The effect of different weaning strategies on piglet growth, feed intake and gut health.

The present study evaluated the effects of weaning strategy on piglet growth performance, onset of feed intake, and intestinal health. A total of 254 crossbred piglets were used and the experimental period lasted 45 days. The piglets were assigned to the fallowing treatments: early strategic weaning (ESW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 16 days of age and transferred to the pre-nursery unit; strategic segregated weaning (SSW, n = 85), piglets weaned at 21 days of age and kept in the farrowing crate until 24 days of age; and conventional weaning (CW, n = 84), piglet weaned at 24 days of age and transferred directly to the nursery unity; this experimental group was used as a control. Piglets from all treatments were transferred to the nursery unit at 24 days of age. For the nursery phase three periods of evaluation was considered: nursery phase I (0-7 d), nursery phase II (7-14 d), and nursery phase III (14-21 days). Piglets from the ESW and CW had greater (P < 0.001) ADG in the lactation period 16-21 days. The BW at 24 day of age was higher (P < 0.001) for piglets in the ESW and CW groups. In the nursery phase I, the ESW group had higher (P = 0.003) daily feed intake. Piglets from the ESW group had higher (P = 0.004) BW at the end of the experimental period. The ESW and SSW groups had a higher percentage of piglets (88% and 92%, respectively; P < 0,001) consuming feed in the first 24 h after transference to the nursery facility. When the total experimental period is considered, a reduction (P < 0.001) in the incidence of diarrhea was observed for ESW piglets. Overall, there was no effect of weaning strategy on intestinal permeability. In conclusion, the results of our study showed that the Segregated Strategic Weaning management can be used to mitigate the deleterious effects of early weaning.

Alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in the diets of broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease of worldwide distribution, which affects young broilers and causes economic losses on a scale of 6 billion dollars per year. For decades, NE was controlled in poultry flocks by dietary administration of low doses of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs). However, an increase in NE incidence was noted after the AGP ban. This study aimed to compare the effect of an antibiotic (Enramycin) diet to a combination of sodium butyrate, hydrolyzed yeast, and zinc proteinate (ViligenTM) on broiler diets regarding performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, morphology and lesions, and carcass yield of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens to simulate subclinical necrotic enteritis. A total of 1,150 one-day-old male broiler chickens with an initial average weight of 43.9 ± 0.65 g were allocated to 50 experimental pens. Animals were divided into 5 groups: Negative control (NC) without additives; Positive control (PC) with 0.12 g/ton of Enramycin (8%); V500, V1000, and V1500 with the addition of 500, 1.000, and 1.500 g/ton of Viligen, respectively. All animals were challenged by Eimeria spp. at 7 d of age and by C. perfringens at 17, 18, and 19 d for induction of subclinical NE. The broilers fed with all concentrations of Viligen showed similar performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, and carcass yield compared to PC broilers. However, NC broilers showed higher FCR compared to PC broilers from 1 to 33 d (1.42 vs. 1.39) (P = 0.048) and from 1 to 42 d (1.51 vs. 1.49) (P < 0.001). V1500 broilers had fewer intestinal lesions at 28 d when compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.05) and showed that higher Viligen inclusion resulted in lower intestinal damage. At 21 d, the V500 group showed higher intestinal morphology characteristics (VH:VD 4.9 vs. 3.5) compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.001). Thus, in this study, the dietary addition of Viligen to broilers challenged by an experimental model of subclinical NE resulted in lower intestinal damage and similar performance to that obtained by the addition of Enramycin.

Autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate supplemented alone to diets promoted improvements in performance, intestinal health and nutrient transporter in weaned piglets.

This study investigated the effects of supplemental nucleotides, autolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and sodium butyrate in diets for nursery pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood profile, intestinal morphology, mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory markers, antioxidant profile, and tight junction proteins in the small intestine. One hundred eighty 21-day-old pigs (5.17 ± 0.57 kg) were assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: (1) CON: control, basal diet, (2) NUC: CON + nucleotides, (3) YSC: CON + lysed yeast S. cerevisiae, (4) ASB: CON + acidifier sodium butyrate. Pigs were fed for 24 days, phase 1 (21-32 days) and 2 (32-45 days). During phase 1, YSC and ASB improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) compared with CON. At the overall period, ASB improved ADG and YSC improved FC compared with CON. The NUC diet did not affect growth performance. The ASB increased ileal villus height compared to CON. The YSC and ASB reduced the number of Peyer's patches in the ileum compared with CON. The YSC increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SMCT2, MCT1, and PepT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), antioxidants (GPX), and IL1-ß in the jejunum compared with CON. The ASB increased mRNA expression of nutrient transporters (SGLT1 and MCT1), tight junction proteins (OCL and ZO-1), and antioxidants (GPX and SOD) compared with CON. In conclusion, autolyzed yeast and sodium butyrate promoted growth performance by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, and antioxidant enzymes in the jejunum of nursery pigs whereas supplementation of nucleotides did not show such effects.

Ultra-diluted complex additive in the diet reveals benefits in the intestinal tract of nursery-phase piglets.

This study aimed to assess an ultra-diluted (UD) complex, as a replacement for an antimicrobial growth promoter in diets, on growth performance, intestinal health, and inflammatory response of nursery piglets. The experiment lasted 37 days and involved 126 animals weaned at 21 ± 1.3 d, with an initial body weight of 5.62 ± 1.16 kg. Piglets were assigned to six dietary treatments in a randomized block design with seven replicates and three piglets per pen as experimental unit. The treatments were: positive control (PC)- basal diet + 120 mg/kg of chlorohydroxyquinoline; negative control (NC)- basal diet without additives; and NC containing 4.5; 6.0; 7.5 or 9.0 kg of UD additive/ton diet. Performance data were calculated, and daily diarrhea was observed. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis. At the end of the experiment, one animal per pen was slaughtered for organ weighing, pH, and the collection of intestinal samples for histopathology. Feces and cecal contents were collected for microbiological and antibiogram analyses. There was no difference in the performance between the treatments. Throughout the study, UD levels were equal to those of PC for diarrhea occurrence. Higher levels of UD complex led to higher total leukocyte counts. The 4.5 treatment showed a reduction in total and thermotolerant Enterobacteriaceae populations in piglet feces and an increase in lactic acid bacteria compared to PC. All treatments resulted in fewer duodenal histopathological alterations than those in the NC group. The use of UD additives, especially at 4.5 kg/ton, is a good alternative to chlorohydroxyquinoline in piglet diets.

Effects of in ovo injection of bacterial peptides and CpG-ODN on Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg infection in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH in caeca at the first week post-infection.Administered formulations did not reduce SH-faecal excretion.Levels of intestinal IgA were similar between all groups.CpG-ODN improved some parameters associated with chick intestinal health.

Stevia as a natural additive on gut health and cecal microbiota in broilers.

Stevia mash (SM), leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant, is an additive used in poultry that enhances growth and health. Objective: to determine the effect of 1 % SM on productive parameters, gut health, and the cecal microbiome in broilers between the first 15 and 21 days old. One hundred sixty male, 1-day-old broilers (48.5 ± 2.5 g) were divided into Control (C) without SM and Treated (T) with 1 % SM on diet, during 15/21 days. Each subgroup had eight broilers/five repetitions/treatment. At day 15 or 21, all broilers were dissected, Fabricius Bursa and Gut removed and processed for histomorphometry, followed by Villi Height/Crypt Deep (VH/CD) ratio. Conversion Index (CI) was determined. The V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was amplified from DNA obtained from pooled cecal contents and sequenced on Illumina Miseq PE 2 × 250 platform. Sequence processing and taxonomic assignments were performed using the SHAMAN pipeline. Both T groups have better VH/CD Ratios than C groups (p ≤ 0.05). In guts, increased plasmatic and goblet cells number and thicker mucus layer were found in T15 and T21. All groups received SM showed early immunological maturity in Fabricius Bursa. IC was similar between all treatments. Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus torques group, and Bacteroides were the major genera modulated by SM addition. At 15 and 21 days old, SM exerts a impact on diversity and evenness of the cecal microbiome.  Conclusion: SM (1 %) produced early immunologic maturity on Fabricius Bursa, increased intestinal functionality, and modified the microbiota, increasing beneficial microbial genera and microbial diversity.

Effects of Peanuts and Pistachios on Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review.

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota is associated with various aspects of human health, including immune system regulation, vitamin synthesis, short-chain fatty acid production, etc. Peanuts and pistachios are foods rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other dietary components that have been shown to benefit the gut microbiota. Therefore, this review aims to describe the effects of consuming peanuts and pistachios on the gut microbiota and the potential role of these microbiota in human health. This review suggests that the consumption of peanuts or pistachios can demonstrate the potential to exert a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce, for example, short-chain fatty acids that are beneficial for human health. In the case of peanuts, in particular, the possible modulation of the microbiota is associated with an improvement in the risk factors of metabolic syndrome and the inflammatory process triggered by a high-fat diet.

Dietary supplementation with ß-mannanase and probiotics as a strategy to improve laying hen performance and egg quality.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ß-mannanase and probiotic on the performance, serum biochemistry, gut morphometric traits, and fresh egg quality of laying hens. A total of 120 cages, housing light-weight laying hens (36 weeks old), were randomly assigned to four different treatments. These treatments included a control group fed non-supplemented diets; diets supplemented with 300 g/ton of beta-mannanase; diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotic; or diets containing both 300 g/ton of ß-mannanase and 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial spanned a duration of 26 weeks and was divided into three productive phases, each lasting 28 days. The inclusion of ß-mannanase resulted in a significant improvement in the laying rate by 11% (p < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Similarly, the addition of probiotics also enhanced the laying rate by 7% (p < 0.05), as well as the supplementation with combined additives (11.5%). Combined additives showed an increase in egg masses, and additive association improved by 13.9% (p < 0.001) in contrast to the control treatment. Overall, ß-mannanase and combined additives used during the supplementation period resulted in improvements in the weight of fresh eggs. These benefits were observed after a period of 14 weeks without supplementation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the serum biochemistry and egg masses of birds that were fed diets containing both additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) compared to the control group. Parameters such as uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides displayed notable variations. The villi height: crypt depth showed differences with combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics). The ß-mannanase improved specific gravity, yolk height, length, and pH, and yolk color traits compared to the control treatment. The use of probiotics helped to improve yolk height, pH, and color score. Besides, combined additives (ß-mannanase + probiotics) improve yolk height, length, weight, pH, and better traits in yolk color. Hence, incorporating ß-mannanase and probiotics into laying hen diets proves to be a highly effective strategy for enhancing laying rate and overall health status, while simultaneously elevating certain quality attributes of fresh eggs.

Probiotic properties of Bacillus subtilis DG101 isolated from the traditional Japanese fermented food natto.

Spore-forming probiotic bacteria offer interesting properties as they have an intrinsic high stability, and when consumed, they are able to survive the adverse conditions encountered during the transit thorough the host gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A traditional healthy food, natto, exists in Japan consisting of soy fermented by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto. The consumption of natto is linked to many beneficial health effects, including the prevention of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular-associated disease. We hypothesize that the bacterium B. subtilis natto plays a key role in the beneficial effects of natto for humans. Here, we present the isolation of B. subtilis DG101 from natto and its characterization as a novel spore-forming probiotic strain for human consumption. B. subtilis DG101 was non-hemolytic and showed high tolerance to lysozyme, low pH, bile salts, and a strong adherence ability to extracellular matrix proteins (i.e., fibronectin and collagen), demonstrating its potential application for competitive exclusion of pathogens. B. subtilis DG101 forms robust liquid and solid biofilms and expresses several extracellular enzymes with activity against food diet-associated macromolecules (i.e., proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides) that would be important to improve food diet digestion by the host. B. subtilis DG101 was able to grow in the presence of toxic metals (i.e., chromium, cadmium, and arsenic) and decreased their bioavailability, a feature that points to this probiotic as an interesting agent for bioremediation in cases of food and water poisoning with metals. In addition, B. subtilis DG101 was sensitive to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections in medical settings, and at the same time, it showed a potent antimicrobial effect against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. In mammalians (i.e., rats), B. subtilis DG101 colonized the GI tract, and improved the lipid and protein serum homeostasis of animals fed on the base of a normal- or a deficient-diet regime (dietary restriction). In the animal model for longevity studies, Caenorhabditis elegans, B. subtilis DG101 significantly increased the animal lifespan and prevented its age-related behavioral decay. Overall, these results demonstrate that B. subtilis DG101 is the key component of natto with interesting probiotic properties to improve and protect human health.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia fruit powder on physiological and productive performance of Cavia porcellus.

The breeding of guinea pig is part of the pluriactivity for millions of farming families in rural areas from the Peruvian Andean and Amazonian regions and other South American Andean countries. Rearing these specie plays an important source of employment, income, and nutrition for millions of rural families on these countries. The search of natural products for enhancing animal wellbeing, health, and production and thereby of guinea pigs is being searched nowadays. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the ripe fruit powder of Morinda citrifolia on the physiological and productive performance parameters of reared guinea pigs under humid tropical conditions and to find a new use of noni fruit and to improve the guinea pig as an agrifood product. For this purpose, forty-eight male Peru breed guinea pigs sixty days old, were used and distributed into four treatments with diets containing 0, 2, 4 and 8% of the noni ripe fruit powder, with four replicates and 3 guinea pigs each. Erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin profiles, hematological indices MCV (mean cell volume), MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) and blood metabolites profiles: TP (total protein), ALB (albumin), GLO (globulin), TC (total cholesterol) were determined. The productive performance indices: DWG (daily weight gain), DCFI (daily concentrated feed intake), TFIFM (total feed intake of fresh matter) and TFIDM (total feed intake of dry matter), FRCFM (feed rate conversion for fresh mater) and FRCDM (feed rate conversion for dry matter) were evaluated. The guinea pigs were evaluated at 60, 75 and 90 days old. The interaction between noni fruit powder and the age of guinea pigs produced an increase in the erythrocyte, hematocrit, MCH and MCHC levels at 75 days old, (p < 0.05). The final weight and the daily weight gain increased, while the feed rate conversion for fresh and dry matter decreased, as the level of noni fruit powder in the diet increased until 4% (p < 0.05). Thus, the level of noni ripe fruit powder in the guinea pigs' diets had a positive effect on the erythrocyte, leucocytes, hematocrit, MCH, MCHC levels, the final weight, the daily weight gain, and the feed rate conversion of fresh and dry matter.

Responses of broilers challenged by Eimeria maxima fed with different levels of dietary balanced protein.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary balanced protein (BP) levels on the gut health, amino acid apparent ileal digestibility (AID), footpad dermatitis lesions, and litter quality in broiler chicks infected with Eimeria maxima. A total of 2400 male 14-day-old Cobb500 broilers were randomly allotted into 10 treatments with six replications containing 40 birds each in a factorial design of 5 × 2. The treatments consisted of five levels of BP (6.66%, 13.32%, 19.98%, 26.64%, and 33.3%), and broilers unchallenged (NCH) or challenged (CH). Broilers in the CH group received 1 mL of Eimeria maxima inoculum (7 × 103 sporulated oocysts/mL). Oocyst count in excreta, visual intestinal modifications score, morphology, and morphometrics of the ileum were used to determine gut health status. Additionally, amino acids and CP AID, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis were evaluated. An ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by post-hoc tests were performed. The oocyst count in the CH group increased with an increase in dieatary BP (P = 0.08). The incidence of intestinal modifications was higher in the CH group (P < 0.05) and increased with increasing dietary BP (P < 0.05). Morphometrics were impaired by the challenge (P < 0.05), and by the two highest BP levels (P < 0.05). Amino acids AID (methionine, methionine + cystine, arginine, and serine) were reduced by E. maxima challenge. An increase in dietary BP resulted in poor litter quality and high prevalence of of footpad dermatitis (P < 0.05). The E. maxima challenge and increased BP decreased gut health, litter quality, and cause a high incidence of footpad dermatitis.

An Overview of the Use and Applications of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in Broiler Chickens.

The implementation of government regulations on antibiotic use, along with the public's concern for drug resistance, has strengthened interest in developing alternatives not only aimed at preserving animal production but also at reducing the effects of pathogenic infections. Probiotics, in particular, are considered microorganisms that induce health benefits in the host after consumption of adequate amounts; they have been established as a potential strategy for improving growth, especially by stimulating intestinal homeostasis. Probiotics are commonly associated with lactic acid bacteria, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum is a well-studied species recognized for its favorable characteristics, including adhesion to epithelial cells, production of antimicrobial compounds, and activation of receptors that prompt the transcription of immune-associated genes. Recently, this species has been used in animal production. Different studies have shown that the application of L. fermentum strains not only improves the intestinal ecosystem but also reduces the effects caused by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. These studies have also revealed key insights into the mechanisms behind the actions exerted by this probiotic. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a concise overview of the effects of L. fermentum administration on broiler chicken health and performance.

Effect of chia flour associated with high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia flour associated with a high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats. METHODS: The study was conducted with 32 adult female ovariectomized Wistar rats, which were separated into four groups: standard diet (ST), standard diet with chia (STC), high fat diet (HF) and high fat diet with chia (HFC) for 18 weeks. Cecum content pH, short chain fatty acid content, brush border membrane functionality and morphology and the gut microbiota were evaluated. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that the consumption of chia flour increased the production of acetic and butyric acids, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and crypt thickness. It also improved the expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sucrose-isomaltase (SI) and decreased the cecum content pH. Further, the consumption of chia improved richness and decreased diversity of the microbiota. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) clustering indicated difference between the ST and STC groups. In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the Bacteroides genus and members of the Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae families were enriched in the STC treatment group. The STC group demonstrated the enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways related to peptidoglycan and coenzyme A biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that chia flour, which is rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, presented potential properties to improve intestinal health.

A blend of thyme and rosemary powders with poultry by-product meal can be used as a natural antioxidant in broilers

A total of 500, 14-d old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments (4 replicates each) including: a negative (NC) and positive control diet (PC) which supplemented without and with 7% poultry by-product meal (PBPM), respectively and three levels of additive supplementation of thyme and rosemary powders in the basal diets: 0.750% rosemary powder (PCR); 0.375% thyme powder + 0.375% rosemary powder (PCRT), and 0.750% thyme powder (PCT) rosemary powder. The PCRT diet improved (p<0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio by 5.62 and 10.37% compared to PC, respectively. The serum concentration of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was decreased while the ilealvillus heightand ratio of villus height to crypt depth as well as ileal microbiota population were improved(p<0.05) in response to inclusion PCRT diet compared to PC diet. The blood serum concentration of malondialdehyde was statistically decreased (p<0.05) by supplementation of PCRT in broiler diets. Our results suggested that supplementation of a blend of thyme and rosemary powders at the level of 0.375% of each into broiler diet during d 14-42 has merit to be used as a natural antioxidant in diets formulated by PBPM.(AU)

Maternal supplementation of different trace mineral sources on broiler breeder production and progeny growth and gut health.

Trace mineral minerals Zn, Cu, and Mn play important roles in breeder production and progeny performance. The objective of this study was to determine maternal supplementation of trace mineral minerals on breeder production and progeny growth and development. A total of 540 broiler breeders, Cobb 500 (Slow feathering; 0-66 weeks old) were assigned to one of three treatment groups with the same basal diet and three different supplemental trace minerals: ITM-inorganic trace minerals in sulfates: 100, 16, and 100 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn respectively; MMHAC -mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of bis-chelated MINTREX®Zn, Cu and Mn (Novus International, Inc.), and TMAAC - trace minerals amino acid complex: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn. At 28 weeks of age, eggs from breeder treatments were hatched for progeny trial, 10 pens with 6 males and 6 female birds per pen were fed a common diet with ITM for 45 days. Breeder production, egg quality, progeny growth performance, mRNA expression of gut health associated genes in breeder and progeny chicks were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA; means were separated by Fisher's protected LSD test. A p-Value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically different and 0.1 was considered numerical trend. Breeders on ITM treatment had higher (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), weight gain and lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 0 to 10 weeks, when compared to birds fed MMHAC. MMHAC significantly improved egg mass by 3 g (p < 0.05) and FCR by 34 points (0.05 < p < 0.1) throughout the reproductive period (26-66 weeks) in comparison to ITM. MMHAC improved (p < 0.01) egg yolk color versus (vs.) ITM and TMAAC in all periods, except 28 weeks, increased (p < 0.01) eggshell thickness and resistance vs. TMAAC at 58 weeks, and reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal NF-κB gene expression vs. TMAAC at 24 weeks. There was a significant reduction in tibial dry matter weight, Seedor index and resistance for the breeders that received MMHAC and/or TMAAC when compared to ITM at 18 weeks. Lower seedor index but numerically wider tibial circumference was seen in hens fed MMHAC at 24 weeks, and wider tibial circumference but lower tibial resistance in hens fed TMAAC at 66 weeks. Maternal supplementation of MMHAC in breeder hens increased (p < 0.0001) BW vs. ITM and TMAAC at hatching, reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake vs. ITM at d14 and d28, and improved (p < 0.01) FCR and performance index vs. TMAAC at d28, reduced (p < 0.01) NF-κB gene expression and increased (p < 0.05) A20 gene expression vs. TMAAC on d0 and vs. ITM on d14, reduced (p < 0.05) TLR2 gene expression vs. ITM on d0 and vs. TMAAC on d14, increased (p < 0.05) MUC2 gene expression vs. both ITM and TMAAC on d45 in progeny jejunum. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with lower levels of MHA-chelated trace minerals improved breeder production and egg quality and reduced breeder jejunal inflammation while maintaining tibial development in comparison to those receiving higher inorganic mineral supplementation, and it also carried over the benefits to progeny with better growth performance, less jejunal inflammation and better innate immune response and gut barrier function in comparison to ITM and/or TMAAC.

Probiotics: Symbiotic Relationship with the Animal Host.

Antibiotic growth-promoters in animal feeding are known to generate bacterial resistance on commercial farms and have proven deleterious effects on human health. This review addresses the effects of probiotics and their symbiotic relationship with the animal host as a viable alternative for producing healthy meat, eggs, and milk at present and in the future. Probiotics can tolerate the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gastric acid, pH and bile salts, to exert beneficial effects on the host. They (probiotics) may also have a beneficial effect on productivity, health and wellbeing in different parameters of animal performance. Probiotics stimulate the native microbiota (microbes that are present in their place of origin) and production of short-chain fatty acids, with proven effects such as antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic and immunomodulatory effects, resulting in better intestinal health, nutrient absorption capacity and productive responses in ruminant and non-ruminant animals. These beneficial effects of probiotics are specific to each microbial strain; therefore, the isolation and identification of beneficial microorganisms, as well as in vitro and in vivo testing in different categories of farm animals, will guarantee their efficacy, replicability and sustainability in the current production systems.

Butyric acid glycerides in the diet of broilers to replace conventional growth promoters: effects on performance, metabolism, and intestinal health.

This study aimed to determine whether butyric acid glycerides can replace conventional growth promoters, favour intestinal health, and improve performance. A total of 420 birds were used, divided into four groups with seven repetitions per group (n = 15), as follows: NC, negative control (no promoter); PC, positive control (basal diet + enramycin + salinomycin); MDT-BUT, a diet supplemented with mono-, di-, and triglycerides of butyric acid; TRI-BUT, a diet supplemented with tributyrin of butyric acid glycerides. Productive performance was measured on days 1, 21, 35, and 42. Excreta were collected for counting Escherichia coli and coliforms on days 21 and 42. Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age to analyse oxidant/antioxidant status, and the intestine was removed for intestinal morphometry. From 1 to 42 days, there was greater body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group; the production efficiency index was 21.10% higher in all groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). At 21 days, there were lower E. coli counts of 86.8% in the TRI-BUT and 99.7% in PC groups than in the NC and MDT-BUT groups (p < 0.001), while at 42 days, lower counts were found in the PC, MDT-BUT, and TRI-BUT groups than the NC group (p < 0.001). There were lower total protein and globulin levels in the MDT-BUT and TRI-BUT groups than in the NC group (p = 0.001). Cholesterol levels were lower in the TRI-BUT group, followed by MDT-BUT and PC groups, than in the NC group (p = 0.001), while lower triglyceride levels were found in the TRI-BUT group than in the NC and PC groups (p = 0.001). There were lower levels of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the PC group than the NC group (p < 0.001); on the other hand, there were higher protein thiol levels in the TRI-BUT group than the NC group (p = 0.041). The villus:crypt ratio increase was 79.4% in the TRI-BUT group, followed by the 45.1% PC and 19.8% MDT-BUT groups than the NC (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that adding butyric acid confers antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and improves birds' production efficiency, intestinal health, and metabolism. Butyric acid glycerides are an effective alternative to conventional growth promoters.

Immunotherapy With Egg Yolk Eimeria sp.-Specific Immunoglobulins in SPF Leghorn Chicks Elicits Successful Protection Against Eimeria tenella Infection.

Avian coccidiosis is the first to most economically important parasite disease affecting poultry industries worldwide. Current prevention measures are largely based upon prophylactic chemotherapy supplemented by the application of live attenuated or wild-type parasite vaccines. However, the rising appearance of drug resistance, consumer's concern for antibiotics use in poultry production and higher manufacturing cost of live vaccines has driven to adopt new technologies aimed at increasing animal health and production efficiency. Supplementing chickens with egg yolk Eimeria sp.-specific immunoglobulins can be a viable alternative to avoid severe outbreaks of the disease. Twelve-week-old SPF White Leghorn chickens were experimentally infected with a large dose of E. tenella. During the prepatent period, the birds were supplemented by oral gavage with 60 or 120 mg/bird of hyperimmune egg yolk Eimeria species-specific immunoglobulins Y (Supracox®, SC) on a daily basis. The animals were euthanized 7 days post-infection (PI) and their passive immune protection was evaluated. Birds treated with 120 mg/bird of SC showed more viability, increased body weight gain (BWG), a normal hematocrit level (HCT), reduced oocyst output per gram of feces (OPG) or cecal tissue (OPGC), and fewer cecal lesions compared to the untreated infected (UI) control group. Birds supplemented with 60 mg/bird of SC did not show any significant difference on BWG, HCT, OPG, OPGC, and cecal lesion score when compared with the UI group. An ELISA test of the SC showed a weak cross-reactivity of IgY toward two asexual zoite stages of E. tenella. Western blot analysis of the sporozoite with SC showed few antigens barely recognized, while more stained bands were detected in the merozoite (≈82, ≈60, ≈54, ≈40, ≈38, ≈27.5, and ≈13 kDa). Oral immunotherapy using egg yolk polyclonal IgYs against Eimeria sp. represents an effective and natural resource against severe E. tenella infection favoring the gradual withdrawal of the anticoccidial drugs and antibiotics.

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR. (AU)

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR.