Background The decline in reproductive performance of aged hens is mainly attributed to oxidative damage in reproductive organs,hepatic lipid metabolism disorders,and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.Glycyrrhizin(GL)ha...Background The decline in reproductive performance of aged hens is mainly attributed to oxidative damage in reproductive organs,hepatic lipid metabolism disorders,and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.Glycyrrhizin(GL)has been proven to enhance antioxidant capacity,regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mammals,but its efficacy in hens remains unclear.Hence,this study aimed to investigate whether dietary GL supplementation improves reproductive performance in hens during the late laying stage by modulating intestinal microbiota composition,hepatic lipid metabolism and ovarian antioxidant status.Results Dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL significantly improved the egg production rate,egg quality,and hatching rate in aged breeder hens(P<0.05).GL supplementation also increased the serum levels of HDLC,TP and ALB,and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in both serum and ovary(P<0.05).In addition,dietary GL elevated the serum progesterone(P4)levels by enhancing the transcription level of steroid synthesis key enzymes(CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD)in the ovary(P<0.05).Dietary GL also promoted the synthesis and transport of vitellogenin(VTG)by upregulating the VTG-II(P<0.05)and APOV1(P=0.077)expression levels in the liver,thereby increasing the number of grade follicles and small yellow follicles.Moreover,dietary GL enhanced hepatic fatty acidβ-oxidation by upregulating PPARαand CPT-I(P<0.05),and downregulating ACC expression levels(P<0.05).In agreement,liver metabolomics analysis revealed that dietary GL supplementation significantly altered hepatic metabolism,with 389 differentially identified metabolites(P<0.05).The key metabolites(e.g.,taurocholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid,nicotinuric acid,glycodeoxycholic acid(hydrate))were identified,and they were mainly functionally enriched in betaalanine metabolism nicotinate,taurine and hypotaurine metabolism(P<0.05).Finally,16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary GL reversed age-induced changes in gut microbiota composition,characterized by a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance and a decrease in Bacteroides(P<0.05).Conclusions These results collectively demonstrate that dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL improved reproductive performance by reversing age-induced changes in gut microbiota,enhancing hepatic vitellogenin synthesis,and ameliorating ovarian function in aged breeder hens.This study suggests that dietary GL is a potential strategy to improve reproductive performance in broiler breeder hens during the late laying period.展开更多
Background Meat originating from the spent hen is an important source of poultry meat production;however,multiple factors cause the decline in the meat quality of spent hens.Chinese herbs have been widely used as medi...Background Meat originating from the spent hen is an important source of poultry meat production;however,multiple factors cause the decline in the meat quality of spent hens.Chinese herbs have been widely used as medi-cine for a long time to prevent diseases and as nutrient supplements to improve the product quality.This experi-ment explored the effects of adding 1.0%Chinese herbal formula(CHF,including 0.30%Leonurus japonicus Houtt.,0.20%Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.,0.25%Ligustrum lucidum Ait.,and 0.25%Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.)for 120 d to the spent hens’diet through metabolomics,network pharmacology,and microbiome strategies.Results The results indicated that CHF supplementation improved the meat quality by reducing drip loss(P<0.05),b*value(P=0.058),and shear force(P=0.099)and increasing cooked meat percentage(P=0.054)and dry matter(P<0.05)of breast muscle.The addition of CHF improved the nutritional value of breast muscle by increasing(P<0.05)the content of C18:2n-6,n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),total PUFA,PUFA-to-saturated fatty acids(SFA)ratio,and hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic ratio,and tending to increase serine content(P=0.069).The targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the biosynthesis of SFA,linoleic acid metabolism,fatty acid degradation,fatty acid elongation,and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were enriched by CHF supplementation.Furthermore,the network pharmacology analysis indicated that CHF was closely associated with oxidative stress and lipid metabo-lism.The CHF supplementation increased the glutathione peroxidase level(P<0.05)and upregulated gene expres-sion related to the Nrf2 pathway(including HO-1,P<0.05;Nrf2,P=0.098;CAT,P=0.060;GPX1,P=0.063;and SOD2,P=0.052)and lipid metabolism(including PPARγ,P<0.05;SREBP1,P=0.059;and CPT1A,P=0.058).Additionally,CHF supplementation increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes,Spirochaetes,and Synergistetes abundances(P<0.05),which may contribute to better meat quality.Conclusions Our results suggest that CHF supplementation improved the quality and nutritional value of meat,which will provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of CHF as a feed additive in spent hens’diets.展开更多
Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,ma...Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,making it a potentially superior feed additive.However,the efficacy,mechanistic differences,and comparative impacts of CA and CGA on fatty liver disease in laying hens remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of CA and CGA on production performance,egg quality,and fatty liver disease in laying hens.Results A total of 1,44061-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 8 groups and fed diets supplemented with basal diet,25,50,100 and 200 mg/kg of CA,and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of CGA(CON,CA25,CA50,CA100,CA200,CGA100,CGA200 and CGA400,respectively)for 12 weeks.Both CA and CGA improved production performance and egg quality,while reducing markers of hepatic damage and lipid accumulation.CA and CGA significantly decreased TG,TC,and LDL-C levels and increased T-SOD activity.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that CA and CGA reduced hepatic lipid accumulation through downregulation of lipid biosynthesis-related genes(ACLY,ACACA,FASN,and SCD1)and enhanced lipid transport and oxidation genes(FABPs,CD36,CPT1A,ACOX1,and SCP2).Of note,low-dose CA25 exhibited equivalent efficacy to the higher dose CGA100 group in alleviating fatty liver conditions.Mechanistically,CA and CGA alleviated lipid accumulation via activation of the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαsignaling pathway.Conclusions This study demonstrates that dietary CA and CGA effectively improve laying performance,egg quality,and hepatic lipid metabolism in laying hens,with CA potentially being more economical and efficient.Transcriptomic and proteomic evidence highlight shared mechanisms between CA25 and CGA100.These findings provide a foundation for CA and CGA as therapeutic agents for fatty liver disease and related metabolic diseases in hens,and also offer insights into the targeted modification of CGA(including the isomer of CGA)into CA,thereby providing novel strategies for the efficient utilization of CGA.Highlights(1)Dietary CA and CGA improve fatty liver,laying performance and egg quality.(2)Lower dose of CA25 achieves the equivalent improvement as CGA100 or CGA200.(3)CA and CGA mediate the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαpathway to alleviate fatty liver.展开更多
This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the...This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects.A total of 288 Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 3 treatments and respectively offered soybean meal(SBM)-based diet,LCSM-based diet,and LCSM-based diet supplemented with 0.435%L-Ser.Dietary Ser supplementation reversed the decrease in quality indices of albumen,including the proportion of thick albumen(P<0.05),thick-to-thin ratio(P<0.05),albumen height(P<0.05),Haugh unit(P<0.05),and apparent viscosity that were caused by LCSM intake.Also,dietary Ser supplementation mitigated the LCSM-induced reduction in ovomucin content of the albumen(P<0.05).FT-IR analysis of ovomucin revealed differences in second derivative spectra at 1,200-800 cm^(-1) between birds received SBM-and LCSM-based diets,meanwhile,the α-helix of ovomucin was decreased by LCSM but increased by Ser addition(P<0.05).Furthermore,Ser addition up-regulated the mRNA expression of β-ovomucin in magnum mucosa at 2 and 7.5 h post-oviposition(P<0.05).Ser mitigated the LCSMinduced impairment of magnum epithelium,increased goblet cell counts(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of occludin,mucin 2,and the relevant glycosyltransferases for O-glycosylation in magnum mucosa(P<0.05).Conclusively,the alleviating effect of Ser on declining albumen quality due to dietary LCSM,could be explained by the efficacy of Ser in regulating ovomucin synthesis.This regulation occurred at the levels of transcription and posttranscriptional O-glycosylation modification ofβ-ovomucin,while positive effect on magnum morphology and barrier function could also in part account for the ovomucin content.This would provide a promising research direction on the adoption of nutritional interventions for manipulation of egg white quality from perspectives of albumen protein synthesis.展开更多
Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to...Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to significant declines in egg performance and quality.Chlorogenic acid(CGA)-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.However,the mechanisms underlying whether and how CGA alleviates systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress to improve egg performance and quality in postpeaking laying hens remain unclear.In this study,the potential regulatory mechanisms of CGA in alleviating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress along the gut-liver axis were investigated.A total of 36055-week-old Hy-line white-laying hens were randomly selected and divided into four groups.The hens in the four groups were fed a basal diet(CON)or basal diets supplemented with 200,400,and 800 mg/kg of CGA(CGA200,CGA400,and CGA800,respectively)for 10 weeks.Results The results demonstrated that CGA significantly alleviated intestinal and hepatic damages resulting from systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress,thereby improving the laying performance and egg quality of post-peaking laying hens.CGA reduced systemic inflammation by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating inflammation-associated microbiota(Blautia and Megamonas),thus inhibiting endotoxin translocation.CGA can also reduce oxidative stress by upregulating the NRF-2 pathway-related genes and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver.The results of transcriptome sequencing revealed that CGA promoted lipid metabolism by regulating hepatic adipocytokine pathway-related genes/protein and reduced the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in liver by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway-related genes/proteins,which was also verified by qPCR and western blotting.Conclusion CGA alleviated multi-organ damages and dysfunction by suppressing the systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in post-peaking laying hens,thereby improving egg performance and quality.The optimal dose of CGA is 400 mg/kg in this experiment.These results provide a sound theoretical basis for the application of CGA as an exogenous animal feed additive for laying hens.展开更多
The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenar...The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenarios.This study employed a controlled feeding experiment to investigate the metabolic effects of dioxin-like compounds(DLCs)on laying hens via feed exposure.Diets enriched with two concentrations(1.17 and 5.13 pg toxic equivalents(TEQ)/g dry weight(dw))were administered over 14 days,followed by 28 days of clean feed.Metabolomics analyses of blood samples revealed significant metabolic variations between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs exposed groups and controls,reflecting the induced metabolic disruption.Distinct changes were observed in sphingosine,palmitoleic acid,linoleate,linolenic acid,taurocholic acid,indole acrylic acid,and dibutyl phthalate levels,implying possible connections between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxic effects and energy-neuronal imbalances,along with lipid accumulation and anomalous amino acid metabolism,impacting taurine metabolism.Moreover,we identified three differential endogenous metabolites—L-tryptophan,indole-3-acetaldehyde,and indole acrylic acid—as potential ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),suggesting their role inmediating PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxicity.This comprehensive investigation provides novel insights into the metabolic alterations induced by PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in laying hens,thereby enhancing our ability to assess risks associated with their exposure in human populations.展开更多
Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation a...Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation and minimal toxicity.Selenium-enriched yeast(SeY)is a well-established source,while selenium-enriched lactobacilli(SeL),a newer alternative,offers the added benefits of probiotics.This study examined the effects of SeY and SeL on egg quality,antioxidant capacity,Se deposition,and gut health in laying hens.After a two-week pre-treatment with a Sedeficient diet(SeD),450 Hy-Line Brown laying hens(30-week-old)were assigned into five dietary groups with six replicates of 15 hens each.The groups included a SeD,SeD supplemented with 1.5 mg Se/kg from SeY(SeY15),or 1.5,3.0,and 6.0 mg Se/kg from SeL(SeL15,SeL30,SeL60).The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks.Results SeY15 and SeL15 improved the feed-to-egg ratio(P<0.05)in the latter stages.Haugh units were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the SeY15 and SeL30 groups,while darker yolk color(P<0.05)was observed in the SeY15,SeL15,and SeL60 groups.All Se-supplemented diets increased Se content in whole eggs,albumen,and yolk(P<0.05),while SeL groups showed a dose-dependent effect.Antioxidant enzyme activities increased,and MDA content decreased in the serum(P<0.05),with SeY15 showing the highest GSH-Px levels(P<0.05).SeL60 increased serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase,and distorted the liver architecture(P<0.05).Se-diets reduced concentrations of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the ileum and liver(P<0.05).SeL15 improved the ileal villus height-tocrypt depth ratio(P<0.05).SeY15 and/or SeL15 up-regulated TXNRD1 and SEPHS1 mRNA while down-regulating SCLY expression in the liver.SeY15 altered ileal microbiota by increasing both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria,whereas SeL15 predominantly boosted beneficial bacteria.Conclusion SeL integrates the antioxidant properties of organic Se with the probiotic benefits on gut health,resulting in a performance-enhancing effect comparable to that of SeY.However,high SeL level(6.0 mg Se/kg)compromised productivity and metabolic functions while enhancing Se deposition.展开更多
Background Uterine aging is a key factor contributing to the deterioration of egg quality and reproductive performance in laying hens.Despite its importance,the molecular mechanisms underlying uterine aging remain poo...Background Uterine aging is a key factor contributing to the deterioration of egg quality and reproductive performance in laying hens.Despite its importance,the molecular mechanisms underlying uterine aging remain poorly defined.This study aimed to characterize gene expression and regulatory changes associated with uterine aging in hens at different life stages.Results Transcriptomic Analysis of uterine tissue from hens aged 350,500,And 700 d revealed dynamic changes in gene expression patterns during aging.A significant upregulation of genes involved in cellular senescence was observed,including increased expression of the p53 signaling pathway And markers associated with inflammation And cell cycle arrest.The most notable changes occurred between 350 And 500 d of age,suggesting this as a critical window for the onset of uterine aging.MicroRNA sequencing identified miR-210a-5p as significantly reduced with age.Target prediction and experimental validation showed that miR-210a-5p directly suppresses the expression of RASL11B,a Ras-like small GTPase that activates the MAPK signaling pathway.In primary uterine epithelial cells,reduced miR-210a-5p levels led to elevated RASL11B expression,increased activation of B-Raf,MEK,and ERK proteins,and enhanced expression of aging-related genes and inflammatory factors.In contrast,overexpression of miR-210a-5p or inhibition of the MAPK pathway delayed senescence and reduced inflammatory signaling.RASL11B overexpression was sufficient to induce aging phenotypes,confirming its central role in promoting uterine cellular aging.Conclusions This study identifies a novel regulatory pathway in which miR-210a-5p modulates uterine aging through the RASL11B-MAPK signaling cascade.The findings provide mechanistic insight into age-related reproductive decline in hens and suggest that targeting this pathway may offer new strategies for maintaining uterine function and extending reproductive lifespan in poultry.展开更多
Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenic...Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenicol on the intestinal homeostasis,immune system,and pathogen susceptibility of laying hens.Results The oral administration of florfenicol at field-relevant levels for 5 d resulted in a decrease in the gut microbiota genera Lactobacillus,Bacillus,and Bacteroides,indicating the development of intestinal dysbiosis.The dysbiosis led to decreased mRNA levels of key regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),compromising intestinal hypoxia.Intestinal homeostasis was also disrupted,with decreased expression of Occludin and Mucin 2(Muc2)genes combined with increased gut epithelial permeability.The breakdown in intestinal homeostasis and immune function provided a favorable environment for opportunistic bacteria like avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC),culminating in systemic infection.Immunologically,florfenicol treatment resulted in increased proportion and absolute number of MRC1L-B^(+)monocytes/macrophages in the spleen,indicating an exacerbated infection.Furthermore,both the proportion and absolute number ofγδT cells in the lamina propria of the cecum decreased.Treatment with florfenicol reduced butyrate levels in the cecum.However,the administration of butyrate before and during florfenicol treatment restored factors associated with intestinal homeostasis,including PPAR-γ,Occludin,and Muc2,while partially restoring HIF-1α,normalized intestinal hypoxia and gut permeability,and reversed immune cell changes,suppressing APEC systemic infection.Conclusion The uncontrolled and widespread use of florfenicol can negatively affect intestinal health in chickens.Specifically,florfenicol was found to impair intestinal homeostasis and immune function in laying hens,including by reducing butyrate levels,thereby increasing their susceptibility to systemic APEC infection.The development of strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of florfenicol on gut health and pathogen susceptibility in laying hens is therefore essential.展开更多
Two strains of Gallibacterium, isolated from one laying hen flock in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, were identified by the morphological observation, genus -specific PCR, and analysis of 16S rRNA gene, which was us...Two strains of Gallibacterium, isolated from one laying hen flock in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, were identified by the morphological observation, genus -specific PCR, and analysis of 16S rRNA gene, which was used to generate the phylogenetic tree, with the 21 members of the 12 genera belonging to Pasteurellaceae to analyze the homology. Two strains were named Yu-ZZ-HL-I-SLG and Yu-ZZ-HL-II-GZ. The comparative result of the 16S rDNA sequence shows that the 2 isolated strains are identical in sequence; the highest identity （99.9%） was observed between the isolated strain and one of the strains of Gallibacterium anatis （AF22.8002）, the homologies between the isolated strain and 3 strains of gallibacterium accessed in NCBI （AF22.8016, Gallibacterium genomosp. 1, AF228017, Gallibacterium genomosp. 2, AF22.8018, Gal- libacterium genomosp. 1 ） were above 97.1%, higher than that of the isolated strain and the other strains of the other 11 genera which were between 90.7% -93.2%. It can be seen from the phylogenetic tree that the 2 isolated strains and the other 4 strain of gallibacterium fell into the same branch, furthermore the 2 isolated strains and the strain of Gallibacterium anatis locate in an internal branch, indicating that the 2 isolated strains belong to Gallibacterium anatis.展开更多
基金supported and funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1300801)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program in Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS-08)。
文摘Background The decline in reproductive performance of aged hens is mainly attributed to oxidative damage in reproductive organs,hepatic lipid metabolism disorders,and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis.Glycyrrhizin(GL)has been proven to enhance antioxidant capacity,regulate lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mammals,but its efficacy in hens remains unclear.Hence,this study aimed to investigate whether dietary GL supplementation improves reproductive performance in hens during the late laying stage by modulating intestinal microbiota composition,hepatic lipid metabolism and ovarian antioxidant status.Results Dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL significantly improved the egg production rate,egg quality,and hatching rate in aged breeder hens(P<0.05).GL supplementation also increased the serum levels of HDLC,TP and ALB,and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in both serum and ovary(P<0.05).In addition,dietary GL elevated the serum progesterone(P4)levels by enhancing the transcription level of steroid synthesis key enzymes(CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD)in the ovary(P<0.05).Dietary GL also promoted the synthesis and transport of vitellogenin(VTG)by upregulating the VTG-II(P<0.05)and APOV1(P=0.077)expression levels in the liver,thereby increasing the number of grade follicles and small yellow follicles.Moreover,dietary GL enhanced hepatic fatty acidβ-oxidation by upregulating PPARαand CPT-I(P<0.05),and downregulating ACC expression levels(P<0.05).In agreement,liver metabolomics analysis revealed that dietary GL supplementation significantly altered hepatic metabolism,with 389 differentially identified metabolites(P<0.05).The key metabolites(e.g.,taurocholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid,nicotinuric acid,glycodeoxycholic acid(hydrate))were identified,and they were mainly functionally enriched in betaalanine metabolism nicotinate,taurine and hypotaurine metabolism(P<0.05).Finally,16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary GL reversed age-induced changes in gut microbiota composition,characterized by a significant increase in Lactobacillus abundance and a decrease in Bacteroides(P<0.05).Conclusions These results collectively demonstrate that dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg GL improved reproductive performance by reversing age-induced changes in gut microbiota,enhancing hepatic vitellogenin synthesis,and ameliorating ovarian function in aged breeder hens.This study suggests that dietary GL is a potential strategy to improve reproductive performance in broiler breeder hens during the late laying period.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project(2022YFC3400700)the City-School Cooperation Project of the Fuyang Science and Technology Special Fund undertaken by Fuyang Normal University(SXHZ2020007)+1 种基金the Basic Research Program of Shenzhen Municipal Government(JCYJ20200109114242138)the Special Commissioner for Rural Science and Technology of Guangdong Province(KTP20210345).
文摘Background Meat originating from the spent hen is an important source of poultry meat production;however,multiple factors cause the decline in the meat quality of spent hens.Chinese herbs have been widely used as medi-cine for a long time to prevent diseases and as nutrient supplements to improve the product quality.This experi-ment explored the effects of adding 1.0%Chinese herbal formula(CHF,including 0.30%Leonurus japonicus Houtt.,0.20%Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge.,0.25%Ligustrum lucidum Ait.,and 0.25%Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.)for 120 d to the spent hens’diet through metabolomics,network pharmacology,and microbiome strategies.Results The results indicated that CHF supplementation improved the meat quality by reducing drip loss(P<0.05),b*value(P=0.058),and shear force(P=0.099)and increasing cooked meat percentage(P=0.054)and dry matter(P<0.05)of breast muscle.The addition of CHF improved the nutritional value of breast muscle by increasing(P<0.05)the content of C18:2n-6,n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA),total PUFA,PUFA-to-saturated fatty acids(SFA)ratio,and hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic ratio,and tending to increase serine content(P=0.069).The targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the biosynthesis of SFA,linoleic acid metabolism,fatty acid degradation,fatty acid elongation,and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways were enriched by CHF supplementation.Furthermore,the network pharmacology analysis indicated that CHF was closely associated with oxidative stress and lipid metabo-lism.The CHF supplementation increased the glutathione peroxidase level(P<0.05)and upregulated gene expres-sion related to the Nrf2 pathway(including HO-1,P<0.05;Nrf2,P=0.098;CAT,P=0.060;GPX1,P=0.063;and SOD2,P=0.052)and lipid metabolism(including PPARγ,P<0.05;SREBP1,P=0.059;and CPT1A,P=0.058).Additionally,CHF supplementation increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes,Spirochaetes,and Synergistetes abundances(P<0.05),which may contribute to better meat quality.Conclusions Our results suggest that CHF supplementation improved the quality and nutritional value of meat,which will provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of CHF as a feed additive in spent hens’diets.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD1301200)China Agriculture Research Systems(CARS-40-K11)+2 种基金Beijing Agriculture Innovation Consortium(BAIC06-2024-G05)Strategic Priority Research Program of the National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs(NCTIP-XD/C08)The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project(ASTIP-IAS-12)。
文摘Background Caffeic acid(CA)and its derivative,chlorogenic acid(CGA),have shown promise in preventing and alleviating fatty liver disease.CA,compared to CGA,has much lower production costs and higher bioavailability,making it a potentially superior feed additive.However,the efficacy,mechanistic differences,and comparative impacts of CA and CGA on fatty liver disease in laying hens remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of CA and CGA on production performance,egg quality,and fatty liver disease in laying hens.Results A total of 1,44061-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens were randomly divided into 8 groups and fed diets supplemented with basal diet,25,50,100 and 200 mg/kg of CA,and 100,200 and 400 mg/kg of CGA(CON,CA25,CA50,CA100,CA200,CGA100,CGA200 and CGA400,respectively)for 12 weeks.Both CA and CGA improved production performance and egg quality,while reducing markers of hepatic damage and lipid accumulation.CA and CGA significantly decreased TG,TC,and LDL-C levels and increased T-SOD activity.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that CA and CGA reduced hepatic lipid accumulation through downregulation of lipid biosynthesis-related genes(ACLY,ACACA,FASN,and SCD1)and enhanced lipid transport and oxidation genes(FABPs,CD36,CPT1A,ACOX1,and SCP2).Of note,low-dose CA25 exhibited equivalent efficacy to the higher dose CGA100 group in alleviating fatty liver conditions.Mechanistically,CA and CGA alleviated lipid accumulation via activation of the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαsignaling pathway.Conclusions This study demonstrates that dietary CA and CGA effectively improve laying performance,egg quality,and hepatic lipid metabolism in laying hens,with CA potentially being more economical and efficient.Transcriptomic and proteomic evidence highlight shared mechanisms between CA25 and CGA100.These findings provide a foundation for CA and CGA as therapeutic agents for fatty liver disease and related metabolic diseases in hens,and also offer insights into the targeted modification of CGA(including the isomer of CGA)into CA,thereby providing novel strategies for the efficient utilization of CGA.Highlights(1)Dietary CA and CGA improve fatty liver,laying performance and egg quality.(2)Lower dose of CA25 achieves the equivalent improvement as CGA100 or CGA200.(3)CA and CGA mediate the ADPN-AMPK-PPARαpathway to alleviate fatty liver.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072774)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M733822)+2 种基金the Beijing Innovation Consortium of Agriculture Research System(BAIC04),Chinathe earmarked fund for CARS National System for Layer Production Technology,China(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences。
文摘This study examined the effect of dietary serine(Ser)on egg white quality,ovomucin content of laying hens fed low-gossypol cottonseed meal(LCSM)-based diet and sought to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects.A total of 288 Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly assigned into 3 treatments and respectively offered soybean meal(SBM)-based diet,LCSM-based diet,and LCSM-based diet supplemented with 0.435%L-Ser.Dietary Ser supplementation reversed the decrease in quality indices of albumen,including the proportion of thick albumen(P<0.05),thick-to-thin ratio(P<0.05),albumen height(P<0.05),Haugh unit(P<0.05),and apparent viscosity that were caused by LCSM intake.Also,dietary Ser supplementation mitigated the LCSM-induced reduction in ovomucin content of the albumen(P<0.05).FT-IR analysis of ovomucin revealed differences in second derivative spectra at 1,200-800 cm^(-1) between birds received SBM-and LCSM-based diets,meanwhile,the α-helix of ovomucin was decreased by LCSM but increased by Ser addition(P<0.05).Furthermore,Ser addition up-regulated the mRNA expression of β-ovomucin in magnum mucosa at 2 and 7.5 h post-oviposition(P<0.05).Ser mitigated the LCSMinduced impairment of magnum epithelium,increased goblet cell counts(P<0.05),and up-regulated the expression of occludin,mucin 2,and the relevant glycosyltransferases for O-glycosylation in magnum mucosa(P<0.05).Conclusively,the alleviating effect of Ser on declining albumen quality due to dietary LCSM,could be explained by the efficacy of Ser in regulating ovomucin synthesis.This regulation occurred at the levels of transcription and posttranscriptional O-glycosylation modification ofβ-ovomucin,while positive effect on magnum morphology and barrier function could also in part account for the ovomucin content.This would provide a promising research direction on the adoption of nutritional interventions for manipulation of egg white quality from perspectives of albumen protein synthesis.
基金financially supported by the Collaborative Extension Program for Advancements in Agricultural Technologies of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2023ZDXT15)the Key Research&Development Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2024C02004)Bureau of Science and Technology of Xinchang County Foundation.
文摘Background Systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress occur in laying hens during the aging process,particularly during the post-peaking laying period,which generally result in multi-organ damages,leading to significant declines in egg performance and quality.Chlorogenic acid(CGA)-enriched extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.However,the mechanisms underlying whether and how CGA alleviates systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress to improve egg performance and quality in postpeaking laying hens remain unclear.In this study,the potential regulatory mechanisms of CGA in alleviating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress along the gut-liver axis were investigated.A total of 36055-week-old Hy-line white-laying hens were randomly selected and divided into four groups.The hens in the four groups were fed a basal diet(CON)or basal diets supplemented with 200,400,and 800 mg/kg of CGA(CGA200,CGA400,and CGA800,respectively)for 10 weeks.Results The results demonstrated that CGA significantly alleviated intestinal and hepatic damages resulting from systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress,thereby improving the laying performance and egg quality of post-peaking laying hens.CGA reduced systemic inflammation by improving intestinal barrier function and modulating inflammation-associated microbiota(Blautia and Megamonas),thus inhibiting endotoxin translocation.CGA can also reduce oxidative stress by upregulating the NRF-2 pathway-related genes and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver.The results of transcriptome sequencing revealed that CGA promoted lipid metabolism by regulating hepatic adipocytokine pathway-related genes/protein and reduced the inflammatory responses and apoptosis in liver by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway-related genes/proteins,which was also verified by qPCR and western blotting.Conclusion CGA alleviated multi-organ damages and dysfunction by suppressing the systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in post-peaking laying hens,thereby improving egg performance and quality.The optimal dose of CGA is 400 mg/kg in this experiment.These results provide a sound theoretical basis for the application of CGA as an exogenous animal feed additive for laying hens.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Nos.2018YFA0901101,2018YFA0901103,and 2017YFC1600301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.22076216,21976201,and 21836004).
文摘The evaluation of toxicity related to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs)and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs)is crucial for a comprehensive risk assessment in real-world exposure scenarios.This study employed a controlled feeding experiment to investigate the metabolic effects of dioxin-like compounds(DLCs)on laying hens via feed exposure.Diets enriched with two concentrations(1.17 and 5.13 pg toxic equivalents(TEQ)/g dry weight(dw))were administered over 14 days,followed by 28 days of clean feed.Metabolomics analyses of blood samples revealed significant metabolic variations between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs exposed groups and controls,reflecting the induced metabolic disruption.Distinct changes were observed in sphingosine,palmitoleic acid,linoleate,linolenic acid,taurocholic acid,indole acrylic acid,and dibutyl phthalate levels,implying possible connections between PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxic effects and energy-neuronal imbalances,along with lipid accumulation and anomalous amino acid metabolism,impacting taurine metabolism.Moreover,we identified three differential endogenous metabolites—L-tryptophan,indole-3-acetaldehyde,and indole acrylic acid—as potential ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),suggesting their role inmediating PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs toxicity.This comprehensive investigation provides novel insights into the metabolic alterations induced by PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in laying hens,thereby enhancing our ability to assess risks associated with their exposure in human populations.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32302774)Beijing Innovation Consortium of Agriculture Research System(BAIC04)+1 种基金China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of the Feed Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAASIFR-ZDRW202402).
文摘Background Organic selenium(Se)has gained recognition in poultry nutrition as a feed additive to boost production and Se deposition in eggs and tissues,owing to its high bioavailability,efficient tissue accumulation and minimal toxicity.Selenium-enriched yeast(SeY)is a well-established source,while selenium-enriched lactobacilli(SeL),a newer alternative,offers the added benefits of probiotics.This study examined the effects of SeY and SeL on egg quality,antioxidant capacity,Se deposition,and gut health in laying hens.After a two-week pre-treatment with a Sedeficient diet(SeD),450 Hy-Line Brown laying hens(30-week-old)were assigned into five dietary groups with six replicates of 15 hens each.The groups included a SeD,SeD supplemented with 1.5 mg Se/kg from SeY(SeY15),or 1.5,3.0,and 6.0 mg Se/kg from SeL(SeL15,SeL30,SeL60).The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks.Results SeY15 and SeL15 improved the feed-to-egg ratio(P<0.05)in the latter stages.Haugh units were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the SeY15 and SeL30 groups,while darker yolk color(P<0.05)was observed in the SeY15,SeL15,and SeL60 groups.All Se-supplemented diets increased Se content in whole eggs,albumen,and yolk(P<0.05),while SeL groups showed a dose-dependent effect.Antioxidant enzyme activities increased,and MDA content decreased in the serum(P<0.05),with SeY15 showing the highest GSH-Px levels(P<0.05).SeL60 increased serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase,and distorted the liver architecture(P<0.05).Se-diets reduced concentrations of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the ileum and liver(P<0.05).SeL15 improved the ileal villus height-tocrypt depth ratio(P<0.05).SeY15 and/or SeL15 up-regulated TXNRD1 and SEPHS1 mRNA while down-regulating SCLY expression in the liver.SeY15 altered ileal microbiota by increasing both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria,whereas SeL15 predominantly boosted beneficial bacteria.Conclusion SeL integrates the antioxidant properties of organic Se with the probiotic benefits on gut health,resulting in a performance-enhancing effect comparable to that of SeY.However,high SeL level(6.0 mg Se/kg)compromised productivity and metabolic functions while enhancing Se deposition.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,grant number 2021YFD1300600Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2024YFNH0025,2022YFYZ0005,2021YFYZ0031)China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-40).
文摘Background Uterine aging is a key factor contributing to the deterioration of egg quality and reproductive performance in laying hens.Despite its importance,the molecular mechanisms underlying uterine aging remain poorly defined.This study aimed to characterize gene expression and regulatory changes associated with uterine aging in hens at different life stages.Results Transcriptomic Analysis of uterine tissue from hens aged 350,500,And 700 d revealed dynamic changes in gene expression patterns during aging.A significant upregulation of genes involved in cellular senescence was observed,including increased expression of the p53 signaling pathway And markers associated with inflammation And cell cycle arrest.The most notable changes occurred between 350 And 500 d of age,suggesting this as a critical window for the onset of uterine aging.MicroRNA sequencing identified miR-210a-5p as significantly reduced with age.Target prediction and experimental validation showed that miR-210a-5p directly suppresses the expression of RASL11B,a Ras-like small GTPase that activates the MAPK signaling pathway.In primary uterine epithelial cells,reduced miR-210a-5p levels led to elevated RASL11B expression,increased activation of B-Raf,MEK,and ERK proteins,and enhanced expression of aging-related genes and inflammatory factors.In contrast,overexpression of miR-210a-5p or inhibition of the MAPK pathway delayed senescence and reduced inflammatory signaling.RASL11B overexpression was sufficient to induce aging phenotypes,confirming its central role in promoting uterine cellular aging.Conclusions This study identifies a novel regulatory pathway in which miR-210a-5p modulates uterine aging through the RASL11B-MAPK signaling cascade.The findings provide mechanistic insight into age-related reproductive decline in hens and suggest that targeting this pathway may offer new strategies for maintaining uterine function and extending reproductive lifespan in poultry.
基金supported by a the National Research Foundation(NRF),funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT(RS-2023-00218476,RS-2024-00454619)the Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development(RS-2022-RD010165)+1 种基金the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(RS-2022-KH128577)the BK21 FOUR Program of the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology,Seoul National University,Seoul,Korea.
文摘Background Despite growing concerns about the adverse effects of antibiotics in farm animals,there has been little investigation of the effects of florfenicol in laying hens.This study examined the effect of florfenicol on the intestinal homeostasis,immune system,and pathogen susceptibility of laying hens.Results The oral administration of florfenicol at field-relevant levels for 5 d resulted in a decrease in the gut microbiota genera Lactobacillus,Bacillus,and Bacteroides,indicating the development of intestinal dysbiosis.The dysbiosis led to decreased mRNA levels of key regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPAR-γ)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),compromising intestinal hypoxia.Intestinal homeostasis was also disrupted,with decreased expression of Occludin and Mucin 2(Muc2)genes combined with increased gut epithelial permeability.The breakdown in intestinal homeostasis and immune function provided a favorable environment for opportunistic bacteria like avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC),culminating in systemic infection.Immunologically,florfenicol treatment resulted in increased proportion and absolute number of MRC1L-B^(+)monocytes/macrophages in the spleen,indicating an exacerbated infection.Furthermore,both the proportion and absolute number ofγδT cells in the lamina propria of the cecum decreased.Treatment with florfenicol reduced butyrate levels in the cecum.However,the administration of butyrate before and during florfenicol treatment restored factors associated with intestinal homeostasis,including PPAR-γ,Occludin,and Muc2,while partially restoring HIF-1α,normalized intestinal hypoxia and gut permeability,and reversed immune cell changes,suppressing APEC systemic infection.Conclusion The uncontrolled and widespread use of florfenicol can negatively affect intestinal health in chickens.Specifically,florfenicol was found to impair intestinal homeostasis and immune function in laying hens,including by reducing butyrate levels,thereby increasing their susceptibility to systemic APEC infection.The development of strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of florfenicol on gut health and pathogen susceptibility in laying hens is therefore essential.
基金Supported by International Collaboration Program (43006167)~~
文摘Two strains of Gallibacterium, isolated from one laying hen flock in Zhengzhou City of Henan Province, were identified by the morphological observation, genus -specific PCR, and analysis of 16S rRNA gene, which was used to generate the phylogenetic tree, with the 21 members of the 12 genera belonging to Pasteurellaceae to analyze the homology. Two strains were named Yu-ZZ-HL-I-SLG and Yu-ZZ-HL-II-GZ. The comparative result of the 16S rDNA sequence shows that the 2 isolated strains are identical in sequence; the highest identity （99.9%） was observed between the isolated strain and one of the strains of Gallibacterium anatis （AF22.8002）, the homologies between the isolated strain and 3 strains of gallibacterium accessed in NCBI （AF22.8016, Gallibacterium genomosp. 1, AF228017, Gallibacterium genomosp. 2, AF22.8018, Gal- libacterium genomosp. 1 ） were above 97.1%, higher than that of the isolated strain and the other strains of the other 11 genera which were between 90.7% -93.2%. It can be seen from the phylogenetic tree that the 2 isolated strains and the other 4 strain of gallibacterium fell into the same branch, furthermore the 2 isolated strains and the strain of Gallibacterium anatis locate in an internal branch, indicating that the 2 isolated strains belong to Gallibacterium anatis.
