Histological examination of the young Oncorhynchus mykiss intestines using the feed with chelated and probiotic supplements / Exame histológico do intestino jovem de Oncorhynchus mykiss utilizando a ração com suplementos quelatados e probióticos

Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in the fish diet can affect fish growth rate, ability to resist disease, and fillet quality. Determination of effective dose of developed feed additives consisting of chelate compounds of biogenic elements and probiotic preparation based on Bacillus subtilis. Young rainbow trout were divided into four groups consisting of 100 fish each. The control group received standard food; the experimental groups received food with chelates and probiotics in different concentrations. At the end of the experiment (30 days), the middle intestine histology and morphometric parameters were studied. The use of chelated compounds alone affected the state of the intestinal villi and the infiltration of the epithelium by lymphocytes. The addition of a probiotic had a positive effect on the migration of immune cells in the intestinal villi; however, the probiotic in high concentrations contributed to a decrease in the number and area of goblet cells. Synergistic effects of chelated compounds and probiotic preparations on the morphometric parameters of the medium intestine were observed. In the proper doses, the studied feed additives might be recommended for rainbow trout farming under industrial aquaculture conditions.

As deficiências de macronutrientes e micronutrientes na dieta dos peixes podem afetar a taxa de crescimento dos peixes, a capacidade de resistir a doenças e a qualidade do filé. Determinação da dose efetiva de aditivos alimentares desenvolvidos constituídos por compostos quelatos de elementos biogênicos e preparação probiótica à base de Bacillus subtilis. As trutas arco-íris jovens foram divididas em quatro grupos de 100 peixes cada. O grupo controle recebeu ração padrão; os grupos experimentais receberam alimentos com quelatos e probióticos em diferentes concentrações. Ao final do experimento (30 dias), a histologia do intestino médio e os parâmetros morfométricos foram estudados. O uso de compostos quelados sozinho afetou o estado das vilosidades intestinais e a infiltração do epitélio por linfócitos. A adição de um probiótico teve um efeito positivo na migração de células imunes nas vilosidades intestinais; entretanto, o probiótico em altas concentrações contribuiu para a diminuição do número e da área das células caliciformes. Efeitos sinérgicos de compostos quelados e preparações probióticas sobre os parâmetros morfométricos do intestino médio foram observados. Nas doses adequadas, os aditivos alimentares estudados podem ser recomendados para a criação de trutas arco-íris em condições de aquacultura industrial.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour modulates the intestinal microbiota in Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet.

A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp., Lachnospiraceae sp., and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation.

Alternate-day fasting induces metabolic and morphofunctional changes in the gastrointestinal tract of male rats.

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is a nutritional intervention with modulatory and overall protective effects, but its role in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ADF on the metabolic patterns and morphofunctional motility of the GI tract in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into groups: control for 15 days (CON 15, n = 8), control for 30 days (CON 30, n = 8), ADF for 15 days (ADF 15, n = 8), and ADF for 30 days (ADF 30, n = 8). Blood glucose, body weight, and food and water consumption were measured. Frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions as well as gastric emptying time, small intestinal transit time, and cecum arrival time were measured. Intestinal histomorphometric, relative weight of organs, lipidogram, and leptin levels were also evaluated. ADF decreased water consumption and food consumption. The weight gain decreased; however, the relative kidney weight increased. ADF triggered an increase in the amplitude of gastric contractions and accelerated gastric emptying. However, small intestinal transit time was delayed in both ADF groups. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, whereas villus height, depth of the crypts and thickness of the circular, and longitudinal muscular layers of intestine increased after ADF. In conclusion, our results showed ADF exert an effect on both metabolism and GI motility and impacts on overall digestive functions.

Effect of Different Conditioning Temperatures and Times on the Pellet Quality, Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Ileal Microbial Population, and Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Broiler Chickens

This experiment was conducted for 42 days, and aimed to investigate the effect of conditioning temperature and time on feed quality, performance, jejunum morphology, ileal microbial population, and apparent metabolizable energy in broilers. According to the completely randomized design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement 2*3 (conditioning temperatures: 65 and 75 °C; conditioning times: 30, 60, and 90 second), 540 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed among six treatments with six replications, each replicate including 15 birds. Treatments included: 1) 65-30, 2) 65-60, 3) 65-90, 4) 75-30, 5) 75-60, 6) 75-90. The results showed that 60 seconds of conditioning at 75 °C increased the pellet durability index (PDI) in the starter diets (p<0.05). In the grower and finisher diets, groups (65-60) and (65-90) showed the highest PDI (p<0.05). Broilers fed diets conditioned at 75 °C for 60 s showed more body weight gain (p<0.05). On days 25 and 42, the highest villus height (VH) was observed in treatment (75-60), and 60 s steam conditioning increased crypt depth (CD) (p<0.05). At 75 oC, the number of goblet cells decreased, while their highest number was observed at 30 and 60 s on 25 d (p<0.05). Conditioning at 75 °C for 60 s enhanced the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) in broilers (p<0.05). In conclusion, 60 s conditioning at 75 °C improved the PDI of starter diets, performance, villus height, and AME, while the suitable temperature and pelleting time for grower and finisher diets were (65-60) and (65-90).(AU)

Avaliação morfológica do cólon proximal de ratos diabéticos suplementados com extrato de Agaricus blazei murrill / Morphological evaluation of the proximal colon of diabetic rats supplemented with agaricus blazei murrill extract / Evaluación morfológica del colon proximal de ratas diabéticas suplementadas con extracto de agaricus blazei murrill

O diabetes mellitus tipo I é resultado da absoluta deficiência de insulina, estando associado à anormalidades no metabolismo. Transtornos no trato gastrointestinal, tais como vômitos, disfagia e diarreia são frequentes no diabetes, sendo relacionados a alterações na morfologia intestinal e no sistema nervoso entérico. Compostos ricos em antioxidantes vem sendo utilizados como prevenção ou tratamento do diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill possui grande interesse farmacológico pelas propriedades anti-inflamató- rias, hipoglicêmicas e antioxidantes. Neste trabalho, avaliamos a integridade estrutural da parede e inervação intrínseca do cólon proximal em modelo experimental de diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina, tratados ou não com A. blazei. Ratos Wistar foram dividi- dos em grupos: normoglicêmicos (N), diabéticos (D) e com suplementação (NB e DB) por gavagem do extrato hidroalcoólico de Agaricus blazei (200mg/Kg), por 120 dias. Amostras do cólon proximal foram destinadas à técnicas histológicas para análise mor- fométrica da túnica mucosa, profundidade das criptas, muscular da mucosa, muscular ex- terna e parede total, número de células caliciformes e avaliação morfoquantitativa da pop- ulação mioentérica. O diabetes promoveu redução da muscular externa e muscular da mucosa com aumento na profundidade das criptas e área nuclear neuronal. O extrato promoveu hipertrofia da mucosa e muscular da mucosa. Houve manutenção na espessura da parede total, número de células caliciformes e na população neuronal mioentérica no diabetes e na suplementação. Conclui-se que o diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina e a suplementação com o extrato de Agaricus blazei causam ajustes morfológicos nas túnicas intestinais, sem interferir na parede e inervação mioentérica do cólon proximal, preservando a morfofisiologia absortiva e motora deste segmento

Type I diabetes mellitus is a result of absolute insulin deficiency and is associated with abnormalities in metabolism. Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, such as vomiting, dysphagia and diarrhea are common in diabetes, being related to changes in intestinal morphology and enteric nervous system. Antioxidant rich compounds have been used as prevention or treatment of diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill is highly pharmacologically interested in anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. In this work, we evaluated the structural integrity of the wall and intrinsic innervation of the proximal colon in an experimental model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, treated or not with A. blazei Wistar rats were divided into groups: normoglycemic (N), diabetic (D) and supplementation (NB and DB) by gavage of the hydroalcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei (200mg / kg) for 120 days. Samples of the proximal colon were used for histological techniques for morphometric analysis of the mucosa, depth of the crypts, muscularis mucosa, external muscular and total wall, number of goblet cells and morpho-quantitative evaluation of the myenteric population. Diabetes promoted reduction of muscularis mucosa and external muscular with increased depth of the crypts and nuclear neuronal area. The extract promoted mucosa and muscular of the mucosa hypertrophy. There were maintenance of total wall thickness, number of goblet cells and in the myenteric neuronal population in diabetes and supplementation. It is concluded that streptozotocin-induced diabetes and supplementation with Agaricus blazei extract cause morphological adjustments in the intestinal tunica, without interfering with the wall and myenteric innervation of the proximal colon, preserving the absorptive and motor morphophysiology of this segment.

La diabetes mellitus tipo I es el resultado de la deficiencia absoluta de insulina y se asocia con anomalías en el metabolismo. Los trastornos del tracto gastrointestinal, como vómitos, disfagia y diarrea son frecuentes en la diabetes, estando relacionados con cambios en la morfología intestinal y en el sistema nervioso entérico. Los compuestos ricos en antioxidantes se han utilizado como prevención o tratamiento de la diabetes. Agaricus blazei Murrill está muy interesado farmacológicamente en propiedades antiinflamatorias, hipoglucémicas y antioxidantes. En este trabajo, se evaluó la integridad estructural de la pared e inervación intrínseca del colon proximal en un modelo experimental de diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina, tratada o no con ratas A. blazei Wistar, divididas en grupos: normoglucémico (N), diabético (D) y suplementación (NB y DB) por sonda del extracto hidroalcohólico de Agaricus blazei (200mg/kg) por 120 días. Se utilizaron muestras del colon proximal para técnicas histológicas de análisis morfométrico de la mucosa, profundidad de las criptas, mucosa muscular, pared externa muscular y total, número de células caliciformes y evaluación morfo-cuantitativa de la población mientérica. La diabetes promovió la reducción de la muscular de la mucosa y de la muscular externa con el aumento de la profundidad de las criptas y del área neuronal nuclear. El extracto promovió la hipertrofia mucosa y muscular de la mucosa. Hubo mantenimiento del espesor total de la pared, número de células caliciformes y en la población neuronal mientérica en diabetes y suplementación. Se concluye que la diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina y la suplementación con extracto de Agaricus blazei causan ajustes morfológicos en la túnica intestinal, sin interferir con la pared e inervación mientérica del colon proximal, conservando la morfofisiología absortiva y motora de este segmento.

Effect of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Associated with High-Fat Diet on the Intestinal Health of Wistar Rats.

A direct correlation has been reported between excessive fat intake and the development and progression of various enteropathies. Plant foods may contain bioactive compounds and non-digestible dietary fiber, with potential to improve intestinal health. Chia is a good source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Our study evaluated the role of chia flour associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) on colon histomorphometry, intestinal functionality and intestinal microbiome composition and function in Wistar rats. The study used 32 young male rats separated into four groups to receive a standard diet (SD) or HFD, with or without chia, for 35 days. At the end of the study, the cecum, cecal content and duodenum were collected. The consumption of chia increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved fecal moisture. Chia consumption improved the circular muscle layer in the SD group. The diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria were not affected, but increased richness was observed in the microbiome of the SD+chia group. Moreover, chia consumption decreased the expression of proteins involved in intestinal functionality. Chia consumption improved intestinal morphology and functionality in young Wistar rats but was insufficient to promote significant changes in the intestinal microbiome in a short term of 35 days.

Growth Hormone Overexpression Induces Hyperphagia and Intestinal Morphophysiological Adaptations to Improve Nutrient Uptake in Zebrafish.

The excess of circulating growth hormone (GH) in most transgenic animals implies mandatory growth resulting in higher metabolic demand. Considering that the intestine is the main organ responsible for the digestion, absorption, and direction of dietary nutrients to other tissues, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which gh overexpression modulates the intestine to support higher growth. For this purpose, we designed an 8-weeks feeding trial to evaluate growth parameters, feed intake, and intestinal morphometric indices in the adult gh-transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. To access the sensitivity of the intestine to the excess of circulating GH, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of intestine GH receptors (GHRs) (ghra and ghrb) was analyzed. In addition, the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1a (igf1a) and genes encoding for di and tripeptide transporters (pept1a and pept1b) were assessed. Gh-transgenic zebrafish had better growth performance and higher feed intake compared to non-transgenic sibling controls. Chronic excess of GH upregulates the expression of its cognate receptor (ghrb) and the main growth factor related to trophic effects in the intestine (igf1a). Moreover, transgenic zebrafish showed an increased intestinal absorptive area and higher expression of crucial genes related to the absorption of products from meal protein degradation. These results reinforce the ability of GH to modulate intestinal morphology and the mechanisms of assimilation of nutrients to sustain the energy demand for the continuous growth induced by the excess of circulating GH.

Evaluation of transfer of maternal immunity to the offspring of broiler breeders vaccinated with a candidate recombinant vaccine against Salmonella Enteritidis.

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a major cause of foodborne diseases in humans being frequently related to the consumption of poultry products. Therefore, guaranteeing early immunity to chicks is an important tool to prevent the colonization and infection by this pathogen. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a candidate recombinant vaccine against SE. Thirty female and five male broiler breeders that were ten weeks-old were divided into 3 groups: unvaccinated (UV), vaccinated with recombinant vaccine candidate (VAC) and vaccinated with commercial bacterin (BAC). Samples of serum and embryonated egg were collected at seven and twelve weeks after the booster dose to quantify the transfer rate of IgY to egg yolks and offspring. Subsequently, forty day-old offspring were divided into two groups (UV and VAC) and challenged on the following day with 107 CFU/chick of SE. Samples of serum, intestine, liver, and cecal content were harvested. Throughout the experiment period, significantly higher levels of IgY were observed in the egg yolk and also in the serum of broiler breeders and offspring of the VAC group in comparison to the UV group. In addition, increased transfer rates of IgY were observed in the VAC group when compared to the BAC group. Furthermore, higher villus-crypt ratios were found out in duodenum, jejunum and ileum at four days post-infection in the offspring from the VAC group. A high challenge dose of SE (107 CFU per chick) was used and despite the stronger humoral immune response provoked by the candidate vaccine, there were no statistical differences in the recovery of viable SE cells from the offspring cecal contents. Therefore, the effect of vaccination to improve intestinal quality may affect the development of the chickens and consequently increase the resistance to lower SE challenge doses.

Microencapsulated and uncoated butyric acid as alternative additives to the regeneration of intestinal mucosa in broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

1. The effect of microencapsulated and uncoated butyric acid as an alternative to antibiotics on performance, intestinal morphology and regeneration of intestinal mucosa was studied in birds experimentally infected with Eimeria spp. 1 to 42 d-old.2. A total of 1,320 male Cobb® broiler chicks were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomised design, comprising a negative control, uncoated butyric acid (UA), microencapsulated butyric acid (MA), combined U + M butyric acid and a positive control (antibiotic+anticoccidial) in six replications. At 16 d-old, the birds were inoculated orally with 0.5 ml of a solution containing an Eimeria spp. pool.3. At 21 d of age, the birds receiving butyric acid alone had higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) compared to those supplemented with the blend of acids. For the total rearing period, in all variables, the positive control performed best (P < 0.001).4. At 14 d of age, birds that received diets containing UA had a deeper crypt depth in the jejunum than those fed diets containing microencapsulated acid (P = 0.0194). At 21 d of age, the birds fed the acids had higher villi (P = 0.0058) in the duodenum, compared to the negative control group.5. Supplementation with microencapsulated acid contributed to the intestinal health and recovery of post-challenge birds, but did not result in improvements in performance.

Dietary nucleotide supplementation as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics in weaned piglets.

Nucleotides are important to cell growth and division and are crucial to the rapid proliferation of such cells as the intestinal mucosa and immune cells. Accordingly, the nucleotide requirements of animals are high during periods of rapid growth and periods of stress like post-weaning period. Thus, nucleotide supplementation may be a possible alternative to in-feed antibiotics as growth promoter in this phase. The study aimed to evaluate dietary nucleotide supplementation as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics on performance and gut health of weaned piglets. Ninety-six 21-day-old piglets, weighing 7.44 ±â€¯0.65 kg, were allocated into 1 of 3 treatments (8 pens per treatment; 4 pigs per pen) in a 14-day trial. Dietary treatments consisted of control: corn-soybean meal-based diet; nucleotides: control +2 g/kg of a nutritional additive with purified nucleotides; and antibiotic: control +0.8 g/kg of antibiotic growth promoter based on colistin and tylosin. Performance variables and fecal score were not affected (P > 0.05) by supplementing nucleotide or antibiotic. Nucleotides treatment had similar effect to antibiotic and superior to control (P < 0.05) on enhancing duodenum villus height, jejunum crypt depth, and reduction of Paneth cellular area. Duodenum and ileum of animals supplemented with nucleotides or antibiotics had higher (P < 0.05) number of proliferating cells than did those of control animals, whereas the jejunum of animals that received antibiotic diets presented more (P < 0.05) proliferating cells than either the nucleotides or control animals. Jejunum of nucleotide-treated piglets showed a greater number of apoptotic cells than those fed antibiotic or control diets (P < 0.05). Nucleotides and antibiotic treatments decreased the B lymphocyte counts in duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05) but increased in the jejunum (P < 0.05), when compared to the control treatment. Relative abundance of mitogen-activated protein kinases-6, haptoglobin, and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA was not influenced (P > 0.05) by treatments. In the ileal, antibiotic supplementation reduced total bacteria quantification compared to nucleotide supplementation or the control (P < 0.05), whereas nucleotides supplementation increased enterobacteria proliferation compared to the antibiotic or control diets (P < 0.05). However, nucleotides and antibiotic reduced (P < 0.05) colon total bacteria quantification when compared to control. These results suggest that the nucleotides source used to weaned piglets improved gut health by modulating the local immune response and modulating intestinal mucosa development, and, therefore, nucleotides may be an alternative to antibiotics as growth promoters.

Agaricus subrufescens and Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms as alternative additives to antibiotics in diets for broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

1. The effect of A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus mushrooms as an alternative to antibiotics (avilamycin or monensin sodium) on performance, intestinal morphometry, immunity, and biochemical profile of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. was studied from 1 to 42 d old. A total of 900 male Cobb® broiler chicks were distributed, according to a completely randomised design, into five treatments with six replicates each.2. The treatments consisted of: negative control (NC) - basal diet (BD) with no anticoccidial or antibiotic (non-challenged birds); negative control challenged (NCC) - NC fed to Eimeria spp. challenged birds; BD with 0.2% A. subrufescens inclusion for challenged birds (As), BD with 0.2% P. ostreatus inclusion for challenged birds (Po); and a positive control - BD with anticoccidial and antibiotic inclusion for challenged birds (ATB).3. At 11 d.o., the birds were each inoculated orally with 1 ml solution containing 2 × 105 sporulated oocysts/ml Eimeria acervulina and 2 × 104 sporulated oocysts/ml E. maxima and E. tenella.4. Birds subjected to Eimeria spp. challenge up to 21 d of age had greater crypt depth, indicating that the presence of undesirable microorganisms had an effect on cell proliferation.5. At 21 d old, the birds receiving ATB had higher average weight gain (AWG), feed intake (AFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed diets supplemented with mushrooms (As or Po). For the total rearing period (42 days), the birds that received ATB had higher AWG and AFI (P < 0.001) compared to those that received As or Po diets. Feeding avilamycin did not affect (P = 0.0676) FCR compared to the As or Po diet groups.6. From the morphometric and blood analyses there were no differences between broilers fed ATB, Po or As diets in either rearing periods. However, Po and As supplementation lowered blood triglyceride levels. At 21d there was a difference (P < 0.05) for MCV and haemoglobin, in which the mushrooms were similar to the antibiotic. At 42 d, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in haematocrit, erythrocyte, MCV, H: L, protein and albumin variables, in which the use of mushrooms was similar to the positive control, demonstrating that both (mushrooms and antibiotics) promoted a certain improvement in the health of the chickens.7. A. subrufescens and P. ostreatus can be used in broiler diets without compromising intestinal or haematological status, however, these ingredients did not result in improvements in performance.

Effect of Essential Oil and Organic Acid on Performance, Gut Health, Bacterial Count and Serological Parameters in Broiler

A total of 1500 day old broiler chicks were grouped into five treatments; each treatment group further consisted of six replicates. Group A was given a control diet having antibiotics. Group B and C were offered essential oil blend at the proportion of 0.1 g/kg and organic acid at the dose rate of 1g/kg. Group D was given both essential oil 0.1 g/kg and organic acid 1g/kg in combination. Group E was offered only a basal diet without antibiotics and considered as a negative control. The trial lasted for 35 days. Results indicated that the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) exhibited significant improvement but insignificant in the case of feed consumption. Bodyweight and FCR were better in group B, followed by C. Carcass characteristics like eviscerated weight and giblet weight were also improved in group B while dressed weight showed insignificant results. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were unaffected by the treatments; however, increased blood glucose levels and decreased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration were significantly noticed. Treatment groups have no effect on antibody titer against ND at the end of the trial. In gut morphology, significantly higher villus height was observed in group C, but villus width and crypt depth remained unaffected. In conclusion, essential oil and organic acids have improved performance, carcass parameters, serum biochemistry, gut health, and decreased bacterial count.

Effects of Different Feeding Regimes on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology of Commercial Broilers

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of various levels of synbiotics on growth performance and intestinal morphology of fast-growing broilers during different phases. A total of 720, one-day-old straight run broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 12 treatment groups according to a completely randomized design having three supplemented diets of synbiotics (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) reared at four phases [starter (1-11 days), grower (12-22 days), finisher (23-35 days), whole life (1-35 days)]. Every treatment was replicated six times with ten birds each. The parameters were evaluated in growth performance (feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and mortality) and intestinal morphology (Villus height, Crypt depth and Villus to Crypt ratio). Results of the present study revealed that growth performance, feed intake (p=0.0029), body weight (p=0.0001) and feed conversion ratio (p=0.0001) were improved with 1 percent synbiotics diet supplementation,while1.5 percent synbiotics level showed lower body weight. Crypt death (p=0.0529) has been marginally greater in the whole life. It can be inferred that a 1 % synbiotics supplemented diet has had a beneficial impact on growth and gut health throughout life.

Inclusion of different levels of inulin on productive parameters and intestinal morphology in fattening guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) / Efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis de inulina nos parâmetros produtivos e na morfologia intestinal em cobaias de engorda (Cavia porcellus)

This study evaluated the effect of the three inulin levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) supplemented as a substitute for an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP, zinc bacitracin) and control in guinea pigs raised for human consumption. Fifty 14-day-old male guinea pigs were used. Productive parameters (weight gain, total dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) and intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at slaughter (70 days of age) were evaluated. An inverse relationship was observed between inulin levels and FCR (linear effect; P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant effect of the treatments on total dry matter intake and weight gain (P > 0.05). A linear effect of the inulin level on the villi’s length (VL), villi’s width (VW), and length/depth ratio (VL/DC) in the duodenum; VW in the jejunum; and VL in the ileum (P <0 .05) was reported. In conclusion, a linear effect of the increasing doses of inulin was found on the FCR and the morphological parameters of the duodenum’s integrity, and no differences in the effects of the inulin added to the diet and the treatment with AGP were found.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação na dieta de cobaias com inulina, em níveis crescentes (0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%) como substituto para um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (AGP, bacitracina de zinco) além do grupo controle (dieta padrão). Foram utilizados 50 porquinhos-da-índia machos com 14 dias de idade. Os parâmetros produtivos foram avaliados do desmame aos 70 dias de idade e os parâmetros morfológicos intestinais foram avaliados no duodeno, jejuno e íleo no momento do abate. Foi encontrado um efeito linear do nível de inulina sobre na taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR; P = 0,006), indicando que em níveis mais elevados de inulina o FCR diminui. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quando avaliado o efeito dos diferentes tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração e ganho de peso corporal (P > 0,05). Um efeito linear do nível de inulina foi encontrado no comprimento das vilosidades (VL), na largura das vilosidades (VW) e na relação comprimento / profundidade (VL/DC) no duodeno, sobre a VW no jejuno; e no VL no íleo (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, um efeito linear do aumento do nível de inulina foi encontrado na taxa de conversão alimentar e nos parâmetros morfológicos da integridade do duodeno, além disso, não houve diferença entre a adição de inulina na dieta e o tratamento com um antibiótico promotor de crescimento.

Inclusion of different levels of inulin on productive parameters and intestinal morphology in fattening guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) / Efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis de inulina nos parâmetros produtivos e na morfologia intestinal em cobaias de engorda (Cavia porcellus)

This study evaluated the effect of the three inulin levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) supplemented as a substitute for an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP, zinc bacitracin) and control in guinea pigs raised for human consumption. Fifty 14-day-old male guinea pigs were used. Productive parameters (weight gain, total dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) and intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at slaughter (70 days of age) were evaluated. An inverse relationship was observed between inulin levels and FCR (linear effect; P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant effect of the treatments on total dry matter intake and weight gain (P > 0.05). A linear effect of the inulin level on the villis length (VL), villis width (VW), and length/depth ratio (VL/DC) in the duodenum; VW in the jejunum; and VL in the ileum (P <0 .05) was reported. In conclusion, a linear effect of the increasing doses of inulin was found on the FCR and the morphological parameters of the duodenums integrity, and no differences in the effects of the inulin added to the diet and the treatment with AGP were found.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação na dieta de cobaias com inulina, em níveis crescentes (0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%) como substituto para um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (AGP, bacitracina de zinco) além do grupo controle (dieta padrão). Foram utilizados 50 porquinhos-da-índia machos com 14 dias de idade. Os parâmetros produtivos foram avaliados do desmame aos 70 dias de idade e os parâmetros morfológicos intestinais foram avaliados no duodeno, jejuno e íleo no momento do abate. Foi encontrado um efeito linear do nível de inulina sobre na taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR; P = 0,006), indicando que em níveis mais elevados de inulina o FCR diminui. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quando avaliado o efeito dos diferentes tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração e ganho de peso corporal (P > 0,05). Um efeito linear do nível de inulina foi encontrado no comprimento das vilosidades (VL), na largura das vilosidades (VW) e na relação comprimento / profundidade (VL/DC) no duodeno, sobre a VW no jejuno; e no VL no íleo (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, um efeito linear do aumento do nível de inulina foi encontrado na taxa de conversão alimentar e nos parâmetros morfológicos da integridade do duodeno, além disso, não houve diferença entre a adição de inulina na dieta e o tratamento com um antibiótico promotor de crescimento.(AU)

Effect of Essential Oil and Organic Acid on Performance, Gut Health, Bacterial Count and Serological Parameters in Broiler

A total of 1500 day old broiler chicks were grouped into five treatments; each treatment group further consisted of six replicates. Group A was given a control diet having antibiotics. Group B and C were offered essential oil blend at the proportion of 0.1 g/kg and organic acid at the dose rate of 1g/kg. Group D was given both essential oil 0.1 g/kg and organic acid 1g/kg in combination. Group E was offered only a basal diet without antibiotics and considered as a negative control. The trial lasted for 35 days. Results indicated that the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) exhibited significant improvement but insignificant in the case of feed consumption. Bodyweight and FCR were better in group B, followed by C. Carcass characteristics like eviscerated weight and giblet weight were also improved in group B while dressed weight showed insignificant results. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were unaffected by the treatments; however, increased blood glucose levels and decreased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) concentration were significantly noticed. Treatment groups have no effect on antibody titer against ND at the end of the trial. In gut morphology, significantly higher villus height was observed in group C, but villus width and crypt depth remained unaffected. In conclusion, essential oil and organic acids have improved performance, carcass parameters, serum biochemistry, gut health, and decreased bacterial count.(AU)

Effects of Different Feeding Regimes on Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology of Commercial Broilers

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of various levels of synbiotics on growth performance and intestinal morphology of fast-growing broilers during different phases. A total of 720, one-day-old straight run broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 12 treatment groups according to a completely randomized design having three supplemented diets of synbiotics (a combination of probiotics and prebiotics) (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) reared at four phases [starter (1-11 days), grower (12-22 days), finisher (23-35 days), whole life (1-35 days)]. Every treatment was replicated six times with ten birds each. The parameters were evaluated in growth performance (feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and mortality) and intestinal morphology (Villus height, Crypt depth and Villus to Crypt ratio). Results of the present study revealed that growth performance, feed intake (p=0.0029), body weight (p=0.0001) and feed conversion ratio (p=0.0001) were improved with 1 percent synbiotics diet supplementation,while1.5 percent synbiotics level showed lower body weight. Crypt death (p=0.0529) has been marginally greater in the whole life. It can be inferred that a 1 % synbiotics supplemented diet has had a beneficial impact on growth and gut health throughout life.(AU)

Inclusion of different levels of inulin on productive parameters and intestinal morphology in fattening guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) / Efeito da inclusão de diferentes níveis de inulina nos parâmetros produtivos e na morfologia intestinal em cobaias de engorda (Cavia porcellus)

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of the three inulin levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) supplemented as a substitute for an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP, zinc bacitracin) and control in guinea pigs raised for human consumption. Fifty 14-day-old male guinea pigs were used. Productive parameters (weight gain, total dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) and intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at slaughter (70 days of age) were evaluated. An inverse relationship was observed between inulin levels and FCR (linear effect; P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant effect of the treatments on total dry matter intake and weight gain (P > 0.05). A linear effect of the inulin level on the villi's length (VL), villi's width (VW), and length/depth ratio (VL/DC) in the duodenum; VW in the jejunum; and VL in the ileum (P <0 .05) was reported. In conclusion, a linear effect of the increasing doses of inulin was found on the FCR and the morphological parameters of the duodenum's integrity, and no differences in the effects of the inulin added to the diet and the treatment with AGP were found.

RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação na dieta de cobaias com inulina, em níveis crescentes (0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%) como substituto para um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (AGP, bacitracina de zinco) além do grupo controle (dieta padrão). Foram utilizados 50 porquinhos-da-índia machos com 14 dias de idade. Os parâmetros produtivos foram avaliados do desmame aos 70 dias de idade e os parâmetros morfológicos intestinais foram avaliados no duodeno, jejuno e íleo no momento do abate. Foi encontrado um efeito linear do nível de inulina sobre na taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR; P = 0,006), indicando que em níveis mais elevados de inulina o FCR diminui. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quando avaliado o efeito dos diferentes tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração e ganho de peso corporal (P > 0,05). Um efeito linear do nível de inulina foi encontrado no comprimento das vilosidades (VL), na largura das vilosidades (VW) e na relação comprimento / profundidade (VL/DC) no duodeno, sobre a VW no jejuno; e no VL no íleo (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, um efeito linear do aumento do nível de inulina foi encontrado na taxa de conversão alimentar e nos parâmetros morfológicos da integridade do duodeno, além disso, não houve diferença entre a adição de inulina na dieta e o tratamento com um antibiótico promotor de crescimento.

Effects of crude protein and lactose levels in diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system in weaned piglets.

To evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) and lactose (LAC) for weaned piglets on performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system, 144 piglets with initial weight 7.17 ± 0.97 kg were allotted in a randomized design, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (20.0% and 24.0% CP and 8.0%, 12.0%, and 16.0% LAC) with eight replicates. Piglets fed 20.0% CP had greater weight gain and feed intake. Including 12.0% LAC in the 20.0% CP diet provided higher villous height in the duodenum than 8.0% LAC, and 12.0% or 16.0% LAC in the 24.0% CP diet resulted in higher villous height in the jejunum and ileum, and higher villi/crypt ratio in the ileum than 8.0% LAC. No effects of CP and LAC on interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA were observed. The 16.0% LAC diet provided higher gene expression of transforming-ß1 growth factor. Feeding 20.0% CP resulted in better performance than 24.0% CP. The 12.0% LAC diet promoted greater genetic expression of occludin and zonula occludens. Including 12.0% LAC in the diet may improve intestinal epithelial morphology and integrity, and these improvements are more evident when piglets are fed diets with 24.0% CP.

Corn with different particle sizes in laying hens feeding: performance, egg quality and intestinal morphology / Milho com diferentes tamanhos de partículas na alimentação de poedeiras: desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e morfologia intestinal / Maíz con diferentes tamaños de partículas en la alimentación de ponedoras: rendimiento, calidad de los huevos y morfología intestinal

This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of different particle size corn on the performance, egg quality and intestinal morphology of Hisex Brown laying hens. A total of 128 birds were used, in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. Experimental rations had corn with different particle size: 565, 620, 781 and 1085 µm of mean geometric diameter (MGD). Feeding was ad libitum at 8:00 am and 4:00 p.m. The variables analyzed were: feed consumption, laying percentage, egg mass and weight, food conversion (was calculated by dividing the feed consumed by the total egg weight (kg.kg-1) and the number of eggs produced (kg.dozen-1)), shell percentage and thickness, Haugh unit, yolk color index and morphometry analysis of the intestinal mucosa. The use of corn with MGD until to 1085 µm in rations does not affect the performance and eggs quality of Hisex Bronw laying hens. However, there are indications that the intestinal morphometry of laying hens is negatively influenced by the increase in particle size of corn.(AU)

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes tamanhos de partículas de milho no desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e morfologia intestinal de poedeiras Hisex Brown. Foram utilizadas 128 aves, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, quatro repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. As rações experimentais apresentaram milho de diferentes tamanhos de partículas: 565, 620, 781 e 1085 µm de diâmetro geométrico médio (DGM). A alimentação foi ad libitum às 8:00 e 16:00h. As variáveis analisadas foram: consumo de ração, porcentagem de postura, massa e peso dos ovos, conversão alimentar (calculada dividindo-se a ração consumida pelo peso total de ovos (kg/kg) e número de ovos produzidos (kg/dúzia)), porcentagem e espessura da casca, unidade de Haugh, índice e coloração de gema e análise morfométrica da mucosa intestinal. O uso de milho com DGM até 1085 µm nas rações não afeta o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras Hisex Brown. No entanto, há indicações de que a morfometria intestinal de poedeiras é influenciada negativamente pelo aumento no tamanho das partículas do milho.(AU)

Este estudio ha sido desarrollado con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de diferentes tamaños de partículas de maíz en el rendimiento, calidad de los huevos y la morfología intestinal de gallinas ponedoras Hisex Brown. Se utilizaron 128 aves, distribuidas en un experimento completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos, cuatro repeticiones y ocho aves por unidad experimental. Las raciones experimentales fueron elaboradas con maíz de diferentes tamaños de partículas: 565, 620, 781, 1085 µm de diámetro geométrico medio (DGM). La alimentación fue ad libitum a las 8:00 y a las 16:00h. Las variables analizadas fueron: consumo de ración, porcentaje de postura, masa y peso de los huevos, conversión alimenticia (se calculó dividiendo el alimento consumido por el peso total de huevos (kg/kg) y el número de huevos producidos (kg/docena)), porcentaje y espesor de cáscara, unidad Haugh, índice y coloración de yema, y análisis morfométrica de la mucosa intestinal. La utilización de maíz con DGM de hasta 1085 µm en las raciones no perjudica el rendimiento y la calidad de los huevos de las ponedoras Hisex Brown. Sin embargo, hay indicaciones de que la morfometría intestinal de gallinas ponedoras es influenciada de forma negativa por el aumento del tamaño de las partículas del maíz.(AU)