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

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

Introduction

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Discussion

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

Effect of the inclusion of extruded flaxseed in the diet of fattening pigs on lipid metabolism and tissue redox status

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a diet containing extruded flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on the fatty acid composition of the loin, blood lipid parameters, and the redox status of tissues of finishing pigs. A total of 160 weaners (about 30-110 kg BW) were assigned to four experimental groups of 40 animals each (5 replicates with 8 individuals each). Group C (control) received a diet in which the fat source was soybean oil, while in groups 2FE, 4FE and 6FE soybean meal was replaced with extruded flaxseed in the amount of 2%, 4% or 6%, respectively. The diet containing extruded flaxseed reduced cholesterol levels in the blood plasma of pigs (grower 2FE and 6FE vs. C; finisher 2FE, 4FE and 6FE vs. C) and loin muscle (2FE, 4FE and 6FE vs. C). A decrease in the atherogenic LDL-C fraction and in the content of triacylglycerols was also noted in the blood plasma of grower and finisher pigs receiving flaxseed (2FE, 4FE and 6FE vs. C). The beneficial effects noted in the experimental pigs also included an increase in the overall content of n-3 PUFAs, especially ALA (18:3 n-3), and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 ratio. This was especially evident at 4% and 6% inclusion of flaxseed. The highest proportion of flax (6%) in the blend increased lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by the increase in the content of LOOH and MDA in the blood plasma of grower and finisher pigs. For this reason, a 4% share of flaxseed in the diet of fattening pigs seems to be optimal, while higher levels require an additional supply of exogenous antioxidants.

Effect of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Used in Diets with Extruded Flaxseed on the Antioxidant and Lipid Profile of the Blood and Tissues of Fattening Pigs

Thyme has strong antioxidant properties and, therefore, can reduce the intensity of oxidative processes taking place in the body. The study aimed to assess whether the addition of thyme to diets for fattening pigs containing extruded flaxseeds, a source of n-3 PUFAs, which are particularly susceptible to oxidation, would have a positive effect on redox status and lipid metabolism. The experiment was conducted using 120 weaners (WBP × Neckar crosses) of about 30 kg BW, which were kept until the end of fattening (about 110 kg BW) and divided into three groups of 40 pigs. The control group received a diet with 4% extruded flaxseed. In groups T1 and T3, 1% or 3% of thyme was added to the basal diet. The introduction of 3% thyme resulted in a decrease in the total cholesterol level in the blood and the loin muscle. Moreover, an increase in SOD and CAT activity and a decrease in FRAP and LOOH was noted. Following supplementation with 3% thyme, the n-3 PUFA content and n-3/n-6 ratio increased, while the SFA content was significantly reduced. The results of the studies indicate that thyme has a positive effect on the redox status and lipid profile of the blood and muscles.

Effects of fermented distillers grains with solubles, partially replaced with soybean meal, on performance, blood parameters, meat quality, intestinal flora, and immune response in broiler

This study set out to examine the effects of fermented distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) partially replaced with soybean meal on growth performance, some blood parameters, meat quality, intestinal microflora, and immune response in broilers. A total of 504 chicks were randomly allocated into 6 groups with 3 replicates. All chicks were fed with one of the following formulated diets i) basal diet based on the maize-soybean meal (C), ii) partially replaced with non-fermented DDGS (NC), iii) partially replaced fermented DDGS with B. subtilis (BS), iv) partially replaced with BS + multienzyme (BSE), v) partially replaced fermented DDGS with S. cerevisiae (SC), vi) partially replaced with SC + multienzyme (SCE). Results showed no significant difference between groups for body weight, daily weight gain (DWG), and feed intake (FI) (P > 0.05). However, feed conversion ratios (FCR) of BS, BSE, and SCE groups were significantly lower than the C and NC groups (P < 0.001). Albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.01), Total antioxidant status, aspartate aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid (P < 0.05) were significantly affected by treatments. The meat color of the SC and SCE groups was darker after 24 h compared to the C group (P < 0.01). The highest LAB counts of ileal and cecum were observed in the BSE and SCE groups (P < 0.001). These results suggest that partial replacement of soybean meal with fermented DDGS had a positive effect on FCR without affecting DWG and FI, and combining fermented DDGS with multienzymes decreased FCR and improved immune and gut health status.

Assessment of flax and hemp fibres in terms of their impact on the growth performance and health status of weaned piglets

Weaning is a critical phase in intensive piglet production marked by the frequent occurrence of digestive disorders posing health and economic burden. To stave off such weaning-related problems, antibiotics and supplements containing high levels of ZnO are often used. In this study, we investigated whether natural fibres obtained from two plants known for their dietary fibre profile and antioxidant properties: flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), can serve as a health-promoting diet supplement. The study was conducted on a total of 191 Polish Large White piglets from 18 L, from their birth to 56 days of age. Piglets were divided by litters into six groups: W1.5, F1.5, H1.5, W2.0, F2.0, and H2.0. Groups W1.5, F1.5, and H1.5 received feed supplemented with 1.5% fibre from wood cellulose (W), flax (F), and hemp (H), respectively, while groups W2.0, F2.0, and H2.0 received feed with a higher 2.0% content of the same fibres. Flax and hemp fibres were characterised by a complex composition, antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic acids, and low risk of mycotoxin contamination. Flax fibre resulted in best weight gains and feed conversion ratio (P ≤ 0.05) of piglets, while hemp fibre had higher positive effect on antioxidant status (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the other two fibre additives. Neither flax nor hemp fibres had any adverse effect on the haematological and biochemical blood parameters. Piglets receiving a diet with 1.5% added fibre showed better growth performance, while diet supplementation with 2% fibre had a beneficial effect on the content of butyric acid in the small intestinal chyme (P ≤ 0.05). The results suggested that both flax and hemp fibres can be innovative feed additives for weaned piglets. However, further studies should be conducted in commercial farms, as the effects of dietary fibre could vary in more challenging environmental conditions.

The Quality of Eggs Derived from Japanese Quail Fed with the Fermented and Non-Fermented Rapeseed Meal

The most popular protein source in poultry feed mixtures is soybean. However, cheaper and more available alternative protein sources are being sought, and feed manufacturers more and more often turn their attention to the post-extraction meals of local oil plants, e.g., rapeseed. Therefore, the effect of fermented and non-fermented post-extraction rapeseed meal used as a feed additive for Japanese quails was investigated on the eggs’ quality. The study was performed on 280 females of Japanese quails fed with a mixture without rapeseed meal, with non-fermented post-extraction rapeseed meal (5%, 10% and 15%) and with fermented one (5%, 10% and 15%). During the experiment, eggs were collected from each group four times (every 4 weeks) and evaluated for their quality characteristics. The addition of 10% fermented rapeseed meal had the most beneficial effect on such eggs quality traits as egg weight, specific gravity, yolk index and color and albumen pH. However, in the majority of examined parameters, no significant differences were found between birds fed with soybean meal and those fed with fermented and non-fermented rapeseed meal (morphological elements proportions, yolk weight, albumen height and Haugh’s units, eggshell quality). This supports the thesis that the use of rapeseed meals instead of soybean meals may allow obtaining the proper quality of animal raw materials at a lower cost and with the use of local feed resources.

Dietary fermented rapeseed or/and soybean meal additives on performance and intestinal health of piglets

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented dried soybean (FSBM) and/or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for weaned piglets on production results, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tract histology, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in all experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced: in group FR-8% FRSM; in group FR/FS-6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; in group FS/FR-2% FRSM and 6% FSBM and in group FS-8% FSBM. The use of 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM in the piglet diets had a positive effect on average daily gains. Piglets from the FR and FR/FS groups had the highest feed conversion rate. Group FS/FR and FS piglets had significantly lower mortality and lower incidence of diarrhoea. Piglets fed a diet with the fermented components, in particular with 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM, exhibited a positive effect on the microbiological composition and histology of intestines, which resulted in improved nutrient digestibility coefficients (ATTD and AID).