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BACKGROUND: Heat stress (HS) has been shown to affect reproductive performance and muscle development negatively in animals. N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the antioxidant performance in animals as a recognized antioxidant. The present study assesses the potential of NAC to modulate the reproductive performance and antioxidant function in pregnant mice exposed to HS. The role of NAC in muscle development of offspring mice was also explored. RESULTS: The results showed that NAC supplementation from day 12 to day 18 of gestation increased the number of litters and enhanced the antioxidant function in pregnant mice under HS exposure. It improved the weight and body condition significantly in the offspring mice (P < 0.05). The alleviation of HS‐induced muscle impairment with NAC was consistent with the alleviation of apoptosis, the enrichment of the proliferation and differentiation in the offspring mice muscle. N‐Acetylcysteine also reversed HS‐induced reduction in the cross‐sectional area of the leg muscle and increased the proportion of myosin heavy chain IIx (MYHCIIx) in the muscle fiber. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the use of NAC at a dose of 100 mg kg−1 body weight as supplement for protecting the offspring derived from pregnant mice exposed to HS from muscle impairment by accelerating proliferation and differentiation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Rhamnolipids (RLS) are surfactants that improve the growth performance of poultry by improving the absorption of nutrients. This study aims to investigate the effects of RLS replacement of chlortetracycline (CTC) on growth performance, slaughtering traits, meat quality, antioxidant function and nuclear‐factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in broilers. A total of 600 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres chicks were randomly assigned to five groups with eight replicates in each group, raised for 42 days. Broilers were respectively fed a basal diet with no CTC or RLS, 75 mg kg−1 CTC, and 250, 500, 1000 mg kg−1 RLS.Dietary supplementation with RLS linearly increased the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, carcass yield, eviscerated yield, ether extract, enhanced total superoxide and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, overexpressed the relative expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1, Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, Manganese superoxide dismutase, GPx and catalase and decreased the lightness value at 24 h, drip loss and malondialdehyde contents of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, broilers fed 1000 mg kg−1 RLS reduced the drip loss and broilers fed 500 mg kg−1 RLS increased muscle crude fat content (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTC group, dietary supplementation with 1000 mg kg−1 RLS increased eviscerated yield (P < 0.05).RLS could improve growth performance, crude fat content, meat quality and antioxidant capacity and activate relative expression of genes in the Nrf2 signaling pathway in broilers. It could be used as an antibiotic substitute in diets and the recommended supplemental dose of RLS in feed of broilers is 1000 mg kg−1. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study simulated the effects of direct predatory pressure, indirect predatory pressure, and conspecific injury signals on sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) to determine changes in the activity of immune defense enzymes (lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) and antioxidant stress enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde). Samples of sea cucumber juveniles were collected at 3 h, 12 h, 72 h, and 96 h post predatory stress, and six enzymes related to immune defense and antioxidant stress were selected for activity assays, namely, lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicate that under direct predatory pressure, the activity of catalase in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 3 h (P < 0.05), while the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase were significantly lower at 72 h (P < 0.05). Under indirect predatory pressure, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 h (P < 0.05), the activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05), the activity of catalase was significantly lower at 72 h, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 72 h (P < 0.05). Under the influence of conspecific injury signals, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 h (P < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 96 h (P < 0.05). The sea cucumber enhanced its antioxidant capacity 3 h after facing a predator, while its immune defense mechanism was suppressed at 72 h. When facing indirect predatory pressure, the sea cucumber may have made immune and antioxidant preparations for the arrival of unknown risks. The experimental results show that predatory pressure has a significant impact on the immune and antioxidant functions of sea cucumbers, which may be related to the physiological state and environmental adaptability of the sea cucumber. This study provides a new perspective for understanding how sea cucumbers cope with predatory pressure in the natural environment and offers theoretical support for the cultivation management of sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) are the main bioactive ingredients in bamboo leaves. They have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. In this study, the effects of dietary BLF on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers were investigated. A total of 288 broilers were divided into three groups with eight replicates and 12 birds in each replicate. Broilers were fed a basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with 1000 or 2000 mg kg−1 BLF for 56 days. RESULTS: The results showed that supplementation of BLF increased body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), and reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) content of broilers in the BLF1000 group was increased and the interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and IL‐10 in jejunum mucosa were found to be enhanced by BLF (P < 0.05). The BLF1000 group exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of TNF‐α (P < 0.05). Serum and jejunum mucosa total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) levels in the BLF1000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) effects of the BLF1000 group and serum CAT effects of BLF2000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The CON group demonstrated a lower relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R‐7_group and Oscillibacter than the BLF group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary BLF inclusion enhanced the growth performance, immune, and antioxidant functions, improved the intestinal morphology, and ameliorated the intestinal microflora structure in broiler. Adding 1000 mg kg−1 BLF to the broiler diet can be considered as an effective growth promoter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pantothenic acid (PA) on the lipid metabolism, and antioxidant function of Apis mellifera workers. The results showed that ether extract (EE) content of bees' body was significantly decreased when workers were supplemented with 147 mg/kg PA (P < 0.05). Further, supplemental PA reduced triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TCHO) content in the hemolymph (P < 0.05), while 39.2 mg/kg PA supplementation improved hemolymph high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentration, while 261.6 mg/kg PA reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) concentration (P < 0.05). C12:0, C14:1, and C18:0 content values were notably increased in PA-supplemented groups, while those of C14:0, C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and PUFA/saturated fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05), while levels correlated with those of dietary PA. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content showed a downward trend in response to PA supplementation; however, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) was increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA levels were significantly downregulated in bees supplemented 9.8, 19.6, and 39.2 mg/kg (P < 0.05) and lipase activity significantly improved following supplementation with 39.2, 78.4, and 147 mg/kg PA (P < 0.05). Thus, dietary PA significantly influenced worker bee lipid metabolism, and improved antioxidant function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was conducted to explore the effects of oxidative stress on the redox system, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in liver of broilers. 144 one-day-old male Ross-308 broilers from the same batch had been prepared in advance and were divided into 3 treatments: normal control group (without intraperitoneal injection), normal saline group (intraperitoneal injection of normal saline), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) group (intraperitoneal injection of H2O2) with 6 replicates of 8 chickens each. The experimental period was 42 days. The injection volumes were 1.0 mL/kg of Ross-308 broiler body weight. On the 42nd day of the experimental period, two Ross-308 broilers were randomly selected from each cage, a total of 36 broilers were stunned by electric shock and slaughtered to collect liver samples. The results showed that compared with the non-injection group and the injection of saline group, H2O2 exposure elevated the relative weight of liver and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum of Ross-308 broilers (p

Abstract Background ATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to intestinal function. However, the specific influence of intestinal ATPase activity and antioxidant function on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the intestinal microbiota in sheep remains unclear. Results This study analyzed the correlation between ATPase activity and antioxidant function in the jejunum of 92 Hu sheep and their growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, individuals with the highest (H group) and lowest (L group) jejunum MDA content and Na+ K+-ATPase activity were further screened, and the effects of jejunum ATPase activity and MDA content on the morphology and microbial community of sheep intestines were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between jejunum ATPase and SOD activity and the initial weight of Hu sheep (P < 0.01). The H-MDA group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 80 days old and higher body weight (BW) after 80 days. ATPase and SOD activities, and MDA levels correlated significantly and positively with heart weight. The jejunum crypt depth and circular muscle thickness in the H-ATP group were significantly higher than in the L-ATP group, and the villus length, crypt depth, and longitudinal muscle thickness in the H-MDA group were significantly higher than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.01). High ATPase activity and MDA content significantly reduced the jejunum microbial diversity, as indicated by the Chao1 index and observed species, and affected the relative abundance of specific taxa. Among species, the relative abundance of Olsenella umbonata was significantly higher in the H-MDA group than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was significantly lower than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05). In vitro culture experiments confirmed that MDA promoted the proliferation of Olsenella umbonata. Thus, ATPase and SOD activities in the jejunum tissues of Hu sheep are predominantly influenced by congenital factors, and lambs with higher birth weights exhibit lower Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase, and SOD activities. Conclusions The ATPase activity and antioxidant performance of intestinal tissue are closely related to growth performance, heart development, and intestinal tissue morphology. High ATPase activity and MDA content reduced the microbial diversity of intestinal tissue and affect the relative abundance of specific taxa, representing a potential interaction between the host and its intestinal microbiota.

Introduction: As effective growth-promoters and immune-modulators, yeast fermented products have shown positive effects in ruminants. To explore the mechanisms of yeast culture promoting growth and regulating immunity, this study investigated the effects of yeast culture, and β-glucan as one of its main active ingredients, on the growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity and hormonal profile in Mongolian ram lambs. Methods: One hundred and five Mongolian ram lambs were randomly assigned to 3 groups, with 35 replicates in each group. The dietary treatments were: total mixed ration (TMR) as the control group, TMR supplemented with 50-70 g/kg yeast culture (YC) or 75 mg/kg β-glucan. The test period was 137 days. All the sheep were weighed and 6 serum samples were collected in each group on days 0, 30, 60, 90 and 130, respectively. Results: The results showed that both YC and β-glucan could promote the growth performance with increased average daily gain and decreased feed to weight gain ratio. Moreover, these two feed additives facilitated the immune function by selectively increasing the serum levels of lysozyme, IgG, IgM, INF-γ, TNF-α and some interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8); ameliorated the antioxidant capacity with higher total antioxidant capacity and enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase; altered the metabolism-associated hormone levels with higher growth hormone and thyroid hormone T3 but lower cortisol and insulin. Discussion: In conclusion, both YC and β-glucan could improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity, and regulate the serum levels of metabolism-associated hormones, thus exerting effects of promoting growth and improving immune function. Therefore, YC could be considered as a suitable potential alternative strategy to antibiotics and be used as an animal feed additive. This article provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of such yeast fermented preparations in mutton sheep husbandry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of adding different proportions of Zingiber mioga flavonoids to feed on the growth performance, immune function, plasma biochemical indices and antioxidant function of chicks. Ninety seven-day-old chicks with similar physical conditions were randomly divided into three groups, with 10 replicates per group and three chicks per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet, while Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were supplemented with 100, 200 mg/kg of Zingiber mioga flavonoids in the basic diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results showed that from the 1st to the14th day of the experiment, the average daily weight gain of chicks in Group Ⅰ was extremely higher than that of the control group and Group Ⅱ (P<0.01), and the feed to gain ratio was extremely lower than that of the control group and Group Ⅱ (P<0.01). On the 35th day of the experiment, the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ was extremely lower than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the antibody titers against H9 subtype avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the blood were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The activity of plasma catalase (CAT) was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The plasma total protein (TP) content in Group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in the control group and Group Ⅰ (P<0.05). On the 35th day, the thymus index and bursa of fabricius index in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of an appropriate amount of Zingiber mioga flavonoids to the feed of chicks can improve growth performance, immune function, partial plasma biochemical indices and antioxidant function, with a recommended addition of 100 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main active component of Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome is Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide (PsP) with antioxidant function. At present, only the mature rhizome of P. sibiricum is used to extract PsP, while the young rhizome of by-product is discarded directly as waste, resulting in significant wastage of P. sibiricum resources. We used ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents (UAE-DESs) method to extract PsP of young and mature rhizomes, respectively. The extraction rate, structure composition and antioxidant ability of PsP between young and mature rhizomes were compared, so as to provide references for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum resources. The PsP extraction rate (33.88 ± 1.95%) of young rhizome was close to that (45.08 ± 1.92%) of mature rhizomes. The main component (PsP-2) of the PsP in young rhizome contained six kinds of monosaccharides, which belonged to acidic polysaccharides. The above characteristics of the PsP of young rhizome were similar to those of mature rhizome. The PsP of young rhizome also exhibited similar biological activity to that of the mature rhizome, which indicated even more advantages in DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The results of this study support the utility of the young rhizome, consequently helping to avoid unnecessary waste and provide reference for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Artemisia argyi powder on the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, and fecal scores of laying hens. A total of 1 008 Hyline brown laying hens at 35 weeks of age with similar laying rates were randomly divided into three groups, with eight replicates in each group and 42 hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder in the basal diet, respectively. The pretrial period lasted for seven days, and the formal experimental period lasted for 56 days. The results showed that there were no significant differences in laying rate, egg breakage rate, egg weight, average daily feed intake, and feed to egg ratio among the groups (P>0.05). The eggshell thickness in the 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the albumen height and Haugh units in the 2% Artemisia argyi powder group were significantly higher than those in other groups (P<0.05). Dietary 1% and 2% Artemisia argyi powder decreased serum MDA content, increased GSH content and CAT activity of laying hens (P>0.05), had no significant effects on fecal score of laying hens (P>0.05). The study indicates that the addition of 2% Artemisia argyi powder to the diet of laying hens can improve egg quality, enhance antioxidant function to a certain extent, and has no adverse effects on laying rate and feces scoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to intestinal function. However, the specific influence of intestinal ATPase activity and antioxidant function on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the intestinal microbiota in sheep remains unclear. Results: This study analyzed the correlation between ATPase activity and antioxidant function in the jejunum of 92 Hu sheep and their growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, individuals with the highest (H group) and lowest (L group) jejunum MDA content and Na+ K+-ATPase activity were further screened, and the effects of jejunum ATPase activity and MDA content on the morphology and microbial community of sheep intestines were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between jejunum ATPase and SOD activity and the initial weight of Hu sheep (P < 0.01). The H-MDA group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 80 days old and higher body weight (BW) after 80 days. ATPase and SOD activities, and MDA levels correlated significantly and positively with heart weight. The jejunum crypt depth and circular muscle thickness in the H-ATP group were significantly higher than in the L-ATP group, and the villus length, crypt depth, and longitudinal muscle thickness in the H-MDA group were significantly higher than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.01). High ATPase activity and MDA content significantly reduced the jejunum microbial diversity, as indicated by the Chao1 index and observed species, and affected the relative abundance of specific taxa. Among species, the relative abundance of Olsenella umbonata was significantly higher in the H-MDA group than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was significantly lower than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05). In vitro culture experiments confirmed that MDA promoted the proliferation of Olsenella umbonata. Thus, ATPase and SOD activities in the jejunum tissues of Hu sheep are predominantly influenced by congenital factors, and lambs with higher birth weights exhibit lower Na+ K+-ATPase, Ca2+ Mg2+-ATPase, and SOD activities. Conclusions: The ATPase activity and antioxidant performance of intestinal tissue are closely related to growth performance, heart development, and intestinal tissue morphology. High ATPase activity and MDA content reduced the microbial diversity of intestinal tissue and affect the relative abundance of specific taxa, representing a potential interaction between the host and its intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment investigated the effects of probiotic enzyme preparations on the growth performance, intestinal mucosal morphology and antioxidant function of weaned piglets. A total of 200 Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire crossbred weaned piglets with similar body condition were selected and randomly divided into a control group (fed with basal ration), and an experimental group (fed with basal ration + 5% probiotic enzyme preparation), with five replicates set up for each group, each replicate with 20 pigs, and the experimental period was 30 days. The results showed that: in the probiotic enzyme-added group, the final body weight and average daily weight gain increased significantly (P<0.05), and the feed-to-weight ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05); in the probiotic enzyme-added group, the height of ileum, jejunum, and duodenum villi increased significantly (P<0.05), and the depth of crypts be‐ came shallower (P<0.05); the value of villus height/crypt depth increased significantly (P<0.05); in the ex‐ perimental group with the addition of probiotic enzyme preparation, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of malondialdehyde in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the ad‐ dition of probiotic enzyme preparations to weaned piglets' diets could effectively promote their growth, improve the intestinal morphology and structure, and enhance the antioxidant function of weaned piglets' organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-theanine in regulating the intestinal antioxidant of weaned piglets and its underlying mechanism. We found that L-theanine increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of GSH, while decreased the MDA content of weaned piglet jejunum mucosa and H2O2-induced IPEC-J2 cells. In addition, the mRNA expression of SOD1, SOD2, GPx1, CAT, HO-1 and NQO1 was also significantly increased in jejunum mucosa and H2O2-induced IPEC-J2 cells by L-theanine treatment. Furthermore, L-theanine promoted the nuclear Nrf2 expression and decreased the keap1 expression. However, blocking of Nrf2 signaling by ML385 (the Nrf2 inhibitor) repressed the promoting effects of L-theanine on the activities of antioxidative enzymes and the expression of antioxidant related genes, while increased the MDA content and keap1 expression in IPEC-J2 cells. These data provided the first evidence that L-theanine improved intestinal antioxidant ability of weaned piglets by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance, antioxidant function, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1- to 21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 720 1-d-old yellow-feathered male broilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage. The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet (contained 79.6 mg Fe kg–1) supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 160, 320, 640, and 1,280 mg Fe kg–1 in the form of FeSO4·7H2O. Compared with the birds in the control group, birds supplemented with 20 mg Fe kg–1 had higher average daily gain (ADG) (P

ABSTRACT: Selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SSC) as organic selenium (Se) has been shown to have better advantages and is approved for use in animal feed rather than inorganic Se, however, there is little available data on the toxic effects of SSC on poultry. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of high-dose SSC on growth performance, antioxidant status, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and selenoenzyme mRNA expression in chicks. A total of 500, 1-day-old SPF chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 replicates of 10 chicks each. Group 1 served as a control and was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), group 2 was fed the basic diet supplemented with 1.5 mg/kg Se from SS, while groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg Se from SSC, respectively. The results showed that SS and SSC supplementation significantly affected the average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/gain ratio (FCR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with group 2, group 3 exhibited higher GPx and SOD activities, tissue Se concentration, and lower MDA content on d 30, and higher Se concentration, GPx1 mRNA levels in liver and breast muscle and GPx4 mRNA levels in liver and thigh muscle, and lower MDA content on d 60 (P < 0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that high-dose SSC supplementation was positively correlated with AFDI, FCR, MDA content, and tissue Se concentration, and negatively correlated with GPx and SOD activities, T-AOC, GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels in tissues. In conclusion, up to 1.5 mg/kg Se from SSC in diet may be a safe concentration for chicks that exhibited better biological effects than SS, the toxic effects of high-dose SSC supplementation mainly exhibited growth decrease, peroxidation and lipid metabolism disturbance, and became stronger with the increase of dietary Se levels.

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of temperature on growth performance, slaughtering traits, meat quality and antioxidant function of Pekin ducks from 21-42 d of age. Single factor analysis of variance was used in this experiment, 144 21 d-old Pekin ducks were randomly allotted to 4 environmentally controlled chambers: T20 (20°C), T23 (23°C), T26 (26°C) and T29 (29°C), with 3 replicates in each group (12 ducks in each replicate), the relative humidity of all groups is 74%. During the 21-day trial period, feed and water were freely available. At 42 d, the BW (body weight) and ADG (average daily gain) of T26 were significantly lower than T20 (p < 0.05), and the T29 was significantly lower than T20 and T23 (p < 0.05). The ADFI (average daily feed intake) of T26 and T29 were significantly lower than T20 and T23 (p < 0.05). Compared to the T29, the T20 showed a significant increase oblique body length and chest width, and both the keel length and thigh muscle weight significantly increased in both the T20 and T23, while the pectoral muscle weight increased significantly in other groups (p < 0.05). The cooking loss of the T29 was the lowest (p < 0.05). The T-AOC (total antioxidant capacity) of T29 was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05), the SOD (superoxide dismutase) in the T29 was significantly higher than the T23 and T26 (p < 0.05). In conditions of 74% relative humidity, the BW and ADFI of Pekin ducks significantly decrease when the environmental temperature exceeds 26°C, and the development of body size and muscle weight follows this pattern. The growth development and serum redox state of Pekin ducks are more ideal and stable at temperatures of 20°C and 23°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the application of the broad-spectrum antivirus commercial product of "Xue Ting" preparation with active ingredients of green tea polyphenols and fishbone dust in practical culture, the effects on growth, body composition, antioxidant properties and the tissue of digestive organs of juvenile Cyprinus carpio FFRC were examined.180 healthy, uniformly sized Cyprinus carpio FFRC (1.92±0.01) g were randomly divided into the control and experimental groups, with three replicates in each group. The control group was fed with commercial feed, while the experimental group was fed with commercial feed supplemented with 0.8% of compound formulation under the circulating water system for 8 weeks. The results showed that the addition of compound formulation had no effect on the growth, morphology, body composition and serum biochemical parameters of Cyprinus carpio FFRC (P>0.05) but it significantly increased intestinal lipase activity and catalase activity in liver and serum of Cyprinus carpio FFRC (P<0.05). However, there was no effect on liver and serum SOD and MDA activities (P>0.05). Results showed a significant decrease in intestinal muscularis thickness, villus height and a significant increase in villus width (P< 0.05). There were no differences in the morphological structure of the liver between the two groups of Cyprinus carpio FFRC (P>0.05). The above results indicate that the compound formulation has no negative influence on the growth performance of Cyprinus carpio FFRC, and it can improve the digestion and antioxidant capacity of Cyprinus carpio FFRC and can be used as a potential feed addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of different levels of allicin on the lactation performance, milk quality, and antioxidant function of Holstein lactating cows. Fifty healthy second-parity lactating Holstein cows were randomly divided into five treatment groups, with 10 replicates per group and one cow per replicate. Holstein cows in each group were fed diets containing 0 (control group), 100 (Group 1), 200 (Group 2), 400 (Group 3), and 800 mg/kg (Group 4) of allicin, respectively. The preliminary trial lasted for one week, followed by a formal trial period of 60 days. The results showed that, compared to the control group, from 31 to 60 days of the experiment, the average daily dry matter intake, milk yield, and 4% standard milk yield of cows in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05). On the 30th day of the experiment, compared to the control group, the milk fat and milk protein content in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the somatic cell count in milk significantly decreased in all allicin groups ( P<0.05). On the 60th day of the experiment, compared to the control group, the milk fat content in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05), the milk protein content in Group 3 and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the somatic cell count in milk significantly decreased in all allicin groups ( P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the concentrations of TNF- α and IL-6 in the serum of Holstein cows in Group 3 and Group 4 significantly decreased ( P<0.05), while the concentrations of IgA and IgM in the serum of Holstein cows in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the T-AOC and SOD activity in the serum of Holstein cows in Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 significantly increased ( P<0.05), while the concentration of MDA significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The study suggests that feeding an appropriate amount of allicin to Holstein cows can improve lactation performance, enhance milk quality, boost immune function, and increase antioxidant function. Considering various indicators and the cost of farming, the appropriate addition level of allicin is 400 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation with Chinese herbal additives on the serum immunity, cytokines, antioxidant indices, and rectal microbiota in Simmental beef cattle. Using a single-factor randomized block design, 20 healthy Simmental beef cattle with an average age of 12 months and a mean weight of (268.80 ± 4.95) kg were randomly assigned to a control group (CG group) and an experimental group (AG group), with 10 replicates per group and one beef cattle per replicate. The CG group was fed a basal diet, while the AG group received an additional 100 g/(head-day) of Chinese herbal additives on the basis of basal diet. The pre-feeding period lasted for five days, followed by a formal experimental period of 60 days. The results showed that compared to the CG group, the AG group showed an increase of 12.70% and 7.58% in the serum IgA and IL-6 concentrations (P<0.05), the serum T-SOD activity increased by 3.13% (P<0.05), the MDA content decreased by 28.87% (P<0.05), and the T-AOC increased by 1.39% (P>0.05). The Shannon, Chao1, and Ace indices of the intestinal flora of Simmental beef cattle in the AG group increased by 0.17%, 1.51%, and 0.96% compared with the CG group, respectively (P>0.05). In the AG group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia increased by 6.50% and 2.94% (P>0.05), respectively. Compared to the CG group, Firmicutes decreased by 5.94% (P>0.05). The relative abundance of unclassified Bacteroidetes was higher in the AG group (P<0.05), and the relative abundance of Phocaeicola and Alistipes increased by 8.33% and 16.45% (P>0.05), respectively. The study indicates that the addition of Chinese herbal additives can enhance the immune level and antioxidant capacity of Simmental beef cattle, increase the relative abundance of intestinal microbiota, promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and improve the cattle's ability to digest fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of compound nutritional supplements on immune performance and antioxidant function in dogs and cats. Twenty adult healthy Linqing lion cats and twenty adult healthy Chinese garden dogs were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, respectively, with 10 replicates in each group. The experimental group was supplemented with 5 g of compound nutritional supplements mixed with 60 mL of water, while the control group was not supplemented. The trial period lasted for 30 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in the initial weight, final weight, and average daily feed intake of dogs and cats in the experimental group (P>0.05). The average water consumption of the dogs in the experimental group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the average total water intake of the dogs and cats in the experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the average hemoglobin content, average red blood cell volume and globulin content in the blood of cats in the experimental group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The number of blood granulocytes of dogs in the experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum SOD activity and IL-6 content of dogs and cats in the experimental group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum IgD content of cats in the experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The serum IgA and IgG content of dogs in the experimental group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the serum MDA content in the experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the fecal score of cats in the experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that compound nutritional supplements can increase the water intake of dogs and cats, improve antioxidant capacity and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the effect of various levels of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB) on the serum antioxidant function, liver function, lipid metabolism, and serum glucose of Cichlasoma managuense. A total of 240 Cichlasoma managuense with an average weight of (60.30 ± 0.25) g were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates in each group and 20 fish in each replicate. The G0 group (control group), G1 group, G2 group, and G3 group were supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg EGB of in the basic feed. The experimental period lasted for 28 days. The results showed that the activity of T-SOD, GSH-Px and the content of HDL-C in the serum of test fish in the G2 group were higher than those of the control group at 21 days (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of GLU, LDL-C, CHO, TG and MDA and the activity of CAT, ALT and AST in the G2 group were reduced (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of EGB to the feed can regulate blood lipid metabolism and improve the antioxidant capacity of Cichlasoma managuense, which can be used to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia. The optimal EGB dosage is 100 mg/kg for 14~21 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of tetramethyl pyrazine on the growth performance, organ index, blood physiological index and antioxidant function of mice. Seventy-two healthy male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 12 mice each, namely blank (K) group, test group 1, group 2, group 3, grouP 4 and group 5, and acclimatized for 5 d. Mice in the blank group were given 0.2 mL/10 g body weight of 0.8% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution, and the mice in groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were gavaged with 50, 100, 150, 200 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight of tetramethyl pyrazine for 14 d. After the last gavage of tetramethyl pyrazine solution for 24 h, blood was taken from the ophthalmic vein plexus of the mice and subsequently executed, and the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys were collected. The organs were weighed and the organ indices were calculated. Blood physiological parameters were measured; the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in serum were measured, and the biochemical parameters of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The results showed that there was no significant difference in body weight and organ index at the end of the test between each test group and the blank group of mice (P>0.05); compared with the blank group, there were significant differences in the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in test groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 (P<0.05), and the percentage of lymphocytes in test groups 1, 2 and 4 (P<0.05); compared with the blank group, the compared with the blank group, test groups 3 and 4 could significantly reduce the serum ALT activity of mice (P< 0.05); compared with the blank group, test groups 3 and 4 could significantly increase the serum GSH content (P<0.05), test groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 could significantly increase the serum T-SOD content (P< 0.05), test groups 3, 4 and 5 could significantly increase the serum T-AOC content (P<0.05), and the test groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 reduced the increase of MDA in serum (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, test groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 significantly increased GSH and T-SOD levels in liver tissues (P<0.05); test group 3 significantly decreased MDA levels (P<0.05). This shows that tetramethyl pyrazine can significantly improve the anti-coagulant ability and antioxidant capacity of mice, with the most significant effect when administered at 150 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on antioxidant function, immune function and mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction protein in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. A total of 256 one-day-old male AA broiler chickens were divided into four treatments following a 2×2 factorial arrangement with two dietary MCE levels (0 or 400 mg/kg) and two immune treatments (injection of saline or LPS). Each treatment included eight replicates with eight birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 21 days. The results showed that: ① LPS challenge significantly decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities (P<0.05). MCE supplementation significantly increased plasma GSH-Px and T-SOD activities (P<0.05). ② MCE supplementation remarkably increased the level of IgG and reduced the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in plasma (P<0.05). ③ LPS stimulation significantly reduced the mRNA expression of occludin, ZO-1 and ZO-2 in the jejunum (P<0.05). MCE supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of claudin-3, occludin and ZO-2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, MCE supplementation improved the antioxidant function, immune function and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens under LPS challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of VC and bacterial enzyme complex combined with glucose on serum biochemical indexes, immune and antioxidant function of cows with antibiotic poisoning. Twenty cows with antibiotic poisoning, weighing about (250.00±10.23) kg were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with five replicates in each group and two cows in each replicate. The cows in the control group received an intravenous injection of glucose and VC, and the cows in the experimental group received an oral administration of glucose and bacterial enzyme complex for seven days. The results showed that compared with the control group, on the 8th day, the leukocytes, neutrophils, erythrocytes and hemoglobin of cows in the experimental group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the platelets were significantly increased ( P<0.05). The activitiy of ALT and CK, and the concentrations of TBIL, Na, P and BUN in serum significantly decreased ( P<0.05), while the concentrations of ALB and Ca significantly increased ( P<0.05). The concentrations of IgM, IgG, IL-6, IFN-γ, SOD activity and T-AOC in the serum of the cows in the experimental group significantly increased ( P<0.05), while the concentrations of MDA significantly decreased ( P<0.05). On the 8th day of the experiment, there were no significant differences in blood routine, serum biochemistry, antioxidant indexes and immune between the experimental group and healthy cows ( P>0.05). The study indicates that glucose and bacteriase complex treatment can effectively improve the blood routine, serum biochemical, immunity and antioxidant function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of nucleotides on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, immune function of calves. In the same batch of newborn calves, eighty five-day-old calves with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and four calves in each replicate. The calves in control group were fed a basal diet, the calves in experimental group 1, group 2 and group 3 were given 1, 2 and 3 g/(head⋅d) nucleotides. The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of calves in the group 2 and the group 3 were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the incidence of enteritis and pneumonia of calves in the experimental groups was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the WBC of calves in the group 2 and the group 3 was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The HCT of calves in the experimental groups were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The serum ALB concent of calves in the group 1 and the group 2 was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). The serum AST activity of calves in all experimental groups was lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The TNF- α level in the group 2 was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the average profit of each calf in the group 2 and the group 3 increased by 3.95% and 5.21%, respectively. The study indicates that nucleotides can significantly improve the daily gain and health level of calves, enhance the immunity of calves and increase economic efficiency. It is recommended that the suitable dosage of nucleotides should be 2~3 g/(head⋅d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of compound microecological preparations on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical indexes and antioxidant function of meat rabbits. A total of 120 30-day-old New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control group was fed the basal diet, and the three experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.20%, 0.40% and 0.60% of the compound microecological preparation, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the addition of 0.60% of the compound microecological preparation to the diet significantly increased the weight at the end of the test period and the average daily weight gain of the rabbits (P<0.05), and significantly reduced the feed-to-weight ratio of the rabbits during the test period (P<0.05); the addition of 0.60% of the compound microecological preparation to the diet significantly increased the live weight before slaughter, half-eviscerated weight, eviscerated weight of the rabbits (P<0.05); the addition of 0.60% of the compound microecological preparation to the diet significantly increased the level of glutathione peroxidase activity in the se‐ rum of the rabbits (P<0.05). In conclusion, the application of 0.60% dose of compound microecological preparation in the diet can effectively improve the growth performance and slaughter performance of meat rabbits, and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the serum of meat rabbits and improve the antioxidant capacity of the rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis (sc) is generally demonstrated to improve antioxidant and immune functions in mammal. The present study through physiological and transcriptome analysis revealed alterations in muscle metabolisms of triploid crucian carp (Carassius auratus) cultured at different concentrations of S. chinensis diets (sc0, sc0.125%, sc0.25%, sc0.5%, sc1%, sc2%) after 8 weeks. The serum antioxidant enzyme activities analysis showed that dietary S. chinensis could reduce oxidative stress and increase organismic antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the detected results of muscle components presented that the amino acids and two flavor nucleotides of GMP and IMP significantly elevated while muscle crude lipid significantly reduced in S. chinensis feeding groups. In addition, springiness, chewiness, and fiber density in S. chinensis feeding groups muscle were significantly upregulated while muscle fiber diameter and area showed an opposite trend. By comparative transcriptome analysis of the muscles, functional enrichments of differentially expressed genes showed that multiple terms were related to purine metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and peroxisome. Finally, some key hub genes such as egln, gst, ggct, su1b, pi3kr4, myh9, lpl, gcdh, mylk, and col4a were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Taken together, our findings facilitate the understanding of the molecular basis underlying the muscle quality effect of dietary S. chinensis in triploid crucian carp, which provides valuable insights into the nutritional strategies of the aquaculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: As one of the indispensable trace elements for both humans and animals, selenium widely participates in multiple physiological processes and facilitates strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune enhancing abilities. The biological functions of selenium are primarily driven by its presence in selenoproteins as a form of selenocysteine. Broilers are highly sensitive to selenium intake. Recent reports have demonstrated that selenium deficiency can adversely affect the quality of skeletal muscles and the economic value of broilers; the regulatory roles of several key selenoproteins (e.g., GPX1, GPX4, TXNRD1, TXNRD3, SelK, SelT, and SelW) have been identified. Starting from the selenium metabolism and its biological utilization in the skeletal muscle, the effect of the selenium antioxidant function on broiler meat quality is discussed in detail. The progress of research into the prevention of skeletal muscle injury by selenium and selenoproteins is also summarized. The findings emphasize the necessity of in vivo and in vitro research, and certain mechanism problems are identified, which aids their further examination. This mini-review will be helpful to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of regulatory mechanisms of selenium nutrition in edible poultry.

This study simulated the effects of direct predatory pressure, indirect predatory pressure, and conspecific injury signals on sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) to determine changes in the activity of immune defense enzymes (lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) and antioxidant stress enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde). Samples of sea cucumber juveniles were collected at 3 h, 12 h, 72 h, and 96 h post predatory stress, and six enzymes related to immune defense and antioxidant stress were selected for activity assays, namely, lysozyme (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicate that under direct predatory pressure, the activity of catalase in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 3 h (P < 0.05), while the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and catalase were significantly lower at 72 h (P < 0.05). Under indirect predatory pressure, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 h (P < 0.05), the activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05), the activity of catalase was significantly lower at 72 h, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 72 h (P < 0.05). Under the influence of conspecific injury signals, the activity of malondialdehyde in sea cucumbers was significantly higher than that of the control group at 12 h (P < 0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly higher at 96 h (P < 0.05). The sea cucumber enhanced its antioxidant capacity 3 h after facing a predator, while its immune defense mechanism was suppressed at 72 h. When facing indirect predatory pressure, the sea cucumber may have made immune and antioxidant preparations for the arrival of unknown risks. The experimental results show that predatory pressure has a significant impact on the immune and antioxidant functions of sea cucumbers, which may be related to the physiological state and environmental adaptability of the sea cucumber. This study provides a new perspective for understanding how sea cucumbers cope with predatory pressure in the natural environment and offers theoretical support for the cultivation management of sea cucumbers.

The main active component of Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome is Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide (PsP) with antioxidant function. At present, only the mature rhizome of P. sibiricum is used to extract PsP, while the young rhizome of by-product is discarded directly as waste, resulting in significant wastage of P. sibiricum resources. We used ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents (UAE-DESs) method to extract PsP of young and mature rhizomes, respectively. The extraction rate, structure composition and antioxidant ability of PsP between young and mature rhizomes were compared, so as to provide references for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum resources. The PsP extraction rate (33.88 ± 1.95%) of young rhizome was close to that (45.08 ± 1.92%) of mature rhizomes. The main component (PsP-2) of the PsP in young rhizome contained six kinds of monosaccharides, which belonged to acidic polysaccharides. The above characteristics of the PsP of young rhizome were similar to those of mature rhizome. The PsP of young rhizome also exhibited similar biological activity to that of the mature rhizome, which indicated even more advantages in DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The results of this study support the utility of the young rhizome, consequently helping to avoid unnecessary waste and provide reference for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum.

ABSTRACT Gut microbiota plays an important role in animal health, production and diseases. Little is known about whether heat stress alters the composition of quail gut microbiota; therefore, we studied the effects of heat stress on growth performance, antioxidant functions, heat shock proteins and caecal microbiota. Two groups of 40 (20-day-old) quails were set up, including a control reared at 24 ± 2°C and a heat stress group subjected to heat stress at 36 ± 2°C for 4 h per day for 7 consecutive days. We found that heat stress significantly elevated the relative expression levels of HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA in the thymus, bursa and spleen by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay, indicating successful establishment of the experimental model. Heat stress was found to have an effect on gut microbiota composition. At the genus level, Alistipes were significantly increased in the heat stress group. PICRUSt2 function prediction revealed that most of the KEGG pathways with high temperature-induced abundance differences are metabolism-related. These data indicated that heat stress reduced the production performance of quails by affecting antioxidant functions, as well as the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota. The results of this study provide technical information for conducting research on heat stress prevention and control techniques in quails.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of aging diet supplemented with the new compound antioxidants on growth performance and antioxidant function of meat ducks. A total of 400 one-day-old Cherry Valley ducks were randomly divided into 2 groups with 4 replicates per group and 50 ducks per replicate. The control group were fed the basal diet composed with aging diet, and the treatment group were fed the basal diet composed with aging diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg com‐ pound antioxidants. This experiment lasted for 40 days. The results showed that: ① the treatment group could significantly increase the average daily gain (ADG) of meat ducks aged 1 to 40 days (P<0.05) and significantly decrease the feed/gain (F/G) compared with the control group of meat ducks aged 1 to 40 days and 15 to 40 days（P<0.05), however, there was no significantly effects on ADG、average daily feed intake (ADFI) and F/G between the two groups during the 1 to 14 days (P>0.05). ②Com‐ pared with the control group, the serum and the liver SOD activity and GSH-Px activity of the treatment group were significantly increased(P< 0.05); and the kidney GSH-Px activity, the heart CAT activity and SOD activity were significantly increased (P<0.05); however, the MDA contents of the kidney, heart and chest muscle were signifi‐ cantly decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, aging diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg the new compound antioxidants can improve the growth performance to a certain extent and improve the antioxidant function of meat ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide (PsP) with antioxidant function is the main active component of Polygonatum sibiricum (P.sibiricum). The currently poor extraction yield and extraction methods of PsP cannot meet the application of that in food industrial production. In this research, an ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents (UAE-DESs) method, which has never been used in the PsP industry, was first used to extract PsP. The extraction conditions were optimized by the response surface method (RSM). Both the extraction yield and antioxidant function were simultaneously considered during the optimization process. The indicators of PsP's level and antioxidant activity in vitro were used to present the extraction yield of the UAE-DESs method, the purity, and the antioxidant effect of PsP. Under the optimal conditions, which included a liquid–solid ratio of 26:1 (mL:g), extraction temperature of 80 °C, ultrasonic time of 51 min, and ultrasonic power of 82 W, the PsP extraction yield could reach (43.61 ± 0.09)%, which was obviously higher than single DESs (33.81%) and UAE (5.83%), respectively, and the PsP appeared favorably antioxidant function. This research proposed an efficient extraction method for PsP, filled the basic research gap, and further improved the development of PsP as a dietary supplement with antioxidant function in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different selenium sources in parent pigeons diet on immune performance, antioxidant function and intestinal morphology of squabs. A total of 384 healthy one-day-old young pigeons with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and 16 young pigeons in each replicate. They were fed by the parent pigeons in a '2+4' pattern. Pigeons in control group (C group) were fed with basal diet, and pigeons in experimental groups were fed with basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS group), yeast selenium (SY group) and nano-selenium (NS group), respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 d. The results showed that compared with group C, the ileal sIgA content of squabs in different selenium source groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and serum IgA content of squabs in SY group and NS group was significantly increased ( P<0.05). Compared with C group, serum T-SOD activity of squabs in different selenium source groups was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and MDA content was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Serum LDH activity of squabs in NS group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum GSH-Px activity of squabs in SY group and NS group was significantly increased ( P<0.05). Compared with C group, T-SOD activity in ileal of squabs in different selenium source groups was significantly increased ( P<0.05). T-AOC in ileal of squabs in NS group was significantly increased ( P<0.05). Activity of GSH-Px and GPX2 in ileum of squabs in SY group and NS group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), while MDA content was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with control group, the villus height in ileum of squabs in SS group and NS group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the crypt depth of squabs in SY group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the feather crypt ratio of squabs in different selenium source groups was significantly increased ( P<0.05). The intestinal villi of control group were dysplasia, and the intestinal villi of experimental groups were well developed. The study indicates that supplementation of different selenium sources can improve the immune performance and antioxidant function and regulate the intestinal morphology of squabs, and the effect of yeast selenium and nano-selenium are relatively better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C. nudiflora is notably rich in flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides, making it a significant natural source of antioxidants. We examined the effects of C. nudiflora aqueous extract (CNE) on growth performance, antioxidant function, immunity, intestinal barrier function, nutrient transporters, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: a basal diet with 0 (control, CON), 300 mg/kg (CNEL), 500 mg/kg (CNEM), and 700 mg/kg (CNEH) CNE for 42 days. CNEL and CNEM groups quadratically increased body weight and average daily gain but decreased feed-to-gain ratios during the starter and whole phases. Regarding the immune response of broilers, CNE treatment linearly down-regulated jejunal myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ expression in the liver (d 21), while decreasing jejunal IL-1β expression and the concentration of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (d 42). The CNEM and CNEH groups had lower MyD88 and nuclear factor kappa B expression in the liver (d 21) compared to the CON group. Broilers in the CNEL and CNEM groups had higher spleen index and thymus index (d 21) and interleukin-10 expression from the liver and jejunal mucosa (d 42) than that in the CON group. For the antioxidant capacity of broilers, CNE treatment linearly decreased the content of malonaldehyde and increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity in serum (d 42). CNEM and CNEH groups linearly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in serum and heme oxygenase-1 expression in the liver, while increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum, jejunal nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 expression in the liver (d 42). As for the growth hormone of broilers, CNEM group increased the level of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and up-regulated jejunal glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) expression (d 21). Broilers in the CNEM and CNEH groups had higher jejunal GLP-2 expression and growth hormone (GH) expression in the liver and the level of serum GH (d 42) than that in the CON group. Additionally, the villus height and jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 expression in the CNEM group increased. CNE-containing diets resulted in a linear increase in the expression of jejunal zonula occluden-1 (d 21), villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal Occludin, excitatory amino acid transporters-3, and peptide-transporter 1 (d 42). The regulation of Oscillospira, Ruminococcaceae_Ruminococcus, and Butyricicoccus genera indicated that CNEH altered the composition of the cecal microbiota. In general, supplementing broilers with C. nudiflora aqueous extract could boost hormones, immune and antioxidant function, and gut health, improving their growth performance. Hence, CNE was a promising poultry feed additive, with 500 mg/kg appearing to be the optimal dose.

IntroductionHoneycomb is a traditional natural health medicine and has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor activities. It is currently unclear whether honeycomb extract supplementation has positive effects on the intensive farming laying duck production. This study aims to evaluate the effects of honeycomb extracts on the laying performance, egg nutritional and flavor quality, serum biochemical indexes, and antioxidant and immune status in laying ducks.MethodsA total of 672 healthy 28-week-old Shanma laying ducks with similar laying performance and body weight were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 28 birds. The birds in each treatment were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group), 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg honeycomb extracts, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for 45 days. Laying performance, egg quality, egg nutrition and flavor quality, serum parameters were assessed.ResultsThe results showed that compared with the control group, honeycomb extracts addition significantly increased the average daily feed intake but did not affect the other laying performance indexes, egg quality or serum biochemical indexes of laying ducks. Dietary supplementation with honeycomb extracts significantly increased crude protein content and decreased the contents of cholesterol and trimethylamine in eggs. Diets supplemented with 1.5 g/kg honeycomb extracts significantly improved egg total amino acids and flavor amino acids contents, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids composition and enhanced the serum antioxidant activity and immune functions of ducks.DiscussionDuck eggs are rich in nutrients and a valuable source of high-quality food for human, while they are rarely consumed directly by consumers because of their stronger fishy odor and lower sensory quality. Many studies have showed that the influence of dietary supplementation on egg components. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with honeycomb extracts positively reduced the contents of egg cholesterol and trimethylamine, improve egg amino acids contents and fatty acid profiles, enhanced serum antioxidant and immune status of laying ducks. The recommended supplemental level of honeycomb extracts was 1.5 g/kg in the diet of laying ducks.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melittin on production performance, antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of heat-stressed quails. A total of 120 (30-day-old) male quails were randomly divided into 3 groups. Each group consisted of 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The ambient temperature of the control group (group W) was 24°C ± 2°C. The heat stress group (group WH) and the heat stress + melittin group (group WHA2) were subjected to heat stress for 4 h from 12:00 to 16:00 every day, and the temperature was 36°C ± 2°C for 10 d. The results showed that compared with the group W, heat stress significantly decreased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), and cecal microbiota Chao and ACE index (P < 0.05). The crypt depth (CD) in the small intestine, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Dietary melittin significantly increased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal VH and VH/CD, and cecal microbiota Shannon index in heat-stressed quails (P < 0.05). Melittin significantly decreased small intestinal CD, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the viscera (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary melittin could have balanced the disorder of cecal microbiota caused by heat stress and increased the abundance and diversity of beneficial microbiota (e.g., Firmicutes were significantly increased). PICRUSt2 functional prediction revealed that most of the KEGG pathways with differential abundance caused by high temperature were related to metabolism, and melittin could have restored them close to normal levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the beneficial intestinal bacteria Anaerotruncus, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Shuttleworthia, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 increased by melittin were positively correlated with average daily feed intake, the average daily gain, serum and liver superoxide dismutase, IgG, IgA, bursa of Fabricius index, and ileum VH and VH/CD. In sum, our results demonstrate for the first time that dietary melittin could improve the adverse effects of heat stress on antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in quails, consequently improving their production performance under heat stress.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different supplemental levels of betaine on growth characteristics, biochemical indices and antioxidant function in serum of small tail Han sheep in summer. Thirty- six small tail Han sheep lambs (three months old) were randomly divided into four groups with nine sheep in each group. Sheep in control group, group one, two and three were provided with 0, 2, 4 and 6 g betaine every day respectively. The pre-trial period was 7 days and the formal trial period was 42 days. Growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and antioxidant function were mea⁃ sured in this experiment. The results showed as follows: ① compared with the control group, the average daily gain (ADG) of group two was significantly increased (P<0.05) and the feed to gain ratio (F/G) was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ② Compared with the control group, the serum urea nitrogen (BUN) of group one was significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum total cholesterol (TC) and albumin (ALB) of group two significantly increased (P<0.05). Serum triacylglycerol (TG) of group three was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and its lactate dehydro⁃ genase (LDH) was increased significantly(P<0.05). Serum magnesium (Mg) of groups one, two and three was significantly increased (P<0.05). Beta⁃ ine had no significant effect on serum biochemical indices such as serum protein (P>0.05). ③ Compared with the control group, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of group one and group two were significantly increased (P<0.05), and serum malondi⁃ aldehyde (MDA) content of groups one, two and three was significantly decreased (P<0.05). This showed that the addition of 2 g/d betaine in the diet ration improved the growth performance, regulated fat metab⁃ olism and improved serum antioxidant capacity of small tail Han sheep in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the combination effects of hesperidin and rosmarinic acid on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and antioxidant function in broilers. [Methods]Two hundred one-day-old Arbor Acres(AA)male chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups with 5 replicates per group and 10 chicks per replicate. Broilers in the control(Con)group were fed a basal diet. Hesperidin(Hes)group chicks were fed a basal diet supplemented with 60 mg·kg-1 hesperidin. Rosmarinic acid(RosA)group chicks were fed a basal diet supplemented with 30 mg·kg-1 rosmarinic acid. Hes+RosA(Hes+RosA)group chicks were fed a basal diet supplemented with 30 mg·kg-1 hesperidin and 15 mg·kg-1 rosmarinic acid. The experiment lasted for 42 days, 1-21 days for the early stage, and 22-42 days for the late stage. On day 42 of the trial period, two broilers with close to average body weight were slaughtered for sampling in each replicate. [Results]Compared with the Con group, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake at 1 to 21 days of age and 1 to 42 days of age, and average daily gain at 22 to 42 days of age increased in Hes+RosA group(P<0.05). Compared with the Con group, Hes+RosA treatment increased the slaughter rate and breast muscle yield of broilers(P<0.05), decreased the brightness(L*)value, yellowness(b*)value, cooking loss and shear force value of breast muscle at 24 h postmortem(P<0.05), but muscle nutrient composition was not significantly changed(P>0.05). Compared with the Con group, Hes+RosA treatment increased the total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)activity in breast muscle, decreased the content of muscle malondialdehyde(MDA), and up-regulated the relative mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 gene(Nrf2), NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1 gene(NQO1), and superoxide dismutase gene(SOD)in breast muscle(P<0.05). [Conclusions]The combination of hesperidin and rosmarinic acid improved the growth performance and slaughter performance of broilers, and enhanced the quality of breast muscle and the antioxidant capacity of breast muscle. The beneficial effect is better than that of hesperidin or rosmarinic acid alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary lipoic acid on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and slaughter performance of Ross 308 broilers. A total of 160 one-day-old healthy broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate. The broilers in control group were fed with basic diet, and the test groups added 300, 500 and 700 mg/kg lipoic acid in basic diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 6 w. The results showed that there was no significant difference in average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed to gain of broilers in experimental group compared with control group (P>0.05). The total protein content and triglyceride content of broilers in 500 mg/kg group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05), high density lipoprotein cholesterol content was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The activity of glutathione peroxidase and total superoxide dismutase of broilers in 500 mg/kg group and 700 mg/kg group were significantly higher than those in control group, the content of malondialdehyde were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding 500 mg/kg lipoic acid in diet can improve antioxidant function of broilers, improve lipid metabolism and production performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the effect of the combined fermentation of different strains on the antioxidant function of apple enzyme, the process of preparing apple enzyme by combination fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus plantarum) and the antioxidant function of enzyme were studied. Taking Shaanxi Luochuan Fuji apple as the main raw material, the preparation process of apple enzyme was optimized by single factor and response surface experiments with superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total acid content as evaluation indexes and the antioxidant function of enzyme was preliminarily tested. The key parameters of the optimal preparation process of apple enzyme were as follows: after addition of 5, 5% w/v sucrose to apple juice and adjusting the pH of apple juice to 4. 5, the fermentation was carried out by inoculating 1% v/v of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 29 ℃, and the SOD activity of apple juice reached the peak value of 149. 322. 58 U/mL after 20 h of fermentation. Then the pH of the fermentation broth was adjusted to 6. 2, and 1% v/v of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was inoculated to continue fermentation at 37 °C for 23 h. The prepared apple enzyme SOD activity was 158. 54 1.32 U/mL, the concentration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 7. 660. 20 lg CFU/mL. the concentration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was 6. 470. 14 1g CFU/mL, and the total acid content was 3.980. 34 g/L. Compared with the control group (unfermented apple juice). the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, iron ion reducing power and total phenol content of apple enzyme increased by 90. 70%.77.78% and 93. 23%, respectively, showing good antioxidant activity. The above results showed that segmentation fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus could improve the antioxidant function of apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia stress and nitrite stress can induce immune depression and oxidative stress in Litopenaeus vannami (L. vannamei). Earlier reports showed that L. vannamei immunity, resistance to ammonia stress, and resistance to nitrite stress improved after Tian–Dong–Tang–Gan Powder (TDTGP) treatment, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, three thousand L. vannamei were fed different doses of TDTGP for 35 days and then subjected to ammonia and nitrite stress treatments for 72 h. Transcriptome and 16-Seq ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (16S rRNA-seq) were used to analyze hepatopancreas gene expression and changes in gut microbiota abundance in each group. The results showed that after TDTGP treatment, hepatopancreas mRNA expression levels of immunity- and antioxidant-related genes were increased, the abundance of Vibrionaceae in the gut microbiota was decreased, and the abundance of Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae was increased. In addition, after TDTGP treatment, the effects of ammonia and nitrite stress on the mRNA expression of Pu, cat-4, PPAF2, HO, Hsp90b1, etc. were reduced and the disruption of the gut microbiota was alleviated. In short, TDTGP can regulate the immunity and antioxidant of L. vannamei by increasing the expression levels of immunity- and antioxidant-related genes and regulating the abundance of Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae in the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of AMP on growth performance, serum antioxidant, immune and intestinal microorganisms of Gushi chickens. A total of 200 Gushi chickens were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 10 chickens in each replicate. The control group was basal diet, and the chickens in experimental groups were fed with basal diet supplemented with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg AMP, respectively. The pre-feeding period lasted for 5 d, and the formal experiment lasted for 60 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the final weight and average daily gain of Gushi chickens in experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake of Gushi chickens in 200 mg/kg group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, serum T-AOC in 200 mg/kg group was significantly increased (P<0.05), serum GSH-Px activity in experimental groups was significantly increased (P<0.05), and MDA content was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the content of IgG, IgA and IL-10 in experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum IL-2 content in 200 mg/kg group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the number of E. coli of cecum in experimental groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the number of Lactobacillus of cecum in 200 mg/kg group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the number of Salmonella was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The number of Streptococcus cecum in 100 mg/kg group and 200 mg/kg group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that AMP can improve growth performance, immune and antioxidant capacity, improve intestinal flora structure of Gushi chickens, it is recommended to add 200 mg/kg AMP to diet of Gushi chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of acidifiers on egg laying performance, egg quality, blood biochemical, antioxidant and immune indicators of Jinling white duck during late laying period. A total of four hundred and thirty-two 392-day-old Jinling white ducks were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and 18 ducks in each replicate. The ducks in control group were fed with a basic diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20% acidifiers in basic diet, respectively. The trial period was 75 d, pre-trial period was 15 d, and formal trial period was 60 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily egg production rate of Jinling white ducks in group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05), the number of dead eggs, egg breaking rate and feed to egg ratio of Jinling white ducks in group 3 were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the eggshell strength and eggshell thickness of group 3 were significantly increased (P<0.05), the organic matter content in Jinling white duck feces was extremely reduced ( P<0.01), the serum HDL content significantly decreased (P<0.05), the serum T-AOC, GSH-Px, CAT activity significantly increased (P<0.05), MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05), serum IgA, IgM, TNF- α, IFN- γ, IL-2 content significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that acidifiers can reduce feed to egg ratio, reduce the rate of abnormal eggs and dead eggs, improve egg production performance, egg quality and the body's antioxidant and immune ability of Jinling white ducks, adding 0.2% acidifier has better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary Bifidobacterium on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and intestinal function of broilers. A total of 10 000 AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 500 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with a basal diet, and broilers in experimental groups were fed with basal diet supplemented with 500, 750 and 1 000 mg/kg Bifidobacterium, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that from 1 to 42 d, the average daily gain of broilers in 750 mg/kg group and 1 000 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that in control group, and the feed to gain ratio of broilers in 750 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The serum IgA and IgM content of broilers in 1 000 mg/kg group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and the serum IL-1 content of broilers in 1 000 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 content of broilers in 750 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Serum T-AOC of broilers in 1 000 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The serum SOD activity of broilers in experimental groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Serum MDA content of broilers in 750 mg/kg group and 1 000 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The ileum VH and CD of experimental groups were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The intestinal Escherichia coli and Salmonella numbers of broilers in experimental groups were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding Bifidobacterium to diet can significantly improve the performance and health level of broilers, and the suitable addition of Bifidobacterium is 750 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) on the immune and antioxidation functions of immunosuppressed mice. The control group received distilled water orally and the model and experimental groups I, II, and III received 0, 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg HEP respectively for a fortnight after re-molding with cyoclphosphnalide (CTX). Compared with the control group, the secretion of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, the activity or content of T-AOC, T-SOD, and GSH-PX, and the expression of PCNA mRNA in the thymus and spleen were reduced in immunosuppressed mice (P < .05 or P < .01). Compared with immunosuppressed mice, the levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, and GSH-PX and the PCNA mRNA expression of spleen and thymus were increased (P < .05 or P < .01), and the microstructure were also obviously improved in the experimental group III. Overall, 320 mg/kg of HEP significantly improved the immune and antioxidant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]