Feeding a Novel Mannan-Rich Yeast Carbohydrate Product Improves Production Performance and Humoral Immunity of Broiler Chickens

The current study examined the benefits of a novel mannan-rich yeast carbohydrate product (YM) on broiler chicken growth performance and immune response against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). A total of 144 newly hatched male Cornish cross broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with 12 cages per treatment and three birds per cage. The treatments were (1) control, basal diet; (2) YCW, basal diet + 1 g/kg yeast cell wall; (3) YM1, basal diet + 0.5 g/kg of a novel yeast mannan-rich product (YM); and (4) YM2, basal diet + 1 g/kg YM. Growth performance was measured at 14, 28, and 35 days of age (d). At 26 and 27 d, nine birds per treatment were immunized intravenously with SRBCs, and antibody responses against SRBCs were analyzed through a hemagglutination assay 7 days post-inoculation. Supplementing YM tended to improve broiler chicken weight gain from 29 to 35 d (p = 0.053). An improvement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the birds fed YM diets during 29-35 d and over the entire experimental period (0-35 d; p < 0.05). Furthermore, birds fed YM2 diets had more robust antibody responses against SRBCs than the control birds (p = 0.033). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of YM improved broiler chicken growth performance and antibody response against SRBCs.

Effects of fermented sweet potato residue on nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and intestinal microbes in broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different proportions of dietary fermented sweet potato residue (FSPR) supplementation as a substitute for corn on the nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and intestinal microbes of yellow-feathered broilers. Experiment 1 (force-feeding) evaluated the nutrient composition and digestibility of mixtures with different proportions of sweet potato residue (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) before and after fermentation. In Experiment 2 (metabolic growth), a total of 420 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated to 4 groups and fed corn-soybean meal-based diets with 0, 5%, 8%, and 10% FSPR as a substitute for corn. The force-feeding and metabolic growth experiments were performed for 9 and 70 d, respectively. The treatment of 70% sweet potato residue (after fermentation) had the highest levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude fiber and improved the digestibility of crude protein and amino acids (P < 0.05). Although dietary FSPR supplementation at different levels had no significant effect on growth performance and intestinal morphology, it improved slaughter rate, half-chamber rate, full clearance rate, and meat color, as well as reduced cooking loss in the breast and thigh muscles (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 8% and 10% FSPR increased the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G levels in broilers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 10% FSPR increased the Shannon index and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Romboutsia abundances and decreased Sutterella and Megamonas abundances (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that meat color was positively correlated with Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with Megamonas (P < 0.05). Collectively, 70% sweet potato residue (after fermentation) had the best nutritional value and nutrient digestibility. Dietary supplementation with 8% to 10% FSPR as a substitute for corn can improve the slaughter performance, meat quality, and intestinal microbe profiles of broilers. Our findings suggest that FSPR has the potential to be used as a substitute for corn-soybean meals to improve the meat quality and intestinal health of broilers.

Mitigation Potential of Herbal Extracts and Constituent Bioactive Compounds on Salmonella in Meat-Type Poultry

Herbal extracts have been widely evaluated in poultry production for their beneficial effects and potential substitute for antibiotics, which contribute to AMR and risks to human health through the consumption of infected meat. Salmonellosis is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella, an intracellular bacterium with the ability to cause systemic infections with significant implications for both the health and safety of farmers and consumers. The excessive use of antibiotics has escalated the incidence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in the poultry and livestock industry, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives especially in meat-type poultry. Both in vivo usage and in vitro studies of bioactive compounds from herbal extracts have demonstrated the effective antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria, showing promise in managing Salmonella infections and enhancing poultry performance. Phytobiotic feed additives have shown promising results in improving poultry output due to their pharmacological properties, such as stimulating consumption, and enhancing antioxidant properties and preventing the increasing antimicrobial resistance threats. Despite potential for synergistic effects from plant-derived compounds, a further investigation into is essential to fully understand their role and mechanisms of action, for developing effective delivery systems, and for assessing environmental sustainability in controlling Salmonella in poultry production.

Synergism of fermented feed and ginseng polysaccharide on growth performance, intestinal development, and immunity of Xuefeng black-bone chickens

Microbial fermented feed (MF) is considered a valuable strategy to bring advantages to livestock and is widely practiced. Oral supplementation of Ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) eliminated weight loss in chickens following vaccination. This study investigated the effects of the combined use of Gps and MF on growth performance and immune indices in Xuefeng black-bone chickens. A total of 400 Xuefeng black-bone chickens at the age of 1 day were randomly assigned to four groups. Normal feed group (Control group), ginseng polysaccharide (200 mg/kg) group (Gps group), microbially fermented feed (completely replace the normal feed) group (MF group), and microbially fermented feed and add ginseng polysaccharide just before use (MF + Gps group). Each group contained 5 pens per treatment and 20 birds per pen. The body weight and average daily gain in the Gps, MF, and MF + Gps groups increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the feed conversion ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The combined use of MF and Gps showed a synergistic effect. There was no significant difference in villus height (cecal) between the experimental group and the Con group. The crypt depth of the three experimental groups exhibited a significantly lower value compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The V/C ratio of the Gps group and MF + Gps was significantly increased (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the MF group. Moreover, the diarrhea rate of the Gps and the MF + Gps groups was lower than that of the Con group, while that of the MF + Gps group decreased the mortality rate (P < 0.05). The serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in the MF, Gps, and MF + Gps groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01), the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the combination of MF and Gps had a synergistic effect. The combined use of Gps and MF not only further improved growth performance and immune parameters, but also reduced the diarrhea rate and mortality.

Biophysiology of in ovo administered bioactive substances to improve gastrointestinal tract development, mucosal immunity, and microbiota in broiler chicks

Early embryonic exogenous feeding of bioactive substances is a topic of interest in poultry production, potentially improving gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, stimulating immunization, and maximizing the protection capability of newly hatched chicks. However, the biophysiological actions and effects of in ovo administered bioactive substances are inconsistent or not fully understood. Thus, this paper summarizes the functional effects of bioactive substances and their interaction merits to augment GIT development, the immune system, and microbial homeostasis in newly hatched chicks. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are potential bioactive substances that have been administered in embryonic eggs. Their biological effects are enhanced by a variety of mechanisms, including the production of antimicrobial peptides and antibiotic responses, regulation of T lymphocyte numbers and immune-related genes in either up- or downregulation fashion, and enhancement of macrophage phagocytic capacity. These actions occur directly through the interaction with immune cell receptors, stimulation of endocytosis, and phagocytosis. The underlying mechanisms of bioactive substance activity are multifaceted, enhancing GIT development, and improving both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Thus summarizing these modes of action of prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics can result in more informed decisions and also provides baseline for further research.

Yeast cell wall extracts from Saccharomyces cerevisiae varying in structure and composition differentially shape the innate immunity and mucosal tissue responses of the intestine of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

With the rising awareness of antimicrobial resistance, the development and use of functional feed additives (FFAs) as an alternative prophylactic approach to improve animal health and performance is increasing. Although the FFAs from yeasts are widely used in animal and human pharma applications already, the success of future candidates resides in linking their structural functional properties to their efficacy in vivo. Herein, this study aimed to characterise the biochemical and molecular properties of four proprietary yeast cell wall extracts from S. cerevisiae in relation to their potential effect on the intestinal immune responses when given orally. Dietary supplementation of the YCW fractions identified that the α-mannan content was a potent driver of mucus cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte hyperplasia within the intestinal mucosal tissue. Furthermore, the differences in α-mannan and β-1,3-glucans chain lengths of each YCW fraction affected their capacity to be recognised by different PRRs. As a result, this affected the downstream signalling and shaping of the innate cytokine milieu to elicit the preferential mobilisation of effector T-helper cell subsets namely Th17, Th1, Tr1 and FoxP3⁺-Tregs. Together these findings demonstrate the importance of characterising the molecular and biochemical properties of YCW fractions when assessing and concluding their immune potential. Additionally, this study offers novel perspectives in the development specific YCW fractions derived from S. cerievisae for use in precision animal feeds.

The effects of arginine and branched-chain amino acid supplementation to reduced-protein diet on intestinal health, cecal short-chain fatty acid profiles, and immune response in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp

We investigated the effects of supplementing arginine (Arg) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in broilers fed reduced-protein diets and challenged with Eimeria spp. All birds were fed the same starter diet meeting Cobb 500 nutrient specifications from d 1 to 9. Four grower diets: positive control (PC) with 20.0% crude protein (CP); reduced-protein negative control (NC) with 17.5% CP; or NC supplemented with Arg or BCAA at 50% above recommendations (ARG or BCAA) were fed to the birds from d 9 to 28. Birds were allocated in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (4 diets, each with or without challenge), with 8 replicates per treatment. On d 14, the challenge groups were orally gavaged with mixed Eimeria spp. Intestinal permeability was higher (P < 0.05) in NC than PC, whereas the permeability of ARG and BCAA groups did not differ significantly from PC. On d 28, a significant interaction (P < 0.01) was observed in CD8⁺: CD4⁺ ratios in cecal tonsils (CT), Eimeria challenge increased the ratios in all groups except for the ARG group. On d 21, a significant interaction was found for CD4⁺CD25⁺ percentages in CT (P < 0.01) that Eimeria challenge increased the percentages only in PC and NC groups. On d 21 and 28, significant interactions (P < 0.01) were found for macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production. In nonchallenged birds, NO was higher in the ARG group than other groups, but in challenged birds, NO was higher in both ARG and BCAA groups. On d 21, a significant interaction was found for bile anticoccidial IgA concentrations (P < 0.05) that Eimeria challenge increased IgA only in NC and ARG groups. The results suggest that a reduced-protein diet exacerbates the impact of the Eimeria challenge on intestinal integrity, but this could be mitigated by Arg and BCAA supplementations. Arginine and BCAA supplementations in reduced-protein diets could be beneficial for broilers against Eimeria infection by enhancing the immune responses. The beneficial effects of Arg supplementation tended to be more pronounced compared to BCAA supplementation.

Effect of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Postbiotic Feed Additive on Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization of Cecal and Ovarian Tissues in Directly Challenged and Horizontally Exposed Layer Pullets

Determining the efficacy of feed-additive technologies utilized as pre-harvest food-safety interventions against Salmonella enterica may be influenced by factors including, but not limited to, mechanism of action, experimental design variables, Salmonella serovar(s), exposure dose, route, or duration in both controlled research and real-world field observations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-derived postbiotic (SCFP) additive (Diamond V, Original XPC®) on the colonization of cecal and ovarian tissues of commercial pullets directly and indirectly exposed to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Four hundred and eighty commercial, day-of-age W-36 chicks were randomly allotted to 60 cages per treatment in two identical BSL-2 isolation rooms (Iowa State University) with four birds per cage and fed control (CON) or treatment (TRT) diets for the duration of study. At 16 weeks, two birds per cage were directly challenged via oral gavage with 1.1 × 109 CFU of a nalidixic-acid-resistant SE strain. The remaining two birds in each cage were thus horizontally exposed to the SE challenge. At 3, 7, and 14 days post-challenge (DPC), 20 cages per group were harvested and sampled for SE prevalence and load. No significant differences were observed between groups for SE prevalence in the ceca or ovary tissues of directly challenged birds. For the indirectly exposed cohort, SE cecal prevalence at 7 DPC was significantly lower for TRT (50.0%) vs. CON (72.5%) (p = 0.037) and, likewise, demonstrated significantly lower mean SE cecal load (1.69 Log10) vs. CON (2.83 Log10) (p = 0.005). At 14 DPC, no significant differences were detected but ~10% fewer birds remained positive in the TRT group vs. CON (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that diets supplemented with SCFP postbiotic may be a useful tool for mitigating SE colonization in horizontally exposed pullets and may support pre-harvest food-safety strategies.

Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, immune organ indices, serum biochemical parameters, cecal odorous compound production and the microbiota community in broilers

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dietary fermented feed addition on growth performance, immune organ indices, serum biochemical parameters, cecal odorous compound production, and the bacterial community in broilers. A total of 480 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly assigned to 6 groups, including a basal diet (control group), a basal diet supplemented with 10, 15, 20, and 25% dried fermented feed, and 10% wet fermented feed. Each group contained 8 replicates of 10 chicks each. The results showed that fermentation increased (P < 0.05) the total acid level and the number of Lactobacillus, Yeast, and Bacillus. The 15% dried fermented feed group had an increased (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) than the control, while the 25% dried fermented feed group had the lowest (P < 0.05) BW on 42 d. Compared to the control group, the feed intake (FI) was increased (P < 0.05) in the 10, 15% dried and 10% wet fermented feed groups from 22 to 42 d and from 1 to 42 d. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in feed conversion ratio (FCR) among all groups. Supplementation with fermented feed increased (P < 0.05) the bursa of Fabricius index but not (P > 0.05) the thymus and spleen indices. Compared with the control, the broilers fed fermented feed had increased (P < 0.05) serum total protein, albumin, globulin, IgA, IgG, IgM, lysozyme, complement 3, and complement 4 levels. The cecal concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid were increased and the pH values were decreased in the fermented feed groups (P < 0.05). Among the groups, the 15% dried fermented feed group showed the lowest concentrations of skatole and indole in the cecum (P < 0.05). The composition of the cecal microbiota was characterized, in which an increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and unclassified Clostridiales and a decreased abundance of Rikenellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae were found in the fermented feed groups. Taken together, dietary fermented feed supplementation can improve growth performance, immune organ development, and capacity and decrease cecal odorous compound production, which may be related to the regulation of microbial composition.

Effects of a postbiotic, with and without a saponin-based product, on turkey performance

Modern poultry production relies on an ability to prevent and mitigate challenges to bird health, while maintaining a productive bird. A number of different classes of biologics-based feed additives exist, and many have been tested individually for their impacts on poultry health and performance. Fewer studies have examined the combinations of different classes of products. In this study, we examined the use of a well-established postbiotic feed additive (Original XPC, Diamond V) on turkey performance, with and without the addition of a proprietary saponin-based feed additive. This was accomplished in an 18-wk pen trial utilizing 22 pen replicates per treatment across 3 treatments (control, postbiotic, and postbiotic plus saponin). Significant differences in body weight were identified at wk 12 and 15 of age, with the postbiotic plus saponin treatment group resulting in heavier birds at both timepoints. Significant differences in feed conversion ratio were observed from 0 to 18 wk of age, with the postbiotic alone having improved FCR compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed for livability or feed intake. This study demonstrates that a combination of a postbiotic plus saponin may exert additive effects on the growth of the turkey.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on oxidative status, inflammation, and immune response in transition dairy cattle

Dairy cattle are subjected to oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered immune function during the transition to lactation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NutriTek, Diamond V) on oxidative status, inflammation, and innate and adaptive immune responses during the transition period. Holstein cows were blocked by parity, expected calving date, and previous milk yield and then randomly assigned to treatment within block. Treatment was a control total mixed ration (n = 30) or SCFP total mixed ration (n = 34) fed from -29 ± 5 to 42 d relative to calving (RTC). Blood was sampled during wk -4, -2, 1, 2, and 5 and liver tissue at wk -3 and 2 RTC. Oxidative status was evaluated in plasma by retinol, α-tocopherol, and malondialdehyde concentrations, glutathione peroxidase activity, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and in liver by mRNA abundance of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), metallothionein 1E (MT1E), and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3). Inflammation was evaluated in plasma by haptoglobin (HP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations and in liver by mRNA abundance of HP, serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFKB1). Innate immune response was measured by stimulated oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils) isolated from blood. Ovalbumin (OVA) was administered with adjuvant on d 7 and 21 RTC, and adaptive immune response was evaluated by serum anti-OVA IgG content on d 28 and 35. Mixed models were used to assess effects of treatment, time, parity, and all interactions. We previously reported that SCFP had limited effects on productivity in this cohort, although milk fat yield was transiently increased and subclinical ketosis incidence was increased. Supplementation with SCFP did not affect overall oxidative, inflammatory, or immune parameters. The only treatment × week interaction detected was for plasma α-tocopherol concentration, which tended to be greater in control cows during wk 2 RTC. A tendency for a treatment × parity interaction was detected for serum anti-OVA IgG titer, which tended to be greater for SCFP than for controls among primiparous cows. Plasma inflammatory biomarkers were not affected by SCFP but, unexpectedly, plasma HP was elevated at both prepartum time points and plasma SAA was elevated during wk -2 RTC compared with the expected increases in both biomarkers postpartum. In this cohort of transition cows with low disease incidence, SCFP generally did not affect oxidative, inflammatory, or immune parameters.

The effect of Escherichia coli ŽP strain with a conjugation-based colicin E7 delivery on growth performance, hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters, gut microbiota, and nonspecific immunity of broilers

The Escherichia coli ŽP strain (ŽP) was constructed based on the known probiotic E. coli strain Nissle 1917. It was genetically modified to carry the colicin E7 synthesis gene encoding DNase on a conjugative plasmid and the colicin E7 immunity gene in the chromosome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the daily ŽP per oral administration (5 × 10⁸ or 5 × 10¹⁰ CFU per bird) on the growth performance, hematological, biochemical, histological parameters, gut microbiota, and nonspecific immunity of the 4-24 days old broilers. The ŽP administration increased the abundance of genera Bacillus, Butyrivibrio, and Clostridium and did not influence the weight gain of 4-16 days old broilers. The biochemical parameters were within normal ranges for poultry in experimental and control groups. The ŽP administration had no effect on the erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin and immunoglobulin Y concentrations, but significantly increased the serum lysozyme concentration, leukocyte numbers, and reactive oxygen species production by phagocytes compared with the control group. It did not cause inflammatory changes in intestinal mucosa, Peyer's patches, and spleen. Thus, the ŽP had no detrimental effects on broiler health and could be an efficient probiotic for the broiler colibacillosis prophylaxis.

Probiotic Fermented Feed Alleviates Liver Fat Deposition in Shaoxing Ducks via Modulating Gut Microbiota

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different probiotic fermented feed (PFF) on ameliorating liver fat accumulation by modulating the gut microbiota. A total of 216, 120-day-old Shaoxing ducks were divided into three groups, including the control group (basal diet), or the basal diet supplemented with 25 or 35% PFF. The results of the animal experiment showed that supplementation with PFF markedly alleviated the formation of liver and abdominal lipid droplet and decreased the levels of serum triglyceride (TG) in Shaoxing ducks. 16s rDNA showed that PFF could modulate the composition of gut microbiota, in particular, modulating the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Moreover, PFF restructures the gut microbiome by reducing the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotellaceae in ducks. Additionally, liver transcriptome analysis indicated that the PFF supplementation significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), acyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), DBI, fatty acid synthase (FASN), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2), ELOVL6, and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase (HSD17B12) and upregulated the mRNA expression of CPT1B, which was widely associated with lipid metabolism processes, such as fatty acid elongation, PPAR signaling pathway, and ether lipid metabolism. Correlation analysis indicates that the expression changes of liver metabolism-related genes by PFF are highly correlated with the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotellaceae levels. These findings demonstrated that PFF supplementation modulates gut microbial composition to activate liver lipid metabolism-related genes, which results in less lipid deposition in ducks. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of dietary PFF underlying liver fat accumulation by regulating gut microbiota.

Yeast-Derived Products: The Role of Hydrolyzed Yeast and Yeast Culture in Poultry Nutrition—A Review

Simple Summary

Yeast and yeast-derived products are largely employed in animal nutrition to support animals’ health and to improve their performance. Thanks to their components, including mannans, β-glucans, nucleotides, vitamins, and other compounds, yeasts have numerous beneficial effects. Among yeast-derived products, hydrolyzed yeasts and yeast cultures have received less attention, but, although the results are somewhat conflicting, in most of the cases, the available literature shows improved performance and health in poultry. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of hydrolyzed-yeast and yeast-culture employment in poultry nutrition, exploring their effects on the production performance, immune response, oxidative status, gut health, and nutrient digestibility. A brief description of the main yeast bioactive compounds is also provided.

Abstract

Yeasts are single-cell eukaryotic microorganisms that are largely employed in animal nutrition for their beneficial effects, which are owed to their cellular components and bioactive compounds, among which are mannans, β-glucans, nucleotides, mannan oligosaccharides, and others. While the employment of live yeast cells as probiotics in poultry nutrition has already been largely reviewed, less information is available on yeast-derived products, such as hydrolyzed yeast (HY) and yeast culture (YC). The aim of this review is to provide the reader with an overview of the available body of literature on HY and YC and their effects on poultry. A brief description of the main components of the yeast cell that is considered to be responsible for the beneficial effects on animals’ health is also provided. HY and YC appear to have beneficial effects on the poultry growth and production performance, as well as on the immune response and gut health. Most of the beneficial effects of HY and YC have been attributed to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogen colonization. However, there are still many areas to be investigated to better understand and disentangle the effects and mechanisms of action of HY and YC.

A Novel Whole Yeast-Based Subunit Oral Vaccine Against Eimeria tenella in Chickens

Cheap, easy-to-produce oral vaccines are needed for control of coccidiosis in chickens to reduce the impact of this disease on welfare and economic performance. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast expressing three Eimeria tenella antigens were developed and delivered as heat-killed, freeze-dried whole yeast oral vaccines to chickens in four separate studies. After vaccination, E. tenella replication was reduced following low dose challenge (250 oocysts) in Hy-Line Brown layer chickens (p<0.01). Similarly, caecal lesion score was reduced in Hy-Line Brown layer chickens vaccinated using a mixture of S. cerevisiae expressing EtAMA1, EtIMP1 and EtMIC3 following pathogenic-level challenge (4,000 E. tenella oocysts; p<0.01). Mean body weight gain post-challenge with 15,000 E. tenella oocysts was significantly increased in vaccinated Cobb500 broiler chickens compared to mock-vaccinated controls (p<0.01). Thus, inactivated recombinant yeast vaccines offer cost-effective and scalable opportunities for control of coccidiosis, with relevance to broiler production and chickens reared in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Dietary Inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-Derived Postbiotic Is Associated with Lower Salmonella enterica Burden in Broiler Chickens on a Commercial Farm in Honduras

Postbiotic feed additives may aid foodborne pathogen reduction during poultry rearing. The study objective was to evaluate a postbiotic additive in parallel to an industry control diet and the subsequent associated burden of Salmonella enterica on a single, commercial broiler farm in Honduras. Twelve houses were matched and assigned the standard diet (CON) or standard diet plus postbiotic (SCFP). New litter was placed in each house and retained across flock cycles with sampling prior to each chick placement and three consecutive rearing cycles. At ~33–34 days, 25 ceca were collected on-farm from each house, treatment, and cycle. Salmonella prevalence in litter for CON (30.6%) and SCFP (27.8%) were equivalent; however, Salmonella load within positive samples was lower (p = 0.04) for SCFP (3.81 log10 MPN/swab) compared to CON (5.53 log10 MPN/swab). Cecal prevalence of Salmonella was lower (p = 0.0006) in broilers fed SCFP (3.4%) compared to CON (12.2%). Salmonella load within positive ceca were numerically reduced (p = 0.121) by 1.45 log10 MPN/g for SCFP (2.41 log10 MPN/g) over CON (3.86 log10 MPN/g). Estimated burden was lower (p = 0.003) for SCFP flocks (3.80 log10 MPN) compared to CON (7.31 log10 MPN). These data demonstrate the preharvest intervention potential of postbiotics to reduce Salmonella enterica in broiler chickens.

Effect pf Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Feed Component on the Redox and Immune System of Pregnant Sows and their Offspring

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for sows on blood redox and immunological parameters, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and age (primiparous vs multiparous sows). The experiment also aimed to determine how FRSM administered to pregnant sows, affects the antioxidant and immune systems of piglets. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each. Control groups of primiparous (CG) and multiparous sows (CS) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows. Experimental groups of primiparous (EG) and multiparous sows (ES) received feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to day 100 of gestation, 9% share of FRSM from day 100 of gestation to day 7 of lactation, and then again 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. In the blood plasma of pregnant sows fed diet with FRSM addition, higher FRAP value and vitamin C, uric acid (UA), immunoglobulin IgG content, lymphocytes (LYM) count and a lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOH), immunoglobulin IgM was noted than in the blood plasma of control sows. Both primiparous and multiparous lactation sows whose feed included FRSM had higher catalase (CAT) activity, higher FRAP, vitamin C, immunoglobulin IgG and IL-6 content, and lower UA content than the control sows. Piglets born to sows fed diet with FRSM addition had significantly higher FRAP values, vitamin C, IgG, and IL-6 content and white blood cells (WBC) count and lower MDA and UA content in the blood plasma than piglets born to sows from control group. Multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows had higher CAT activity, and higher vitamin C, LOH, creatinine (CREAT), and IgM content. Elevated FRAP, and CREAT levels and reduced MDA content were also observed in the plasma of the multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows during lactation. Multiparous lactation sows compared to primiparous sows had lower WBC count, and IgG and IgM content. Piglets born to multiparous sows had higher FRAP values, LOH content and IgA content while lower MDA content compared to piglets born to primiparous sows. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in feed for sows significantly stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in the diet of sows stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. This is responsible for stimulation of the immune system (increased LYM counts and IgG titres in the blood plasma). The improved antioxidant status in the plasma suggests that dried fermented rapeseed meal stimulated the immune system of pregnant and lactating sows and their newborn offspring.

Advances in research on solid-state fermented feed and its utilization: The pioneer of private customization for intestinal microorganisms

With sustainable development of biotechnology, increasing attention has been placed on utilization of solid-state fermented feed (SFF). Solid-state fermented feed has been a candidate strategy to alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand of feed resources, ensure food hygiene safety, promoting energy conservation, and emission reduction. In production of SFF, a variety of organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, peptides, and other unknown growth factors are produced, which could affect performance of animals. Solid-state fermented feed produced by different fermentation techniques has great instability on different physiological stages of different animals, which hinders the application and standardized production of SFF. Herein, we summarize the current advances in the role of the characteristics of SFF prepared by different manufacturing technique and its research progress in animal experiments on growth performance, gastrointestinal ecology, and immune system, so as to provide references for further acquiring a relatively perfect set of SFF production and evaluation systems.

Effects of different probiotic fermented feeds on production performance and intestinal health of laying hens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different probiotic fermented diets on production performance and intestinal health of laying hens. A total of 360 healthy 22-wk-age Jingfen No. 6 layers were randomly divided into 4 treatments: basal diet (CON); supplemented with 6% Clostridium butyricum fermented feed (CB); supplemented with 6% Lactobacillus crispatus fermented feed (LC); supplemented with 6% Lactobacillus salivarius fermented feed (LS). The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that the levels of crude fiber, β-glucan and pH of feed decreased significantly after fermentation (P < 0.05). Compared with CON group, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and albumen height and Haugh unit in LC group and LS group were increased significantly (P < 0.05). Fermented feed supplementation significantly improved villus height (VH) of the jejunum and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) of the ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the VH and VH/CD of the duodenum were significantly increased in LS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the ACE and chao1 indexes in LS group were extremely significant higher than that in the other 3 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with CON group, the abundance of Rikenellaceae and Methanobacteriaceae was significantly decreased at the family level in LC group and LS group (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Ruminocaceae was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Collectively, feeding Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus crispatus fermented feed improved the FCR, albumen height and Haugh unit of laying hens, and Lactobacillus salivarius fermented feed supplementation could improve intestinal health by ameliorating intestinal morphology, altering microbial composition and enhancing microbial community richness.

Effect on physiological and production parameters upon supplementation of fermented yeast culture to Nicobari chickens during and post summer

Nicobari is an indigenous bird reared for meat and eggs. This study evaluated the effect of heat stress on plasma levels of leptin, growth hormone and their receptors, liver AMP kinase, plasma cholesterol and lipid peroxide (MDA). The laying period coincided with the post summer period. The birds were equally divided into three groups, control group was offered ad libitum feed and treatment groups were supplemented with fermented yeast culture at 700 mg (T1) and 1.4 g/kg (T2) of feed/day. The levels of plasma Leptin and GH hormones were higher (p < 0.05) in the control group when compared to the treatment groups. The expression of the hormone receptors was higher in the brain, and MMP3 gene expression in the magnum was lower in the treatment group. Plasma cholesterol, MDA and AMP kinase were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control group. Fermented yeast culture supplementation decreased feed intake and increased egg production parameters, which indicates a greater efficiency of supplementation. Supplementation reduced the severity of necrosis of villi in the jejunum when compared to control. In conclusion, higher ambient temperature during summer had negative effect on production parameters through modulation of physiological parameters which could be ameliorated by supplementation of FYC.

Effect of Hydrolyzed Yeast Administration on Faecal Microbiota, Haematology, Serum Biochemistry and Cellular Immunity in Healthy Dogs

Fungal microorganisms are regularly found in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy and diseased dogs especially from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; however, it is necessary to better understand their role in host health. One of the most commonly studied yeast species in humans or animals is Saccharomyces cerevisiae especially in its live cell form. Scarce knowledge on its hydrolysate product effects in dogs forced us to test diet supplemented with hydrolyzed brewery S. cerevisiae (at a dose 0.3% of the diet) for 14 days to healthy adult dogs. Twenty German Shepherds were randomly divided into 2 groups: control and experimental, ten dogs in each. The experiment lasted 42 days (blood and faeces sample collection at days 0, 14, 28 and 42). The results of this straighforward experiment showed significant increase in the abundance of bifidobacteria (day 14), lactic acid bacteria (day 42) and clostridia (day 42). The faecal pH was significantly increased at day 28. In blood serum, the concentration of triglyceride and cholesterol decreased (day 42) while activities of alanine aminotransferase (at day 14) and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased (at days 28 and 42). Activities of these enzymes were above reference range top in 7 dogs (ALT) and 4 dogs (AST). Haematological paramaters and activity of phagocytes as well as on percentage of lymphocyte subsets CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺CD8⁺ and CD21⁺ were not changed during the experiment. The important point of these results is their onset mostly in the post-supplementation period. The observation of some unexpected effects emphasizes the need for reassessment to use yeasts products for dogs but further studies using different doses are necessary.

Effect of Feeding a Postbiotic Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation as a Preharvest Food Safety Hurdle for Reducing Salmonella Enteritidis in the Ceca of Layer Pullets

ABSTRACT

Salmonella Enteritidis is responsible for a significant proportion of foodborne salmonellosis in the United States and continues to be attributable to table eggs despite increased federal oversight. Technologies, including feed additives, continue to be evaluated for preharvest application and their potential food safety benefits. Diamond V Original XPC, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation-based postbiotic (SCFP), was evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) colonization in young layer pullets. A total of 40 day-old Hy-Line W-36 layer pullets were equally divided and randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments, with SCFP or without SCFP (PCON), and orally gavaged on day 28 with SE at 106 CFU/mL. Another 20 day-old pullets were fed the same control feed without SCFP and blank inoculated on day 28 with 1 mL of sterile phosphate-buffered saline to serve as a negative control. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of cecal contents for Salmonella were performed for all birds on day 32. The prevalence of SE in the ceca of all directly challenged birds was 100%; however, the SE concentration in birds fed SCFP diet (3.35 log CFU/g) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that of the PCON birds not fed SCFP (4.49 log CFU/g). The proportion of birds with enumerable SE concentrations was lower in SCFP-fed pullets (57.9%) than in the PCON pullets (95.0%). These data suggest that inclusion of SCFP in the diet may aid in the reduction of SE within the ceca of commercial laying hens and could serve as an additional preharvest food safety hurdle.

HIGHLIGHTS

Probiotic fermented feed improved the production, health and nutrient utilisation of yellow-feathered broilers reared in high altitude in Tibet

1. Probiotic fermented feed (PFF) has been widely used in poultry production. The current study was designed to investigate whether PPF could alleviate the negative effects of hypoxia on yellow-feathered broilers reared at high altitude on the Tibet Plateau. 2. A total of 480, one-day-old male Lingnan yellow-feathered broilers were divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, each containing 20 broiler chickens. Broilers in the four groups were offered either a basal diet (without antibiotics) or test diets containing 5, 10 and 15% of PFF respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. 3. Birds fed the 10% PFF diet exhibited increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) on d 28 and 56, body weight (BW) on d 56, total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE). Feeding diets supplemented with 10% PFF increased (P < 0.05) digestive activity and gut development in duodenum and jejunum. Supplementation with 10% or 15% PFF significantly increased (P < 0.05) the caecal populations of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria spp. and decreased (P < 0.05) caecal E. coli and Salmonella spp. on d 28 and 56. 4. The ADG and BW on d 56, protease activity in duodenum on d 56 and jejunum on d 28 and 56, villus height and villi absorptive area in duodenum and jejunum and caecal Bifidobacteria spp. showed a quadratic (P < 0.05) dose response as supplemental PFF level increased. The TTAD of DM and CP and caecal Lactobacilli spp. increased linearly with PFF level. The caecal populations of E. coli and Salmonella spp. decreased linearly with PFF level. 5. In conclusion, addition of PFF in broiler diets had the potential to improve production performance, nutrient utilisation, intestinal digestive function and caecal microflora in yellow broiler chickens raised at high altitude.

Pigs' Feed Fermentation Model with Antimicrobial Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Combination by Changing Extruded Soya to Biomodified Local Feed Stock

Simple Summary

The world population is growing, and for this reason, it is very important to ensure increased agricultural production in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The aim of this study was to apply a combination of newly isolated antimicrobial characteristic possessing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains for local stock (rapeseed meal) fermentation and to evaluate the influence of changing an extruded soya to biomodified rapeseed meal in a feed recipe on piglet feces microbiota, health parameters, growth performance, and ammonia emission. The 36-day experiment was conducted using 25-day-old Large White/Norwegian Landrace (LW/NL) piglets, which were randomly distributed into two groups: a control group fed with a basal diet and a treated group fed with a fermented diet (500 g/kg of total feed). Changing from an extruded soya to fermented rapeseed meal led to desirable changes in piglets’ fecal microbiota (there was more than a four-fold higher Lactobacillus count compared to the control group). There was also a 20.6% reduction in ammonia emission in the treated group section. Finally, by changing from extruded soya to less expensive rapeseed meal and applying a fermentation model with selected LAB combination, piglets were fed without any undesirable changes in health and growth performance, as well as in a more sustainable manner.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to apply newly isolated antimicrobial characteristic possessing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starters (Lactobacillus plantarum LUHS122, Lactobacillus casei LUHS210, Lactobacillus farraginis LUHS206, Pediococcus acidilactici LUHS29, L. plantarum LUHS135, and Lactobacillus uvarum LUHS245) for local stock (rapeseed meal) fermentation and to evaluate the influence of changing from an extruded soya to biomodified local stock in a feed recipe on piglets’ fecal microbiota, health parameters, growth performance, and ammonia emission. In addition, biomodified rapeseed meal characteristics (acidity and microbiological) were analyzed. The 36-day experiment was conducted using 25-day-old Large White/Norwegian Landrace (LW/NL) piglets, which were randomly distributed into two groups: a control group fed with basal diet and a treated group fed with fermented feed (500 g/kg of total feed). The study showed that the selected LAB starter combination can be recommended for rapeseed meal fermentation (viable LAB count in fermented feed 8.5 ± 0.1 log₁₀ CFU/g and pH 3.94 ± 0.04). At the beginning of the in vivo experiment, the microbial profiles in both piglet groups were very similar: The highest prevalence was Prevotella (34.6–38.2%) and Lactobacillus (24.3–29.7%). However, changing from an extruded soya to fermented rapeseed meal in the feed recipe led to desirable changes in piglets’ fecal microbiota. There was a more than four-fold higher Lactobacillus count compared to the control group. Furthermore, there was significantly lower ammonia emission (20.6% reduction) in the treated group section. Finally, by changing from an extruded soya to cheaper rapeseed meal and applying the fermentation model with the selected LAB combination, it is possible to feed piglets without any undesirable changes in health and growth performance, as well as in a more sustainable manner.

The effects of feeding yeast bioactives to broiler breeders and/or their offspring on growth performance, gut development, and immune function in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria

Yeast bioactives (YB) may stimulate broiler breeders (BB) to increase deposition of immunoglobulins (Ig) in eggs. We investigated the effects of feeding YB (mixture of derivatives from whole yeast subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis) to BB and/or their offspring on growth performance, gut development, and immune function in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. The BB (Ross 708 ♀ and Ross ♂) were assigned to 2 groups (60 ♀ and 10 ♂) and fed basal or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. A total of 250 fertile eggs per treatment were collected, incubated, hatched, and sexed. Additional egg samples were analyzed for IgA and IgY contents. A total of 160 broiler chicks (80 ♀ and 80 ♂) from each breeder experimental group were placed in cages based on sex and BW resulting in 32 cages for each BB treatment group. Cages (16 per BB treatment group) were allocated to basal broiler chick diet or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. On day 9, half of each BB by broiler chick dietary treatments was challenged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of Eimeria acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima). On day 14, all birds were necropsied for intestinal lesion scores and samples. Feeding YB to BB increased (P < 0.05) IgA concentration in egg yolk. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) pancreas weight, jejunal villus height (VH), and growth performance but increased spleen weight, intestinal mass and jejunal mucosa IgA concentration. Independent of Eimeria challenge, feeding YB to BB and/or to chicks resulted in higher (P < 0.001) jejunal VH compared with feeding it to BB only or not at all. In conclusion, Eimeria challenge reduced growth performance and had negative effects on indices of intestinal function and health. Feeding YB to BB increased deposition of IgA in hatching eggs and improved jejunal VH independent of Eimeria challenge when fed to BB and/or to broiler chicks.

Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity in laying hen chicks and the underlying molecular mechanism involving nuclear factor-κB

This study investigated the effects of fermented-feed diets on growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant responses in laying hen chicks and the underlying molecular mechanism, specifically, the role of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. A total of 80 healthy 14-day-old laying hen chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments: basal diet (CON); basal diet supplemented with 7.5% fermented feed (FD); FD diet plus the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 (FD + BAY); and FD diet plus the NF-κB inhibitor JSH-23 (FD + JSH). The NF-κB inhibitors were administered by intraperitoneal injection. The experiment lasted 21 D. Fermented feed supplementation significantly increased the body weight and average body weight gain of laying hen chicks but significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio. Additionally, fermented feed supplementation significantly increased mitogen-activated T-cell and B-cell proliferation in the peripheral blood, as well as elevated the serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α); however, NF-κB inhibition significantly reduced T-cell proliferation and serum IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. The levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, and Newcastle disease virus antibody in the serum were significantly increased by the addition of fermented feed. Furthermore, fermented feed supplementation significantly improved antioxidant function, as indicated by the increases of total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione peroxidase activity and the decrease of malonaldehyde level. However, NF-κB inhibition reversed these changes. Western blot analysis showed that fermented feed treatment increased splenic IκB kinase β and NF-κB protein levels, whereas these increases were prevented by NF-κB inhibition. In conclusion, fermented feed improves the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of laying hen chicks. Fermented feed-induced modulation of T-cell proliferation, T helper type 1 and T helper type 2 cytokine production, and antioxidation is associated with NF-κB activation.

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.

Influence of dietary supplementation of autolyzed whole yeast and yeast cell wall products on broiler chickens

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of yeast products on growth performance, visceral organ weights, endogenous enzyme activities, ileal nutrient digestibility and meat yield of broiler chickens fed diets containing autolyzed whole yeast (WY) and yeast cell walls (YCW) at varying levels of inclusion.

Methods

Nine dietary treatments consisting of WY or YCW included at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g/kg diet and a control diet without yeast supplementation was used in the experiment. Each of the nine treatments was replicated six times with nine birds per replicate. Birds were housed in cages, in climate-controlled rooms and fed starter, grower and finisher diets.

Results

There was an improvement (p<0.05) in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio on d 10, 24, and 35 for birds fed 1.0 to 2.0 g/kg WY or YCW diet. Small intestine weight was heavier on d 10 and 24 for birds on higher levels of WY and YCW compared to the control group. On d 10 and 24, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tissue protein content and pancreatic enzyme activities (trypsin and chymotrypsin) of birds on 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg WY and YCW diets compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, birds on WY (2.0 g/kg diet) and YCW (at 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg diet) had better (p<0.05) protein digestibility on d 24. On d 35, there was significant improvement (p<0.05) in percentage of carcass, absolute and relative breast weight for broiler chickens fed WY and YCW mostly at 2 g/kg diet compared to birds on the control diet.

Conclusion

Supplementation of diets with autolyzed WY and YCW products especially at 1.5 to 2.0 g/kg diet improved broiler chicken performance and meat yield through their positive effects on ileal protein digestibility and pancreatic enzyme activities.

Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on fecal characteristics, nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-products, fecal microbial populations, immune function, and diet palatability in adult dogs1

Yeast products may serve as functional ingredients due to their benefits on host health but vary greatly in source, composition, and functionality, justifying research in host species of interest. In this study, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) was investigated as a dietary supplement for adult dogs. Adult female beagles (n = 12; mean age = 3.3 ± 0.8 yr; mean BW = 10.3 ± 0.68 kg) were fed the same diet, but supplemented with three levels of SCFP (125, 250, and 500 mg/d) or a placebo (sucrose) via gelatin capsules in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Fecal samples for nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics and microbial populations as well as blood samples for immune indices were collected after a 21-d adaptation phase in each period. A separate palatability test was conducted to examine palatability of an SCFP-containing diet (0.2% of diet). All data, except for palatability data, were analyzed by Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4). A paired t-test was conducted to analyze data from the palatability test. Supplementation of SCFP did not affect total tract apparent macronutrient and energy digestibilities or fecal characteristics. Fecal phenol and total phenol + indole concentrations decreased linearly with SCFP dosage (P < 0.05). Relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was greater (P < 0.05), while Fusobacterium was lower (P < 0.05) in SCFP-supplemented dogs. Total white blood cell counts were decreased by SCFP (P < 0.05). The percentage of natural killer cells and antigen-presenting cells were not altered by SCFP. However, when comparing control vs. all SCFP treatments, SCFP-supplemented dogs had greater (P < 0.05) major histocompatibility complex class II presenting B cell and monocyte populations than control dogs. IFN-γ secreting helper and cytotoxic T cells increased linearly with SCFP consumption (P < 0.05). Immune cells derived from SCFP-supplemented dogs produced less (P < 0.05) TNF-α than those from control dogs when cells were stimulated with agonists of toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, and 7/8. A linear increase (P < 0.05) in serum IgE with SCFP dosage was noted. In the palatability test, a 1.9:1 consumption ratio was observed for the SCFP-containing diet vs. control diet, demonstrating a preference (P < 0.05) for SCFP. Results of this study suggest that SCFP supplementation may be beneficial to adult dogs by positively altering gut microbiota, enhancing immune capacity and reducing inflammation.

Dietary Supplementation of Mixed Yeast Culture Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces maxianus: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Meat Quality, Blood Parameters, and Gut Health in Broilers

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of a mixed yeast culture (MYC; Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJM1592 and Kluyveromyces maxianus TB7258 in a 1:1 ratio) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, blood parameters, and gut health of broiler chickens. In total, 576 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) with an average initial bodyweight (BW) of 37±0.51 g were used in a 35-day experiment with a completely randomized design. The broilers were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; TRT1, CON + 0.1% MYC; and TRT 2, CON + 0.2% MYC. From days 8 to 21, the feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly decreased in broilers fed MYC-supplemented diets. From days 22 to 35, BW gain (BWG) significantly increased with increasing MYC concentration. Throughout the experiment, BWG increased (linear effect, P=0.002) and FCR decreased with increasing MYC in the diet. MYC supplementation increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM) in broilers in a dose-dependent manner. Relative organ weight of the bursa of Fabricius linearly increased in broilers fed MYC-supplemented diets. The white blood cell count showed linear and quadratic increases in broilers fed increasing concentrations of MYC. The population of Lactobacillus in the excreta linearly increased P=0.033, whereas that of Escherichia coli tended to linearly decrease (P=0.064) in the MYC groups. This study provides a basis for future research on MYC as a growth promoter in broilers.

Recent advances in fermented feeds towards improved broiler chicken performance, gastrointestinal tract microecology and immune responses: A review

Previously, fermentation has been associated with methods that improve the nutritional value of unconventional feed ingredients for broilers. In recent decades, the fermentation process has been employed to produce functional feeds that have the potential to improve broiler gastrointestinal tract microecology, health and production performance. Some of the functional ingredients found in fermented feed include lactic acid bacteria (LAB), lactic acid and other organic acids, and appear to play major roles in determining the beneficial effects of fermented feed on broiler gut health and performance. Unlike the pig, the available literature on broiler fermented feed is still rather limited. This review describes recent advances in the use of fermented feed (on the basis of conventional and unconventional feed ingredients) in broilers. Similarly, this review also shows that additional research is necessary to exploit fermented feed as a viable food source in broiler nutrition.

Single and Combined Effects of Clostridium butyricum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Growth Indices, Intestinal Health, and Immunity of Broilers

A total of 120 1-day-old commercial Cobb chicks were used to study the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune status in broilers. The experimental groups were as follows: G1; basal diet (BD), G2; basal diet (BD) plus C. butyricum preparation at 0.5 g/kg diet, G3; BD plus S. cerevisiae preparation at 0.5 g/kg diet, G4; BD plus 0.25 g/kg C. butyricum preparation plus 0.25 g/kg S. cerevisiae. Results showed that the total body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the G4 group than in the other groups. The mortality percentage was reduced in the probiotic-supplemented groups. The villi height was elongated, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio was significantly increased in G2 and G4 chicks, compared to those in the control. The crypt depth was significantly decreased in all the probiotic-supplemented groups. Hemagglutination inhibition titers for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were markedly increased in G2 and G4 chicks at 35 days of age, compared to those in G3 and control chicks. These results showed that dietary supplementation of a combined mixture of C. butyricum and S. cerevisiae in an equal ratio (G4) was more effective in improving growth performance, immune status, and gut health of broilers, compared with individual supplementation at a full dose.

Reducing Stress Susceptibility of Broiler Chickens by Supplementing a Yeast Fermentation Product in the Feed or Drinking Water

Reducing stress is an important goal in animal production. Previous research has demonstrated the ability of Original XPC^TM to reduce the stress response of broilers during heat stress. Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of adding Original XPC^TM to the feed or AviCare^TM to the water on stress susceptibility of broiler chickens. Treatments included: control nonstressed (CNS), control stressed (CS), stressed with Original XPC^TM (1.25 kg/metric ton feed, 0⁻42 days; XPC), and stressed with AviCare^TM (160 mL/100 L drinking water, 0⁻42 days; AVI). All stressed treatments received the following stressors: live coccidiosis vaccination (day 1), reared on reused litter (days 0⁻42), and heat stress with feed/water withdrawal (12 h on day 18). Plasma corticosterone and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio were determined from 60 birds/T on day 19, and 24 birds/T on day 41. Physical asymmetry was determined using bilateral bone measurements from 60 birds/T on day 41. Birds provided XPC or AVI had lower corticosterone and H/L ratios than CS (p < 0.05) on day 19 and lower corticosterone, H/L ratios, and asymmetry scores than both CNS and CS on day 41 (p < 0.05) in all three trials. Supplementing XPC or AVI improved broiler welfare measured by reduced stress indicators after acute heat stress or normal rearing stress in all trials.

Effects of Management Related Practices on Turkey Hen Performance Supplemented With Either Original XPC™ or AviCare™

During commercial production, turkeys may be exposed to several different types of stressors related to environmental conditions and management practices. Historically, antibiotics have been used to aid in the alleviation of the impacts of stressful situations, and alternatives to antibiotics related to reducing stress are being researched. This study consisted of three rearing trials and had two objectives: (1) Investigate the effects of common U.S. turkey production practices, including environmental and management induced stress, on turkey hens grown to 63 days, and (2) Determine the response of stressed birds to dietary supplementation with fermentation derived functional metabolites. Treatments consisted of a positive control (stressed but not supplemented), a negative control (non-stressed and not supplemented) and two treatment groups that were stressed and supplemented with different products (Original XPC™ or AviCare™). Supplemental products were administered in a dry (feed) and liquid (drinking water) form, and consisted of fermentation derived functional metabolites. Products were evaluated on their effectiveness to mitigate stress responses and turkey performance. Birds were exposed to some combinations of the following stressors: feed and water withdrawal, cold, heat, and crowding. Although the stressors in this study were applied for less than 24 h, they produced significant physiological responses. Blood corticosterone levels, measured immediately after stress, were significantly higher in positive control birds than in negative control birds. In addition, stressed birds had reduced body weights and increased FCR after stress. Stressed birds, supplemented with products had mixed, but generally positive response as measured by bird performance. Based on the response to stress, as observed by alterations in blood corticosterone levels and differences in performance between the two control groups, researchers induced an effective stress model. The use of supplementary products consisting of fermentation derived functional metabolites shows promise for reducing negative impacts of a mixture of stressors.

Hematological parameters and selected intestinal microbiota populations in the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens fed basal diet supplemented with multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals on the hematological parameters and selected intestinal microbiota populations in the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 240 one-day-old Indonesian indigenous crossbred chicks were raised for 10 weeks. The chicks were distributed to one of four groups, i.e., chicks receiving basal diet without any additive (CONT), chicks receiving basal diet with 0.04% of zinc bacitracin (AGP), chicks receiving basal diet with 0.01% of commercial probiotic Bacillus subtilis preparation (PROB1), and chicks receiving basal diet with 0.5% of multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals (PROB2). Blood was collected on the week 8, while the internal organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on the week 10.

Results:

PROB2 tended (p=0.09) to have a lower body weight (BW) compared to CONT chicks. Feed conversion ratio was higher (p<0.05) in PROB1 and PROB2 compared to CONT birds. The number of thrombocytes tended (p=0.09) to be higher in CONT than in other groups. Antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was higher (p<0.05) in PROB1 and PROB2 than in CONT group. Serum triglyceride concentration was lower (p<0.05) in PROB2 than in other birds. AGP chicks had lower (p<0.05) serum total protein and globulin concentrations than CONT and PROB1 chicks. Serum albumin level was lower (p<0.05) in PROB2 than in CONT and PROB1 birds. Albumin to globulin ratio tended (p=0.06) to be higher in AGP than in other birds. Lactose-negative Enterobacteriaceae tended (p=0.07) to be lower in PROB1 and PROB2 than in CONT group. PROB1 and PROB2 tended (p=0.06) to have greater lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population than in CONT and AGP birds.

Conclusion:

Multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was able to improve immune response and control the potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the additive could not improve the growth performance of the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens.

The identification of fungi collected from the ceca of commercial poultry

Under normal conditions, fungi are ignored unless a disease/syndrome clinical signs are reported. The scientific communities are largely unaware of the roles fungi play in normal production parameters. Numerous preharvest interventions have demonstrated that beneficial bacteria can play a role in improving productions parameters; however, most researchers have ignored the impact that fungi may have on production. The goal of the present study was to record fungi recovered from commercial broiler and layer houses during production. Over 3,000 cecal samples were isolated using conventional culture methodology and over 890 samples were further characterized using an automated repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) methodology. Eighty-eight different fungal and yeast species were identified, including Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Sporidiobolus spp, and 18 unknown genera were separated using rep-PCR. The results from the present study will provide a normal fungi background genera under commercial conditions and will be a stepping stone for investigating the impact of fungi on the gastrointestinal tract and on the health of poultry.

Effect of the Addition of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Yeast Cell Walls to Diets with Mycotoxins on the Performance and Immune Responses of Broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell walls (YCWs) in diets with low doses of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), alone or in combination, on broiler performance and immune response. A total of 210 male broilers aged 1-21 days were used. Broilers were completely randomized into seven treatments with five replicates of six broilers each, as follows: 1) control diet; 2) control + 350 µg/kg AFB1; 3) Control + 350 µg/kg OTA; 4) Control + 350 µg/kg AFB1 and 350 µg/kg OTA; 5) Control + 350 µg/kg AFB1 and 1.5 kg/ton YCW; 6) control + 350 µg/kg OTA and 1.5 kg/ton YCW; 7) control + 350 µg/kg AFB1, 350 µg/kg OTA, and 1.5 kg/ton YCW. The broilers were housed under environmentally controlled conditions in Petersime battery cages. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion index were measured. The relative weights of the thymus, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius (BF) were evaluated. The local immune response was assessed by quantifying the level of intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA). The cellular immune response was evaluated using a delayed hypersensitivity test. Hemograms and blood cell counts were also performed. The results showed that mycotoxins decreased performance and reduced the immune response (p<0.05) of broilers. Weight gain and feed conversion improved in the groups receiving YCWs. The YCWs increased (p<0.05) intestinal IgAs and the cellular immune response (p<0.05). The addition of YCWs also affected the relative weight of the thymus, spleen, and BF (p<0.05), and the leukocyte, lymphocyte, and heterophil counts (p<0.05). The addition of YCWs can be an alternative to counterage the negative effect of low doses of AFB1 and OTA in broilers diets.

Effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus supplementation on immune responses, intestinal structure and microbiota in broiler chickens

To investigate the effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus on immune responses, intestinal structure and microbiota in broilers, 840 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into seven groups (eight replicates) and were fed basal diets without or with 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg of K. marxianus (2.0×10¹⁰ CFU/g). Serum and intestine samples were collected at 21 d of age. The results showed that increasing K. marxianus addition linearly reduced feed conversion ratio but linearly elevated relative thymus weight, as well as quadratically increased serum lysozyme and IgG levels, with the medium dose (1.0 g/kg) being the most effective. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum and ileum, ileal villus height and sucrase activity, as well as the mRNA expression of ileal mucin-2, claudin-1 and sodium glucose cotransporter 1 linearly responded to the increasing K. marxianus addition. Supplemental K. marxianus at low (0.5 g/kg), medium (1.5 g/kg) and high (2.5 g/kg) dose all decreased the abundance of phylum Cyanobacteria, increased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus in ileum. The high dose of K. marxianus addition also reduced the abundance of order Rickettsiales and Pseudomonadales along with species Acinetobacter junii. Ileal bacterial communities between K. marxianus-treated and untreated groups formed distinctly different clusters. In summary, K. marxianus supplementation benefits feed efficiency and immune function, as well as intestinal structure in broilers, which might be attributed to the improved ileal microbial structure. Supplemental K. marxianus at high dose (2.5 g/kg) was more effective for feed efficiency and intestinal health of broilers, while the innate immunity was optimized at a medium dose (1.0 g/kg).

Original XPCTM Effect on Salmonella Typhimurium and Cecal Microbiota from Three Different Ages of Broiler Chickens When Incubated in an Anaerobic In Vitro Culture System

Feed supplements are utilized in the poultry industry as a means for improving growth performance and reducing pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Diamond V Original XPCTM (XPC, a fermented product generated from yeast cultures) on Salmonella Typhimurium ST 97 along with its potential for modulation of the cecal microbiota by using an anaerobic in vitro mixed culture assay. Cecal slurries obtained from three broiler chickens at each of three sampling ages (14, 28, and 42 days) were generated and exposed to a 24 h pre-incubation period with the various treatments: XPC (1% XPC, ceca, and feeds), CO (ceca only), and NC (negative control) group consisting of ceca and feeds. The XPC, CO, and NC were each challenged with S. Typhimurium and subsequently plated on selective media at 0, 24, and 48 h. Plating results indicated that the XPC treatment significantly reduced the survival of S. Typhimurium at the 24 h plating time point for both the 28 and 42 days bird sampling ages, while S. Typhimurium reduction in the NC appeared to eventually reach the same population survival level at the 48 h plating time point. For microbiome analysis, Trial 1 revealed that XPC, CO, and NC groups exhibited a similar pattern of taxa summary. However, more Bacteroidetes were observed in the CO group at 24 and 48 h. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in alpha diversity among samples based on day, hour and treatment. For beta diversity analysis, a pattern shift was observed when samples clustered according to sampling hour. In Trial 2, both XPC and NC groups exhibited the highest Firmicutes level at 0 h but the Bacteroidetes group became dominant at 6 h. Complexity of alpha diversity was increased in the initial contents from older birds and became less complex after 6 h of incubation. Beta diversity analysis was clustered as a function of treatment NC and XPC groups and by individual hours including 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Overall, addition of XPC influenced microbiome diversity in a similar fashion to the profile of the NC group.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product Supplementation on Immune Gene Expression and Lymphocyte Distribution in Immune Organs in Broilers

A study was conducted to evaluate the molecular and cellular immunomodulatory effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (Original XPC, Diamond V) in broilers. Our lab has previously demonstrated that broilers fed XPC generate faster and stronger antigen-specific humoral immune responses to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination. This study aims at investigating the mechanism behind this increased immunocompetence. One-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1.25 kg/ton S. cerevisiae fermentation product (XPC treatment group) or control diet. Birds were vaccinated against NDV on day 1 (B1 strain) and day 21 (LaSota strain) post-hatch. Innate and adaptive immune-related gene expression profiles in central (thymus and bursa of Fabricius) and peripheral (spleen) immune organs were investigated at 14 and 28 days of age by qPCR array. Fold changes larger than 1.2 (P < 0.05) between treated and control were considered significant. Lymphocyte subpopulations in central and peripheral immune organs and blood leukocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry at 14, 21, 28, and 42 days of age. In the spleen, Th1 immune responses and antiviral genes, such as IFN-γ, and its downstream genes signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT4) and NFκB, were significantly upregulated in the treated group by 14 days of age. In the thymus, genes belonging to different functional groups were influenced at different time points. Cytokine genes associated with lymphocyte maturation, differentiation, and proliferation, such as IL-1R, IL-2, and IL-15 were significantly upregulated in the treated group by 28 days of age. Genes preferentially expressed in the medulla of the thymus and mature thymocytes, such as Myxovirus resistance gene 1, interferon regulatory factor-1, interferon regulatory factor-7, and STAT1, were upregulated in the birds supplemented with XPC. Birds supplemented with XPC had significantly higher percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-cells in the thymus at day 28 of age, indicating production of more mature T-cells, which was consistent with gene expression results. Results suggest that XPC supplementation primes broilers to become more immunocompetent, without compromising growth performance.

In vitro inhibition of Eimeria tenella sporozoite invasion into host cells by probiotics

The aim was to study the effects of probiotics isolated from the intestinal tract of livestock animals on Eimeria tenella invasion into Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells in vitro. E. tenella sporozoites were purified and labeled with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester before seeding on cell cultures, and invasion was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Two protocols (A and B) were used. In protocol A, Enterococcus faecium # 589 or Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505 were added together with sporozoites to MDBK cell cultures and invasion was evaluated after incubation for approximately 20h. Viable, dead, or spent culture supernatants of probiotics were tested. In protocol B, viable probiotics were incubated with MDBK cells for one hour before sporozoites were added and invasion was evaluated after two more hours of incubation. Parasite invasion of viable, dead, or spent culture supernatant of E. faecium # 589 was assessed. Using protocol A, it was shown that parasite invasion was inhibited by viable (80%) or dead (75%) E. faecium # 589. While inhibition by viable L. salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505 was not valid at the highest concentration and not significant at the other test concentrations, dead cells inhibited parasite invasion up to 45%. Spent culture supernatants of both probiotics had no influence on parasite invasion. Using protocol B, it was shown that viable Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis # 503, E. faecium # 497, E. faecium # 589, L. reuteri # 514, L. salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505, and Bacillus subtilis # 588 inhibited parasite invasion into MDBK cells up to 80%. Anticoccidial activity was strain-specific for E. faecium strains, and the strongest effect was shown by E. faecium # 589. Anticoccidial effects of some of the tested probiotics have already been shown in vivo, which makes them candidates to prevent coccidiosis. These findings have now been confirmed in vitro. The used parasite invasion assay is a fast and inexpensive tool to screen probiotics for prevention of coccidiosis.

Inhibition of the virulence, antibiotic resistance, and fecal shedding of multiple antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium in broilers fed Original XPC™

Salmonella carriage is an insidious problem for the poultry industry. While most Salmonella serotypes are avirulent in poultry, these bacteria can contaminate chicken meat during processing, leading to one of the most important food safety hazards. In this study, we examined the anti-Salmonella effects of Diamond V Original XPC^™ (XPC) included in the finisher diet fed to commercial broilers. On 3 occasions between day one (D1) and D20, broilers were experimentally infected with multiple antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium. After confirming that the chicks were shedding Salmonella in the feces on D21, broiler chicks were fed a diet containing XPC (n = 57 birds; 1.25 kg/MT) or an XPC-free control diet (CON) (n = 57 birds) to D49. Fecal samples were obtained weekly and subjected to selective culture for enumerating and determining the antibiotic resistance of the Salmonella. Salmonella isolates were then subjected to an in vitro virulence assay, which predicts the ability of Salmonella to cause illness in a mammalian host. Broilers were euthanized on D49 and a segment of the large intestine was removed and subjected to the same assays used for the fecal samples. When compared to the birds fed the CON diet, Salmonella fecal shedding, virulence (invasion and invasion gene expression), and antibiotic resistance were significantly decreased in birds fed XPC (5-fold, 7.5-fold, 6-fold, and 5.3-fold decreases, respectively). Birds fed XPC exhibited heavier body weight (BW) and greater BW gains than those fed the CON diet. The decrease in virulence was associated with a decreased expression of a genetic regulator of Salmonella invasion into cells (hilA), while the decrease in antibiotic resistance was due to a loss of an integron (SGI1) from the input strain. This study revealed that Original XPC^™ inhibits the shedding, downstream virulence, and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella residing in broilers.