Effects of Compound Probiotics on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical and Immune Indices, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Tissue Morphology of Shaoxing Duck

Integrated omics analysis reveals the differentiation of intestinal microbiota and metabolites between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks

Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks are 2 Chinese local duck breeds, both domesticated from mallard, but after domestication and long-term artificial selection, the body weight of Pekin ducks is significantly higher than that of Shaoxing ducks. It is no debate that genetic factors are the main factors responsible for this difference, but whether intestinal microbiota contribute to this difference is yet unknown. Thus, we performed comparative intestinal metagenomics and metabolomics analysis between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks. We found obvious differentiation of intestinal metagenome and metabolome between the 2 breeds. Four cecal microbial genera, including Fusobacterium, Methanobrevibacter, Butyricicoccus, and Anaerotignum showed higher abundance in Pekin ducks. Among them, Methanobrevibacter and Butyricicoccus may positively correlate with fat deposition and body weight. A total of 310 metabolites showed difference between the 2 breeds. Functions of these differential metabolites were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, including energy metabolism-related histidine metabolism. Integrated omics analysis showed that microbial changes were closely related to altered metabolites. Especially, Butyricicoccus showing higher abundance in Pekin ducks was significantly negatively correlated with D-glucosamine-6-phosphate, which has been reported to prevent body weight gains. These findings may contribute to further understand the difference in body weight between Pekin ducks and Shaoxing ducks.

Comparative analysis between multi-strain probiotics and antibiotic as starter feed supplement of poultry on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality

The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the functional roles of lyophilized native probiotic based starter feed on performance, selective serum metabolites and meat quality of poultry. A total of 90 day-old birds (30 broilers, 30 layers and 30 ducks) were used as experimental birds which were divided into three treatment groups for each kind of bird. Isolated native probiotic strains from chicken intestine were used to prepare lyophilized probiotic samples. Growth performances were measured manually, serum biochemicals analysis were carried out using diagnostic kits, and meat quality was determined through Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet method. When compared to groups receiving antibiotics, the introduction of lyophilized probiotics in starter feed significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The birds' serum calcium and protein levels likewise exhibited a similar pattern. Comparing the groups receiving antibiotics, the protein content of the meat revealed significant (P<0.05) variations. Significant (P<0.05) reduced level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and fat content in meat was observed when compared to antibiotic-fed group. It is possible to conclude that lyophilized probiotics have a significant positive impact on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality. The findings of the study could open up new avenues for the application and adoption of native probiotic-based poultry feeds as an alternative to antibiotic-based poultry feeds among stakeholders.

Intestinal tryptophan metabolism in disease prevention and swine production

Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by animals. It has been characterized into two different isomers, levorotation-Trp (L-Trp) and dextrorotation-Trp (D-Trp), based on their distinct molecule orientation. Intestinal epithelial cells and gut microbiota are involved in metabolizing L-Trp in the gut via the activation of the kynurenine, serotonin, and indole pathways. However, knowledge regarding D-Trp metabolism in the gut remains unclear. In this review, we briefly update the current understanding of intestinal L/D-Trp metabolism and the function of their metabolites in modulating the gut physiology and diseases. Finally, we summarize the effects of Trp nutrition on swine production at different stages, including growth performance in weaned piglets and growing pigs, as well as the reproduction performance in sows.