芽孢乳杆菌对肉仔鸡生产性能、肠道发育和微生物菌群的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平芽孢乳杆菌对内仔鸡生产性能、肠道发育及微生物菌群的影响.选取1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡2 400只,随机分为4组(每组6个重复,每个重复100只):对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂分别添加200、100和50 mg/kg芽孢乳杆菌的试验饲粮,试验期42 d.结果表明:1)饲粮添加200 mg/kg...     

Effect of dietary supplemental ascorbic acid and folic acid on the growth performance,redox status,and immune status of broiler chickens under heat stress

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental L-ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) on broiler chickens under heat stress (HS) conditions when supplemented either alone or in combination. For this aim, the effect of these supplements on the broilers’ growth performance, some blood parameters, antioxidant, and immune status were evaluated. Hatchling Cobb-500 broilers (total = 240) were fed either corn and soybean meal-based diet (control group) or basal diet supplemented with 200 mg AA/kg diet, 1.5 mg FA/kg diet, or 200 mg AA plus 1.5 mg FA/kg diet, for 35 days during the summer months (n = 6 replicates/group, 10 birds/replicate). The minimum and maximum average temperatures ranged from 84.5 to 96.2 °F, and the relative humidity ranged from 68.5 to 76.5%. Supplemented vitamins either alone and (or) in combination increased (P < 0.01) broilers’ growth performance, thyroid hormones levels, insulin growth factor1, blood hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, heat shock protein70, total antioxidant capacity, catalase enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus, and decreased (P < 0.01) heterophil/lymphocytes. The effects (P < 0.01) of the supplemented vitamins on the analyzed parameters were better when they were added in combination. In conclusion, the combination of AA and FA at 200 and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively, increased the broilers’ antioxidant status with coordinated improvement in the growth performance and health status under HS.

     

The effect of administration of copper nanoparticles to chickens in their drinking water on the immune and antioxidant status of the blood

The aim of this experiment was to determine what dosage of copper (Cu) nanoparticles, added to a standard dietary supplementation with copper sulfate, would improve antioxidant and immune defense in chickens. The experiment was conducted with 126 broiler chickens assigned to seven treatments with three pens per treatment and six broiler chickens per pen. The basal‐diet treatment did not receive Cu nanoparticles (nano‐Cu) and as shown by analyses it was Cu‐deficient (?29% vs. National Research Council (NRC) recommendations; 5.7 vs. 8 mg/kg). Broiler chickens received nano‐Cu (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg body weight per day) via a tube into the crop over three 3‐day periods (days 8–10, 22–24 and 36–38) or three 7‐day periods (days 8–14, 22–28 and 36–42). As a result, in the nano‐Cu‐treated broilers the total experimental Cu intake was from ?11% to +96% versus NRC recommendations. At the age of 42 days of broilers, their blood indices were determined. The obtained results showed that correction of the deficient basal diet of chickens with nano‐Cu to a level of copper exceeding the NRC recommendation by 54% increased the antioxidant potential of the organism and inhibited lipid peroxidation. At the dosage of +96% versus NRC, some symptoms of a deterioration in antioxidant status appeared (a decrease in the level of glutathione plus glutathione disulfide and an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and ceruloplasmin activity and in lipid hydroperoxide content). Additionally, +7% versus the recommended Cu dietary level was followed by unfavorable results, indicating a deterioration in red blood cell parameters and stimulation of the immune system (an increase in interleukin‐6, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM and IgY). To conclude, it was shown that it is possible to simultaneously increase antioxidant and immune defense of chickens by supplementing their diets with nano‐Cu – up to 12 mg per bird during 6 weeks of feeding, that is to a level no more than 7% over the NRC recommendation for growing broiler chickens.     

Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance,immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed (BPC) in comparison with using sub-therapeutic doses of lincomycin and the excessive inclusion of vitamin E on performance, immunity, total antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old male broiler chicks with similar initial weight (Ross strain) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (8 chicks/pen): non-treated group (basal diet), basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg lincomycin, basal diet supplemented with 50 IU vitamin E, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter period, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter and grower periods and basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg throughout the whole experiment. The highest final body weight was obtained in the group supplemented with BPC in starter and grower periods. In the finisher phase, broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the starter period and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Jejunal villus height was significantly elevated in broilers supplemented with antibiotic (P < 0.001), furthermore it tended to be greater in broilers fed BPC in the starter period. The jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in broilers fed the diet containing antibiotic in comparison to other groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease vaccine tended to be elevated in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial (P > 0.05). Broilers supplemented with BPC in starter and grower, and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The highest total antioxidant capacity was obtained in broilers supplemented with the excessive level of vitamin E, furthermore it tended to improve in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial. In summary, the results of the study indicated that addition of BPC in broiler diets in the whole trial could improve FCR, immune responses and total antioxidant activity of serum, and BPC could be used in broiler diets as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.     

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid on growth performance,creatine metabolism and plasma amino acid profile in broilers

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, creatine deposition and blood amino acid (AA) profile on broiler chickens. In Exp. 1, a total of 540 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 45.23 ± 0.35 g) were divided randomly into five treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Broilers were fed corn–soybean meal‐basal diets supplemented with 0, 600, 800, 1,000 or 1,200 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Results showed that dietary GAA inclusion increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F) from 1 to 42 days (p < 0.01). However, average daily feed intake was unaffected by dietary supplementation of GAA. As GAA inclusion increased, the contents of creatine in plasma and kidney were increased (linear, p < 0.01), while the contents of GAA and creatine in liver were decreased (linear, p < 0.01). Similarly, GAA supplementation was inversely related to concentrations of most essential AA in plasma. In Exp. 2, a total of 432 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 39.78 ± 0.58 g) were divided randomly into four treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Birds were fed a corn–soybean meal‐basal diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Dietary inclusion of 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased ADG and G:F of broilers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600–1,200 mg/kg GAA can effectively improve the growth performance in broiler chickens by affecting creatine metabolism and utilization efficiency of essential AA, and 600 mg/kg GAA is the minimum dose for improving performance.     

Supplemental magnolol improves the antioxidant capacity and intestinal health of broiler chickens

Magnolol is a multifunctional polyphenol rich in Magnolia officinalis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of magnolol on growth performance, carcass traits, antioxidant capacity, and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 240 1-day-old broilers were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments: control (Ctrl); control diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg of magnolol (M100, M200, and M300); and control diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg of bacitracin zinc (PC). The results showed that magnolol linearly decreased the feed conversion ratio between d 0 and d 14, linearly decreased the amount of malondialdehyde and increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in both serum and ileal mucosa on d 42 with increasing magnolol levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, the ileal villus height, the ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the jejunal gene expressions of SOD1, glutathione peroxidase, and Claudin1 were linearly up-regulated with increasing magnolol levels (p < 0.05). The supplementation of magnolol had no effect on carcass traits or cecal short chain fatty acids (p > 0.05). The results indicated that magnolol could be applied in the diet of broiler chickens to benefit their antioxidant capacity and intestinal health.     

Evaluation of Aloe vera and synbiotic as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on performance,gut morphology,immune responses and blood constitutes of broiler chickens

This study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Aloe vera (AV) powder and synbiotic as growth promoter agents on performance, gut morphology, immune responses, hematology and serum biochemistry in broilers. A total of 240‐day‐old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments with four replicates. Birds were offered either a corn‐soybean meal basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg virginiamycin (VM), 1 g/kg synbiotic (Syn), 2.5 g/kg AV (AV1), 5.0 g/kg AV (AV2) or 7.5 g/kg AV (AV3). Chickens fed any of the diets, except diet AV1, exhibited better feed conversion ratios at the 14–28 day period and higher average daily gain and duodenal villus height/crypt depth ratio at 42 days than those fed the control diet. Synbiotic supplementation caused a marked increase in the serum antibody titer against infectious bursal disease and infectious bronchitis vaccines. Feeding diet AV3 significantly increased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, and decreased serum triglyceride level compared to the control group. The results suggested that dietary inclusion of 5 and 7.5 g/kg AV, similar with synbiotic supplementation, can be applied as effective alternatives to in‐feed antibiotics for broiler diets.     

苯甲酸和精油对肉鸡生长性能、抗氧化状态和肠道微生物群的影响

本研究开展了3个饲养试验,旨在探讨苯甲酸和精油单独或联合使用对肉鸡生长性能、肠道微生物含量及肝脏抗氧化性能的影响。试验1和2均选择1日龄肉鸡450只,分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复30只。对照组均饲喂相同的基础日粮,试验1处理组肉鸡分别饲喂基础日粮添加1.5和3 g/kg苯甲酸,试验2处理组肉鸡分别饲喂日粮添加2和4 mg/kg精油。试验3选择1日龄肉鸡300只,分为2组,每组5个重复,每个重复30只,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理组饲喂基础日粮添加1.5 g/kg苯甲酸和4 mg/kg精油。3个试验均开展42 d。结果：试验1,1.5 g/kg苯甲酸组较对照组和3 g/kg苯甲酸组显著提了21和42 d肉鸡的体重及1～21 d、22～42 d、1～42 d日增重（P＜0.05）,同时1.5 g/kg苯甲酸组各阶段肉鸡料重比最低（P＜0.05）。与对照组相比,苯甲酸处理组显著提高了盲肠乳酸菌含量（P＜0.05）,显著降低了盲肠大肠杆菌数量（P＜0.05）。试验2,基础日粮添加4 mg/kg植物精油组42 d肉鸡体重和日增重、盲肠乳酸菌含量（P＜0.05）,料重比和盲肠大肠杆菌数量最低（P＜0.05）。同时,植物精油组较对照组显著提高了肝脏谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）和谷胱甘肽-S转移酶（GST）活性（P＜0.05）,显著降低了肝脏丙二醛含量（P＜0.05）。试验3,处理组较对照组显著降低了嗉囊大肠杆菌数量（P＜0.05）。处理组肝脏谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）和和谷胱甘肽-S转移酶（GST）活性显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）,但丙二醛含量显著降低（P＜0.05）。结论：日粮添加1.5 g/kg苯甲酸或4 mg/kg精油可以改善肉鸡生长性能,降低肠道有害微生物含量,而苯甲酸与精油无论是单独添加还是联合使用均可以提高肉鸡肝脏的抗氧化状态。 [关键词]苯甲酸|精油|肉鸡|生长性能|抗氧化|微生物     

Impact of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide and its effects on coccidia challenge in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT

1. Two experiments were conducted, the first to determine the optimum inclusion of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) in broiler diets to support growth performance, digestive functions, intestinal morphology, and immune organs. The second experiment evaluated the immune-protective properties of COS on broiler chickens during coccidia challenge (CC).

2. Experiment 1 investigated the effect of graded dietary concentration of COS in the diets of broiler chickens using eight cage replicates for each of the six diets. A corn-soybean meal-based diet was used as the basal diet and supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 g of COS/kg feed to form the six treatments.

3. The diet supplemented with 1.0 g COS/kg of feed provided the optimal inclusion level for broiler chickens regarding body weight (BW) gain, jejunal villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and ileal energy digestibility at d 22 of age.

4. Experiment 2 investigated the immune-protective properties of COS in broiler chickens during CC. A total of 224 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight replicate cages in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two COS concentrations (0 or 1 g of COS/kg of diet), with or without CC.

5. On d 18 of age, birds in the CC group received twice the recommended coccidia vaccine dose of 30 doses/kg BW.

6. Coccidia challenge reduced (P < 0.05) and dietary COS increased (P < 0.05) BW gain, and feed intake. Dietary COS mitigated (P < 0.05) the CC-induced effects on gain:feed. Dietary COS supplementation attenuated the CC-induced effects (P < 0.05) on the expression of occludin genes.

7. In conclusion, dietary COS improved performance, and the immune-related beneficial impact of COS supplementation was associated with reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes.     

Immunomodulatory effect of γ‐irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides on immunosuppressed broilers

In this study, we irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) using 25 kGy ⁶⁰Co γ ray to obtain γ‐irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) and then investigated the effects of IAPS on growth performance and immune function of cyclophosphamide (CPM)‐treated broilers. The physicochemical properties of APS and IAPS (molecular weight, water solubility, viscosity, morphological and structural properties) were evaluated. Then, 384 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres broiler chicks with similar initial weight were randomly assigned into 6 groups: the non‐treated group (control), and CPM‐treated groups were fed either a basal diet or the diets containing 900 mg/kg APS, or 900, 600, 300 mg/kg IAPS, respectively. On days 16, 18, and 20, all broilers except for the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 ml CPM (40 mg/kg·BW). Broilers in the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5 ml sterilized saline (0.75%, wt/vol). This trial lasted for 21 days. The physicochemical treatment showed that γ irradiation could decrease the molecular weight and viscosity, and increase the water solubility of APS (p < 0.05), whereas the structural properties of APS was not affected. In the animal trial, 900 mg/kg APS or 900, 600 mg/kg IAPS relieved the decreased growth performance, thymus index, T lymphocytes proliferation, serum IgG concentration, NOS activity and the increased blood heterophil:lymphocyte ratio in CPM‐treated broilers (p < 0.05). CPM‐induced decreases in B lymphocytes proliferation and serum IgM concentration were only increased by IAPS at 900 mg/kg (p < 0.05). Overall, both APS and IAPS alleviated CPM‐induced immunosuppression. Especially, IAPS possessed better immunomodulatory effect than APS, indicating that γ irradiation could be used as an effective method to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of APS.     

Relieving effect of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract on immune stress in broilers

This experiment aimed to investigate the relieving action of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on immune stress in broiler chickens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to test the effect of 2 dietary treatments (adding 0 or 1000 mg/kg AAE) and 2 immune stress treatments (injecting saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). A total of 96 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, four birds in each replicate. Broilers in Treatment groups 1 and 2 were fed with the basal diet, and those in Treatment groups 3 and 4 were fed with the experimental diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg AAE. On days 14, 16, 18 and 20, broilers in both Treatments 1 and 3 were injected intra‐abdominally with LPS solution at the dose of 500 μg LPS per kg BW with the LPS dissolved in sterile saline at a concentration of 100 μg/ml, and those in Treatments 2 and 4 were injected intra‐abdominally with equal amount of sterile 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 28. The results showed that dietary supplementation of AAE prevented reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers caused by LPS on d 15–21. On day 21, the injection of LPS increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT); meanwhile, feeding AAE reduced the rise of CORT caused by LPS. Immune parameters such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also improved by LPS, but the content of IL‐2 and IgG in broilers fed with AAE diet was significantly lower than that of broilers fed with control diet. All the data suggested that diets supplemented with AAE could relieve the immune stress response of broilers.     

Effects of feeding deoxynivalenol contaminated wheat on growth performance, organ weights and histological parameters of the intestine of broiler chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) during a 21-day feeding experiment on the performance of broilers. Fifteen 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed non-contaminated diet. Another group of broilers was fed a diet naturally contaminated with 5 mg DON/kg diet. Deoxynivalenol had no effect (p > 0.05) on feed consumption, feed conversion, body-weight gain, live body weight or mortality. The absolute and relative weight of the organs (gizzard, pancreas, heart, spleen, colon and caecum) were not altered by the dietary inclusion of DON contaminated grain. However, both the absolute and relative weight of small intestine was decreased (p < 0.01) in DON fed broilers compared to the controls. No gross lesions were detected in any of the organs of birds fed contaminated wheat during the feeding trial. The microscopic examination revealed that, the height and the width of villi in duodenum decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed DON contaminated wheat compared to controls. On the other hand the height and the width of jejunum villi were not affected (p > 0.05). This study indicates that feeding DON for 21 days to broiler chickens at a concentration of up to 5 mg/kg of diet influenced the weight of the small intestine as well as intestinal histology, especially the duodenum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. In conclusion, diets with DON contamination below levels that induce negative impact on health and performance could affect small intestinal morphology in broilers.     

Effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaves on the performance,ileal microbiota and antioxidative status of broiler chickens

In this study, we investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) supplements on the performance, ileal microbiota carcass traits and biochemical and antioxidant parameters of broiler chickens. MOL was added to starter, grower and finisher diets at four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 5.0%). A total of 320 one-day-old mixed-sex Cobb-500 broiler chicks were divided equally into four treatment groups, with 5 replicates of 16 chicks each until 42 days of age. Compared to the control group, chicks fed 0.5% and 1% MOL exhibited a higher final body weight (FBW), greater weight gain (BWG), and better average daily gain (ADG). Feed intake (FI) gradually decreased as the inclusion rate of MOL in the broilers' diet increased to 5%. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and performance index (PI) were observed in broilers that were fed the MOL diet. The percentage of abdominal fat in broilers decreased significantly in response to dietary supplementation with MOL. The haematological profile in the MOL group revealed a lower WBC count and lymphocyte percentage but higher heterophil and H/L ratio without affecting haemoglobin and RBC count. The inclusion of MOL increased total serum protein, Ca and P levels but decreased glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT concentrations. Moreover, dietary MOL increased the activities of GSH, CAT and SOD, GPx and GST while decreasing the TBARS level. The pH value decreased in the ileum of broilers fed the 1% and 5% MOL diet compared to the other treatments. Decreased ileal counts of E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus spp. were observed whereas the total ileal Lactobacillus spp. count increased in broilers fed the MOL diet. In conclusion, the MOL supplement can enhance growth performance and antioxidant status, alter ileal microbiota and protect against enteropathogens with no deleterious effects on the broiler chickens.     

超微绿茶粉对良凤花鸡脂类代谢的影响

选用健康的1日龄商品代肉用良凤花鸡420只,公母各半,随机分为7组,每组3个重复,每个重复20只,试验鸡自由饮水、采食。试验预试期3 d,从第13天开始,以后每隔10 d逐只称重,并以组为单位计算耗料量。结果显示:添加绿茶粉对肉鸡生长性能没有不良影响,对肉鸡的料重比有降低趋势(P>0.05);可以显著降低肉鸡血清中的甘油三酯(TG)(P<0.05)、胆固醇(TC)(P<0.05)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)(P<0.05),显著升高高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)(P<0.05),显著降低肉鸡的腹脂率(P<0.05)、肝脂率(P<0.05),且对第二阶段与脂类代谢相关的血清生化指标的影响比第1阶段更显著。结果表明:在日粮中添加超微绿茶粉可在不影响肉鸡的生长性能的情况下降低体脂蓄积。     

饲粮中添加不同植物精油对肉仔鸡生长性能、肠道发育、免疫器官指数及屠宰性能的影响

本试验通过在基础饲粮中添加不同植物精油产品,旨在研究其对肉仔鸡生长性能、肠道发育、免疫器官指数及屠宰性能的影响。选取1日龄罗斯308商品肉仔鸡公雏2 304只,随机分为6个组,每个组12个重复,每个重复32只。1组为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮;2组为负对照组,在基础饲粮中添加抗生素(20 mg/kg维吉尼亚霉素);3~6组在基础饲粮中各添加1种植物精油产品,分别为100 mg/kg植物精油1(含5%香芹酚,EO1组)、300 mg/kg植物精油2(含5%香芹酚,EO2组)、300 mg/kg植物精油3(含8%香芹酚和百里香酚混合物,EO3组)以及300 mg/kg植物精油4(含2%香芹酚和百里香酚混合物,EO4组)。试验期39 d。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,负对照组以及EO2组肉仔鸡22~31日龄料重比显著降低(P0.05),分别降低了2.58%、3.51%;与对照组相比,负对照组肉仔鸡1~38日龄平均日增重升高,料重比降低,但差异均不显著(P0.05);饲粮中添加不同植物精油未显著影响肉仔鸡1~38日龄平均日增重、平均日采食量和料重比(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,饲粮中添加不同植物精油有提高肉仔鸡39日龄十二指肠绒毛高度的趋势(P=0.075 3),绒毛高度/隐窝深度值也有所提高(P0.05)。3)各组之间肉仔鸡22和39日龄脾脏指数和法氏囊指数均差异不显著(P0.05)。各组之间肉仔鸡胴体出成率、胸肌率、腿肌率、翅重率以及腹脂率均差异不显著(P0.05)。由此可见,本试验条件下,饲粮中添加不同植物精油对肉仔鸡生长性能的改善不显著,但可促进十二指肠绒毛发育。     

Effect of different concentrations of ginger root powder and its essential oil on growth performance,serum metabolites and antioxidant status in broiler chicks under heat stress

1. This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of ginger (Zingiber officinale) feed supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, carcass characteristics and blood parameters in broiler chicks under conditions of heat stress (32 ± 2ºC for 8 h per d).

2. A total of 336 d-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were randomly assigned to one of 6 dietary groups representing: basal diet with no supplement as control, basal diet containing 100 mg/kg vitamin E as positive control, basal diets containing either 7.5 or 15 g/kg of ginger root powder, and diets containing 75 or 150 mg/kg of ginger essential oil.

3. The results indicated that at 22 d of age, the group receiving 7.5 g/kg of ginger root powder experienced significantly increased body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) compared to the control group. There were no significant difference among the diet groups regarding BW, BWG, feed intake (FI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 42 and 49 d of age.

4. The inclusion of powder and essential oil of ginger in broiler diets did not affect carcass characteristics and blood parameters of the chickens. However, in the group receiving 150 mg/kg ginger essential oil, the total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) activity in liver increased compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver also decreased in the groups receiving ginger powder and essential oil compared to that in the control group. There were no significant difference between experimental groups regarding glutathione peroxidise (Gpx), TSOD and catalase (CAT) enzymes in red blood cells. All dietary groups increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and decreased MDA concentration in serum compared to the control group.

5. The results of this study suggest that ginger powder and essential oils may be a suitable replacement for synthetic antioxidants in broiler diets. Results also suggest that ginger powder might be better than extracted essential oil for improving antioxidant status in broilers.     

乳酸菌素对肉鸡血清生化指标和抗氧化功能的影响

本试验旨在探讨乳酸菌素对肉鸡血清生化指标和抗氧化功能的影响。300只1日龄肉鸡随机分为5组,每组4个重复,每个重复15只。Ⅰ组为空白对照组,饲喂基础饲粮;Ⅱ组为抗生素对照组;Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加50、100、200 mg/kg乳酸菌素的试验饲粮。试验期70 d,分别在肉鸡28日龄和70日龄时采样,计算料重比,并检测各组中血液生化指标和抗氧化功能各项指标。结果表明:1)与Ⅰ组比较,试验1～28 dⅡ～Ⅴ组肉鸡增重显著升高(P<0.05),料重比显著降低(P<0.05);1～70 dⅡ组和Ⅳ组肉鸡增重显著升高(P<0.05),Ⅱ～Ⅴ组料重比显著降低(P<0.05),Ⅳ组最低,显著低于其他各组(P<0.05),Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ组之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。2)各组肉鸡血清尿素氮含量无显著差异(P>0.05)。Ⅱ～Ⅴ组28日龄肉鸡血清总胆固醇含量和70日龄肉鸡血清碱性磷酸酶活性均极显著或显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.01或P<0.05);Ⅱ组和Ⅳ组28日龄肉鸡血清总蛋白含量均显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05);各组70日龄肉鸡血清总胆固醇和总蛋白含量均无显著差异(P>0.05)。Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组之间上述各血清生化指标均差异不显著(P>0.05)。3)28日龄时,Ⅱ组和Ⅳ组肉鸡血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性均显著高于Ⅰ组和Ⅴ组(P<0.05),但与Ⅲ组差异不显著(P>0.05);Ⅱ～Ⅴ组肉鸡血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)均极显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.01),但组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。70日龄时,Ⅱ～Ⅳ组肉鸡血清SOD活性和T-AOC均显著或极显著高于Ⅰ组(P<0.05或P<0.01),但组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。可见,饲粮中添加乳酸菌素可改善肉鸡生长性能,提高其抗氧化功能,以添加100 mg/kg乳酸菌素效果最佳。     

Superdosing phytase reduces real-time gastric pH in broilers and weaned piglets

1. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of high phytase doses on growth performance and real-time gastric pH measurements in broiler chickens and pigs.

2. In the first experiment, 576 male Ross 308 broilers were fed in two phases (0–21 and 21–42 d) with 4 treatment groups, with diets meeting nutrient requirements containing 0, 500, 1500 or 2500 FTU/kg phytase. In the second, 64 Landrace weaners were fed on diets meeting nutrient requirements with or without phytase (0 or 2500 FTU/kg) in two phases (0–21 and 21–42 d). Heidelberg pH capsules were administered to 7 broilers and approximately 13 pigs per treatment group, pre- and post-phase change, with readings monitored over several hours.

3. Addition of phytase into an adequate Ca and P diet had no significant effect on broiler performance although phytase tended (P < 0.07) to improve feed conversion in pigs over the entire experimental period. Real-time pH capsule readings in broilers demonstrated an increase (P < 0.05) in gizzard pH when phytase was dosed at 500 or 1500 FTU/kg, while higher doses of 2500 FTU/kg phytase lowered pH to a level comparable to control birds. Gastric pH increased (P < 0.01) when animals were exposed to dietary phase change, signifying a potential challenge period for nutrient digestibility. However, pigs fed 2500 FTU/kg were able to maintain gastric pH levels through diet phase change. In contrast, spear-tip probe measurements showed no treatment effect on gastric pH.

4. These findings demonstrate dietary manipulation of gastric pH and the value of real-time pH capsule technology as a means of determining phytase dose response.     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸和冷应激对肉鸡肠道组织形态、能量代谢和抗氧化能力的影响

本试验旨在研究N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)和冷应激对肉鸡肠道组织形态、能量状况和抗氧化能力的影响。试验将200只1日龄健康雄性科宝肉鸡随机分为4个处理组:对照组(基础日粮)、NAC组(基础日粮+0.1%NAC)、冷应激组(基础日粮)与冷应激+NAC组(基础日粮+0.1%NAC),每组5个重复,每个重复10只鸡。试验第1~2周按常规饲养方法控制温度,试验第3~6周冷应激组和冷应激+NAC组的温度控制在(10±2)℃,而对照组与NAC组维持在(26±2)℃。结果表明:冷应激处理使肉鸡平均日采食量、平均日增重、空肠低氧诱导因子1(HIF-1)m RNA水平显著下降(P0.05),饲料转化率、回肠一磷酸腺苷(AMP)含量和空肠隐窝深度极显著升高(P0.01);日粮添加0.1%NAC显著提高了冷应激肉鸡肠道绒毛高度(VH)、十二指肠与空肠绒毛高度与隐窝深度比值(VH/CD)、空肠三磷酸腺苷(ATP)和腺苷酸池(TAN)含量、回肠ATP和二磷酸腺苷(ADP)及能荷(AEC)含量、十二指肠超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力、回肠谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力、空肠血红素加氧酶(HMOX)m RNA水平(P0.05)。因此,日粮中添加0.1%的N-乙酰半胱氨酸可改善肠道组织形态和能量状况,提高冷应激肉鸡肠道抗氧化能力。     

饲养密度和高蛋白质饲粮代谢能水平对公母分饲肉鸡生长性能和腿部健康的影响

本试验旨在研究饲养密度与高蛋白质(前期23%,后期21%)饲粮代谢能水平对公母分饲肉鸡生长性能和腿部健康的影响。试验采用2(性别)×2(饲养密度)×3(饲粮代谢能水平)三因子完全随机设计,选用1日龄罗斯308(Ross 308)肉鸡公雏1 872只和母雏2 160只,随机分成12个组,每组8个重复。试验设高、低2个饲养密度,以出栏体重计,分别为42[高饲养密度(HSD),16公/m2或18母/m2]和26 kg/m2[低饲养密度(LSD),10公/m2或12母/m2]。试验饲粮分前期(1~21日龄)和后期(22~35日龄)2个阶段配制,饲粮代谢能设高、中、低3个水平,其中,高代谢能(HME)水平饲粮前期和后期的代谢能水平分别为12.81和13.23 MJ/kg,中代谢能(MME)水平饲粮前期和后期的代谢能水平分别为12.18和12.60 MJ/kg,低代谢能(HME)水平饲粮前期和后期的代谢能水平分别为11.55和11.97 MJ/kg。结果表明:1)饲养密度与饲粮代谢能水平对肉鸡的平均日增重和料重比有显著交互作用(P0.05)。1~21日龄时,随着饲粮代谢能水平增加,HSD组平均日增重的增加幅度和料重比的降低幅度均小于LSD组;22~35日龄时结果正好相反。性别与饲养密度对肉鸡的平均日采食量有显著交互作用(P0.05)。随着饲养密度增加,公鸡平均日采食量的降低幅度大于母鸡。2)HSD极显著降低肉鸡的胸肌率(P0.01),母鸡的胸肌率和腹脂率显著高于公鸡(P0.05)。饲粮代谢能水平和饲养密度对肉鸡的腿肌率有显著交互作用(P0.05)。随着饲粮代谢能水平增加,LSD组肉鸡的腿肌率降低,而HSD组基本不变。3)高饲粮代谢能水平极显著降低肉鸡的脚垫损伤评分(P0.01),公鸡的步态评分和脚垫损伤评分显著高于母鸡(P0.05),垫料水分含量显著低于母鸡(P0.05)。饲粮代谢能水平与饲养密度对肉鸡的脚垫损伤评分有显著交互作用(P0.05)。随着饲粮代谢能水平增加,HSD组脚垫损伤评分的降低幅度大于LSD组。以上结果表明,高饲养密度降低肉鸡的平均日增重,增加料重比;35日龄前,公鸡比母鸡的空间需求更高;提高高蛋白质饲粮的代谢能水平可以缓解HSD对肉鸡生长性能和脚垫健康的不利影响。