Modulation of Broiler Intestinal Changes Induced by Clostridium perfringens and Deoxynivalenol through Probiotic, Paraprobiotic, and Postbiotic Supplementation

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a DON and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge on the intestinal morphology, morphometry, oxidative stress, and immune response of broilers. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of a Lactobacillus spp. mixture as an approach to mitigate the damage induced by the challenge. One-day-old broiler chickens (n = 252) were divided into seven treatment groups: Control, DON, CP, CP + DON, VL (DON + CP + viable Lactobacillus spp. mixture), HIL (DON + CP + heat-inactivated Lactobacillus spp. mixture), and LCS (DON + CP + Lactobacillus spp. mixture culture supernatant). Macroscopic evaluation of the intestines revealed that the CP + DON group exhibited the highest lesion score, while the VL and HIL groups showed the lowest scores. Microscopically, all Lactobacillus spp. treatments mitigated the morphological changes induced by the challenge. DON increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum, and CP increased ROS levels in the jejunum and ileum. Notably, the Lactobacillus spp. treatments did not improve the antioxidant defense against CP-induced oxidative stress. In summary, a Lactobacillus spp. mixture, whether used as a probiotic, paraprobiotic, or postbiotic, exerted a partially protective effect in mitigating most of the intestinal damage induced by DON and CP challenges.

Dietary vegetable choline improves hepatic health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet

Aflatoxin B_{1 (}AFB₁) is one of the most important mycotoxins due to its hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects on animals. The effect of dietary supplementation with vegetable choline (VC) at 400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg against the deleterious effects of AFB₁ (2 ppm/kg diet) in the liver of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was studied. The experimental period was 81 days, and the diet with VC was offered to the fish for 60 days prior to challenge with AFB₁. Diets with AFB₁ were tested in three replications and animals were analyzed at days 14 and 21 of dietary intake. The addition of VC to tilapia diet increased body weight (days 30 and 60 pre-challenge and day 21 post-challenge). The group fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet presented significantly reduced antioxidant enzymes and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels, and protein carbonyl (PC) content in the liver. Dietary supplementation with VC at 800 and 1200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant protective effect, avoiding the increase of ROS, TBARS, and PC levels in the liver of tilapia from the aflatoxin contaminated groups. Thus, dietary VC supplementation may be used in tilapia to increase antioxidant status and reduce the negative effects caused by AFB₁ toxicity. Based on the findings, it is recommended to use VC as a food supplement for Nile tilapia in order to avoid AFB₁ toxication. In addition, decreased aflatoxin toxicity can be attributed to the VC antioxidant property.

Efeito do tratamento com óleos essenciais sobre a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes de milho (Zea mays)

RESUMO: O desenvolvimento de pesticidas é uma constante no setor agropecuário, visando oferecer produtos menos agressivos ao meio ambiente e novos princípios ativos, evitando o aparecimento de resistência. O estudo de alternativas aos fungicidas utilizados no tratamento de sementes tem nos óleos essenciais um campo para prospecção. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos dos óleos essenciais provenientes de folhas de C. citriodora e E. camaldulensis , em sementes de milho da variedade AL Bandeirante, de diferentes localidades. A qualidade fisiológica e sanitária das sementes foi avaliada quando se trataram as amostras utilizando os óleos individualmente, a mistura equitativa desses óleos e o tratamento com um antifúngico comercial. Foi observado que o tratamento com os óleos C. citriodora e E. camaldulensis e a mistura dos óleos não afetou a germinação imediata das sementes de Avaré. No lote de Bernardino de Campos, o tratamento com C. citriodora foi prejudicial; com o E. camualdulensis , apesar de não diferenciar estatisticamente dos demais, diminuiu a germinação, o que impediria sua utilização como semente, segundo o padrão normatizado (de 85%) pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). O óleo de E. camaldulensis apresentou efeito fitotóxico, diminuindo o comprimento das plântulas; a acetona utilizada como solvente não influenciou sobre a germinação, mas apresentou efeito fitotóxico após o envelhecimento acelerado. A aplicação dos óleos isoladamente foi capaz de diminuir a incidência dos fungos dos gêneros Penicillium e Fusarium , mas para Aspergillus o comportamento foi semelhante ao antifúngico comercial, não apresentando efeito quando comparado ao tratamento testemunha.