Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the ...Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the effects of CHS on long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)expression and muscle injury in broilers,with a focus on its implications for meat quality.Results The results showed that CHS diminished breast muscle yield,elevated abdominal fat deposition,induced cellular apoptosis(P<0.05),and caused myofibrosis.Transcriptomic analysis revealed 151 differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs when comparing the normal control(NC)and HS groups,214 DE lncRNAs when comparing the HS and PF groups,and 79 DE lncRNAs when comparing the NC and pair-fed(PF)groups.After eliminating the confounding effect of feed intake,68 lncRNAs were identified,primarily associated with cellular growth and death,signal transduc-tion,and metabolic regulation.Notably,the apoptosis-related pathway P53,lysosomes,and the fibrosis-related gene TGF-β2 were significantly upregulated by lncRNAs.Conclusions These findings indicate that chronic heat stress induces cellular apoptosis and muscle injury through lncRNA,leading to connective tissue accumulation,which likely contributes to reduced breast muscle yield and meat quality in broilers.展开更多
Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group...Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.Results Implementing cyclic chronic HS(34 ℃ for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the m RNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.Conclusions These findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.展开更多
Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the produ...Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the production of tryptophan metabolites.Sanguinarine(SAN)enhances broiler immunity,however,its low bioavailability and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study aimed to decode the mechanisms by which sanguinarine enhances intestinal immune function in broilers.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to identify the main metabolites of sanguinarine in the intestine.Subsequently,equal concentrations of sanguinarine and its metabolites were separately added to the diets.The effects of sanguinarine and its metabolites on the intestinal immune function of broiler chickens were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and tryptophan metabolomics approaches.Results We determined that dihydrosanguinarine(DHSA)is the main metabolite of sanguinarine in the intestine.Both compounds increased average daily gain and reduced feed efficiency,thereby improving growth performance.They also enhanced ileal villus height and the villus-to-crypt(V/C)ratio while decreasing crypt depth and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1,occludin and claudin-1.Furthermore,both compounds promoted the proliferation of intestinal Lactobacillus species,a tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,stimulated short-chain fatty acid production,and lowered intestinal pH.They regulated tryptophan metabolism by increasing the diversity and content of indole tryptophan metabolites,activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)pathway,and elevating the mRNA levels of CYP1A1,CYP1B1,SLC3A1,IDO2 and TPH1.Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were inhibited,while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22,serum SIgA concentration,and intestinal MUC2 expression were increased.Notably,DHSA exhibited a more pronounced effect on enhancing immune function compared to SAN.Conclusions SAN is converted to DHSA in vivo,which increases its bioavailability.DHSA regulates tryptophan metabolism by activating the AhR pathway and modulating immune-related factors through changes in the gut microbiota.Notably,DHSA significantly increases the abundance of Lactobacillus,a key tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,thereby enhancing intestinal immune function and improving broiler growth performance.展开更多
Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated ho...Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks.Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline(control)or SB at 0.1%(SB1),0.3%(SB3),or 0.5%(SB5).Post-hatch,male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW(HHW)or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4×2 factorial design.Production parameters were recorded periodically.Intestinal weight,length,and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42.Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results SB treatments did not affect hatchability.HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group.SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW catego-ries,with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%.LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42,exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group.LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum,TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14.Addi-tionally,LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum,while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42.LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths,while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths.HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacte-ria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter.SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity,composition,and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories.The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints.HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.Conclusions HW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW.LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3%SB,showing improvements in growth,intestinal development,health,and gut microbiota characteristics.展开更多
Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut mic...Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut microbiota,bile acids(BAs)play a protective role in maintaining gut homeostasis.However,the antibacterial effect of BAs on Salmonella infection in broilers has remained unexplored.Therefore,the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of feeding BAs in protecting against S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.Methods A total of 1441-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including non-challenged birds fed a basal diet(CON),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds(ST),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds treated with 0.15 g/kg antibiotic after infection(ST-ANT),and S.Typhimurium-challenged birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 350 mg/kg of BAs(ST-BA).Results BAs supplementation ameliorated weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection and reduced the colonization of Salmonella in the liver and small intestine in broilers(P<0.05).Compared to the ST group,broilers in ST-BA group had a higher ileal mucosal thickness and villus height,and BAs also ameliorated the increase of diamine oxidase(DAO)level in serum(P<0.05).It was observed that the mucus layer thickness and the number of villous and cryptic goblet cells(GCs)were increased in the ST-BA group,consistent with the upregulation of MUC2 gene expression in the ileal mucosa(P<0.05).Moreover,the m RNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and interleukin 1 beta(IL1b)were downregulated in the ileum by BAs treatment(P<0.05).16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that,compared to ST group,BAs ameliorated the decreases in Bacteroidota,Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides abundances,which were negatively correlated with serum DAO activity,and the increases in Campylobacterota,Campylobacteraceae and Campylobacter abundances,which were negatively correlated with body weight but positively correlated with serum D-lactic acid(D-LA)levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Dietary BAs supplementation strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reverses dysbiosis of gut microbiota,which eventually relieves the damage to the intestinal barrier and weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.展开更多
Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreati...Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreatic genes and blood physiology parameters after administering one maximum residue limit of herbicide glyphosate(GLY),two ANTs,and one anticoccidial drug(AD).A total of 260 Ross 308 broilers aged 1-40 d were divided into the following four groups of 65 birds each:control group,which was fed the main diet(MD),and three experimental groups,which were fed MD supplemented with GLY,GLY+ANTs(enrofloxacin and colistin methanesulfonate),and GLY+AD(ammonium maduramicin),respectively.The results showed that the addition of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD caused significant changes in the expression of several genes of physiological and economic importance.In particular,genes related to inflammation and apoptosis(interleukin 6(IL6),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),and caspase 6(CASP6))were downregulated by up to 99.1%,and those related to antioxidant protection(catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and peroxiredoxin 6(PRDX6))by up to 98.6%,compared to controls.There was also a significant decline in the values of immunological characteristics in the blood serum observed in the experimental groups,and certain changes in gene expression were concordant with changes in the functioning of the pancreas and blood.The changes revealed in gene expression and blood indices in response to GLY,ANTs,and AD provide insights into the possible mechanisms of action of these agents at the molecular level.Specifically,these changes may be indicative of physiological mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD in broilers.展开更多
Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total trac...Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.展开更多
Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities...Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidation and hepatoprotection,which can promote the ability of liver detoxification.This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver damage in broilers.Results In vivo experiment showed that the PT reduced AFB_(1) content and AFB_(1)-exo-8,9-epoxide DNA(AFBODNA)concentration in serum and liver(P<0.05),improved the histomorphology of liver and hepatic mitochondria,and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-related antioxidant and detoxification pathway by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes(catalase[CAT],glutathione S-transferase[GST])and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)level(P<0.05),and inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A1(cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1)and phase Ⅱ detoxification enzyme related genes(GPX1,GSTT1,and NQO1)of broilers exposed to AFB_(1)(P<0.05).Meanwhile,PT upregulated the Nrf1 pathway-related mitochondrial biosynthetic genes(Nrf1,mitochondrial transcription factor A[TFAM],mitofusin 1[MFN1])in broilers fed AFB_(1) contaminated diet(P<0.05).In vitro verification study suggested that the use of Nrf2/Nrf1 inhibitors suppressed the ameliorative role of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver injury of broilers,which was manifested in the mRNA expression of Nrf2,NQO1,GSTT3,Nrf1,TFAM,and other genes decreasing(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the protein expression of Nrf2,total and nucleus p-Nrf2,and total and nucleus p-Nrf1(P<0.05).Conclusion The PT ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity by activating the Nrf2-mediated phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes pathway and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by activating the Nrf1 signaling pathway in broilers exposed to AFB_(1).展开更多
Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A complet...Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A completely randomized design was used for comparatively testing the effects of Zn proteinate on HS and non-HS broilers.Under high temperature(HT),a 1(Control,HT-CON)+2(Zn source)×2(added Zn level)factorial arrangement of treatments was used.The 2 added Zn sources were Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate(ZnS),and the 2 added Zn levels were 30 and 60 mg/kg.Under normal temperature(NT),a CON group(NT-CON)and pair-fed group(NT-PF)were included.Results The results showed that HS significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,occludin,junctional adhesion molecule-A(JAMA),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and zinc finger protein A20(A20)in the jejunum,and HS also remarkably increased serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-D),endotoxin and interleukin(IL)-1βcontents,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 activities,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum.However,dietary supplementation with Zn,especially organic Zn as Zn-Prot M at 60 mg/kg,significantly decreased serum FITC-D,endotoxin and IL-1βcontents,serum DAO and MMP-2 activities,NF-κB p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum of HS broilers,and notably promoted mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,ZO-1 and A20.Conclusions Our results suggest that dietary Zn,especially 60 mg Zn/kg as Zn-Prot M,can alleviate HS-induced intestinal barrier function damage by promoting the expression of TJ proteins possibly via induction of A20-mediated suppression of the NF-κB p65/MMP-2 pathway in the jejunum of HS broilers.展开更多
[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese medical herbs including astragali and taraxacum on health and growth performance of broilers.[Method] The tested Chinese medical herbs were ad...[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese medical herbs including astragali and taraxacum on health and growth performance of broilers.[Method] The tested Chinese medical herbs were added into the basal diet of avian broilers for measuring the variation of their health and growth performance.[Result]Compared to the control group(fed by basal diet and with antibiotics as additive),the body weight of broilers fed by compatibility A(0.8% astragali;0.4% haw;0.4% dried citrus peel;0.4% rhizoma atractylodis)and by compatibility B(1.2% taraxacum;0.8% smoked plums;0.8% amur cork-tree bark;0.4% astragali)increased by 6.12%(P<0.01)and 0.64%(P>0.05),respectively;feed intakes changed by-7.95% and 9.99%,respectively;feed conversion rates changed by-14.04% and 9.35%,respectively.The survival rate of compatibility B was similar to that of control group.[Conclusion]Compatibility of Chinese medical herbs containing astragali can improve the growth performance of avian broilers,and that containing taraxacum may to some extent result in the decrease of growth performance,but it can play the role instead of antibiotic additives.展开更多
Objective＇ To study the muscular histological traits and their relationship with meat tenderness in local broilers and provide a theoretical basis for promoting meat quality of broiler. [Methed] The diameter and dens...Objective＇ To study the muscular histological traits and their relationship with meat tenderness in local broilers and provide a theoretical basis for promoting meat quality of broiler. [Methed] The diameter and density of muscle fiber of three local varieties of chicken （Beijing Fatty broil- er, Fujian Hetian broiler and Taining Black broiler） were detected at the age of 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. And the differences in the diame- ter and density of muscle fiber as well as their relationship with meat tenderness were respectively analyzed with SAS software. [ Resultl Fatty broil- er had the smallest muscle fiber diameter while Hetian broiler the largest; Fatty broiler had the highest muscle fiber density while Hetian broiler the lowest Hetian broiler had the highest muscle shear force of leg muscle while Black broiler the lowest （ P 〈0.05） ; Black broiler had the highest mus- cle shear force of breast muscle while Fatty broiler the lowest （P〈0.05）. The correlation analysis showed that the shear force of breast muscle and leg muscle had significantly positive relation with fiber diameter and significantly negative relation with fiber density （ P 〈 0.05）. [ Conclusion] Muscu- lar histological traits varied in different local broilers, and the muscular shear force had significantly relation with fiber diameter and density.展开更多
Background: Clostridium perfringens is the main etiological agent of necrotic enteritis. Lactobacil i show beneficial effects on intestinal health in infectious disease, but the protective functions of lactobacil i in...Background: Clostridium perfringens is the main etiological agent of necrotic enteritis. Lactobacil i show beneficial effects on intestinal health in infectious disease, but the protective functions of lactobacil i in C. perfringens-infected chickens are scarcely described. This study examined the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) over a 28-day period. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, a total of 308 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were included to investigate the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) during a 28-day trial.Results: During infection(d 14–21), C. perfringens challenge decreased the average daily gain(P < 0.05), and increased feed conversion ratio and the mortality rate(P < 0.05). However, dietary supplementation with L. acidophilus increased the body weight of C. perfringens-infected broilers on d 21(P < 0.05), and tended to decrease the mortality(P = 0.061).C. perfringens challenge decreased the villus height(P < 0.05), the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P < 0.05) and OCLN(occludin) m RNA expression(P < 0.05), and increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the spleen and jejunum, the intestinal populations of C. perfringens and Escherichia(P < 0.05), and the serum content of endotoxin(P < 0.05), regardless of L. acidophilus supplementation. In contrast, dietary L. acidophilus reducedthe intestinal lesion score of challenged broilers(P < 0.05), the m RNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ileal populations of Escherichia and serum endotoxin content(P < 0.05), but increased the intestinal Lactobacillus populations(P < 0.05),irrespective of C. perfringens challenge.Conclusion: Dietary addition of L. acidophilus could improve the intestinal health and reduce the mortality of broilers suffering from necrotic enteritis.展开更多
Cinnamon essential oil(CEO)and its combination with bamboo leaf flavonoid(BLF)have been shown to exhibit an additive antibacterial effect in vitro,but their functions in broilers were not clear.An experiment was condu...Cinnamon essential oil(CEO)and its combination with bamboo leaf flavonoid(BLF)have been shown to exhibit an additive antibacterial effect in vitro,but their functions in broilers were not clear.An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary graded levels of CEO and its combination with BLF on the growth performance,immune responses,antioxidative ability,and intestinal morphology and microbiota of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet.A total of 576 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly allotted to 9 treatments with 8 replicates of 8 birds each in a completely randomized design.Birds were fed on a basal corn-soybean meal diet(control,without plant extracts and antibiotics),or the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg of aureomycin kg^-1,50,100,200,400,or 800 mg of CEO kg^-1,a combination of 100 mg of CEO and 16.7 mg of BLF kg^-1,or a combination of 200 mg of CEO kg^-1 and 33.3 mg of BLF kg^-1 for 42 d.Dietary treatment affected(P<0.05)the serum immune globulin M(IgM)contents on d 42,liver malondialdehyde(MDA)contents on d 21,duodenal crypt depth on d 42,relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the cecal contents on d 21,and relative abundances of Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium in the cecal contents on d 42,but had no effect(P>0.16)on all other measured indices.The addition of 400 mg of CEO kg^-1 or a combination of 200 mg CEO kg^-1 and 33.3 mg BLF kg^-1 increased(P<0.02)serum IgM contents on d 42.Dietary supplementation with 100 or 200 mg CEO kg^-1,or 50 mg aureomycin kg^-1 decreased(P<0.003)liver MDA contents on d 21.In addition,the supplement of 100 mg CEO kg^-1 increased(P<0.002)the Lactobacillus relative abundance in caecum on d 21 and Bifidobacterium relative abundance in caecum on d 42,and decreased(P<0.0001)E.coli relative abundance in caecum on d 42.The results indicated that dietary supplementation with CEO,an alternative to aureomycin,improved the immune status,antioxidantative ability and cecal microbiota of broilers,and dietary supplementation with the combinations of CEO and BLF did not exhibit further effects.Dietary supplementation with 100 mg CEO kg^-1 is beneficial for broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet.展开更多
An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of xylo-oligosaccharides（XOS） on growth performance, meat quality, immune functions, duodenal morphology and intestinal microbial popu...An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of xylo-oligosaccharides（XOS） on growth performance, meat quality, immune functions, duodenal morphology and intestinal microbial populations of broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal basal diet. A total of 450 1-day-old commercial Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated by bodyweight to 1 of 5 treatments with 6 replicate cages（15 broilers per cage） for each of 5 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chicks were fed the basal corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg of XOS kg–1 of diet, respectively, for an experimental duration of 42 days. The results showed that supplementation of XOS affected feed conversion rate（feed/gain, F/G） during days 22–42 and 1–42（P〈0.03）, drip loss in thigh muscle（P=0.02）, and duodenal crypt depth（P=0.005） on day 42, but had no effect（P〉0.05） on all other measured indices. The chicks fed the diet supplemented with 100 mg of XOS kg–1 had the lowest（P〈0.05） F/G and drip loss in thigh muscle. The drip loss in thigh muscle decreased linearly（P=0.003） as the supplemented XOS increased. Duodenal crypt depth decreased（P〈0.05） at the supplemental level of 75 mg of XOS kg–1. The results indicate that dietary supplementations of 75 and 100 mg of XOS kg–1 are beneficial to broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine deficiency on cellular immune function by determining morphological and ultrastructural changes of thymus, thymic cell cycle and apoptosis, periph...The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine deficiency on cellular immune function by determining morphological and ultrastructural changes of thymus, thymic cell cycle and apoptosis, peripheral blood T-cell subsets, T- cell proliferation function and the serum interleukin-2 （IL-2） contents. 120 1-d-old broilers were randomly divided into two groups （6 replicates in each group and l0 broilers in each replicate） and fed on a control diet or methionine deficient diet for 42 d. Lesions were observed in experiment. Histopathologically, lymphopenia and congestion were observed in the medulla of thymic lobule. Ultrastructurally, there were more apoptosis lymphocytes, and the mitochondria of lymphocytes were swelled in thymus of methionine deficiency. The G0/G~ phase of the cell cycle of the thymus was much higher （P〈0.01）, and the S, G2＋M phases and proliferating index （PI） were lower （P〈0.01） in methionine deficiency than in control group. And the percentage of apoptotic cells in the thymus was significantly increased in methionine deficiency （P〈0.01）. The percentage of CD4＋ and CD8~ T-cells was decreased in methionine deficiency compared with control group. Meanwhile, the proliferation function of peripheral blood T-cell was decreased in methionine deficiency. Also, the serum IL-2 contents were decreased in methionine deficiency. It was concluded that methionine deficiency could cause pathological and ultrastructural changes of thymus, reduce the T-cell population, serum IL-2 contents and the proliferation function of T- cells, and induce increased percentage of apoptotic cells. The cellular immune function was finally impaired in broilers.展开更多
Background： Highly automated cage-rearing systems are becoming increasingly popular in China. However, a high stocking density can cause oxidative stress and decrease broiler performance. The tryptophan （TRP） deriv...Background： Highly automated cage-rearing systems are becoming increasingly popular in China. However, a high stocking density can cause oxidative stress and decrease broiler performance. The tryptophan （TRP） derivative 5-hydroxytryptophan （5-HT） has been shown to preserve membrane fluidity in birds suffering from oxidative stress Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietan/TRP supplementation on performance, breast meat quality and oxidative stress in broilers reared in cages with a high or low stocking density. Methods： Female Arbor Acres broilers （25-d-old, n = 144） were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments. The birds were fed a diet based on corn, soybean meal, cottonseed meal and corn gluten meal containing either 0.18 or 0.27% TRP and were housed with stocking densities of 11 or 15.4 birds/m2 in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Broiler performance was evaluated from d 25 to 42. Eight birds from each treatment were slaughtered on d 42 and plasma and breast muscle samples were collected to measure biochemical indices. Results： A higher stocking density tended to be associated with reduced weight gain （P 〈 0.10）, and significantly increased plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （GPT） activity （P 〈 0.001）. Increased dietary TRP significantly reduced the activities of lactic dehydrogenase and GPT while increasing total cholesterol in the plasma （P 〈 0.01）, reducing drip loss of breast muscle （P 〈 0.10） and improving feed efficiency （P 〈 0.10）. Conclusions： An increase in dietary TRP, ].S-fold higher than the standard supplementation level, can alleviate oxidative stress as well as improve welfare and feed efficiency in broilers reared in cages with a high stocking density.展开更多
Fatty acid transport protein-1 （FATP-1） is one of the important transporter proteins involved in fatty acid transmembrane transport and fat deposition. To study the relationship between FATP-1 mRNA expression and fa...Fatty acid transport protein-1 （FATP-1） is one of the important transporter proteins involved in fatty acid transmembrane transport and fat deposition. To study the relationship between FATP-1 mRNA expression and fat deposition, chicken （Gallus gallus） FATP-1 sequence was first cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends （RACE）. Tissue samples of chest muscle, leg muscle, subcutaneous fat, and abdominal fat were collected from six male and six female broilers each, at 22 days, 29 days, and 42 days, respectively. The tissue specificity and ontogenesis expression pattern of the FATP-1 mRNA of yellow-feathered broilers was studied by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and the fat deposition laws in different tissues were also compared. A 2,488 bp cDNA sequence of chicken FATP-1 was cloned by RACE （GenBank accession no. DQ352834）, including 547 bp 3＇ end untranslated region （URT） and 1,941 bp open reading frame （ORF）. Chicken FATP-1 encoded 646 amino acid residues, which shared 83.9% and 83.0% identity with those of human and rat, respectively. The results of quantitative PCR demonstrated a constant FATP-1 mRNA expression level in the chest muscle and subcutaneous fat of both male and female broilers at three stages, whereas the expression level of the FATP-1 mRNA in the leg muscle at 42 days was significantly higher than that at 22 days or 29 days. In the abdominal fat of male broilers, the gene expression significantly increased with age, whereas the female broilers showed a dramatic downregulation of FATP-1 expression in abdominal fat at 42 days. This suggested a typical tissue-and gender-specific expression pattern of chicken FATP-1, mediating the specific process of fatty acid transport or utilization in muscle and adipose tissues.展开更多
An experiment was conducted to investigate the requirement of nonphytate phosphorus（nPP） and efficacy of a genetically engineered yeast phytase（PHY A） for Lingnan yellow broilers from 22-to 42-d-old age.A total of...An experiment was conducted to investigate the requirement of nonphytate phosphorus（nPP） and efficacy of a genetically engineered yeast phytase（PHY A） for Lingnan yellow broilers from 22-to 42-d-old age.A total of 1 320 1-d-old male chicks were randomly divided into 11 dietary treatment groups,which consisted of 4 replicate floor pens with 30 birds per pen.The control group（treatment 1） was fed with basal diet of nPP 0.08% without dicalcium phosphate or phytase supplementation.Dietary levels of nPP were 0.16,0.24,0.32,0.40,0.48,and 0.56%,respectively,for treatments 2 to 7,through addition of dicalcium phosphate（chemistry grade） to the basal diet.Diets of treatments 8 to 11 were supplemented with PHY A at 200,400 and 600 U kg-1,a commercial phytase product（PHY B） at 400 U kg-1 level,respectively.The birds in 0.32-0.56% nPP groups gained more than those of the other groups（P0.05）.The nPP supplementation significantly improved feed intake（P0.05）.The feed gain ratio was significantly decreased by 0.40% nPP diet compared to the control birds（P0.05）.The level of 0.48% nPP was required for optimum tibia development.The additions of PHY A at 400 and 600 U kg-1 level and PHY B all significantly improved ADG（P0.05）,ADFI（P0.05）,and dry defatted tibia weight（P0.05）.Similarly,the percentage of tibia ash was increased by 600 U kg-1 PHY A supplementation（P0.05）.The requirement of nPP for maximal ADG and highest percentage tibia ash both was 0.40%.The phosphorus equivalency value of PHY A was estimated as 685 U kg-1 for male yellow broilers of 22-to 42-d-old age.展开更多
Background: The effect of amylases combined with exogenous carbohydrase and protease in a newly harvested corn diet on starch digestibility, intestine health and cecal microbiota was investigated in broiler chickens.M...Background: The effect of amylases combined with exogenous carbohydrase and protease in a newly harvested corn diet on starch digestibility, intestine health and cecal microbiota was investigated in broiler chickens.Methods: Two hunderd and eighty-eight 5-day-old female chickens were randomly divided into six treatments: a newly harvested corn-soybean meal diet(control); control supplemented with 1,500 U/g α-amylase(Enzyme A);Enzyme A + 300 U/g amylopectase + 20,000 U/g glucoamylase(Enzyme B); Enzyme B + protease 10,000 U/g(Enzyme C); Enzyme C + xylanase 15,000 U/g(Enzyme D); and Enzyme D + cellulase 200 U/g + pectinase 1,000 U/g(Enzyme E). Growth performance, starch digestibility, digestive organ morphology, and intestinal microbiota were evaluated in the birds at 16 and 23 d of age.Results: Compared with the control diet, supplementation with Enzyme A significantly decreased ileum lesion scoring at 16 d of age(P < 0.05); supplementation with Enzyme B or Enzyme C showed positive effects on ileal amylopectin and total starch digestibility(P < 0.05); Broilers fed with a diet supplemented with Enzyme D had a tendency to decrease body weight gain at 23 d. Enzyme E supplementation improved lesion scoring of jejunum and ileum at 16 d(P < 0.05), and increased ileal amylopectin or total starch digestibility at 23 d(P < 0.05).Supplementation of enzymes changed cecal microbiota diversity. High numbers of Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Butyricicoccus, Anaerostipes and Bifidobacterium, Sutterella and Odoribacter were the main genera detected in supplementations with Enzymes B, C, D, and E respectively.Conclusions: Supplementation with amylase combined with glucoamylase or protease showed a beneficial effect on starch digestibility and intestinal microbiota diversity, and increased growth of broilers fed with newly harvested corn.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072780,31872374)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0500501,2018YFD0500405)Earmarked Fund for Jiangsu Agricultural Industry Technology System(JATS[2024]).
文摘Background Chronic heat stress(CHS)is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers.However,the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.This study investigates the effects of CHS on long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)expression and muscle injury in broilers,with a focus on its implications for meat quality.Results The results showed that CHS diminished breast muscle yield,elevated abdominal fat deposition,induced cellular apoptosis(P<0.05),and caused myofibrosis.Transcriptomic analysis revealed 151 differentially expressed(DE)lncRNAs when comparing the normal control(NC)and HS groups,214 DE lncRNAs when comparing the HS and PF groups,and 79 DE lncRNAs when comparing the NC and pair-fed(PF)groups.After eliminating the confounding effect of feed intake,68 lncRNAs were identified,primarily associated with cellular growth and death,signal transduc-tion,and metabolic regulation.Notably,the apoptosis-related pathway P53,lysosomes,and the fibrosis-related gene TGF-β2 were significantly upregulated by lncRNAs.Conclusions These findings indicate that chronic heat stress induces cellular apoptosis and muscle injury through lncRNA,leading to connective tissue accumulation,which likely contributes to reduced breast muscle yield and meat quality in broilers.
基金funded by the Ghent University Special Research Fund(BOF.PDO.2022.0002.01)Projects of International Cooperation of Henan Province(232102520016)National Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(242300420159).
文摘Background Heat stress(HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine(NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.Results Implementing cyclic chronic HS(34 ℃ for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the m RNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.Conclusions These findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.
基金funded by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD1301200)the science and technology innovation Program of Hunan Province(2021RC3091).
文摘Background Tryptophan is essential for nutrition,immunity and neural activity,but cannot be synthesized endogenously.Certain natural products influence host health by modulating the gut microbiota to promote the production of tryptophan metabolites.Sanguinarine(SAN)enhances broiler immunity,however,its low bioavailability and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study aimed to decode the mechanisms by which sanguinarine enhances intestinal immune function in broilers.Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)was employed to identify the main metabolites of sanguinarine in the intestine.Subsequently,equal concentrations of sanguinarine and its metabolites were separately added to the diets.The effects of sanguinarine and its metabolites on the intestinal immune function of broiler chickens were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and tryptophan metabolomics approaches.Results We determined that dihydrosanguinarine(DHSA)is the main metabolite of sanguinarine in the intestine.Both compounds increased average daily gain and reduced feed efficiency,thereby improving growth performance.They also enhanced ileal villus height and the villus-to-crypt(V/C)ratio while decreasing crypt depth and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1,occludin and claudin-1.Furthermore,both compounds promoted the proliferation of intestinal Lactobacillus species,a tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,stimulated short-chain fatty acid production,and lowered intestinal pH.They regulated tryptophan metabolism by increasing the diversity and content of indole tryptophan metabolites,activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)pathway,and elevating the mRNA levels of CYP1A1,CYP1B1,SLC3A1,IDO2 and TPH1.Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were inhibited,while anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-22,serum SIgA concentration,and intestinal MUC2 expression were increased.Notably,DHSA exhibited a more pronounced effect on enhancing immune function compared to SAN.Conclusions SAN is converted to DHSA in vivo,which increases its bioavailability.DHSA regulates tryptophan metabolism by activating the AhR pathway and modulating immune-related factors through changes in the gut microbiota.Notably,DHSA significantly increases the abundance of Lactobacillus,a key tryptophan-metabolizing bacterium,thereby enhancing intestinal immune function and improving broiler growth performance.
基金financially supported article publication charges under the program"Regional Initiative of Excellence"(RID/SP/0017/2024/01)funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 955374。
文摘Background Hatch weight(HW)affects broiler growth and low HW(LHW)often leads to suboptimal performance.Sodium butyrate(SB)has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health.This study investi-gated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks.Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline(control)or SB at 0.1%(SB1),0.3%(SB3),or 0.5%(SB5).Post-hatch,male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW(HHW)or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4×2 factorial design.Production parameters were recorded periodically.Intestinal weight,length,and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42.Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results SB treatments did not affect hatchability.HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group.SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW catego-ries,with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%.LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42,exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group.LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum,TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14.Addi-tionally,LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum,while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42.LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths,while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths.HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacte-ria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter.SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity,composition,and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories.The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints.HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.Conclusions HW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW.LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3%SB,showing improvements in growth,intestinal development,health,and gut microbiota characteristics.
基金The National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD2000802)provided financial contributions。
文摘Background Salmonella Typhimurium(S.Typhimurium)is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms.As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut microbiota,bile acids(BAs)play a protective role in maintaining gut homeostasis.However,the antibacterial effect of BAs on Salmonella infection in broilers has remained unexplored.Therefore,the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of feeding BAs in protecting against S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.Methods A total of 1441-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups,including non-challenged birds fed a basal diet(CON),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds(ST),S.Typhimurium-challenged birds treated with 0.15 g/kg antibiotic after infection(ST-ANT),and S.Typhimurium-challenged birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 350 mg/kg of BAs(ST-BA).Results BAs supplementation ameliorated weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection and reduced the colonization of Salmonella in the liver and small intestine in broilers(P<0.05).Compared to the ST group,broilers in ST-BA group had a higher ileal mucosal thickness and villus height,and BAs also ameliorated the increase of diamine oxidase(DAO)level in serum(P<0.05).It was observed that the mucus layer thickness and the number of villous and cryptic goblet cells(GCs)were increased in the ST-BA group,consistent with the upregulation of MUC2 gene expression in the ileal mucosa(P<0.05).Moreover,the m RNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and interleukin 1 beta(IL1b)were downregulated in the ileum by BAs treatment(P<0.05).16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that,compared to ST group,BAs ameliorated the decreases in Bacteroidota,Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides abundances,which were negatively correlated with serum DAO activity,and the increases in Campylobacterota,Campylobacteraceae and Campylobacter abundances,which were negatively correlated with body weight but positively correlated with serum D-lactic acid(D-LA)levels(P<0.05).Conclusions Dietary BAs supplementation strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reverses dysbiosis of gut microbiota,which eventually relieves the damage to the intestinal barrier and weight loss induced by S.Typhimurium infection in broilers.
基金supported by the Russian Science Foundation(No.22-16-00128),“Investigation of the Toxic Effect of Glyphosates on the Functional State of the Bird Intestinal Microbial Community,Their Growth and Development,and the Development of a Biological Product Based on the Glyphosate Degrading Strain”.
文摘Drugs and pesticide residues in broiler feed can compromise the therapeutic and production benefits of antibiotic(ANT)application and affect gene expression.In this study,we analyzed the expression of 13 key pancreatic genes and blood physiology parameters after administering one maximum residue limit of herbicide glyphosate(GLY),two ANTs,and one anticoccidial drug(AD).A total of 260 Ross 308 broilers aged 1-40 d were divided into the following four groups of 65 birds each:control group,which was fed the main diet(MD),and three experimental groups,which were fed MD supplemented with GLY,GLY+ANTs(enrofloxacin and colistin methanesulfonate),and GLY+AD(ammonium maduramicin),respectively.The results showed that the addition of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD caused significant changes in the expression of several genes of physiological and economic importance.In particular,genes related to inflammation and apoptosis(interleukin 6(IL6),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),and caspase 6(CASP6))were downregulated by up to 99.1%,and those related to antioxidant protection(catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)and peroxiredoxin 6(PRDX6))by up to 98.6%,compared to controls.There was also a significant decline in the values of immunological characteristics in the blood serum observed in the experimental groups,and certain changes in gene expression were concordant with changes in the functioning of the pancreas and blood.The changes revealed in gene expression and blood indices in response to GLY,ANTs,and AD provide insights into the possible mechanisms of action of these agents at the molecular level.Specifically,these changes may be indicative of physiological mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of GLY,GLY+ANTs,and GLY+AD in broilers.
基金Department of Veterinary Sciences“Ricerca Locale–Linea A”.
文摘Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.
基金funded by the Characteristic Innovation Project of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education(2024 KTSCX198)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024 A1515012201)Guangdong Feed Industry Technology System(2024 CXTD14).
文摘Background Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))risks animal and human health,and the liver is considered the most crucial detoxification organ.Phlorotannin(PT)is a polyhydroxy phenol that has a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidation and hepatoprotection,which can promote the ability of liver detoxification.This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver damage in broilers.Results In vivo experiment showed that the PT reduced AFB_(1) content and AFB_(1)-exo-8,9-epoxide DNA(AFBODNA)concentration in serum and liver(P<0.05),improved the histomorphology of liver and hepatic mitochondria,and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-related antioxidant and detoxification pathway by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes(catalase[CAT],glutathione S-transferase[GST])and total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)level(P<0.05),and inhibited the mRNA expression of CYP1A1(cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1)and phase Ⅱ detoxification enzyme related genes(GPX1,GSTT1,and NQO1)of broilers exposed to AFB_(1)(P<0.05).Meanwhile,PT upregulated the Nrf1 pathway-related mitochondrial biosynthetic genes(Nrf1,mitochondrial transcription factor A[TFAM],mitofusin 1[MFN1])in broilers fed AFB_(1) contaminated diet(P<0.05).In vitro verification study suggested that the use of Nrf2/Nrf1 inhibitors suppressed the ameliorative role of PT on AFB_(1)-induced liver injury of broilers,which was manifested in the mRNA expression of Nrf2,NQO1,GSTT3,Nrf1,TFAM,and other genes decreasing(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the protein expression of Nrf2,total and nucleus p-Nrf2,and total and nucleus p-Nrf1(P<0.05).Conclusion The PT ameliorates oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity by activating the Nrf2-mediated phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes pathway and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by activating the Nrf1 signaling pathway in broilers exposed to AFB_(1).
基金Key International Cooperation Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32120103011)Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Tuan Dui program(JSSCTD202147)+1 种基金Jiangsu Shuang Chuang Ren Cai program(JSSCRC2021541)Initiation Funds of Yangzhou University for Distinguished Scientists.
文摘Background The aim of this study was to determine whether and how Zn proteinate with moderate chelation strength(Zn-Prot M)can alleviate heat stress(HS)-induced intestinal barrier function damage of broilers.A completely randomized design was used for comparatively testing the effects of Zn proteinate on HS and non-HS broilers.Under high temperature(HT),a 1(Control,HT-CON)+2(Zn source)×2(added Zn level)factorial arrangement of treatments was used.The 2 added Zn sources were Zn-Prot M and Zn sulfate(ZnS),and the 2 added Zn levels were 30 and 60 mg/kg.Under normal temperature(NT),a CON group(NT-CON)and pair-fed group(NT-PF)were included.Results The results showed that HS significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,occludin,junctional adhesion molecule-A(JAMA),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and zinc finger protein A20(A20)in the jejunum,and HS also remarkably increased serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-D),endotoxin and interleukin(IL)-1βcontents,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2 activities,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum.However,dietary supplementation with Zn,especially organic Zn as Zn-Prot M at 60 mg/kg,significantly decreased serum FITC-D,endotoxin and IL-1βcontents,serum DAO and MMP-2 activities,NF-κB p65 mRNA expression level,and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and MMP-2 in the jejunum of HS broilers,and notably promoted mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-1,ZO-1 and A20.Conclusions Our results suggest that dietary Zn,especially 60 mg Zn/kg as Zn-Prot M,can alleviate HS-induced intestinal barrier function damage by promoting the expression of TJ proteins possibly via induction of A20-mediated suppression of the NF-κB p65/MMP-2 pathway in the jejunum of HS broilers.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30360076)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese medical herbs including astragali and taraxacum on health and growth performance of broilers.[Method] The tested Chinese medical herbs were added into the basal diet of avian broilers for measuring the variation of their health and growth performance.[Result]Compared to the control group(fed by basal diet and with antibiotics as additive),the body weight of broilers fed by compatibility A(0.8% astragali;0.4% haw;0.4% dried citrus peel;0.4% rhizoma atractylodis)and by compatibility B(1.2% taraxacum;0.8% smoked plums;0.8% amur cork-tree bark;0.4% astragali)increased by 6.12%(P<0.01)and 0.64%(P>0.05),respectively;feed intakes changed by-7.95% and 9.99%,respectively;feed conversion rates changed by-14.04% and 9.35%,respectively.The survival rate of compatibility B was similar to that of control group.[Conclusion]Compatibility of Chinese medical herbs containing astragali can improve the growth performance of avian broilers,and that containing taraxacum may to some extent result in the decrease of growth performance,but it can play the role instead of antibiotic additives.
文摘Objective＇ To study the muscular histological traits and their relationship with meat tenderness in local broilers and provide a theoretical basis for promoting meat quality of broiler. [Methed] The diameter and density of muscle fiber of three local varieties of chicken （Beijing Fatty broil- er, Fujian Hetian broiler and Taining Black broiler） were detected at the age of 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. And the differences in the diame- ter and density of muscle fiber as well as their relationship with meat tenderness were respectively analyzed with SAS software. [ Resultl Fatty broil- er had the smallest muscle fiber diameter while Hetian broiler the largest; Fatty broiler had the highest muscle fiber density while Hetian broiler the lowest Hetian broiler had the highest muscle shear force of leg muscle while Black broiler the lowest （ P 〈0.05） ; Black broiler had the highest mus- cle shear force of breast muscle while Fatty broiler the lowest （P〈0.05）. The correlation analysis showed that the shear force of breast muscle and leg muscle had significantly positive relation with fiber diameter and significantly negative relation with fiber density （ P 〈 0.05）. [ Conclusion] Muscu- lar histological traits varied in different local broilers, and the muscular shear force had significantly relation with fiber diameter and density.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of China(No.3140130343)
文摘Background: Clostridium perfringens is the main etiological agent of necrotic enteritis. Lactobacil i show beneficial effects on intestinal health in infectious disease, but the protective functions of lactobacil i in C. perfringens-infected chickens are scarcely described. This study examined the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) over a 28-day period. Using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, a total of 308 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were included to investigate the effects of Lactobacil us acidophilus(L. acidophilus) on the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens chal enged with Clostridium perfringens(C. perfringens) during a 28-day trial.Results: During infection(d 14–21), C. perfringens challenge decreased the average daily gain(P < 0.05), and increased feed conversion ratio and the mortality rate(P < 0.05). However, dietary supplementation with L. acidophilus increased the body weight of C. perfringens-infected broilers on d 21(P < 0.05), and tended to decrease the mortality(P = 0.061).C. perfringens challenge decreased the villus height(P < 0.05), the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P < 0.05) and OCLN(occludin) m RNA expression(P < 0.05), and increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the spleen and jejunum, the intestinal populations of C. perfringens and Escherichia(P < 0.05), and the serum content of endotoxin(P < 0.05), regardless of L. acidophilus supplementation. In contrast, dietary L. acidophilus reducedthe intestinal lesion score of challenged broilers(P < 0.05), the m RNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ileal populations of Escherichia and serum endotoxin content(P < 0.05), but increased the intestinal Lactobacillus populations(P < 0.05),irrespective of C. perfringens challenge.Conclusion: Dietary addition of L. acidophilus could improve the intestinal health and reduce the mortality of broilers suffering from necrotic enteritis.
基金supported by the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest, China (201403047)the Special Funds of CAAS for Distinguished Scientists, China+2 种基金the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System (CARS-41)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program, China (ASTIP-IAS08)the Key Agricultural Science and Technology Program of Datong, Shanxi, China (2016047)
文摘Cinnamon essential oil(CEO)and its combination with bamboo leaf flavonoid(BLF)have been shown to exhibit an additive antibacterial effect in vitro,but their functions in broilers were not clear.An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary graded levels of CEO and its combination with BLF on the growth performance,immune responses,antioxidative ability,and intestinal morphology and microbiota of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet.A total of 576 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly allotted to 9 treatments with 8 replicates of 8 birds each in a completely randomized design.Birds were fed on a basal corn-soybean meal diet(control,without plant extracts and antibiotics),or the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg of aureomycin kg^-1,50,100,200,400,or 800 mg of CEO kg^-1,a combination of 100 mg of CEO and 16.7 mg of BLF kg^-1,or a combination of 200 mg of CEO kg^-1 and 33.3 mg of BLF kg^-1 for 42 d.Dietary treatment affected(P<0.05)the serum immune globulin M(IgM)contents on d 42,liver malondialdehyde(MDA)contents on d 21,duodenal crypt depth on d 42,relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the cecal contents on d 21,and relative abundances of Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium in the cecal contents on d 42,but had no effect(P>0.16)on all other measured indices.The addition of 400 mg of CEO kg^-1 or a combination of 200 mg CEO kg^-1 and 33.3 mg BLF kg^-1 increased(P<0.02)serum IgM contents on d 42.Dietary supplementation with 100 or 200 mg CEO kg^-1,or 50 mg aureomycin kg^-1 decreased(P<0.003)liver MDA contents on d 21.In addition,the supplement of 100 mg CEO kg^-1 increased(P<0.002)the Lactobacillus relative abundance in caecum on d 21 and Bifidobacterium relative abundance in caecum on d 42,and decreased(P<0.0001)E.coli relative abundance in caecum on d 42.The results indicated that dietary supplementation with CEO,an alternative to aureomycin,improved the immune status,antioxidantative ability and cecal microbiota of broilers,and dietary supplementation with the combinations of CEO and BLF did not exhibit further effects.Dietary supplementation with 100 mg CEO kg^-1 is beneficial for broilers fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet.
基金supported by the Shandong Longlive Bio-Technology Co. Ltd., Chinathe Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program, China (ASTIP-IAS08)+1 种基金the Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research in the Public Interest, China (201403047)the China Agriculture Research System (CARS-42)
文摘An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of xylo-oligosaccharides（XOS） on growth performance, meat quality, immune functions, duodenal morphology and intestinal microbial populations of broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal basal diet. A total of 450 1-day-old commercial Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated by bodyweight to 1 of 5 treatments with 6 replicate cages（15 broilers per cage） for each of 5 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chicks were fed the basal corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg of XOS kg–1 of diet, respectively, for an experimental duration of 42 days. The results showed that supplementation of XOS affected feed conversion rate（feed/gain, F/G） during days 22–42 and 1–42（P〈0.03）, drip loss in thigh muscle（P=0.02）, and duodenal crypt depth（P=0.005） on day 42, but had no effect（P〉0.05） on all other measured indices. The chicks fed the diet supplemented with 100 mg of XOS kg–1 had the lowest（P〈0.05） F/G and drip loss in thigh muscle. The drip loss in thigh muscle decreased linearly（P=0.003） as the supplemented XOS increased. Duodenal crypt depth decreased（P〈0.05） at the supplemental level of 75 mg of XOS kg–1. The results indicate that dietary supplementations of 75 and 100 mg of XOS kg–1 are beneficial to broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.
基金supported by the program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University,China (IRT0848)the Education Department of Sichuan Province, China (09ZZ017)
文摘The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine deficiency on cellular immune function by determining morphological and ultrastructural changes of thymus, thymic cell cycle and apoptosis, peripheral blood T-cell subsets, T- cell proliferation function and the serum interleukin-2 （IL-2） contents. 120 1-d-old broilers were randomly divided into two groups （6 replicates in each group and l0 broilers in each replicate） and fed on a control diet or methionine deficient diet for 42 d. Lesions were observed in experiment. Histopathologically, lymphopenia and congestion were observed in the medulla of thymic lobule. Ultrastructurally, there were more apoptosis lymphocytes, and the mitochondria of lymphocytes were swelled in thymus of methionine deficiency. The G0/G~ phase of the cell cycle of the thymus was much higher （P〈0.01）, and the S, G2＋M phases and proliferating index （PI） were lower （P〈0.01） in methionine deficiency than in control group. And the percentage of apoptotic cells in the thymus was significantly increased in methionine deficiency （P〈0.01）. The percentage of CD4＋ and CD8~ T-cells was decreased in methionine deficiency compared with control group. Meanwhile, the proliferation function of peripheral blood T-cell was decreased in methionine deficiency. Also, the serum IL-2 contents were decreased in methionine deficiency. It was concluded that methionine deficiency could cause pathological and ultrastructural changes of thymus, reduce the T-cell population, serum IL-2 contents and the proliferation function of T- cells, and induce increased percentage of apoptotic cells. The cellular immune function was finally impaired in broilers.
基金supported by the System for Poultry Production Technology,Beijing Innovation Research Team of Modern Agriculture(CARSPSTP)the National Key Technology R&D Program of China during the 12~(th) five-year plan(2012BAD39B04)
文摘Background： Highly automated cage-rearing systems are becoming increasingly popular in China. However, a high stocking density can cause oxidative stress and decrease broiler performance. The tryptophan （TRP） derivative 5-hydroxytryptophan （5-HT） has been shown to preserve membrane fluidity in birds suffering from oxidative stress Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietan/TRP supplementation on performance, breast meat quality and oxidative stress in broilers reared in cages with a high or low stocking density. Methods： Female Arbor Acres broilers （25-d-old, n = 144） were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments. The birds were fed a diet based on corn, soybean meal, cottonseed meal and corn gluten meal containing either 0.18 or 0.27% TRP and were housed with stocking densities of 11 or 15.4 birds/m2 in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Broiler performance was evaluated from d 25 to 42. Eight birds from each treatment were slaughtered on d 42 and plasma and breast muscle samples were collected to measure biochemical indices. Results： A higher stocking density tended to be associated with reduced weight gain （P 〈 0.10）, and significantly increased plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase （GPT） activity （P 〈 0.001）. Increased dietary TRP significantly reduced the activities of lactic dehydrogenase and GPT while increasing total cholesterol in the plasma （P 〈 0.01）, reducing drip loss of breast muscle （P 〈 0.10） and improving feed efficiency （P 〈 0.10）. Conclusions： An increase in dietary TRP, ].S-fold higher than the standard supplementation level, can alleviate oxidative stress as well as improve welfare and feed efficiency in broilers reared in cages with a high stocking density.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2004CB117501)the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(No.30500367)+1 种基金Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation for Program of Research Team(No.04205804)the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,Ministry of Education of China.
文摘Fatty acid transport protein-1 （FATP-1） is one of the important transporter proteins involved in fatty acid transmembrane transport and fat deposition. To study the relationship between FATP-1 mRNA expression and fat deposition, chicken （Gallus gallus） FATP-1 sequence was first cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends （RACE）. Tissue samples of chest muscle, leg muscle, subcutaneous fat, and abdominal fat were collected from six male and six female broilers each, at 22 days, 29 days, and 42 days, respectively. The tissue specificity and ontogenesis expression pattern of the FATP-1 mRNA of yellow-feathered broilers was studied by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, and the fat deposition laws in different tissues were also compared. A 2,488 bp cDNA sequence of chicken FATP-1 was cloned by RACE （GenBank accession no. DQ352834）, including 547 bp 3＇ end untranslated region （URT） and 1,941 bp open reading frame （ORF）. Chicken FATP-1 encoded 646 amino acid residues, which shared 83.9% and 83.0% identity with those of human and rat, respectively. The results of quantitative PCR demonstrated a constant FATP-1 mRNA expression level in the chest muscle and subcutaneous fat of both male and female broilers at three stages, whereas the expression level of the FATP-1 mRNA in the leg muscle at 42 days was significantly higher than that at 22 days or 29 days. In the abdominal fat of male broilers, the gene expression significantly increased with age, whereas the female broilers showed a dramatic downregulation of FATP-1 expression in abdominal fat at 42 days. This suggested a typical tissue-and gender-specific expression pattern of chicken FATP-1, mediating the specific process of fatty acid transport or utilization in muscle and adipose tissues.
基金supported by the the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System,China (nycytx-42-G2-01)the grant from Ministry of Agriculture of China (nyhyzx07-038)
文摘An experiment was conducted to investigate the requirement of nonphytate phosphorus（nPP） and efficacy of a genetically engineered yeast phytase（PHY A） for Lingnan yellow broilers from 22-to 42-d-old age.A total of 1 320 1-d-old male chicks were randomly divided into 11 dietary treatment groups,which consisted of 4 replicate floor pens with 30 birds per pen.The control group（treatment 1） was fed with basal diet of nPP 0.08% without dicalcium phosphate or phytase supplementation.Dietary levels of nPP were 0.16,0.24,0.32,0.40,0.48,and 0.56%,respectively,for treatments 2 to 7,through addition of dicalcium phosphate（chemistry grade） to the basal diet.Diets of treatments 8 to 11 were supplemented with PHY A at 200,400 and 600 U kg-1,a commercial phytase product（PHY B） at 400 U kg-1 level,respectively.The birds in 0.32-0.56% nPP groups gained more than those of the other groups（P0.05）.The nPP supplementation significantly improved feed intake（P0.05）.The feed gain ratio was significantly decreased by 0.40% nPP diet compared to the control birds（P0.05）.The level of 0.48% nPP was required for optimum tibia development.The additions of PHY A at 400 and 600 U kg-1 level and PHY B all significantly improved ADG（P0.05）,ADFI（P0.05）,and dry defatted tibia weight（P0.05）.Similarly,the percentage of tibia ash was increased by 600 U kg-1 PHY A supplementation（P0.05）.The requirement of nPP for maximal ADG and highest percentage tibia ash both was 0.40%.The phosphorus equivalency value of PHY A was estimated as 685 U kg-1 for male yellow broilers of 22-to 42-d-old age.
基金supported by the System for Poultry Production Technology,Beijing Innovation Research Team of Modern Agriculture(BAIC04–2016)
文摘Background: The effect of amylases combined with exogenous carbohydrase and protease in a newly harvested corn diet on starch digestibility, intestine health and cecal microbiota was investigated in broiler chickens.Methods: Two hunderd and eighty-eight 5-day-old female chickens were randomly divided into six treatments: a newly harvested corn-soybean meal diet(control); control supplemented with 1,500 U/g α-amylase(Enzyme A);Enzyme A + 300 U/g amylopectase + 20,000 U/g glucoamylase(Enzyme B); Enzyme B + protease 10,000 U/g(Enzyme C); Enzyme C + xylanase 15,000 U/g(Enzyme D); and Enzyme D + cellulase 200 U/g + pectinase 1,000 U/g(Enzyme E). Growth performance, starch digestibility, digestive organ morphology, and intestinal microbiota were evaluated in the birds at 16 and 23 d of age.Results: Compared with the control diet, supplementation with Enzyme A significantly decreased ileum lesion scoring at 16 d of age(P < 0.05); supplementation with Enzyme B or Enzyme C showed positive effects on ileal amylopectin and total starch digestibility(P < 0.05); Broilers fed with a diet supplemented with Enzyme D had a tendency to decrease body weight gain at 23 d. Enzyme E supplementation improved lesion scoring of jejunum and ileum at 16 d(P < 0.05), and increased ileal amylopectin or total starch digestibility at 23 d(P < 0.05).Supplementation of enzymes changed cecal microbiota diversity. High numbers of Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Butyricicoccus, Anaerostipes and Bifidobacterium, Sutterella and Odoribacter were the main genera detected in supplementations with Enzymes B, C, D, and E respectively.Conclusions: Supplementation with amylase combined with glucoamylase or protease showed a beneficial effect on starch digestibility and intestinal microbiota diversity, and increased growth of broilers fed with newly harvested corn.
