Effects of Lactobacillus cultures on growth performance,abdominal fat deposition,serum lipids and weight of organs of broiler chickens

1. The effects of a mixture of 12 Lactobacillus strains (LC) on the growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, serum lipids and weight of organs of broiler chickens were studied from 1 to 42 d of age. 2. One hundred and thirty-six 1-d-old male broiler chicks were assigned at random to two dietary treatments: a basal diet (control), and a basal diet with 0.1% LC. 3. The supplementation of LC in broiler diets improved the body weight gain and feed conversion rate from 1 to 42 d of age and was effective in reducing abdominal fat deposition but only after 28 d of age. 4. The LC diets reduced serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in broilers from 21 to 42 d of age. However, there was no significant difference in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol between control and LC-fed broilers. There was also no significant difference in the weights of organs of control and LC-fed broilers. 5. The results indicated that the mixture of 12 Lactobacillus strains have a hypolipidaemic effect on broilers.     

Growth performance,carcass traits,meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites of broiler chicken fed on diets containing flaxseed oil

1. This study evaluated the effects of diets with partial and total substitution of soya bean oil (SO) with flaxseed (linseed) oil (FO) on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition and blood serum metabolites.

2. A total of 448 one-d-old Cobb 500 broiler chicken were used. They were allotted among 4 treatments with 8 replications, using a completely randomised design, for 35 d. Four diets were compared: T1 = 100% SO (3%, 1–7 d; 4%, 8–21 d; and 5%, 22–35 d); T2 = 50% SO + 50% FO; T3 = 25% SO + 75% FO and T4 = 100% FO.

3. No significant differences were observed in body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and blood serum metabolites (total triglycerides, TRI; total cholesterol, CHO; high-density lipoprotein, HDL; low-density lipoprotein, LDL; glucose, GLU; albumin, ALB; globulin, GLO; and total proteins, TPs). Significant effects were observed for TRI, CHO, HDL, GLU, HDL, LDL, ALB and GLO with regard to the day of collection.

4. Carcass traits did not show significant differences for the treatments. No significant differences were observed for breast and drumstick chemical compositions, with the exception of drumstick fat concentration (quadratic effect).

5. In conclusion, the partial or total substitution of SO with FO did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, meat chemical composition or blood serum profile in broiler chicken. Therefore, FO can be an alternative to SO in the diet formulation for broiler chicken.     

Effects of supplemental copper and chromium on the serum and egg traits of laying hens

1. This study investigated the effects of supplemental copper and chromium on the serum and egg traits of laying hens using 144 forty-five-week-old White Leghorn layers. The hens were randomly assigned into 9 groups to conduct this 3 copper (0, 125 and 250 mg/kg as copper sulphate) x 3 chromium (0, 800 and 1600 microg/kg as chromium picolinate) factorial trial. 2. Egg yolk cholesterol was significantly reduced by supplementary copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) and there was an interaction between Cu and Cr supplementation. Egg production, egg weight, eggshell strength and eggshell thickness were not influenced by Cu or Cr supplementation. 3. Serum cholesterol concentration was decreased by Cu supplementation and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) was reduced markedly by both Cu and Cr. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly increased by Cu and Cr. Interaction occurred between Cu and Cr in the VLDL and HDL parameters. Supplmentary Cu also reduced VLDL-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and enhanced HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), while supplemental Cr had a contrary effect on these two parameters. 4. If minimum egg cholesterol content is the criterion, this study suggests that 125 mg/kg of Cu together with 800 to 1600 microg/kg of Cr provide adequate supplementary concentrations for laying hens.     

Hypocholesterolemic effect of karaya saponin in Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The effect of karaya saponin supplementation on the serum and egg yolk cholesterol and fatty acid composition in egg yolk were investigated in Japanese quails. A total of 80 Japanese quails aged 5 weeks were equally divided into four groups of 20. Four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg feed) of karaya saponin were included in the basal diet and experiment was lasted for 6 weeks. The cholesterol fractions in the egg yolk and serum were measured by enzymatic assay, and the fatty acid composition in egg yolk was determined by gas chromatography. The results revealed that the supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin significantly reduced (p < 0.05) cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in serum and egg yolk. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the atherogenic index were decreased (p < 0.05) by the dietary supplementations. Hepatic cholesterol was reduced (p < 0.05) by the 25 mg/kg karaya saponin. A higher degree of yolk colour was improved (p < 0.05) when 75 mg/kg saponin was supplemented in the diet. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in egg yolk was increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in quails fed the supplemented diet than the control diet. The ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids in egg yolk was improved (p < 0.05) by 75 mg/kg feed karaya saponin-supplemented diet. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin may be a feasible means of producing quail eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA content for health conscious consumers.     

Effects of peach palm oil on performance, serum lipoproteins and haemostasis in broilers

1. An experiment was conducted to study the comparative effects of peach palm oil (PPO, Bactris gasipaes H.B.K), crude palm oil (CPO, Elaeis guinenesis), maize oil (MO) and beef tallow (BT) on serum total and lipoprotein cholesterol levels and haemostatic factors in broiler chickens. 2. Four experimental diets were formulated to be isocaloric (14·2 MJ AME(N)/kg) and isonitrogenous (230 g CP/kg). PPO was extracted from the whole dry fruit with hexane. Each fat was added to the diet in an amount equivalent to 25% of total dietary calories. Six replicate groups of eight male broiler chicks were assigned randomly to each dietary treatment. Diets were fed on ad libitum basis. The experiment lasted 42 d. 3. At 42 d, birds were fasted overnight and three chickens/dietary treatment were utilised to draw blood for lipoprotein separation. Various haemostatic factors were determined in thrombocyte-poor plasma. Thrombocyte aggregation was assayed in whole blood. 4. No significant differences were detected in body-weight gain or feed efficiency between the chickens fed on the PPO diet and those receiving the CPO, MO or BT diets. Total serum cholesterol (TC), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL(C)) were not significantly affected after consuming the PPO, CPO and MO diets. Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL(C)) was reduced only by the MO diet. Birds fed on the PPO diet had a significantly lower [corrected] LDLC/HDLC ratio compared with other dietary treatments 5. Thrombocyte count and thrombin time were not significantly affected by the experimental diets. Dietary oils significantly affected prothrombin time, fibrinogen concentration and thrombocyte aggregation. PPO and MO diets elicited the lowest fibrinogen levels compared to the CPO and BT diets. Thrombocyte aggregation in broilers fed on the PPO diet was similar to that of the CPO, MO and BT diets. 6. The results suggest that PPO might efficiently provide up to 25% of dietary energy in broiler diets. Additionally, PPO elicited a more favourable LDL(C)/HDL(C) ratio and haemostatic pattern in broiler chickens. These findings may be of general interest to the food industry.     

Egg yolk fatty acid profile of avian species – influence on human nutrition

Lipids are an important nutritional component of the avian egg. A review of the literature was completed to determine the fatty acid compositions in egg yolk from some avian species. Additionally, the nutritional influence of lipid and lipoprotein content on the plasma of male participants during 30‐day feeding was discussed. The ostrich eggs had the highest unsaturated fatty acid and the lowest cholesterol content in relation to other avian species. Ostrich had a higher proportion of 18:3n‐3 (p < 0.01) compared with other species. Chicken yolk numerically contained much higher levels of 22:6n‐3 than those found in turkeys, quails and geese, but the amount of 22:6n‐3 in ostrich egg was lower by comparison with other species (p < 0.01). After the storage of eggs at the room temperature, there was a notable loss of vitamin E (vitE) in the yolks of all species and this decrease was marginal (p < 0.01) in ostrich compared with other species. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) level in all male subjects. Plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level decreased (p < 0.05) only in men who were fed chicken or ostrich eggs daily. Consumption of different species’ eggs had no influence on the total male plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. LDL‐C:HDL‐C ratio increased (p < 0.05) after goose and turkey egg consumption. Consumption of one egg/month by healthy human subjects had no effect on serum total cholesterol and triglyceride. The LDL‐C:HDL‐C ratio (which is a strong predictor of coronary heart disease risk) increased, although non‐significantly, by consuming chicken, quail and ostrich eggs.     

Performance, serum characteristics, carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers as affected by supplement of chromium picolinate.

1. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with chromium picolinate on the performance, serum and carcase traits and lipid metabolism of broilers. In trial 1, 120 1-day-old broilers with an equal number of males and females were assigned at random to 4 groups with 3 replicates. Four treatments with dietary supplements of 0 (control), 800, 1600 and 3200 microg/kg of chromium picolinate were used. In trial 2, 6-week-old broilers (20) were used to determine how supplements of 0, 200, 400 and 800 microg/kg chromium in an incubation medium influence their hepatocyte lipogenic capacity and adipocyte lipolysis, in vitro. 2. Dietary supplements of 1600 and 3200 microg/kg chromium in broiler diets significantly increased food consumption (P<0.05); 1600 microg/kg markedly improved weight gain (P<0.05); 1600 and 3200 microg/kg groups showed increased liver lipid content (P<0.05). However, the abdominal fat content tended to decrease in these 2 groups. 3. Dietary supplements of 1600 and 3200 microg/kg of chromium decreased serum glucose and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations while increasing serum phospholipid content (P<0.05). Insulin concentration decreased only in birds receiving 3200 ppb chromium (P<0.05). Serum triacylglycerol (TG) clearance rate in chromium-supplemented groups was markedly enhanced (P<0.05). 4. In addition, chromium supplemented groups had increased serum HDL contents and also reduced serum VLDL and LDL contents (P<0.05). 5. Trial 2 indicated that lipogenesis from [U-14C]glucose by isolated hepatocytes was significantly enhanced by 400 ppb chromium (P<0.05). 6. The results from this study demonstrate that a supplement of 1600 microg/kg of chromium picolinate in the ration influences the growth, carcase, serum traits and lipid metabolism of broilers.     

The effect of Eimeria acervulina infection on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in young broiler chicks

In young broiler chicks inoculated with 2 x 10(6) sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina per bird, total plasma lipids were significantly depressed compared with controls in the first week after inoculation. The lowest level observed was at 5 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.), at which time the chick host is known to experience malabsorption in the chick host (Ruff and Wilkins, 1980). Analysis of plasma components of infected chicks at 4 and 7 d.p.i. showed that triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, pigments and total protein were significantly decreased compared with controls. At 7 d.p.i., reduction of total cholesterol reflected mainly reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. However, the ratio of HDL cholesterol/total plasma cholesterol was not significantly different from the control ratio. Density gradient ultracentrifugation of chick plasma separated lipoproteins into three main fractions: portomicrons plus very low density lipoproteins (PM + VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and HDL. These fractions were analyzed for lipid content. Infection with E. acervulina caused (1) significant reduction in the triglyceride and cholesterol contents of the PM + VLDL fraction at 3 and 5 d.p.i., (2) significant reduction of LDL cholesterol at 9 d.p.i. and LDL phospholipid at 5-9 d.p.i., and (3) significant reduction of HDL cholesterol at 3-9 d.p.i. and HDL phospholipid at 5-9 d.p.i. Starvation of uninfected chicks for 48 h caused significant reduction in plasma triglycerides and phospholipids, but an increase in total cholesterol. Density gradient ultracentrifugation showed that the changes in these components reflected mainly reduction of the lipids in the PM + VLDL fraction. The LDL fractions, however, appeared more intense than those of the controls and contained more cholesterol and phospholipids. These results suggest that changes at 3 and 5 d.p.i. in the plasma lipoprotein pattern of chicks infected with E. acervulina most closely resemble changes seen in chicks starved for 48 h as far as PM + VLDL fraction is concerned. However, changes seen from 7 to 9 d.p.i. involve the LDL and HDL fractions and may reflect alterations in lipid and/or lipoprotein synthesis in the liver and intestine.     

Effects of chromium nicotinate on performance, carcase characteristics and blood chemistry of growing turkeys

1. The objective of this trial was to study the effects of chromium nicotinate (Cr) supplementation on the performance, carcase characteristics and blood constituents of 9 to 22 week-old male turkeys. 2. Fifty-four 8-week-old male turkeys weighing 2.9 +/- 0.28 kg were allocated at random into 9 groups with 3 dietary treatments and 3 replicates. The dietary treatment was different dietary concentrations of chromium in the basal diet, to provide 0 (control), 1 or 3 mg/kg. The feeding trial lasted for 14 weeks. 3. Results showed that 1 mg/kg chromium supplementation significantly improved weight gain and food intake at 9 to 18 weeks of age but did not significantly influence performance at 19 to 22 week of age. The breast and thigh muscle were significantly increased in birds receiving 1 mg/kg chromium supplementation but were decreased by 3 mg/kg of supplementation. 4. Dietary chromium supplementation did not significantly influence other serum constituents, including insulin, HDL, VLDL+LDL, HDL-C, VLDL-C+LDL-C, total protein, albumin, and gamma-globulin at 18 and 22 weeks of age. 5. The serum triacylglycerol (TG) and uric acid contents were significantly increased, while glycerol and alpha-globulin were significantly reduced by 3 mg/kg chromium supplementation. However, 1 mg/kg chromium supplementation significantly reduced serum cholesterol and glycerol at 18-weeks old. At 22 weeks of age, 1 mg/kg chromium supplementation significantly increased serum glucose and decreased the uric acid concentration whereas 3 mg/kg chromium supplementation significantly increased the creatinine concentration and decreased beta-globulin concentration.     

Effect of amount and source of supplemental dietary vegetable oil on broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxicosis

1. Addition of sunflower oil (SFO) at 30 or 60 g/kg or three vegetable oils, namely SFO, soybean (SBO) or groundnut (GNO), at 30 g/kg to isocaloric and isonitrogenous broiler chicken diets were evaluated for possible counteractive effects against aflatoxin (AF) (0.3 microg B1/g diet) from 0 to 42 d of age. 2. Body weight, food intake and serum concentration of protein were lower in the AF group than in the control, whereas in the SFO and SBO supplemented groups they were comparable with those of the control. Sunflower oil at both concentrations exerted similar effects on growth. Groundnut oil did not improve growth or food intake in AF-fed birds. 3. The serum concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased with AF feeding and was increased by supplementation of any of the three oils both in the control and in AF-fed groups. 4. Liver and giblet weight and liver fat content were increased by AF; these effects were countered by dietary oil inclusion, except for liver weight at 60 g/kg SFO. Weights of pancreas and gall bladder were increased by AF. Oil supplementation reduced the weight of pancreas in chickens given AF. 5. Humoral immune response was depressed by AF and dietary oil supplementation (particularly SFO or SBO) countered this effect. Other variables, namely, serum gamma glutamyl transferase activity, bone mineralisation, weights of lymphoid organs, kidney and adrenals, ready-to-cook yields and fat content in muscle and skin showed little or no effect of dietary oil supplementation. 6. It is concluded that dietary inclusion of SFO or SBO at 30 g/kg may alleviate the adverse effects of 0.3 microg/g of AF B1 in commercial broiler chickens. Groundnut oil, although showing beneficial effects on some biochemical variables, failed to improve growth performance.     

Effect of dietary chromium-L-methionine on glucose metabolism of beef steers

Thirty-six crossbred steers (288 +/- 3.7 kg initial BW) were used to determine the effect of Cr, as chromium-L-methionine, on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in beef calves. Calves were fed a control diet or the diet supplemented with 400 or 800 microg Cr/kg of diet as chromium-L-methionine. Calves were kept in drylots (six calves/pen; two pens/dietary treatment). Steers were caught twice a day in locking headgates and individually fed their respective diets for a period of 22, 23, or 24 d prior to the metabolic challenges. Calves received a totally mixed diet containing 54% corn, 38% cottonseed hulls, and 5% soybean meal. On d 21, 22, and 23, four calves/dietary treatment were fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter. Approximately 24 h after catheterization, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (500 mg glucose/kg of BW), followed 5 h later by an intravenous insulin challenge test (0.1 IU insulin/kg of BW), was conducted. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of dietary treatment on ADG or ADFI. During the intravenous glucose tolerance test, serum insulin concentrations were increased by supplemental chromium-L-methionine (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.05). There was a time x treatment interaction (P < 0.05) on plasma glucose concentrations after the glucose infusion. Plasma glucose concentrations of calves fed 400 microg Cr/kg of diet were lower than those of controls and calves supplemented with 800 microg Cr/kg of diet (quadratic effect of Cr, P < 0.05) 5 and 10 min after the glucose infusion. Supplemental chromium-L-methionine increased the glucose clearance rate from 5 to 10 min after the insulin challenge test (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.05). Glucose half-life from 5 to 10 min after the insulin infusion was also decreased by supplemental chromium-L-methionine (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.10). These data indicate that supplemental Cr, as chromium-L-methionine, increased glucose clearance rate after an insulin infusion and increased the insulin response to an intravenous glucose challenge in growing calves with functioning rumens.     

吡啶甲酸铬对吉富罗非鱼生长、饲料利用和非特异性免疫功能的影响

本试验研究饲料不同水平吡啶甲酸铬对其生长、饲料利用,体成分、血液生化指标和非特异性免疫功能的影响。600尾吉富罗非鱼分为5个处理组,每个处理各设4个重复,每重复30尾鱼。每个处理铬添加量分别为0、0.4、0.8、1.2 mg/kg和10.0 mg/kg,在0.38 m3玻璃纤维钢桶中用开放式流水养殖,饲养8周。结果表明,饲料中添加吡啶甲酸铬对吉富罗非鱼的增重率、特异生长率、饲料系数、蛋白效率及蛋白质沉积率均有显著影响(P<0.05)。当铬添加量为0～0.8 mg/kg时,随着添加量增加,可显著提高吉富罗非鱼增重率、特定生长率、蛋白质效率和蛋白质沉积率(P<0.05),显著降低饲料系数(P<0.05),但对成活率和肝体比无显著影响(P>0.05);当饲料中添加为1.2 mg/kg～10.0 mg/kg时并未能进一步提高罗非鱼的生长和饲料利用。同时,铬添加水平为0～0.8 mg/kg,随着添加水平增加,显著提高吉富罗非鱼全鱼的蛋白质和磷含量(P<0.05),显著降低全鱼水分、脂肪和灰分含量(P<0.05),并显著提高吉富罗非鱼血清总蛋白含量以及肝胰脏AKP、ACP和LZM的活性(P<0.05),显著降低血清葡萄糖含量(P<0.05),但对血清胆固醇和甘油三酯含量及肝胰脏T-SOD活性无显著影响(P>0.05)。当饲料中添加铬1.2 mg/kg和10.0 mg/kg,除了显著降低肝胰脏AKP活性外(P<0.05),对血清生化指标和肝胰脏非特异性免疫酶活性无显著影响(P>0.05)。综合生长、饲料利用、体组成成分、血液生化指标和肝胰脏非特异性免疫酶活性的影响结果表明,对于0.91～4.93 g吉富罗非鱼,饲料中以吡啶甲酸铬的形式添加0.8～1.2 mg/kg铬为宜。     

Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on Metabolic Biomarkers in Healthy Bitches

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between hormonal changes that occur during oestrus and biomarkers related with glucose metabolism (glucose and insulin), lipid metabolism (lipidic profile and BChE) and adipokines (adiponectin and ghrelin) in healthy bitches. For this purpose, we measured these analytes in serum of bitches, at two times: before (T1) and after (T2) the LH peak that were established according to progesterone concentrations. Increased levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (p < 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (p < 0.01), adiponectin (p < 0.01) and ghrelin (p < 0.05) were observed at T2 in comparison with T1. No statistically significant changes were observed in serum glucose, insulin, homoeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity (HOMA), triglycerides and BChE. When all data of T1 and T2 were pooled, serum adiponectin showed positive correlation with progesterone (r = 0.353; p = 0.022) and HDL‐C (r = 0.307; p = 0.048), and negative with insulin (r = ?0.429; p = 0.005), HOMA (r = ?0.446; p = 0.003) and BChE (r = ?0.522; p < 0.001). Ghrelin showed negative correlation with estradiol (r = ?0.701; p = 0.004). BChE was negatively correlated with estradiol (r = ?0.441; p = 0.018) and glucose (r = ?0.343; p = 0.028), and positively with insulin (r = 0.460; p = 0.003) and HOMA (r = 0.505; p < 0.001). In conclusion, changes in metabolic biomarkers occur in bitches after LH peak, characterized by increased lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) without changes in BChE activity, and increased adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations, without significant changes in glucose and insulin.     

大豆素对湘中黑牛育肥牛胴体性能和肉品质的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加大豆素对湘中黑牛育肥牛胴体性能和肉品质的影响。选择14头健康、体重[(450±20)kg]相近、2岁左右阉割湘中黑牛,随机分成2组,每组7头,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂基础饲粮+500 mg/kg大豆素。试验期为120 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,1)添加大豆素对宰前活重、热胴体重、屠宰率无显著影响(P0.05),胴体的脂肪含量、背膘厚有降低趋势,但差异不显著(P0.05);2)添加大豆素显著提高了背最长肌的粗脂肪含量及大理石花纹评分(P0.05),分别提高了8.34%、1.93分,并显著降低了排酸24 h肌肉的p H和水分含量(P0.05),显著增加了肌肉的红度值(P0.05);3)添加大豆素显著降低了血清中葡萄糖、尿素氮、甘油三酯、总胆固醇、非酯化脂肪酸、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇的浓度(P0.05);4)添加大豆素分别显著提高和降低了背最长肌的异柠檬酸脱氢酶活性和葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶活性(P0.05)。结果提示,饲粮添加大豆素能够影响育肥牛的脂类代谢,促进肌肉脂肪沉积,改善牛肉的大理石花纹和品质。     

Chromium picolinate, rather than biotin, alleviates performance and metabolic parameters in heat-stressed quail

1. The effects of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation alone and in combination on performance, carcase characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, vitamin E, glucose and cholesterol levels were evaluated in Japanese quail exposed to high ambient temperature. 2. Two hundred and forty quails (10d old) were assigned randomly to 4 dietary treatments at room temperature (22 degrees C; thermoneutral, TN) or ambient (34 degrees C for 8 h/d; heat stress, HS). Both TN and HS were fed either on a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with 400 microg of Cr/kg (Cr group), 0.5 mg of biotin/kg of diet (biotin group) or both (Cr + Biotin group). 3. Supplementing the diet of heat-stressed quails with chromium picolinate improved live weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and carcase traits. Biotin supplementation during TN and HS conditions did not have any beneficial effects on body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency or carcase traits. 4. Either in combination or alone, chromium picolinate increased serum concentrations of vitamins C and E, but decreased MDA, glucose and cholesterol concentrations in birds kept at high ambient temperature. There was no difference in vitamins C and E and MDA concentrations between birds given chromium picolinate and birds receiving chromium picolinate plus biotin, while glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in all groups. The lowest concentrations of cholesterol and glucose were found in the combination group under both TN and HS conditions. An interaction between diet and temperature was detected for glucose and cholesterol concentrations. 5. Excretion rates for zinc, iron and chromium were lower in TN groups than in the corresponding HS groups. Supplementing diet with chromium picolinate and chromium picolinate plus biotin decreased excretion of minerals while biotin alone did not effect excretion of minerals. 6. Chromium supplementation, but not biotin supplementation, attenuated the decline in performance and antioxidant status resulting from heat stress.     

苜草素对蛋鸡胆固醇代谢的影响及其基因调控机制

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加不同水平苜草素对蛋鸡胆固醇代谢的影响,并探讨其基因表达调控机制。选取体重和产蛋率相近的26周龄尼克蛋鸡540只,随机分为5组,每组6个重复,每个重复18只。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别在基础饲粮中添加300、600、900、1 200 mg/kg的苜草素。预试期7 d,正试期70 d。结果表明:1)试验第35天和第70天,900 mg/kg苜草素组的蛋黄胆固醇含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,900 mg/kg苜草素组显著升高了蛋鸡血清中高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)含量和高密度脂蛋白/低密度脂蛋白(HDL/LDL)(P0.05),各组蛋鸡血清中总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量差异均不显著(P0.05)。3)与对照组相比,600、900、1 200 mg/kg苜草素组显著降低了蛋鸡肝脏中3-羟基-3-甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶(HMGCR)mRNA表达量(P0.05),900和1 200 mg/kg苜草素组显著升高了蛋鸡肝脏组织中胆固醇7α-羟化酶(CYP7A1)mRNA表达量(P0.05)。各组蛋鸡肝脏中固醇结合蛋白元件-2(SERBP-2)和卵巢中卵黄蛋白原受体(OVR)mRNA表达量无显著差异(P0.05)。综上,饲粮中添加苜草素降低了蛋黄胆固醇和全蛋胆固醇含量,其调控机制可能是通过抑制蛋鸡胆固醇的内源性合成和促进胆固醇向胆汁酸的转化排泄2种途径来实现。本试验推荐26~35周龄蛋鸡苜草素添加水平为900 mg/kg。     

罗汉果总皂苷对高糖高脂饲料联合链脲佐菌素致2型糖尿病大鼠的作用

试验旨在研究罗汉果总皂苷改善高糖高脂饲料联合链脲佐菌素致2型糖尿病大鼠的作用,以高糖高脂饮食联合链脲佐菌素建立2型糖尿病大鼠模型,造模成功大鼠灌胃给予罗汉果总皂苷（100、200、400 mg/kg）或二甲双胍（268 mg/kg）,每天1次,连续给药4周后,记录"三多一少"指标（24 h内尿量、饮水量和采食量,体重）;检测生化指标,分析空腹血糖值（FBG）、血清总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）、胰岛素（INS）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、尿素氮（BUN）和肌酐（Cr）水平,采用苏木素-伊红染色法（HE）观察胰腺的病理学改变。与模型组比较,罗汉果总皂苷各剂量组及二甲双胍组均可显著或极显著降低采食量、饮水量、尿量,血液指标FBG、INS、MDA、TC、TG、BUN和Cr水平、以及AST和ALT活性（P<0.05;P<0.01）,而CAT、SOD活性和HDL-C水平显著或极显著升高（P<0.05;P<0.01）;胰腺组织中,胰腺细胞数目明显增多,胰腺病理性损伤明显减轻。罗汉果总皂苷及二甲双胍均具有明显改善糖代谢紊乱的作用,同时可明显减轻胰岛素抵抗,增强机体抗氧化应激的能力和改善肝肾功能。     

Effects of Momordica grosvenori Saponins on Type 2 Diabetes Rats Induced by High-sucrose/High-fat Diet and Streptozotocin

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of Momordica grosvenori saponins on improving the effect of high-sucrose/high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes in rats.The type 2 diabetes rat model was established with a high-sucrose and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin.Successfully modeled rats were given the total saponins of Momordica grosvenori (100,200,400 mg/kg) or metformin (268 mg/kg) by gavage,once a day for 4 weeks.Recording the "three more and one less"index (24 h internal urine output,water intake and feed intake,body weight);Detecting of biochemical indicators,analysis of fasting blood glucose (FBG),serum total cholesterol (TC),triglycerides (TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),insulin (INS),catalase (CAT),superoxide dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA),alanine aminotransferase (AST),aspartate aminotransferase (ALT),blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels.Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of the pancreas.Compared with the model group,the feed intake,water intake,urine output,blood indicators FBG,INS,MDA,TC,TG,BUN and Cr levels,AST and ALT activities were significantly or extremely significantly decreased in the total saponins of Momordica grosvenori each dose group and metformin group (P<0.05;P<0.01),while CAT,SOD activities and HDL-C level were significantly or extremely significantly increased (P<0.05;P<0.01).In pancreatic tissue,the number of pancreatic cells was increased significantly,and the pathological damage of the pancreas was significantly reduced. Momordica grosvenori saponins and metformin had obvious effects on improving glucose metabolism disorders,and at the same time could significantly reduce insulin resistance,enhance the body’s ability to resist oxidative stress and improve liver and kidney functions.     

Influence of dietary boron supplementation on some serum metabolites and egg-yolk cholesterol in laying hens

The influence of dietary boron (B) supplementation on some serum parameters and egg-yolk cholesterol was studied in laying hens. A total of 224 eighteen-week-old hens of the Hyline Brown 98 strain were assigned to 7 groups with 4 replicates of 8 hens each after 10 days of adaptation, and they were fed commercial diets supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg (diet) B (H3BO3) for 8 weeks. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity, albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels were decreased with all B levels. Except in the group receiving 5 mg/kg B supplementation, decreases were found in serum triglycerides in all groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was decreased in the groups receiving 100 mg/kg or higher levels of B. All levels of B supplementation increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity at weeks 21 and 22, while 10 mg/kg or higher levels of B increased serum globulin, urea and egg-yolk cholesterol levels. The results demonstrate that B supplementation at levels exceeding 5 mg/kg affects serum biochemical parameters and increases egg-yolk cholesterol in laying hens.     

Effects of Chinese herbal mixture on performance,egg quality and blood biochemical parameters of laying hens

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal mixture (CHM) in laying hen diets on performance, egg quality and egg nutrition components, as well as selected blood biochemical parameters. A total of 270 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 24 week of age, were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments and fed for 6 week. The CHM was used at the levels of 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% in the diets of the control and two treatment groups respectively. Each dietary treatment was divided into five replicates, comprising of 18 hens each. Hens were housed in a 3‐tier battery system. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Blood samples and eggs were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that dietary treatments did not affect egg weight, mortality, eggshell thickness, albumen height, Haugh units, eggshell‐breaking strength and egg‐shape index. Dietary supplementation of CHM significantly improved (p < 0.05) laying rate and the lowest feed conversion ratio were observed with 1.0% CHM supplementation diets. CHM supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) cracked‐egg rate, egg yolk cholesterol, blood serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and increased blood serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). No differences in serum total protein, serum albumen, serum glucose and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were observed in hens fed CHM. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with CHM improved egg production and egg quality and reduced serum cholesterol concentrations in laying hens. Dietary supplementation of 1.0% CHM in layer diets may be a feasible means of producing eggs with lower cholesterol and higher egg yolk phospholipid contents for health conscious consumers.