Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA le...Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA levels impact intestinal AA digestion,transport and metabolism,breast muscle protein metabolism,and growth in grower broilers.A total of 72021-day-old healthy male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly assigned to 12 treatments,each with 6 replicates of 10 birds.The treatments comprised 3 different starch[corn:control,cassava:rapidly digestible starch(RDS),and pea:slowly digestible starch(SDS)]with 4 different AA levels[based on standardized ileal digestible lysine(SID Lys),0.92%,1.02%(as the standard),1.12%and 1.22%].Results An interaction between dietary starch sources and SID Lys levels significantly affected breast muscle yield(P=0.033).RDS and SDS diets,or SID Lys levels of 0.92%,1.02%,or 1.22%,significantly decreased the breast muscle yield of broilers in contrast to the corn starch diet with 1.12%SID Lys(P=0.033).The SID Lys levels of 1.12%and 1.22%markedly improved body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)from 22 to 42 days of age,and mRNA expression of y^(+)LAT1 and mTOR while reducing feed intake(FI)and feed/gain ratio(F/G)compared to the 0.92%SID Lys level(P<0.05).The SDS diet significantly decreased BW and BWG of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age,distal ileal starch digestibility,jejunal amylase and chymotrypsin activities,and mRNA expression of GLUT2 and y^(+)LAT1 compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).The RDS diet suppressed the breast muscle mass by down-regulating expression of mTOR,S6K1,and eIF4E and up-regulating expression of MuRF,CathepsinB,Atrogin-1,and M-calpain compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the SDS diet significantly increased acetyl-CoA andα-ketoglutaric acid levels in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle(P<0.05)but decreased the ileal digestibility of Lys,Tyr,Leu,Asp,Ser,Gly,Pro,Arg,Ile,and Val compared to the corn starch group(P<0.05).Conclusion The SDS diet impaired broiler growth by reducing intestinal starch digestibility,which inhibited intestinal AA and glucose absorption and utilization,increased AA oxidation for energy supply,and lowered the efficiency of protein synthesis.Although the RDS diet resulted in growth performance similar to the corn starch diet,it reduced breast muscle mass by inhibiting protein synthesis and promoting degradation.展开更多
Background Broiler chickens are most vulnerable immediately after hatching due to their immature immune systems,making them susceptible to infectious diseases.The yolk plays an important role in early immune defence b...Background Broiler chickens are most vulnerable immediately after hatching due to their immature immune systems,making them susceptible to infectious diseases.The yolk plays an important role in early immune defence by showing relevant antioxidant and passive immunity capabilities during broiler embryonic development.The immunomodulatory effects of phytogenic compound carvacrol have been widely reported.After in ovo delivery in the amniotic fluid during embryonic development carvacrol is known to migrate to the yolk sac.However,it is unknown whether carvacrol in the yolk could enhance defence responsiveness in the yolk sac.Therefore,the aim of this study was to improve early immune function in chicken embryos,and it was hypothesized that in ovo delivery of carvacrol would result in immunomodulatory effects in the yolk sac,potentially improving post-hatch resilience.Methods On embryonic day(E)17.5,either a saline(control)or carvacrol solution was injected into the amniotic fluid.Yolk sac tissue samples were collected at E19.5,and transcriptomic analyses using RNA sequencing were performed,following functional enrichment analyses comparing the control(saline)and carvacrol-injected groups.Results The results showed that 268 genes were upregulated and 174 downregulated in the carvacrol group compared to the control(P<0.05;logFC<-0.5 or log FC>0.5).Functional analyses of these differentially expressed genes,using KEGG,REACTOME,and Gene Ontology databases,showed enrichment of several immune-related pathways.This included the pathways‘Antimicrobial peptides’(P=0.001)and‘Chemoattractant activity’(P=0.004),amongst others.Moreover,the‘NOD-like receptor signaling’pathway was enriched(P=0.002).Antimicrobial peptides are part of the innate immune defence and are amongst the molecules produced after the nucleotide oligomeriza-tion domain(NOD)-like receptor pathway activation.While these responses may be associated with an inflammatory reaction to an exogenous threat,they could also indicate that in ovo delivery of carvacrol could prepare the newly hatched chick against bacterial pathogens by potentially promoting antimicrobial peptide production through acti-vation of NOD-like receptor signaling in the yolk sac.Conclusion In conclusion,these findings suggest that in ovo delivery of carvacrol has the potential to enhance anti-pathogenic and pro-inflammatory responses in the yolk sac via upregulation of antimicrobial peptides,and NOD-like receptor pathways.展开更多
Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clost...Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clostridium perfringens and assessed their influence on growth performance and intestinal health in NE-challenged broilers through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods The in vitro experiment included 5 treatment groups:the negative control(NC),2μmol/L diclazuril(DZ),30μmol/L usnic acid(UA),90μmol/L tannic acid(TA),and 15μmol/L usnic acid^(+)45μmol/L tannic acid(UTA)groups.The in vivo experiment involved 320 broilers divided into four groups:PC(NE-challenged),SA(500 mg/kg salinomycin premix^(+)NE-challenged),UA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)NE-challenged),and UTA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)500 mg/kg tannic acid^(+)NE-challenged)groups.Results In the in vitro study,the UA,TA,and UTA treatments significantly increased apoptosis in coccidian oocysts and sporozoites,lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and disrupted the oocyst structure compared with those in the NC group.UA and TA had inhibitory effects on C.perfringens,with the strongest inhibition observed in the UTA group.The in vivo results demonstrated that the SA group presented significantly improved growth performance on d 13,21,and 28(P<0.05),whereas the UA and UTA groups presented improvements on d 13 and 21(P<0.05).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments reduced the intestinal lesion scores by d 28 and the fecal coccidian oocyst counts from d 19 to 21(P<0.05).Compared with the PC group,the UA and UTA groups presented lower intestinal sIgA levels and CD8^(+)cell percentages(P<0.05),with a trend toward a reduced CD3^(+)cell percentage(P=0.069).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments significantly reduced the serum diamine oxidase activity,crypt depth,and plateletderived growth factor levels in the intestinal mucosa while increasing the villus height to crypt depth ratio and number of goblet cells(P<0.05).The UTA treatment also significantly increased the acetate and butyrate concentrations in the cecum(P<0.05).With respect to the gut microbiota,significant changes inβdiversity in the ileum and cecum were observed in the SA,UA,and UTA groups,indicating that the microbial community compositions differed among the groups.Romboutsia dominated the SA group,Bacillales dominated the UA group,and Lactobacillales and Lachnospirales dominated the UTA group in the ileal microbiota.In the cecal microbiota,Lactobacillus,Butyricicoccus,and Blautia abundances were significantly elevated in the UTA group(P<0.05).Conclusion Usnic acid and tannic acid induce apoptosis in coccidia and sporozoites by lowering the mitochondrial membrane potential.Both usnic acid alone and in combination with tannic acid alleviate NE-induced adverse effects in broilers by modulating intestinal immunity,altering the microbial composition,and improving intestinal barrier function.Compared with usnic acid alone,the combination of usnic acid and tannic acid had superior effects,providing a promising basis for the development of effective feed additive combinations.展开更多
Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the ...Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the effects of CHS on long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)expression and muscle injury in broilers,with a focus on its implications for meat quality.Results The results showed that CHS diminished breast muscle yield,elevated abdominal fat deposition,induced cellular apoptosis(P<0.05),and caused myofibrosis.Transcriptomic analysis revealed 151 differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs when comparing the normal control(NC)and HS groups,214 DE lncRNAs when comparing the HS and PF groups,and 79 DE lncRNAs when comparing the NC and pair-fed(PF)groups.After eliminating the confounding effect of feed intake,68 lncRNAs were identified,primarily associated with cellular growth and death,signal transduc-tion,and metabolic regulation.Notably,the apoptosis-related pathway P53,lysosomes,and the fibrosis-related gene TGF-β2 were significantly upregulated by lncRNAs.Conclusions These findings indicate that chronic heat stress induces cellular apoptosis and muscle injury through lncRNA,leading to connective tissue accumulation,which likely contributes to reduced breast muscle yield and meat quality in broilers.展开更多
Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group...Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.Results Implementing cyclic chronic HS(34 ℃ for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the m RNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.Conclusions These findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.展开更多
Background Poor feather growth not only affects the appearance of the organism but also decreases the feed efficiency.Methionine(Met)is an essential amino acid required for feather follicle development;yet the exact m...Background Poor feather growth not only affects the appearance of the organism but also decreases the feed efficiency.Methionine(Met)is an essential amino acid required for feather follicle development;yet the exact mechanism involved remains insufficiently understood.Methods A total of 1801-day-old broilers were selected and randomly divided into 3 treatments:control group(0.45%Met),Met-deficiency group(0.25%Met),and Met-rescue group(0.45%Met in the pre-trial period and 0.25%Met in the post-trial period).The experimental period lasted for 56 d,with a pre-trial period of 1–28 d and a post-trial period of 29–56 d.In addition,Met-deficiency and Met-rescue models were constructed in feather follicle epidermal stem cell by controlling the supply of Met in the culture medium.Results Dietary Met-deficiency significantly(P<0.05)reduced the ADG,ADFI and F/G,and inhibited feather follicle development.Met supplementation significantly(P<0.05)improved growth performance and the feather growth in broilers.Met-rescue may promote feather growth in broilers by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway(GSK-3β,CK1,Axin1,β-catenin,Activeβ-catenin,TCF4,and Cyclin D1).Compared with Met-deficiency group,Met-rescue significantly(P<0.05)increased the activity of feather follicle epidermal stem cell and mitochondrial membrane potential,activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and decreased the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.05).CO-IP confirmed that mitochondrial protein PGAM5 interacted with Axin1,the scaffold protein of the disruption complex of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and directly mediated Met regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and feather follicle development.Conclusions PGAM5 binding to Axin1 mediates the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and promotes feather follicle development and feather growth of broiler chickens through Met supplementation.These results provide theoretical support for the improvement of economic value and production efficiency of broiler chickens.展开更多
As the global population continues to expand,the demand for broiler chicken production to supply safe and high-quality meat is increasing.To meet this ever-growing demand,broiler chickens with enhanced growth performa...As the global population continues to expand,the demand for broiler chicken production to supply safe and high-quality meat is increasing.To meet this ever-growing demand,broiler chickens with enhanced growth performance are being developed,but they often face challenges related to oxidative stress,which can adversely affect gut health.Phytobiotics,which are plant-derived feed additives known for their antimicrobial,antioxidant,immune-modulating,and growth-promoting properties,have emerged as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics.This review consolidates recent advancements in the use of phytobiotics-derived products from leaves,roots,seeds,flowers,and their extracts in broiler diets reared under standard experimental conditions,without the introduction of stressors.The focus is on elucidating the key mechanisms through which phytobiotics improve gut health,includ-ing their effects on gut morphology,integrity,microflora composition,antioxidant capacity,and immune function.The review highlights the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition by acting as natural enhancers of gut health.Research findings reveal that phytobiotics significantly improve intestinal health,and boost growth per-formance,offering a sustainable approach to managing to gut dysfunction.These findings indicate a potential shift in how gut-health related challenges in broilers can be addressed,moving towards natural phytobiotic therapy.How-ever,several challenges persist.Optimizing the dosage of phytobiotics,ensuring consistent performance,and over-coming the limitations related to their extraction and application are key areas requiring further investigation.The review emphasizes the importance of continued research to refine phytobiotic formulations,explore synergistic effects,and incorporate advanced technologies such as AI-driven methods and precision nutrition to tailor feeding strategies more effectively.Additionally,the development of innovative delivery systems,such as nanoencapsula-tion,is suggested as a way to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of phytobiotics.By highlighting the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition,this review supports the poultry industry’s shift towards antibiotic-free and sustainable dietary solutions,offering new perspectives on the future of broiler chicken production.展开更多
Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreati...Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreatic genes and blood physiology parameters after administering one maximum residue limit of herbicide glyphosate(GLY),two ANTs,and one anticoccidial drug(AD).A total of 260 Ross 308 broilers aged 1-40 d were divided into the following four groups of 65 birds each:control group,which was fed the main diet(MD),and three experimental groups,which were fed MD supplemented with GLY,GLY+ANTs(enrofloxacin and colistin methanesulfonate),and GLY+AD(ammonium maduramicin),respectively.The results showed that the addition of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD caused significant changes in the expression of several genes of physiological and economic importance.In particular,genes related to inflammation and apoptosis(interleukin 6(IL6),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),and caspase 6(CASP6))were downregulated by up to 99.1%,and those related to antioxidant protection(catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and peroxiredoxin 6(PRDX6))by up to 98.6%,compared to controls.There was also a significant decline in the values of immunological characteristics in the blood serum observed in the experimental groups,and certain changes in gene expression were concordant with changes in the functioning of the pancreas and blood.The changes revealed in gene expression and blood indices in response to GLY,ANTs,and AD provide insights into the possible mechanisms of action of these agents at the molecular level.Specifically,these changes may be indicative of physiological mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD in broilers.展开更多
Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)is an economically important disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens(CP).The pathogenesis,or disease process,of NE is still not clear.This study aimed to identify...Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)is an economically important disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens(CP).The pathogenesis,or disease process,of NE is still not clear.This study aimed to identify the alterations of metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with subclinical or clinical NE in CP infected birds and to investi-gate the possible variations in the metabolic profile of birds infected with different isolates of CP.Methodology Using a well-established NE model,the protein content of feed was changed abruptly before expos-ing birds to CP isolates with different toxin genes combinations(cpa,cpb2,netB,tpeL;cpa,cpb2,netB;or cpa,cpb2).Metabolomics analysis of jejunal contents was performed by a targeted,fully quantitative LC-MS/MS based assay.Results This study detected statistically significant differential expression of 34 metabolites including organic acids,amino acids,fatty acids,and biogenic amines,including elevation of butyric acid at onset of NE in broiler chickens.Subsequent analysis of broilers infected with CP isolates with different toxin gene combinations confirmed an eleva-tion of butyric acid consistently among 21 differentially expressed metabolites including organic acids,amino acids,and biogenic amines,underscoring its potential role during the development of NE.Furthermore,protein-metabolite network analysis revealed significant alterations in butyric acid and arginine-proline metabolisms.Conclusion This study indicates a significant metabolic difference between CP-infected and non-infected broiler chickens.Among all the metabolites,butyric acid increased significantly in CP-infected birds compared to non-infected healthy broilers.Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between butyric acid(coefficient:1.23,P<0.01)and CP infection,while showing a negative association with amino acid metabolism.These findings suggest that butyric acid could be a crucial metabolite linked to the occurrence of NE in broiler chickens and may serve as an early indicator of the disease at the farm level.Further metabolomic experiments using different NE animal models and field studies are needed to determine the specificity and to validate metabolites associated with NE,regardless of predisposing factors.展开更多
Background Wheat and,to a lesser extent,sorghum are the dominant feed grains in Australian chicken-meat production.There is considerable local interest in the development of reduced-crude protein(CP)broiler diets in p...Background Wheat and,to a lesser extent,sorghum are the dominant feed grains in Australian chicken-meat production.There is considerable local interest in the development of reduced-crude protein(CP)broiler diets in part because this would decrease the need to import soybean meal into the country.Maize is rarely included in Australian broiler diets,but birds appear better able to accommodate dietary CP reductions with maize than with wheat-based diets.Sorghum is more similar to maize than wheat and for this reason wheat-and sorghum-based diets,with standard and reduced-CP concentrations,were evaluated in broiler chickens in a direct comparison.Results Reducing dietary CP from 205 to 175 g/kg CP did not statistically influence weight gain and FCR in broilers offered sorghum-based diets from 14 to 35 d post-hatch.In contrast,the 30 g/kg CP reduction compromised weight gain by 10.1%(1,964 versus 2,187 g/bird)and FCR by 9.68%(1.575 versus 1.436),in broilers offered wheat-based diets.Consequently,treatment interactions(P<0.001)were observed for dietary CP levels grain type for both weight gain and FCR.Another treatment interaction(P<0.001)was observed for starch digestibility coefficients in the distal jejunum.Birds offered 205 g/kg CP,wheat-based diets had superior starch digestibility by 11.6%(0.914 versus 0.819),but sorghum supported superior starch digestibility by 9.70%(0.837 versus 0.763)in the context of 175 g/kg CP diets.Conclusions Under the condition of thid study,broiler chickens offered sorghum-based diets had a greater capacity to accommodate dietary CP reductions than their counterparts offered wheat-based diets.This study confirmed that wheat-based diets are not conducive to CP reductions,but the causal factors have yet to be identified precisely.展开更多
Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the produ...Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the production of tryptophan metabolites.Sanguinarine(SAN)enhances broiler immunity,however,its low bioavailability and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study aimed to decode the mechanisms by which sanguinarine enhances intestinal immune function in broilers.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to identify the main metabolites of sanguinarine in the intestine.Subsequently,equal concentrations of sanguinarine and its metabolites were separately added to the diets.The effects of sanguinarine and its metabolites on the intestinal immune function of broiler chickens were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and tryptophan metabolomics approaches.Results We determined that dihydrosanguinarine(DHSA)is the main metabolite of sanguinarine in the intestine.Both compounds increased average daily gain and reduced feed efficiency,thereby improving growth performance.They also enhanced ileal villus height and the villus-to-crypt(V/C)ratio while decreasing crypt depth and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1,occludin and claudin-1.Furthermore,both compounds promoted the proliferation of intestinal Lactobacillus species,a tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,stimulated short-chain fatty acid production,and lowered intestinal pH.They regulated tryptophan metabolism by increasing the diversity and content of indole tryptophan metabolites,activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)pathway,and elevating the mRNA levels of CYP1A1,CYP1B1,SLC3A1,IDO2 and TPH1.Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were inhibited,while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22,serum SIgA concentration,and intestinal MUC2 expression were increased.Notably,DHSA exhibited a more pronounced effect on enhancing immune function compared to SAN.Conclusions SAN is converted to DHSA in vivo,which increases its bioavailability.DHSA regulates tryptophan metabolism by activating the AhR pathway and modulating immune-related factors through changes in the gut microbiota.Notably,DHSA significantly increases the abundance of Lactobacillus,a key tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,thereby enhancing intestinal immune function and improving broiler growth performance.展开更多
Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated ho...Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks.Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline(control)or SB at 0.1%(SB1),0.3%(SB3),or 0.5%(SB5).Post-hatch,male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW(HHW)or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4×2 factorial design.Production parameters were recorded periodically.Intestinal weight,length,and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42.Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results SB treatments did not affect hatchability.HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group.SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW catego-ries,with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%.LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42,exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group.LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum,TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14.Addi-tionally,LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum,while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42.LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths,while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths.HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacte-ria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter.SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity,composition,and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories.The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints.HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.Conclusions HW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW.LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3%SB,showing improvements in growth,intestinal development,health,and gut microbiota characteristics.展开更多
The development of alternative therapies to treat chicken coccidiosis has become a hot topic because of the widespread use of conventional medicines.This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of eugenol in trea...The development of alternative therapies to treat chicken coccidiosis has become a hot topic because of the widespread use of conventional medicines.This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of eugenol in treating Eimeria tenella infection in broilers.Broiers,at the age of 14 d,were orally infected with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts,and then,eugenol essential oil was added to chicken feed at three different dosages(0.1,0.2 or 0.4 g/kg).The anticoccidial effects of eugenol essential oil were assessed using the anticoccidial index(ACI).As a result,eugenol exhibited a moderate anticoccidial effect,with an ACI of 167.37 at 0.2 g/kg.After eugenol treatment,the expression of occludin in the epithelial cells of the chicken cecum was significantly greater(P<0.05)than that in the epithelial cells of the nontreated control(IC)group.The proportion of intestinal Lactobacillus_agilli increased.Eugenol therapy dramatically increased the activity of superoxide dismutase.After high-dose treatment,the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1βand IL-6 significantly decreased,while the expression of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γsignificantly increased.The safety of eugenol essential oil was evaluated at the 1,3 or 6 recommended doses.Overall,no significant differences were detected in the blood tests or serum biochemistry of the chickens between the treatment groups and the control group.As a result,eugenol essential oil can cure chicken coccidiosis by improving the intestinal microbial structure in the chicken cecum and decreasing the cecum's inflammatory reactions,thus strengthening immune function and eventually demonstrating anticoccidial properties.展开更多
Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut mic...Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut microbiota,bile acids(BAs)play a protective role in maintaining gut homeostasis.However,the antibacterial effect of BAs on Salmonella infection in broilers has remained unexplored.Therefore,the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of feeding BAs in protecting against S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.Methods A total of 1441-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including non-challenged birds fed a basal diet(CON),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds(ST),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds treated with 0.15 g/kg antibiotic after infection(ST-ANT),and S.Typhimurium-challenged birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 350 mg/kg of BAs(ST-BA).Results BAs supplementation ameliorated weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection and reduced the colonization of Salmonella in the liver and small intestine in broilers(P<0.05).Compared to the ST group,broilers in ST-BA group had a higher ileal mucosal thickness and villus height,and BAs also ameliorated the increase of diamine oxidase(DAO)level in serum(P<0.05).It was observed that the mucus layer thickness and the number of villous and cryptic goblet cells(GCs)were increased in the ST-BA group,consistent with the upregulation of MUC2 gene expression in the ileal mucosa(P<0.05).Moreover,the m RNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and interleukin 1 beta(IL1b)were downregulated in the ileum by BAs treatment(P<0.05).16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that,compared to ST group,BAs ameliorated the decreases in Bacteroidota,Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides abundances,which were negatively correlated with serum DAO activity,and the increases in Campylobacterota,Campylobacteraceae and Campylobacter abundances,which were negatively correlated with body weight but positively correlated with serum D-lactic acid(D-LA)levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Dietary BAs supplementation strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reverses dysbiosis of gut microbiota,which eventually relieves the damage to the intestinal barrier and weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.展开更多
Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total trac...Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.展开更多
Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities...Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidation and hepatoprotection,which can promote the ability of liver detoxification.This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver damage in broilers.Results In vivo experiment showed that the PT reduced AFB_(1) content and AFB_(1)-exo-8,9-epoxide DNA(AFBODNA)concentration in serum and liver(P<0.05),improved the histomorphology of liver and hepatic mitochondria,and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-related antioxidant and detoxification pathway by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes(catalase[CAT],glutathione S-transferase[GST])and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)level(P<0.05),and inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A1(cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1)and phase Ⅱ detoxification enzyme related genes(GPX1,GSTT1,and NQO1)of broilers exposed to AFB_(1)(P<0.05).Meanwhile,PT upregulated the Nrf1 pathway-related mitochondrial biosynthetic genes(Nrf1,mitochondrial transcription factor A[TFAM],mitofusin 1[MFN1])in broilers fed AFB_(1) contaminated diet(P<0.05).In vitro verification study suggested that the use of Nrf2/Nrf1 inhibitors suppressed the ameliorative role of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver injury of broilers,which was manifested in the mRNA expression of Nrf2,NQO1,GSTT3,Nrf1,TFAM,and other genes decreasing(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the protein expression of Nrf2,total and nucleus p-Nrf2,and total and nucleus p-Nrf1(P<0.05).Conclusion The PT ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity by activating the Nrf2-mediated phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes pathway and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by activating the Nrf1 signaling pathway in broilers exposed to AFB_(1).展开更多
Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A complet...Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A completely randomized design was used for comparatively testing the effects of Zn proteinate on HS and non-HS broilers.Under high temperature(HT),a 1(Control,HT-CON)+2(Zn source)×2(added Zn level)factorial arrangement of treatments was used.The 2 added Zn sources were Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate(ZnS),and the 2 added Zn levels were 30 and 60 mg/kg.Under normal temperature(NT),a CON group(NT-CON)and pair-fed group(NT-PF)were included.Results The results showed that HS significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,occludin,junctional adhesion molecule-A(JAMA),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and zinc finger protein A20(A20)in the jejunum,and HS also remarkably increased serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-D),endotoxin and interleukin(IL)-1βcontents,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 activities,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum.However,dietary supplementation with Zn,especially organic Zn as Zn-Prot M at 60 mg/kg,significantly decreased serum FITC-D,endotoxin and IL-1βcontents,serum DAO and MMP-2 activities,NF-κB p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum of HS broilers,and notably promoted mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,ZO-1 and A20.Conclusions Our results suggest that dietary Zn,especially 60 mg Zn/kg as Zn-Prot M,can alleviate HS-induced intestinal barrier function damage by promoting the expression of TJ proteins possibly via induction of A20-mediated suppression of the NF-κB p65/MMP-2 pathway in the jejunum of HS broilers.展开更多
Excessive abdominal fat deposition seriously restricts the production efficiency of broilers.Several studies found that dietary supplemental manganese(Mn)could effectively reduce the abdominal fat deposition of broile...Excessive abdominal fat deposition seriously restricts the production efficiency of broilers.Several studies found that dietary supplemental manganese(Mn)could effectively reduce the abdominal fat deposition of broilers,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with the inorganic or organic Mn on abdominal fat deposition,and enzyme activity and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism in the abdominal fat of male or female broilers.A total of 4201-d-old AA broilers(half males and half females)were randomly allotted by body weight and gender to 1 of 6 treatments with 10 replicates cages of 7 chicks per cage in a completely randomized design involving a 3(dietary Mn addition)×2(gender)factorial arrangement.Male or female broilers were fed with the Mn-unsupplemented basal diets containing 17.52 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 1-21)and 15.62 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 22-42)by analysis or the basal diets supplemented with 110 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 1-21)and 80 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 22-42)as either the Mn sulfate or the Mn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Mn-Prot M)for 42 d.The results showed that the interaction between dietary Mn addition and gender had no impact(P>0.05)on any of the measured parameters;abdominal fat percentage of broilers was decreased(P<0.003)by Mn addition;Mn addition increased(P<0.004)adipose triglyceride lipase(ATGL)activity,while Mn-Prot M decreased(P<0.002)the fatty acid synthase(FAS)activity in the abdominal fat of broilers compared to the control;Mn addition decreased(P<0.009)diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2(DGAT2)mRNA expression level and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)mRNA and protein expression levels,but up-regulated(P<0.05)the ATGL mRNA and protein expression levels in the abdominal fat of broilers.It was concluded that dietary supplementation with Mn inhibited the abdominal fat deposition of broilers possibly via decreasing the expression of PPARγand DGAT2 as well as increasing the expression and activity of ATGL in the abdominal fat of broilers,and Mn-Prot M was more effective in inhibiting the FAS acitivity.展开更多
Background Broilers stand out as one of the fastest-growing livestock globally,making a substantial contribution to animal meat production.However,the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the rapid growth an...Background Broilers stand out as one of the fastest-growing livestock globally,making a substantial contribution to animal meat production.However,the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the rapid growth and development of broiler chickens are still unclear.This study aims to explore muscle development patterns and regulatory networks during the postnatal rapid growth phase of fast-growing broilers.We measured the growth performance of Cornish(CC)and White Plymouth Rock(RR)over a 42-d period.Pectoral muscle samples from both CC and RR were randomly collected at day 21 after hatching(D21)and D42 for RNA-seq and ATAC-seq library construction.Results The consistent increase in body weight and pectoral muscle weight across both breeds was observed as they matured,with CC outpacing RR in terms of weight at each stage of development.Differential expression analysis identified 398 and 1,129 genes in the two dimensions of breeds and ages,respectively.A total of 75,149 ATAC-seq peaks were annotated in promoter,exon,intron and intergenic regions,with a higher number of peaks in the promoter and intronic regions.The age-biased genes and breed-biased genes of RNA-seq were combined with the ATAC-seq data for subsequent analysis.The results spotlighted the upregulation of ACTC1 and FDPS at D21,which were primarily associated with muscle structure development by gene cluster enrichment.Additionally,a noteworthy upregulation of MUSTN1,FOS and TGFB3 was spotted in broiler chickens at D42,which were involved in cell differentiation and muscle regeneration after injury,suggesting a regulatory role of muscle growth and repair.Conclusions This work provided a regulatory network of postnatal broiler chickens and revealed ACTC1 and MUSTN1 as the key responsible for muscle development and regeneration.Our findings highlight that rapid growth in broiler chickens triggers ongoing muscle damage and subsequent regeneration.These findings provide a foundation for future research to investigate the functional aspects of muscle development.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1300404)。
文摘Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA levels impact intestinal AA digestion,transport and metabolism,breast muscle protein metabolism,and growth in grower broilers.A total of 72021-day-old healthy male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly assigned to 12 treatments,each with 6 replicates of 10 birds.The treatments comprised 3 different starch[corn:control,cassava:rapidly digestible starch(RDS),and pea:slowly digestible starch(SDS)]with 4 different AA levels[based on standardized ileal digestible lysine(SID Lys),0.92%,1.02%(as the standard),1.12%and 1.22%].Results An interaction between dietary starch sources and SID Lys levels significantly affected breast muscle yield(P=0.033).RDS and SDS diets,or SID Lys levels of 0.92%,1.02%,or 1.22%,significantly decreased the breast muscle yield of broilers in contrast to the corn starch diet with 1.12%SID Lys(P=0.033).The SID Lys levels of 1.12%and 1.22%markedly improved body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)from 22 to 42 days of age,and mRNA expression of y^(+)LAT1 and mTOR while reducing feed intake(FI)and feed/gain ratio(F/G)compared to the 0.92%SID Lys level(P<0.05).The SDS diet significantly decreased BW and BWG of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age,distal ileal starch digestibility,jejunal amylase and chymotrypsin activities,and mRNA expression of GLUT2 and y^(+)LAT1 compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).The RDS diet suppressed the breast muscle mass by down-regulating expression of mTOR,S6K1,and eIF4E and up-regulating expression of MuRF,CathepsinB,Atrogin-1,and M-calpain compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the SDS diet significantly increased acetyl-CoA andα-ketoglutaric acid levels in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle(P<0.05)but decreased the ileal digestibility of Lys,Tyr,Leu,Asp,Ser,Gly,Pro,Arg,Ile,and Val compared to the corn starch group(P<0.05).Conclusion The SDS diet impaired broiler growth by reducing intestinal starch digestibility,which inhibited intestinal AA and glucose absorption and utilization,increased AA oxidation for energy supply,and lowered the efficiency of protein synthesis.Although the RDS diet resulted in growth performance similar to the corn starch diet,it reduced breast muscle mass by inhibiting protein synthesis and promoting degradation.
基金support by AgriFutures Australia’s Chicken Meat Program[grant number PRJ-011584]is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Background Broiler chickens are most vulnerable immediately after hatching due to their immature immune systems,making them susceptible to infectious diseases.The yolk plays an important role in early immune defence by showing relevant antioxidant and passive immunity capabilities during broiler embryonic development.The immunomodulatory effects of phytogenic compound carvacrol have been widely reported.After in ovo delivery in the amniotic fluid during embryonic development carvacrol is known to migrate to the yolk sac.However,it is unknown whether carvacrol in the yolk could enhance defence responsiveness in the yolk sac.Therefore,the aim of this study was to improve early immune function in chicken embryos,and it was hypothesized that in ovo delivery of carvacrol would result in immunomodulatory effects in the yolk sac,potentially improving post-hatch resilience.Methods On embryonic day(E)17.5,either a saline(control)or carvacrol solution was injected into the amniotic fluid.Yolk sac tissue samples were collected at E19.5,and transcriptomic analyses using RNA sequencing were performed,following functional enrichment analyses comparing the control(saline)and carvacrol-injected groups.Results The results showed that 268 genes were upregulated and 174 downregulated in the carvacrol group compared to the control(P<0.05;logFC<-0.5 or log FC>0.5).Functional analyses of these differentially expressed genes,using KEGG,REACTOME,and Gene Ontology databases,showed enrichment of several immune-related pathways.This included the pathways‘Antimicrobial peptides’(P=0.001)and‘Chemoattractant activity’(P=0.004),amongst others.Moreover,the‘NOD-like receptor signaling’pathway was enriched(P=0.002).Antimicrobial peptides are part of the innate immune defence and are amongst the molecules produced after the nucleotide oligomeriza-tion domain(NOD)-like receptor pathway activation.While these responses may be associated with an inflammatory reaction to an exogenous threat,they could also indicate that in ovo delivery of carvacrol could prepare the newly hatched chick against bacterial pathogens by potentially promoting antimicrobial peptide production through acti-vation of NOD-like receptor signaling in the yolk sac.Conclusion In conclusion,these findings suggest that in ovo delivery of carvacrol has the potential to enhance anti-pathogenic and pro-inflammatory responses in the yolk sac via upregulation of antimicrobial peptides,and NOD-like receptor pathways.
基金supported by China Agriculture Research System Program(Project No.CARS-41-G04)。
文摘Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clostridium perfringens and assessed their influence on growth performance and intestinal health in NE-challenged broilers through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods The in vitro experiment included 5 treatment groups:the negative control(NC),2μmol/L diclazuril(DZ),30μmol/L usnic acid(UA),90μmol/L tannic acid(TA),and 15μmol/L usnic acid^(+)45μmol/L tannic acid(UTA)groups.The in vivo experiment involved 320 broilers divided into four groups:PC(NE-challenged),SA(500 mg/kg salinomycin premix^(+)NE-challenged),UA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)NE-challenged),and UTA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)500 mg/kg tannic acid^(+)NE-challenged)groups.Results In the in vitro study,the UA,TA,and UTA treatments significantly increased apoptosis in coccidian oocysts and sporozoites,lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and disrupted the oocyst structure compared with those in the NC group.UA and TA had inhibitory effects on C.perfringens,with the strongest inhibition observed in the UTA group.The in vivo results demonstrated that the SA group presented significantly improved growth performance on d 13,21,and 28(P<0.05),whereas the UA and UTA groups presented improvements on d 13 and 21(P<0.05).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments reduced the intestinal lesion scores by d 28 and the fecal coccidian oocyst counts from d 19 to 21(P<0.05).Compared with the PC group,the UA and UTA groups presented lower intestinal sIgA levels and CD8^(+)cell percentages(P<0.05),with a trend toward a reduced CD3^(+)cell percentage(P=0.069).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments significantly reduced the serum diamine oxidase activity,crypt depth,and plateletderived growth factor levels in the intestinal mucosa while increasing the villus height to crypt depth ratio and number of goblet cells(P<0.05).The UTA treatment also significantly increased the acetate and butyrate concentrations in the cecum(P<0.05).With respect to the gut microbiota,significant changes inβdiversity in the ileum and cecum were observed in the SA,UA,and UTA groups,indicating that the microbial community compositions differed among the groups.Romboutsia dominated the SA group,Bacillales dominated the UA group,and Lactobacillales and Lachnospirales dominated the UTA group in the ileal microbiota.In the cecal microbiota,Lactobacillus,Butyricicoccus,and Blautia abundances were significantly elevated in the UTA group(P<0.05).Conclusion Usnic acid and tannic acid induce apoptosis in coccidia and sporozoites by lowering the mitochondrial membrane potential.Both usnic acid alone and in combination with tannic acid alleviate NE-induced adverse effects in broilers by modulating intestinal immunity,altering the microbial composition,and improving intestinal barrier function.Compared with usnic acid alone,the combination of usnic acid and tannic acid had superior effects,providing a promising basis for the development of effective feed additive combinations.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072780,31872374)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0500501,2018YFD0500405)Earmarked Fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System(JATS[2024]).
文摘Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the effects of CHS on long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)expression and muscle injury in broilers,with a focus on its implications for meat quality.Results The results showed that CHS diminished breast muscle yield,elevated abdominal fat deposition,induced cellular apoptosis(P<0.05),and caused myofibrosis.Transcriptomic analysis revealed 151 differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs when comparing the normal control(NC)and HS groups,214 DE lncRNAs when comparing the HS and PF groups,and 79 DE lncRNAs when comparing the NC and pair-fed(PF)groups.After eliminating the confounding effect of feed intake,68 lncRNAs were identified,primarily associated with cellular growth and death,signal transduc-tion,and metabolic regulation.Notably,the apoptosis-related pathway P53,lysosomes,and the fibrosis-related gene TGF-β2 were significantly upregulated by lncRNAs.Conclusions These findings indicate that chronic heat stress induces cellular apoptosis and muscle injury through lncRNA,leading to connective tissue accumulation,which likely contributes to reduced breast muscle yield and meat quality in broilers.
基金funded by the Ghent University Special Research Fund(BOF.PDO.2022.0002.01)Projects of International Cooperation of Henan Province(232102520016)National Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(242300420159).
文摘Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.Results Implementing cyclic chronic HS(34 ℃ for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the m RNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.Conclusions These findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372902)Guangdong Special Support Program for Young Talents(NYQN2024007)。
文摘Background Poor feather growth not only affects the appearance of the organism but also decreases the feed efficiency.Methionine(Met)is an essential amino acid required for feather follicle development;yet the exact mechanism involved remains insufficiently understood.Methods A total of 1801-day-old broilers were selected and randomly divided into 3 treatments:control group(0.45%Met),Met-deficiency group(0.25%Met),and Met-rescue group(0.45%Met in the pre-trial period and 0.25%Met in the post-trial period).The experimental period lasted for 56 d,with a pre-trial period of 1–28 d and a post-trial period of 29–56 d.In addition,Met-deficiency and Met-rescue models were constructed in feather follicle epidermal stem cell by controlling the supply of Met in the culture medium.Results Dietary Met-deficiency significantly(P<0.05)reduced the ADG,ADFI and F/G,and inhibited feather follicle development.Met supplementation significantly(P<0.05)improved growth performance and the feather growth in broilers.Met-rescue may promote feather growth in broilers by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway(GSK-3β,CK1,Axin1,β-catenin,Activeβ-catenin,TCF4,and Cyclin D1).Compared with Met-deficiency group,Met-rescue significantly(P<0.05)increased the activity of feather follicle epidermal stem cell and mitochondrial membrane potential,activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and decreased the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.05).CO-IP confirmed that mitochondrial protein PGAM5 interacted with Axin1,the scaffold protein of the disruption complex of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and directly mediated Met regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and feather follicle development.Conclusions PGAM5 binding to Axin1 mediates the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,and promotes feather follicle development and feather growth of broiler chickens through Met supplementation.These results provide theoretical support for the improvement of economic value and production efficiency of broiler chickens.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1301603)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ZDRW202305).
文摘As the global population continues to expand,the demand for broiler chicken production to supply safe and high-quality meat is increasing.To meet this ever-growing demand,broiler chickens with enhanced growth performance are being developed,but they often face challenges related to oxidative stress,which can adversely affect gut health.Phytobiotics,which are plant-derived feed additives known for their antimicrobial,antioxidant,immune-modulating,and growth-promoting properties,have emerged as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics.This review consolidates recent advancements in the use of phytobiotics-derived products from leaves,roots,seeds,flowers,and their extracts in broiler diets reared under standard experimental conditions,without the introduction of stressors.The focus is on elucidating the key mechanisms through which phytobiotics improve gut health,includ-ing their effects on gut morphology,integrity,microflora composition,antioxidant capacity,and immune function.The review highlights the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition by acting as natural enhancers of gut health.Research findings reveal that phytobiotics significantly improve intestinal health,and boost growth per-formance,offering a sustainable approach to managing to gut dysfunction.These findings indicate a potential shift in how gut-health related challenges in broilers can be addressed,moving towards natural phytobiotic therapy.How-ever,several challenges persist.Optimizing the dosage of phytobiotics,ensuring consistent performance,and over-coming the limitations related to their extraction and application are key areas requiring further investigation.The review emphasizes the importance of continued research to refine phytobiotic formulations,explore synergistic effects,and incorporate advanced technologies such as AI-driven methods and precision nutrition to tailor feeding strategies more effectively.Additionally,the development of innovative delivery systems,such as nanoencapsula-tion,is suggested as a way to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of phytobiotics.By highlighting the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition,this review supports the poultry industry’s shift towards antibiotic-free and sustainable dietary solutions,offering new perspectives on the future of broiler chicken production.
基金supported by the Russian Science Foundation(No.22-16-00128),“Investigation of the Toxic Effect of Glyphosates on the Functional State of the Bird Intestinal Microbial Community,Their Growth and Development,and the Development of a Biological Product Based on the Glyphosate Degrading Strain”.
文摘Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreatic genes and blood physiology parameters after administering one maximum residue limit of herbicide glyphosate(GLY),two ANTs,and one anticoccidial drug(AD).A total of 260 Ross 308 broilers aged 1-40 d were divided into the following four groups of 65 birds each:control group,which was fed the main diet(MD),and three experimental groups,which were fed MD supplemented with GLY,GLY+ANTs(enrofloxacin and colistin methanesulfonate),and GLY+AD(ammonium maduramicin),respectively.The results showed that the addition of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD caused significant changes in the expression of several genes of physiological and economic importance.In particular,genes related to inflammation and apoptosis(interleukin 6(IL6),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),and caspase 6(CASP6))were downregulated by up to 99.1%,and those related to antioxidant protection(catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and peroxiredoxin 6(PRDX6))by up to 98.6%,compared to controls.There was also a significant decline in the values of immunological characteristics in the blood serum observed in the experimental groups,and certain changes in gene expression were concordant with changes in the functioning of the pancreas and blood.The changes revealed in gene expression and blood indices in response to GLY,ANTs,and AD provide insights into the possible mechanisms of action of these agents at the molecular level.Specifically,these changes may be indicative of physiological mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD in broilers.
基金support for the project was provided by Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan(424357)Canadian Poultry Research Council(424854)+1 种基金Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(424679)Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund(426954).
文摘Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)is an economically important disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens(CP).The pathogenesis,or disease process,of NE is still not clear.This study aimed to identify the alterations of metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with subclinical or clinical NE in CP infected birds and to investi-gate the possible variations in the metabolic profile of birds infected with different isolates of CP.Methodology Using a well-established NE model,the protein content of feed was changed abruptly before expos-ing birds to CP isolates with different toxin genes combinations(cpa,cpb2,netB,tpeL;cpa,cpb2,netB;or cpa,cpb2).Metabolomics analysis of jejunal contents was performed by a targeted,fully quantitative LC-MS/MS based assay.Results This study detected statistically significant differential expression of 34 metabolites including organic acids,amino acids,fatty acids,and biogenic amines,including elevation of butyric acid at onset of NE in broiler chickens.Subsequent analysis of broilers infected with CP isolates with different toxin gene combinations confirmed an eleva-tion of butyric acid consistently among 21 differentially expressed metabolites including organic acids,amino acids,and biogenic amines,underscoring its potential role during the development of NE.Furthermore,protein-metabolite network analysis revealed significant alterations in butyric acid and arginine-proline metabolisms.Conclusion This study indicates a significant metabolic difference between CP-infected and non-infected broiler chickens.Among all the metabolites,butyric acid increased significantly in CP-infected birds compared to non-infected healthy broilers.Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between butyric acid(coefficient:1.23,P<0.01)and CP infection,while showing a negative association with amino acid metabolism.These findings suggest that butyric acid could be a crucial metabolite linked to the occurrence of NE in broiler chickens and may serve as an early indicator of the disease at the farm level.Further metabolomic experiments using different NE animal models and field studies are needed to determine the specificity and to validate metabolites associated with NE,regardless of predisposing factors.
基金funded by the Australian Research Council Linkage Grant(LP220100292)in which Evonik Operations GmbH was the Linkage partner.
文摘Background Wheat and,to a lesser extent,sorghum are the dominant feed grains in Australian chicken-meat production.There is considerable local interest in the development of reduced-crude protein(CP)broiler diets in part because this would decrease the need to import soybean meal into the country.Maize is rarely included in Australian broiler diets,but birds appear better able to accommodate dietary CP reductions with maize than with wheat-based diets.Sorghum is more similar to maize than wheat and for this reason wheat-and sorghum-based diets,with standard and reduced-CP concentrations,were evaluated in broiler chickens in a direct comparison.Results Reducing dietary CP from 205 to 175 g/kg CP did not statistically influence weight gain and FCR in broilers offered sorghum-based diets from 14 to 35 d post-hatch.In contrast,the 30 g/kg CP reduction compromised weight gain by 10.1%(1,964 versus 2,187 g/bird)and FCR by 9.68%(1.575 versus 1.436),in broilers offered wheat-based diets.Consequently,treatment interactions(P<0.001)were observed for dietary CP levels grain type for both weight gain and FCR.Another treatment interaction(P<0.001)was observed for starch digestibility coefficients in the distal jejunum.Birds offered 205 g/kg CP,wheat-based diets had superior starch digestibility by 11.6%(0.914 versus 0.819),but sorghum supported superior starch digestibility by 9.70%(0.837 versus 0.763)in the context of 175 g/kg CP diets.Conclusions Under the condition of thid study,broiler chickens offered sorghum-based diets had a greater capacity to accommodate dietary CP reductions than their counterparts offered wheat-based diets.This study confirmed that wheat-based diets are not conducive to CP reductions,but the causal factors have yet to be identified precisely.
基金funded by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD1301200)the science and technology innovation Program of Hunan Province(2021RC3091).
文摘Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the production of tryptophan metabolites.Sanguinarine(SAN)enhances broiler immunity,however,its low bioavailability and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study aimed to decode the mechanisms by which sanguinarine enhances intestinal immune function in broilers.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to identify the main metabolites of sanguinarine in the intestine.Subsequently,equal concentrations of sanguinarine and its metabolites were separately added to the diets.The effects of sanguinarine and its metabolites on the intestinal immune function of broiler chickens were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and tryptophan metabolomics approaches.Results We determined that dihydrosanguinarine(DHSA)is the main metabolite of sanguinarine in the intestine.Both compounds increased average daily gain and reduced feed efficiency,thereby improving growth performance.They also enhanced ileal villus height and the villus-to-crypt(V/C)ratio while decreasing crypt depth and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1,occludin and claudin-1.Furthermore,both compounds promoted the proliferation of intestinal Lactobacillus species,a tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,stimulated short-chain fatty acid production,and lowered intestinal pH.They regulated tryptophan metabolism by increasing the diversity and content of indole tryptophan metabolites,activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)pathway,and elevating the mRNA levels of CYP1A1,CYP1B1,SLC3A1,IDO2 and TPH1.Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were inhibited,while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22,serum SIgA concentration,and intestinal MUC2 expression were increased.Notably,DHSA exhibited a more pronounced effect on enhancing immune function compared to SAN.Conclusions SAN is converted to DHSA in vivo,which increases its bioavailability.DHSA regulates tryptophan metabolism by activating the AhR pathway and modulating immune-related factors through changes in the gut microbiota.Notably,DHSA significantly increases the abundance of Lactobacillus,a key tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,thereby enhancing intestinal immune function and improving broiler growth performance.
基金financially supported article publication charges under the program"Regional Initiative of Excellence"(RID/SP/0017/2024/01)funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 955374。
文摘Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks.Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline(control)or SB at 0.1%(SB1),0.3%(SB3),or 0.5%(SB5).Post-hatch,male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW(HHW)or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4×2 factorial design.Production parameters were recorded periodically.Intestinal weight,length,and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42.Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results SB treatments did not affect hatchability.HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group.SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW catego-ries,with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%.LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42,exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group.LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum,TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14.Addi-tionally,LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum,while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42.LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths,while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths.HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacte-ria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter.SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity,composition,and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories.The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints.HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.Conclusions HW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW.LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3%SB,showing improvements in growth,intestinal development,health,and gut microbiota characteristics.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(2016YFD0501303).
文摘The development of alternative therapies to treat chicken coccidiosis has become a hot topic because of the widespread use of conventional medicines.This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of eugenol in treating Eimeria tenella infection in broilers.Broiers,at the age of 14 d,were orally infected with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts,and then,eugenol essential oil was added to chicken feed at three different dosages(0.1,0.2 or 0.4 g/kg).The anticoccidial effects of eugenol essential oil were assessed using the anticoccidial index(ACI).As a result,eugenol exhibited a moderate anticoccidial effect,with an ACI of 167.37 at 0.2 g/kg.After eugenol treatment,the expression of occludin in the epithelial cells of the chicken cecum was significantly greater(P<0.05)than that in the epithelial cells of the nontreated control(IC)group.The proportion of intestinal Lactobacillus_agilli increased.Eugenol therapy dramatically increased the activity of superoxide dismutase.After high-dose treatment,the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1βand IL-6 significantly decreased,while the expression of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γsignificantly increased.The safety of eugenol essential oil was evaluated at the 1,3 or 6 recommended doses.Overall,no significant differences were detected in the blood tests or serum biochemistry of the chickens between the treatment groups and the control group.As a result,eugenol essential oil can cure chicken coccidiosis by improving the intestinal microbial structure in the chicken cecum and decreasing the cecum's inflammatory reactions,thus strengthening immune function and eventually demonstrating anticoccidial properties.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD2000802)provided financial contributions。
文摘Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut microbiota,bile acids(BAs)play a protective role in maintaining gut homeostasis.However,the antibacterial effect of BAs on Salmonella infection in broilers has remained unexplored.Therefore,the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of feeding BAs in protecting against S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.Methods A total of 1441-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including non-challenged birds fed a basal diet(CON),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds(ST),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds treated with 0.15 g/kg antibiotic after infection(ST-ANT),and S.Typhimurium-challenged birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 350 mg/kg of BAs(ST-BA).Results BAs supplementation ameliorated weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection and reduced the colonization of Salmonella in the liver and small intestine in broilers(P<0.05).Compared to the ST group,broilers in ST-BA group had a higher ileal mucosal thickness and villus height,and BAs also ameliorated the increase of diamine oxidase(DAO)level in serum(P<0.05).It was observed that the mucus layer thickness and the number of villous and cryptic goblet cells(GCs)were increased in the ST-BA group,consistent with the upregulation of MUC2 gene expression in the ileal mucosa(P<0.05).Moreover,the m RNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and interleukin 1 beta(IL1b)were downregulated in the ileum by BAs treatment(P<0.05).16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that,compared to ST group,BAs ameliorated the decreases in Bacteroidota,Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides abundances,which were negatively correlated with serum DAO activity,and the increases in Campylobacterota,Campylobacteraceae and Campylobacter abundances,which were negatively correlated with body weight but positively correlated with serum D-lactic acid(D-LA)levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Dietary BAs supplementation strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reverses dysbiosis of gut microbiota,which eventually relieves the damage to the intestinal barrier and weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.
基金Department of Veterinary Sciences“Ricerca Locale–Linea A”.
文摘Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.
基金funded by the Characteristic Innovation Project of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education(2024 KTSCX198)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024 A1515012201)Guangdong Feed Industry Technology System(2024 CXTD14).
文摘Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidation and hepatoprotection,which can promote the ability of liver detoxification.This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver damage in broilers.Results In vivo experiment showed that the PT reduced AFB_(1) content and AFB_(1)-exo-8,9-epoxide DNA(AFBODNA)concentration in serum and liver(P<0.05),improved the histomorphology of liver and hepatic mitochondria,and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-related antioxidant and detoxification pathway by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes(catalase[CAT],glutathione S-transferase[GST])and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)level(P<0.05),and inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A1(cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1)and phase Ⅱ detoxification enzyme related genes(GPX1,GSTT1,and NQO1)of broilers exposed to AFB_(1)(P<0.05).Meanwhile,PT upregulated the Nrf1 pathway-related mitochondrial biosynthetic genes(Nrf1,mitochondrial transcription factor A[TFAM],mitofusin 1[MFN1])in broilers fed AFB_(1) contaminated diet(P<0.05).In vitro verification study suggested that the use of Nrf2/Nrf1 inhibitors suppressed the ameliorative role of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver injury of broilers,which was manifested in the mRNA expression of Nrf2,NQO1,GSTT3,Nrf1,TFAM,and other genes decreasing(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the protein expression of Nrf2,total and nucleus p-Nrf2,and total and nucleus p-Nrf1(P<0.05).Conclusion The PT ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity by activating the Nrf2-mediated phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes pathway and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by activating the Nrf1 signaling pathway in broilers exposed to AFB_(1).
基金Key International Cooperation Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32120103011)Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Tuan Dui program(JSSCTD202147)+1 种基金Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Ren Cai program(JSSCRC2021541)Initiation Funds of Yangzhou University for Distinguished Scientists.
文摘Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A completely randomized design was used for comparatively testing the effects of Zn proteinate on HS and non-HS broilers.Under high temperature(HT),a 1(Control,HT-CON)+2(Zn source)×2(added Zn level)factorial arrangement of treatments was used.The 2 added Zn sources were Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate(ZnS),and the 2 added Zn levels were 30 and 60 mg/kg.Under normal temperature(NT),a CON group(NT-CON)and pair-fed group(NT-PF)were included.Results The results showed that HS significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,occludin,junctional adhesion molecule-A(JAMA),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and zinc finger protein A20(A20)in the jejunum,and HS also remarkably increased serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-D),endotoxin and interleukin(IL)-1βcontents,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 activities,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum.However,dietary supplementation with Zn,especially organic Zn as Zn-Prot M at 60 mg/kg,significantly decreased serum FITC-D,endotoxin and IL-1βcontents,serum DAO and MMP-2 activities,NF-κB p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum of HS broilers,and notably promoted mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,ZO-1 and A20.Conclusions Our results suggest that dietary Zn,especially 60 mg Zn/kg as Zn-Prot M,can alleviate HS-induced intestinal barrier function damage by promoting the expression of TJ proteins possibly via induction of A20-mediated suppression of the NF-κB p65/MMP-2 pathway in the jejunum of HS broilers.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102559)the Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Tuan Dui Program,China(JSSCTD202147)the Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Ren Cai Program,China(JSSCRC2021541)。
文摘Excessive abdominal fat deposition seriously restricts the production efficiency of broilers.Several studies found that dietary supplemental manganese(Mn)could effectively reduce the abdominal fat deposition of broilers,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with the inorganic or organic Mn on abdominal fat deposition,and enzyme activity and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism in the abdominal fat of male or female broilers.A total of 4201-d-old AA broilers(half males and half females)were randomly allotted by body weight and gender to 1 of 6 treatments with 10 replicates cages of 7 chicks per cage in a completely randomized design involving a 3(dietary Mn addition)×2(gender)factorial arrangement.Male or female broilers were fed with the Mn-unsupplemented basal diets containing 17.52 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 1-21)and 15.62 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 22-42)by analysis or the basal diets supplemented with 110 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 1-21)and 80 mg Mn kg^(-1)(d 22-42)as either the Mn sulfate or the Mn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Mn-Prot M)for 42 d.The results showed that the interaction between dietary Mn addition and gender had no impact(P>0.05)on any of the measured parameters;abdominal fat percentage of broilers was decreased(P<0.003)by Mn addition;Mn addition increased(P<0.004)adipose triglyceride lipase(ATGL)activity,while Mn-Prot M decreased(P<0.002)the fatty acid synthase(FAS)activity in the abdominal fat of broilers compared to the control;Mn addition decreased(P<0.009)diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2(DGAT2)mRNA expression level and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ)mRNA and protein expression levels,but up-regulated(P<0.05)the ATGL mRNA and protein expression levels in the abdominal fat of broilers.It was concluded that dietary supplementation with Mn inhibited the abdominal fat deposition of broilers possibly via decreasing the expression of PPARγand DGAT2 as well as increasing the expression and activity of ATGL in the abdominal fat of broilers,and Mn-Prot M was more effective in inhibiting the FAS acitivity.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1000204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102535)the Key Research and Development Program of Hainan province(ZDYF2023XDNY036)。
文摘Background Broilers stand out as one of the fastest-growing livestock globally,making a substantial contribution to animal meat production.However,the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the rapid growth and development of broiler chickens are still unclear.This study aims to explore muscle development patterns and regulatory networks during the postnatal rapid growth phase of fast-growing broilers.We measured the growth performance of Cornish(CC)and White Plymouth Rock(RR)over a 42-d period.Pectoral muscle samples from both CC and RR were randomly collected at day 21 after hatching(D21)and D42 for RNA-seq and ATAC-seq library construction.Results The consistent increase in body weight and pectoral muscle weight across both breeds was observed as they matured,with CC outpacing RR in terms of weight at each stage of development.Differential expression analysis identified 398 and 1,129 genes in the two dimensions of breeds and ages,respectively.A total of 75,149 ATAC-seq peaks were annotated in promoter,exon,intron and intergenic regions,with a higher number of peaks in the promoter and intronic regions.The age-biased genes and breed-biased genes of RNA-seq were combined with the ATAC-seq data for subsequent analysis.The results spotlighted the upregulation of ACTC1 and FDPS at D21,which were primarily associated with muscle structure development by gene cluster enrichment.Additionally,a noteworthy upregulation of MUSTN1,FOS and TGFB3 was spotted in broiler chickens at D42,which were involved in cell differentiation and muscle regeneration after injury,suggesting a regulatory role of muscle growth and repair.Conclusions This work provided a regulatory network of postnatal broiler chickens and revealed ACTC1 and MUSTN1 as the key responsible for muscle development and regeneration.Our findings highlight that rapid growth in broiler chickens triggers ongoing muscle damage and subsequent regeneration.These findings provide a foundation for future research to investigate the functional aspects of muscle development.
