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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a critical endocrine condition in horses, characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, posing a significant threat to their health. This study investigates the efficacy of supplementing EMS-affected horses with Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr (III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions using biosorption process in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reducing inflammation, and mitigating obesity-related fat accumulation. Our results demonstrate that Arthrospira supplementation reduces baseline insulin and glucose levels, contributing to decreased adipose tissue inflammation. Furthermore, Arthrospira supplementation results in a decrease in body weight and improvements in overall body condition scores and cresty neck scores. Additionally, administration of Arthrospira leads to reduced levels of triglycerides and aspartate aminotransferase, indicating a decrease in hepatic adiposity and inflammation. These findings suggest that Arthrospira, enriched with essential micro- and macroelements, can be an advanced feed additive to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote weight reduction, and alleviate inflammatory processes, thereby improving the overall condition of horses affected by EMS. The use of Arthrospira as a feed additive has the potential to complement conventional management strategies for EMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powered by consumer taste, value, and preferences, natural products including phytogenics and algae are increasingly and separately used in the food systems where they have been reported to improve growth performance in poultry and livestock. The present study aimed to determine the effects of a new feed additive, microencapsulated NUQO© NEX, which contains a combination of phytogenic and phycogenic, on broiler growth performance, blood chemistry, bone health, meat quality and sensory profile. Male Cobb500 chicks (n = 1,197) were fed a 3-phase feeding intervals; 1-14d starter, 15-28d grower, and 29-40d finisher. The dietary treatments included a corn-soy basal Control (CON), basal diet supplemented with NUQO© NEX at 100 g/ton from 1 to 28d then 75 g/ton from d 28 to 40 (NEX75), and basal diet supplemented with NUQO© NEX at 100 g/ton from 1 to 40d (NEX100). The NEX100 supplemented birds had 62 g more BWG increase and 2.1-point improvement in FCR compared with CON in the finisher and overall growth phase (p < 0.05), respectively. Day 40 processing body weights and carcass weights were heavier for the NEX100 supplemented birds (p < 0.05). The incidences of muscle myopathies were also higher in NEX treatments, which could be associated with the heavier weights, but the differences were not detected to be significant. The NEX75 breast filets had more yellowness than other dietary treatments (p = 0.003) and the NEX 100 treatment reduced the levels of breast filet TBARS at 7 days-post harvest (p = 0.053). Finally, both NEX treatments reduced the incidence of severe bone (tibia and femur) lesions. In conclusion, the supplementation of the phytogenic NUQO© NEX improved finisher performance parameters, whole phase FCR, processing carcass weights, and breast filet yellowness, at varying inclusion levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed additives such as monensin (MON) and virginiamycin (VM) are commonly utilized in feedlot diets to enhance rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, the precise effects of combining MON and VM during specific feedlot periods and the advantages of this combination remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the adaptation and finishing periods on ruminal metabolism, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility in Nellore cattle. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin square, where each period lasted 28 days. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore yearling bulls were used (414,86 ± 21,71 kg of body weight), which were assigned to five treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period; (2) VM during the entire feeding period; (3) MON + VM during the adaptation period and only VM during the finishing period 1 and 2; (4) MON + VM during the entire feeding period; (5) MON + VM during the adaptation and finishing period 1 and only VM during the finishing period 2. For the finishing period 1, animals fed T3 had improved potential degradability of dry matter (p = 0.02). Cattle fed T3 and T5 had the highest crude protein degradability when compared to animals receiving T2 (p = 0.01). Animals fed T2 and T3 had reduced the time (p < 0.01) and area under pH 6.2 (p = 0.02). Moreover, animals fed T4 had greater population of protozoa from the genus Diplodinium (p = 0.04) when compared to those from animals fed T2, T3 and T5. For the finishing period 2, animals fed T3 had greater starch degradability when compared to animals receiving T4 and T5 (p = 0.04). Animals fed T3, T4 and T5 had increased the duration of time in which pH was below 5.6 (p = 0.03). The area under the curve for ruminal pH 5.2 and pH 5.6 was higher for the animals fed T3 (p = 0.01), and the area under pH 6.2 was higher for the animals fed T3 and T5 (p < 0.01) when compared to animals receiving T2. There is no substantial improvement on the rumen fermentation parameters by the concurrent utilization of MON and VM molecules, where the higher starch and protein degradability did not improve the rumen fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a complex natural feed additive on rumen fermentation, carcass characteristics and growth performance in Korean-native steers. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiment were conducted. Seven different levels of complex natural feed additive (CA) were added to the buffered rumen fluid using AnkomRF gas production system for 12, 24 and 48 h. All experimental data were analyzed by mixed procedure of SAS. Total gas production increased in the CA groups, with the highest response observed in the 0.06% group at 48 h of incubation (linear, p = 0.02; quadratic, p < 0.01). Regarding rumen fermentation parameters, the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) tended to increase in all the CA groups (p = 0.07). The concentrations of butyrate, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate significantly increased in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). In the in vivo experiment, 23 Korean-native steers were allocated to two groups: (1) Control and (2) Treatment; control +0.07% CA (DM basis), in a randomized complete-block design and blocked by body weight (ave. body weight = 641.96 kg ± 62.51 kg, p = 0.80) and feed intake (ave. feed intake = 13.96 kg ± 0.74 kg, p = 0.08) lasted for 252 days. Average daily gain decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.01). Backfat thickness significantly decreased in the CA group (p = 0.03), whereas meat color tended to increase (p = 0.07). In conclusion, in the in vitro experiment, the inclusion of complex natural feed additive decreased methane proportion and tended to increase TVFA production, but supplementation to Korean native steers decreased average daily gain and backfat thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fungi that produce mycotoxins can grow on certain food products, such as grains and feed, and can cause a variety of health issues if consumed by animals, including chickens. The use of spray-dried plasma (SDP) is one strategy for combating the health problems caused by mycotoxins. Materials and methods: In the present study, Ross 308 chickens (n = 960) were divided into four treatment groups. T1 group was given a control diet (corn-soybean meal), T2 group was given a control diet +2% SDP, T3 group was given a control diet +2% SDP + mixture mycotoxins and T4 group was givena control diet + mycotoxin mixture. Results: The presence of SDP resulted in weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, whereas mycotoxins resulted in weight loss and increased feed efficiency. SDP increased the thymus' relative weight. The presence of mycotoxins increased the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. The presence of mycotoxins reduced the production of IL-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 Alpha (MIP-3a), whereas the presence of SDP increased the production of macrophage colony-stimulating Factor (M-CSF). SDP resulted in higher IgA concentrations in the intestinal and tracheal washes than mycotoxin. Finally, adding SDP to broiler diets boosts weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune system development. Discussion: Our results provide information supporting that SDP is a promising tool for improving poultry immunity and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a critical endocrine condition in horses, characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, posing a significant threat to their health. This study investigates the efficacy of supplementing EMS-affected horses with Arthrospira platensis enriched with Cr(III), Mg(II), and Mn(II) ions using biosorption process in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reducing inflammation, and mitigating obesity-related fat accumulation. Our results demonstrate that Arthrospira supplementation reduces baseline insulin and glucose levels, contributing to decreased adipose tissue inflammation. Furthermore, Arthrospira supplementation results in a decrease in body weight and improvements in overall body condition scores and cresty neck scores. Additionally, administration of Arthrospira leads to reduced levels of triglycerides and aspartate aminotransferase, indicating a decrease in hepatic adiposity and inflammation. These findings suggest that Arthrospira, enriched with essential micro- and macroelements, can be an advanced feed additive to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote weight reduction, and alleviate inflammatory processes, thereby improving the overall condition of horses affected by EMS. The use of Arthrospira as a feed additive has the potential to complement conventional management strategies for EMS.

Feed additives such as monensin (MON) and virginiamycin (VM) are commonly utilized in feedlot diets to enhance rumen fermentation. Nevertheless, the precise effects of combining MON and VM during specific feedlot periods and the advantages of this combination remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects of withdrawal of MON when associated with VM during the adaptation and finishing periods on ruminal metabolism, feeding behavior, and nutrient digestibility in Nellore cattle. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin square, where each period lasted 28 days. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore yearling bulls were used (414,86 ± 21,71 kg of body weight), which were assigned to five treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period; (2) VM during the entire feeding period; (3) MON + VM during the adaptation period and only VM during the finishing period 1 and 2; (4) MON + VM during the entire feeding period; (5) MON + VM during the adaptation and finishing period 1 and only VM during the finishing period 2. For the finishing period 1, animals fed T3 had improved potential degradability of dry matter (p = 0.02). Cattle fed T3 and T5 had the highest crude protein degradability when compared to animals receiving T2 (p = 0.01). Animals fed T2 and T3 had reduced the time (p

Powered by consumer taste, value, and preferences, natural products including phytogenics and algae are increasingly and separately used in the food systems where they have been reported to improve growth performance in poultry and livestock. The present study aimed to determine the effects of a new feed additive, microencapsulated NUQO© NEX, which contains a combination of phytogenic and phycogenic, on broiler growth performance, blood chemistry, bone health, meat quality and sensory profile. Male Cobb500 chicks (n = 1,197) were fed a 3-phase feeding intervals; 1–14d starter, 15–28d grower, and 29–40d finisher. The dietary treatments included a corn-soy basal Control (CON), basal diet supplemented with NUQO© NEX at 100 g/ton from 1 to 28d then 75 g/ton from d 28 to 40 (NEX75), and basal diet supplemented with NUQO© NEX at 100 g/ton from 1 to 40d (NEX100). The NEX100 supplemented birds had 62 g more BWG increase and 2.1-point improvement in FCR compared with CON in the finisher and overall growth phase (p

IntroductionFungi that produce mycotoxins can grow on certain food products, such as grains and feed, and can cause a variety of health issues if consumed by animals, including chickens. The use of spray-dried plasma (SDP) is one strategy for combating the health problems caused by mycotoxins.Materials and methodsIn the present study, Ross 308 chickens (n = 960) were divided into four treatment groups. T1 group was given a control diet (corn–soybean meal), T2 group was given a control diet +2% SDP, T3 group was given a control diet +2% SDP + mixture mycotoxins and T4 group was givena control diet + mycotoxin mixture.ResultsThe presence of SDP resulted in weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, whereas mycotoxins resulted in weight loss and increased feed efficiency. SDP increased the thymus’ relative weight. The presence of mycotoxins increased the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. The presence of mycotoxins reduced the production of IL-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 Alpha (MIP-3a), whereas the presence of SDP increased the production of macrophage colony-stimulating Factor (M-CSF). SDP resulted in higher IgA concentrations in the intestinal and tracheal washes than mycotoxin. Finally, adding SDP to broiler diets boosts weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune system development.DiscussionOur results provide information supporting that SDP is a promising tool for improving poultry immunity and performance.

Toxic fungal species produce hazardous substances known as mycotoxins. Consumption of mycotoxin contaminated feed and food causes a variety of dangerous diseases and can even lead to death of animals and humans, raising global concerns for adverse health effects. To date, several strategies have been developed to counteract with mycotoxin contamination. Red yeast as a novel biological dietary agent is a promising strategy to eliminate mycotoxicity in living organisms. Poultry are most susceptible animals to mycotoxin contamination, as they are fed a mixture of grains and are at higher risk of co-exposure to multiple toxic fungal substances. Therefore, this study investigated the genetic mechanism underlying long-term feeding with red yeast supplementation in interaction with multiple mycotoxins using transcriptome profiling (RNA&lowbar;Seq) in the liver of laying hens. The results showed a high number of significantly differentially expressed genes in liver of chicken fed with a diet contaminated with mycotoxins, whereas the number of Significantly expressed genes was considerably reduced when the diet was supplemented with red yeast. The expression of genes involved in the phase I (CYP1A1, CYP1A2) and phase II (GSTA2, GSTA3, MGST1) detoxification process was downregulated in animals fed with mycotoxins contaminated diet, indicating suppression of the detoxification mechanisms. However, genes involved in antioxidant defense (GSTO1), apoptosis process (DUSP8), and tumor suppressor (KIAA1324, FBXO47, NME6) were upregulated in mycotoxins-exposed animals, suggesting activation of the antioxidant defense in response to mycotoxicity. Similarly, none of the detoxification genes were upregulated in hens fed with red yeast supplemented diet. However, neither genes involved in antioxidant defense nor tumor suppressor genes were expressed in the animals exposed to the red yeast supplemented feed, suggesting decreases the adsorption of biologically active mycotoxins in the liver of laying hens. We conclude that red yeast can act as a mycotoxin binder to decrease the adsorption of mycotoxins in the liver of laying hens and can be used as an effective strategy in the poultry feed industry to eliminate the adverse effects of mycotoxins for animals and increase food safety for human consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic fungal species produce hazardous substances known as mycotoxins. Consumption of mycotoxin contaminated feed and food causes a variety of dangerous diseases and can even lead to death of animals and humans, raising global concerns for adverse health effects. To date, several strategies have been developed to counteract with mycotoxin contamination. Red yeast as a novel biological dietary agent is a promising strategy to eliminate mycotoxicity in living organisms. Poultry are most susceptible animals to mycotoxin contamination, as they are fed a mixture of grains and are at higher risk of co-exposure to multiple toxic fungal substances. Therefore, this study investigated the genetic mechanism underlying long-term feeding with red yeast supplementation in interaction with multiple mycotoxins using transcriptome profiling (RNA_Seq) in the liver of laying hens. The results showed a high number of significantly differentially expressed genes in liver of chicken fed with a diet contaminated with mycotoxins, whereas the number of Significantly expressed genes was considerably reduced when the diet was supplemented with red yeast. The expression of genes involved in the phase I (CYP1A1, CYP1A2) and phase II (GSTA2, GSTA3, MGST1) detoxification process was downregulated in animals fed with mycotoxins contaminated diet, indicating suppression of the detoxification mechanisms. However, genes involved in antioxidant defense (GSTO1), apoptosis process (DUSP8), and tumor suppressor (KIAA1324, FBXO47, NME6) were upregulated in mycotoxins-exposed animals, suggesting activation of the antioxidant defense in response to mycotoxicity. Similarly, none of the detoxification genes were upregulated in hens fed with red yeast supplemented diet. However, neither genes involved in antioxidant defense nor tumor suppressor genes were expressed in the animals exposed to the red yeast supplemented feed, suggesting decreases the adsorption of biologically active mycotoxins in the liver of laying hens. We conclude that red yeast can act as a mycotoxin binder to decrease the adsorption of mycotoxins in the liver of laying hens and can be used as an effective strategy in the poultry feed industry to eliminate the adverse effects of mycotoxins for animals and increase food safety for human consumers.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector and nowadays provides more food than extractive fishing. Studies focused on the understanding of how teleost growth is regulated are essential to improve fish production. Cysteamine (CSH) is a novel feed additive that can improve growth through the modulation of the GH/IGF axis; however, the underlying mechanisms and the interaction between tissues are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CSH inclusion in diets at 1.65 g/kg of feed for 9 weeks and 1.65 g/kg or 3.3 g/kg for 9 weeks more, on growth performance and the GH/IGF-1 axis in plasma, liver, stomach, and white muscle in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fingerlings (1.8 ± 0.03 g) and juveniles (14.46 ± 0.68 g). Additionally, the effects of CSH stimulation in primary cultured muscle cells for 4 days on cell viability and GH/IGF axis relative gene expression were evaluated. Results showed that CSH-1.65 improved growth performance by 16% and 26.7% after 9 and 18 weeks, respectively, while CSH-3.3 improved 32.3% after 18 weeks compared to control diet (0 g/kg). However, no significant differences were found between both experimental doses. CSH reduced the plasma levels of GH after 18 weeks and increased the IGF-1 ones after 9 and 18 weeks. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of the ghr-1, different igf-1 splice variants, igf-2 and the downregulation of the igf-1ra and b, depending on the tissue and dose. Myocytes stimulated with 200 µM of CSH showed higher cell viability and mRNA levels of ghr1, igf-1b, igf-2 and igf-1rb compared to control (0 µM) in a similar way to white muscle. Overall, CSH improves growth and modulates the GH/IGF-1 axis in vivo and in vitro toward an anabolic status through different synergic ways, revealing CSH as a feasible candidate to be included in fish feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionLasalocid is a feed additive widely used in ruminant nutrition and plays a crucial role in improving livestock productivity, digestibility, immunity, and overall wellbeing. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of lasalocid (LAS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats.MethodsA total of 60 growing Aardi male goats with an average body weight of ~17.12 kg (3-month-old) were used for an 84-day trial. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 goats each. All four groups were provided with a basal diet supplemented with lasalocid (LAS) at 0 (without supplementation; LAS0), 10 (LAS10), 20 (LAS20), or 30 (LAS30) ppm LAS/kg dry matter (DM). Feed intake was measured weekly, and goats were weighed every 2 weeks for an evaluation of the performance parameters. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical variables. In vitro nutrient digestibility and gas production were evaluated.Results and discussionThe supplementation of LAS at level 30 ppm/kg DM increased (P < 0.05) the body weight gain and average daily gain without linear or quadratic effect. The serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the LAS20 group than in other groups with linear and quadratic effects, while low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly lower in the LAS20 group than in LAS0 and LAS30 with a linear effect. Different levels of lasalocid supplementation had no effect on the ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro gas production, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the addition of LAS (20–30 ppm/kg DM) to the goat's diet can improve the growth performance and lipoprotein profile.

Given their role in lipid digestion, feed supplementation with bile salts could be an economic and sustainable solution to alterations in adiposity and intestinal inflammation generated by some strategies currently used in aquaculture. An important part of the metabolism of bile salts takes place in the intestine, where the microbiota transforms them into more toxic forms. Consequently, we aimed to evaluate the gut immune response and microbial populations in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed a diet supplemented with a blend of bile salts with proven background as a regulator of lipid metabolism and fat content. After the 90-day feeding trial, a differential modulation of the microbiota between the anterior and posterior intestine was observed. While in the anterior intestine the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota doubled, in the posterior intestine, the levels of Firmicutes increased and Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Campylobacterota were reduced when supplementing the diet with bile salts. Even so, only in the anterior intestine, there was a decrease in estimated richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) in presence of dietary bile salts. No significant differences were displayed in alpha (Shannon and Simpson indices) nor beta-diversity, showing that bile sales did not have a great impact on the intestinal microbiota. Regarding the gene expression profile in 2 h postprandial-fish, several changes were observed in the analyzed biomarkers of epithelial integrity, nutrient transport, mucus production, interleukins, cell markers, immunoglobulin production and pathogen recognition receptors. These results may indicate the development of an intestinal immune-protective status to tackle future threats. This work also suggests that this immune response is not only regulated by the presence of the dietary bile salts in the intestine, but also by the microbial populations that are in turn modulated by bile salts. After a fasting period of 2 days, the overall gene expression profile was stabilized with respect to fish fed the unsupplemented diet, indicating that the effect of bile salts was transient after short periods of fasting. On the balance, bile salts can be used as a dietary supplement to enhance S. aurata farming and production without compromising their intestinal health.

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

The low omega-3 content of tilapia flesh, when compared to marine fish, affects its marketability. In marine animals, the highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) can be linked to the oil produced by marine diatoms. Among the marine diatoms, the genus Thalassiosira is known to exhibit high content of HUFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thus, in this study, the use of marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii as a dietary additive in the seawater-tolerant Nile Tilapia strain was evaluated. One hundred ninety-two, 1.40 ± 0.05g seawater tilapia were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups in 4 replicates. The first treatment group was fed with a control diet (D0), without the diatoms while treatments 1, 2, and 3 were each fed with diets supplemented with T. weissflogii paste at 2.55% (D1), 6% (D2), and 12% (D3), respectively for 60 days. The diets were isonitrogenous, isolipodic and the omega-3 and omega-6 requirements were satisfied. Results demonstrated that D1 had the highest percent weight gain among treatments. Although not significantly different, other parameters such as percent survival, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed intake had desirable results in D1. The proximate composition of seawater tilapia showed that % crude protein was highest in D0 but % crude lipid was highest in D1. The fatty acid composition of tilapia in D1 had the highest omega-3 content at 9.29 mg/g tissue and also had the highest n3:n6 at 2.19. Muscle growth-related genes (MyoD and MYG) were up-regulated while liver genes involved in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis (oni-fads2 and elvol5) were down-regulated in D1 as compared to D0. Feeding the diatom-supplemented diet to tilapia had no significant effects on hepatic cells and intestinal morphology. The results suggested that a 2.55% supplementation dose of T. weissflogii could promote growth and enhance the tissue content of omega-3 fatty acids of the seawater strain Oreochromis niloticus.

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of dietary Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, extract on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, responses to thermal stress. The juveniles (69.8 ± 0.38 g) were stocked in 12 through-flow tanks at a density of 12 fish per tank. Methanolic extract of Hyssop (HME) was added to diet at 0, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg and the fish were fed (3% of biomass) over a 70-d period: 62 d at 13.3 ± 0.08°C and 7 d at 21–22°C. At the end of the trial, the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), cortisol, glucose, lactate, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ascorbate, and the gill glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results showed that HME had no significant effects on fish growth performance, survival, and feed efficiency. Dietary 250 mg/kg HME significantly decreased plasma ALT activity (P < 0.001), but showed no significant effects on plasma AST) (P = 0.106) activity, T3 (P = 0.992), and T4 (P = 0.070) levels. Thermal stress significantly (P < 0.001) increased plasma ALT and AST activities, but lowered plasma T3 and T4 levels. Dietary HME and thermal stress had interaction effects on plasma cortisol (P < 0.001), glucose (P = 0.007), lactate (P = 0.010), LDH (P = 0.005), TAC (P = 0.038), ascorbate (P < 0.001), and the gill GPx (P = 0.001), GR (P < 0.001), GST (P < 0.001), and MDA (P = 0.001). Thermal stress significantly increased plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, and LDH, the gill GPX, GR, and GST, but dietary HME supplementation significantly reduced such elevations, particularly at 250 mg/kg level. Dietary HME significantly increased plasma TAC before the thermal stress and mitigated the stress-induced decreased in TAC, particularly at 250 mg/kg level. Dietary HME significantly decreased the gill MDA before and after the thermal stress, and lowest MDA was observed in 250 mg/kg HME level. Based on the present results, 250 mg/kg HME is recommended as suitable dose to improve antioxidative responses and hepatoprotection in rainbow trout under heat stress.

The aim of this study was to assess possible beneficial effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on the nutrient digestibility, growth performance, digestive and metabolic enzyme activity, and immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed plant protein-rich diets. An experiment was conducted in triplicate, and a total of 225 fingerlings of common carp with an average body weight of 13.17 ± 0.12 g were stocked in 15 fiberglass tanks (15 fish/tank). Five dietary treatments (control 35% crude protein, plant-rich basal diet without supplement and four diets supplemented with β-mannanase from two sources (commercially available and locally isolated), each at two dosage levels (500 and 1,000 U/kg diet) were prepared and fed to respective groups of fish, twice a day (8:00 AM and 4:00 PM) at 4 % body weight. During the trial, changes in the level of DO and temperature ranged from 5.5 to 6.1 mg L−1 and 21.5 to 23.5°C, respectively. At the end of the feeding experiment, all fish in each tank were weighed and counted to determine growth parameters, while for the study of other indices, nine samples/treatment group were selected. The results of the study indicated a positive effect of both sources and dosage levels of β-mannanase supplementation on all studied indices, that is, significantly improved (P < 0.05), growth performance (%weight gain, specific growth rate), survival %, hematological indices (RBC, Hb, HCT, and MCHC), immunological indices (lysozyme activity, WBC, respiratory burst activity, and phagocytic activity), improved apparent digestibility of nutrients (crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrates), and digestible energy. Furthermore, higher activity (P < 0.05) of the digestive enzymes (cellulase, lipase, and protease) and upregulation of MyoD gene in muscle and TNF-α gene in liver, intestine, and muscle were also observed, while the activity of serum AST (serum aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine transaminase) as compared to control group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Based on the results, β-mannanase supplementation (500 U/kg) could be recommended for obtaining better carp production when low-cost plant protein-rich diets are used.

In this study, the effects of orange essential oil (OEO) on the rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and methane (CH4) emissions of beef heifers fed a diet of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) were examined. In addition, in vitro and in situ experiments were conducted. The in vitro experiment consisted of three treatments: control (CTL, no OEO), OEO1 (0.25% OEO), and OEO2 (0.5% OEO). The forage to concentrate ratio was 70:30 (dry matter [DM] basis) in all treatments. No changes in pH, proportions of volatile fatty acids, and the acetate:propionate ratio were observed (P > 0.05). The addition of 0.25% OEO resulted in a reduction in CH4 production (mL/g) relative to the control (P < 0.05). In the in situ experiment, 5 g of total mixed ration (CTL, OEO1, and OEO2) were incubated for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Potential and effective degradability were not affected by OEO supplementation (P > 0.05). In the in vivo study, six crossbred beef heifers (Bos indicus × Bos taurus), fitted with rumen cannulas, were assigned to three different treatments: no additive (CTL), 0.25% OEO (OEO1), and 0.5% OEO (OEO2) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square (21-day periods). Heifers were fed at 2.8% body weight. In vivo CH4 production was measured in open-circuit respiration chambers. Reductions in gross energy consumption, apparent total tract digestibility, and rumen valerate concentration were observed for OEO2 compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, decreases in CH4 emissions (g/day; P < 0.05) and CH4 (MJ gross energy intake/day; P < 0.05) were observed in response to supplementation of 0.5% OEO as compared to the CTL treatment. Thus, supplementation of 0.5% OEO reduced CH4 emissions (g/day) by 12% without impacting the DM intake of heifers fed bermudagrass hay as a basal ration.

Natural plant herbs have many active compounds to prevent poultry diseases and improve poultry products. However, most herbs are supplied for human medicine. Thus, for economic and sustainable development purposes, the dregs of Cardamine hupingshanensis (DCH) were developed as a feed additive to improve the egg quality of laying hens in this work. Results showed that the contents of selenium in hen serum and eggs were increased under DCH feeding. Subsequently, DCH also promotes the antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens through the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) by ELISA detection. Finally, production performance and egg quality were further graded by monitoring the product condition and scoring the indexes of egg quality, which also displayed that DCH as a feed additive significantly improved the egg quality by enhancing yolk color, eggshell thickness, and egg shape index.

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

Flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds with multiple phenolic structures, are the most widely distributed phytochemicals in the plant kingdom, and are mainly found in vegetables, fruits, grains, roots, herbs, and tea and red wine products. Flavonoids have health-promoting effects and are indispensable compounds in nutritional and pharmaceutical (i.e., nutraceutical) applications. Among the demonstrated bioactive effects of flavonoids are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial in a range of research models. Through dietary formulation strategies, numerous flavonoids provide the ability to support bird health while improving the nutritional quality of poultry meat and eggs by changing the profile of fatty acids and reducing cholesterol content. A number of such compounds have been shown to inhibit adipogenesis, and promote lipolysis and apoptosis in adipose tissue cells, and thereby have the potential to affect fat accretion in poultry at various ages and stages of production. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to animal health by preventing free radical damage in tissues and ameliorating inflammation in adipose tissue, which are concerns in broiler breeders and laying hens. In this review, we summarize the progress in understanding the effects of dietary flavonoids on lipid metabolism and fat deposition in poultry, and discuss the associated physiological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 63-day feeding trial with 640 juvenile L. maculatus was conducted to assess the effects of dietary CT on serum metabolites, antioxidant and immune response, liver histomorphology and glycometabolism enzyme activities of fish. Four diets were formulated to contain 0 (T1), 1 (T2), 2 (T3), and 2 g/kg of CT plus 4 g/kg of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (T4). PEG specifically binds with CT to neutralize CT activity. Fish were randomly distributed into 16 tanks (4 tanks per group and 40 fish per tank) and were fed to apparent satiation twice daily. Results indicated that fish fed T2 and T3 had lower (P0.05) between T1 and T4. In summary, dietary CT up to 2 g/kg reduced serum lipid and glucose concentrations, enhanced liver antioxidant and immune response, improved glucose utilization but of L. maculatus. CT induced liver injury of L. maculatus which provided a caution for its application in aquaculture.

Flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds with multiple phenolic structures, are the most widely distributed phytochemicals in the plant kingdom, and are mainly found in vegetables, fruits, grains, roots, herbs, and tea and red wine products. Flavonoids have health-promoting effects and are indispensable compounds in nutritional and pharmaceutical (i.e., nutraceutical) applications. Among the demonstrated bioactive effects of flavonoids are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial in a range of research models. Through dietary formulation strategies, numerous flavonoids provide the ability to support bird health while improving the nutritional quality of poultry meat and eggs by changing the profile of fatty acids and reducing cholesterol content. A number of such compounds have been shown to inhibit adipogenesis, and promote lipolysis and apoptosis in adipose tissue cells, and thereby have the potential to affect fat accretion in poultry at various ages and stages of production. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to animal health by preventing free radical damage in tissues and ameliorating inflammation in adipose tissue, which are concerns in broiler breeders and laying hens. In this review, we summarize the progress in understanding the effects of dietary flavonoids on lipid metabolism and fat deposition in poultry, and discuss the associated physiological mechanisms.

The transcriptomic response of the head kidney, the main lymphohematopoietic tissue of the body, was evaluated in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts fed a functional feed containing a phytogenic rich in verbascoside and triterpenic compounds like ursolic acid. Fish (initial body weight = 55.0 ± 0.1 g) were fed two experimental diets (40% crude protein, 22% crude fat; 21.6 MJ/kg gross energy) that only differed in the phytogenic content (0.1% inclusion). Each diet has six replicates and was tested over a period of 133 days. The tested zootechnical feed additive a medicinal plant leaf extract (MPLE) obtained from sage (Salvia officinalis) and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora). At the end of the trial, smolts fed the MPLE diet were heavier than their congeners from the control group (271.5 ± 7.9 g vs. 240.2 ± 19.3 g, respectively; P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) values in fish fed the control diet were higher than those in fish fed the MPLE diet (FCRcontrol diet = 1.27 ± 0.08 vs. FCR0.1% MPLE diet = 1.08 ± 0.05; P < 0.05). The immunomodulatory properties of the functional diet were evaluated by means of an in vivo challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida (1 × 107 CFU mL–1). The microarray analysis of head kidney samples from both dietary groups revealed 1,178 differentially expressed genes (802 upregulated and 376 downregulated). Among them, several biological processes related to immunity were identified in fish fed the MPLE diet (i.e., interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class II, autophagy, regulation of i-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, and leukocyte activation). Results from the bacterial challenge showed that survival rates were higher in smolts from the MPLE group (90.6 ± 6.4%) in comparison to the control group (60.7 ± 13.5%), confirming the functional benefits of the phytogenic in terms of host’s immunity and disease resistance. Biological processes such as cytoskeleton organization and regulation of cellular protein metabolic process detected in fish fed the MPLE diet supported the metabolic changes related to increased somatic growth promoted. The present findings showed that the inclusion at 0.1% of the tested MPLE obtained from sage and lemon verbena in diets for Atlantic salmon smolts promoted somatic growth, and enhanced their systemic immune response and reduced mortality when fish were challenged with A. salmonicida cumulative, the causative agent of furunculosis in salmonids.

In the present study, the modulation of the transcriptional immune response (microarray analysis) in the head kidney (HK) of the anadromous fish Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed a diet supplemented with an olive fruit extract (AQUOLIVE®) was evaluated. At the end of the trial (133 days), in order to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of the phytogenic tested against a bacterial infection, an in vivo challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida was performed. A total number of 1,027 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (805 up- and 222 downregulated) were found when comparing the transcriptomic profiling of the HK from fish fed the control and AQUOLIVE® diets. The HK transcripteractome revealed an expression profile that mainly favored biological processes related to immunity. Particularly, the signaling of i-kappa B kinase/NF-kappa and the activation of leukocytes, such as granulocytes and neutrophils degranulation, were suggested to be the primary actors of the innate immune response promoted by the tested functional feed additive in the HK. Moreover, the bacterial challenge with A. salmonicida that lasted 12 days showed that the cumulative survival was higher in fish fed the AQUOLIVE® diet (96.9 ± 6.4%) than the control group (60.7 ± 13.5%). These results indicate that the dietary supplementation of AQUOLIVE® at the level of 0.15% enhanced the systemic immune response and reduced the A. salmonicida cumulative mortality in Atlantic salmon smolts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the modulation of the transcriptional immune response (microarray analysis) in the head kidney (HK) of the anadromous fish Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed a diet supplemented with an olive fruit extract (AQUOLIVE®) was evaluated. At the end of the trial (133 days), in order to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of the phytogenic tested against a bacterial infection, an in vivo challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida was performed. A total number of 1,027 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (805 up- and 222 downregulated) were found when comparing the transcriptomic profiling of the HK from fish fed the control and AQUOLIVE® diets. The HK transcripteractome revealed an expression profile that mainly favored biological processes related to immunity. Particularly, the signaling of i-kappa B kinase/NF-kappa and the activation of leukocytes, such as granulocytes and neutrophils degranulation, were suggested to be the primary actors of the innate immune response promoted by the tested functional feed additive in the HK. Moreover, the bacterial challenge with A. salmonicida that lasted 12 days showed that the cumulative survival was higher in fish fed the AQUOLIVE® diet (96.9 ± 6.4%) than the control group (60.7 ± 13.5%). These results indicate that the dietary supplementation of AQUOLIVE® at the level of 0.15% enhanced the systemic immune response and reduced the A. salmonicida cumulative mortality in Atlantic salmon smolts.

Starch-rich diets are a commonly adopted strategy in order to sustain high milk yields in dairy cows. However, these diets are known to increase the risk of gut dysbiosis and related systemic health disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing a clay mineral-based feed additive (CM; Mycofix® Plus, BIOMIN) on fecal microbiota structure, fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) fermentation, serum metabolome, and liver health in primiparous (PP, n = 8) and multiparous (MP, n = 16) early-lactation Simmental cows (737 ± 90 kg of live body weight). Cows were randomly assigned to either a control or CM group (55 g per cow and day) and transitioned from a diet moderate in starch (26.3 ± 1.0%) to a high starch diet (32.0 ± 0.8%). Supplementation of CM reversed the decrease in bacterial diversity, richness, and evenness (p < 0.05) during high-starch diet, demonstrating that CM supplementation efficiently eased hindgut dysbiosis. The CM treatment reduced levels of Lactobacillus in PP cows during starch-rich feeding and elevated fecal pH, indicating a healthier hindgut milieu compared with that in control. Butyrate and propionate levels were modulated by CM supplementation, with butyrate being lower in CM-treated MP cows, whereas propionate was lower in MP but higher in PP cows. Supplementing CM during high-starch feeding increased the concentrations of the main primary bile salts and secondary bile acids in the serum and improved liver function in cows as indicated by reduced levels of glutamate dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl-transferase, as well as higher serum albumin and triglyceride concentrations. These changes and those related to lipid serum metabolome were more pronounced in PP cows as also corroborated by relevance network analysis.

The inclusion of a medicinal plant leaf extract (MPLE) from sage (Salvia officinalis) and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), rich in verbascoside and triterpenic compounds like ursolic acid, was evaluated in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed a low fishmeal-based diet (48% crude protein, 17% crude fat, 21.7 MJ kg-1, 7% fishmeal, 15% fish oil) for 92 days. In particular, the study focused on the effect of these phytogenic compounds on the gut condition by analyzing the transcriptomic profiling (microarray analysis) and histological structure of the intestinal mucosa, as well as the histochemical properties of mucins stored in goblet cells. A total number of 506 differentially expressed genes (285 up- and 221 down-regulated) were found when comparing the transcriptomic profiling of the intestine from fish fed the control and MPLE diets. The gut transcripteractome revealed an expression profile that favored biological mechanisms associated to the 1) immune system, particularly involving T cell activation and differentiation, 2) gut integrity (i.e., adherens and tight junctions) and cellular proliferation, and 3) cellular proteolytic pathways. The histological analysis showed that the MPLE dietary supplementation promoted an increase in the number of intestinal goblet cells and modified the composition of mucins’ glycoproteins stored in goblet cells, with an increase in the staining intensity of neutral mucins, as well as in mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulfated glycoconjugates, particularly those rich in sialic acid residues. The integration of transcriptomic and histological results showed that the evaluated MPLE from sage and lemon verbena is responsible for the maintenance of intestinal health, supporting gut homeostasis and increasing the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, which suggests that this phytogenic may be considered as a promising sustainable functional additive for aquafeeds.

Phytic acid is an anti-nutritional compound able to chelate proteins and ions. For this reason, the food industry is looking for a convenient method which allows its degradation. Phytases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the degradation of phytic acid and are used as additives in feed-related industrial processes. Due to their industrial importance, our goal was to identify new activities that exhibit best performances in terms of tolerance to high temperature and acidic pH. As a result of an initial screening on 21 yeast species, we focused our attention on phytases found in Cyberlindnera jadinii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Torulaspora delbrueckeii. In particular, C. jadinii showed the highest secreted and cell-bound activity, with optimum of temperature and pH at 50°C and 4.5, respectively. These characteristics suggest that this enzyme could be successfully used for feed as well as for food-related industrial applications.

This review provides an update of ecologically relevant phytochemicals for ruminant production, focusing on their contribution to advancing nutrition. Phytochemicals embody a broad spectrum of chemical components that influence resource competence and biological advantage in determining plant species' distribution and density in different ecosystems. These natural compounds also often act as plant defensive chemicals against predatorial microbes, insects, and herbivores. They may modulate or exacerbate microbial transactions in the gastrointestinal tract and physiological responses in ruminant microbiomes. To harness their production-enhancing characteristics, phytochemicals have been actively researched as feed additives to manipulate ruminal fermentation and establish other phytochemoprophylactic (prevent animal diseases) and phytochemotherapeutic (treat animal diseases) roles. However, phytochemical-host interactions, the exact mechanism of action, and their effects require more profound elucidation to provide definitive recommendations for ruminant production. The majority of phytochemicals of nutritional and pharmacological interest are typically classified as flavonoids (9%), terpenoids (55%), and alkaloids (36%). Within flavonoids, polyphenolics (e.g., hydrolyzable and condensed tannins) have many benefits to ruminants, including reducing methane (CH4) emission, gastrointestinal nematode parasitism, and ruminal proteolysis. Within terpenoids, saponins and essential oils also mitigate CH4 emission, but triterpenoid saponins have rich biochemical structures with many clinical benefits in humans. The anti-methanogenic property in ruminants is variable because of the simultaneous targeting of several physiological pathways. This may explain saponin-containing forages' relative safety for long-term use and describe associated molecular interactions on all ruminant metabolism phases. Alkaloids are N-containing compounds with vast pharmacological properties currently used to treat humans, but their phytochemical usage as feed additives in ruminants has yet to be exploited as they may act as ghost compounds alongside other phytochemicals of known importance. We discussed strategic recommendations for phytochemicals to support sustainable ruminant production, such as replacements for antibiotics and anthelmintics. Topics that merit further examination are discussed and include the role of fresh forages vis-à-vis processed feeds in confined ruminant operations. Applications and benefits of phytochemicals to humankind are yet to be fully understood or utilized. Scientific explorations have provided promising results, pending thorough vetting before primetime use, such that academic and commercial interests in the technology are fully adopted.

Leucine dehydrogenase (LDH) is a NAD+-dependent oxidoreductase, which can selectively catalyze α-keto acids to obtain α-amino acids and their derivatives. It plays a key role in the biosynthesis of L-tert-leucine (L-Tle). As a non-naturally chiral amino acid, L-Tle can be used as an animal feed additive, nutrition fortifier, which is a perspective and important building block in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food additive industry. In this study, four hypothetical leucine dehydrogenases were discovered by using genome mining technology, using the highly active leucine dehydrogenase LsLeuDH as a probe. These four leucine dehydrogenases were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), respectively, and purified to homogeneity and characterized. Compared with the other enzymes, the specific activity of PfLeuDH also shows stronger advantage. In addition, the highly selective biosynthesis of L-Tle from trimethylpyruvic acid (TMP) was successfully carried out by whole-cell catalysis using engineered E. coli cells as biocatalyst, which can efficiently coexpress leucine dehydrogenase and formate dehydrogenase. One hundred-millimolar TMP was catalyzed for 25 h, and the yield and space-time yield of L-Tle reached 87.38% (e.e. >99.99%) and 10.90 g L–1 day–1. In short, this research has initially achieved the biosynthesis of L-Tle, laying a solid foundation for the realization of low-cost and large-scale biosynthesis of L-Tle.

The inclusion of a medicinal plant leaf extract (MPLE) from sage (Salvia officinalis) and lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), rich in verbascoside and triterpenic compounds like ursolic acid, was evaluated in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed a low fishmeal-based diet (48% crude protein, 17% crude fat, 21.7 MJ kg-1, 7% fishmeal, 15% fish oil) for 92 days. In particular, the study focused on the effect of these phytogenic compounds on the gut condition by analyzing the transcriptomic profiling (microarray analysis) and histological structure of the intestinal mucosa, as well as the histochemical properties of mucins stored in goblet cells. A total number of 506 differentially expressed genes (285 up- and 221 down-regulated) were found when comparing the transcriptomic profiling of the intestine from fish fed the control and MPLE diets. The gut transcripteractome revealed an expression profile that favored biological mechanisms associated to the 1) immune system, particularly involving T cell activation and differentiation, 2) gut integrity (i.e., adherens and tight junctions) and cellular proliferation, and 3) cellular proteolytic pathways. The histological analysis showed that the MPLE dietary supplementation promoted an increase in the number of intestinal goblet cells and modified the composition of mucins' glycoproteins stored in goblet cells, with an increase in the staining intensity of neutral mucins, as well as in mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulfated glycoconjugates, particularly those rich in sialic acid residues. The integration of transcriptomic and histological results showed that the evaluated MPLE from sage and lemon verbena is responsible for the maintenance of intestinal health, supporting gut homeostasis and increasing the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, which suggests that this phytogenic may be considered as a promising sustainable functional additive for aquafeeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: diet; early life; feed additive; feed efficiency (FE); health; methane; rumen protozoa; rumen microbiome EN diet early life feed additive feed efficiency (FE) health methane rumen protozoa rumen microbiome N.PAG N.PAG 7 01/13/21 20210111 NES 210111 Historically, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was considered an organ solely equipped for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Moreover, rumen fatty acid biohydrogenation by rumen microbes leads to more saturated fat in ruminants' milk and meat in comparison to monogastric animals. As a result, once any nutritional intervention ceases, the rumen microbiota and its function return to the original state making it difficult to permanently modify a fully mature rumen microbiome in adult animals. Rumen Protozoa Rumen protozoa are inhabitants but not essential denizens in the rumen ecosystem as their elimination from the rumen has been proposed as a strategy to increase the nutrient flow to the small intestine and to decrease rumen ammonia production and methanogenesis (Newbold et al., [15]). [Extracted from the article]

Alternative antimicrobials require a deep understanding of their action mechanisms by in vitro assays which support science-based field use. This study focuses on the characterization of bactericidal mechanisms of potential antimicrobial compounds, two organic acids and three single essential oil (EO) compounds against swine enteropathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Clostridium perfringens. Target concentrations of the compounds were evaluated using the inhibitory potential of the vapor phase and bacterial viability after short-term exposure, while cell targets were disclosed using flow cytometry (FC), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All tested compounds exhibited vapor phase activity against the three bacterial species, except sodium salt of coconut fatty acid distillates against C. perfringens. Survival test results evidenced that effects on bacterial viability were concentration dependent and higher in single EO compounds than in organic acids. In detail, thymol and its isomer carvacrol were the most effective compounds. Further characterization of thymol and cinnamaldehyde activity revealed that thymol main target was the cell membrane, since it caused striking damages in the membrane permeability, integrity and composition evidenced by FC and FTIR in the three enteric pathogens. In contrast, cinnamaldehyde was more effective against enterobacteria than against C. perfringens and only caused slightly damages at the highest concentration tested. Its target at the molecular level differed between enterobacteria and C. perfringens isolates. The SEM micrographs allowed us to confirm the results previously obtained for both EO compounds by other techniques. Altogether, the study showed the straight effect of these antimicrobials, which could constitute relevant information to optimize their feed inclusion rates in field studies or field use.

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is a reusable resource with high nutritional value and bioactive substances content, which can be used as a feed additive. In the present study, HTRs were fermented by lactic acid bacteria, and then fed to a total of 90 Holstein heifers, termed as CN, LC, and HC groups. The supplementation improved physiological indices of respiratory frequency and rectal temperature, increased the concentrations of immunoglobulins and antioxidant capacity-related parameters, and reduced the concentrations of heat stress-related parameters and serum hormones. The heifers’ body height increased considerably, while their energy metabolism rates were stimulated in response to fermented HTRs. We also studied the fecal microbial community composition of 8 Holstein heifers in each group, and employed correlation analysis with tested parameters. We found that the bacteria were closely related to characteristics including the energy utilization rate, growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and fecal SCFA levels of the heifers. Based on our findings, the 5% fermented HTRs replaced corn silage might be advantageous for the heifers’ characteristics under heat stress.

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is a reusable resource with high nutritional value and bioactive substances content, which can be used as a feed additive. In the present study, HTRs were fermented by lactic acid bacteria, and then fed to a total of 90 Holstein heifers, termed as CN, LC, and HC groups. The supplementation improved physiological indices of respiratory frequency and rectal temperature, increased the concentrations of immunoglobulins and antioxidant capacity-related parameters, and reduced the concentrations of heat stress-related parameters and serum hormones. The heifers' body height increased considerably, while their energy metabolism rates were stimulated in response to fermented HTRs. We also studied the fecal microbial community composition of 8 Holstein heifers in each group, and employed correlation analysis with tested parameters. We found that the bacteria were closely related to characteristics including the energy utilization rate, growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and fecal SCFA levels of the heifers. Based on our findings, the 5% fermented HTRs replaced corn silage might be advantageous for the heifers' characteristics under heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prebiotics are substrates intended to sculpt gut microbial communities as they are selectively utilized by the microorganisms to exert beneficial health effects on hosts. Macroalga-derived oligosaccharides are candidate prebiotics, and herein, we determined the effects of Laminaria sp.-derived alginate oligosaccharide (AlgOS) on the distal intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Using a high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technique, we investigated the microbiota harbored in the intestinal content and mucus of the fish offered feeds supplemented with 0.5 and 2.5% AlgOS. We found that the prebiotic shifts the intestinal microbiota profile; alpha diversity was significantly reduced with 2.5% AlgOS while with 0.5% AlgOS the alteration occurred without impacting the bacterial diversity. Beta diversity analysis indicated the significant differences between control and prebiotic-fed groups. The low supplementation level of AlgOS facilitated the dominance of Proteobacteria (including Photobacterium phosphoreum, Aquabacterium parvum, Achromobacter insolitus), and Spirochaetes (Brevinema andersonii) in the content or mucus of the fish, and few of these bacteria (Aliivibrio logei, A. parvum, B. andersonii, A. insolitus) have genes associated with butyrate production. The results indicate that the low inclusion of AlgOS can plausibly induce a prebiotic effect on the distal intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon. These findings can generate further interest in the potential of macroalgae-derived oligosaccharides for food and feed applications.

Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) is a carcinogenic mycotoxin that contaminates food and feed worldwide. We determined the AfB1-adsorption capability of non-viable Pleurotus eryngii mycelium, an edible fungus, as a potential means for removal of AfB1 from contaminated solutions. Lyophilized mycelium was produced and made enzymatically inert by sterilization at high temperatures. The material thus obtained was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with regard to the morpho-structural properties of the mycotoxin-adsorbing surfaces. The active surfaces appeared rough and sponge-like. The AfB1-mycelium system reached equilibrium at 37°C, 30 min, and pH 5–7, conditions that are compatible with the gastro-intestinal system of animals. The system remained stable for 48 h at room temperature, at pH 3, pH 7, and pH 7.4. A thermodynamic study of the process showed that this is a spontaneous and physical adsorption process, with a maximum of 85 ± 13% of removal efficiency of AfB1 by P. eryngii mycelium. These results suggest that biosorbent materials obtained from the mycelium of the mushroom P. eryngii could be used as a low-cost and effective feed additive for AfB1 detoxification.

While most of the focus on poultry microbiome research has been directed toward conventional poultry production, there is increasing interest in characterizing microbial populations originating from alternative or non-conventional poultry production. This is in part due to the growing general popularity in locally produced foods and more specifically the attractiveness of free-range or pasture raised poultry. Most of the focus of microbiome characterization in pasture flock birds has been on live bird production, primarily on the gastrointestinal tract. Interest in environmental impacts on production responses and management strategies have been key factors for comparative microbiome studies. This has important ramifications since these birds are not only raised under different conditions, but the grower cycle can be longer and in some cases slower growing breeds used. The impact of different feed additives is also of interest with some microbiome-based studies having examined the effect of feeding these additives to birds grown under pasture flock conditions. In the future, microbiome research approaches offer unique opportunities to develop better live bird management strategies and design optimal feed additive approaches for pasture flock poultry production systems.

Probiotics, the live microbial strains incorporated as dietary supplements, are known to provide health benefits to the host. These live microbes manipulate the gut microbial community by suppressing the growth of certain intestinal microbes while enhancing the establishment of some others. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been widely studied as probiotics; in this study we have elucidated the effects of two fish-derived LAB types (RII and RIII) on the distal intestinal microbial communities of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We employed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate the bacterial communities in the distal intestinal content and mucus of Atlantic salmon fed diets coated with the LABs or that did not have microbes included in it. Our results show that the supplementation of the microbes shifts the intestinal microbial profile differentially. LAB supplementation did not cause any significant alterations in the alpha diversity of the intestinal content bacteria but RIII feeding increased the bacterial diversity in the intestinal mucus of the fish. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences between the bacterial compositions of the control and LAB-fed groups. Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in LAB-fed fish. A few members of the phyla Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Spirochaetes were also found to be abundant in the LAB-fed groups. Furthermore, the bacterial association network analysis showed that the co-occurrence pattern of bacteria of the three study groups were different. Dietary probiotics can modulate the composition and interaction of the intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon.

Prebiotics are substrates intended to sculpt gut microbial communities as they are selectively utilized by the microorganisms to exert beneficial health effects on hosts. Macroalga-derived oligosaccharides are candidate prebiotics, and herein, we determined the effects of Laminaria sp.-derived alginate oligosaccharide (AlgOS) on the distal intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Using a high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technique, we investigated the microbiota harbored in the intestinal content and mucus of the fish offered feeds supplemented with 0.5 and 2.5% AlgOS. We found that the prebiotic shifts the intestinal microbiota profile; alpha diversity was significantly reduced with 2.5% AlgOS while with 0.5% AlgOS the alteration occurred without impacting the bacterial diversity. Beta diversity analysis indicated the significant differences between control and prebiotic-fed groups. The low supplementation level of AlgOS facilitated the dominance of Proteobacteria (including Photobacterium phosphoreum , Aquabacterium parvum , Achromobacter insolitus), and Spirochaetes (Brevinema andersonii) in the content or mucus of the fish, and few of these bacteria (Aliivibrio logei, A. parvum , B. andersonii, A. insolitus) have genes associated with butyrate production. The results indicate that the low inclusion of AlgOS can plausibly induce a prebiotic effect on the distal intestinal microbiota of Atlantic salmon. These findings can generate further interest in the potential of macroalgae-derived oligosaccharides for food and feed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]