Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide improves the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli.

With the high intensification of poultry breeding, a series of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria threaten the health of poultry and human. Among them, poultry diseases induced by Escherichia coli cause significant economic loss every year. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide (AAP) on the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers with Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge. A total of 256 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: control group (fed basal diet), AAP group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP), E. coli group (fed basal diet and orally administered E. coli), AAP + E. coli group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP and orally administered E. coli). Dietary AAP supplementation elevated the BW, ADG and ADFI in non-challenged broilers. AAP also increased the apparent metabolic rate of EE and Ca in E. coli-challenged broilers. Moreover, AAP not only enhanced the serum IgA content but also decreased the serum and jejunum content of IL-6, as well as the jejunum level of IL-1ß in non-challenged broilers. AAP also down-regulates the mRNA level of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) by inhibiting the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in intestinal NF-κB signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers. Meanwhile, AAP up-regulates the activity and mRNA level CAT by down-regulating the mRNA level of Keap1 in intestinal Nrf2 signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers, and decreased serum MDA concentration. AAP significantly elevated the mRNA level of CAT, SOD and Nrf2 in jejunal of non-challenged broilers. Interestingly, AAP can improve intestinal physical barrier by down-regulating serum ET content, increasing the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and ZO-1 mRNA level in broilers challenged by E. coli. AAP also elevated the VH/CD and the mRNA level of Occludin, ZO-1, Mucin-2 in non-challenged broilers. Importantly, AAP reshaped the balance of jejunum microbiota in E. coli-challenged broilers by altering α diversity and community composition. In summary, AAP ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broilers challenged with E. coli, probably by regulating the intestinal permeability and mucosa morphology, immune function, antioxidant ability, and microbiota.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Yeast Supplementation on Lactation Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Responses in Lactating Donkeys.

Donkey milk is a traditional medicinal food with various biological activities. However, its production is very low, and lactating donkeys often experience oxidative stress, leading to a further decline in milk yield. In this study, we supplemented the diets of lactating donkeys with yeast selenium (SY) to investigate its effects on lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses, and we expected to determine the optimum additive level of SY in the diet. For this study, 28 healthy lactating Dezhou donkeys with days in milk (DIM, 39.93 ± 7.02 d), estimated milk yield (EMY, 3.60 ± 0.84 kg/d), and parity (2.82 ± 0.48) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 7 donkeys in each: Group SY-0 (control), Group SY-0.15, Group SY-0.3, and Group SY-0.5, with selenium supplementation of 0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5 mg of Se/kg DM (in form of SY) to the basal diet, respectively. The results showed a dose-dependent increase in milk yield, milk component yield, milk protein production efficiency, milk production efficiency, the activities of glutathione peroxidases (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as the content of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes (LYM), red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, plasma selenium, and milk selenium. Conversely, it presented a dose-dependent decrease in the activity of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In conclusion, the results confirmed that dietary supplementation with SY can improve lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses in lactating donkeys, and the recommended dose of SY was 0.3 mg/kg.

Effects of dietary energy level on antioxidant capability, immune function and rectal microbiota in late gestation donkeys.

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of dietary energy level on the antioxidant capability, immune function, and rectal microbiota in donkey jennets during the last 60 days of gestation. Methods: Fifteen pregnant DeZhou donkeys with age of 6.0 ± 0.1 years, body weight of 292 ± 33 kg, parity of 2.7 ± 0.1 parities and similar expected date of confinement (74 ± 4 days) were randomly allocated to three groups and feed three diets: high energy (10.92 MJ/kg, H), medium energy (10.49 MJ/kg, M), and low energy (9.94 MJ/kg, L). Results and Discussion: The serum activity of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in group M was significantly higher, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, and IL-6 were lower than those recorded for groups H and L (p ≤ 0.05). The dietary energy level significantly affected rectal microbial community structure in the jennet donkeys 35 days and 7 days before the parturition (p ≤ 0.05). The abundances of norank_f_norank_o_Coriobacteriales genus was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in group H, and the abundances of norank_f_norank_o_Mollicutes_RF39 and the Candidatus_Saccharimonas were higher in group L (p ≤ 0.05). The abundance of Fibrobacter in group M was significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05). The abundance of norank_f_norank_o_Coriobacteriales was positively correlated with average daily gain (ADG) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations (p ≤ 0.05). The abundance of norank_f_norank_o_Mollicutes_RF39 was positively correlated with IL-2 and IL-6 concentrations. The abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas was positively correlated with CAT, T-SOD and GSH-Px activities (p ≤ 0.05). The abundance of Fibrobacter was positively correlated with CAT and T-SOD activities (p ≤ 0.05), but negatively correlated with IL-2 concentration (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, an appropriate dietary with an energy content of 10.49 MJ/kg for jennet donkeys during late gestation increased the prenatal antioxidant capacity, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and promoted fetal growth, and these changes were related to diet-induced changes in rectal microbiota compositions.

Dietary Artemisia Ordosica Polysaccharide Enhances Spleen and Intestinal Immune Response of Broiler Chickens.

The spleen and small intestines are the primary immune organs that provide important immunity against various diseases. Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) could be used as an immunologic enhancer to boost immunity in response to infection. This study was performed to explore the effects of the dietary supplementation of AOP on the growth performance and spleen and small intestine immune function in broilers. A total of 288 AA broilers (1 day old) were randomly assigned into six dietary groups. Each group included six replicates of eight broilers per cage. The broilers were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg (CON), 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC), 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg AOP for 42 d. The results showed that dietary AOP supplementation affected broiler growth performance, with 750 and 1000 mg/kg of AOP being able to significantly improve broiler BWG, and 750 mg/kg of AOP was able to significantly reduce the FCR. The dietary AOP supplementation increased the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-1ß, IL-2, and IL-4 in the spleen and small intestine in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, we found that AOP can promote the mRNA expression of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling-pathway-related factors (TLR4, MyD88, P38 MAPK, JNK, NF-κB p50, and IL-1ß). In addition, the dietary supplementation of 750 mg/kg AOP provides better immunity in the tissue than the CON group but showed no significant difference from the CTC group. Therefore, AOP has an immunoregulatory action and can modulate the immune function of broilers via the TLR4/ NF-ΚB/MAPK signal pathway. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 750 mg/kg AOP may be alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing broilers' health, immunity, and growth performance.

Intestinal Microbiota Community and Blood Fatty Acid Profiles of Albas Cashmere Goats Fed with Flaxseed Oil and Whole Flaxseed.

The present study investigated the effects of flaxseed oil or flaxseed grain on the intestinal microbiota and blood fatty acid profiles of Albas cashmere goats. Sixty kid goats were allocated to three treatments and fed for 90 days with a control treatment, comprising a basal diet (CON, total-mixed ration with flaxseed meal), or experimental treatments, comprising a basal diet with added flaxseed oil (LNO) and a basal diet with added heated flaxseed grain (HLS). On day 90, two goats were randomly selected from each pen (eight goats per treatment) for euthanizing; then, five of the eight goats were randomly selected, and we collected their intestinal (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon) digesta for analysis of the bacteria community. The results indicated that Firmicutes are the most predominant phylum in different segments of the intestinal digesta. Compared with the CON group, the relative abundance of duodenal Firmicutes, jejunal Saccharibacteria, and Verrucomicrobia significantly decreased in the LNO and HLS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the LNO and HLS groups. Compared with the CON and HLS groups, the RA of duodenal and jejunal Proteobacteria remarkably increased in the LNO group (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the CON and HLS groups. Compared with the CON and LNO groups, the RA of Actinobacteria remarkably increased in the small intestine of the HLS group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the CON and LNO groups in the duodenum and ileum. The results of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that the HLS group was characterized by a higher RA of the [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group in the small intestine and the LNO group was represented by a higher RA of the Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group in the cecum and colon, while the CON group was represented by a higher RA of Solobacterium, Pseudoramibacter, and Acetitomaculum in the small intestine and a higher RA of norank_o__Bradymonadales, the Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, and Ruminiclostridium_1 in the cecum and colon. In conclusion, the addition of flaxseed oil and grain rich in c18:3n3 to the diet could reduce the microbial diversity of the small intestinal segments and the microbial diversity and richness of the cecum and colon in Albas cashmere goats. And flaxseed grain is more efficient than flaxseed oil in protecting intestinal health and promoting the absorption of c18:3n3.

Effects of Artemisia ordosica Crude Polysaccharide on Antioxidant and Immunity Response, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Microbiota in Cashmere Goats.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharide (AOCP) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant and immunity capacity, rumen fermentation parameters, and the microbiota of cashmere goats. A total of 12 cashmere goats (2 years old) with similar weight (38.03 ± 2.42 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly divided into two dietary treatments with six replicates. The treatments were as follows: (1) control (CON, basal diet); and (2) AOCP treatment (AOCP, basal diet with 0.3% AOCP). Pre-feeding was conducted for 7 days, followed by an experimental period of 21 days. The results showed that the ADG; feed/gain (F/G); and the digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF of cashmere goats in the AOCP group were greater than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Still, there was no significant effect on the digestibility of EE, NDF, Ca, and P (p > 0.05). Compared to the CON group, AOCP increased BCP, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, and TVFA concentrations (p < 0.05), but it reduced the protozoa numbers of acetate and A/P (p < 0.05). The serum CAT, GSH-Px, T-SOD, 1L-6, and NO levels were higher in AOCP than in the CON group (p < 0.05). The addition of AOCP increased the Sobs and Ace estimators (p < 0.05) and reduced the Simpson estimator in the ruminal fluid compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the AOCP group increased the colonization of beneficial bacteria by positively influencing GSH-Px and IL-6 (norank_f__F082, unclassified_p__Firmicutes), as well as bacteria negatively associated with F/G (norank_f__norank_o__Bacteroidales, unclassified_p__Firmicutes, and norank_f__F082). It decreased the colonization of potential pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas and Escherichia-Shigella) (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In conclusion, 0.3% AOCP improves the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune function, rumen fermentation, and microflora of cashmere goats.

Effects of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Extract Supplemented in Cashmere Goats with a High-Concentrate Diet on Growth Performance, Ruminal and Colonic Fermentation and SARA.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of noni fruit extract (NFE) on growth performance, ruminal and colonic fermentation, nutrient digestion, and subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) of cashmere goats with the high-concentrate diet. Twenty-four cashmere kids (17.9 ± 1.45 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly assigned to three treatments: low-concentrate diet, high-concentrate (HC) diet, or HC diet supplemented with NFE at 1 g per kg DM (0.1%). The results showed that although the HC diet improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR), it was accompanied by SARA with a decreased pH and an increased lactic acid of both rumen and colon, and decreased digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The supplementation of 0.10% NFE in the HC diet could not only effectively alleviate SARA symptoms and colon fermentation disorders, such as reversing the decrease of pH and alleviating the increase of lactic acid in rumen and colon, but also mitigate the decline of fiber digestibility caused by long-term feeding in the HC diet, and increase the digestibility of crude protein(CP) and dry matter (DM), which improved the ADG and FCR of cashmere kids. Thus, NFE provides new strategies for alleviating SARA and promoting cashmere goat growth.

Effects of Artemisia annua L. Water Extract on Growth Performance and Intestinal Related Indicators in Broilers.

Artemisia annua L. is a natural herb with a variety of bioactive substances, which can play a variety of biological functions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral, and can be used as a potential feed additive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of Artemisia annua L. water extract (AAWE) on growth performance and intestinal related indicators in broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were selected and randomly divided into five treatment groups, with five replicates in each group and eight birds per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the other groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g/kg AAWE. On d 21, with the increase in AAWE dose, final body weight and feed efficiency showed a quadratic increase effect, whereas feed intake showed a linear reduction effect; however, the apparent metabolic rate of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract increased quadratically on d 42. In addition, the activity of duodenal chymotrypsin and trypsin, and of jejunal lipase quadratically increased, whereas the intestine crypt depth linearly decreased on d 42. The number of total anaerobic bacteria increased quadratically, whereas the number of Escherichia coli decreased quadratically. The number of Lactobacillus increased linearly, whereas H2S emission linearly decreased on d 21; moreover, NH3 emission (24 h) quadratically decreased on d 42. In conclusion, AAWE promoted the growth performance and intestinal related indicators of broilers.

Plant Extracts to Alleviating Heat Stress in Dairy Cows.

Heat stress (HS) in cows is a critical issue in the dairy industry. Dairy cows accumulate heat from body metabolism, along with that imposed by air temperature, humidity, air flow and solar radiation. HS in animals can occur during hot and humid summers when the ambient temperature is extremely high. Dairy cows have relatively high feed intakes and metabolic heat production and are thus susceptible to HS, leading to reductions in feed intake, lower milk yield, affected milk quality, reduced animal health and even shortening the productive lifespan of cows. Therefore, alleviating HS is a top priority for the dairy industry. Suitable plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency and few toxic side effects or residues for applications to alleviate HS in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extract products on alleviating HS in dairy cows and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action.

Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide ameliorated LPS-induced growth inhibition and intestinal injury in broilers through enhancing immune-regulation and antioxidant capacity.

The study investigated the effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) on growth, intestinal morphology, immune responses and antioxidant capacity of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 192 1-d-old broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1 to 14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15 to 21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22 to 28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29 to 35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36 to 42). During stress period Ⅰ and Ⅱ, broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with equal sterile saline. The results showed that AOP alleviated LPS-induced growth inhibition by prompting protein digestibility, and decreasing serum stress hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines content of broilers. Moreover, AOP decreased LPS-induced over-production of IL-1ß and IL-6 through suppressing TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and alleviated LPS-induced decreasing of T-AOC, CAT and GPx activities by activating Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, which ultimately improved jejunum morphology. In conclusion, AOP alleviated LPS-induced growth inhibition and intestinal damage by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of broilers.

Dietary Polysaccharide-Rich Extract from Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Modified Ruminal Fermentation, Ruminal Bacterial Community and Nutrient Digestion in Cashmere Goats.

In two consecutive studies, we evaluated the effects of polysaccharide-rich noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit extract (NFP) on ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes and nutrient digestion in cashmere goats. In Exp. 1, the effects of a diet containing NFP of 0, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.55% on in vitro ruminal fermentation at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h were determined, whereas in Exp. 2, fourteen cashmere goats (46.65 ± 3.36 kg of BW ± SD) were randomly assigned to two treatments: the basal diet with or without (CON) supplementation of NFP at 4 g per kg DM (0.4%). The in vitro results showed that NFP linearly increased concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA), quadratically decreased ammonia-N concentration, and changed pH, protozoa number, gas production and the microbial protein (MCP) concentration, and was more effective at 0.4% addition, which yielded similar results in ruminal fermentation in Exp. 2. In addition, NFP increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein and the abundance of Firmicutes, and reduced the abundance of Bacteroides and Actinobacteria. Ruminococcus_1 was positively associated with VFA concentration. The Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was positively correlated with protozoa and negatively correlated with MCP concentration. Thus, NFP has potential as a ruminal fermentation enhancer for cashmere goats.

Transient hearing abnormalities precede social deficits in a mouse model of autism.

Hearing abnormalities are important symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), a neurological and developmental disorder. However, the characteristics of hearing abnormalities associated with ASD during development have not been fully investigated. We found that in Shank3B knockout mice (a high-confidence mouse model of ASD), transient hearing abnormalities can be found in auditory brainstem response, auditory cortical activity, as well as acoustic startle response. More importantly, all hearing abnormalities at 4 weeks were most prominent and preceded the onset of social deficits at 6 weeks. These hearing abnormalities gradually recovered with age. In addition, analysis of ABR data at 4 weeks using Support Vector Machine (SVM) can faithfully predict the genotype of mice with an accuracy of 85.71%. These findings not only revealed hearing changes in Shank3B knockout autistic-like mice during development, but also suggested that hearing abnormalities could potentially be used as an early and effective indicator of ASD risk.

Progress of Studies on Plant-Derived Polysaccharides Affecting Intestinal Barrier Function in Poultry.

As natural bioactive components, plant-derived polysaccharides have many biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoccidial, and immunity regulation, and have been widely used in poultry production. In this review paper, firstly, the sources and structures of plant-derived polysaccharides are reviewed; secondly, the effects of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal microbiome, permeability, morphology and immune function of poultry are summarized; thirdly, the potential molecular regulation mechanism of plant-derived polysaccharides on the intestinal barrier function of poultry was preliminarily analyzed. The review paper will bring a basis for the scientific utilization of plant-derived polysaccharides in the poultry industry.

Influence of Cold Environments on Growth, Antioxidant Status, Immunity and Expression of Related Genes in Lambs.

Cold climates may be a risk to the health and welfare of lambs during winter because cold environments alter the physiological processes of lambs, and we used cold environments with three different temperature gradients-an indoor heating control group (IHC) using electric heating; an indoor temperature group (IT) with intermittent and slight degrees of stimulation of coldness; an outdoor temperature group (OT) exposed to cold environments in an external natural environment. The results showed that the lambs in the OT group had a greater decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) and increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) compared to the other two groups. The decrease in immunoglobulin A (IgA) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) contents and IL-2 gene expression, and the increase in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) content and TNF-α and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65) gene expressions in the OT group suggested that the lambs had a compromised immune status in cold environments. Moreover, the decrease in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels, and CAT, GPx, SOD1, SOD2, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expressions, and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the OT group suggested that the lambs had a lower antioxidant defense capacity in cold environments. Thus, in extreme cold, lambs kept outdoors could reduce growth, immune function and antioxidant status. However, shelter feeding in winter could relieve the stress of cold environments on lambs, and housing with heating equipment was more conducive to the improve growth, immune, and antioxidant function of the lambs.

Effects of Total Flavonoids of Artemisia ordosica on Growth Performance, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Status of Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broilers.

Artemisia ordosica has been applied as a traditional Chinese/Mongolian medicine for the treatment of certain inflammatory ailments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Artemisia ordosica total flavonoids (ATF) supplemented in diets on growth performance, oxidative stress, and antioxidant status in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into 5 groups with 6 replicates (n = 8), which were the basal diet group (CON), LPS-challenged and basal diet group (LPS), and the LPS-challenged and basal diet added with low (500 mg/kg), middle (750 mg/kg), and high (1000 mg/kg) doses of ATF groups (ATF-L, ATF-M, and ATF-H), respectively. On day 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS or an equivalent amount of saline. Results showed that dietary ATF alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in BW, ADG, and ADFI in broilers. Dietary ATF supplementation reversed the increased serum oxidative damage indexes (reactive oxygen species, protein carbonyl, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) and the decreased serum antioxidant indexes [total superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] in LPS-challenged broilers. Moreover, ATF alleviated the decreased antioxidase activity and the over-production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and spleen induced by LPS. This study also showed that ATF alleviated the increased mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and the decreased mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, SOD, and GPx in the liver and spleen of broilers challenged with LPS. In conclusion, ATF has a strong capacity to enhance antioxidant enzyme activity and relieve oxidative stress and can be used as a potential novel feed additive in poultry diets to improve growth performance and antioxidant capacity.

An Artemisia ordosica extract: Effects on growth performance, immune, and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-challenged broilers.

Artemisia ordosica has been applied as a traditional Chinese/Mongolian medicine for treating csertain inflammatory ailments. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Artemisia ordosica alcohol extract (AOAE) supplemented in diets on growth performance, immune, and inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broilers were randomly allotted into 5 groups with 6 replicates (n = 8), which were basal diet group (CON), LPS-challenge and basal diet group (LPS), LPS-challenge and the basal diet added with low (500 mg/kg), middle (750 mg/kg), and high (1,000 mg/kg) dose of AOAE groups (AOAE-L, AOAE-M, and AOAE-H), respectively. On d 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, all broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS or an equivalent amount of saline. Results showed that dietary AOAE alleviated the LPS-induced decrease in average daily gain and average daily feed intake in the broilers (P < 0.05). Dietary AOAE supplementation reversed the increased spleen index and the decreased bursa index in LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Moreover, feeding AOAE could mitigate the elevation of IL-1ß in serum, liver, and spleen, IL-2 in serum and liver, IL-6 in serum and spleen, and the decrease of IgG in spleen, IgM in serum, liver, and spleen, and IL-4 in serum of the LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). This study also showed that AOAE supplementation alleviated the increase of mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p50, IL-1ß, and IL-6, and the decrease of gene expression of IκBα and PPARγ in liver and/or spleen of broilers challenged by LPS (P < 0.05). We speculated that AOAE administration could effectively alleviate LPS-induced inflammation via decreasing over-production of proinflammatory cytokines, ultimately relieving the growth inhibition of broilers caused by LPS. In conclusion, 1,000 mg/kg AOAE has a strong capacity to enhance immunity and inhibit inflammation, and can be used as a potential novel feed additive with applications in treating inflammation-related diseases and bacterial infection in broilers.

Effects of Housing and Management Systems on the Growth, Immunity, Antioxidation, and Related Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Donkeys in Cold Weather.

The study was designed with a 2 × 2 factorial experiment to evaluate the effects of growth performance, immune function, antioxidant status, blood biochemical indexes, and hormone levels of donkeys in different housing and management systems in cold weather. Twenty-four male donkeys with similar body weight and age were randomly allocated into four treatment groups that were as follows: a cold-water-drinking group without a windproof facility, a lukewarm-water-drinking group without windproof facilities, a cold-water-drinking group with a windproof facility, and a lukewarm-water-drinking group with a windproof facility. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that windproof facilities increased average daily gain (ADG) and decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) at all time periods (p < 0.01) of the experiment. Windproof facilities increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude fat (CF), crude protein (CP), ash, calcium (Ca), and phosphate (P) on day 21 (p < 0.01), and increased the digestibility of DM, CF, ash, and P on day 42 (p < 0.01). The respiration rate and the skin temperature of the abdomen and legs increased (p < 0.05) and rectal temperature tended to increase (p = 0.083) by adopting windproof facilities at 07:00; the windproof facilities tended to increase the skin temperature of the ears and abdomen (p = 0.081, p = 0.091) at 14:00. For the blood parameters, with windproof facilities, the concentrations of total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (p < 0.05) and glucose (GLU) concentration decreased (p < 0.05) at 07:00 on day 21; the concentrations of TG and cholesterol (CHO) increased and the concentrations of TP, BUN, and GLU decreased at 07:00 on day 42 (p < 0.05). The concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (COR), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) decreased (p < 0.05) at 07:00 on day 21, and T4 concentration decreased (p < 0.05) at 07:00 on day 42. The concentrations of interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) increased (p < 0.01) and the concentrations of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) decreased (p < 0.01) on days 21 and 42. The activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased (p < 0.05), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased (p < 0.01) on day 21; the activities of T-SOD and catalase (CAT) increased (p < 0.05), and MDA concentration decreased (p < 0.01) on day 42. However, under the conditions of this experiment, water temperature did not affect the above indexes on days 21 and 42. These results indicated that adopting windproof facilities in a cold climate can mitigate the effects of atrocious weather on the production performance of donkeys.

Effect of Varying Dietary Crude Protein Level on Milk Production, Nutrient Digestibility, and Serum Metabolites by Lactating Donkeys.

Donkey milk is considered as a functional food due to its high levels of whey protein, and can be used in newborn nutrition, due to the nutritional similarities with human milk and its hypoallergenic property. However, donkey milk yield is very low and little is known about improving donkey milk yield by nutrition manipulation. The effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on milk production, nutrient digestibility, and serum metabolites was investigated in the current study. Twenty-four lactating donkeys were randomly assigned to one of the following three CP content diets: 15.3% (HP), 14.2% (MP), and 13.1% (LP) of dry matter, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks, with the first two weeks being used for adaptation. The results showed that milk yield and yields of protein, lactose, solid-not-fat, total solid, and contents of protein, total solid and milk urea nitrogen in the HP and MP groups were higher than the LP group. No significant changes were observed in dry-matter intake, contents of milk fat, lactose or solid-not-fat. The feed conversion ratio, milk protein synthesis efficiency, and the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, calcium and phosphorous in the HP and MP groups were greater than the LP group. Serum total protein, albumin and urea nitrogen concentrations decreased, while concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate increased in the LP group compared with the HP and MP groups. In conclusion, the diet containing 14.2% CP supplied an adequate amount of protein for improving milk production in lactating donkeys, but milk production was not further increased by feeding the donkeys more than 14.2% CP.

The effects of supplementation of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit polysaccharides-rich extract on antioxidant status and immune function in cashmere goats.

This experiment was designed to examine the effects of a dietary supplementation of polysaccharides-rich noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit extract (NFP) on the anti-oxidant enzyme activities, cytokines level, and expression of corresponding genes in blood of cashmere goats. Twelve castrated, 2-yr-old male cashmere goats (45.44 ± 3.30 kg of BW ± SD) were used in a 2 × 2 crossover design: the basal diet with or without (CON) supplementation of NFP at 4 g per kg DM (0.4%). Each period lasted for 29 d, including 1 wk for diet transition, 20 d for adaptation, and the last 2 d for sampling. The results showed that NFP supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum. The expressions of CAT, GPx4, TrxR, SOD1, IL-6, and TNF-α genes were upregulated (P < 0.05), whereas the levels of malondialdehyde (P = 0.015) and reactive oxygen species (P = 0.051) in serum were reduced. The body weight gain of goats was increased (P = 0.006) with a nonsignificant increase of feed intake with NFP supplementation. In conclusion, dietary NFP supplementation enhanced the antioxidant status and immune function in blood of cashmere goats.

Due to the limited pasture supply and the seasonal imbalance of nutrients in grazed pastures in China, cashmere goats are commonly raised in a confined yard-feeding system, which may result in oxidative stress from a lack of green pastures. Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit polysaccharides contain various biological compounds that function as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and to enhance immune responses, hence likely to relieve oxidative stress in animals. Previous researches in our laboratory have shown that polysaccharides-rich extract from noni fruit (NFP) enhanced rumen fermentation in cashmere goats. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of NFP supplementation on serum antioxidant status and immune function in cashmere goats. The results showed that dietary supplementation of 0.40% NFP enhanced the immune signaling molecule levels and antioxidant enzyme activities by upregulating the expression of related genes in blood and reduced the levels of lipid peroxides and free radicals in serum, while mature goats improved body weight. Therefore, NFP could be a viable source of antioxidants for cashmere goats.

Artemisia annua L. Aqueous Extract Promotes Intestine Immunity and Antioxidant Function in Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract (AAE) on intestinal immune and antioxidative function of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into five dietary treatment groups, with five replicates per treatment and eight broilers per replicate. The five treatment diets were formulated by adding, respectively, 0 (control group), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg AAE in the basal diet. The results showed that dietary inclusion of AAE quadratically decreased interleukin (IL)-1ß content, linearly decreased IL-6 content in the small intestine through regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B signal pathway, and quadratically increased immunoglobulin (Ig)M and sIgA content in ileum and jejunum. Besides, there was a quadratic decrease in the gene expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ileum on day 21, and the gene expression of IL-6 and TLR4 in duodenum on day 42, thereby improving small intestinal immune function in broilers. Additionally, dietary inclusion of AAE improves antioxidative function through the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway in the small intestinal mucosa of broilers, especially, quadratically increased catalase (CAT) and superoxidase dismutase activity in ileum, and total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity in duodenum, and quadratically decreased malondialdehyde concentration in ileum, besides, linearly increased heme oxygenase-1 and Nrf2 gene expression in jejunum and ileum on day 42, quadratically increased CAT gene expression in the small intestine. Furthermore, regression analyses of the above parameters showed that the optimal dose range of AAE in the diet of broilers was 1.12-1.38 g/kg.