20 individuals each), assigned to 4 experimental groups of 200 birds each. The feed for the control group (FSBM0) was a standard mix without fermented soybean meal. For turkeys from groups FSBM7, FSBM9 and FSBM10 the diet contained 70, 90 or 100 g fermented soybean meal (FSBM) per kg of feed, respectively. The study showed that including fermented soybean meal in feed for turkeys at 7% improved intestinal histology and stimulated the immune and antioxidant systems. The use of higher level of FSBM (9% and 10%) in the diet of the turkeys improved growth performance and had a beneficial effect on the histology of the small intestine. The dietary inclusion of 10% FSBM had beneficial effect on red-blood-cell parameters, but caused negative impact on liver and kidney function (an increase of aminotransferases activity, content of glucose and creatinine in turkeys’ blood). Ten percent share of FSBM in feed contributed to an adverse intensification of oxidation and inflammatory reactions which were reflected by an increase of malonyldialdehyde, lipid peroxides level and proinflammatory inteleukine-6 contents.