The effect of combining green iron nanoparticles and algae on the sustainability of broiler production under heat stress conditions

Background

Natural feed additives in broiler feed contribute to the overall health, productivity, and economic viability of broiler chickens while meeting consumer demands and preferences for natural products. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of green iron nanoparticles (Nano-Fe) and Halimeda opuntia supplementation in broiler diets on performance, ammonia excretion in excreta, Fe retention in tissues and serum, carcass criteria, and meat quality under hot environmental conditions.

Methods

A total of 256 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of four feeding treatments for 42 days. Each treatment had eight replications, with eight chicks per replicate. The treatments were Negative control (CON), positive control (POS) supplemented with 1 g/kg Halimeda opuntia as a carrier, POS + 20 mg/kg Nano-Fe (NFH1), POS + 40 mg/kg Nano-Fe (NFH2).

Results

When compared to CON and POS, dietary Nano-Fe up to 40 mg/kg enhanced (p < 0.001) growth performance in terms of body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Nano-Fe had the highest BWG and the most efficient FCR (linear, p < 0.01, and quadratic, p < 0.01) compared to POS. Without affecting internal organs, the addition of Nano-Fe and POS enhanced dressing and reduced (p < 0.001) abdominal fat compared to control (CON). Notably, the water-holding capacity of breast and leg meat was higher (p < 0.001), and cooking loss was lower in broilers given Nano-Fe and POS diets against CON. In comparison to POS, the ammonia content in excreta dropped linearly as green Nano-Fe levels increased. When compared to CON, increasing levels of Nano-Fe levels boosted Fe content in the breast, leg, liver, and serum. The birds fed on POS showed better performance than the birds fed on CON.

Conclusion

Green Nano-Fe up to 40 mg/kg fed to broiler diets using 1 g/kg Halimeda opuntia as a carrier or in single can be utilized as an efficient feed supplement for increasing broiler performance, Fe retentions, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and reducing ammonia excretions, under hot conditions.

Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.

Effect of Adding Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana) and Astaxanthin to the Diet in the Productive Performance of Broilers(Ross-308)

Researchers from the Al-Anwar Poultry Company conducted the aforementioned study in the Babil Governorate between february 15 and March 22, 2022. The goal of the study was to ascertain the effect of feeding broiler chickens a diet containing annatto seed powder (Bixa orellana) and astaxanthin on their performance and health. The researchers used 225 sexed Ross-308 chickens that were only one day old The chickens were placed in one of 15 different cages, each of which contained one of five different treatments (for a total of 450 birds). There were three duplicates of each treatment, with a total of 15 birds in each replicate for a total of 45 birds in each replication. The following is how the research was conducted: The results showed a highly significant difference at the level of (p 0.01) for the treatments add T2, T3, T4, and T5 regarding final body weight average, with T1 serving as the control treatment and the standard diet not containing any additions. T2 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 0.5 grams per kilogram of feed, T3 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 1 gram per kilogram of feed, T4 including astaxanthin at At the level of significance (p0.05), Treatments T2, T3, and T5 performed significantly better than the control treatment T1 in terms of the growth in weight, the amount of feed consumed, and the total feed conversion factor.

Effects of anti-stress agents on the growth performance and immune function in broiler chickens with vaccination-induced stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of anti-stress agents on the growth performance and immune function of broilers under immune stress conditions induced by vaccination. A total of 128, 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups. Group normal control (NC) was the control group. Group vaccination control (VC), T 0.5%, and T 1% were the treatment groups, which were nasally vaccinated with two doses of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. The chicks in groups T 0.5% and T 1% were fed conventional diets containing 0.5% and 1% anti-stress agents. Thereafter, these broilers were slaughtered on 1, 7, 14, and 21 days post-vaccination. The results indicated that anti-stress agents could significantly reduce serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P < 0.01) and cortisol (CORT) (P < 0.05) levels, and improve the growth performance (P < 0.05) and immune function of broilers (P < 0.05); However, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) were decreased, and the decreased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P < 0.01) levels mediated by vaccination were markedly improved. In addition, anti-stress agents could attenuate apoptosis in spleen lymphocytes (P < 0.01) by upregulating the ratio of Bcl-2 to BAX (P < 0.01) and downregulating the expression of caspase-3 and -9 (P < 0.01), which might be attributed to the inhibition of the enzymatic activities of caspase-3 and -9 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, anti-stress agents may improve growth performance and immune function in broilers under immune-stress conditions.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Investigation of effects and mechanism of immune stress induced by vaccination.Beneficial effect of anti-stress agents on growth performance, immune function, oxidative stress, and regulation of lymphocyte apoptosis.Demonstration of the effects of apoptosis on immune function in the organism.

Effects of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Astaxanthin as Feed Additives on Health and Production Indices in Weaned Pigs

Weaning is a critical period in farming, and therefore, searching for health-promoting feed additives of natural origin is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of full-fat H. illucens larvae meal (HI) and astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the growth performance and health status of weaned pigs. The experiment was carried out on 48 pigs (8.7 kg) divided into six groups: I-control; II-2.5% HI; III-5% HI; IV-2.5% HI and AST; V-5% HI and AST; VI-AST. The experiment lasted from the 35th to 70th day of age, and animals were fed ad libitum. The results obtained indicate that HI meal and astaxanthin had no effect on feed intake and utilization, weight gain, or organ weight. Additionally, blood parameters remained within the norms. It seems that astaxanthin supports the inhibition of oxidative stress, which became apparent in the case of some red blood cell parameters. The 2.5% HI and AST supplementation can reduce the susceptibility of pork fat to oxidation (lower adipose tissue TBARS). However, 5% HI in feed was not beneficial because of the adverse changes in some red cell indices, and it should be combined with the antioxidant AST to improve these indices.

Dietary vasodilator and vitamin C/L-arginine/choline blend improve broiler feed efficiency during finishing and reduce woody breast severity at 6 and 7 wks

Woody breast has become a considerable economic concern to the poultry industry. This myopathy presents rigid, pale breasts characterized by replacement of lean muscle protein with connective tissue, a result of hypoxia and oxidative stress in a metabolically starved muscle with inadequate circulation. Hence, the objectives were to supplement broiler diets with ingredients specifically aimed to improve circulation and oxidative status. About 1,344 male Ross 708 broilers were assigned to 1 of 4 diets: 1) a basal diet (control), 2) basal diet plus a blend of 0.2% supplemental L-arginine, 0.17% choline bitartrate, and 0.03% vitamin C (blend), 3) 0.1% vasodilator ingredient (vasodilator), or 4) 0.02% Astaxanthin ingredient (AsX). At d 14, 28, 42, and 49, performance outcomes were collected on all birds and serum from 16 broilers/diet (n = 64) was analyzed for creatine kinase and myoglobin. Once weekly beginning on d 28, a subset of 192 broilers were measured for breast width. On d 42 and 49, breast fillets from 16 broilers/diet (n = 64) were palpated for woody breast severity, weighed, and analyzed for compression force at 1-day postmortem and water-holding capacity at 2-day postmortem. mRNA was isolated from 15 breast fillets/timepoint for qPCR quantification of myogenic gene expression. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS Version 9.4) with the fixed effect of diet. Feed conversion ratio was improved in the blend and vasodilator-fed birds d 42 to 49, each by over 2 points (P < 0.05). Breast width was increased in the control on d 42 compared to the vasodilator and AsX-fed broilers (P < 0.05). At d 42, there were 12% greater normal fillets in blend diet-fed birds and 13% more normal scores in vasodilator-fed birds at d 49 compared to the control. At d 49, myogenin expression was upregulated in the AsX diet compared to blend and control diets (P < 0.05), and muscle regulatory factor-4 expression was increased by 6.5% in the vasodilator diet compared to the blend and AsX diets (P < 0.05). Blend and vasodilator diets simultaneously improved feed efficiency in birds approaching market weight while reducing woody breast severity.

Recent innovations in various methods of harmful gases conversion and its mechanism in poultry farms

Poultry breeding takes place in intensive, high-production systems characterized by high animal density, which is a source of harmful emission of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and greenhouse gases, which in turn sustain animal welfare. This study identified and examined the characteristics of chemical compounds emitted in intensive poultry farming (laying hens, broilers) and their toxicity, which led to recommending methods of deodorization. Emphasis was placed on the law relative to air purification in poultry farms. Various methods of air treatment in poultry farms have been described: the modification of animal diet to improve nutrient retention and decrease the amount of their excrement; chemical oxidation technologies (ozonation, photocatalysis, Fenton reaction); various types/brands of biofilters, bioscrubbers and membrane reactors. Numerous studies show that biofilters can reduce ammonia emissions by 51%, hydrogen sulfide by 80%, odors by 67%, while scrubbers brings down ammonia emissions by 77% and odors by 42%, and the application of UV light lowers ammonia emissions by 28%, hydrogen sulfide by 55%, odors by 69% and VOCs by 52%. The paper presents both the solutions currently used in poultry farming and those which are currently in the research and development phase and, as innovative solutions, could be implemented in the near future.

Astaxanthin as a Potential Antioxidant to Improve Health and Production Performance of Broiler Chicken

Recent interest in carotenoids has increased due to their antioxidant and production performance. Astaxanthin (AST) is a xanthophyll carotenoid abundantly distributed in microalgae, which is described as a highly potent antioxidant. Therefore, recent studies have tended to investigate the role of antioxidants in improving metabolic processes and physiological functioning of the body. It is now evident that AST could significantly reduce free radicals and oxidative stress and help to maintain a healthy state. Moreover, AST also could improve the performance of broiler chicken by increasing the daily feed intake, followed by improvement in the food conversion rate.

Beneficial effects and health benefits of Astaxanthin molecules on animal production: A review

Astaxanthin (AST) is a red pigment of carotenoid and is considered a high-quality keto-carotenoid pigment with food, livestock, cosmetic, therapeutic and nutraceutical proposes. Astaxanthin exists naturally in fish, crustacean, algae, and birds that naturally exists, principally as fatty acid esters. Many investigations have exhibited the beneficial impacts of astaxanthin when utilized as a pharmaceutical agent in animal nutrition. Astaxanthin has a variety of considerable biological actions, such as being antihypertensive, an antioxidant, anti-obesity properties, and anti-carcinogenic. Astaxanthin has recently acquired popularity as a powerful immunomodulator to maintain the health status and well-being of both animals and humans. The use of astaxanthin is broadly utilized in medical sciences and the nutrition pf aquatic species; however, it presently has limited applications in broader animal nutrition. Understanding astaxanthin's structure, source, and mode of action in the body provides a conceptual base for its clinical application and could enhance the screening of compounds associated with the treatment of many diseases. This review article aims to clarify the important aspects of astaxanthin such as its synthesis, bioavailability, and therapeutics actions, with special interest in practical applications. Awareness of this benefits and production is expected to aid the livestock industry to develop nutritional strategies that ensure the protection of animal health.

Assessment of Response to Moderate and High Dose Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Laying Hens

Simple Summary

With the increasing use of carotenoids, especially astaxanthin as a feed additive in the poultry industry, the concern about the health status of the laying hen and efficacy to improve egg quality in the case of overdosing was raised. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of either moderate or high dose dietary supplementation of astaxanthin on eggs and laying hens’ health status. The results revealed that, at moderate dose increment, astaxanthin is well deposited in egg yolk, efficiently improves egg yolk color, and contributes to ameliorate the general health status of laying hens. Besides, the high dose supplementation presented positive effects on the coloration and enrichment of egg yolk and the health status of laying hens with no significant difference with the moderate doses to some extents. We concluded that it would be beneficial to add astaxanthin to laying hens feed at a moderate dose rather than high dose.

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the impact of moderate and high dose dietary supplementation of astaxanthin on production performance, quality of eggs, and health status of laying hens. The experiment involved 480 laying hens, divided into four groups of eight replicates. The different groups named A1, A2, A3, and A4 were allocated the same diet supplemented with Haematococcus pluvialis powder to provide 0, 21.3, 42.6, and 213.4 mg of astaxanthin per kilogram of feed, respectively. One-way ANOVA and linear and quadratic regression analysis were used to assess the differences between the groups. The results showed that the production performance of laying hens and the physical quality of eggs did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Astaxanthin distribution in tissues was typical per bird, whereas the egg yolk coloration and astaxanthin concentration increased with the supplementation dose (p < 0.001). However, there was a decrease in concentration and coloration efficacy of astaxanthin at high dose supplementation (213.4 mg/kg) compared to moderate doses (21.3 and 42.6 mg/kg). Blood biochemical tests showed some discrepancies that were not ascribed to the effect of diets, and the increase in liver weight in the A4 group compared to others was equated with an adaptation of laying hens to the high dose supplementation. Astaxanthin improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both liver and serum; meanwhile, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in serum were similar between the moderate doses and high dose supplementation. Additionally, astaxanthin alleviated interleukin 2, 4, and 6 (IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6, respectively) in serum, showing the best effect in A3 and A4 groups. Besides, immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and beta (TNF-α and TNF-β), were not much affected. It was concluded that although astaxanthin has no obvious adverse effect on the performance and health status of laying hens, it may not be valuable for egg fortification and health status improvement of laying hens at high dose supplementation. The high dose astaxanthin supplementation up to 213.4 mg/kg in the diet might be avoided.

Muscle Antioxidant Activity and Meat Quality Are Altered by Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Broilers Exposed to High Temperature

This study investigated the effect of dietary astaxanthin (AST) on the meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune response of chickens exposed to heat stress. Four hundred and eighty male broilers were assigned to four treatments including AST0, AST20, AST40, and AST80 with 0, 20, 40, and 80 ppm astaxanthin supplementation levels, respectively. There was a linear decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leg muscle. Catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in the plasma were linearly increased. There was a linear increase in the level of total antioxidant capacity in the leg muscle. The 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate reducing activity of leg muscle was significantly increased in the AST80 treatment. The AST40 treatment showed an increase in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity of leg muscles. Breast meat redness and yellowness were linearly increased. The astaxanthin-supplemented treatments exhibited lower drip loss and MDA concentration of leg muscle compared with the AST0 treatment at days 3 and 9 of storage. Supplementation of 40 or 80 mg/kg astaxanthin significantly decreased heat shock protein (HSP)27, HSP70, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 expression in the livers. The feather corticosterone was significantly lower in the astaxanthin-supplemented treatments than in the AST0 treatment. In conclusion, astaxanthin decreased the hyperthermic stress level and improved meat quality, and antioxidant status of chickens exposed to heat stress.

Effects of astaxanthin produced by Phaffia rhodozyma on growth performance, antioxidant activities, and meat quality in Pekin ducks

This study was conducted to determine the effect of astaxanthin (AX) produced by Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) on growth performance, antioxidant activities, relative organ weight, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,440 female one-day-old Pekin ducklings (52.3 ± 0.4 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW), and randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 8 replicates of 60 birds each. The experiment lasted for 6 wk, and dietary treatments included corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.15, and 0.3% PR. The supplementation of AX increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) linearly and reduced (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) linearly during days 22 to 42. BWG and final BW was increased (P < 0.05) linearly by AX supplementation throughout the experiment. The inclusion of AX increased (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, and interleukin-6 in the serum linearly, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde linearly. The relative weight of abdominal fat was increased (P < 0.05) linearly by AX supplementation. The inclusion of AX decreased (P < 0.05) cook loss linearly, but increased (P < 0.05) pH24h, water holding capacity and redness (a*) linearly. Taken together, the supplementation of AX (3.458 or 6.915 mg/kg diet) from PR improved final BW, BWG during days 22 to 42 and 1 to 42 and reduced F/G during days 22 to 42, as well as caused positive effects on antioxidant function and meat quality.

Microalgal Carotenoids: A Review of Production, Current Markets, Regulations, and Future Direction

Microalgae produce a variety of compounds that are beneficial to human and animal health. Among these compounds are carotenoids, which are microalgal pigments with unique antioxidant and coloring properties. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential of using microalgae as a commercial feedstock for carotenoid production. While microalgae can produce some of the highest concentrations of carotenoids (especially astaxanthin) in living organisms, there are challenges associated with the mass production of microalgae and downstream processing of carotenoids. This review discusses the synthesis of carotenoids within microalgae, their physiological role, large-scale cultivation of microalgae, up- and down-stream processing, commercial applications, natural versus synthetic carotenoids, and opportunities and challenges facing the carotenoid markets. We emphasize legal aspects and regulatory challenges associated with the commercial production of microalgae-based carotenoids for food/feed, nutraceutical and cosmetic industry in Europe, the USA, the People’s Republic of China, and Japan. This review provides tools and a broad overview of the regulatory processes of carotenoid production from microalgae and other novel feedstocks.

Effects of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on the oxidative stability of meat from suckling lambs fed a commercial milk-replacer containing butylated hydroxytoluene

Meat colour and lipid oxidative stability can be improved by adding antioxidants to animal diet. This study investigated the effects of the addition of astaxanthin to a butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)-containing commercial milk-replacer, at a rate of 25 mg of astaxanthin/kg of milk-replacer powder, on suckling lamb meat quality. Twenty newborn (2 day old) lambs allocated to individual pens were artificially reared for 22 days. Ten lambs (Control) were fed a commercial milk-replacer and the other ten (Astaxanthin) received the same milk-replacer but included astaxanthin. After the feeding trial, meat and fat colour, astaxanthin and BHT levels in meat, oxidative stability in refrigerated and frozen raw meat and refrigerated cooked meat, and meat volatiles in cooked meat were determined. Astaxanthin in artificially reared suckling lambs at the levels used reduced the accumulation of BHT in the meat, slightly affected meat colour, by reducing meat lightness and increasing meat and fat redness, and increased the lipid stability of frozen meat.

Dose-Dependent Enrichments and Improved Redox Status in Tissues of Broiler Chicks under Heat Stress by Dietary Supplemental Microalgal Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin (AST) is a well-known carotenoid with a high antioxidant capacity. This study was designed to evaluate the nutritional and metabolic effects of microalgal AST added to the diets of broiler chicks under heat stress. A total of 240 Cornish male chicks (1 day old) were divided into six cages per treatment (eight chicks per cage) and fed a corn-soybean meal diet supplemented with AST from Haematococcus pluvialis at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Heat stress was employed during weeks 4-6. The supplementation led to dose-dependent enrichments ( P < 0.05) of AST and total carotenoids in the plasma, the liver, and the breast and thigh muscles. There were similar enhancements ( P < 0.05) of oxygen-radical-absorbance capacities, but there were decreases or mixed responses ( P < 0.05) of glutathione concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities in the tissues. In conclusion, supplemental dietary microalgal AST was bioavailable to the chicks and enriched in their tissues independent of heat stress, leading to coordinated changes in their endogenous antioxidant defense and meat quality.