Dietary supplement guava leaf extract regulates growth, feed utilization, immune function, nutrient digestibility and redox regulation in growing rabbits.

The use of agricultural waste in animal production has gained global interest. An eight-week trial was conducted to investigate the impacts of adding ethanolic guava leaf extract (GLE) as a feed supplement on the growth, feed utilization, immune response, nutrient digestibility, redox regulation, and blood health of growing rabbits. Ninety weaned growing rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group was fed a basal diet (GLE0), while the other two groups were fed the control diet fortified with 15 mg (GLE15) or 20 mg (GLE20) of GLE per kg of diet for 8 weeks. The HPLC analysis of GLE exhibited the presence of gallic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, and caffeic acid in significant amounts. The results indicated that final body weight, daily body weight, daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility were significantly higher in the GLE-treated groups compared to the un-treated group (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of GLE significantly reduced lipid contents including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and VLDL (P < 0.05), with the most significant results observed when adding 20 mg/kg to the diet. AST and ALT levels as well as cortisol hormone in rabbits fed GLE were lower than those in the GLE0 group (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA), antioxidant biomarkers (SOD and TAC) and T3 hormone were significantly improved by GLE supplementation (P < 0.001). Rabbits fed with GLE had lower levels of ROS and MDA compared to those in the GLE0 group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the hepatic and intestinal architectures were maintained in all rabbits fed diets with GLE. The results suggest that GLE supplementation (20 mg/kg diet) in fattening rabbit diets could efficiently improve growth, health status, blood physiology, antioxidant capacity and tissue histology.

Malva sylvestris leaf powder as a feed additive affects the performance, carcass traits, meat quality attributes, serum antioxidants, stress physiology, intestinal bacterial counts, and gut morphology of broiler chicken.

This study investigated the effect of supplementation of Malva sylvestris leaf powder (MSLP) on the production performance of broiler chicken. Ven Cobb broiler chicks (240 day-old male chicks) were distributed randomly into four treatments, each replicated four times, with 15 birds per replicate. The diets formulated were T1 (control) given basal diet only, T2 (basal diet +1.0% MSLP), T3 (basal diet +1.5% MSLP), and T4 (basal diet +2.0% MSLP). The highest improvement of 3.83% in the average daily gain (ADG) was recorded in the T3 group fed 1.5% Malva powder in the diet compared to the control (P = 0.009). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to decrease with an increase in the dose of MSLP in the diet, with the lowest feed intake in the T4 group fed 2% MSLP. During the overall period (7-42 days), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio reduced significantly (P = 0.048) in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the control. The dressed and breast meat yield was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T3 group, with no significant change (P > 0.05) in the thigh yield. The changes in the pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat were found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) between the control and various other treatments. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the T3 and T4 groups. There was no negative effect of including MSLP in the diet on the color coordinates of breast meat among different treatments. Compared to the control, the serum immunoglobulin values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no difference between various treatments; however, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) according to dietary treatments. Serum cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T4 group compared to other treatments. The inclusion of Malva powder in the diet at the 2% level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the coliform count compared to the control birds. Supplementation with Malva powder resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of broiler birds in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, MSLP supplementation at 1.5% and 2% resulted in improved production performance of broiler chicken.

Effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano on growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver enzyme activities, excreta microbiota and ileal morphology of Campylobacter jejuni-challenged broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Phytogenic additives would be helpful to mitigate the detrimental impact of Campylobacter jejuni on broiler chickens. OBJECTIVE: The experiment aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano powder on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. METHODS: A total of 192 one-day-old male broiler chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups. The treatments included: negative control (NC; basal diet without additives and no C. jejuni challenge), positive control (PC; basal diet with C. jejuni challenge), PC with cinnamon, rosemary or oregano powder (3 g/kg each), and PC with Erythromycin (55 mg/kg). Except for the NC group, all chicks were orally challenged with 2 × 108 CFU/mL C. jejuni daily from days 21-25. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed during the rearing period (0-42 days). On day 42 of age, fresh excreta samples were collected from each pen to determine apparent dry matter digestibility and excreta microbiota. In addition, at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate blood profile and liver enzyme activities. RESULTS: C. jejuni challenge (PC treatment) decreased BWG, EER and PER, while increasing FCR of broiler chickens (p < 0.05), whereas rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin improved these performance parameters akin to NC. PC diet showed negative effect in ileal morphology, alleviated by additives except cinnamon (p < 0.05). Dietary additives successfully reduced Campylobacter levels and increased Lactobacilli counts in the PC. Rosemary and oregano lowered plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase elevation by C. jejuni challenge in the PC group was prevented by rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oregano and rosemary alleviate the impact of C. jejuni challenge.

Phytogenic cocktails fed in different feeding regimes as alternatives to antibiotics for improving performance, intestinal microbial, and carcass characteristics of slow growth chickens.

Background and Aim: The phytogenic cocktail (PC) is a unique combination of natural plant extracts consisting of coconut shell smoke, clove leaf extract, and mangosteen rind extract, predominantly containing phenol, eugenol, and α-mangostin. Chicken performance can be improved by its antibacterial properties. This study aimed to test PC as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), assessing its impact on performance, intestinal microbes, and carcass traits in slow growth KUB chickens. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and forty KUB chicks were distributed randomly to five dietary groups. Each group constituted six replicates, one replicate contained eight chicks. The treatments included the control diet (CD) with no additives, CD with 50 ppm Zinc bacitracin as an additive (AGPs), CD paired with 198 mL PC/ton feed provided for the initial 12 weeks (PC1), CD with 198 mL PC/ton feed given for the first 4 weeks (PC2), and CD supplied with 198 mL PC/ton feed for the first 8 weeks (PC3). Performance and mortality indicators were assessed during the feeding stage up to 12 weeks of age, while intestinal total microbial count and carcass characteristics were determined at 12 weeks. Duncan's multiple-range test identified differences among the treatments in the randomized experiment. Results: The AGPs group weighed significantly more (p < 0.05) than PC2 but not significantly different (p > 0.05) from Control, PC1, and PC3 at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the body weight (BW) between the AGP, CD, and PC groups. The AGPs group had a significantly greater BW than PC1 and PC2 at 12 weeks (p < 0.05), but was comparable to CD and PC3 (p > 0.05). During the starter phase (0-4 weeks), dietary addition of AGPs or PCs significantly reduced feed intake (p < 0.05); however, no significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed during the later feeding periods (0-8 or 0-12 weeks). During the starter period, PC3 yielded the best feed conversion ratio, slightly surpassing AGPs and significantly (p < 0.05) outperforming CD. No significant variations (p > 0.05) were detected in the carcasses among the treatments. The reduction of abdominal fat relative weight was significant (p < 0.05) during the first 8 weeks of PC feeding. After the 12-week trial, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the proportionate weights of the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, cecum, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, heart, and liver. The reduction in the intestinal microbe population due to AGPs or PC was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). About 100% viability was confirmed by the absence of mortality throughout the study. Conclusion: PC supplementation in KUB chicken feed enhances their performance. The optimal feeding regimes were effective during the first 8 weeks of age. In the 0-4 week time frame, feeding the PC to the chicken worsened performance whereas no improvement was observed in the 0-12 week period. The application enhanced weight loss, feed efficiency, and reduced abdominal fat. Based on the research findings, the PC can replace AGPs as a feed additive due to comparable or superior improvement results.

Chaya Leaf Infusion (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as a Phytogenic for Productivity and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of 17-20 Weeks of age.

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) from family Euphorbiaceae is a plant has leaves similar to papaya leaves but with dark green leaf color. This plant contains phytochemical compounds such as alkaloid, flavonoid, triterpenoids, glycoside, and tannin that can function as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Chaya leaf infusion are processed into infusion before given to the quails through drinking water, this method is used to obtain the phytochemical compounds contained in chaya leaves. This study aimed to evaluate chaya leaf infusion (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as a phytogenic source on the productivity and egg quality of japanese laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged 17-20 weeks. Chaya leaf infusion is given through drinking water and is expected to increase the productivity and quality of quail egg. The variables observed consisted of productivity (water intake, feed intake, egg weigh, QDP, egg mass, FCR, mortality) and egg quality (yolk, albumen, shell weight and percentage, egg index, yolk index, albumen index, shell thickness, yolk color, and haugh unit). This study was analyzed using the T test with 2 treatments and 4 replications: T0 = drinking water without any additives and T1 = drinking water with a concentration 10% of chaya leaf infusion. The results showed that chaya leaf infusion had a significant effect (P≤0.05) on quail day production, egg mass, albumen index, and yolk color. Besides that, supplementation chaya leaf infusion significantly reduces (P<0.05) feed convertion ratio. So that the use of 10% chaya leaf infusion in drinking water by giving it 2 times a week can increase the productivity and egg quality of laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 17-20 weeks old.

Trifolium pratense as a novel phytogenic supplement, is an anticoccidial agent in chickens.

Coccidiosis, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Eimeria, is one of the most severe contagious parasite diseases affecting the poultry industry worldwide. Using phytogenics to prevent chicken coccidiosis is a strategy aimed at combating the increasing issue of drug-resistant strains of Eimeria spp. This study demonstrates the anticoccidial activities of a medicinal herb, Trifolium pratense (TP) powder, and its ethanolic extract (designated TPE) against Eimeria spp. TPE exhibited significant suppressive activity against E. maxima oocyst sporulation and E. tenella sporozoite invasion and reproduction in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. Furthermore, administration of basal chicken diets containing TP powder or TPE to Eimeria-infected chickens significantly reduced the output of oocysts and severity of intestinal lesions. Dietary supplementation with TP significantly improved relative weight gain in E. tenella- and E. acervulina-infected chickens, while there was no significant improvement in E. maxima-infected chickens. The anticoccidial activities of TP and TPE on E. acervulina, E. tenella and E. maxima were further supported by anticoccidial index scores, which showed greater efficacy than those of amprolium, a commercial coccidiostat used in poultry. TP supplementation positively impacted the primary metabolism of chickens challenged with E. tenella or E. acervulina. The chemical fingerprints of TPE were established using liquid column chromatography; TPE contained 4 major compounds: ononin, sissotrin, formononetin, and biochanin A. In addition, various spectrometric methods were used to ensure the batch-to-batch consistency of TP/TPE. In conclusion, T. pratense is demonstrated to be a novel phytogenic supplement that can be used to control Eimeria-induced coccidiosis in chickens.

Modulation of Poultry Cecal Microbiota by a Phytogenic Blend and High Concentrations of Casein in a Validated In Vitro Cecal Chicken Alimentary Tract Model.

Phytogenic blends (PBs) consist of various bioactive plant-derived compounds that are used as growth promoters for farm animals. Feed additives based on PBs have beneficial effects on farm animals' production performance, health, and overall well-being, as well as positive modulating effects on gut microbiota. In this study, we used a validated in vitro cecal chicken alimentary tract model (CALIMERO-2) to evaluate the effects of a PB (a mix of components found in rosemary, cinnamon, curcuma, oregano oil, and red pepper), alone or in combination with casein (control), on poultry cecal microbiota. Supplementation with the PB significantly increased the abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism (Monoglobus) and growth performance in poultry (Lachnospiraceae UCG-010). The PB also decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia-Shigella) and, most importantly, did not promote other opportunistic pathogens, which indicates the safety of this blend for poultry. In conclusion, the results of this study show promising perspectives on using PBs as feed additives for poultry, although further in vivo studies need to prove these data.

Phytogenic effects of Marrubium vulgare on the growth performance of weaned piglets: biochemical parameters and liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric profile of plant and animal serum.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant bacteria in humans have prompted the search for alternative solutions derived from herbal medicines that can substitute antibiotics in livestock production. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the phytogenic properties of Marrubium vulgare infusion (MVI) on weaned pigs. Thirty animals were randomly divided into five groups of six animals, each receiving a physiological solution, clenbuterol and the infusion extract at doses of 0.01 (MVI 1%), 0.1 (MVI 10%) and 0.2 (MVI 20%) mg kg-1 for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and the liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric (LC-ESI-MS) chemical profiles of the infusion extract and animal serum were studied. RESULTS: The doses MVI 1 and 10% led to weight gain higher than the controls. No significant changes were noted in the biochemical parameters including erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and others. Evaluation of enzymatic levels in blood revealed no significant changes. LC-ESI-MS data of MVI showed the presence of 34 secondary metabolites, and successive chromatographic purification of MVI yielded marrubiin and apigenin as major components. LC-ESI-MS data of animal serum showed the presence of a diterpene, a flavonoid and diverse cholic acid derivatives. CONCLUSION: Results indicated the doses MVI 1 and 10% promote weight gain with no significant alterations in blood biochemicals, and liver and kidney function. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cholecalciferol combined with Satureja rechingeri essential oils improves growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D possesses an important role in the maintenance and health of broiler chickens. Herbal essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs in intensive production management systems for better performance of broilers with slight side effects and admirable therapeutic properties. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding cholecalciferol (VD) in combination of Satureja rechingeri EO (SREO) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological response of broilers. METHODS: A total of 540 1-day-old mixed-sex broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental treatments included different concentrations of cholecalciferol (VD) (0, 2000 and 4000 IU/kg = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) and SREO (0, 200 and 400 mg/kg) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological responses of broiler chickens were investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that the chicken fed diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg VD (VD0.1) in combination of 200 mg/kg SREO (SREO200) increased the feed intake during the overall and first 14-day periods of the trial when compared with other dietary treatments. Interaction of VD0.1 × SREO200 led to more body weight gain (BWG) in the grower and finisher phases than all other feed treatment groups. The blood level of lymphocyte at day 42, heterophil at days 28 and 42 and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio at 14 and 28 days of age were affected by VD0.1 + SREO200 in comparison with VD0 + SREO0 group. Feeding VD and/or SREO decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations at days 28 and 42 of the study, especially in VD0.1 + SREO200 treatment. Feeding VD0.1 + SREO200 also resulted in higher serum status of immunoglobulin M, lysozymes and phagocytic percentage among all treatments. CONCLUSION: Considering the outcomes, it is suggested that the combination of suitable concentration of VD and EO of the plant had favourable effects on the immune system and performance criteria of broiler chickens.

Functional oil in the feeding of heat-stressed Japanese quail.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a blend of functional oils (FO) composed of copaiba and garlic essential oils, pepper oleoresin and cashew nut liquid to mitigate the effects of heat stress on productivity, egg quality, organ morphology of the gastrointestinal tract, serum biochemical profile, nutrient metabolism and body temperature of Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (without additive; 300 and 500 mg FO/kg of feed x birds raised in a thermal comfort (TC) and heat stress (HS) environment), with 6 replicates of 8 birds per plot. The birds under HS had lower feed intake (P = 0.0000), egg mass (P = 0.0000), laying rate (P = 0.0000) and higher percentage of infertile non-commercial eggs (P = 0.0004), lower head temperature amplitude (P = 0.0000) and higher average of body temperature (P = 0.0312). HS worsened the external and internal quality of the eggs. Birds kept in HS showed higher values of cholesterol (P = 0.0000) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (P = 0.0272). The use of 300 and 500 g FO/ton of feed improved the feed conversion (P = 0.0000) and egg mass (P = 0.0000) of the quail bred under HS, respectively, by 8.4 and 7.2% and increased the relative weight of liver (P = 0.0064) and pancreas (P = 0.0492). The use of such additives also provided a higher % of yolk (P = 0.0018) and reduced the percentage of albumen (P = 0.0029) of the eggs produced in TC, in addition to reducing the amplitude of head temperature (P = 0.0484) of birds bred under HS. The breeding of Japanese quail under HS results in negative impacts on the production, physiological and qualitative aspects of the eggs. The use of 300 g/ton of FO in the diet of Japanese quail leads to improvements in feed conversion, increased liver capacity in nutritional metabolism and results in eggs with a higher proportion of yolks, being, therefore, an alternative for feeding quail in a hot climate.

Effects of inclusion of the blend of essential oils, organic acids, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc in the maternal diet, and of incubation temperature on early and late development of quail.

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

Achyranthes japonica extract as phytogenic feed additive enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in broiler.

Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) is derived from a medicinal plant Achyranthes japonica, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. AJE contains multiple bioactive compounds, including saponins, triterpenoids, phytoecdysteroids, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and inokosterone. The aim of this investigation was to examine the impact of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta microbial count, noxious gas emissions, breast meat quality in broilers. About three hundred and sixty, day-old broilers (Ross 308) were assigned into four treatments (five replication cages/treatment, and 18 birds/cage). Dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; 0.02% AJE, basal diet with 0.02%; 0.04% AJE, basal diet with 0.04% AJE, and 0.06% AJE, basal diet with 0.06% of AJE. Body weight gain increased linearly (p < 0.05) through the inclusion of AJE during days 7 to 21, 21 to 35, as well as the entire experimental period. Besides, feed intake increased (p < 0.05) linearly during days 21 to 35 and the entire experiment with the increased AJE doses in broiler diet. Dry matter digestibility was increased (p < 0.05) linearly along with increasing amounts of AJE. With increasing AJE supplementation, nitrogen and energy utilization tended to improve (p < 0.10). In summary, the addition of AJE in the corn-soybean meal diet led to higher body weight gain and increased feed intake as well as enhanced nutrient digestibility, among them the highest improvement was found in 0.06%-AJE indicating the acceptance of AJE as a phytogenic feed additive.

Modulation of chicken gut microbiota for enhanced productivity and health: A review.

Microbiota in the digestive tract has become an interesting topic for researchers in recent years. The profile of chicken digestive tract microbiota and its relationship with health and production efficiency have become basic data for modulating the diversity and abundance of the digestive tract microbiota. This article reviews the techniques used to analyze the diversity, role, and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota and the mechanisms by which they are modulated. The gut microbiota plays an important role in animal production, especially during feed digestion and animal health, because it interacts with the host against pathogens. Feed modulation can be a strategy to modulate gut composition and diversity to increase production efficiency by improving growth conditions.

The In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Phytogenic and Acid-Based Eubiotics against Major Foodborne Zoonotic Poultry Pathogens.

The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro the antibacterial activity of 8 commercial drinking water additives against major zoonotic poultry pathogens (Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp.). We tested two essential oil-based phytogenics (Phyto CSC Liquide B, AEN 350 B Liquid), two acid-based eubiotics (Salgard® liquid, Intesti-Flora), and four blends of essential oils and organic acids (ProPhorceTM SA Exclusive, Herbal acid, Rigosol-N and Eubisan 3000). The antibacterial activity was determined by estimating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a microdilution method. The MICs of the products against Campylobacter spp. ranged from 0.071% to 0.568% v/v, in which Herbal acid, a blend rich in lactic and phosphoric acids, also containing thyme and oregano oils, exhibited the highest efficacy (MIC: 0.071% v/v) against all the tested strains. The MICs of the tested products against Escherichia coli ranged between 0.071% and 1.894% v/v. Specifically, the MIC of Rigosol-N, a blend of high concentrations of lactic and acetic acid, was 0.142% v/v for both tested strains, whereas the MICs of Intesti-Flora, a mixture rich in lactic and propionic acid, ranged from 0.284% to 0.568% v/v. The MICs of the products against Salmonella Typhimurium were between 0.095% and 1.894% v/v. Specifically, the MIC of Eubisan 3000, a blend rich in oregano oil, was 0.284% v/v. The MICs against Staphylococcus aureus were between 0.142% and 9.090% v/v. The MICs of Phyto CSC Liquide B, which is rich in trans-cinnamaldehyde, were between 3.030% and 9.090% v/v, showing the highest MIC values of all tested products. Finally, the MIC values of the tested commercial products against Listeria spp. were 0.095% to 3.030% v/v. The MICs of ProPhorceTM SA Exclusive, a highly concentrated blend of formic acid and its salts, were 0.095-0.142% v/v against Listeria spp., while the MICs of AEN 350 B Liquid were between 0.284% and 1.894% exhibiting high Listeria spp. strain variability. In conclusion, all the selected commercial products exhibited more or less antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and, thus, can be promising alternatives to antibiotics for the control of zoonotic poultry pathogens and the restriction of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Efficacy of Salvia officinalis Shrub as a Sustainable Feed Additive for Reducing Ruminal Methane Production and Enhancing Fermentation in Ruminants.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of dried Salvia officinalis (SO) shrub leaves on nutrient degradability, ruminal in vitro fermentation, gas production (GP), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) productions. Dried and ground SO shrub leaves were included at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet consisting of (per kg DM) 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g rice straw. The diet was incubated for 48 h. The asymptotic GP and the rate of GP changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01), with the highest GP observed at 1% inclusion of SO and then decreasing thereafter with greater inclusion (i.e., 1.5% and 2%), while CH4 production and its rate decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with all levels of SO inclusion. A linear increase in CO2 production and its rate was also found with an increasing level of SO inclusion in the diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the degradability of DM, NDF, and the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids and acetate changed linearly and quadratically, with the greatest being found at 1% SO inclusion and then steadily declining after (p < 0.01) with the 1.5% and 2% inclusion levels. Meanwhile, the propionate, NH3-N, and microbial crude protein levels showed similar trends, with the plateau found at 1% inclusion of SO, where there was no change in butyrate concentration. Moreover, the pH, metabolizable energy, and partitioning factor (PF24) also changed linearly and quadratically (p < 0.05), where the pH and PF24 were considerably reduced and ME increased with a 1% inclusion of SO (p < 0.05). In summary, SO at 1% inclusion in the diet showed the potential to improve gas production kinetics, nutrient degradability, and the ruminal fermentation profile, with a more significant reduction in ruminal CH4 production suggesting that SO at 1% could be included in the ruminant diet to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the production performance.

Influence of long-term supplementation of a formulated botanical blend on growth performance and carcass traits in feedlot steers.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (Fytera® Advance - Selko® USA, Indianapolis IN; CCG) influences measures of cattle growth, efficiency, or carcass traits, during the finishing phase in steers fed a concentrate-based diet. Methods: Charolais × Angus steers (n = 96; initial shrunk BW = 391± 34.0 kg) were used in a 144-d (16 February 2023 to 9 July 2023) finishing feedlot experiment in Brookings, SD. Steers were individually weighed and allotted to one of 14 pens (6 to 7 steers; 7 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block design and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: control diet without the test product (CON) or a diet including CCG at 500 mg/steer daily (CCG). Steers were fed twice daily, and bunks were managed according to a slick bunk system. Results: There were no differences (P ≥ 0.10) in any growth performance outcomes from d 1 to 35, 36 to 70, or 71 to 98. From d 99 to 144 steers from CCG tended to have 5% greater ADG (P = 0.09) and 8% improved G:F (P = 0.01). No differences (P ≥ 0.15) were noted for cumulative growth performance measures. No differences were noted for any carcass measurements or categorical carcass outcomes, nor lung or liver health outcomes (P ≥ 0.15). Conclusion: The use of CCG had no influence on cumulative growth performance responses. However, the use of CCG improved G:F during the late feeding period.

Anticancer Activity of Aaptos suberitoides on Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Line.

OBJECTIVE: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) poses a significant challenge due to its high aggressiveness and unfavorable prognosis, with existing treatments demonstrating limited efficacy in prolonging survival rates. This study aimed to assess the anticancer properties of Aaptos suberitoides extracts and fraction on the U87 cell line, serving as a representative model for GBM. METHODS: U87 cells were treated with ethanol extracts derived from Aaptos suberitoides, specifically two extracts (OAA-1 and OAA-2) and one ethyl acetate fraction (EA) isolated from specimens collected on Pramuka Island and Tinjil Island. The evaluation encompased microscopic observation and MTT assay to determine the IC50. Subsequently, antiproliferative effects were investigated through apoptosis and cell cycle assays. RESULTS: The extract demonstrated cytotoxic activity against U87 cells, with OAA-1 and OAA-2 exhibiting IC50 values of 35.78 µg/mL and 25.38 µg/mL, respectively. OAA-1 notably induced apoptosis at 50 µg/mL and induced cell cycle arrest. On other hand, OAA-2, while also inducing apoptosis significantly, had a lesser impact on cell cycle arrest. In contrast, EA induced significant apoptosis at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extracts and the ethyl acetate fraction of Aaptos suberitoides emerged as a promising candidate for Glioblastoma Multiforme cancer therapy, showing potential in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

Performance, HSP70 expression, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed mistletoe leaf powder supplemented diets under tropical high ambient temperatures.

The study investigated the impact of Mistletoe Leaf Powder (MLP) supplementation on some parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The standard baseline diets, comprising four different formulations, were provided during the starter and finisher stages. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 4 dietary groups: a negative control (CON) with no supplementation, a positive control (VTC) with 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and 2 experimental treatment groups with 2500 mg/kg (MLP2) and 5000 mg/kg (MLP5) MLP supplementation. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) in MLP2 and MLP5 treatment groups was comparable (P > 0.05) to those in VTC, while the CON group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower BWG. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower broiler chickens in the CON group compared to those VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were lower in broiler chickens belonging to VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups compared to those in CON, and MLP2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from MLP5 and VTC. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to MLP5, MLP2, and VTC groups compared to CON. The 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in birds of VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 compared to the CON, with VTC showing the least concentration. Serum insulin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MLP5 compared to those in CON, while serum triiodothyronine and leptin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in CON compared to birds in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Coliform bacteria population was higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to CON compared to those in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups, whereas lactic acid-producing bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds of CON and highest in MLP2 and MLP5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MLP at 5000 mg/kg enhanced performance, oxidative status, influenced metabolic hormones, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens raised under high ambient temperature.

Phytogenic feed additives as natural antibiotic alternatives in animal health and production: A review of the literature of the last decade.

The use of antibiotics in animal production raises great public safety concerns; therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of substitutes for antibiotics. In recent decades, plant-derived feed additives have been widely investigated as antibiotic alternatives for use in animal health and production because they exert multiple biological functions and are less likely to induce resistance development. This review summarizes the research history and classification of phytogenic feed additives and their main functions, potential modes of action, influencing factors, and potential negative effects. Further, we highlight the challenges in developing sustainable, safe, and affordable plant-derived antibiotic alternatives for use in livestock production.

Effects of Artemisia annua supplementation on the performance and gut health of laying hens challenged with mixed Eimeria species.

Background: Coccidiosis outbreaks in susceptible laying hens can significantly decrease egg production and cause substantial economic loss to the egg industry. The supplementation of poultry diets with chemotherapeutic agents is limited due to antimicrobial resistance and residue in poultry meat or processed products. Therefore, alternative strategies to control coccidiosis are needed, and Artemisia annua (AA) might have the potential to be a phytogenic feed additive, an alternative to anticoccidial agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the dietary supplementation of powdered AA on the performance and gut health of laying hens infected with coccidiosis by Eimeria spp. Methods: A total of 225 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens at 23 weeks of age were allocated into 5 treatment groups: 1) control (NC), 2) pair-fed (PF) control, 3) challenged control (CC), 4) CC with dietary inclusion of 0.5% AA (0.5AA), and v) CC with dietary inclusion of 1% AA (1AA). The hens in the CC, 0.5AA, and 1AA groups were orally inoculated with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria maxima (12,500), Eimeria tenella (12,500), and Eimeria acervulina (62,500) at week 25. The PF hens received the same amount of feed consumed by the CC hens from 0-14 days post-inoculation (dpi) of Eimeria spp. The performance of the laying hens, including body weight (BW), hen-day egg production (HDEP), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), was measured weekly. Additionally, markers of intestinal health, including gut permeability, lesion score, intestinal morphometry, and immune responses, were evaluated at 6, 14, and 21 dpi. Results: At 6 and 14 dpi, laying hens challenged with Eimeria spp. had a lower BW than PF and NC hens (p < 0.0001). Supplementation of 1% AA improved the HDEP by 8.1% compared to CC hens; however, it was still 15.4% lower than that of PF hens (p < 0.0001). The inclusion of 1% AA did not have any beneficial effect on FI; however, the FCR was improved by 0.61 (2.46) than that of CC hens (3.07; p < 0.0001). The inclusion of 1% AA reduced the severity of the intestinal lesions and increased the recovery of intestinal villi (p < 0.05). Additionally, gut permeability was significantly different between the challenged and non-challenged hens; however, among the challenged hens, the inclusion of AA reduced the gut permeability by 29% compared to CC hens (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the inclusion of 0.5% AA reduced the inflammatory responses in the infected hens. Conclusion: Dietary inclusion of AA partially restored the performance and gut health of the laying hens and modulated their inflammatory immune response following Eimeria infection; however, further studies are needed to better understand the mode of action and effective dosages to improve the gut health without negative impacts on the performance.