Effect of hops β-acids (Humulus lupulus) on performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens

To evaluate a novel feed additive, hops β-acids, a pen trial using 1,440 one-day-old broiler chickens, in a randomized design with 6 treatments and 6 replicates of 40 birds/pen, was conducted. The experimental treatments were a negative control (NC) basal diet, a positive control (PC) basal diet supplemented with zinc 30 mg/kg of bacitracin, and 4 additional treatments consisting of the basal diet supplemented with 30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg of hops β-acids in a microencapsulated form. All birds were vaccinated against coccidiosis by eye drops. Productive performance, jejunum morphology, andClostridium spp. count in jejunum and cecum contents were evaluated. At 21 d of age, the birds fed the PC, 30, or 60 mg/kg of β-acids had the same weight gain of those fed the NC, whereas the highest level of β-acids decreased the gain. In addition, feed intake was decreased and FCR was improved in all treatments when compared with the NC. At 42 d, compared with the NC, the treatments containing 30 or 240 mg/kg of β-acids and the PC resulted in improved FCR. No differences were found for other performance variables. No difference was observed among the treatments on villus length, crypt depth, and villus-to-crypt ratio. Except for one sample, all others had negative results forClostridium spp. based on the methodology of sulphite reduction. In this study, we demonstrated positive effects of supplementation of hops β-acids on productive performance of broilers, and the best results were obtained with addition of 30 mg/kg.     

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides and fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs

A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.     

日粮中添加辣诺素对海兰褐蛋鸡产蛋性能和蛋品质的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮中添加辣诺素（辣木和诺丽果的提取物）对蛋鸡生产性能及蛋品质的影响。将产蛋高峰期（22周龄）的海兰褐商品蛋鸡540只随机分为6个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复15只鸡。负对照组（NC）饲喂基础日粮,正对照组（PC）饲喂添加50 mg/kg杆菌肽锌的基础日粮,4个试验组分别饲喂添加0.25、0.50、0.75和1.00 g/kg辣诺素（LNS）的基础日粮。试验期24周。结果显示：①日粮处理对蛋鸡试验前期和后期生产性能均无显著影响（P>0.05）,试验后期添加0.50和0.75 g/kg辣诺素有改善料蛋比的趋势（P=0.087）;日粮处理对试验前期和后期鸡蛋蛋形指数、蛋壳强度、蛋壳厚度、蛋黄重和哈氏单位均无显著影响（P>0.05）,但日粮中添加杆菌肽锌和辣诺素有提高蛋壳强度的趋势（P=0.062）,其中以添加0.75g/kg辣诺素组鸡蛋强度最高。②与正、负对照组相比,添加辣诺素显著增加了生蛋黄和熟蛋黄的罗氏蛋黄色比率（P<0.05）,显著降低了蛋黄胆固醇的含量（0.25 LNS组除外）（P<0.05）。③与负对照组相比,添加0.50 g/kg辣诺素显著提高了鸡蛋总黄酮、二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）、卵磷脂、亚麻酸和亚油酸含量（P<0.05）。综合以上试验结果,辣诺素作为饲料添加剂具有提高鸡蛋营养品质的功能,考虑到添加成本,产蛋鸡日粮中添加0.25~0.50 g/kg为宜。     

Comparative efficacy of a phytogenic feed additive and an antibiotic growth promoter on production performance,caecal microbial population and humoral immune response of broiler chickens inoculated with enteric pathogens

The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy of a commercially available phytogenic feed additive(PFA) and an antibiotic growth promoter, which was bacitracin methylene disalicylate(BMD), on performance, nutrient retention, caecal colonization of bacteria and humoral immune responses against Newcastle disease in broiler chickens challenged orally with Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli.One-day-old male Cobb 400 broiler chicks(n = 120) were fed with 1) a negative control(NC) diet, which is the basal diet without any added growth promoter, 2) a positive control(PC) diet, the basal diet supplemented with BMD, 500 mg/kg and 3) a diet supplemented with PFA(150 mg/kg) for 39 days and the birds were inoculated with S. enteritidis and E. coli on d 28. Supplementation of PFA improved body weight, feed conversion ratio, retention of N and crude fiber, increased fecal moisture content and decreased digesta transit time as compared with the NC and PC groups(P 0.01). Both the PC and the PFA was found to be equally effective in controlling the surge in numbers of Salmonella and E. coli following oral inoculation of these bacteria as compared with the NC group(P 0.05) at 24 h past inoculation. Caecal content analysis on d 39 indicated lower numbers of Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium in the PC and PFA groups as compared with the NC group(P 0.05). The number of Lactobacillus in the PFA group was higher than those in the NC and PC groups(P 0.05). Humoral immune response,measured as hemagglutination inhibition titer against Newcastle disease, was better in the PC and PFA groups compared with the NC group(P 0.05) at d 21 but the difference did not last till d 39. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was narrower(P 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase activity was higher(P 0.01) in the PFA group as compared with the NC and PC groups on d 39. It was concluded that the PFA, which is animal, environment and consumer friendly, may be used as an effective replacement for common in-feed antibiotics like BMD to enhance broiler performance especially when the birds are exposed to heavy infections on fields.     

A multi-microbe probiotic formulation processed at low and high drying temperatures: effects on growth performance,nutrient retention and caecal microbiology of broilers

1. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate a multi-microbe probiotic formulation processed at low (LT) or high (HT) drying temperature.

2. In both the experiments, 640 d-old Ross male chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatments on the basis of initial BW for 35 d experiments.

3. In experiment one, dietary treatments were a negative control (NC; basal diet without any antimicrobial); positive control (PC; basal diet +10?mg/kg avilamycin); basal diet with 0·3% probiotic LT; and basal diet with 0·3% probiotic HT.

4. Improved overall weight gain, FCR and retention of CP were observed in birds fed the PC and probiotic diets when compared with birds fed the NC diet. At d 21, birds fed the probiotic and NC diets had more caecal Bifidobacterium and total anaerobes than birds fed the PC diet; while birds fed the PC and probiotic diets had fewer caecal Clostridium than birds fed the NC diet at d 35.

5. In experiment two, a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed to evaluate the effects of two concentrations of probiotic HT (0·30 or 0·60%) and avilamycin (0 or 10?mg/kg).

6. Birds fed the 0·60% probiotic HT diet showed improved overall weight gain and CP retention, higher Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecum, and reduced Clostridium and coliforms in the caecum. Inclusion of avilamycin improved the overall weight gain and feed intake, and reduced the caecal Clostridium and Bifidobacterium population.

7. In conclusion, high drying temperature had no effect on the efficacy of the multi-microbe probiotic formulation; while the probiotic HT formulation was more effective at the 0·60% level. Moreover, inclusion of avilamycin improved performance of birds but did not have any interaction with probiotics.     

Effects of essential oil supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance,intestinal morphology and microflora,immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs

A total of 144 weaned piglets were used to evaluate the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs. Pigs received a low‐energy diet (negative control, NC, digestible energy = 3250 kcal/kg), NC plus 0.025% EO or a positive control diet (PC, digestible energy = 3400 kcal/kg) for 28 days. Growth performance was similar between the EO group and PC group. However, EO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Greater (P < 0.05) villus height and lower (P < 0.05) counts of Escherichia coli and total anaerobes in the rectum in the EO group were observed compared with NC or PC groups. Pigs fed EO diet had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and total antioxidant capacity and lower fecal score than pigs fed the PC and NC diets. Above all, this study indicates that supplementation of EO to a low‐energy pig diet has beneficial results and obtains similar performance compared with normal energy (PC) diet.     

Performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles‐containing diets supplemented with phytase and multi‐carbohydrase

Effect of supplementing wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS)‐containing diet with enzymes on nutrient utilization by growing pigs was evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 60 pigs weighing ~30 kg were fed five diets that included a corn‐based diet (Control), Control with 10% wheat DDGS (DDGS‐PC), DDGS‐PC without inorganic P source (DDGS‐NC), and DDGS‐NC plus phytase alone or with multi‐carbohydrase for 4 weeks to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F). In Experiment 2, 30 barrows weighing 22 kg were fed five diets fed in Experiment 1 to determine nutrient digestibility and retention. Pigs fed DDGS‐PC and Control diets had similar ADG and G:F. The ADG and G:F for DDGS‐PC diet were higher (P < 0.05) than those for DDGS‐NC diet. Phytase improved (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, total tract P digestibility and P retention by 6.6, 8.7, 86.0 and 85.5%, respectively. Addition of multi‐carbohydrase to phytase‐supplemented diet did not affected growth performance, but reduced (P < 0.05) P retention. In conclusion, inclusion of 10% wheat DDGS in growing pig diet may not affect growth performance of growing pigs. Phytase supplementation to wheat DDGS‐containing diet can eliminate the need for inorganic P supplement in pig diets.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of fermented Ginkgo biloba L. residues on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets

This study evaluated the effects of fermented Ginkgo biloba L. residues (FGBLR) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets. Pigs were allotted to five dietary treatments, including negative control (NC: antibiotic free basal diet), positive control (PC) (NC + 30 mg apramycin/kg) and FGBLR‐50, 100, 150 (NC + 50, 100, 150 g FGBLR/kg). Pigs in FGBLR‐100 and PC treatments showed increased final body weight, average daily gain, gain:feed and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, N and gross energy (P < 0.05) compared with NC, FGBLR‐50 and FGBLR‐150 treatments, In addition, pigs fed with FGBLR‐100 diet showed higher serum total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, hemoglobin, total iron, total iron binding capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione superoxide dismutase levels, and lower serum blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminase, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels than those fed with PC and NC diets (P < 0.05). Moreover, feeding FGBLR‐100 could increase levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA and IgM, as well as lymphocyte transformation rates, ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells and proportions of CD2+, CD4+, B, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I and MHC‐II cells, and can decrease proportion of CD8+ cells in blood of piglets compared with PC and NC groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 10% of FGBLR showed greatest beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets, which were superior to antibiotic supplemental diets.     

Effect of supplementation of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology of broilers

The present study investigated the effect of inclusion of multi-microbe probiotic product on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, cecal microbiota and small intestinal morphology in broilers. Four hundred days-old Ross chicks were randomly allotted to five treatments on the basis of body weight (BW). Each treatment had four replicates of 20 chicks in each. Experimental diets were fed in two phases, starter (day 0-21) and finisher (day 22-35). Dietary treatments were; basal diet without any antimicrobial (NC), basal diet added with 20 mg Avilamycin/kg of diet (PC), 10(7) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P1), 10(8) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P2), and 10(9) cfu multi-microbe probiotic/kg of diet (P3). Overall BW gain and feed conversion ratio were better (p < 0.05) for treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC and P1, with P1 being better (p < 0.05) than NC. Overall feed intake in treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 were greater (p < 0.05) than NC. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein were greater (p < 0.05) in treatments PC, P2 and P3 compared with NC, with P1 being intermediate and not different form NC, PC, P2 and P3. At d 21 and 35, treatments PC, P1, P2 and P3 showed lower (p < 0.05) cecal Clostridium and Coliforms count in relation to NC. Moreover, cecal Clostridium (d 21) and Coliforms (d 21 and 35) count were lower (p < 0.05) in treatment PC in relation to P1; with P2 and P3 being intermediate and not different from PC. However, there was no effect of dietary treatments on cecal total anaerobic bacteria and Bifidobacterium spp. count. The villus height of duodenum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than NC, with P1, P2 and P3 being intermediate. Villus height of ileum in treatment PC was greater (p < 0.05) than in treatments P1 and NC, whereas it remained comparable among treatments PC, P2 and P3. Villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum was greater (p < 0.05) for treatment PC, P2 and P3 compared with that in P1 and NC. It is concluded that multi-microbe probiotic inclusion at 10(8) and 10(9) cfu/kg diet had beneficial effects on broilers growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients and intestinal morphology and can be used as replacement to antibiotics growth promoter in broiler nutrition.     

Nutrient utilization and manure P excretion in growing pigs fed corn-barley-soybean based diets supplemented with microbial phytase

The effect of high levels of microbial phytase supplementation in diets for growing pigs was studied in a 2‐week performance and nutrient digestibility trial involving 28 growing pigs weighing 16.4 ± 1.06 (mean ± SD) kg. Seven corn‐barley‐soybean meal‐based diets consisting of a positive control (PC) formulated to meet or exceed NRC nutrient requirements; a negative control (NC) with non‐phytate P reduced by 0.1% unit from NRC requirement and fed without or with 500 or 1000 U/kg; a doubled negative control (DNC) with no added inorganic P and fed without or with 2000 or 4000 U/kg. Chromic oxide was added as an indigestible marker and all diets were fed as mash. Pigs fed the PC diet had a higher P digestibility compared with those fed the NC (P < 0.02) and the DNC (P < 0.001) diets. Supplementing the NC diet with pyhtase tended to improve P digestibility (P < 0.10). However, addition of phytase to the DNC diet resulted in linear (P < 0.001) and quadratic (P < 0.03) increases in P digestibility with an overall improvement of 8% and 121% at 4000 phytase U/kg of diet, respectively, compared with the PC and DNC diets. Apparent total tract digestibility of N, OM and DM were higher (P < 0.05) in the PC diet compared with the DNC diet, but not the NC diet (P < 0.10). No effect of phytase addition to NC was observed on Ca, N, DM and OM digestibility. Phytase addition to the DNC diet resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.05) in N, DM and OM digestibility but not Ca. Increasing the levels of phytase supplementation in the NC and the DNC diets linearly decreased fecal P (P < 0.05) content by 45 and 42%, respectively. Adding phytase at 1000 or 4000 U/kg increased P retention (P < 0.05) by 14.3 or 15.6% units, respectively, compared with the PC diet. Urinary P excretion was higher in the group fed the PC diet compared with those fed the NC and DNC diets (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that complete removal of inorganic P from growing pig diets coupled with phytase supplementation improves digestibility and retention of P and N, thus reducing manure P excretion without any negative effect on pig performance.     

Effects of supplemental palygorskite instead of zinc oxide on growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility and fecal zinc excretion in weaned piglets

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of palygorskite instead of zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and zinc contents in serum and feces in weaned piglets. One hundred and sixty‐five piglets (28 days of age, 7.10 ± 0.86 kg) were allotted to five treatments on the basis of weight and sex. Each treatment included three replicates of 11 piglets. The piglets were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg (control group), 1800 mg/kg, 2400 mg/kg, or 3000 mg/kg palygorskite or 2500 mg/kg ZnO for 28 days. There was no significant difference for incidence of diarrhea among the four treatments during the 0–14‐day feeding period. Compared with the control group, piglets offered diets supplemented with 1800 mg/kg palygorskite had higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and crude protein digestibility. Fecal digestibility of energy in 1800 mg/kg palygorskite and ZnO groups were higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. Both the zinc concentrations in serum and fecal zinc excretion in palygorskite groups and control group were all lower (P < 0.05) than that in the ZnO group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1800 mg/kg palygorskite can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility and can also decrease zinc excretion in feces in weaned piglets.     

那西肽对鸡产气荚膜梭菌病的预防效果

为研究那西肽在人工诱发鸡产气荚膜梭菌病中的预防效果,将480只1日龄雏鸡随机分为6个处理组,每个处理组4个重复,每个重复20羽,其中第1组为常规饲养,第2～6组为A型产气荚膜梭菌感染试验组。各组饲喂的日粮如下:第1组和第2组,空白对照日粮;第3、4、5组,对照日粮+那西肽(1.25mg/kg、2.5mg/kg、5mg/kg);第6组,对照日粮+杆菌肽锌(30mg/kg),测定鸡的生产性能和死亡率,观察肠道病变情况,并进行预防效果评价。结果表明,感染产气荚膜梭菌各试验组鸡的生产性能受到一定负面影响;饲料中添加1.25mg/kg、2.5mg/kg、5mg/kg那西肽能有效的减少产气荚膜梭菌引起的死亡。     

饲粮添加不同水平三丁酸甘油酯对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标、肠组织形态和养分消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加不同水平三丁酸甘油酯对断奶仔猪生长性能、血清生化指标、肠组织形态和养分消化率的影响。选取平均体重为7.66 kg的21日龄“杜×长×大”断奶仔猪200头,随机分为5组,每组5个重复,每个重复8头猪。对照组饲喂添加40 mg/kg杆菌肽锌的基础饲粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组在基础饲粮中分别添加1000、1500、2000、2500 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯,试验期为42 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮中添加2000和2500 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯显著提高了仔猪平均日增重(P<0.05),显著降低了料重比(P<0.05),显著增加了血清中免疫球蛋白M含量(P<0.05);饲粮中添加1500、2000、2500 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯显著提高了仔猪血清葡萄糖和总蛋白含量(P<0.05),显著提高了空肠、回肠的绒毛高度和绒毛高度/隐窝深度(P<0.05),显著提高了仔猪对饲粮中粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、钙和磷的表观消化率(P<0.05),显著降低了血清中球蛋白含量和二胺氧化酶活性(P<0.05);饲粮中添加1000 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯显著提高了血清中总蛋白含量(P<0.05),显著降低了血清中二胺氧化酶活性(P<0.05),显著提高了仔猪对饲粮中粗蛋白质和粗脂肪的表观消化率(P<0.05)。由此可见,仔猪饲粮中添加1000~1500 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯可替代抗生素药物添加剂;饲粮中添加2000~2500 mg/kg三丁酸甘油酯不仅可替代抗生素药物添加剂,而且可显著提高仔猪生长性能,改善肠组织形态,增强免疫力,提高养分消化率。     

Effects of fermented garlic powder supplementation on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood characteristics and meat quality in growing‐finishing pigs

One hundred pigs (BW = 50.7 ± 1.89 kg) were used to investigate the effects of fermented garlic powder (FGP) in growing‐finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted to one of five treatments, included: (i) NC (basal diet); (ii) PC (NC + 44 mg/kg of Tylosin); (iii) FGP1 (NC + 1 g/kg FGP); (iv) FGP2 (NC + 2 g/kg FGP); and (v) FGP4 (NC + 4 g/kg FGP). Supplemental FGP increased average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio compared with those fed NC diet throughout the experiment (P < 0.05, linearly). Dietary PC treatment increased the ADG and average daily feed intake during the first 6 weeks (P < 0.05). The inclusion of FGP2 and FGP4 treatments had higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (P < 0.05) than those in the NC treatment. Dietary NC treatment exhibited lower (P < 0.05) lymphocyte count (6 and 12 weeks) and immunoglobulin G (12 weeks) than those in the other treatments. Marbling scores were higher (P < 0.05) in FGP treatment groups than the NC treatments. Pigs fed on FGP2 and FGP4 diets evidenced lower 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (P < 0.05) than those in the NC and PC treatments. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FGP at a level of 2 or 4 g/kg improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in growing‐finishing pigs.     

An antimicrobial peptide-A3: effects on growth performance,nutrient retention,intestinal and faecal microflora and intestinal morphology of broilers

1. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with an antimicrobial peptide-A3 (AMP-A3) on growth performance, nutrient retention, intestinal microflora and intestinal morphology of broilers.

2. A total of 320-d-old chicks (Ross 308, average BW 44.0 ± 3.4 g) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments on the basis of initial body weight (BW). The dietary treatments were negative control (NC; basal diet), positive control (PC; basal diet + 15 mg avilamycin/kg diet) and AMP-A3 (basal diet supplemented with 60 or 90 mg/kg AMP-A3). The NC diet was considered as 0 mg/kg AMP-A3 treatment. Experimental diets were given in two phases: starter phase (d 0–21) and finisher phase (d 22–35).

3. The overall BW gain and retention of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE; d 19–21) and crude protein (CP; d 19–21 and d 33–35) were greater in birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets than in birds fed on the NC diet. Also, an increase in dietary AMP-A3 linearly improved BW gain and retention of DM, GE (d 19–21) and CP (d 19–21 and d 33–35).

4. Birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets had fewer excreta coliforms (d 21 and d 35), total anaerobic bacteria (TAB) and Clostridium spp. (d 35) and ileum and caecum coliforms (d 35) than birds fed on the NC diet. In addition, birds fed on the diet supplemented with increasing levels of AMP-A3 had linearly reduced excreta TAB (d 35), Clostridium spp. and coliforms (d 21 and d 35) and ileum and caecum coliforms (d 35).

5. Birds fed on the PC and 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 diets had greater villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum than birds fed on the NC diet. Moreover, birds fed on increasing levels of AMP-A3 diet had increased (linear) villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

6. These results indicate that 90 mg/kg AMP-A3 has the potential to improve growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal morphology and to reduce harmful microorganisms in broilers and can be used as a potential antimicrobial growth promoter.     

Effect of Phytase Supplementation in Diets on Nutrient Digestibility and Performance in Broiler Chicks

A performance trial was conducted with broiler chicks to study the effect of phytase (PHY) supplementation in diets formulated with reduced AME, Ca, and P. The nutrient digestibility was determined during the 14- to 21-d and 28- to 35-d periods. The treatments consisted of 3 diets (NC1, NC2, NC3) differing in nutrient content and each diet with or without supplemental PHY (NC1, 0 or 500; NC2, 0 or 750; NC3, 0 or 1,000 U of PHY/kg feed) and 1 positive control diet (PC). Compared with the PC diet, negative control diets (NC) resulted in lower AME and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility for some amino acids. Phytase supplementation of the NC diets increased AME, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, and apparent ileal crude protein digestibility. Phytase addition also increased mineral absorption in 21- and 35-d-old broilers fed NC diets. Reduced nutrient digestibility appears to be a factor in the weight gain and feed intake results. Reducing Ca and P content reduced feed intake in a stepwise fashion in the NC diets. Phytase increased feed intake and generally improved nutrient digestibility, which resulted in an increase in digestible nutrient intake. Averaged across NC diets, PHY improved body weight. Bone-breaking strength was the most consistent predictor of Ca and P reduction. All NC diets had significantly lower bone-breaking strength than the PC. Phytase supplementation of the NC diets gave bone-breaking strengths that were comparable to the PC. Diets with PHY had the highest bioeconomic index.     

Effects of composite antimicrobial peptide on growth performance and health in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of composite antimicrobial peptide (CAP) on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets. Over 28 days, 36 weaned piglets (body weight, 10.58 ± 0.99 kg) underwent three treatments: negative control (NC, basal diet), positive control (PC, basal diet + 20 mg/kg colistin sulphate + 50 mg/kg kitasamycin), and CAP treatment (CAP, basal diet with 400 mg/kg CAP). Average daily gain of piglets fed the CAP diet was greater (P < 0.05) than that of piglets fed the PC or NC diet during days 1–7, 8–14 and 15–21. Diarrhea rates of piglets fed the CAP or PC diet were lower (P < 0.05) than those of NC‐fed piglets during days 1–7. Apparent total tract digestibility for dry matter and crude ash in CAP‐fed piglets was greater (P < 0.05) than that of NC‐fed piglets. In the CAP group, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts were greater (P < 0.05) and Escherichia coli counts were lower (P < 0.05) than numbers for the NC group. Our results indicate that dietary CAP had beneficial effects on growth performance and health status in weaned piglets.     

Performance and cost-benefit improvements following supplementation with a combination of direct-fed microbials and enzymes to broiler chickens raised with or without ionophores

Increased resistance and loss of sensitivity to traditional anticoccidial agents, as well as interest in antibiotic-free rearing programs, has increased the interest in alternative control measures. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of a DFM (direct fed microbial)/multi-enzyme product (DFM+XAP, providing 2,000 U/kg xylanase, 200 U/kg amylase, 4,000 U/kg protease and 75,000 cfu/g DFM) on broiler performance and profitability under 2 anticoccidial strategies (vaccination and traditional ionophore therapy). The study diets were 1) a nutritionally adequate control based on corn/soy/DDGS (PC), 2) a negative control reduced in energy and amino acids (NC), and 3) NC+DFM+XAP. Diets were divided into 2 subgroups, receiving either ionophores from 0 to 43 d (salinomycin 60 g/t) or a coccidial vaccine (Coccivac B) (6 treatments, n = 8, 50 male birds/n). Performance was recorded on d 22, 35 and 43. The net value of DFM+XAP inclusion was determined for all treatments. At d 43 reduced BWG and highest FCR were seen in NC birds, regardless of coccidiosis control (P < 0.05). Adding DFM+XAP significantly improved BWG and FCR by 5% (2,087 vs. 1,991 g/bird) and 6% (1.803 vs. 1.906), respectively. In birds receiving vaccine (P < 0.05), resulting in BWG (2,125 g/bird) and FCR (1.772) not statistically different to birds fed PC diets. Across anticoccidial strategies, adding DFM+XAP resulted in 3% BWG improvement (P < 0.05) as compared to NC. The net value of DFM+XAP addition, compared to PC, was $15.15/ton feed in vaccinated birds and $14.71 in those treated with ionophores. In conclusion, the addition of DFM+XAP to broiler diets significantly improved performance and profitability, regardless of coccidiosis control program, though response was likely to be greater in vaccinated birds.     

不同水平丁酸钠对肉仔鸡养分利用率的影响

为了研究不同添加水平包膜和不包膜(粉剂)丁酸钠对肉仔鸡养分利用率的影响,本研究选用42日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡72只,随机分为9个处理,每个处理4个重复,每个重复2只鸡。分别饲喂对应日粮:处理A为基础日粮;处理B为基础日粮+抗生素(杆菌肽锌40mg/kg+硫酸粘杆菌素8mg/kg);处理C、D、E分别为基础日粮+100、200、300mg/kg粉剂丁酸钠;处理F、G、H分别为基础日粮+100、200、300mg/kg包膜丁酸钠;处理Ⅰ为内源组。收集饲料和排泄物样品进行干物质、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维和代谢能的测定。研究结果表明:与对照组相比,两种剂型丁酸钠能够提高肉仔鸡干物质、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维和总能的表观代谢率和真代谢率,剂量达200mg/kg和300mg/kg时可起到部分替代杆菌肽锌和硫酸粘杆菌素的作用。肉仔鸡的表观和真实代谢率随着丁酸钠添加水平的增加而提高,包膜丁酸钠的作用效果优于粉剂丁酸钠。本试验研究范围内,推荐肉仔鸡日粮生产中的最适添加量为200mg/kg包膜或粉剂丁酸钠。     

小檗碱对黄羽肉鸡器官指数、抗氧化能力和肠道免疫功能的影响

【目的】 本试验旨在研究小檗碱对黄羽肉鸡器官指数、抗氧化能力和肠道免疫功能的影响。【方法】 选用1日龄快大型岭南黄羽肉鸡360只,随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每重复20只。对照组（NC）饲喂基础饲粮;抗生素组（PC）饲喂基础饲粮+200 mg/kg土霉素钙+250 mg/kg那西肽;小檗碱组（BBR）饲喂基础饲粮+250 mg/kg小檗碱。在试验第21、42和63天,从每个重复中随机挑选1只接近平均体重的鸡,采集心脏、肝脏、脾脏和法氏囊分别称重,记录重量,计算其器官指数;刮取空肠黏膜,测定超氧化物歧化酶（T-SOD）、总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）活性和丙二醛（MDA）含量;提取空肠黏膜总RNA,合成cDNA,测定紧密连接蛋白与炎症因子相关基因的mRNA表达量。【结果】 小檗碱对黄羽肉鸡器官指数无显著影响（P>0.05）。与对照组相比,在饲粮中添加小檗碱显著提高了63日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的总抗氧化能力（T-AOC）,显著降低了63日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的丙二醛（MDA）含量（P<0.05）。抗生素组21日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的闭合蛋白（Occludin）和闭锁小带蛋白-1（ZO-1）的mRNA表达量均显著高于对照组和小檗碱组（P<0.05）。与对照组和抗生素组相比,小檗碱显著提高了63日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的跨膜蛋白-1（Claudin-1）的mRNA表达量（P<0.05）,显著降低了21、42与63日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域蛋白1（NOD1）的mRNA表达量（P<0.05）;小檗碱组与抗生素组42日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的白介素-1β（IL-1β）和白介素-8（IL-8）的mRNA表达量均显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;与对照组相比,小檗碱显著降低了63日龄黄羽肉鸡空肠黏膜的肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、IL-1β、IL-8的mRNA表达量（P<0.05）。【结论】 饲粮中添加250 mg/kg小檗碱可增强63日龄黄羽肉鸡肠道抗氧化能力,改善肠道屏障,降低肠道炎性因子的表达,从而改善肠道免疫功能。