Effects of Achyranthes bidentata Polysaccharides on Intestinal Morphology, Immune Response, and Gut Microbiome in Yellow Broiler Chickens Challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Dietary supplementation with a silicate clay mineral (palygorskite) alleviates inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli

This experiment aimed to explore the protective effects of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was designed to assess the effects of Pal administration (0 or 5 g/kg of feed) and E. coli challenge (E. coli or bacterial culture medium) on broilers in a 21-d feeding trial. Birds were randomly assigned into one of the 4 groups, and each group had 8 replicates with ten birds each. The challenged chickens were orally gavaged with E. coli suspended in Luria-Bertani broth on 14 d of age, while unchallenged birds were administrated with an equivalent amount of culture medium. The sampling was performed at 21 d of age. Compared with the normal birds, an oral E. coli challenge reduced final body weight, and decreased feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency during the challenge period (P < 0.05). E. coli challenge promoted colonization of E. coli in cecal content and their translocation to internal organs (heart, liver, and spleen) (P < 0.05). E. coli infection also increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in jejunum and ileum possibly through activating the toll-like receptor-4-mediated signaling pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, E. coli administration increased intestinal mucosal permeability (higher serum D-lactate level and diamine oxidase activity, and lower intestinal mucosal disaccharidase activities), altered intestinal morphology, and downregulated the gene expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (P < 0.05). In contrast, Pal supplementation enhanced growth performance, inhibited colonization of E. coli, reduced intestinal inflammation, decreased intestinal permeability, restored intestinal morphology, and normalized the expression of genes responsible for inflammatory processes and maintenance of intestinal mucosal barrier (P < 0.05), and most of these beneficial effects resulting from Pal administration were independent of bacterial challenge. The results indicated dietary Pal incorporation was effective in improving growth performance and alleviating inflammation and intestinal mucosal barrier damage in broilers challenged with E. coli.

Prebiotic characteristics of degraded polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide on broilers gut microbiota based on in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight Acanthopanax polysaccharides on simulated digestion, probiotics, and intestinal flora of broilers in vitro. The experiments were carried out by H2O2-Vc degradation of Acanthopanax polysaccharides, in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the digestive performance of polysaccharides with different molecular weights, in vitro probiotic evaluation of the probiotic effect of polysaccharides on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in vitro anaerobic fermentation and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to study the impact of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the intestinal flora of broilers, and the effect of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the short-chain fatty acids of intestines were determined by GC-MS method. The results showed that the molecular weight of Acanthopanax polysaccharide (ASPS) was 9,543 Da, and the molecular weights of polysaccharides ASPS-1 and ASPS-2 were reduced to 4,288 Da and 3,822 Da after degradation, and the particle sizes, PDIs, and viscosities were also significantly decreased. ASPS-1 has anti-digestive properties and better in vitro probiotic properties. The addition of ASPS-1 regulates the structure of intestinal microorganisms by regulating fecalibacterium to produce short-chain fatty acids, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as fecalibacterium, paraprevotella and diminishing the prevalence of detrimental bacteria such as Fusobacteria. Interestingly the ASPS-1 group found higher levels of Paraprevotella, which degraded trypsin in the gut, reducing inflammation, acted as a gut protector, and was influential in increasing the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFAs in the fermented feces. Therefore, the degraded ASPS-1 can better regulate the structure of intestinal flora and promote the production of SCFAs, creating possibilities for its use as a potential prebiotic, which is conducive to the intestinal health of poultry.

Escherichia coli K88 activates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo

Pyroptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has an obvious impact on intestinal inflammation and immune regulation. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 has been proved to induce inflammatory responses in several models, but whether E. coli K88 participates in the same process of pyroptotic cell death as LPS remains to be identified. We conducted a pilot experiment to confirm that E. coli K88, instead of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella typhimurium, promotes the secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in macrophages. Further experiments were carried out to dissect the molecular mechanism both in vitro and in vivo. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) results suggested that E. coli K88 treatment increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-18 and IL-1β in both C57BL/6 mice and the supernatant of J774A.1 cells. Intestinal morphology observations revealed that E. coli K88 treatment mainly induced inflammation in the colon. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of pyroptosis-related factors, such as NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase1, were significantly upregulated by E. coli K88 treatment. The RNA-seq results confirmed that the effect was associated with the activation of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β, and might also be related to inflammatory bowel disease and the tumor necrosis factor pathway. The pyroptosis-activated effect of E. coli K88 was significantly blocked by NLRP3 siRNA. Our data suggested that E. coli K88 caused inflammation by triggering pyroptosis, which provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of ETEC in intestinal infection.

The impact of dietary supplementation of polysaccharide derived from Polygonatum sibiricum on growth, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, digestive physiology, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) has demonstrated diverse medicinal properties, extensively researched for human applications. Nonetheless, there is a lack of studies investigating the potential advantages of PSP in poultry farming. The present study investigated the impact of incorporating PSP into broiler diets on their growth performance, meat quality, blood metabolites, antioxidative status, and ileal histomorphology. Two hundred and forty-one-day-old male Ross-308 broiler chicks (44.98 ± 0.79 g) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups, with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed diets supplemented with PSP at 0, 400, and 800 mg/kg (control, PSP400, and PSP800, respectively). The results revealed a linear (P > 0.05) improvement in body weight gain, European production efficiency index, and feed conversion ratio during the grower (22-35 d) and overall periods (1-35 d). The pH levels in the ingluvies, ileum, and cecum exhibited a linear reduction (P > 0.05) in the PSP800 group at d 21 and d 35, respectively. Villus height and crypt depth were increased in the PSP400 and PSP800 groups compared to the control group. PSP400 and PSP800 groups exhibited decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) at 21 d, while at 35 d, TAC and sulfhydryl concentrations were elevated, and H2O2 was reduced only in the PSP800 group compared to the untreated one. No significant variations between the groups at the phylum and genus levels were observed, with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes being the dominant phyla. However, PSP supplementation notably augmented Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobiota while reducing Euryarchaeota and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, there was an increase in Akkermansia, Alistipes, CHKCI001, Erysipelatoclostridium, and a decrease in Methanobrevibacter. Conclusively, incorporating PSP into broiler diets, particularly at a dosage of 800 mg/kg, improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal architecture and resulted in alterations in cecal microbiota without discernible impacts on digestive function and meat quality criteria.

Modulation of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora in broiler by deep eutectic solvent extracted polysaccharides of Acanthopanax senticosus

Introduction

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the modulation effect of Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS-PD) extracted with deep eutectic solvent on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers and its modulation of the gut microbiota of broilers.

Methods

The 108 one-day-old broilers were divided into six groups, including the control group, the Cyclophosphamide (CY) model group, the ASPS-PD control group, the ASPA-PD high and low dose groups and the Astragalus polysaccharide group. Body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and immune organ index of broilers at 7, 14, and 21 days were determined; IL-2, IFN-γ, and lgG1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Broiler caeca feces were analyzed by amplification and 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

The results showed that ASPS-PD can restore growth performance, increase immune organ index and improve serum cytokine levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and immunoglobulin lgG1 levels in CY-treated broilers. The analysis of cecum flora showed that ASPS-PD can promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and reduce the number of harmful bacteria, regulating intestinal flora.

Discussion

Therefore, ASPA-PD may be a potential novel immunomodulator to ameliorate CY-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora dysregulation in broiler.

Effect of Achyranthes japonica extract on growth, digestibility, microbiota, gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed different protein diets

Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) is a multifuctional products that express anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of AJE addition to standard and low crude protein (LCP) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, excreta noxious gas emissions, breast meat quality, and organ weight of broiler chicken. A total of 340 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers [initial body weight (BW) of 43.10 ± 1.46 g, 5 replicate cages per treatment, and 17 birds per cage] were randomly distributed into 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups for a 35 day trial. The diets were provided based on three age stage of the broiler. In the starter stage broiler were fed basal diet. Experimental diet were fed to broiler from day 8 to 35. In growing (days 8-21) and finishing (days 22-35) stage broiler were fed: Standard crude protein (SCP) diet and LCP diet with 0.025% and 0.05% of AJE supplementation respectively. Here, the SCP and LCP diets were 21.50% and 20.86% CP during days 8-21 and 20.00% and 19.40% CP during days 22-35, respectively. The SCP diets with 0.025% AJE supplementation resulted in higher (p < 0.5) BW gain (BWG) at finishing stage and a tendency to lower feed conversion ratio and BWG in the overall period compared to LCP diets with or without AJE supplemenation. Moreover, dry matter and nitrogen digestibility were increased with SCP diet along with 0.025% of AJE. No significant difference was found in meat quality parameters except for pH. Interestingly, the NH3 gas emission to the environment was found to be less with different levels of CP and AJE supplementation. Therefore, we concluded that the addition of 0.025% AJE to the SCP diet improved broiler growth performance and nutrient digestibility with low fecal NH3 emissions.

Dietary ethylenediamine dihydroiodide mitigated Escherichia coli O78-induced immune and intestinal damage of ducks via suppression of NF-κB signal

This study investigated the effect of Ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDDI) on growth performance, immune function and intestinal health of meat ducks challenged with Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). A total of 360 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks with similar body weight were randomly allocated to 6 treatments (6 floor cages, 10 birds/cage). A 3 × 2 factor design was used with 3 dietary iodine levels (0, 8, 16 mg/kg in the form EDDI and whether APEC was challenged or not at 7-day-old ducks. The feeding period lasted for 20 d. The results showed that the addition of EDDI reduced APEC-induced decrease of the 20-d weight loss of meat ducks (P < 0.05), and alleviated the inflammatory response of liver tissue induced by APEC challenge in meat ducks. In terms of immune function, EDDI supplementation reduced the immune organ index and increased the immune cell count of meat ducks, reduced the level of endotoxins in the serum of meat ducks (P < 0.05), as well as inhibited the expression levels of liver and spleen inflammatory factors and TLR signaling pathway related genes induced by APEC (P < 0.05). In terms of intestinal health, EDDI inhibited APEC-induced decreases in ZO-3 genes expression and increases in IL-1β and TNF-α expression, increased relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the cecum and content of metabolites. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between liver inflammatory factors and TLR4 signaling pathway genes, and there might be a significant correlation between intestinal microbial flora and other physiological indexes of meat ducks, which indicated that EDDI could reduce the damage to immune function and intestinal health caused by APEC challenge through regulating the structure of intestinal flora. Collectively, our findings suggest that the EDDI can promote growth performance, improve immune function and the intestinal barrier in APEC-challenged meat ducks, which may be related to the suppression of NF-κB signal.

Achyranthes japonica extract as phytogenic feed additive enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in broiler

Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) is derived from a medicinal plant Achyranthes japonica, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. AJE contains multiple bioactive compounds, including saponins, triterpenoids, phytoecdysteroids, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and inokosterone. The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta microbial count, noxious gas emissions, breast meat quality in broilers. About three hundred and sixty, day-old broilers (Ross 308) were assigned into four treatments (five replication cages/treatment, and 18 birds/cage). Dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; 0.02% AJE, basal diet with 0.02%; 0.04% AJE, basal diet with 0.04% AJE, and 0.06% AJE, basal diet with 0.06% of AJE. Body weight gain increased linearly (p < 0.05) through the inclusion of AJE during days 7 to 21, 21 to 35, as well as the entire experimental period. Besides, feed intake increased (p < 0.05) linearly during days 21 to 35 and the entire experiment with the increased AJE doses in broiler diet. Dry matter digestibility was increased (p < 0.05) linearly along with increasing amounts of AJE. With increasing AJE supplementation, nitrogen and energy utilization tended to improve (p < 0.10). In summary, the addition of AJE in the corn-soybean meal diet led to higher body weight gain and increased feed intake as well as enhanced nutrient digestibility, among them the highest improvement was found in 0.06%-AJE indicating the acceptance of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive.

Dietary supplementation with Dendrobium officinale leaves improves growth, antioxidant status, immune function, and gut health in broilers

Background

The Dendrobium officinale leaves (DOL) is an underutilized by-product with a large biomass, which have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and antioxidant functions. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of DOL on broiler growth performance, antioxidant status, immune function, and gut health.

Methods

One hundred and ninety-two 1-day-old chicks were selected and divided into 4 groups at random, 6 replicates for each group and 8 in each. Chicks were given a basal diet supplemented with different amounts of DOL: 0% (control group, NC), 1% (LD), 5% (MD), or 10% (HD). During the feeding trial (70 days), broiler body weight, feed intake, and residual feeding were recorded. On d 70, 12 broilers from each group were sampled for serum antioxidant and immune indexes measurement, intestinal morphological analysis, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) determination.

Results

In comparison to the NC group, the LD group had greater final body weight and average daily gain, and a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05, d 1 to 70). However, in MD group, no significant change of growth performance occurred (p > 0.05). Furthermore, DOL supplementation significantly improved the levels of serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, but reduced the level of malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). Higher serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) content and lower cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 contents were observed in DOL-fed broilers than in control chickens (p <0.05). Compared to the NC group, duodenal villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio were considerably higher in three DOL supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Further, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that DOL increased the diversity and the relative abundance of cecal bacteria, particularly helpful microbes like Faecalibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Oscillospira, which improved the production of SCFA in cecal content. According to Spearman correlation analysis, the increased butyric acid and acetic acid concentrations were positively related to serum antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC and GSH-Px) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) level (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the current study demonstrated that supplementing the dies with DOL in appropriate doses could enhance growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune response, as well as gut health by promoting intestinal integrity and modulating the cecal microbiota in broilers. Our research may serve as a preliminary foundation for the future development and application of DOL as feed additive in broiler chicken diets.

Influence of Achyranthes japonica extracts supplementation in the diets of finishing pigs

BACKGROUND

Herbs and their extracts have been used for a long time in animal industries as alternatives to an antibiotic.

OBJECTIVES

This study was evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) on the performance and production parameters in finishing pigs.

METHODS

Totally, 100 pigs with an average body weight of 50.33 ± 4.61 kg were used as a 10-week feeding trial. Pigs (five replicates, three barrows and two gilts per pen) were allotted randomly to four treatments as the addition of 0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% of AJE in basal diets.

RESULTS

A linear increase (p < .05) in average daily gain was observed during week 5, week 10 and overall period, and a linear decrease (p < .05) was observed in the feed conversion ratio during week 5. A linear increase (p < .05) in dry matter, protein digestibility and faecal ammonia emission on week 5 and week 10 and a linear increase (p < .05) in serum total protein concentration on week 10 of pigs fed diets supplemented with graded levels of AJE was observed. Faecal lactic acid bacteria counts showed a linear increase (p < .05) on week 5 with the increasing levels of AJE.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, there existed improvements in growth performance, nutrients digestibility, serum total protein, faecal coliform bacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts and faecal ammonia emission in the finishing pigs fed with AJE-supplemented diet.

Progress of Studies on Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Affecting Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry

As natural bioactive components, plant-derived polysaccharides have many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoccidial, and immunity regulation, and have been widely used in poultry production. In this review paper, firstly, the sources and structures of plant-derived polysaccharides are reviewed; secondly, the effects of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal microbiome, permeability, morphology and immune function of poultry are summarized; thirdly, the potential molecular regulation mechanism of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal barrier function of poultry was preliminarily analyzed. The review paper will bring a basis for the scientific utilization of plant-derived polysaccharides in the poultry industry.

Effects of glucose oxidase on growth performance, clinical symptoms, serum parameters, and intestinal health in piglets challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Glucose oxidase (GOD) could benefit intestinal health and growth performance in animals. However, it is unknown whether GOD can protect piglets against bacterial challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of GOD on growth performance, clinical symptoms, serum parameters, and intestinal health in piglets challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). A total of 44 male weaned piglets around 38 days old were divided into four groups (11 replicates/group): negative control (NC), positive control (PC), CS group (PC piglets +40 g/t colistin sulfate), and GOD group (PC piglets +200 g/t GOD). All piglets except those in NC were challenged with ETEC (E. coli K88) on the 11th day of the experiment. Parameter analysis was performed on the 21st day of the experiment. The results showed that the ETEC challenge elevated (p < 0.05) the rectal temperature and fecal score of piglets at certain time-points post-challenge, reduced (p < 0.05) serum glucose and IgG levels but increased (p < 0.05) serum alanine aminotransferase activity, as well as caused (p < 0.05) intestinal morphology impairment and inflammation. Supplemental GOD could replace CS to reverse (p < 0.05) the above changes and tended to increase (p = 0.099) average daily gain during the ETEC challenge. Besides, GOD addition reversed ETEC-induced losses (p < 0.05) in several beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus salivarius) along with increases (p < 0.05) in certain harmful bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia/Shigella). Functional prediction of gut microbiota revealed that ETEC-induced upregulations (p < 0.05) of certain pathogenicity-related pathways (e.g., bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and shigellosis) were blocked by GOD addition, which also normalized the observed downregulations (p < 0.05) of bacterial pathways related to the metabolism of sugars, functional amino acids, nucleobases, and bile acids in challenged piglets. Collectively, GOD could be used as a potential antibiotic alternative to improve growth and serum parameters, as well as attenuate clinical symptoms and intestinal disruption in ETEC-challenged piglets, which could be associated with its ability to mitigate gut microbiota dysbiosis. Our findings provided evidence for the usage of GOD as an approach to restrict ETEC infection in pigs.

A Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Anti-Osteoporosis Mechanism of Four Components from Crude and Salt-Processed Achyranthes bidentata Blume in Ovariectomized Rats

The root of Achyranthes bidentata Blume (AB) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine for treating osteoporosis. Plenty of studies focused on the pharmacological mechanism of the whole extract; however, the contribution of different components to the anti-osteoporosis effect remains unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of different components of crude and salt-processed AB under the guidance of network pharmacology, metabolomics, and microbiomics. First, network pharmacology analysis was applied to constructing the compound-target-disease network of AB to provide a holistic view. Second, the anti-osteoporosis effects of the four components were evaluated in female Wistar rats. The subjects were divided into a normal group, a model group, a 17α-estradiol (E2)-treated group, a polysaccharide-component-treated groups, and a polysaccharide-knockout-component-treated groups. All the serum, urine, and feces samples of the six groups were collected after 16 weeks of treatment. Biochemical and microcomputed tomography (μCT) parameters were also acquired. Coupled with orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis, one dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to monitor serum metabolic alterations. A total of twenty-two biomarkers, including lipids, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, glucose, and so on were identified for the different components-treated groups. Through pathway analysis, it is indicated that glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, d-glutamine, and d-glutamate metabolism were the major intervened pathways. Levels of these biomarkers shifted away from the model group and were restored to normal after treatment with the four components. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated that the abundance of Anaerofilum, Rothia, and Turicibacter bacteria was positively correlated with an anti-osteoporosis effect, whereas the abundance of Oscillospira was negatively correlated. The osteoprotective effect of the polysaccharide components of crude and salt-processed AB is related to the regulation of the abundance of these gut microbiota.

Dietary inclusion of Achyranthes japonica extract to corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens

This research was conducted to determine the effects Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation to corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 432 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens, having initial body weight (IBW) of 41.11 ± 1.65 g were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates cages with 18 broilers per cage. Dietary treatments composed of corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diets along with the addition of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% of AJE. Bodyweight gain (BWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were linearly influenced by the supplementation of AJE duringphase1 and 2 and the overall trial period. Inclusion of increasing levels of AJE linearly improved the digestibility of dry matter (DM) on d 35. Dietary supplementation of increasing levels of AJE failed to show significant effects on cecal Lactobacillus, coliform, and Salmonella counts, excreta noxious gas ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, total mercaptans, carbon dioxide, acetic acid and propionic acid emission, meat quality, and relative organ weight. Therefore, we concluded that supplementation of 0.1% of AJE in diets could improve BWG and ADFI, dry matter digestibility in broilers.

Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Regulated Immune Status, Gut Health and Microbiota of Broilers: A Review

In modern intensive breeding system, broilers are exposed to various challenges, such as diet changes and pathological environment, which may cause the increase in the incidence rate and even death. It is necessary to take measures to prevent diseases and maintain optimal health and productivity of broilers. With the forbidden use of antibiotics in animal feed, polysaccharides from plants have attracted much attention owing to their lower toxicity, lower drug resistance, fewer side effects, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It had been demonstrated that polysaccharides derived from plant exerted various functions, such as growth promotion, anti-inflammation, maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. Therefore, the current review aimed to provide an overview of the recent advances in the impacts of plant-derived polysaccharides on anti-inflammation, gut health, and intestinal microbiota community of broilers in order to provide a reference for further study on maintaining the integrity of intestinal structure and function, and the related mechanism involved in the polysaccharide administration intervention.

Effects of Achyranthes japonica extract on the performance of finishing pigs fed diets containing palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal as a partial alternative to soybean meal

A total of 120 finishing pigs with an average initial body weight of 49.72 ± 0.08 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 10 weeks trial. Pigs were randomly allotted into one of four dietary treatments (6 replicate pen/treatment, 5 pigs/pen). The nutritional dietary treatments were corn, soy bean meal, palm- kernel meal, and rapeseed meal based basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20% of Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE). Dietary inclusion of AJE supplementation had trend to increase the body weight and average daily gain of pigs at week 10 and the overall experimental period, respectively. The graded level of AJE supplement had increase the total track digestibility dry matter (p = 0.067) only at week 5 while nitrogen and energy digestibility (p < 0.05) was linearly increased at both weeks 5 and 10. During week 10, pigs fed with an increased level of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) fecal Lactobacillus counts. In addition, AJE supplementation in the diet of finishing pigs had linearly decreased (p > 0.05) NH3 emission of gas and trend to decrease total mercaptans during week 10. Dietary inclusion of AJE supplement resulted in a linear increase in the blood protein concentration level. Moreover, drip loss was linearly reduced on day 5 and day 7 (p > 0.05) post slaughter in finishing pigs fed with gradually increased levels of AJE supplementation. During weeks 5 and 10, pigs fed with graded levels of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) the backfat thickness and lean meat percentage. Therefore we conclude that dietary inclusion of AJE with palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal could be benificial to enhance the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, blood prolife, meat quality and reduced fecal gas emission in finishing pigs.

Achyranthes Japonica Nakai root extract supplementation improves apparent nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, and excreta gas emission in broiler chicks

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Achyranthes Japonica Nakai (AJN) root extract to the diet of broiler chicks on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, excreta gas emission, and relative weight of organs. A total of 270 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (42.11 ± 0.18 g) were randomly allotted into 3 dietary treatments according to the initial body weight. Each treatment had 5 replicate cages with 18 birds per cage. The experimental period was 35 days (starter, days 1-7; grower, days 8-21; finisher, days 22-35). Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0.000, 0.015, or 0.030 % AJN root extract. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen (P = 0.025) increased linearly with the increase of the dosage of AJN root extract, while the counts of E. coli in caecum (P = 0.038) and excreta ammonia emission (P = 0.003) decreased linearly. However, the growth performance (P > 0.05) and the relative weight of organs (P > 0.05) did not differ among the dietary groups. In conclusion, AJN root extract could increase the nutrient digestibility and reduce the noxious gas emission by reducing the caecum harmful microbiota in a dose-dependent manner.

Phytogenic Feed Additives in Poultry: Achievements, Prospective and Challenges

Simple Summary

Plant secondary metabolites and essential oils also known as phytogenics are biologically active compounds that have recently attracted increased interest as feed additives in poultry production, due to their ability to promote feed efficiency by enhancing the production of digestive secretions and nutrient absorption, reduce pathogenic load in the gut, exert antioxidant properties and decrease the microbial burden on the animal’s immune status. However, the mechanisms are far from being fully elucidated. Better understanding the interaction of phytogenics with gastrointestinal function and health as well as other feed ingredients/additives is crucial to design potentially cost-effective blends.

Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives have been largely tested in poultry production with the aim to identify their effects on the gastrointestinal function and health, and their implications on the birds’ systemic health and welfare, the production efficiency of flocks, food safety, and environmental impact. These feed additives originating from plants, and consisting of herbs, spices, fruit, and other plant parts, include many different bioactive ingredients. Reviewing published documents about the supplementation of phytogenic feed additives reveals contradictory results regarding their effectiveness in poultry production. This indicates that more effort is still needed to determine the appropriate inclusion levels and fully elucidate their mode of actions. In this frame, this review aimed to sum up the current trends in the use of phytogenic feed additives in poultry with a special focus on their interaction with gut ecosystem, gut function, in vivo oxidative status and immune system as well as other feed additives, especially organic acids.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Morphology in Weaned Piglets

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a Gram-positive bacterium mostly used in the dairy industry for yogurt and cheese. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and performance by supplementing at a dietary level of 0.1% in diets for weaned piglets. Eighty healthy weaned piglets (initial body weight: 7.56 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into two feeding groups with four replicates in each group (n = 10 animals per replicate); piglets were fed with basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing 0.1% Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LAC). The results showed that dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved growth performance and increased serum HDL and insulin levels in piglets on the 28th day of the experimental time (p < 0.05). The gut microbe analysis revealed that Lactobacillus delbrueckii significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, but increased the relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes. The Lactobacillus delbrueckii also significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus at the genus level of the bacterial community in the ileum, but decreased the relative abundance of unclassified Clostridiales. Moreover, Lactobacillus delbrueckii improved mucosal morphology by obtaining higher intestinal villus height (p < 0.05), significantly increasing the concentrations of butyrate, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid in colonic chyme of piglets, but decreasing the intestinal pH at the duodenum and ileum on the 28th day of the experimental time. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii in the diet of weaned piglets can improve intestinal morphology and modulate the microbiota community to promote growth performance.

Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides on Immunity and the Gut Microbiota in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

The mechanism of immunoregulation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) was assessed by studying the effect of LBP on the immunity and the gut microbiota. LBP isolated and purified in this study was composed of nine monosaccharides, with an Mw 1,207 kDa. LBP showed immunomodulatory activity in cyclophosphamide (Cy)-treated mice by restoring the damaged immune organs and adjusting the T lymphocyte subsets. We also found that LBP increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and the relative abundances of bacteria, such as Rickenellaceae, Prevotellaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, and so on, which were positively associated with immune traits. In addition, Caco2 cells model was used to explore the intestinal absorption of LBP. Results showed that LBP was hardly absorbed in the intestine, which suggesting that most LBP may interact with gut microbiota. These findings suggest that the immune response induced by LBP is associated with the regulation of the gut microbiota.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Algae-Derived Polysaccharides on Morphology, Tight Junctions, Antioxidant Capacity and Immune Response of Duodenum in Broilers under Heat Stress

Simple Summary

Heat stress (HS) has become a great challenge for poultry production in tropical and subtropical regions. HS results in the intestinal dysfunction of broilers, which seriously affects their productivity. Our previous study suggested that dietary supplementation of algae-derived polysaccharides (ADP) could promote the intestinal barrier function in broilers, but the effect of dietary ADP supplementation on the intestinal health of broilers under HS remains unclear. The present study showed that dietary ADP supplementation improved the duodenal tight junction expression of broilers under HS, and found that dietary ADP mitigated HS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation response by regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings reveal the potential application of ADP as an HS-alleviating agent to maintain gut health in broilers.

Abstract

To evaluate the ameliorative effect of algae-derived polysaccharide (ADP) supplementation on duodenal injury caused by heat stress (HS) in broilers, a total of 144 male yellow-feathered broilers (56-day-old) were randomly allocated into three groups: The TN group (thermoneutral zone, broilers were raised at 23.6 ± 1.8 °C); HS group (heat stress, broilers were exposed to 33.2 ± 1.5 °C 10 h/day, 8:00 a.m.–18:00 p.m., the temperature in the remaining period was consistent with the TN group); HSA group (heat-stressed broilers were fed with ADP supplemented diet at 1000 mg/kg). There were six replications in each treatment, and eight broilers in each replication. The feeding trial lasted four weeks. The results showed that dietary ADP supplementation tended to increase the villus height (p = 0.077) and villus width (p = 0.062), and decrease the apoptosis rate (p = 0.081) in the duodenum of broilers under HS. Furthermore, dietary ADP increased the relative mRNA and protein (based on immunofluorescence) expression levels of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the duodenum of broilers under HS (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary ADP enhanced the total antioxidation capacity (T-AOC) and activity of glutathione-S transferase (GST), while reducing the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the duodenum in broilers under HS (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary ADP supplementation upregulated the duodenal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) mRNA expression levels in heat-stressed broilers (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the HS group, broilers fed with an ADP supplemented diet had a higher relative mRNA expression of inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα) (p < 0.05) and a lower relative mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the duodenum (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary ADP supplementation had an ameliorative effect on HS-induced impairment of tight junctions, antioxidant capacity and the immune response of the duodenum in broilers. These beneficial effects might be related to the modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Achyranthes japonica extract on growth performance, fecal microbiota, fecal gas emission, nutrient digestibility, and meat-carcass grade quality traits in finishing pigs

A 10 wk experimental trial was carried out to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) on finishing pigs’ overall performance. A total of 150 finishing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 54.17 ± 2.27 kg were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were CON (basal diet), TRT1 (basal diet + 0.025% AJE), TRT2 (basal diet + 0.05% AJE), TRT3 (basal diet + 0.1% AJE), and TRT4 (basal diet + 0.2% AJE). Dietary AJE supplementation linearly increased BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G/F) during week 5. At week 10 and overall experiment, there was tendency for linear increase in BW, ADG, and average daily feed intake. Dietary supplementation of AJE failed to show significant effects on nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, meat quality, and fecal gas emission. The dietary supplementation of AJE showed a linear increase in the backfat thickness (BFT) at week 10, and there was no significant difference observed on the lean meat percentage. In summary, AJE supplementation had a beneficial effect on the growth performance, BFT, and also no effects on nutrient digestibility and fecal microbiota of the finishing pigs.

Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide in diet on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers. A total of 600, one-day-old AA broilers randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds per cage received dietary supplementation with GCP (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg) for 42 d. The supplementation of GCP linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate on day 22 to 42. Dietary supplementation with GCP reduced (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol on day 21 and 42 and linearly improved (P < 0.05) albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on day 21 and 42 and reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content on 21 d. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly improved (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressions in liver on day 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment, we randomly selected 20 broilers from 3 treatment groups (0, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg), respectively, to perform an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute stress experiment. The 60 broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups with 10 birds per cage. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with GCP (0, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1 mg/kg body weight) levels as treatments. When the grouping was finished, the broilers were immediately intraperitoneally injected with LPS or normal saline. Six hours after challenged, serum antioxidant and liver immunity were analyzed. The results showed that dietary GCP prevented LPS-induced reductions in T-SOD activity and increases in malonaldehyde content (P < 0.05). Also, dietary GCP supplementation mitigated the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β and IFN-γ in the liver. Supplementation with 1,500 mg/kg GCP showed the most optimal effect in broilers. GCP has the potential to be used as feed additive in broilers.

Evaluation of Achyranthes japonica Nakai extract on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecal microbiota, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diet

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) extract as a natural feed additive on growth performance, nutrient utilization, cecal microbiota, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diet. In total, seven hundred twenty 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers with an average body weight (BW) of 43.36 ± 1.42 g were used in a 35-d feeding trial. Broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments. Each treatment had 10 replication pens with 18 birds per replication. Dietary treatments composed of corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diets along with the addition of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% of AJN extract. The BW gain and feed conversion rate were linearly influenced (P < 0.05) by the supplementation of AJN extract during days 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and the overall experiment. At the end of the experiment, the digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen and the population of cecal lactic acid bacteria were linearly improved (P < 0.05) in response to increasing AJN extract supplementation. Excreta emission of ammonia showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05) with the increasing levels of AJN extract. The breast muscle percentage linearly increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed AJN extract contained diets. In summary, the inclusion of AJN extract in corn-wheat-soybean meal diet improved growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal microbiota balance, and breast meat production and decreased excreta ammonia emission, which confirmed the applicability of AJN extract as a natural feed additive in broilers.

Microbiota populations and short-chain fatty acids production in cecum of immunosuppressed broilers consuming diets containing γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) on growth performance, cecal microbiota populations, and concentrations of cecal short-chain fatty acids of immunosuppressed broilers. A total of 144 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups: nontreated group (control), cyclophosphamide (CPM)-treated groups fed either a basal diet or the diets containing 900 mg/kg IAPS, respectively. On day 16, 18, and 20, broilers in the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL sterilized saline (0.75%, wt/vol), and those in the CPM and IAPS groups were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 mL CPM (40 mg/kg of BW). The trial lasted 21 d. Compared with the control group, CPM treatment decreased the broiler average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (P < 0.05) but did not affect the overall microbial diversity and compositions, as well as the concentrations of cecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate in cecum of broilers (P > 0.05). Dietary IAPS supplementation increased broiler ADG, Shannon index, and decreased Simpson index (P < 0.05). Specifically, broilers fed diets containing IAPS showed lower abundances of Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides, and Butyricicoccus and higher proportions of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Negativibacillus, Shuttleworthia, Sellimonas, and Mollicutes RF39_norank, respectively (P < 0.05). The IAPS treatment also increased butyrate concentration (P < 0.05) and tended to elevate acetate concentration (P = 0.052) in cecal digesta. The results indicated that IAPS are effective in increasing the cecal beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids production, contributing to improvement in the growth performance of immunosuppressive broilers. These findings may expand our knowledge about the function of modified Astragalus polysaccharides in broiler chickens.

Effects of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharides on performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in Pekin ducks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABP) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, relative organ weight, ileal microflora, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 1,200 female 1-day-old Pekin ducklings (51.2 ± 0.2 g) were blocked based on body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 10 replicates of 40 birds each. The experiment lasted for 6 wk, and dietary treatments included corn–soybean meal–based diet supplemented with 0, 0.02, and 0.04% ABP. The supplementation of ABP increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and final BW linearly during day 22 to 42 and day 1 to 42, respectively, but decreased (P < 0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) linearly during day 22 to 42 and day 1 to 42. The inclusion of ABP increased (P < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, catalase, complement3, complement4, immunoglobin A, immunoglobin G, interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α linearly. The relative weight of breast meat was increased (P < 0.05) linearly, but the relative weight of abdominal fat was decreased (P < 0.05) linearly with the increasing dietary ABP supplementation. The supplementation of ABP increased (P < 0.05) ileal Lactobacilli counts linearly, whereas decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli counts linearly. Taken together, the inclusion of ABP promoted BWG and final BW during day 22 to 42 and the entire experiment, decreased F/G during day 22 to 42 and day 1 to 42, and partially improved antioxidant activities, immunity, and gut microflora in Pekin ducks.

Comparing and phylogenetic analysis chloroplast genome of three Achyranthes species

In this study, the chloroplast genome sequencing of the Achyranthes longifolia, Achyranthes bidentata and Achyranthes aspera were performed by Next-generation sequencing technology. The results revealed that there were a length of 151,520 bp (A. longifolia), 151,284 bp (A. bidentata), 151,486 bp (A. aspera), respectively. These chloroplast genome have a highly conserved structure with a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,150 bp; 25,145 bp; 25,150 bp), a large single copy (LSC) regions (83,732 bp; 83,933 bp; 83,966 bp) and a small single copy (SSC) regions (17,252 bp; 17,263 bp; 17,254 bp) in A. bidentate, A. aspera and A. longifolia. There were 127 genes were annotated, which including 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes and 82 functional genes. The phylogenetic analysis strongly revealed that Achyranthes is monophyletic, and A. bidentata was the closest relationship with A. aspera and A. longifolia. A. bidentata and A. longifolia were clustered together, the three Achyranthes species had the same origin, then the gunes of Achyranthes is the closest relative to Alternanthera, and that forms a group with Alternanthera philoxeroides. The research laid a foundation and provided relevant basis for the identification of germplasm resources in the future.

Achyranthes japonica extracts supplementation to growing pigs positively influences growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission

Objective

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, and fecal gas emission of growing pigs.

Methods

A total of 180 ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc) growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 23.94±1.54 kg were used in this study to investigate the effects of AJE as a feed additive. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) TRT1 (basal diet+0.05% AJE), and iii) TRT2 (basal diet+0.10% AJE).

Results

As a result of the dietary supplementation of 0% to 0.10% AJE, a linear increase of BW (p<0.05) on d 21 and 42, a linear increase of average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05) during d 21 to 42, a trend in linear increase of ADG (p<0.10) during d 0 to 21 and d 0 to 42, a linear increase of gain to feed ratio (G:F) (p<0.05) during d 0 to 42, and a tendency in the linear increase of G:F during d 21 to 42 were observed in this study. Additionally, dietary supplementation of 0% to 0.10% AJE had a linear increase (p<0.05) on the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) and energy, a linear increase (p<0.05) on lactic acid bacteria counts, a tendency in reducing (linear effect, p<0.10) coliform bacteria counts, and a linear decrease (p<0.05) in excreta H₂S emission content in growing pigs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results suggested that AJE had the potential to enhance growth performance, DM and energy digestibility, and fecal lactic acid bacteria counts, and decrease the fecal coliform bacteria counts and excreta H₂S emission in growing pigs.

Effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens

The present study was investigated the effects of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation on the growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, breast meat quality, and organ weight in broiler chickens. In total, 640 Ross × Ross male broiler chickens (1-day-old) were randomly distributed into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicate cages (16 birds/replicate) per treatment group for 5 wk. The dietary treatments included a control basal diet without AJE, and diets with 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1% AJE. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion improved linearly with the supplementation of AJE over the experimental period (days 1 to 35) (P < 0.05). Dietary AJE supplementation caused a significant increase in the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (linear, P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were linearly affected with increasing dietary AJE supplementation (P < 0.05). With increasing levels of AJE, excreta ammonia gas concentration showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05). The breast muscle weight linearly increased, along with a decrease in the abdominal fat weight, in treatment groups fed with AJE (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary addition with increasing AJE linearly improved growth performance, total tract digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta ammonia gas emission, and abdominal fat weight in broiler chickens.