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Negative effects of long‐term overgrazing have been seriously, grasslands temporal stability is an important ecological concern we need to research. Here, we performed a 12‐year‐long (2007–2018) two‐factor controlled experiment on Kobresia humilis meadow on the Tibetan Plateau. The manipulations included three clipping levels (no clipping, NC; moderate clipping, MC; heavy clipping, HC) and two fertilization levels (no fertilization, NF; fertilization, F). Our results revealed that the two clipping manipulations significantly increased the temporal stability of alpine meadow communities, whose significant increase was more pronounced under the MC than HC treatment. Species asynchrony had a significant positive correlation with species abundance along with compound community gradient. Moreover, asynchrony effects, portfolio effects, and facilitation interactions were all present in the communities under the six types of experimental treatment combinations. Additionally, a selection effect was detected in the compound communities, demonstrating characteristics that are common to different mechanisms. There were no significant differences in the effects of these mechanisms on community temporal stability between the NC–NF and MC–NF interactive communities. The portfolio effects predominated when clipping intensity was moderate under both fertilization and nonfertilization conditions. By contrast, in the compound communities, the selection effect predominated. In summary, we conclude that in meadow communities that undergo clipping and fertilization disturbances, facilitation interactions and weak interactions make a greater contribution toward maintaining their temporal stability., Under six experimental conditions of clipping and fertilization levels, we found that fertilization, as well as heavy and especially moderate clipping intensity, significantly increased the temporal stability of K. humilis. Asynchrony effects, portfolio effects, and facilitation interactions were all present under the six experimental treatment conditions in this study. Clipping mainly increased community temporal stability via the asynchrony effect, whereas this increase under fertilization treatment was mainly owing to facilitation and weak interactions.

Yeast culture (YC) positively affects the performance of laying hens. The purpose of the present study was to explore the underlying mechanism for the YC-mediated performance improvement. Sixty 67-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated into 2 experimental groups with 5 replicates of 6 birds each. One group was fed a control diet, whereas the other received the control diet supplemented with YC at 3.0 g/kg; treatment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that dietary YC supplementation increased (P 0.05) by YC supplementation. Furthermore, dietary YC supplementation increased (P

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Clostridium butyricum on rumen fermentation and the growth performance of heat-stressed goats. The in vitro fermentation was carried out using Clostridium butyricum supplement at 0% (CG), 0.025% (CB1), 0.05% (CB2), 0.10% (CB3), and 0.20% (CB4) of the dry matter (DM) weight of basal diet. Results showed that ruminal pH and the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, as well as the acetic acid to propionic acid ratio were significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) in CB2 and CB3 compared with the CG group. Additionally, significant increases (p &lt, 0.05) in the degradability of DM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were observed in CB2 and CB3 compared with the CG group. For the in vivo study, 12 heat-stressed goats were divided equally into three groups: the control (HS1) was fed the basal diet, and groups HS2 and HS3 were fed with 0.05% and 0.10% Clostridium butyricum added to the basal diet, respectively. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 3 Latin square. Similar effects on rumen fermentation and digestibility parameters were obtained with 0.05% of Clostridium butyricum supplement compared to the in vitro study. Moreover, the dry matter intake and average daily gain were significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) in HS2 compared with other groups. These results indicated that an effective dose of Clostridium butyricum supplement (0.05%) could improve the rumen fermentation and growth performance of heat-stressed goats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and their combination on rumen fermentation and growth performance of heat-stressed goats. Twelve heat-stressed goats (20.21 ± 2.30 kg) were divided equally into four groups: control group (CG, fed the basal diet, Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplemented group (SC, 0.60% Saccharomyces cerevisiae added to the basal diet), Clostridium butyricum supplemented group (CB, 0.05% Clostridium butyricum added to the basal diet), and their combination supplemented group (COM 0.60% Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 0.05% Clostridium butyricum added to the basal diet) and were assigned to a 4 × 3 incomplete Latin square design. The rumen fluid and feces were collected for fermentation parameters and feed digestibility analysis, and animal growth performance was also assessed during all the experiment periods. The results showed that rumen pH, rumen cellulolytic enzymes (avicelase, CMCaes, cellobiase, and xylanase) activities, and the concentrations of rumen total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid, and propionic acid were significantly increased with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Clostridium butyricum, and their combination supplementation (p &lt, 0.05). Besides, the dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acidic detergent fiber (ADF) were significantly increased (p &lt, 0.05) with supplemented these probiotics. However, the ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration only significantly increased in CB and A/P ratio (acetic acid to propionic acid ratio) only significantly increased in SC and CB. These results indicated that the supplementation with these probiotics could ameliorate rumen fermentation and growth performance of heat-stressed goats.

The effects of human disturbance on the stability of alpine meadow communities, their diversity–stability relationship, and the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here, we performed a 12-year-long (2007–2018) two-factor (2 × 3) controlled experiment on Kobresia humilis on the Tibetan Plateau. The manipulations included three clipping levels (no clipping, NC; moderate clipping, MC; heavy clipping, HC) and two fertilization levels (no fertilization, NF; fertilization, F). Our results revealed that the two clipping manipulations significantly increased the temporal stability of alpine meadow communities, whose significant increase was more pronounced under the MC than HC treatment. Moreover, asynchrony effects, portfolio effects, and facilitation interactions were all present in the communities under the six types of experimental treatment combinations. Additionally, a selection effect was detected in the compound communities, demonstrating characteristics that are common to different mechanisms. There were no significant differences in the effects of these mechanisms on community temporal stability between the NC–NF and MC–NF interactive communities. The portfolio effects predominated when clipping intensity was moderate under both fertilization and non-fertilization conditions. By contrast, in the compound communities, the selection effect predominated. In summary, we conclude that in meadow communities that undergo clipping and fertilization disturbances, facilitation interactions and weak interactions make a greater contribution toward maintaining their temporal stability.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin predominantly produced by Fusarium genus, and widely contaminates cereals and associated products all over the world. The intestinal toxicity of DON is well established. However, intestinal homeostasis involves mitochondria, which has rarely been considered in the context of DON exposure. We summarize the recent knowledge on mitochondria as a key player in maintaining intestinal homeostasis based on their functions in cellular energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, apoptosis, intestinal immune responses, and orchestrated bidirectional cross-talk with gut microbe. In addition, we discuss the pivotal roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in the intestinal toxicity of DON and highlight promising mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics for DON-induced intestinal injury. Recent studies support that the intestinal toxicity of DON is attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction as a critical factor. Mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by failure in respiratory capacities and ROS overproduction has been demonstrated in intestinal cells exposed to DON. Perturbation of mitochondrial respiration leading to ROS accumulation is implicated in the early initiation of apoptosis. DON-induced intestinal inflammatory response is tightly linked to the mitochondrial ROS, whereas immunosuppression is intimately associated with mitophagy inhibition. DON perturbs the orchestrated bidirectional cross-talk between gut microbe and host mitochondria, which may be involved in DON-induced intestinal toxicity.

The objective of this study was to use isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic technology to systematically analyze the hepatotoxic mechanism of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its prevention by Se in broilers. Four groups of day-old broilers were allocated into a 2 × 2 factorial design trial that fed a Se-deficient based diet (BD) or the BD + 1.0 mg AFB1/kg, 0.3 mg Se/kg, or 1.0 mg AFB1/kg plus 0.3 mg Se/kg for 3 wk. Dietary AFB1 increased serum ALT and decreased total protein and albumin concentrations, and induced hepatic histopathological lesions in Se adequate groups. Notably, Se deficiency exacerbated these AFB1-induced changes. Furthermore, Se deficiency reduced hepatic glutathione peroxidase but increased thioredoxin reductase and glutathione S-transferase activities and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration in AFB1 administrated groups. Moreover, AFB1 dysregulated 261 co-differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in both Se adequate and deficiency diets, and Se deficiency dysregulated 64 DEPs in AFB1 administrated diets. These DEPs are mainly related to phase I and II metabolizing enzymes, heat shock proteins, DNA repair, fatty acid metabolism and apoptosis. The in vitro study has verified that aldo-keto reductase family1, member10 plays an important role in AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity and Se-mediated detoxification of AFB1 in a chicken leghorn male hepatoma cells. Conclusively, this study has analyzed the hepatic proteome response to dietary AFB1 and Se, and thus shed new light on the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity of AFB1 and its detoxification by Se in broilers.

The present study aimed to investigate the growth, disease resistance and immune function of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets containing Enterococcus faecalis at levels of 0 (CG), 1 × 105 (EF1), 1 × 106 (EF2), 1 × 107 (EF3) or 1 × 108 CFU/g diet (EF4) for 56 days. The results showed that the EF3 group exhibited significantly increases in the final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate and a significantly decreased feed conversion ratio compared with those obtained from the CG group. The cumulative mortality was significantly decreased in the EF2, EF3 and EF4 groups. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity and tumour necrosis factor α gene expression in the hindgut were significantly increased in the EF1, EF2 and EF3 groups, and the serum complement 3 (C3) and C4 contents were significantly increased in the EF2, EF3 and EF4 groups. The gene expression of interleukin receptor-associated kinase-4, Toll-like receptor 2 and myeloid differentiation factor 88, claudin1 and interleukin 8 were significantly upregulated in all EF groups, and the activity of diamine oxidase was significantly reduced in the EF3 and EF4 groups. The gene expression of occludin was significantly upregulated in the EF1 and EF3 groups, and that of interleukin 10 was significantly upregulated in the EF3 group. No differences in serum lysozyme, d - lactic acid or endotoxin were found among the groups. These results showed that the optimal level of dietary E. faecalis enhanced the growth performance and disease resistance, and those effects might be related to increased humoural and intestinal immunity in tilapia. The optimal supplementation level of dietary E. faecalis for tilapia was found to be 1 × 107 CFU/g.

Yaks are of great importance on the plateau; however, an emerging endemic diarrheal disease during the last few years is posing a great threat to the health of these animals. Yaks have special gut microbiotal community and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which are not only the principle nutrient substrates of intestinal epithelial cells but can also regulate the epithelial barrier. Until now, metagenomics sequencing has not been reported in diarrheal yaks. A scarce information is available regarding the levels of fecal SCFAs and diarrhea in yaks. The purpose of our study was to identify the potential pathogens that cause the emerging diarrhea and also to explore the potential relationship of short-chain fatty acids in this issue. We estimated diarrhea rate in yaks after collecting the equal number of fecal samples from affected animals. Metagenomics sequencing and quantitative analysis of SCFAs were performed which revealed 15-25% and 5-10% prevalence in diarrheal yak’s calves and adults yaks respectively. Significant difference was observed in GC contents (44.69%~46.08% vs 46.12%~46.38%) under two reference groups (ppppppppppppStaphylococcus aureus, Babesia ovata, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bacteroides fluxus, viruses, Klebsiella pneumonia, and inflammation-related bacteria; the decreased of SCFAs caused by the imbalance of intestinal microbiota may potentially leads to emergence of diarrhea in yaks.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is one of the most common contaminating mycotoxins and is mainly produced by Fusarium graminearum. ZEN and its metabolites can interfere with estrogen function and affect animals' reproductive ability. Pigs are most susceptible to ZEN, and ZEN is less harmful to poultry than to pigs. The exact mechanism for the difference in susceptibility remains unclear. In this review, we summarized some possible reasons for the relative insensitivity of poultry to ZEN, such as the lower total amount of α-zearalenol (α-ZOL) and the α-ZOL-to-β-ZOL ratio which reduce the toxicity of ZEN to poultry. The faster hepatic and enteric circulation, and excretion capacity in poultry can excrete more ZEN and its metabolites. There are other possible factors such as the transformation of intestinal microorganisms, differences in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases' activity, high estrogen levels, and low estrogen receptors affinity which can also cause poultry to be relatively insensitive to ZEN. In this review, we summarized the hazards, pollution status, metabolic pathways, and some measures to mitigate ZEN's harmfulness. Specifically, we discussed the possible mechanisms of low reproductive toxicity by ZEN in poultry.

This study was performed to explore the predominant responses of rumen microbiota with thymol supplementation as well as effective dose of thymol on rumen fermentation. Thymol at different concentrations, i.e., 0, 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 400 mg/L (four groups &times, five replications) was applied for 24 h of fermentation in a rumen fluid incubation system. Illumina MiSeq sequencing was applied to investigate the ruminal microbes in addition to the examination of rumen fermentation. Thymol doses reached 200 mg/L and significantly decreased (p &lt, 0.05) total gas production (TGP) and methane production, the production of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), propionate, and ammonia nitrogen, and the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were apparently decreased (p &lt, 0.05) when the thymol dose reached 400 mg/L. A thymol dose of 200 mg/L significantly affected (p &lt, 0.05) the relative abundance of 14 genera of bacteria, three species of archaea, and two genera of protozoa. Network analysis showed that bacteria, archaea, and protozoa significantly correlated with methane production and VFA production. This study indicates an optimal dose of thymol at 200 mg/L to facilitate rumen fermentation, the critical roles of bacteria in rumen fermentation, and their interactions with the archaea and protozoa.

This study aims to determine whether sodium butyrate (SB) could antagonize deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. In a four-week feeding trial, twenty-eight barrows were randomly divided into four treatments: (1) uncontaminated basal diet (control); (2) 4 mg/kg DON-contaminated diet (DON); (3) basal diet supplemented with 0.2% SB (SB); and (4) 4 mg/kg DON + 0.2% SB (DON + SB). A decrease in performance was observed in DON-exposed animals, which was prevented by the dietary SB supplementation. DON exposure also depressed the expression of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the intestine, impaired the intestinal barrier integrity, and disturbed the gut microbiota homeostasis. These alterations induced by DON were attenuated by SB supplementation. The supplementation of 0.2% SB ameliorated the adverse effects of DON on the liver in terms of hepatic lesions as well as serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase. In IPEC-J2 cells, pretreatment with SB alleviated the DON-induced decreased cell viability. Additionally, the NOD2/caspase-12 pathway participated in the alleviation of SB on DON-induced diminished HDP expression. Taken together, these data demonstrated that SB protected piglets from DON-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction potentially through stimulation of intestinal HDP assembly and regulation in gut microbiota.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) widely contaminates staple food and feed crops and is well-known as the most potent natural hepatocarcinogen in humans and domesticated animals. This review highlights significant advances in our understanding of the pivotal role of phase I and II metabolizing enzymes in the bioactivation and detoxification of AFB1 and its metabolites across species. In humans, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 in liver and CYP2A13 in lung are essential for the bioactivation of AFB1 to the extremely toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO), whereas CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, and CYP3A4 are important in the turkey and duck, CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 are important in the chicken and quail, CYP3A11 and CYP3A13 are important in mice, and CYP2A5 are important in the hamster. In contrast, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) M1 and GSTT1 are primary responsible for detoxification of the AFB1 by catalyzing the conjugation of GSH to AFBO in humans, whereas GSTM2 in a nonhuman primate, GSTA3 in mice, GSTA5 in rats, and GSTA1, GSTA2, GSTA3 and GSTA4 in the turkey are important. Additionally, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and aflatoxin-aldehyde reductase (AFAR) have also been shown to play key roles in AFB1 detoxification in the human, rat, and pig. Moreover, an overview of the chemoprotective agents, including synthetic compounds and naturally occurring plant compounds, which can be used to reduce aflatoxicosis is provided based on their ability to regulate these key enzymes. Collectively, this review summarizes the pivotal enzymes in the metabolism of AFB1 among humans, experimental and farm animals, as well as the chemoprotective agents that can be used to minimize risk of aflatoxicosis.

The objective of this study was to compare the bio-efficacy of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (DL-HMTBA) with that of DL-methionine (DLM) as sources of methionine in terms of the growth performance, carcass traits, feather growth, and redox statuses of Cherry Valley ducks. Six hundred and thirty male ducks were randomly allotted to 9 dietary treatment groups with 7 replicates of 10 birds each. The first group received a basal diet (BD) without methionine addition that was deficient in the total number of sulfur amino acids. In Groups 2 to 5 and Groups 6 to 9, the BD was supplemented with 4 increasing doses of methionine as either DLM or DL-HMTBA. The trial was run from ages 1 to 42 d. Dietary supplementation with DLM and DL-HMTBA improved body weight gain and feed intake as well as weights of carcasses, breast meat, and feathers compared with the BD. No significant difference was observed between the 2 methionine sources on growth performance, carcass traits, and feather growth. Concentrations of some redox markers in the pectoralis major muscle were improved by addition of methionine to the BD. However, a significant difference was observed between DLM and DL-HMTBA in this respect, as the supplementation of DL-HMTBA significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, and the concentration of reduced glutathione in the pectoralis major muscle, compared with DLM. No significant difference between methionine sources was found with regard to the concentrations of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde in the pectoralis major muscle. Both DLM and DL-HMTBA increased malondialdehyde concentrations in the pectoralis major muscle compared with the BD. In conclusion, these results indicated that DLM and DL-HMTBA have equal biological value for the growth performance, carcass traits, and feather growth of Cherry Valley duck. Moreover, the improved antioxidant capacity observed with DL-HMTBA makes this a better candidate than DLM for lowering the oxidation process in the meat during post-mortem storage and thereby contributes to a better duck meat quality.

The present study investigated the reproductive and developmental toxicity of male offspring induced by prenatal ZEN exposure and explored the possible mechanism. 64 pregnant rats were allocated into four groups and fed with ZEN contaminated (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) diet during the whole gestation period. The results showed that, F1 male foetal viability was not affected while newborn bodyweight (BW) was significantly decreased after prenatal exposure to ZEN. Decreased BW was found on postnatal day (PND) 21 but not on PND 63 in ZEN exposed male rats. Moreover, adult testis weight increased with seminiferous tubules atrophy as well as decreased spermatocytes and mature sperms (35% and 31%) in ZEN-treated rats. Meanwhile, circulating levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone decreased while estradiol increased in ZEN-treated rats. These impairments concurred with down-regulations of 3β-HSD and StAR in both mRNA and protein levels in weaned and adult testis. Furthermore, gene and protein expressions of GnRHr and Esr1 were inhibited in the ZEN-treated foetal brain. These results suggested that prenatal ZEN exposure disrupted the system regulating the reproductive hormones and testis development through hormone related genes, which may result in a reproductive dysfunction in adult male offspring.

Two experiments were conducted to optimize the fermentation of cottonseed meal by Cellulosimicrobium funkei (C. funkei) for the ability of the bacteria to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and then to evaluate the bacterial detoxification in ducklings. In experiment 1, the fermentation of cottonseed meal by C. funkei was improved by changing the inoculation amounts by 10% (108 cfu/mL), using a 1:0.5 material to water ratio at 35°C temperature for a 144 h reaction duration, which resulted in an 83.4% biodegradation of AFB1. In experiment 2, 112 one-day-old male Cherry Valley ducklings were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups with 4 replicates of 7 birds each. For a period of 2 wk the controls received a base duckling diet (BD), a second group received a base diet contaminated with 10% AFB1 cottonseed meal (96.8 μg AFB1/kg), a third group was fed a base diet added with 5% unfermented and 5% fermented AFB1-contaminated cottonseed meal (57.0 μg AFB1/kg), and the fourth group was fed a base diet added with 10% AFB1-contaminated fermented cottonseed meal (16.0 μg AFB1/kg). The growth performance, relative organ weights, and serum biochemistry were analyzed. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio in the second group was lower than that of the controls at wk one and 2 (P0.05). Also, after 2 wk, group 2 ducklings had increased relative weights of the liver, kidneys, and spleen, increased activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Crt), and decreased relative weight of Fabricius bursa (P0.05). In addition, the concentrations of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in serum were also significantly higher at weeks one and 2 (P0.05). These alterations were attenuated or prevented when 5 or 10% fermented cottonseed meal substituted equal amounts of unfermented cottonseed meal in the diet. In conclusion, fermentation of AFB1-contaminated feed materials by C. funkei offers a new strategy to reduce the negative effects of aflatoxicosis in ducklings.

Trefoil factors (TFFs) are regulatory peptides playing critical roles in mucosal repair and protection against a variety of insults within the gastrointestinal tract. This work aimed to explore the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) on intestinal TFFs expression using in vivo and in vitro models. In an animal trial, twenty-four 28-d-old barrows (Duroc &times, Landrace &times, Large White, initial body weight = 7.6 &plusmn, 0.7 kg) were randomly divided into three treatments for 28 days, including a control diet (0.61 mg DON/kg feed), and two levels of DON-contaminated diets containing 1.28 and 2.89 mg DON/kg feed, respectively. Piglets exposed to DON had lower mRNA expression of TFF1, TFF2, TFF3, as well as Claudin-4 in the intestine (P &lt, 0.05). Dietary DON exposure decreased the protein levels of TFF2 and TFF3 in the jejunum as demonstrated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. In intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2), DON depressed the mRNA expression of TFF2, TFF3, and Claudin-4. Overexpression of sterile alpha motif (SAM) pointed domain E26 transformation‐specific (ETS) factor (SPDEF) was found to attenuate DON-induced suppression of TFFs in IPEC-J2 cells. Altogether, our work shows, for the first time, that dietary DON exposure depresses the expression of intestinal TFFs in piglets. Given the fundamental role of TFFs in intestinal mucosal homeostasis, our observations indicate that the DON content in animal feed should be strictly controlled based on the existing regulation for DON.

Background Eggshell breaking strength is critical to reduce egg breaking rate and avoid economic loss. The process of eggshell calcification initiates with the egg entering the uterus and lasts about 18 h. It follows a temporal sequence corresponding to the initiation, growth and termination periods of shell calcification. During each period of shell calcification, our study investigated the differences of gonadal hormones and uterine transcriptome in laying hens producing a high or low breaking strength shell. Results 60 Hy-line Brown laying hens were selected and divided into two groups according to eggshell breaking strength. Eggshell breaking strength of 44.57 ± 0.91 N and 26.68 ± 0.38 N were considered to be the high strength group (HS) and low strength group (LS), respectively. The results showed that mammillary thickness and mammillary knob width of eggshells were significantly lower in the HS. Serum progesterone (P4) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] were significantly higher in the HS compared to the LS during the initiation period of calcification. Serum estradiol (E2) and calcium did not change significantly. All factors mentioned above had no significant differences in the growth and termination periods of calcification. The relative expression of CaBP-D28k and PMCA 1b were not significantly different between HS and LS. The relative expression of NCX1 was significantly higher in HS compared to LS. Moreover, 1777 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the initiation period of calcification. However, few DEGs were identified in the growth or termination periods of calcification. 30 DEGs were selected as candidate genes involved in eggshell calcification during the initiation period of calcification by the analysis of GO terms and KEGG pathways. Conclusions Our study concluded that mammillary thickness and mammillary knob width of the HS were significantly lower than LS. P4 and 1,25-(OH)2D3 were significantly higher in the initiation period of HS. They may impact initial calcification when the mammillary layer is formed. The initiation period of calcification determined eggshell strength rather than the growth or termination periods. We inferred P4 or 1,25-(OH)2D3 may effect the ultrastructure of the mammillary layer by regulating the expression of uterine genes.

This study investigated the potential link between gut microbiota and deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced feed refusal. A total of 24 barrows were randomly divided into one of three diets containing 0.61 (control diet), 1.28, or 2.89 mg DON/kg feed for 28 days. Dietary exposure to DON at 2.89 mg/kg significantly decreased the relative abundances of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Phascolarctobacterium and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, whereas it increased Prevotella_9 and norank_f_Prevotellaceae in the cecal digesta. Moreover, the decreased relative abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae induced by DON exposure was positively correlated with average daily feed intake. Exposure to DON increased the serum concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY but reduced the levels of serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1. In summary, these findings suggest that chronic dietary exposure to DON induces disturbances of intestinal microbiota. Disturbed appetite-regulating hormones and somatotropic-axis-hormone secretion induced by negative microbial changes could be the potential mechanisms for DON-induced anorexia.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a serious threat to the poultry industry. Proanthocyanidins (PCs) demonstrates a broad range of biological, pharmacological, therapeutic, and chemoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of PCs against AFB1-induced histopathology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in the bursa of Fabricius (BF) of broilers. One hundred forty-four one-day old Cobb chicks were randomly assigned into four treatment groups of six replicates (6 birds each replicate) for 28 days. Groups were fed on the following four diets, (1) Basal diet without addition of PCs or AFB1 (Control), (2) basal diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg AFB1 from contaminated corn (AFB1), (3) basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg PCs (PCs), and (4) basal diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg AFB1 + 250 mg/kg PCs (AFB1+ PCs). The present study results showed that antioxidant enzymes activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in AFB1 treated group were (p &lt, 0.05) decreased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Furthermore, we found that dietary PCs treatment ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress in the BF through inhibiting the accumulation of MDA content and enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities (T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GST). Similarly, PCs markedly enhanced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, GPx1, and GST) in comparison with AFB1 group. Moreover, histological results showed that PCs alleviated AFB1-induced apoptotic cells in the BF of broilers. In addition, both mRNA and protein expression results manifested that mitochondrial-apoptosis-associated genes (Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, and p53 and cytochrome c) showed up-regulation, while (Bcl-2) showed down-regulation in AFB1 fed group. The supplementation of PCs to AFB1 diet significantly reversed the mRNA and protein expression of these apoptosis-associated genes, as compared to the AFB1 group. Our results demonstrated that PCs ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress by modulating the antioxidant defense system and apoptosis in the BF through mitochondrial pathway in broilers.

This study was performed to determine the effects of oils on feed mildew and feed quality. Under different moisture content conditions (10%, 13% and 16%), the basal feeds were supplemented with 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12% soybean oil. In addition, at different moisture content levels (10%, 13% and 16%), the basal feed was supplemented with 12% of various types of oil (soybean, peanut, corn and fish). Subsequently, a mixed mold spore suspension was added. The feed samples were incubated at 28°C, and the total mold, water activity (Aw), moisture, acid value, crude protein (CP), crude lipid (CL), crude ash (CA) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) levels were determined at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. The results showed no significant variations in the feed moisture, CP, CL, CA and NEF contents. However, the acid value gradually increased in the feed samples with an extended incubation time and increasing initial moisture. The feed moisture content was a critical factor controlling feed mildew, and high levels of oil supplementation caused an elevated Aw. Additionally, peanut oil promoted mold growth in feed. These results provide a reference for the production and scientific management of formulated feed.

Circulating concentration of the essential trace element selenium (Se) was significantly lower in inflammatory disorders. Although Se plays physiological roles mainly through the function of 25 selenoproteins, the response of the selenogenome in immune tissues during inflammatory reactions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the Se retention and selenogenome expression in immune tissues during the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in porcine. A total of 12 male pigs were randomly divided into two groups and injected with LPS or saline. After 4 h postinjection, blood samples were collected and pigs were euthanized. Pigs challenged with LPS had 36.8 and 16.6 % lower (P

// Cong Tao 1,2,* , Hongyan Ren 1,3,* , Pan Xu 1 , Jia Cheng 1 , Sujuan Huang 1 , Rong Zhou 1 , Yulian Mu 1 , Shulin Yang 1 , Desheng Qi 2 , Yanfang Wang 1 and Kui Li 1 1 State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China 2 College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China 3 Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo & Molecular Breeding of Hubei Province, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Kui Li, email: // Yanfang Wang, email: // Keywords : miR-200b/a/429, insulin resistance, high-fat-diet, knockout, adipose tissue, Pathology Section Received : March 20, 2016 Accepted : September 12, 2016 Published : September 16, 2016 Abstract Growing evidence demonstrates the important role of microRNAs (miRs) in regulating adipogenesis, obesity and insulin resistance. The miR-200b/a/429 cluster has been functionally characterized in mammalian reproduction; however, the potential role of the miR-200 family in adipocytes is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the physiological function of miR-200b/a/429 in the regulation of whole-body metabolism in terms of the activities and targets of this cluster in adipocytes. We generated adipocyte-specific miR-200b/a/429 knockout (ASKO) mice using a Cre-loxP system in which Cre expression was driven by the aP2 promoter. The ASKO and wild type (WT) littermate were fed a chow diet (CD) or high-fat-diet (HFD), and changes in body composition, metabolic parameters, energy homeostasis, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. The miR-200b/a/429 putative target genes were predicted and validated via luciferase reporter assays. We found that the HFD-fed ASKO mice gradually gained more body weight than the WT mice due to the increased adiposity. Decreased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were also observed in the HFD-fed ASKO mice. Notably, the down-regulation of lipolysis-related genes and the decreased response to CL-316,243 stimulation in the HFD-fed ASKO mice suggested that these animals exhibited impaired lipolysis. In addition, the HFD-fed ASKO mice displayed impaired energy expenditure, indicating that the miR-200b/a/429 cluster is essential for developing adaptive responses to stressors such as HFD. For the first time, our studies demonstrated the essential role of miR-200b/a/429 in adipocytes in the regulation of HFD-induced whole-body metabolic changes.

Between 2012 and 2014, 2528 feed ingredient and complete feed samples were collected from central China. Numbers of 2083, 255 and 190 samples were analysed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON), respectively, by high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with UV or fluorescence detection. The incidence rates of AFB1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds were 33.9%, 90.2% and 77.4%, respectively. The percentage of positive samples for AFB1 ranged from 13.1% to 97.1%. Cottonseed meal presented the most serious contamination by AFB1. ZEN and DON contamination levels of feeds ranged from 50% to 100%, indicating serious contamination over the studied 3-year period. This study demonstrates that AFB1, ZEN and DON contamination of feeds in central China is serious and differs over the years. Feeds are mostly contaminated with ZEN, followed by DON and AFB1.

Probiotic bacteria are receiving increased attention due to the potential benefits to their hosts. Plateau yaks have resistance against diseases and stress, which is potentially related to their inner probiotics. To uncover the potential functional genes of yak probiotics, we sequenced the whole genome of Lactobacillus sakei (L. sakei). The results showed that the genome length of L. sakei was 1.99 Mbp, with 1943 protein coding genes (21 rRNA, 65 tRNA, and 1 tmRNA). There were three plasmids found in this bacteria, with 88 protein coding genes. EggNOG annotation uncovered that the L. sakei genes were found to belong to J (translation, ribosomal structure, and biogenesis), L (replication, recombination, and repair), G (carbohydrate transport and metabolism), and K (transcription). GO annotation showed that most of the L. sakei genes were related to cellular processes, metabolic processes, biological regulation, localization, response to stimulus, and organization or biogenesis of cellular components. CAZy annotation found that there were 123 CAZys in the L. sakei genome, with glycosyl transferases and glycoside hydrolases. Our results revealed the genome characteristics of L. sakei, which may give insight into the future employment of this probiotic bacterium for its functional benefits.

The ever-increasing interest in the investigation of origin and speciation of schizothoracine fishes can be dated to 20th century. However, molecular phylogeny of Schizothoracinae and their phylogenetic relationships, as well as the divergence times still remain controversial. In this study, two DNA sets consisting of 12 protein-coding mitochondrial genes from 254 individuals and RAG1 gene from 106 individuals were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships and calculate the divergence times among the subfamily schizothoracinae. Our results indicated that both of the data sets supported a non-monophyletic relationship due to involving of species of Barbinae. However, the phylogenetic relationships based on mtDNA genes were more reliable than that inferred from RAG1 gene. The highly specialized grade formed a monophyletic group, together with Ptychobarbus as a sister group of Diptychus and Gymnodiptychus, which was belonging to specialized grade, indicating that Ptychobarbus may be transition species to involve to highly specialized schizothoracianae. In addition, the primitive grade clustered with Percocypris pingi, a species of Barbinae. Based on mtDNA gene, the speciation time of Schizothoracinae was 66 Ma, and the divergence time of the primitive grade and Percocypris pingi was 64 Ma. The speciation times of the three grades Schizothoracinae were 57 Ma, 51 Ma and 43 Ma, respectively; and the divergence time of specialized and highly specialized grade was 46 Ma. The divergence times of three grades were not consistent with the three stages of uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which is older than the times.

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), the source and upper reaches of many Asian rivers, are crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with lakes. Schizothoracinae fishes, species native to the QTP, are distributed widely through these rivers and lakes. Over the past decades, ecological protection has become increasingly intense. The rapid acquisition of the genetic information and accurate gene sequence database are assumed to play an important role in the conservation of species diversity and biodiversity. In this study, 153 COI sequences (648bp in length) covering 13 species in 8 genera of Schizothoracinae fishes in Qinghai Province were used to determine whether barcode could identify Schizothoracinae species accurately. The average Kimura two parameter (K2P) genetic distances within and among species were 0.35% and 8.83%, respectively. The maximum K2P distance within species was observed in Gymnocypris eckloni (1.36%) while minimum K2P distance among species was observed between Chuanchia labiosa and Schizopygopsis pylzovi (0.23%). Overlaps existed in K2P distance intra- and inter- species based on both the genes. Eleven groups with 9 single-species groups and 2 multi-species groups were identified through Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery System, which were consistent with the overlaps of K2P distance. 96.7% as the accurate ratio for COI barcode was calculated and high solution was observed in the phylogenetic trees based on COI gene and Cyt b gene. Except for the similar results based on two genes above, COI barcode was more economical than Cyt b gene. The SOM model successfully predicted characteristic-diagnostic sites at species level: 36 characteristic-diagnostic sites from eight species, in which 12 from Gmnodiptychus pachycgeilus, 2 from Platypharodon extremus, 7 from Ptychobarbus kaznakovi, 2 from Schizopygopsis anteroventris, 2 from Schizopygopsis malacanthus, 3 from Schizopygopsis malacanthus chengi, 3 from Schizothorax dolichonema and 5 from Schizothorax lantsangensis. Our results show that Schizothoracinae fishes can be identified validly by using COI DNA barcode. Thirty-six characteristic-diagnostic sites were proposed to be applied into works of species identification for the Schizothoracinae fishes in Qinghai Province.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum on the growth, immunity, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Three hundreds of tilapia (56.21 ± 0.81 g) were divided into 5 groups and fed a diet supplemented with C. butyricum at 0, 1 x 104, 1 x 105, 1 x 106 or 1 x 107 CFU g-1 diet (denoted as CG, CB1, CB2, CB3 and CB4, respectively) for 56 days. Then 45 fish from each group were intraperitoneally injected with Streptococcus agalactiae, and the mortality was recorded for 14 days. The results showed that dietary C. butyricum significantly improved the specific growth rate (SGR) and feed intake in the CB2 group and decreased the cumulative mortality post-challenge with S. agalactiae in the CB2, CB3 and CB4 groups. The serum total antioxidant capacity and intestinal interleukin receptor-associated kinase-4 gene expression were significantly increased, and serum malondialdehyde content and diamine oxidase activity were significantly decreased in the CB1, CB2, CB3 and CB4 groups. Serum complement 3 and complement 4 concentrations and intestinal gene expression of tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 8, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 were significantly higher in the CB2, CB3 and CB4 groups. Intestinal toll-like receptor 2 gene expression was significantly upregulated in the CB3 and CB4 groups. Dietary C. butyricum increased the diversity of the intestinal microbiota and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Bacillus), and decreased the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria (such as Aeromonas) in the CB2 group. These results revealed that dietary C. butyricum at a suitable dose enhanced growth performance, elevated humoral and intestinal immunity, regulated the intestinal microbial components, and improved disease resistance in tilapia. The optimal dose was 1 x 105 CFU g-1 diet.

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are efficient defense components of the innate immune system, playing critical roles in intestinal homeostasis and protection against pathogens. This study aims to investigate the interference effects of DON on the intestinal porcine HDPs expression in piglets and intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) cells, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which it functions. In an animal experiment, intestinal HDPs were determined in weaned piglets fed control and 1.28 mg/kg or 2.89 mg/kg DON-contaminated diets. Dietary exposure to DON significantly decreased piglet average daily gain, increased intestinal permeability and depressed the expression of porcine &beta, defensin1 (pBD1), pBD2, pBD3, epididymis protein 2 splicing variant C (pEP2C), PMAP23, and proline/arginine-rich peptide of 39 amino acids (PR39) in the intestine (p &lt, 0.05). In IPEC-J2 cells, DON decreased cell viability and inhibited the expression of pBD1, pBD3, pEP2C, PG1-5, and PR39 (p &lt, 0.05). NOD2, key regulator that is responsible for HDPs production, was markedly downregulated, whereas caspase-12 was activated in the presence of DON. In conclusion, DON induced caspase-12 activation and inhibited the NOD2-mediated HDPs production, which led to an impaired intestinal barrier integrity of weaned piglets. Our study provides a promising target for future therapeutic strategies to prevent the adverse effects of DON.

Aflatoxicosis is a grave threat to the poultry industry. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants showed a great potential in enhancing the immune system; hence, protecting animals against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) one of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of GSPE in the detoxification of AFB1 in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments of six replicates (10 birds per replicate), fed ad libitum for four weeks with the following dietary treatments: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet + 1 mg/kg AFB1 contaminated corn (AFB1); 3. Basal diet + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (GSPE 250 mg/kg) 4. Basal diet + AFB1 (1 mg/kg) + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (AFB1 + GSPE 250 mg/kg) 5. Basal diet + AFB1 (1mg/kg) + GSPE 500 mg/kg, (AFB1 + GSPE 500 mg/kg). When compared with the control group, feeding broilers with AFB1 alone significantly reduced growth performance, serum immunoglobulin contents, negatively altered serum biochemical contents, and enzyme activities, and induced histopathological lesion in the liver. In addition, AFB1 significantly increased malondialdehyde content and decreased total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxide, glutathione-S transferase, glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione concentration within the liver and serum. The supplementation of GSPE (250 and 500 mg/kg) to AFB1 contaminated diet reduced AFB1 residue in the liver and significantly mitigated AFB1 negative effects. From these results, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of GSPE has protective effects against aflatoxicosis caused by AFB1 in broiler chickens.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the major pathogen responsible for community and hospital bacterial infections. Sublancin, a glocosylated antimicrobial peptide isolated from Bacillus subtilis 168, possesses anti-bacterial infective effects. In this study, we investigated the role and anti-infection mechanism of sublancin in a mouse model of MRSA-induced sublethal infection. Sublancin could modulate innate immunity by inducing the production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and nitric oxide, enhancing phagocytosis and MRSA-killing activity in both RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. The enhanced macrophage function by the peptide in vitro correlated with stronger protective activity in vivo in the MRSA-invasive sublethal infection model. Macrophages activation by sublancin was found to be mediated through the TLR4 and the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, oral administration of sublancin increased the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. The protective activity of sublancin was associated with in vivo augmenting phagocytotic activity of peritoneal macrophages and partly improving T cell-mediated immunity. Macrophages thus represent a potentially pivotal and novel target for future development of innate defense regulator therapeutics againt S. aureus infection.

The objective of this study was to investigate the individual and combined contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in feedstuffs from different Provinces of China between 2016 and 2017. A total of 1569 samples, including 742 feed ingredients and 827 complete pig feed samples, were collected from various regions of China for mycotoxins analysis. The results showed that individual occurrence rates of AFB1, ZEN, and DON were more than 83.3%, 88%, and 74.5%, respectively, in all the tested samples. DON was the most prevalent contaminant, followed by ZEN and AFB1, with the average concentrations ranging from 450.0–4381.5 μg/kg, 2.3–729.2 μg/kg, and 1.3–10.0 μg/kg, respectively. Notable, 38.2%, 10.8%, and 0.6% of complete pig feeds were contaminated with DON, ZEN, and AFB1 over China’s regulatory limits, respectively. Moreover, over 75.0% analyzed samples were co-contaminated with two or three mycotoxins. In conclusion, the current study revealed that the feedstuffs in China were severely contaminated with DON, followed by ZEN and AFB1 during the past two years. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring mycotoxins in livestock feed and implementing feed management and bioremediation strategies to reduce mycotoxin exposure.

There are two classic adipose tissues in mammals, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). It has been well known that browning of WAT can be induced by cold exposure. In this study, to identify the novel cold responsive key miRNAs that are involved in browning, mice were housed at 6 °C for 10 days, and deep sequencing of the miRNAs of WAT and BAT was performed. Our data showed that WAT and BAT displayed distinct expression profiles due to their different locations, morphology and biological function. A total of 27 BAT and 29 WAT differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in response to cold stimulation, respectively (fold change >2 and false discovery rate (FDR)

Two experiments were conducted to screen microorganisms with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) removal potential from soils and to evaluate their ability in reducing the toxic effects of AFB1 in ducklings. In experiment 1, we screened 11 isolates that showed the AFB1 biodegradation ability, and the one exhibited the highest AFB1 removal ability (97%) was characterized and identified as Cellulosimicrobium funkei (C. funkei). In experiment 2, 80 day-old Cherry Valley ducklings were divided into four groups with four replicates of five birds each and were used in a 2 by 2 factorial trial design, in which the main factors included administration of AFB1 versus solvent and C. funkei versus solvent for 2 weeks. The AFB1 treatment significantly decreased the body weight gain, feed intake and impaired feed conversion ratio. AFB1 also decreased serum albumin and total protein concentration, while it increased activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and liver damage in the ducklings. Supplementation of C. funkei alleviated the adverse effects of AFB1 on growth performance, and provided protective effects on the serum biochemical indicators, and decreased hepatic injury in the ducklings. Conclusively, our results suggest that the novel isolated C. funkei strain could be used to mitigate the negative effects of aflatoxicosis in ducklings.

This study was performed to assess the individual and combined toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) within the liver of mice. A total of 56 4-week-old weanling female mice were divided into seven groups (n = 8). For 2 weeks, each group received an oral administration of either solvent (control), AFB1, ZEA, DON, AFB1 + ZEA, AFB1 + DON or ZEA + DON per day. The results showed that AFB1, ZEA and DON induced liver injury, indicated by elevated relative liver weight, activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as decreased albumin (ALB) and/or total protein (TP) concentration in the serum. These mycotoxins also decreased hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and/or increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, AFB1 + DON displayed synergistic effects, while AFB1 + ZEA displayed antagonistic effects on those parameters previously described. Furthermore, the apoptotic potential was demonstrated associated with an upregulation of the apoptotic genes Caspase-3 and Bax, along with a downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 in liver. In conclusion, this study provides a better understanding of the toxic effects of AFB1, ZEA, DON, alone or in combinations on the liver of mice, which could contribute to the risk assessment of these mycotoxins in food and feed.

Aflatoxin contamination levels vary from crop to crop, suggesting that it is of great significance to explore the effects of different substrates on aflatoxins production. In this study, the effects of corn, wheat, peanut, and soybean on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by Aspergillus parasiticus were investigated, and the effects of corn germ, wheat germ, soybean, and peanut oils on the production of AFB1 by A. parasiticus in the corresponding defatted substrates were evaluated at the rates of 2, 5, 10, and 15 g/100 g of substrate. The effects of the combinations of different oils with different defatted substrates on the accumulation of AFB1 by A. parasiticus were also studied. AFB1 concentration was determined by HPLC. The results indicated that high-lipid substrates of soybean and peanut had significantly higher AFB1 production than low-fat substrates of wheat and corn throughout the entire incubation period (15 days) in both autoclaved and non-autoclaved grains. Corn germ, wheat germ, soybean, and peanut oils with different doses could effectively stimulate AFB1 accumulation, and AFB1 production was determined by the oil content of the substrates. Our results suggest that the oil content of substrates is one of the factors affecting AFB1 production by A. parasiticus and that the composition and content of the substrates may also play a role.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of T-2 toxin on the transcriptome of the glandular stomach in chicks using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Four groups of 1-day-old Cobb male broilers (n = 4 cages/group, 6 chicks/cage) were fed a corn-soybean-based diet (control) and control supplemented with T-2 toxin at 1.0, 3.0, and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 weeks. The histological results showed that dietary supplementation of T-2 toxin at 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg induced glandular gastric injury including serious inflammation, increased inflammatory cells, mucosal edema, and necrosis and desquamation of the epithelial cells in the glandular stomach of chicks. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that there were 671, 1393, and 1394 genes displayed ≥2 (P

This study aims to determine the effects of sunflower oil supplementation on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites in crossbred goats. Randomized complete block with sub sampling; with 3 treatments, 3 sub sampling and 4 experiment periods as blocks were conducted using 9 crossbred (Boer x Macheng Black) female goats with an initial body weight (BW) around 20.96±1.79 kg were used in our experiment. Three levels of sunflower oil supplementation (sunflower oil = S; 0, 33, and 66 g kg-1 of dry matter (DM)) to commercial complete feed were used for the treatment arrangement. Every experiment period was done in three weeks and rested one week before the next period at the individual cages. Nutrient digestibility (except ether extract (EE)), protozoa counts and ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration were decreased; molar proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were changed; blood metabolites (except cholesterol) were not affected by sunflower oil supplementation. The inclusion of sunflower oil had no adverse effect on performance; thus improve dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE) which S33 was better than S0 and S66. In conclusion, the best result was sunflower oil supplementation 33 g kg-1 of DM (S33); because compared with control, improve ADG (31.79%) and FE (15.32%)). Sunflower oil supplementation could improve performance by positively affecting the ruminal on rumen fermentation in crossbred (Boer x Macheng Black) female goats.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an oestrogenic mycotoxin commonly found in food and feed products and can affect reproduction and development in both humans and animals. This study aimed to determine the toxic effects of ZEN on maternal SD rats and the F1 female offspring. Sixty-four pregnant rats were divided into 4 groups and exposed to feed contaminated with ZEN (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg feed) on gestational days (GDs) 0–21. Compared with the controls, the groups exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg ZEN showed significantly decreased feed intake and body weight of pregnant rats and/or female offspring. Meanwhile, 20 mg/kg ZEN significantly decreased the birth weight and viability of F1 newborn rats. Moreover, 10 and 20 mg/kg ZEN diets increased follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations but decreased oestradiol in both maternal and F1 adult rats. In the F1 generation, ZEN caused no pathological changes in ovaries and uterus in weaned rats, but significant follicular atresia and a thinning uterine layer were found in F1 female adult rats in the 20 mg/kg ZEN group. These impairments concurred with the inhibited mRNA and protein levels of oestrogen receptor-alpha (Esr1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in the adult uterus and/or ovaries. Furthermore, 10 and/or 20 mg/kg ZEN exposure significantly reduced Esr1, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHr), and ATP binding cassette transporters b1 and c1 (ABCb1 and ABCc1) in the placenta and foetal and weaned F1 brains, and also produced a dose-dependent increase in 3β-HSD in the placenta. Additionally, 20 mg/kg ZEN significantly upregulated ABCc5 expression in the placenta and ovaries of weaned rats. These results suggested that prenatal ZEN exposure in rats affected maternal and foetal development and may lead to long-term reproductive impairment in F1 adult females.

This study was designed to establish if Curcumin (CM) alleviates Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxic effects and to determine whether alteration of the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes is involved in the regulation of these effects in chick liver. One-day-old male broilers (n = 120) were divided into four groups and used in a two by two factorial trial in which the main factors included supplementing AFB1 (< 5 vs. 100 μg/kg) and CM (0 vs. 150 mg/kg) in a corn/soybean-based diet. Administration of AFB1 induced liver injury, significantly decreasing albumin and total protein concentrations and increasing alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in serum, and induced hepatic histological lesions at week 2. AFB1 also significantly decreased hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione levels, while increasing malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO)-DNA concentrations. In addition, the mRNA and/or activity of enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1 into AFBO—including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, and CYP3A4—were significantly induced in liver microsomes after 2-week exposure to AFB1. These alterations induced by AFB1 were prevented by CM supplementation. Conclusively, dietary CM protected chicks from AFB1-induced liver injury, potentially through the synergistic actions of increased antioxidant capacities and inhibition of the pivotal CYP450 isozyme-mediated activation of AFB1 to toxic AFBO.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin and exists widely in the moldy feeds and food. Genistein (GEN) is a natural isoflavone phytoestrogen. ZEA has adverse effects on animal’s reproduction performance and immunologic function, also can induce the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. However, the interactive effect of ZEA and GEN on proliferation and cell cycle in MCF-7 cells is remain poorly understood. Here, the interactive effect of ZEA and GEN on proliferation and cell cycle in MCF-7 cells were determined through MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Results demonstrated that ZEA (10 and 20 nM) could stimulate the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and significantly increase S phase distribution (P

The current study was to better understand the potential factors affecting aflatoxin B1(AFB1) accumulation varies between different grains. The nutrient composition and contents of defatted substrates were determined; additionally, according to the nutrient content of the substrates, the effects of starch, soluble sugars, amino acids, and trace elements on AFB1production and mycelial growth in Czapek-Dox medium were examined. These results verified that removal of lipids from ground substrates significantly reduced the substrate’s potential for AFB1production byAspergillus flavus. Maltose, glucose, sucrose, arginine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and zinc significantly induced AFB1production up to 1.7- to 26.6-fold. And stachyose more significantly promotedA. flavusgrowth than the other nutrients. Thus, this study demonstrated that, combined with the nutrients content of grains, in addition to lipids, sucrose, stachyose, glutamic acid, and zinc might play key roles in various grains that are differentially infected byA. flavus. Particularly, two new nutrients (arginine and stachyose) of the grains we found significantly stimulate AFB1production andA. flavusgrowth, respectively. The results provide new concepts for antifungal methods to protect food and animal feed from AFB1contamination.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the hepatic transcriptome in ducklings through RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Twenty four, 1-day-old ducklings were divided into 4 treatment groups. Each group received an oral dose of AFB1 at 0, 10, 20, 40 μg/kg BW per day for 2 weeks. Administration of 20 and 40 μg/kg BW of AFB1 significantly decreased body weight, feed intake, serum total protein and albumin, while increasing serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and hepatic histopathological lesions. Furthermore, RNA was extracted from the liver of ducklings administrated 0 and 40 μg/kg BW of AFB1. Two RNA-Seq libraries were created from pooled samples and produced over 149 M reads, totaling 14.9 Gb of sequence. Approximately 96,953 predicted transcripts were assembled, 749 of which had significant differential expressions (≥ 2-fold) between the control and AFB1 treatment. GO and KEGG pathway analysis results showed that many genes involved in phase I metabolism, phase II detoxification, oxidation-reduction process, carcinogenesis, apoptosis and cell cycle, and fatty acid metabolism were affected by AFB1 exposure. Conclusion, this study determined the hepatic transcriptome responded to AFB1 exposure, and provide candidate genes can be targeted to prevent and/or reduce aflatoxicosis in ducklings.

Aflatoxicosis is a grave threat to the poultry industry. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants showed a great potential in enhancing the immune system; hence, protecting animals against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) one of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of GSPE in the detoxification of AFB1 in broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments of six replicates (10 birds per replicate), fed ad libitum for four weeks with the following dietary treatments: 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet + 1 mg/kg AFB1 contaminated corn (AFB1); 3. Basal diet + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (GSPE 250 mg/kg) 4. Basal diet + AFB1 (1 mg/kg) + GSPE 250 mg/kg; (AFB1 + GSPE 250 mg/kg) 5. Basal diet + AFB1 (1mg/kg) + GSPE 500 mg/kg, (AFB1 + GSPE 500 mg/kg). When compared with the control group, feeding broilers with AFB1 alone significantly reduced growth performance, serum immunoglobulin contents, negatively altered serum biochemical contents, and enzyme activities, and induced histopathological lesion in the liver. In addition, AFB1 significantly increased malondialdehyde content and decreased total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxide, glutathione-S transferase, glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione concentration within the liver and serum. The supplementation of GSPE (250 and 500 mg/kg) to AFB1 contaminated diet reduced AFB1 residue in the liver and significantly mitigated AFB1 negative effects. From these results, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of GSPE has protective effects against aflatoxicosis caused by AFB1 in broiler chickens.

Tin (Sn) is widely used in daily life and distributed in many tissues and nutrients. Although over-ingestion of Sn can cause health problems, relatively little attention has been given to the toxic effects of Sn in livestock health and productivity. This study was performed to investigate the toxic effects of prolonged high intake of dietary Sn on broilers. 150 one-day-old Avian broilers were randomly divided into five treatment groups, with five replicates of six birds. For 6 weeks, each group was fed a corn-soybean basal diet (BD) or BD + Sn (as SnCl2) at 120, 240, 480, or 720 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with the control, hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly decreased when supplemented with Sn up to 480 mg/kg, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased until Sn supplementation at 720 mg/kg. Moreover, dietary Sn supplementation at 720 mg/kg decreased BW gain, feed intake, and impaired feed conversion ratio. The 720 mg Sn/kg group also increased activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), while decreased hemoglobin (HGB), red blood cell (RBC), and hematocrit (HCT) in the blood. Furthermore, the accumulation of Sn in various tissues was dose dependent on Sn ingestion. It was found that the tibia and feather are the two main tissues for Sn accumulation, followed by the liver, kidney, and other tissues in broilers. In conclusion, the adverse effects on broilers were induced when diets supplemented with Sn up to 480 mg/kg. Sn levels also managed to accumulate in the tibia and feather of broilers.

In the present study, we evaluated the nephrotoxicity of individual mycotoxins and combinations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) to livestock using porcine kidney 15 cells (PK-15) as a disease model via biochemical approaches. The toxicity of individual mycotoxins on cell viability and cell membrane damage was determined using the MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. Individual cytotoxicity of mycotoxins in increasing order were FB1