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
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 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
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
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 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
Background Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome(FLHS)becomes one of the most major factors resulting in the laying hen death for caged egg production.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantiba...Background Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome(FLHS)becomes one of the most major factors resulting in the laying hen death for caged egg production.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plan-tarum(Lp.plantarum)FRT4 on FLHS model in laying hen with a focus on liver lipid metabolism,and gut microbiota.Results The FLHS model of laying hens was established by feeding a high-energy low-protein(HELP)diet,and the treatment groups were fed a HELP diet supplemented with differential proportions of Lp.plantarum FRT4.The results indicated that Lp.plantarum FRT4 increased laying rate,and reduced the liver lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism(lipid synthesis and transport)and improving the gut microbiota composition.Moreover,Lp.plan-tarum FRT4 regulated the liver glycerophospholipid metabolism.Meanwhile,“gut-liver”axis analysis showed that there was a correlation between gut microbiota and lipid metabolites.Conclusions The results indicated that Lp.plantarum FRT4 improved the laying performance and alleviated FLHS in HELP diet-induced laying hens through regulating“gut-liver”axis.Our findings reveal that glycerophospholipid metabolism could be the underlying mechanism for the anti-FLHS effect of Lp.plantarum FRT4 and for future use of Lp.plantarum FRT4 as an excellent additive for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens.展开更多
Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not be...Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not been systematically studied.This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance,egg quality,serum parameters,intestinal heath,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens.A total of 21065-week-old“Jing Tint 6”laying hens were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates and seven birds per replicate and fed basal diet(CON)or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg(CTC)or RE at 50 mg/kg(RE50),100 mg/kg(RE100),and 200 mg/kg(RE200).Results Our results showed that RE200 improved(P<0.05)Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk,serum superoxide dismutase(SOD)compared with CON.No significant differences were observed for Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk among CTC,RE50,RE100 and RE200 groups.Compared with CTC and RE50 groups,RE200 increased serum SOD activity on d 28 and 56.Compared with CON,RE supplementation decreased(P<0.05)total cholesterol(TC)level.CTC,RE100 and RE200 decreased(P<0.05)serum interleukin-6(IL-6)content compared with CON.CTC and RE200 increased jejunal m RNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin compared with CON.The biomarkers of cecal microbiota and metabolite induced by RE 200,including Firmicutes,Eisenbergiella,Paraprevotella,Papillibacter,and butyrate,were closely associated with Haugh unit,n-6/n-3,SOD,IL-6,and TC.PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes,including 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate Co A-transferase.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE200 improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal function.Overall,RE could be used as a promising feed additive to improve egg quality of laying hens at late stage of production.展开更多
Background Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS),a fatty liver disease in laying hens,poses a grave threat to the layer industry,stemming from its ability to trigger an alarming plummet in egg production and usher in...Background Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS),a fatty liver disease in laying hens,poses a grave threat to the layer industry,stemming from its ability to trigger an alarming plummet in egg production and usher in acute mortality among laying hens.Increasing evidence suggests that the onset and progression of fatty liver was closely related to mitochondria dysfunction.Sodium butyrate was demonstrated to modulate hepatic lipid metabolism,alle-viate oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and mice models.Nevertheless,there is limited existing research on coated sodium butyrate(CSB)to prevent FLHS in laying hens,and whether and how CSB exerts the anti-FLHS effect still needs to be explored.In this experiment,the FLHS model was induced by administering a high-energy low-protein(HELP)diet in laying hens.The objective was to investigate the effects of CSB on alleviating FLHS with a focus on the role of CSB in modulating mitochondrial function.Methods A total of 288 healthy 28-week-old Huafeng laying hens were arbitrarily allocated into 4 groups with 6 replicates each,namely,the CON group(normal diet),HELP group(HELP diet),CH500 group(500 mg/kg CSB added to HELP diet)and CH750 group(750 mg/kg CSB added to HELP diet).The duration of the trial encompassed a period of 10 weeks.Results The result revealed that CSB ameliorated the HELP-induced FLHS by improving hepatic steatosis and patho-logical damage,reducing the gene levels of fatty acid synthesis,and promoting the mRNA levels of key enzymes of fatty acid catabolism.CSB reduced oxidative stress induced by the HELP diet,upregulated the activity of GSH-Px and SOD,and decreased the content of MDA and ROS.CSB also mitigated the HELP diet-induced inflammatory response by blocking TNF-α,IL-1β,and F4/80.In addition,dietary CSB supplementation attenuated HELP-induced activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt),mitochondrial damage,and decline of ATPase activity.HELP diet decreased the autophagosome formation,and downregulated LC3B but upregulated p62 protein expression,which CSB administration reversed.CSB reduced HELP-induced apoptosis,as indicated by decreases in the Bax/Bcl-2,Caspase-9,Caspase-3,and Cyt C expression levels.Conclusions Dietary CSB could ameliorate HELP diet-induced hepatic dysfunction via modulating mitochondrial dynamics,autophagy,and apoptosis in laying hens.Consequently,CSB,as a feed additive,exhibited the capacity to prevent FLHS by modulating autophagy and lipid metabolism.展开更多
Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may impro...Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition,but this also decreases the laying performance of hens.This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies.A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group(positive control:CK)or 1 of 3 groups:lowenergy and low-protein diet(LL),normal-energy and low-protein diet(NL),and high-energy and low-protein diet(HL)groups.The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK,LL,NL,and HL diets were 0.67,0.74,0.77,and 0.80,respectively.Results Compared with the CK group,egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet.Hens fed LL,NL,and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride,total cholesterol,acetylCo A carboxylase,and fatty acid synthase levels,but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group.Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation(ACOX1,HADHA,EHHADH,and ACAA1)were downregulated,whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis(SCD,FASN,and ACACA)were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group.Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet,Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched,whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed.Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins,such as riboflavin(vitamin B2),pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative),pyridoxine(vitamin B6),and 4-pyridoxic acid.Conclusion A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet.Based on the present study,we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative)might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet.展开更多
Background Magnolol(MAG)exhibits hepatoprotective activity,however,whether and how MAG regulates the gut microbiota to alleviate fatty liv er hemorrhagic syndrome(FLH S)remains unclear.Therefore,we investigated the me...Background Magnolol(MAG)exhibits hepatoprotective activity,however,whether and how MAG regulates the gut microbiota to alleviate fatty liv er hemorrhagic syndrome(FLH S)remains unclear.Therefore,we investigated the mechanism of MAG in FLHS laying hens with an emphasis on alterations in the gut-liver axis.We randomly divided 54056-week-old Hy-line white laying hens with FLSH into 4 groups.The birds were fed a high-fat low-protein(HFLP)diet(CON).or HELP diets supplemented with 200,400,and 600 mg/kg of MAG(M1,M2,and M3,respectively)for 9 weeks.Results Magnolol supplementation increased the laying rate and ameliorated hepatic damage and dysfunction by regulating lipid metabolism,improving intestinal barrier function,and shaping the gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolic profiles.Dietary MAG supplementation downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes and upregulated the expression of lipid transport genes at varying degrees.The intestinal barrier function was improved by 200and 400 mg/kg of MAG supplementation,as evidenced by the increased villus height and mRNA expression of tight junction related genes.Microbiological profile information revealed that MAG changed the gut microbiota,especially by elevating the abundances of Lactobacillus,Faecallbacterium,and Butyricicoccus.Moreover,non-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that MAG significantly promoted tryptophan metabolites,which was positively correlated with the MAG-enriched gut microbiota.The increased tryptophan metabolites could activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)and relieved hepatic inflammation and immune response evidenced by the downregulated the gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and inte rleukin-6(IL-6)in the liver.The fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)experiments further con firmed that the hepatoprotective effect is likely mediated by MAG-altered gut microbiota and their metabolites.Conclusions Magnolol can be an outstanding supplement for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens by positively regulating lipid synthesis and transport metabolism,improving the intestinal barrier function,and relieving hepatic nmation by reshaping the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles through gut microbiota-indole metabolite-hepatic AhR crosstalk.These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which MAG alleviates FLHS and provide a promising method for preventing liver diseases by modulating gut microbiota and their metabolites.展开更多
The aim of the experiment was to explore the feasibility of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens. 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg of discarded nutrient medium of Cordy...The aim of the experiment was to explore the feasibility of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens. 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris were added to the basal diet of laying hens. The results showed that the optimal addition of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris in the diet of laying hens was 10%. According to the results of measuring the conventional indicators of eggs, the weight of eggs produced by laying hens fed with discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris was higher than that of laying hens fed with ordinary laying hens. The content of interleukin-1(IL-1) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration of IL-1 increased by 141.5 pg/mL, which indicated that the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris effectively improved the immunity of laying hens. The high-throughput analysis of the intestinal contents of the two groups of laying hens showed that the microbial population abundance of the intestinal tract of the experimental group was greater than that of control group, and the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris increased the diversity of bacteria in the intestinal tract of laying hens. In addition, the sensitivity of some pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of chickens to drugs was also increased, thereby reducing the use of antibiotics. The secondary utilization of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris has great development and utilization prospects, which provided a scientific reference and basic theoretical basis for the development of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens.展开更多
Background Dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy(AMEn)are two key variables affecting the production of bre eder hens.In this study,the effe cts and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yel...Background Dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy(AMEn)are two key variables affecting the production of bre eder hens.In this study,the effe cts and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yellowfeathered broiler breeder hens were investigated.A total of 72030-week-old breeder hens were fed in a 5(lysine:0.56%,0,68%,0.80%,0,92%,and 1.04%)×2(AMEn:11.50 and 11.10 MJ/kg)factorial arrangement for 12 weeks.The productive performance,reproductive traits,biochemical variables of breeder hense the amino acid concentration and quality of eggs,and the growth performance of offspring broilers were determined.Result(1)Dietary lysine had quadratic effects(P<0.05)on laying rate,average daily egg mass and feed intake/egg mass of breeder hens;birds with 11.50 MJ/kg AMEn(high AMEn)had higher(P<0.05)BW than those with 11.10MJ/kg AMEn(low AMEn);(2)dietary lysine significantly affected on the relative ovarian weight(quadratic and linear),and numbers of large yellow follicles(LYF,quadratic);birds with high AMEn had longer fallopian tube and more LYF than those with low AMEn(P<0.05);(3)dietary lysine had significant effects(linear and quadratic)on eggshell thickness and shell strength of eggs from breeder hens;birds with high AMEn had thinner eggshells and deeper yolk color than those with low AMEn(P<0.05);(4)there were higher(P<0.05)contents of protein and concentrations of all measured animo acids(AAs)in eggs from birds fed low AMEn;(5)supplementation with high AMEn to breeder hens significantly increased the hatchability of fertilized eggs;(6)neither dietary lysine level or AMEn afofected growth performance of offspring broilers;(7)both dietary lysine level and AMEn significantly affected gonadotropin concentrations and biochemical variables of breeder hens.Conclusions Dietary lysine had significant influences on productive performance,reproductive traits,and egg quality of yellow-feathered breeder hens.Based on productive performance,the optimal levels of dietary lysine were 0.81%to 0.83%,while 0.71%to 72%lysine was enough to obtain the best quality of breeding eggs.High AMEn was more beneficial to breeder hens for reproductive traits and hatchability of the fertilized eggs,while it showed detrimental epfrfects on eggshell thickness and AA concentrations of breeding eggs.展开更多
Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiol...Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiologi-cal characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction.A total of 24074-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high(HBS,44.83±1.31 N)or low(LBS,24.43±0.57 N)eggshell breaking strength group.Results A decreased thickness,weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS,accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction.Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality,marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS.In the LBS,the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly.At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification,a total of 130 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,122 upregulated and 8 downregulated)were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS.These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload.Higher values of p62 protein level,caspase-8 activity,Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS.TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS.Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage,similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS.The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocal-cin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS.Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages,which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure.Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.展开更多
Background Salpingitis is one of the common diseases in laying hen production, which greatly decreases the economic outcome of laying hen farming. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was effective in preventing local or sys...Background Salpingitis is one of the common diseases in laying hen production, which greatly decreases the economic outcome of laying hen farming. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was effective in preventing local or systemic inflammation, however rare studies were reported on its prevention against salpingitis. This study aimed to investigate the preventive molecular regulatory network of microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum(MLP) against salpingitis through multi-omics analysis, including microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome analyses.Results The results revealed that supplementation of MLP in diet significantly alleviated the inflammation and atrophy of uterus caused by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in hens(P < 0.05). The concentrations of plasma IL-2 and IL-10 in hens of MLP-LPS group were higher than those in hens of LPS-stimulation group(CN-LPS group)(P < 0.05). The expression levels of TLR2, MYD88, NF-κB, COX2, and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the hens fed diet supplemented with MLP and suffered with LPS stimulation(MLP-LPS group) compared with those in the hens of CN-LPS group(P < 0.05). Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) induced by MLP were involved in inflammation, reproduction, and calcium ion transport. At the genus level, the MLP supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, whereas decreased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in LPS challenged hens(P < 0.05). The metabolites altered by dietary supplementation with MLP were mainly involved in galactose, uronic acid, histidine, pyruvate and primary bile acid metabolism. Dietary supplementation with MLP inversely regulates LPSinduced differential metabolites such as Lyso PA(24:0/0:0)(P < 0.05).Conclusions In summary, dietary supplementation with microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum prevented salpingitis by modulating the abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group and Eubacterium_hallii_group while downregulating the levels of plasma metabolites, p-tolyl sulfate, o-cresol and N-acetylhistamine and upregulating S-lactoylglutathione, simultaneously increasing the expressions of CPNE4, CNTN3 and ACAN genes in the uterus, and ultimately inhibiting oviducal inflammation.展开更多
Background This work aimed to investigate the potential benefits of administering Prevotella and its primary metabolite succinate on performance,hepatic lipid accumulation and gut microbiota in laying hens.Results One...Background This work aimed to investigate the potential benefits of administering Prevotella and its primary metabolite succinate on performance,hepatic lipid accumulation and gut microbiota in laying hens.Results One hundred and fifty 58-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens,with laying rate below 80%and plasma triglyceride(TG)exceeding 5 mmol/L,were used in this study.The hens were randomly allocated into 5 groups and subjected to one of the following treatments:fed with a basal diet(negative control,NC),oral gavage of 3 mL/hen saline every other day(positive control,PC),gavage of 3 mL/hen Prevotella melaninogenica(10^(7)CFU/mL,PM)or 3 mL/hen Prevotella copri(10^(7)CFU/mL,P.copri)every other day,and basal diet supplemented with 0.25%sodium succinate(Succinate).The results showed that PM and P.copri treatments significantly improved laying rate compared to the PC(P<0.05).The amount of lipid droplet was notably decreased by PM,P.copri,and Succinate treatments at week 4 and decreased by P.copri at week 8(P<0.05).Correspondingly,the plasma TG level in Succinate group was lower than that of PC(P<0.05).Hepatic TG content,however,was not significantly influenced at week 4 and 8(P>0.05).PM treatment increased(P<0.05)the mRNA levels of genes PGC-1βand APB-5B at week 4,and ACC and CPT-1 at week 8.The results indicated enhanced antioxidant activities at week 8,as evidenced by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde(MDA)level and improved antioxidant enzymes activities in PM and Succinate groups(P<0.05).Supplementing with Prevotella or succinate can alter the cecal microbiota.Specifically,the abundance of Prevotella in the Succinate group was significantly higher than that in the other 4 groups at the family and genus levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Oral intake of Prevotella and dietary supplementation of succinate can ameliorate lipid metabolism of laying hens.The beneficial effect of Prevotella is consistent across different species.The finding highlights that succinate,the primary metabolite of Prevotella,represents a more feasible feed additive for alleviating fatty liver in laying hens.展开更多
Background Liver lipid dysregulation is one of the major factors in the decline of production performance in latestage laying hens.Silymarin(SIL),a natural flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle,is known for its he...Background Liver lipid dysregulation is one of the major factors in the decline of production performance in latestage laying hens.Silymarin(SIL),a natural flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle,is known for its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering properties in humans.This study evaluates whether SIL can provide similar benefits to late-stage laying hens.A total of 48068-week-old Lohmann Pink laying hens were randomly assigned into 5 groups,each group consisting of 6 replicates with 16 hens each.The birds received a basal diet either without silymarin(control)or supplemented with silymarin at concentrations of 250,500,750,or 1,000 mg/kg(SIL250,SIL500,SIL750,SIL1000)over a 12-week period.Results The CON group exhibited a significant decline in laying rates from weeks 9 to 12 compared to the initial4 weeks(P=0.042),while SIL supplementation maintained consistent laying rates throughout the study(P>0.05).Notably,the SIL500 and SIL750 groups showed higher average egg weight than the CON group during weeks 5 to 8(P=0.049).The SIL750 group had a significantly higher average daily feed intake across the study period(P<0.05),and the SIL500 group saw a marked decrease in the feed-to-egg ratio from weeks 5 to 8(P=0.003).Furthermore,the SIL500 group demonstrated significant reductions in serum ALT and AST levels(P<0.05)and a significant decrease in serum triglycerides and total cholesterol at week 12 with increasing doses of SIL(P<0.05).SIL also positively influenced liver enzyme expression(FASN,ACC,Apo-VLDLⅡ,FXR,and CYP7A1;P<0.05)and altered the cecal microbiota composition,enhancing species linked to secondary bile acid synthesis.Targeted metabolomics identified 9 metabolites predominantly involved in thiamin metabolism that were significantly different in the SIL groups(P<0.05).Conclusions Our study demonstrated that dietary SIL supplementation could ameliorate egg production rate in late stage laying hens,mechanistically,this effect was via improving hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota function to achieve.Revealed the potentially of SIL as a feed supplementation to regulate hepatic lipid metabolism dysregulation.Overall,dietary 500 mg/kg SIL had the best effects.展开更多
[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tradi- tional Chinese herbal medicines on blood biochemical indices of egg-laying hens under heat stress and to provide theoretical basis for clinical...[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tradi- tional Chinese herbal medicines on blood biochemical indices of egg-laying hens under heat stress and to provide theoretical basis for clinical application of the medicines. [Method] One hundred of 88-day-old ISA-Brown hens were randomly di- vided into five groups. The hens in four groups were administrated with Prescription I herbal medicines, Prescription II herbal medicines, Vc and blank control under ar- tificially simulated heat stress, respectively. The last group was raised under normal temperature condition. Blood samples of the hens were collected on 1, 4, 8 and 10 d later and detected for their biochemical indices. [Result] The blood sodium （Na）, phosphorus （P）, potassium （K） and chlorine （CI） concentrations in hens under heat stress were decreased, while the activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and creatine kinase （CK） were increased. These indices grad- ually returned to normal levels after the use of traditional Chinese herbal medicines. [Conclusion] The herbal medicines can relieve the adverse effects caused by heat stress to blood biochemical indices via different metabolic pathways of ions and en- zymes.展开更多
Transportation of spent laying hens causes them severe suffering. HAI-MESHEK （The Israeli Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals） looked for ways to decrease the suffering and finally developed the so...Transportation of spent laying hens causes them severe suffering. HAI-MESHEK （The Israeli Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals） looked for ways to decrease the suffering and finally developed the solution. Spent laying hens are brutally taken out of the cages, and with broken legs and chests pressed into small boxes for transportation to the slaughter-house. Removing all hens from the cages, transportation, waiting in the slaughter-house and slaughtering all hens is a long and hard-suffering time, which may take 8-10 hours. Hai-Meshek conducted a research, aimed at finding more humane methods of transportation. The findings from other countries were very disappointing. Even in countries having high level of animal welfare, about 30% of the hens arrived at the slaughter-house with broken limbs! The conclusion was that even better method, imposed by legislation, would not solve the problem： it is difficult to detect truck drivers violating the rules and the fine is negligible, compared to the savings by the abovementioned cruel method. The only humane solution is by preventing the transportation and slaughtering on farm. Spent laying hens are not edible, so they need not be slaughtered in the slaughter-house. Hai-Meshek initiated and participated in the development and the building of a facility for the humane killing of spent laying hens on farms. The hens aye electrified and die in 1-1.5 seconds. This method costs far less than transportation and slaughtering. The Poultry Council, which takes care to remove spent laying hens from farms, requires contractors to use the facility and they bring it to every farm in Israel. The facility is also used for killing sick flocks. No more transportation of spent laying hens is allowed!展开更多
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 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This research was supported by Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP-2023-IFR-10)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1300601).
文摘Background Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome(FLHS)becomes one of the most major factors resulting in the laying hen death for caged egg production.This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plan-tarum(Lp.plantarum)FRT4 on FLHS model in laying hen with a focus on liver lipid metabolism,and gut microbiota.Results The FLHS model of laying hens was established by feeding a high-energy low-protein(HELP)diet,and the treatment groups were fed a HELP diet supplemented with differential proportions of Lp.plantarum FRT4.The results indicated that Lp.plantarum FRT4 increased laying rate,and reduced the liver lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism(lipid synthesis and transport)and improving the gut microbiota composition.Moreover,Lp.plan-tarum FRT4 regulated the liver glycerophospholipid metabolism.Meanwhile,“gut-liver”axis analysis showed that there was a correlation between gut microbiota and lipid metabolites.Conclusions The results indicated that Lp.plantarum FRT4 improved the laying performance and alleviated FLHS in HELP diet-induced laying hens through regulating“gut-liver”axis.Our findings reveal that glycerophospholipid metabolism could be the underlying mechanism for the anti-FLHS effect of Lp.plantarum FRT4 and for future use of Lp.plantarum FRT4 as an excellent additive for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens.
基金supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M723370)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA23080603)。
文摘Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not been systematically studied.This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance,egg quality,serum parameters,intestinal heath,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens.A total of 21065-week-old“Jing Tint 6”laying hens were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates and seven birds per replicate and fed basal diet(CON)or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg(CTC)or RE at 50 mg/kg(RE50),100 mg/kg(RE100),and 200 mg/kg(RE200).Results Our results showed that RE200 improved(P<0.05)Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk,serum superoxide dismutase(SOD)compared with CON.No significant differences were observed for Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk among CTC,RE50,RE100 and RE200 groups.Compared with CTC and RE50 groups,RE200 increased serum SOD activity on d 28 and 56.Compared with CON,RE supplementation decreased(P<0.05)total cholesterol(TC)level.CTC,RE100 and RE200 decreased(P<0.05)serum interleukin-6(IL-6)content compared with CON.CTC and RE200 increased jejunal m RNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin compared with CON.The biomarkers of cecal microbiota and metabolite induced by RE 200,including Firmicutes,Eisenbergiella,Paraprevotella,Papillibacter,and butyrate,were closely associated with Haugh unit,n-6/n-3,SOD,IL-6,and TC.PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes,including 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate Co A-transferase.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE200 improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal function.Overall,RE could be used as a promising feed additive to improve egg quality of laying hens at late stage of production.
基金This research was supported by the Twinning service plan of the Zhejiang Provincial Team Science and the Science and Technology Develpoment project of Hangzhou(202003A02).
文摘Background Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome(FLHS),a fatty liver disease in laying hens,poses a grave threat to the layer industry,stemming from its ability to trigger an alarming plummet in egg production and usher in acute mortality among laying hens.Increasing evidence suggests that the onset and progression of fatty liver was closely related to mitochondria dysfunction.Sodium butyrate was demonstrated to modulate hepatic lipid metabolism,alle-viate oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and mice models.Nevertheless,there is limited existing research on coated sodium butyrate(CSB)to prevent FLHS in laying hens,and whether and how CSB exerts the anti-FLHS effect still needs to be explored.In this experiment,the FLHS model was induced by administering a high-energy low-protein(HELP)diet in laying hens.The objective was to investigate the effects of CSB on alleviating FLHS with a focus on the role of CSB in modulating mitochondrial function.Methods A total of 288 healthy 28-week-old Huafeng laying hens were arbitrarily allocated into 4 groups with 6 replicates each,namely,the CON group(normal diet),HELP group(HELP diet),CH500 group(500 mg/kg CSB added to HELP diet)and CH750 group(750 mg/kg CSB added to HELP diet).The duration of the trial encompassed a period of 10 weeks.Results The result revealed that CSB ameliorated the HELP-induced FLHS by improving hepatic steatosis and patho-logical damage,reducing the gene levels of fatty acid synthesis,and promoting the mRNA levels of key enzymes of fatty acid catabolism.CSB reduced oxidative stress induced by the HELP diet,upregulated the activity of GSH-Px and SOD,and decreased the content of MDA and ROS.CSB also mitigated the HELP diet-induced inflammatory response by blocking TNF-α,IL-1β,and F4/80.In addition,dietary CSB supplementation attenuated HELP-induced activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt),mitochondrial damage,and decline of ATPase activity.HELP diet decreased the autophagosome formation,and downregulated LC3B but upregulated p62 protein expression,which CSB administration reversed.CSB reduced HELP-induced apoptosis,as indicated by decreases in the Bax/Bcl-2,Caspase-9,Caspase-3,and Cyt C expression levels.Conclusions Dietary CSB could ameliorate HELP diet-induced hepatic dysfunction via modulating mitochondrial dynamics,autophagy,and apoptosis in laying hens.Consequently,CSB,as a feed additive,exhibited the capacity to prevent FLHS by modulating autophagy and lipid metabolism.
基金supported by China Agriculture Research System(No.CARS-40-S25)National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFD1601905)+1 种基金the Industrial Innovation Talent Project of the“Xing Dian Talent Support Program”of Yunnan Province in 2022(XDYC-CYCX-2022–0029)the Young Talent Project of the“Xing Dian Talent Support Program”of Yunnan Province in 2023。
文摘Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens.Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition,but this also decreases the laying performance of hens.This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies.A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group(positive control:CK)or 1 of 3 groups:lowenergy and low-protein diet(LL),normal-energy and low-protein diet(NL),and high-energy and low-protein diet(HL)groups.The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK,LL,NL,and HL diets were 0.67,0.74,0.77,and 0.80,respectively.Results Compared with the CK group,egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet.Hens fed LL,NL,and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride,total cholesterol,acetylCo A carboxylase,and fatty acid synthase levels,but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group.Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation(ACOX1,HADHA,EHHADH,and ACAA1)were downregulated,whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis(SCD,FASN,and ACACA)were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group.Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet,Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched,whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed.Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins,such as riboflavin(vitamin B2),pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative),pyridoxine(vitamin B6),and 4-pyridoxic acid.Conclusion A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet.Based on the present study,we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine(vitamin B5 derivative)might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet.
基金financially supported by the Key Research&Development Program of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2024C02004)the Collaborative Extension Program for Advancements in Agricultural Technologies of Zhejiang Province(Grant no:2023ZDXT15)。
文摘Background Magnolol(MAG)exhibits hepatoprotective activity,however,whether and how MAG regulates the gut microbiota to alleviate fatty liv er hemorrhagic syndrome(FLH S)remains unclear.Therefore,we investigated the mechanism of MAG in FLHS laying hens with an emphasis on alterations in the gut-liver axis.We randomly divided 54056-week-old Hy-line white laying hens with FLSH into 4 groups.The birds were fed a high-fat low-protein(HFLP)diet(CON).or HELP diets supplemented with 200,400,and 600 mg/kg of MAG(M1,M2,and M3,respectively)for 9 weeks.Results Magnolol supplementation increased the laying rate and ameliorated hepatic damage and dysfunction by regulating lipid metabolism,improving intestinal barrier function,and shaping the gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolic profiles.Dietary MAG supplementation downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis genes and upregulated the expression of lipid transport genes at varying degrees.The intestinal barrier function was improved by 200and 400 mg/kg of MAG supplementation,as evidenced by the increased villus height and mRNA expression of tight junction related genes.Microbiological profile information revealed that MAG changed the gut microbiota,especially by elevating the abundances of Lactobacillus,Faecallbacterium,and Butyricicoccus.Moreover,non-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that MAG significantly promoted tryptophan metabolites,which was positively correlated with the MAG-enriched gut microbiota.The increased tryptophan metabolites could activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)and relieved hepatic inflammation and immune response evidenced by the downregulated the gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and inte rleukin-6(IL-6)in the liver.The fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)experiments further con firmed that the hepatoprotective effect is likely mediated by MAG-altered gut microbiota and their metabolites.Conclusions Magnolol can be an outstanding supplement for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens by positively regulating lipid synthesis and transport metabolism,improving the intestinal barrier function,and relieving hepatic nmation by reshaping the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles through gut microbiota-indole metabolite-hepatic AhR crosstalk.These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which MAG alleviates FLHS and provide a promising method for preventing liver diseases by modulating gut microbiota and their metabolites.
基金Project supported by Key Project of Education Department of Liaoning Province(LJKZZ20220116)Surface Project of Science and Technology Department of Liaoning Province(2023-MS-251).
文摘The aim of the experiment was to explore the feasibility of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens. 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris were added to the basal diet of laying hens. The results showed that the optimal addition of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris in the diet of laying hens was 10%. According to the results of measuring the conventional indicators of eggs, the weight of eggs produced by laying hens fed with discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris was higher than that of laying hens fed with ordinary laying hens. The content of interleukin-1(IL-1) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the concentration of IL-1 increased by 141.5 pg/mL, which indicated that the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris effectively improved the immunity of laying hens. The high-throughput analysis of the intestinal contents of the two groups of laying hens showed that the microbial population abundance of the intestinal tract of the experimental group was greater than that of control group, and the application of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris increased the diversity of bacteria in the intestinal tract of laying hens. In addition, the sensitivity of some pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract of chickens to drugs was also increased, thereby reducing the use of antibiotics. The secondary utilization of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris has great development and utilization prospects, which provided a scientific reference and basic theoretical basis for the development of discarded nutrient medium of Cordyceps militaris as feed in the production of laying hens.
基金financially supported by China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-41)the National Key R&D Project(2021YFD1300404)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation from Guangdong Province(2022A1515012069)the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangzhou(SL2022A04J00940,2024E04J0562)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences(R2023PY-QY012,R2021YJ-YB3012),P.R.China。
文摘Background Dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy(AMEn)are two key variables affecting the production of bre eder hens.In this study,the effe cts and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yellowfeathered broiler breeder hens were investigated.A total of 72030-week-old breeder hens were fed in a 5(lysine:0.56%,0,68%,0.80%,0,92%,and 1.04%)×2(AMEn:11.50 and 11.10 MJ/kg)factorial arrangement for 12 weeks.The productive performance,reproductive traits,biochemical variables of breeder hense the amino acid concentration and quality of eggs,and the growth performance of offspring broilers were determined.Result(1)Dietary lysine had quadratic effects(P<0.05)on laying rate,average daily egg mass and feed intake/egg mass of breeder hens;birds with 11.50 MJ/kg AMEn(high AMEn)had higher(P<0.05)BW than those with 11.10MJ/kg AMEn(low AMEn);(2)dietary lysine significantly affected on the relative ovarian weight(quadratic and linear),and numbers of large yellow follicles(LYF,quadratic);birds with high AMEn had longer fallopian tube and more LYF than those with low AMEn(P<0.05);(3)dietary lysine had significant effects(linear and quadratic)on eggshell thickness and shell strength of eggs from breeder hens;birds with high AMEn had thinner eggshells and deeper yolk color than those with low AMEn(P<0.05);(4)there were higher(P<0.05)contents of protein and concentrations of all measured animo acids(AAs)in eggs from birds fed low AMEn;(5)supplementation with high AMEn to breeder hens significantly increased the hatchability of fertilized eggs;(6)neither dietary lysine level or AMEn afofected growth performance of offspring broilers;(7)both dietary lysine level and AMEn significantly affected gonadotropin concentrations and biochemical variables of breeder hens.Conclusions Dietary lysine had significant influences on productive performance,reproductive traits,and egg quality of yellow-feathered breeder hens.Based on productive performance,the optimal levels of dietary lysine were 0.81%to 0.83%,while 0.71%to 72%lysine was enough to obtain the best quality of breeding eggs.High AMEn was more beneficial to breeder hens for reproductive traits and hatchability of the fertilized eggs,while it showed detrimental epfrfects on eggshell thickness and AA concentrations of breeding eggs.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172743)China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP)of CAAS.
文摘Background Deteriorations in eggshell and bone quality are major challenges in aged laying hens.This study compared the differences of eggshell quality,bone parameters and their correlations as well as uterine physiologi-cal characteristics and the bone remodeling processes of hens laying eggs of different eggshell breaking strength to explore the mechanism of eggshell and bone quality reduction and their interaction.A total of 24074-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and allocated to a high(HBS,44.83±1.31 N)or low(LBS,24.43±0.57 N)eggshell breaking strength group.Results A decreased thickness,weight and weight ratio of eggshells were observed in the LBS,accompanied with ultrastructural deterioration and total Ca reduction.Bone quality was negatively correlated with eggshell quality,marked with enhanced structures and increased components in the LBS.In the LBS,the mammillary knobs and effective layer grew slowly.At the initiation stage of eggshell calcification,a total of 130 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,122 upregulated and 8 downregulated)were identified in the uterus of hens in the LBS relative to those in the HBS.These DEGs were relevant to apoptosis due to the cellular Ca overload.Higher values of p62 protein level,caspase-8 activity,Bax protein expression and lower values of Bcl protein expression and Bcl/Bax ratio were seen in the LBS.TUNEL assay and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed a significant increase in TUNEL-positive cells and tissue damages in the uterus of the LBS.Although few DEGs were identified at the growth stage,similar uterine tissue damages were also observed in the LBS.The expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocal-cin were upregulated in humeri of the LBS.Enlarged diameter and more structural damages of endocortical bones and decreased ash were observed in femurs of the HBS.Conclusion The lower eggshell breaking strength may be attributed to a declined Ca transport due to uterine tissue damages,which could affect eggshell calcification and lead to a weak ultrastructure.Impaired uterine Ca transport may result in reduced femoral bone resorption and increased humeral bone formation to maintain a higher mineral and bone quality in the LBS.
基金funded by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No.32002192)Research Fund for National Non-profit Research Institution (grant number JY2016)China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-40-S20)。
文摘Background Salpingitis is one of the common diseases in laying hen production, which greatly decreases the economic outcome of laying hen farming. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was effective in preventing local or systemic inflammation, however rare studies were reported on its prevention against salpingitis. This study aimed to investigate the preventive molecular regulatory network of microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum(MLP) against salpingitis through multi-omics analysis, including microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome analyses.Results The results revealed that supplementation of MLP in diet significantly alleviated the inflammation and atrophy of uterus caused by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in hens(P < 0.05). The concentrations of plasma IL-2 and IL-10 in hens of MLP-LPS group were higher than those in hens of LPS-stimulation group(CN-LPS group)(P < 0.05). The expression levels of TLR2, MYD88, NF-κB, COX2, and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the hens fed diet supplemented with MLP and suffered with LPS stimulation(MLP-LPS group) compared with those in the hens of CN-LPS group(P < 0.05). Differentially expressed genes(DEGs) induced by MLP were involved in inflammation, reproduction, and calcium ion transport. At the genus level, the MLP supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, whereas decreased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas in LPS challenged hens(P < 0.05). The metabolites altered by dietary supplementation with MLP were mainly involved in galactose, uronic acid, histidine, pyruvate and primary bile acid metabolism. Dietary supplementation with MLP inversely regulates LPSinduced differential metabolites such as Lyso PA(24:0/0:0)(P < 0.05).Conclusions In summary, dietary supplementation with microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum prevented salpingitis by modulating the abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminococcus_torques_group and Eubacterium_hallii_group while downregulating the levels of plasma metabolites, p-tolyl sulfate, o-cresol and N-acetylhistamine and upregulating S-lactoylglutathione, simultaneously increasing the expressions of CPNE4, CNTN3 and ACAN genes in the uterus, and ultimately inhibiting oviducal inflammation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32330101,32102575)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1300405)+3 种基金Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System(CARS-40-K9)the Key Technology Research and Development Program of Shandong province(2019JZZY020602)Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2020QC180)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019M660163).
文摘Background This work aimed to investigate the potential benefits of administering Prevotella and its primary metabolite succinate on performance,hepatic lipid accumulation and gut microbiota in laying hens.Results One hundred and fifty 58-week-old Hyline Brown laying hens,with laying rate below 80%and plasma triglyceride(TG)exceeding 5 mmol/L,were used in this study.The hens were randomly allocated into 5 groups and subjected to one of the following treatments:fed with a basal diet(negative control,NC),oral gavage of 3 mL/hen saline every other day(positive control,PC),gavage of 3 mL/hen Prevotella melaninogenica(10^(7)CFU/mL,PM)or 3 mL/hen Prevotella copri(10^(7)CFU/mL,P.copri)every other day,and basal diet supplemented with 0.25%sodium succinate(Succinate).The results showed that PM and P.copri treatments significantly improved laying rate compared to the PC(P<0.05).The amount of lipid droplet was notably decreased by PM,P.copri,and Succinate treatments at week 4 and decreased by P.copri at week 8(P<0.05).Correspondingly,the plasma TG level in Succinate group was lower than that of PC(P<0.05).Hepatic TG content,however,was not significantly influenced at week 4 and 8(P>0.05).PM treatment increased(P<0.05)the mRNA levels of genes PGC-1βand APB-5B at week 4,and ACC and CPT-1 at week 8.The results indicated enhanced antioxidant activities at week 8,as evidenced by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde(MDA)level and improved antioxidant enzymes activities in PM and Succinate groups(P<0.05).Supplementing with Prevotella or succinate can alter the cecal microbiota.Specifically,the abundance of Prevotella in the Succinate group was significantly higher than that in the other 4 groups at the family and genus levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Oral intake of Prevotella and dietary supplementation of succinate can ameliorate lipid metabolism of laying hens.The beneficial effect of Prevotella is consistent across different species.The finding highlights that succinate,the primary metabolite of Prevotella,represents a more feasible feed additive for alleviating fatty liver in laying hens.
基金National Key R&D Program of China:2023YFD1301200Hunan Poultry Industry Technology System for providing fund support。
文摘Background Liver lipid dysregulation is one of the major factors in the decline of production performance in latestage laying hens.Silymarin(SIL),a natural flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle,is known for its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering properties in humans.This study evaluates whether SIL can provide similar benefits to late-stage laying hens.A total of 48068-week-old Lohmann Pink laying hens were randomly assigned into 5 groups,each group consisting of 6 replicates with 16 hens each.The birds received a basal diet either without silymarin(control)or supplemented with silymarin at concentrations of 250,500,750,or 1,000 mg/kg(SIL250,SIL500,SIL750,SIL1000)over a 12-week period.Results The CON group exhibited a significant decline in laying rates from weeks 9 to 12 compared to the initial4 weeks(P=0.042),while SIL supplementation maintained consistent laying rates throughout the study(P>0.05).Notably,the SIL500 and SIL750 groups showed higher average egg weight than the CON group during weeks 5 to 8(P=0.049).The SIL750 group had a significantly higher average daily feed intake across the study period(P<0.05),and the SIL500 group saw a marked decrease in the feed-to-egg ratio from weeks 5 to 8(P=0.003).Furthermore,the SIL500 group demonstrated significant reductions in serum ALT and AST levels(P<0.05)and a significant decrease in serum triglycerides and total cholesterol at week 12 with increasing doses of SIL(P<0.05).SIL also positively influenced liver enzyme expression(FASN,ACC,Apo-VLDLⅡ,FXR,and CYP7A1;P<0.05)and altered the cecal microbiota composition,enhancing species linked to secondary bile acid synthesis.Targeted metabolomics identified 9 metabolites predominantly involved in thiamin metabolism that were significantly different in the SIL groups(P<0.05).Conclusions Our study demonstrated that dietary SIL supplementation could ameliorate egg production rate in late stage laying hens,mechanistically,this effect was via improving hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota function to achieve.Revealed the potentially of SIL as a feed supplementation to regulate hepatic lipid metabolism dysregulation.Overall,dietary 500 mg/kg SIL had the best effects.
基金Supported by Agricultural Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Fund of Ministry of Science and Technology(2012GB2A200044)Fund from Department of Science and Technology of Hebei Province(13826615D)~~
文摘[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tradi- tional Chinese herbal medicines on blood biochemical indices of egg-laying hens under heat stress and to provide theoretical basis for clinical application of the medicines. [Method] One hundred of 88-day-old ISA-Brown hens were randomly di- vided into five groups. The hens in four groups were administrated with Prescription I herbal medicines, Prescription II herbal medicines, Vc and blank control under ar- tificially simulated heat stress, respectively. The last group was raised under normal temperature condition. Blood samples of the hens were collected on 1, 4, 8 and 10 d later and detected for their biochemical indices. [Result] The blood sodium （Na）, phosphorus （P）, potassium （K） and chlorine （CI） concentrations in hens under heat stress were decreased, while the activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and creatine kinase （CK） were increased. These indices grad- ually returned to normal levels after the use of traditional Chinese herbal medicines. [Conclusion] The herbal medicines can relieve the adverse effects caused by heat stress to blood biochemical indices via different metabolic pathways of ions and en- zymes.
文摘Transportation of spent laying hens causes them severe suffering. HAI-MESHEK （The Israeli Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals） looked for ways to decrease the suffering and finally developed the solution. Spent laying hens are brutally taken out of the cages, and with broken legs and chests pressed into small boxes for transportation to the slaughter-house. Removing all hens from the cages, transportation, waiting in the slaughter-house and slaughtering all hens is a long and hard-suffering time, which may take 8-10 hours. Hai-Meshek conducted a research, aimed at finding more humane methods of transportation. The findings from other countries were very disappointing. Even in countries having high level of animal welfare, about 30% of the hens arrived at the slaughter-house with broken limbs! The conclusion was that even better method, imposed by legislation, would not solve the problem： it is difficult to detect truck drivers violating the rules and the fine is negligible, compared to the savings by the abovementioned cruel method. The only humane solution is by preventing the transportation and slaughtering on farm. Spent laying hens are not edible, so they need not be slaughtered in the slaughter-house. Hai-Meshek initiated and participated in the development and the building of a facility for the humane killing of spent laying hens on farms. The hens aye electrified and die in 1-1.5 seconds. This method costs far less than transportation and slaughtering. The Poultry Council, which takes care to remove spent laying hens from farms, requires contractors to use the facility and they bring it to every farm in Israel. The facility is also used for killing sick flocks. No more transportation of spent laying hens is allowed!
