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Heat stress can disrupt the balance between the heat poultry release into the environment and the heat they generate. Pequi oil has antioxidant properties, which may mitigate the heat stress effects. This study aimed to investigate the response of laying hens to pequi oil supplementation under heat stress using a proteomic approach. A total of 96 Lohmann White laying hens with 26 weeks old were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. They were housed in two climate chambers, thermal comfort temperature ± 24.04 °C with the relative humidity ± 66.35 and heat stress (HS) ± 31.26 °C with the relative humidity ± 60.62. They were fed two diets: a control diet (CON), basal diet (BD) without additives, and with Pequi oil (PO), BD + 0.6% PO. After 84 days, plasma samples were analyzed using Shotgun and LC-MS/MS. Proteins related to anti-inflammation, transport, and the immune system were differentially expressed in hens fed PO and CON under heat stress compared to those in thermoneutral environments. This helps protect against oxidative stress and may support the body's ability to manage heat-induced damage, stabilizing protein expression under stress conditions. The ovotransferrin proteins, fibrinogen isoforms, apolipoprotein A-I, Proteasome activator subunit 4, Transthyretin, and the enzyme serine Peptidase Inhibitor_Kazal Type 5, which presented Upregulated (Up) equal to 1, present characteristics that may be crucial for enhancing the adaptive responses of hens to thermal stress, thereby increasing their tolerance and minimizing the negative effects of heat on egg production. The data presented in this manuscript provides new insights into the plasma proteome alterations of laying hens fed a diet supplemented with pequi oil during heat stress challenges.

The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dietary supplementation of muramidase (MUR) and 2 phytogenic additives on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, bacteria load, and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of broiler chickens raised under field-like conditions. A total of 6,400 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly selected and distributed into 32 floor pens, with 200 chicks (100 males and 100 females)/pen. The treatment groups were an unsupplemented control, and the experimental groups supplemented with MUR at 35,000 LSU(F)/kg of feed, phytogenic 1 (Phyto 1, based on thymol) at 100g/ton feed, or phytogenic 2 (Phyto 2, based on alkaloids) at 60g/ton feed, for a total period of 41 d. A 4-phase feeding program was applied (starter, grower, finisher and withdrawal). The paramenters evaluated were: growth performance, carcass yield, concentration of muranic acid in the jejunum content and excreta, liver enzyme concentration, intestinal morphology, and bacteria enumeration and short and branch chain fatty acids (SCFA and BCFA) in the cecal content. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test was used to separate the means. Soluble muramic acid (MurN) in the jejunum increased with the supplementation of MUR and Phyto 2 when compared to the other groups (P = 0.0001), but only the supplementation of MUR increased the concentration of MurN in the excreta. The supplementation of all feed additives improved the body weight gain and the body weight corrected feed conversion ratio when compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). MUR increased villus heigh (VH) when compared to the control or the other supplemented groups (P = 0.0001), and led to the highest concentration of most SCFA, total BCFA, and total SCFA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of MUR and phytogenics to the diets of broiler chickens improved the growth performance, but MUR, only, was capable of effectively degrading peptidoglycans (PGNs) in both intestinal segments, as well as to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria and SCFA production., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES CB, EPC, OG are employed by dsm-firmenich. The other authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils (EOS) on growth performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, intestinal morphology, and whole-body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through a meta-analytic approach. The search and collection of scientific articles were conducted using the PRISMA methodology, and 45 full-text scientific articles were obtained. The data used in the meta-analysis were extracted from these 45 documents. The effect size was assessed through weighted mean differences (WMD) using Der-Simonian and Laird random effects models. Dietary supplementation with EOS increased (P < 0.001) final weight, body weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, and survival but decreased (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio. In blood serum, EOS supplementation decreased (P < 0.001) the concentration of malondialdehyde and increased (P < 0.001) the concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. In the foregut, midgut, and hindgut, greater (P < 0.01) villus height, villus width, and number of goblet cells were observed in response to EOS supplementation. EOS supplementation increased (P < 0.01) crude protein content and decreased (P < 0.05) crude lipid content in the whole-body. In conclusion, essential oils can be used as a dietary additive to improve growth performance, antioxidant status in blood serum, and intestinal morphology in Nile tilapia. Likewise, supplementation with essential oils increases the protein content and decreases the fat content in the whole-body of Nile tilapia., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

An effective replacement for fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) based on plant-based raw materials in the feed of marine fish species is necessary for the sustainability of the aquaculture sector. However, the use of plant-based raw materials to replace FM and FO has been associated with several negative health effects, some of which are related to oxidative stress processes that can induce functional and morphological alterations in mucosal tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary oligosaccharides of plant origin (5,000 ppm; galactomannan oligosaccharides, GMOS) and a phytogenic feed additive (200 ppm; garlic oil and labiatae plant extract mixture, PHYTO) on the oxidative stress status and mucosal health of the gills of juvenile European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ). The experimental diets, low FM and FO diets (10%FM/6%FO) were supplemented with GMOS from plant origin and PHYTO for 63 days. GMOS and PHYTO did not significantly affect feed utilization, fish growth, and survival. GMOS and PHYTO downregulated the expression of β-act , sod , gpx , cat , and gr in the gills of the fish compared with that in fish fed the control diet. The expression of hsp70 and ocln was upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in the GMOS group compared with that in the control group, whereas the expression of zo-1 was downregulated in the PHYTO group compared with that in the GMOS group. The morphological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical parameters of the fish gills were mostly unaffected by GMOS and PHYTO. However, the PHYTO group had lower incidence of lamellar fusion than did the control group after 63 days. Although the tissular distribution of goblet cells was unaffected by GMOS and PHYTO, goblet cell size showed a decreasing trend (-11%) in the GMOS group. GMOS and PHYTO significantly reduced the concentration of PCNA+ in the epithelium of the gills. The above findings indicated that GMOS and PHYTO in low FM/FO-based diets protected the gill epithelia of D . labrax from oxidative stress by modulating the expression of oxidative enzyme-related genes and reducing the density of PCNA+ cells in the gills of the fish., Competing Interests: Author AM and VV-V were employed by company Delacon Biotechnik GmbH and Biomar A/S, respectively. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Torrecillas, Terova, Makol, Serradell, Valdenegro-Vega, Izquierdo, Acosta and Montero.)

The use of terrestrial raw materials to replace fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) in marine fish diets may affect fish growth performance and health. In the last years functional additives have been profiled as good candidates to reduce the effects on health and disease resistance derived from this replacement, via reinforcement of the fish immune system. In the present study, three isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets with low FM and FO (10% and 6% respectively) were tested based on supplementation either with 0.5% galactomannanoligosaccharides (GMOS diet) or 0.02% of a mixture of essential oils (PHYTO diet), a non-supplemented diet was defined as a control diet. Fish were fed the experimental diets in triplicate for 9 weeks and then they were subjected to a stress by confinement as a single challenge (C treatment) or combined with an experimental intestinal infection with Vibrio anguillarum (CI treatment). Along the challenge test, selected stress and immunological parameters were evaluated at 2, 24 and 168h after C or CI challenges. As stress indicators, circulating plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations were analyzed as well as the relative gene expression of cyp11b hydroxylase, hypoxia inducible factor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, heat shock protein 70 and heat shock protein 90 (cyp11b, hif-1α, StAR, hsp70 and hsp90). As immune markers, serum and skin mucus lysozyme, bactericidal and peroxidase activities were measured, as well as gene expression of Caspase-3 (casp-3) and interleukin 1β (il-1ß). The use of functional additives induced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of circulating plasma cortisol concentration when confinement was the unique challenge test applied. Supplementation of PHYTO induced a down-regulation of cyp11b, hif-1α, casp-3 and il-1β gene expression 2h after stress test, whereas StAR expression was significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated. However, when combination of confinement stress and infection was applied (CI treatment), the use of PHYTO significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated StAR and casp-3 gene expression 2h after challenge test, denoting that PHYTO diet reinforced fish capacity of stress response via protection of head kidney leucocytes from stress-related apoptotic processes, with lower caspase-3 gene expression and a higher il-1β gene expression when an infection occurs. Additionally, dietary supplementation with GMOS and PHYTO compounds increased fish serum lysozyme after infection. Both functional additives entailed a better capability of the animals to cope with infection in European sea bass when fed low FM and FO diets., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the effect of reduced dietary energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels along with inclusion of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on gut microbiota composition and gene expression of Toll-like receptor(s) (TLR), tight junction proteins, and inflammatory cytokines expressed in secondary lymphoid organs. Depending on dietary ME and CP level down regulation and the inclusion or not of PFA at 125 mg/kg diet, 450 one-day-old male broilers were allocated in the following 6 treatments for 42 D according to a 3 × 2 factorial design: A: diet formulated optimally to meet broiler nutrient requirements; APh: A+PFA; B: suboptimal in ME and CP levels by 3%; BPh: B+PFA; C: suboptimal in ME and CP levels by 6%; CPh: C+PFA. Diet type and PFA supplementation were shown to affect mostly the mucosa-associated microbiota compared to the luminal ones. Ileal mucosa-associated total bacteria (PD= 0.005), Lactobacillus spp. (PD= 0.003), and Clostridium cluster XIVa (PD= 0.009) were affected by diet type with broilers fed diet B having lower levels compared to broilers fed diets A or C. Moreover, diet type affected cecal mucosa-associated Lactobacillus spp. (PD= 0.002) with broilers fed diet C having lower levels compared to broilers fed diets A or B. Supplementation with PFA resulted in higher levels of cecal mucosa-associated Bacteroides (PP= 0.031), Clostridium cluster IV (PP= 0.007), and Clostridium cluster XIVa (PP= 0.039). Diet type affected TLR2 (PD= 0.046) and claudin 5 (PD= 0.027) in cecal epithelium. Lower TLR2 (PP= 0.021) and higher zonula occludens 2 (PP= 0.031) relative gene expressions were seen in ileal epithelium following PFA supplementation. Moreover, in cecal epithelium, PFA supplementation resulted in lower TLR2 (PP < 0.001) and higher zonula occludens 2 (PP= 0.009), claudin 5 (PP= 0.005) and occludin (PP= 0.039) relative gene expressions. There were no significant diet type and PFA effects on cytokines in secondary lymphoid organs, except for a dietary effect on transforming growth factor beta 4 (PD= 0.023) in cecal tonsils. In conclusion, PFA inclusion beneficially modulated elements of gut microbiota, Toll-like signaling molecules and gut tight junction genes., (© 2018 Poultry Science Association Inc.)

The bioactive compounds of Artemisia annua have been used as feed supplements due to their pharmacological activities. The present study examined the effect of short-term feeding with a supplemented diet on the growth, feed efficiency, intestinal morphology, stress, immune system, and antioxidant biomarkers of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to evaluate the efficacy of using an alcoholic extract of A. annua (ae-Aa) as an additive in fish feed. Juvenile fish (200 fish, 30.43 ± 0.54 g) were distributed in 10 tanks (400 L, 20 fish/tank) corresponding to two treatments, each with five replicates. The fish were fed either a control diet (37% protein, 11% lipid: ae-Aa free) or an equivalent diet containing 0.5% ae-Aa to satiation for 15 days. Subsequently, blood, liver, and intestine samples were obtained from 10 fish per treatment group (2 fish per tank). Dietary supplementation with ae-Aa affected the leukocyte count (27.9 vs. 19.7 × 103 µL−1, ae-Aa group vs. control group), leukocyte respiratory activity (0.3 vs. 0.2 DO), and serum lysozyme concentration (28.1 vs. 22.4 ng dL−1) but not blood cells or the oxygen-carrying capacity. Treatment with ae-Aa reduced the plasma cortisol level (11.0 vs. 15.1 µL−1) but did not affect the levels of either glucose or chloride. Dietary ae-Aa influenced hepatic catalase (453.2 vs. 255.7 µmol H2O2 mg pt−1 min−1), glutathione-S-transferase (406.9 vs. 279.8 nmol mg pt−1 min−1), glutathione (4.5 vs. 2.9 nmol mg pt−1), and superoxide dismutase activity (22.4 vs. 20.1 U mg pt−1) and thus affected the antioxidant capacity, as reflected by reductions in lipid peroxidation (21.3 vs. 34.4 nmol mg pt−1) and DNA damage (26.7 vs. 32.2 µg DNA mg pt−1). Dietary ae-Aa increased the intestinal villus area and improved growth (body mass, 24.2 vs. 20.7 g; body length, 2.0 vs. 1.6 cm). Based on the above-described results, the administration of dietary ae-Aa, even for a short period, may have beneficial effects on immunity and oxidant defences and enhance the growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of water supplements, such as phytogenics and organic acids, in poultry research, especially in Pekin ducks, has been very limited. Due to commercial Pekin ducks consuming a higher amount of water compared to chickens, it is hypothesized that water supplementation may prove more beneficial than standard feed supplementation. Oregano oils and organic acids have been popular feed additives in poultry diets due to their antimicrobial properties and gut health benefits. This study found significant benefits with both water additives mentioned for improving duck production, gut health, and reducing stress susceptibility. Therefore, water supplementation with either oregano oils or organic acid provides a possible alternative to antibiotic use in commercial Pekin ducks to improve production and animal well-being. This study evaluated duck growth, health, and welfare in response to water supplementation with organic acid (OA) and oregano oils (OOs) in Pekin duck. The treatments used in this study included a control (CON) treatment with no water additives given, an OA treatment (ProPhorce Exclusive NC®), and an OO treatment (Nubiotic 4X Concentrate®). The OA and OO improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight (BW) (p < 0.01) compared to the control (CON). Both OA and OO showed differences (p < 0.05) in villus height and crypt depth compared to the CON. But only OA showed an increase (p < 0.01) in villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio. On D 35, the total plasma corticosterone levels, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, and asymmetry scores for OA and OO were decreased (p < 0.05) compared to CON, indicating lower stress susceptibility. The pH levels of OA ceca and jejunum were lower (p < 0.05) compared to CON. Tibia breaking strength was increased (p = 0.02) for OA compared to CON, while no differences were found with OO (p > 0.05). In conclusion, these experiments indicate that OA and OO can be used to improve duck growth, feed efficiency, stress susceptibility, and bird welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Exposure to heat stress significantly impairs the productive performance of growing pigs. Supplementing their diet with phytogenic solutions, especially those containing Capsicum spp., can boost their thermal tolerance due to the activities of its principal active metabolite, capsaicin. This improvement aids in better nutrient consumption and efficient utilization for growth. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of a Capsicum spp.-based dietary phytogenic solution in alleviating the effects of heat stress on pigs. Our findings showed that this supplementation notably enhanced the pigs' performance under heat stress conditions by increasing feed intake and improving feed efficiency. It also positively affected thermoregulatory responses, as evidenced by lowered body temperatures. Moreover, the supplement improved antioxidant defenses and heat shock protein responses and bolstered intestinal integrity and post-absorptive metabolism. Overall, the results indicate that a dietary phytogenic solution derived from Capsicum spp. can effectively counteract some of the detrimental effects of heat stress in pigs, leading to improved overall productive performance. Exposure to heat stress (HS) detrimentally affects pig performance. This study explored whether a dietary phytogenic solution based on Capsicum spp. (PHY) could enhance the thermal tolerance of heat-stressed growing pigs. Forty-two individually housed pigs were randomly assigned to three treatments: thermoneutral pigs on a control diet (TN-C) and pigs subjected to HS fed the control diet either without (HS-C) or with supplemental PHY (HS-PHY). The TN-C group exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (FI) compared to both HS-C (p < 0.01) and HS-PHY pigs (p < 0.05) and better feed efficiency compared to HS-C pigs only (p < 0.01). However, the HS-PHY pigs showed significantly higher FI (p < 0.01) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to HS-C pigs. HS pigs displayed higher body temperatures (BTs) than TN pigs (p < 0.01), yet HS-PHY pigs experienced a lesser increase in BT compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with PHY mitigated some effects of HS, increasing serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, reducing HSP90 expression in longissimus dorsi muscle, and elevating jejunal villus height compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05), reaching levels akin to TN-C pigs. Additionally, PHY supplementation resulted in lower serum urea levels than HS-C pigs (p < 0.01) and similar myosin gene expression to TN-C pigs (p > 0.1), suggesting enhanced amino acid post-absorptive utilization for lean tissue growth. In conclusion, dietary PHY supplementation partially offset the adverse effects of HS on pig performance by improving thermal tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil (ECEO) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation of weaned rabbits. Sixty clinically healthy weaned cross breed male rabbits (Chinchilla x Newzealand white) of about 4 weeks with initial body weight (BW) of 430.81 ± 0.81 g were used for the study. Rabbits were stratified based on their body weight and randomly distributed into four treatment groups of fifteen rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 (T1): Basal diet without Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oil (ECEO); T2: basal diet with 200 mg/kg ECEO; T3: basal diet with 400 mg/kg ECEO; T4: basal diet with 600 mg/kg ECEO. Average daily weight gain were higher (P<0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 relative to T1. There was no effect of treatments in the average daily feed intake and mortality rate (P>0.05) while feed conversion ratio were greater in T2, T3 and T4 than in T1 (P<0.05). Dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extracts, organic matter and ether extract digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatments. Improved nutrient absorption were improved in rabbits fed diet supplemented with ECEO compared to control group. Volatile fatty acid, acetate, butyrate, propionate and ammonia nitrogen were significantly (P<0.05) different among the treatments. Results revealed that ECEO can be supplemented up to 600 mg/kg without posing no harm on rabbit's body physiology and health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogenic feed additives are plausible alternatives to antibiotics and serve as growth promoters in aquafeed. This research aims at finding the effects of varying inclusions of natural antioxidants like hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth, hematology, and nutrient utilization of Clarias gariepinus after 60 days of feeding. This research used six feeds labeled as F1-F6 that varied in the composition of C. longa and H. sabdariffa. The weight (g) inclusions of C. longa and H. sabdariffa were as follows, F1 0:250, F2 50:200, F3 100:15, F4 150:100, F5 200:50 and F6 250:0. Juvenile African catfish stocked at 9 catfish per 15L aquaria per 3 replicate aquariums (27/treatment feed) were fed for 60d. The catfish fed with F1 (250g H. sabdariffa) had the best specific growth rate of 5.76 ± 0.04 % day-1, lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.01 ± 0.01, weight gain of 31.65 ± 0.13 g, and protein efficiency ratio of 0.96 ± 0.07. The growth of African catfish increased with the increasing inclusion of hibiscus supplements. Hematobiochemical parameters ALT, AST was better for catfish fed high hibiscus supplements. We noticed that hibiscus inclusion was inversely proportional to cholesterol and total triglyceride levels of fish. The deposit of adipose tissues in the catfish was higher, with increasing inclusion of hibiscus than turmeric supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Post-weaning diarrhea in piglets is caused by intestinal dysbiosis, characterized as an undesirable disruption of the physiological intestinal microbiota, which is associated with several stress factors, such as the isolation of piglets from sows, the adaptation to new environment and morphological changes in the intestine due to the transition from milk to solid feed intake. Pharmaceutical zinc oxide has been effectively used to alleviate these effects. However, since the dietary supplementation with pharmaceutical doses of zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaning pigs has been recently phased out in EU, this study aimed to determine the effect of a natural phytogenic formulation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Dietary inclusion of the natural phytogenic formulation significantly increased piglet performance and nutrient digestibility and reduced the E. coli and C. perfringens counts as well as the molar ratios of branched chain volatile fatty acids in faeces. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the tested natural phytogenic formulation could be considered as an effective alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO to alleviate the challenges commonly occurring after weaning. A natural phytogenic formulation (NPF) was tested as an alternative to pharmaceutical zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaned piglets with respect to growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. Two dietary NPF levels (NPF: 1000 and 2000 mg/kg diet) were compared to a positive control (ZnO: 3000 mg ZnO/kg diet) and a negative control (CON: no added ZnO or NPF) using 84 weaned piglets from 29 d to 78 d (days of age). Feed conversion ratio was improved (p < 0.05) in ZnO and NPF piglets were compared to CON at 50 d. Dry matter, organic matter and crude protein (p < 0.05) digestibility was improved in NPF piglets compared to CON at 57 d. Compared to CON, NPF inclusion reduced E. coli (p < 0.05) and increased C. leptum subgroup (p < 0.01) at 57 d and 78 d, and reduced C. perfringens subgroup (p < 0.05; at 78 d). The ZnO reduced (p < 0.001) E. coli and C. perfringens subgroup (p < 0.01) compared to CON at 78 d. Moreover, ZnO and NPF reduced molar ratios of branched chain volatile fatty acids (p < 0.05) compared to CON, while NPF also increased butyric acid (p < 0.05) at 78 d. In conclusion, the NPF appeared to be a promising alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of diet containing herbal blend (HB) of turmeric (Curcuma longa), scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), and moringa leaf (Morinda lucida) supplemented with or without L-arginine (L-Arg) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and caecal microflora of guinea fowls. Three hundred and sixty 28-day-old male guinea fowls were randomly allotted in a completely randomized design to six treatment groups of sixty birds; each treatment group consisted of six replicates of ten birds each. Dietary treatments were laid out in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of the basal diet (control), diet containing enrofloxacin (1 g/kg), HB (1 g/kg diet), and each supplemented with or without L-Arg at 1 g/kg. Notwithstanding dietary supplementation with L-Arg, guinea fowls fed the diets with HB, and their counterparts fed the diets with antibiotics had similar weight gain during the growing period. Dietary L-Arg supplementation with HB increased (p<0.05) feed intake. Feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) was improved in guinea fowls fed the diets with HB and their counterparts fed with antibiotic supplemented or not with L-Arg. L-Arg supplementation of the diet with HB resulted in the longest (p<0.05) duodenal villi height and the shortest (p<0.05) duodenal apical width in young turkeys. The caeca content of growing guinea fowls fed the diet with HB supplemented with L-Arg had the least (p<0.05) Clostridium count and the highest (p<0.05) Lactobaccillus count. In conclusion, guinea fowls fed the diet with HB supplemented or not with L-Arg had similar growth performance with those fed with an antibiotic. L-Arg supplementation of the diet with HB resulted in increased caecal Lactobacillus counts of growing birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effects of Irvingia gabonensis kernel powder (IKP) and Ocimum gratissimum leaf powder (OLP) dietary supplementation on performance of broiler chicken. A basal diet divided into four portions, designated diet 1 (the control) and diets 2, 3 and 4 supplemented with 2.5g.kg-1 IKP, OLP and IKP+OLP composite mix 1:1 (IOCM), respectively. Two hundred and forty 1-day broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (60 birds/diet; 10 birds per/replicate) using a Completely Randomised Design. At the finisher phase, the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the birds fed diets 2 and 4 were better (P < 0.05) than those fed the diets 1 and 3. During the overall period, the body weight gain of birds fed diet 4 was similar to those fed diet 2 but higher than those fed diets 1 and 3, while the feed conversion ratio of birds in diets 2 and 4 was better (P < 0.05) than those fed diets 1 and 3. The slaughtered and dressed weights of the birds fed diets 2 and 4 were significantly (P < 0.05) better than those birds fed the diets 1 and 3. The dressing percentage of the birds fed diets 2 and 4 were higher (P < 0.05) than those fed diet 1. White blood cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes counts were (P < 0.05) higher in birds fed diet 4 compared to those on other diets. Serum cholesterol concentration and meat lipid peroxidation activities were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the birds fed diets 2, 3 and 4 compared to diet 1. The catalase concentration in the birds fed diets 3 and 4 were (P < 0.05) higher than those chickens fed diet 1, while the glutathione peroxidase concentration in the birds fed the diets 2 and 4 were (P < 0.05) higher than those fed diet 1. Glutathione concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in meat from birds fed diets 2, 3 and 4, compared to the birds fed diet 1. The meat cholesterol concentration recorded in the birds fed diet 4 was comparable (P > 0.05) to diets 2 and 3, but lower (P < 0.05) than diet 1. The IKP and IOCM supplementation improved the growth performance of the broiler chickens. The overall health status and meat quality were also improved by the phytogenic supplements in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a dietary oregano aqueous extract on meat fatty acid profile, quality, and consumer acceptance in chickens fed a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was evaluated in 3 consecutive trials. For each trial, 171 day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly divided in replicates of 19 birds each and assigned to one of 3 experimental diets: 1) basal control diet, 2) basal diet supplemented with 0.2 g/kg of oregano aqueous extract, and 3) basal diet supplemented with 150 ppm of vitamin E (as positive control). To better analyze the antioxidant activity of both oregano and vitamin E, all the experimental diets were enriched with a fatty acid supplement consisting in a mixture of PUFA at the same dose (1.16 %) in both starter and finisher feeds. Oregano supplementation positively influenced (P  < 0.05) broiler live performance. No differences were observed in physicochemical or proximal composition or in total fatty acid composition of breast meat. Dietary oregano influenced meat composition in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, improving meat resistance to oxidation, compared to both other groups. During consumer tests, meat from the 3 dietary groups obtained the same liking score in a blind session. Under informed condition, consumer perception was positively influenced by labeling for all the considered attributes. Furthermore, consumers showed a higher expectation for meat derived from chickens fed the oregano extract when compared to that deriving from the other 2 groups. Results obtained in the present study allow stating that using oregano aqueous extract in diets enriched with PUFA can represent a valid solution to increase live weight of chickens, improve resistance to oxidation of meat, and positively influence consumer perception of poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogenic feed additives that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may have potential to reduce inflammation and oxidation observed during bouts of heat stress. The trial objective was to determine the effects of a phytogenic feed additive on markers of stress in heifers subjected to diurnal heat stress (dHS). Eighteen Holstein and four Jersey heifers (5-6 months of age; d1 BW=205±9 kg) were assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 11) based on breed and age; 1) a basal TMR diet (CTL), 2) CTL supplemented with 0.25 g/head/d of a proprietary blend of phytogenics (PFA; BIOMIN America, Inc., Overland Park, KS). Heifers were housed individually and fed their respective treatments for 14d prior to dHS (d-14-1), subjected dHS (d1-7), and followed through a recovery period (d8-11). Weights were collected at d1 (baseline), d7 (end of dHS), and d11 (end of recovery). The temperature set point was assigned at 33°C from 0900 to 2100 h and allowed to equilibrate with outside temperature during night (24°C) for a total of 7d dHS. Total DMI (tDMI) and DMI from 0900 to 2100 h (hsDMI) were recorded daily. Serum was collected at d1, 2, 7 and 11 to determine effect of treatment on markers of oxidation, inflammation, and stress. Treatment effects were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with treatment and time as fixed effects and heifer as a random effect. Temperature humidity index during dHS was greater during the day (84.5) versus night (73.3). There were no treatment differences (P>0.05) in d 0-11 on ADG, ADFI, or GF between treatments. However, PFA numerically increased hsDMI, reduced (P< 0.05) haptoglobin and tended to reduce (P< 0.10) lipopolysaccharide binding protein compared with CTL. Overall, dietary PFA may be a potential strategy to mitigate the stresses that heifers experience during dHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytogenics are feed additives of plant origin, that gained considerable attention due to the wide range of benefits for farmers and animals, as well as for the environment. Phytogenics can be used to stimulate growth, strengthen the immune system, promote intestinal flora, or reduce intestinal inflammation in fish. In this study, the effect of feed supplementation with wheatgrass juice as a phytogenic on the growth, body composition and blood biochemical profile in carp was tested. The results showed that wheat grass juice produces positive effects on growth, contributing to higher final biomass while reducing the fat content of meat. At the same time, the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium in the blood increased in wheat grass juice feeds. This study opens the premises for the use of wheat grass juice as a feed additive for carp. Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), WGJ2% (V2) and WGJ4% (V3) w/w. Fish with an average initial weight of 102 g/individual were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that WGJ had stimulatory effects on growth performance. Accordingly, final body weight increased by 11% at V1, 39% at V2 and 23% at V3, while other indices (feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor) were unaffected. Body composition analyses revealed a significant decrease in fat content at V2 and a significant increase in collagen and ash at the same variant, while the protein content was unmodified. Regarding the blood profile, significant increases in the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium were recorded in the variants with WGJ. The positive results of WGJ on carp can be attributed to its biochemical composition, which is rich in chlorophyll (4.71 mg mL−1), total phenols (164 µg mL−1 gallic acid equivalents), and high antioxidant activity (67% inhibition of DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results suggest WGJ can be used as a promising feed additive for common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Different compounds with potential phytogenic activity are being studied in the feeding of monogastrics and ruminants. The present study evaluated the effect of ferulic acid (FA) dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass quality and histochemical characteristics of the Longissimus thoracis muscle from finishing pigs. The growth performance, carcass quality, histomorphometric characteristics, and histochemical characteristics of skeletal muscle were affected by FA supplementation. The addition of FA on diet improved average daily gain, 12th rib fat depth and Longissimus muscle area in the same way as ractopamine treatment. Histochemical analysis indicated that FA treatment induces a shift in muscle fiber, a lower cross-sectional area, and a greater number of muscle fibers per area. The findings indicate that ferulic acid supplementation without extra-lysine can replace the use of ractopamine as a growth promoter in finishing pigs. FA dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits and histochemical characteristics of the Longissimus thoracis muscle from finishing pigs was investigated. Four hundred and twenty pigs were used in this study, and 105 animals (with five replicate pens and 21 pigs per pen) were assigned to one of four treatments: basal diet (BD) without additives (C−); BD + 10 ppm ractopamine hydrochloride + 0.97% lysine (C+); BD + 25 ppm of FA (FA); and BD + 25 ppm of FA + 0.97% lysine (FA-Lys). Dietary supplementation with FA or ractopamine increased both the average daily gain (14%) and loin muscle area (19%), while fat deposition decreased by 53%, in comparison with C− (p < 0.05). The growth performance of pigs treated with FA was similar to those of ractopamine (p > 0.05). The histochemical analysis showed that FA and C+ treatments induced a shift in muscle fiber types: from fast fibers to intermediate (alkaline ATPase) and from oxidative to glycolytic fibers. Muscle tissues from animals treated with FA or ractopamine had a lower cross-sectional area and a greater number of muscle fibers per area (p < 0.05). Findings regarding growth performance and carcass traits indicate that FA supplementation at 25 ppm without extra-lysine can replace the use of ractopamine as a growth promoter in finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of phytogenic feed supplement is now being considered in broiler production for enhancing their performance and health status. In this 42-day feeding trial, the effects of a diet supplemented with pawpaw leaf and seed meal composite mix (PCM) on hematological indices, carcass, internal organs weights, and histology of the liver and testis of broiler chickens was assessed. Methods: Total number of 396 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were distributed to six dietary treatments: (diet 1; 0.0 % PCM), (0.2 % PCM), (0.4 % PCM), (0.6 % PCM), (0.8 % PCM), (1.0 % PCM). The relative internal organ weights and hematological indices were determined. The liver and testistical samples were taken for histopathological examination. Results: White blood cell (WBC) counts of birds fed PCM supplemented diets were similar/comparable to that of the birds fed the control diet; however, the highest (P < 0.05) counts were recorded in birds fed diets 2 and 6. The hemoglobin concentration (Hbc) and packed cell volume (PCV) of birds fed PCM supplemented diets were similar (P > 0.05) to those fed the control diet, except for those fed diet 6 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower Hbc and PCV. The carcass and relative internal organ weight of the broiler chickens were not affected (P > 0.05) by the PCM supplementation. The dietary PCM supplementation produced a marked proliferation of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, activation of liver macrophages system, the Kupffer cells in the liver of the birds. There were also reduced spermatogenic activities in seminiferous tubules, congestion of seminiferous tubules, tunica albuginea, and medial hypertrophy of the blood vessels in birds fed the 0.4 to 1.0% PCM supplemented diets. Conclusion: Dietary PCM supplementation supports normal hemapoietic processes and normal carcass and internal organ development. However, dietary PCM supplementation produced some pathological changes in the liver and testis of the birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]