Effects of dietary marigold extract supplementation on growth performance, pigmentation, antioxidant capacity and meat quality in broiler chickens

Effects of a diet supplemented with polysaccharides from Pogostemon cablin on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in Chongren Partridge chickens

In this study, the Pogostemon cablin polysaccharides (PCPs) were heteropolysaccharides with molecular weights of 63.17 kDa and 8.99 kDa, and their total carbohydrate content was 76.17 ± 0.23%, uronic acid content was 19.92 ± 0.42%, and protein content was 1.24 ± 0.07%. PCP is composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid, with a molar ratio of 0.196:0.249:0.451:0.104. In addition, we further investigated the effects of the diet supplemented with different doses of PCP on growth performance, meat quality, and anti-oxidant capacity in Chongren Partridge chickens. A total of 200 chickens were randomly allocated into 4 treatments, and fed with a basal diet of 0 (CON), 200 (LPCP), 400 (MPCP), and 800 (HPCP) mg/kg PCP for a 14-day prefeeding period and a formal experimental period of 56 days. Results showed that dietary PCP significantly increased final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) from days 1 to 56. Meanwhile, dietary PCP reduced yellowness (b∗) values and increased redness (a∗) values at 24 h in breast muscles (p < 0.05). Furthermore, LPCP and MPCP significantly increased the level of guanylic acid (GMP) (p < 0.05). MPCP increased the content of free amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, alanine, glutamic acid, serine, cysteine), total essential amino acid (EAA), total flavor amino acid (FAA), total AA, the content of fatty acids (c14:1, c16:1, and c22:2), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the breast muscle when compared to CON (p < 0.05). In addition, MPCP significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the transcript abundances of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) in the breast muscles of the chickens (p < 0.05). In light of the aforementioned results, PCP at 400 mg/kg could be used as an effective additive because it not only promotes the growth performance of Chongren Partridge chickens but also shows a conducive role in meat quality, especially in meat flavor.

Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Chicken Nuggets Supplemented with Beef and Chicken Livers

This study explores the potential of utilizing meat byproducts, specifically chicken and beef liver, to enhance the nutritional value of processed foods like chicken nuggets. Proximate analysis was conducted on the livers, including moisture, ash, fat, and protein content, and degradation potential was observed. Antioxidant potential was analyzed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The total phenolic content (TPC), oxidative stability through peroxide value (POV), and free fatty acid (FFA) were performed to evaluate quality changes during seven-day storage. The radical scavenging activity showed that beef liver has excellent antioxidant capacity (61.55%- and 195.89-mM gallic acid equivalent for DPPH and TPC, respectively) compared to chicken liver and significantly increased the antioxidant potential of nuggets by 5%-10%. POV and FFA values increased with increased storage days for the liver and its incorporation in nuggets. However, the values remained under the 10 meq/kg threshold. Incorporating the livers into chicken nuggets led to a significant (p=0.000) improvement in nutritional content, particularly a 1.5%-2% increase in protein, with a similar increase in mineral content. Texture and sensory evaluations indicated favorable consumer acceptability for liver-enriched nuggets. Overall, this research shows the value of adding liver as a functional ingredient to enhance the nutritional profile of processed foods.

Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L., Two Romanian Plants, with In Vivo Antiparasitic Potential against Digestive Parasites of Swine

Internal parasitic diseases of swine constitute a major welfare and health concern in low-input livestock farming. Due to an increase in chemical resistance, phytotherapeutic remedies have become an alternative for the prophylaxis and therapy of digestive parasitosis, albeit few remedies have been subjected to scientific validation. Low-input swine farming in Romania has adopted the traditional use of phytotherapy for controlling pathogens in livestock. The current study aimed to assess the antiparasitic potential of Calendula officinalis and Satureja hortensis against digestive parasites of swine in two low-input farms. The fecal samples were collected from sows, fatteners, and weaners, and were tested using the following coproparasitological methods: centrifugal sedimentation, flotation (Willis, McMaster egg counting technique), Ziehl-Neelsen stain modified by Henricksen, modified Blagg method, and in vitro nematode larvae/protozoan oocyst cultures. Six species of digestive parasites were diagnosed, namely Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli, Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., in various combinations, dependent on the swine category. A dose of 140 mg/kg bw/day of C. officinalis and 100 mg/kg bw/day of S. hortensis powders administered for 10 consecutive days revealed a strong antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity on the aforementioned parasites. The curative efficacy can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols, sterols, tocopherols, and methoxylated flavones. In conclusion, our results indicate that S. hortensis and C. officinalis are promising alternatives to the commercially available antiparasitics, enabling their use as natural antiparasitic products against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.

Effects of different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold on pigmentation of yellow-feathered chickens

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effects of different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold on the growth performance, skin color, and carcass pigmentation.

METHODS

A total of 192 healthy 60-day-old yellow-feathered broilers weighing an average of 1,279±81 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups, each with 6 replicates and 8 broilers. The 4 treatments were as follows: i) CON group, fed with basal diet; ii) LTN group, supplemented with lutein; iii) MDP group, supplemented with monohydroxyl pigment including dehydrated lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and α-cryptoxanthin; iv) LTN+MDP group, supplemented with lutein and monohydroxyl pigment in proportion to 1:1. The supplementary content of LTN, MDP, and LTN+MDP was 2 g/kg. Skin color was measured after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of feeding the dietary treatments. The breast, thigh, and abdominal fat of slaughtered chickens were stored in cold storage at 4°C for 24 hours and then the meat color of lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values was determined.

RESULTS

The results showed that all treatments enhanced the yellow scores of subwing skin on day 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.05), and the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment promoted the yellow scores of shanks on day 14, 21, and 28 (p<0.05). The mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment increased the yellow scores of beaks and all treatments enhanced the yellow of shanks on day 28 (p<0.05). In addition, all treatments improved the yellow (b*) values of breast and thigh muscle, moreover, the monohydroxyl pigment and the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment enhanced the values of redness (a*) and yellow (b*) of abdominal fat (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In summary, different types of xanthophyll extracted from marigold significantly increased the yellow scores of skin color and the yellow (b*) values of carcass pigmentation. Especially, the mixture of lutein and monohydroxyl pigment was more efficient on skin color.

Performance, immune response, and meat quality in Newcastle-vaccinated quail fed with colored corn in place of yellow maize

This work investigated the effects of the usage of colored corn as a replacement for 50% and 100% yellow corn in the diet of Japanese quail. Two hundred and forty-day-old Japanese quails were indiscriminately separated into four experimental groups consisting of six replicates each containing 10 quails. Experimental groups designed: the control group (C) (basal diet-0% colored corn, vaccinated), negative control group (NC) (basal diet-0% colored corn, no vaccine), 50% CC group (basal diet-50% colored corn, vaccinated), and 100% CC group (basal diet-100% colored corn, vaccinated). At the end of the 35-day period, the highest body weight and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded in the 50% CC (P < 0.05). The highest feed intake (FI) was recorded in the 100% CC group, the lowest FI in C (P > 0.05), and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 50% CC group (P < 0.05). While L* was not affected, a* and b* values were significantly affected by feeding colored corn (P < 0.05). Meat pH, cooking loss (CL), and water holding capacity (WHC) values were significantly affected, and the highest pH and CL values were in the C group and the highest WHC value in NC (P < 0.05). Colored corn had no influence on MDA^7th concentration of breast meat. The antibody titers against NDV were significantly superior in the vaccinated groups than in the NC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of colored corn in quail had an affirmative effect on meat quality and growth performance but not on the immune response of quail against NDV.

The use of purple carrot powder in the diet of laying quails improved some egg quality characteristics, including antioxidant capacity

The goal of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary concentrations of purple carrot powder (PCP) on performance, egg production, egg quality, and the antioxidant capacity of the yolk in laying quails. A total of one hundred and fifty 22-week-old Japanese laying quails were allotted to 5 dietary treatments each with 6 replicates of 5 quails. Quails were allocated to five dietary treatments (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%) with PCP addition at an increasing level from 0 to 4000 mg/kg diet respectively, which were fed ad-libitum throughout the duration of the experiment. No differences were detected between dietary treatments for any of the performance parameters or egg production. Eggshell weight and eggshell thickness (P < 0.05) were linearly affected by PCP dietary, reaching maximum levels at 0.4% of PCP supplementation, while the percentage of damaged egg and egg-breaking strength remained similar for all experimental groups (P < 0.05). Quails receiving PCP diets showed a yellowness (b*) (P < 0.05) egg yolk color than those fed the control diet, without affecting the rest of the color parameters and egg internal quality. Increasing PCP levels in diets reduced linearly yolk TBARS (P < 0.01) and increased linearly DPPH (P < 0.01). The addition of PCP, a safe and readily available agricultural by-product, as a component of the diet of laying quail was effective without adversely affecting quail production. Moreover, the inclusion of PCP in the diet might benefit laying quails' eggs by improving some quality traits and enhancing the yolk's antioxidant capacity, which could improve their shelf-life and acceptability.

Effect of crossbreeding and sex on slaughter performance and meat quality in Xingguo gray goose based on multiomics data analysis

Here, we examined the effects of crossbreeding and sex on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in Xingguo gray (XG) goose, using transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The experiment was conducted using 400 goslings (1-day old) of 2 genotypes: the XG breed and its ternary hybrids [F₂ geese; (XG Goose♂ × Yangzhou Goose♀)♀ × Shitou Goose♂]. The goslings were divided into 4 groups: female XG, male XG, female F₂ geese, and male F₂ geese, and growth parameters were examined at 70 d of age, using 30 birds from each group. Following slaughter, samples of breast and thigh muscles were collected from each group for chemical, metabolome, and transcriptome analyses. Growth rate, live body and slaughter weights, meat chemical composition, and muscle fiber diameter were affected by crossbreeding and sex. Crossbreeding significantly improved the dressing percentage, semieviscerated rate, eviscerated yield, and abdominal fat yield of XG geese. To clarify the potential regulatory network affected by crossbreeding and sex, we used RNA-seq and nontargeted metabolomics to detect changes in male and female goose breast muscle. The transcriptome results showed that there were 534, 323, 297, and 492 differently expressed genes (DEGs) among the 4 comparison groups (XG-Female vs. F₂-Female, XG-Male vs. F₂-Male, F₂-Male vs. F₂-Female, and XG-Male vs. XG-Female, respectively) that were mainly related to muscle growth and development and fatty acid metabolism pathways. A total of 141 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were enriched in serine and threonine, propionate, and pyruvate metabolism. Finally, we comprehensively analyzed the metabolome and transcriptome data and found that many DEGs and DAMs played crucial roles in lipid metabolism and muscle growth and development. In summary, crossbreeding can improve XG goose production performance and affect breast muscle gene expression and metabolites in both female and male geese.

Use of zinc nanoparticles and/or prodigiosin to mitigate heat stress in rabbits

Heat stress (HS) is an environmental challenge affecting animals' health, productivity and welfare. This work aimed to inspect the protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and/or prodigiosin (PRG) against inflammation, immune dysfunction, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggered by HS in growing rabbits. Growing weaned rabbits (one hundred males, 35 days of age) were randomly assigned into four groups. The first group fed a basal diet without supplementation and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups fed diets containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 50mg/kg diet), prodigiosin (PRG, 100 mg/kg diet) or their mixture (ZnPRG) under HS conditions for eight successive weeks. The dietary inclusion with ZnNPs and/or PRG significantly boosted FBW (final body weight), CBWG (cumulative body weight gain), and FCR (feed conversion ratio) and had no substantial impacts on the CFI (cumulative feed intake) as compared with those in HS one. All supplemented treatments significantly unveiled an increase in the values of RBCs, hemoglobin, and platelets and significantly decreased in WBCs, basophils and monocytes with non-statistically effects on hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, neutrophils and eosinophils. Compared with the HS group, all supplemental groups showed a significant reduction in TNFα, IL4, IFN-γ, TLR-4 and amyloid A levels and DNA damage markers (Ohdg) and significantly increased in the levels of NO and lysosome activity. Rabbits in the ZnPRG group had significantly higher Ig G and Ig M levels than in other groups. The highest value of CAT and GSH levels were found in rabbits received the mixture of ZnNPs (50mg) and PRG (100mg) in their diets under elevated temperatures. Additionally, both treatments, PRG and ZnNPS, significantly (P<0.001) reduced the values of MDA and MYO, while all treated groups had significantly reduced PC contents compared with the HS group. Co-supplement with ZnPRG showed a considerable restoration in the higher immune expression of reticulum oxidative such GRP78 and IRE1 in hepatic tissues induced by HS conditions. The mixture of ZnNPs and PRG presented more robust effects in mitigating the adverse impacts of HS in rabbits compared with the individual treatments. Collectively, ZnNPs and/or PRG alleviated oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, it enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune function, and downregulated ER stress such as GRP78 and IRE1 signaling in the hepatic tissues of stressed rabbits.

Dietary Effect of Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 on Chicken Meat Quality, Amino Acid Profile, and Volatile Compounds

Probiotics are being used in diets to improve the quality of chicken meat. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 microbial agent on the meat quality, amino acids, and volatile compounds of chicken. The experiment was carried out with 160 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens, rearing for 42 d. The chickens were randomly divided into two groups of 8 replicates each, with 10 chickens in each group. No supplement was added to the basal diet in the control group and Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 microbial agent was added to the diet of the experimental group. At the end of the experiment, the meat quality, meat chemical composition, amino acid composition, and volatile compounds of chicken were determined. The results showed that pH (p < 0.05), pressing loss (p < 0.05), cooking loss (p < 0.05), and shear force (p < 0.01) were notably decreased, the percentage of breast meat (p < 0.01), protein content (p < 0.05) were visibly increased, and remarkable changes were observed in the amino acid composition (change in seven amino acids) and volatile compounds profile (an increase of about 20-fold in the contents of 1-octen-3-ol and hexanal). In summary, it was found that Brevibacillus laterosporus S62-9 microbial agent can be used as a novel and effective feed supplement to improve the nutritional quality and flavor characteristics of broilers.

Dietary xanthophyll improved growth, antioxidant, pigmentation and meat quality in the southern catfish (Silurus soldatovi meridionalis Chen)

Xanthophyll has multiple physiological functions to improve the quality of farmed animals. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of xanthophyll on the growth performance, antioxidation, immunity, pigmentation and meat quality of southern catfish (Silurus soldatovi meridionalis Chen). Juvenile southern catfish (18.35 ± 0.04 g) were randomly allocated into 24 cages (30 juveniles per cage), and fed diets with different dietary xanthophyll levels (at 14, 42, 80, 108, 126 and 152 mg/kg, dry matter of diet) twice daily for 8 weeks. Results indicated that the diet with 80 mg/kg xanthophyll induced a higher specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency ratio and protein productive value. Moreover, the 80 mg/kg xanthophyll diet also increased complement 3, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and lysozyme content more than the other groups. The mRNA expression level of inflammation-related genes and antioxidant enzyme activities further confirmed the effects of 80 mg/kg dietary xanthophyll on improving immune response. The present study also found that the 126 mg/kg xanthophyll diet significantly enhanced the content of total carotenoids and xanthophyll, hydroxyproline, collagen and amino acid in muscle. The diet with 126 mg/kg xanthophylls also induced lower drip loss, thawing loss, centrifugal loss, cooking loss and higher muscle adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness than the other treatments. In conclusion, quadratic regression model analysis based on SGR and IgM revealed that the optimum xanthophyll level in the diet was 86.78 and 84.63 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, broken line regression analysis based on xanthophyll content in dorsal skin and chewiness in muscle demonstrated that the optimal xanthophyll level was between 89.73 and 108.66 mg/kg in the diet of southern catfish (S. soldatovi meridionalis Chen).

Pathogenesis-Related Gene Expression in Response to Trachyspermum ammi Supplementation Along With Probiotics in Chicken Salmonellosis and Insights in Drug Therapeutics

Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is the leading cause of foodborne illness. Since Salmonella continues to have a detrimental effect on public health, there is an ongoing need to develop more advanced methods for combating Salmonellosis in foods before they reach consumers. In addition, the quest for alternative natural products has recently intensified due to increasingly stringent regulations regarding the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products. This study evaluated the effect of Ajwain extract (AJE) on immune response and antioxidant status in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium. The chicks were infected with S. typhimurium and were divided into the different groups, except for the control group (CON). The challenged chicks received different treatments with 3 × 109 colony-forming unit (CFU) AciproTM-WS probiotic (PRO), 200 mg/kg Ajwain extract (AJE), 200 mg/100 kg of enrofloxacin (ENR), and a combination of 3 × 109 CFU AciproTM-WS probiotic and 200 mg/kg Ajwain extract (COM). Five days posttreatment, the tissue samples (liver and spleen) were analyzed. The results showed that basal diet supplemented with Ajwain extract (AJE) and a combination of probiotic and Ajwain extract (COM) significantly (P &lt; 0.0.5) reduced the cytokine expression in broiler chicks challenged with S. typhimurium. Our findings suggest that AJE can clear the bacterial infection, improve antioxidant status, and suppress the inflammation response. Additionally, AJE supplementation significantly mitigated the S. typhimurium-induced increase in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) (liver and spleen), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (liver and spleen), interleukin-17A (IL-17A) (liver and spleen), and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) (spleen and liver) levels (P &lt; 0.05). We conclude that Ajwain is an efficient feed additive with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The interaction networks developed in this study provide a novel lead that could be targeted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Effects of red-osier dogwood extracts on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive functions, and meat quality of broiler chickens

A total of 320 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks with an initial weight of 48.3 ± 3.3 g·pen−1 were assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates provided in three phases for 46 d. The treatments were fed as mash diets and included (1) negative control (NC) corn-soybean basal diet, (2) positive control (PC) basal diet with 30 ppm avilamycin, (3) basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm red-osier dogwood extracts (RDE1), and (4) basal diet with 3000 ppm red-osier dogwood extracts (RDE2). Results showed reduced jejunal crypt depth in RDE1 and increased villus:crypt ratio in groups (either RDE1 or RDE2) (P < 0.05). Cationic amino acid (AA) transporter mRNA abundance was decreased (P < 0.05) in RDE1, RDE2, and PC treatments, but peptide and neutral AA transporter mRNA abundance were higher (P < 0.05) in RDE2 compared with NC. Apparent ileal digestibility of crude fat was increased in RDE2 and PC compared with NC, whereas AA digestibility was greater in RDE1, RDE2, and PC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, red-osier dogwood had no effect on growth performance, improved the intestinal health and function of broiler chickens, and had no detrimental effects on meat quality.

Influence of dietary supplementation of marigold flower powder and extract (Calendula officinalis L.) on performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, antioxidant parameters and immune responses of growing Japanese quail

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Marigold flower powder (MFP) and marigold flower extract (MFEx) as feed additives on the performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, immunological parameters, microbial content, digestive enzymes and digestibility in growing Japanese quail. A total number of 350 birds randomly distributed into seven groups, with five replicates of 10 birds each, control diet (control group), the second, third and fourth groups were fed on a basal diet within MFP 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2% respectively. Fifth, sixth and seventh groups received the basal diet plus MFEx 150, 200 and 250 ppm respectively. Quails fed on a diet supplemented with MFEx 200 ppm had significantly higher lipase levels (p ≤ 0.001) compared to the control and MFP 0.6% without any significant difference with other experimental groups. Moreover, all digestibility coefficients (DC) of nutrients except for nitrogen-free extract were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) affected by all dietary treatments. Quails fed on the diet supplemented with MFEx 200 ppm significantly (p ≤ 0.001) presented the best body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and the lowest feed intake over all groups. Total lipid profile, kidney functions and liver functions were significantly affected by both MFP and MFEx diets. The group treated with MFEx 250 ppm had lowest E. coli and Salmonella population and the highest Lactobacilli population number. Antioxidant parameters and immune response (except for lymphocytes) were significantly affected (p ≤ 0.001) by different levels of MFP and MFEx. In conclusion, the addition of MFEx and MFP at 200 ppm followed by 250 ppm and 1.2% MFP, respectively, to the basal diet improved product productive performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, immunological parameters, microbial content and digestibility in growing Japanese quail.

Effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive functions, meat quality and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Essential oils are potential antimicrobial alternatives and their applications in animal feeds are limited due to their fast absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde (CIN) at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg on the growth performance, organ weights, meat quality, intestinal morphology, jejunal gene expression, nutrient digestibility, and ileal and cecal microbiota. A total of 320 male day-old broiler Cobb-500 chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments with eight pens per treatment (10 birds per pen): 1) basal diet (negative control, NC); 2) basal diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg avilamycin premix (positive control, PC); 3) basal diet with 50 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOL); 4) basal diet with 100 mg/kg encapsulated CIN (EOH). Despite birds fed EOH tended to increase (P = 0.05) meat pH at 24 h, all pH values were normal. Similar to PC group, meats from birds fed EOL and EOH showed a reduced (P < 0.05) Warner-Bratzler force shear (WBFS) compared to the NC group. The highest villus to crypt ratios (VH/CD; P < 0.05) were observed in broilers fed either EOL or EOH, with an average of 14.67% and 15.13% in the duodenum and 15.13% and 13.58% in the jejunum, respectively. For jejunal gene expressions, only six out of the 11 studied genes showed statistically significant differences among the dietary treatments. Gene expressions of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT-1) were upregulated in EOH-fed birds compared to PC and NC-fed birds (P < 0.05), respectively; while the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was downregulated in EOL-fed birds when compared to NC birds (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the expressions of cadherin 1 (CDH-1), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and maltase-glucoamylase (MG) were all upregulated (P < 0.05) in EOH-fed birds compared to PC-fed birds. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and of all 18 tested amino acids increased in EOL-fed birds (P < 0.01). Additionally, relative abundances (%) of ileal Proteobacteria decreased, while ileal and cecal Lactobacillus increased in EOH-fed birds (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary encapsulated CIN improved meat quality and gut health by reducing meat WBFS, increasing VH/CD in intestines, jejunal gene expressions, AID of nutrients and beneficial ileal and cecal microbiota composition.

Impact of Fermented or Enzymatically Fermented Dried Olive Pomace on Growth, Expression of Digestive Enzyme and Glucose Transporter Genes, Oxidative Stability of Frozen Meat, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

The use of dried olive pomace as complementary energy sources in poultry feed is still limited due to its low protein and high fiber contents. Bioconversion of olive pomace through solid-state fermentation with or without exogenous enzymes is considered as a trial for improving its nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented olive pomace with or without enzymatic treatment on the growth, modulations of genes encoding digestive enzymes and glucose transporters, meat oxidative stability, and economic efficiency of broiler chickens. A total of 1400 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 20 birds/replicate. Treatments included control (basal corn-soybean diet) and other six treatments in which basal diet was replaced by three levels (7.5, 15, and 30%) of fermented olive pomace (FOPI) or enzymatically fermented olive pomace (FOPII) for 42 days. The highest body weight gain was observed in groups fed 7.5 and 15% FOPII (increased by 6.6 and 12.5%, respectively, when compared with the control group). Also, feeding on 7.5 and 15% FOPII yielded a better feed conversion ratio and improved the digestibility of crude protein, fat, and crude fiber. The expression of the SGLT-1 gene was upregulated in groups fed FOPI and FOPII when compared with the control group. Moreover, the expression of the GLUT2 gene was elevated in groups fed 7.5 and 15% FOPII. By increasing the levels of FOPI and FOPII in diets, the expression of genes encoding pancreatic AMY2A, PNLIP, and CCK was upregulated (p < 0.05) when compared with the control. Fat percentage and cholesterol content in breast meat were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by nearly 13.7 and 16.7% in groups fed FOPI and FOPII at the levels of 15 and 30%. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in breast meat were significantly increased in groups fed 15 and 30% FOPI and FOPII when compared with the control group and even after a long period of frozen storage. After 180 days of frozen storage, the inclusion of high levels of FOP significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of glutathione peroxide and total superoxide dismutase and meat ability to scavenge free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Furthermore, the highest net profit and profitability ratio and the lowest cost feed/kg body gain were achieved in groups fed 7.5 and 15% of FOPII, respectively. The results of this study indicated that dietary inclusion of 15% FOPII could enhance the growth performance and economic efficiency of broiler chickens. Moreover, a higher inclusion level of FOPI or FOPII could enhance the quality and increase the oxidative stability of frozen meat and extend the storage time.

Impact of juçara (Euterpe edulis) fruit waste extracts on the quality of conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat

Juçara (Euterpe edulis) is a native Brazilian palm tree from the Atlantic Forest, whose fruit-processing waste can present high concentration of antioxidant compounds. This research was assessed to determine the antioxidant potential of juçara waste extracts aiming to reduce the lipid and protein oxidation processes on conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat throughout 9 d during refrigerated storage. The juçara waste extracts were obtained by microwave-assisted extraction. Two different extracts were tested based on the optimum point obtained when checking total phenolic (TPC) contents (Extract P) and antioxidant activity (Extract A) based on a previous study. The treatments using conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat included: chicken patties without antioxidant addition (AFBNC and CBNC), with synthetic antioxidant (BHT) (AFBPC and CBPC), with Extract P (AFBEP and CBEP) and with Extract A (AFBEA and CBEA), totaling 8 treatments. Antioxidant activity of extracts along with TPC, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and tannin contents of extracts and patties were assessed. Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid and protein oxidation process, and instrumental color were analyzed in patty treatments. Although both extracts had similar content of TPC and tannin, extract A presented the highest anthocyanin, while extract P exhibited the highest flavonoid. While extract A exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, extract P was highly influential in the stability of lipid oxidative degradation in both types of broiler meat (AFBEP and CBEP), and as successful as BHT (AFBPC and CBPC). In addition, extract P was also able to stabilize protein oxidation in conventional broiler meat (CBEP) from the third day, until the end of the storage period. Therefore, the fruit waste extract P of juçara can be a promising source of natural antioxidants to prevent the oxidative process in conventional and antibiotic-free broiler meat.

Highly effective dietary inclusion of laurel (Laurus nobilis) leaves on productive traits of broiler chickens

Laurel leaves characterized with interesting antioxidant effects, which have often used to improve the immunity with positive consequences on growth and performance This study was conducted to assess the effect of adding crushed laurel leaves to the diet on the productive traits of broiler chickens. A total of 180 broiler chickens, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, with a rate of 45 birds per treatment; each treatment consisted of three replicates. The first treatment, or control, was generated without adding laurel leaves to the diet, second, third, and fourth treatments were generated by adding laurel leaves with amounts of 1, 2, and 3 g kg-1 feed, respectively. Nine productive traits were evaluated in this study, including the average of live body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, percentage of mortality, productive index, length of the villus, depth of crypts, and villus length/crypts length ratio. Results indicated that the addition of laurel leaves led to a significant improvement in all productive traits, signifying highly essential participation of laurel leaves to enhance growth and performance. In conclusion, it can be stated that adding 3 g kg-1 of crushed laurel leaves to the diet can improve the productive traits of broiler chickens.

Effect of Olive Leaves or Marigold Petal Extract on Oxidative Stress, Gut Fermentative Activity, and Mucosa Morphology in Broiler Chickens Fed a Diet Rich in n-3 Polyunsaturated Fats

An experiment in broilers was conducted to investigate the effect of olive (Olea europea) leaves and marigold (Calendula officinalis) petal extract supplementation on oxidative stress, characteristics of intestinal contents, and on the morphology of the small intestine. Oxidative stress was induced by a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids rich diet. 1-day-old male broiler chickens, Ross 308, were housed in a deep litter system. After the first 21 days, animals were randomly divided into three groups of 16 animals in two replicates and fed, until slaughter on day 39, a diet that contained 7% linseed oil. Control diet (Cont) remained unsupplemented, while both experimental diets were supplemented with olive leaves (OliveEx) or marigold petal (MarigEx) extracts. Oxidative stress was evaluated in blood and liver by measuring markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes), rate of DNA damage in lymphocytes and in blood (comet assay, 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and activity of antioxidant and liver enzymes in blood. In different parts of the intestine, levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and viscosity of intestinal contents were measured, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract was assessed using histological measurements. OliveEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA and 8-OHdG concentration in plasma, and the level of ethanoic acid in small intestinal contents and total SCFA in caecum, indicating improved oxidative status and increased microbial activity in the intestine. MarigEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the rate of lymphocyte DNA damage and the crypt depth in duodenum, indicating potentially beneficial effects on the immune system and the health of the small intestine. In conclusion, dietary OliveEx and MarigEx supplementation improved some markers of oxidative stress and intestinal health. However, positive effects could be more pronounced in more unfavorable environmental conditions or in cases of diseases, but further studies are needed.

Effects of dietary mulberry leaf powder on growth performance, blood metabolites, meat quality, and antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression of fattening Hu lambs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the mulberry [Morus alba var. multicaulis (Perrott.) Loud.] leaf powder (MLP) supplementation in dietary concentrates on growth performance, blood metabolites, meat quality, and antioxidant enzyme (AOE) gene expression in fattening Hu lambs. Forty approximately 3-mo-old Hu lambs (16.5 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allocated to five groups and fed with concentrates containing 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, or 60% MLP (control, T15, T30, T45, and T60, respectively). The results showed that 15%–30% MLP supplementation maintained growth and carcass performance, and the weight of total stomach, especially of rumen in T15 and T30, were higher than those of the control. Dietary MLP supplementation decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but increased the high-density lipoprotein levels. Moreover, MLP supplementation improved the longissimus lumborum muscle color (redness), tenderness, and water-holding capacity. It was further observed that 15% MLP supplementation enhanced all AOE mRNA levels apart from that of EPHX1. In summary, dietary MLP supplementation could partially improve the blood metabolites, meat quality, and AOE mRNA levels in the liver of fattening Hu lamb, and the level of 15% supplementation was the most promising.

In vitro and in vivo activity of cinnamaldehyde against Eimeria kofoidi in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

One hundred and twenty one-day-old chukar partridges were randomly divided into eight groups which received diets with different supplementations. There were four unchallenged groups. One group received salinomycin (50 ppm), two groups received cinnamaldehyde (CINN) (100 and 200 mg/kg of diet), and another one received only the basal diet from the 1st to the 31st day. There were also four corresponding groups orally challenged by 3 × 10⁵Eimeria kofoidi sporulated oocysts at the 21st day. Three samplings were done at the 24th, 26th, and 31st days of rearing for pathological and biochemical assessments. Fecal samples were daily taken to check the pattern of oocyst shedding from the 26th to 31st day. The body weight of birds was measured at 21st and 31st days. Along with the in vivo experiment, an in vitro sporulation inhibition test was carried out. The in vitro results showed that CINN decreased sporulation rate at 1 and 0.5 mg/ml. In vivo, it was found that CINN did not prevent the oocyst shedding. Furthermore, the histopathological findings revealed that CINN and salinomycin had no effect on infection establishment. However, our findings showed that CINN (200 mg/kg of diet) could enhance the body weight and improve antioxidant status. Although our results did not support the in vivo anticoccidial activity of CINN, it had a promising potential to improve antioxidant status and body weight in the chukar partridge.

Ethanolic extract of mango seed used in the feeding of broilers: effects on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and meat quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different levels of ethanolic extract of mango seed (EEMS) in broiler chicken rations on their phenolic compound levels, antioxidant activity, and meat quality. Initially, 756 one-day-old male chicks of the Ross 308 line were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with seven treatments and six replicates of 18 birds. The treatments consisted of (i) a ration without the addition of antioxidants, (ii) a ration with the addition of 200 ppm of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (iii) a ration with the addition of 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1000 ppm of EEMS. According to the results, the values of phenolic compounds, the lipid stability of meat (measured by the value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), shear force, loss of cooking water, color, and pH of the meat differed significantly between the treatments. For the antioxidant activity of the meat, there was no significant difference between the treatments by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method; however, by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, the breast meat of broilers fed diets containing EEMS from 600 ppm and up presented higher antioxidant capacity when compared with the meat of the birds fed the control diet. In the ABTS method, there was no significant difference between the use of synthetic antioxidant BHT and the addition of EEMS at different levels. In conclusion, the addition of EEMS does not affect meat quality parameters of broilers, but when a dose of 600 ppm or more is added, the antioxidant capacity of meat measured by the ABTS method increases.

Effects of bamboo leaf extract on growth performance, meat quality, and meat oxidative stability in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related gene expression of breast meat in broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 6 groups. The control group (CTR) was fed basal diet, while BLE1, BLE2, BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 g BLE per kg feed, respectively. Compared with the CTR group, BLE2 and BLE5 increased average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 D and 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05), BLE1 and BLE2 improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio from 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05). Throughout the trial period, the highest body weight and favorable ADG and feed to gain ratio were observed in the BLE2 group. The drip loss at 24 h and pH at 45 min postmortem of breast meat were linearly improved by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Shear force was significantly lower in BLE2 and BLE3 than that in CTR group. Increasing supplementation of BLE linearly improved free radical scavenging capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content of breast meat during 12 D of storage (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were linearly increased by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase in BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 groups was significantly promoted, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression was increased in BLE2, BLE4, and BLE5 (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) heme oxygennase-1 gene expression was observed in BLE5. In conclusion, broiler supplemented with BLE improved growth performance and meat quality, BLE supplementation might activate Nrf2 pathway to alleviate lipid oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity of breast meat. The dosage of 2.0 to 3.0 g/kg BLE in broiler diet was recommanded.

Evaluation of Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower as a natural growth promoter in comparison with an antibiotic growth promoter on growth performance, carcass traits and humoral immune responses of broilers

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dried powder of Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower as an antibiotic growth promoter substitute on growth performance, organ weights, and immunological parameters in broilers. A total of 240 mixed sex broilers (Ross 308) at 1 d of age were individually weighed and randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 15 birds for 6 wk. The dietary treatments were: 1) a basal diet (control); 2) control plus 4.5 mg flavophospholipol/kg of diet; 3) control plus 5 g marigold/kg of diet; 4) control plus 10 g marigold/kg of diet. Antibody responses against Newcastle (NDV), influenza (AI) viruses, and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were measured. Supplementing 4.5 mg flavophospholipol/kg of diet enhanced body weight (BW) of broilers at 14 and 28 d of age (P < 0.05), but final BW at 42 d was not markedly affected. At 14 and 28 d of age, broilers fed diets supplemented with 10 g marigold/kg of diet had significantly lower BW compared with broilers fed the basal diet supplemented with antibiotic or 5 g marigold/kg of diet. During the starter period, broilers fed diets supplemented with antibiotic had significantly (P < 0.05) better FCR compared with broilers supplemented with 10 g marigold/kg of diet, but did not differ from broilers fed the basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 5 g marigold/kg of diet. There were no significant differences in FCR between treatments, during grower, finisher phases as well as for the whole experiment. Carcass yield was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in broilers supplemented with 5 g marigold/kg of diet compared with broilers in other groups. The treatments failed to induce any marked effect on immune parameters. In conclusion, the results of this experiment showed that supplementation of 5 and 10 g dried powder of marigold/kg of diet has no affirmative influence on growth performance of broilers.

Dietary β-Sitosterol Improves Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Status, and Mitochondrial Biogenesis of Breast Muscle in Broilers

Simple Summary

Fast growth of modern broilers induces their muscle abnormality and myopathy, and therefore could compromise meat quality attributes. Antibiotic growth promoters have been banned by European Union and restricted by other countries in livestock production due to the public concern about food safety and antibiotic resistance. The search for efficacious, environmentally friendly, safe, and consumer favorable feed additives have become a necessity to poultry meat production. β-sitosterol—the most abundant phytosterol similar to cholesterol in chemical structure—is found in several plant products. It was incorporated at four levels into broiler diets (40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg). Dietary β-sitosterol supplementation improved growth performance and breast muscle meat quality of broilers, and the improved meat quality may be related with the simultaneously enhanced oxidative status and mitochondrial biogenesis in the breast muscle. The β-sitosterol dietary supplementation at the level of 80 mg/kg is recommended in broilers

Abstract

The present study evaluated effects of β-sitosterol on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative status, and mitochondrial biogenesis of breast muscle in broilers. One-day-old chicks were allocated to five treatments of six replicates. Broilers were fed a basal diet supplemented either with 0 (control), 40, 60, 80, or 100 mg/kg β-sitosterol for 42 days. β-sitosterol linearly and quadratically reduced feed/gain ratio, lightness_24h and cooking loss_24h in breast muscle, whereas 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of breast muscle followed an opposite trend. β-sitosterol linearly decreased drip loss_24h and malondialdehyde content, whereas linearly increased pH_24h, superoxide dismutase activity, and mRNA abundances of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PCG-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in breast muscle. Compared with control, levels of β-sitosterol higher than 40 mg/kg reduced feed/gain ratio, muscular lightness_24h, cooking loss_24h, and malondialdehyde level, whereas increased muscular 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, and mRNA abundances (except 60 mg/kg) of PCG-1α and TFAM. Eighty milligram/kilogram β-sitosterol increased muscular pH_24h and superoxide dismutase activity, but decreased its drip loss_24h. Therefore, β-sitosterol could improve growth performance and meat quality, oxidative status, and mitochondrial biogenesis of breast muscle in broilers. Furthermore, supplementation level of 80 mg/kg β-sitosterol is recommended for broiler diets.

Simultaneous extraction and enrichment of polyphenol and lutein from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower by an enzyme-assisted ethanol/ammonium sulfate system

Enzyme-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction was investigated for simultaneous extraction and enrichment of polyphenol and lutein.