Effects of chito-oligosaccharide supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus in weaning pigs

A total of 50 weaning pigs (16 d of age; 4.72 +/- 0.23 kg of BW) were selected to investigate the effect of dietary chito-oligosaccharide (COS) supplementation on growth performance, fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus, apparent digestibility, and small intestinal morphology. Pigs housed in individual metabolic cages were assigned randomly to 5 treatments (n = 10), including 1 basal diet (control), 3 diets with COS supplementation (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and 1 diet with chlortetracycline (CTC) supplementation (80 mg/kg). Fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate shedding of E. coli and Lactobacillus on d 0, 7, 14, and 21 postweaning. Fresh fecal samples collected from each cage from d 19 to 21 were stored frozen for determination of apparent total tract digestibility. On d 21, all pigs were killed to collect the middle sections of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum for determination of mucosa morphology. Supplementation of COS at 100 and 200 mg/kg and supplementation of CTC improved (P < 0.05) overall ADG, ADFI, and G:F in comparison with the control. Supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg as well as supplementation of CTC increased (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of DM, GE, CP, crude fat, Ca, and P, whereas COS at 100 mg/kg increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of DM, Ca, and P in comparison with the control diet. Pigs receiving diets supplemented with COS or CTC had a decreased (P < 0.05) incidence of diarrhea and decreased diarrhea scores compared with control pigs. Fecal samples from pigs receiving diets supplemented with COS had greater (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus counts than those from control pigs and pigs receiving diets supplemented with CTC on d 14 and 21. However, supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg and supplementation of CTC decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli counts in the feces on d 21 compared with the control diet. Dietary supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg and of CTC increased (P < 0.05) the villus height and villus:crypt ratio at the ileum and jejunum, and COS at 100 mg/kg also increased (P < 0.05) the villus height in the ileum compared with the control diet. The current results indicated that dietary supplementation of COS at 100 and 200 mg/kg enhanced growth performance by increasing apparent digestibility, decreasing the incidence of diarrhea, and improving small intestinal morphology.     

百里香酚对肉兔生长性能、小肠黏膜形态结构和免疫器官的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平百里香酚对伊拉肉兔生长性能、小肠黏膜结构和免疫器官发育的影响。将288只35日龄伊拉断奶肉兔按照公母各半、体重接近原则分为6个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复8只兔。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,恩拉霉素组在基础饲粮中添加10 mg/kg恩拉霉素,百里香酚组分别在基础日粮中添加50、100、150、200 mg/kg百里香酚。预试期7 d,正试期42 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加100、150、200 mg/kg百里香酚可降低耗料增重比(P<0.05),200 mg/kg百里香酚组采食量低于对照组(P<0.05);与对照组相比,添加50 mg/kg百里香酚提高了十二指肠、空肠和回肠的绒毛高度以及十二指肠、空肠的绒毛高度和隐窝深度比(V/C)值(P<0.05),添加100 mg/kg百里香酚提高了十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度以及十二指肠、空肠和回肠的V/C值(P<0.05);50 mg/kg百里香酚组脾脏指数高于对照组(P<0.05)。综上所述,在肉兔日粮中添加50~100 mg/kg百里香酚可提高生长性能,改善小肠黏膜形态结构,促进动物肠道发育,增强动物机体免疫力。     

Dietary L-carnitine increases plasma insulin-like growth factor-I concentration in chicks fed a diet with adequate dietary protein level

1. The effect of L-carnitine supplemented into experimental diets with varying dietary protein concentrations (50, 200 and 400 g/kg) on body weight gain and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration in chicks was examined. 2. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation provided 0, 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Chicks were given the diet ad libitum for 10 d. 3. When L-carnitine was provided as 500 or 1000 mg/kg, body weight gain was significantly improved in birds receiving the 200 and 400 g protein/kg diets. 4. There was an interaction between dietary L-carnitine and protein content on plasma IGF-I concentration. L-carnitine supplementation had little influence on plasma IGF-I concentrations in birds receiving the low protein (50 g/kg) diet. When dietary L-carnitine concentrations were increased from 0 to 1000 mg/kg in the adequate protein (200 g/kg) diet, plasma IGF-I concentrations were also increased. However, when dietary L-carnitine content was more than 500 mg/kg in the 400 g/kg protein group, plasma IGF-I concentration decreased with increasing dietary L-carnitine content. 5. Body weight change correlated significantly with the alteration in plasma IGF-I concentrations in chicks given diets with adequate dietary protein. 6. In conclusion, the improvement in body weight gain caused by dietary L-carnitine supplementation was achieved when chicks were given their dietary protein requirement, which may be partially explained by an increase in plasma IGF-I concentration.     

Effects of haylage and monensin supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism of feedlot cattle fed diets containing 60% dried distillers grains

The objectives of this research were to determine the interaction of monensin and haylage supplementation for steers fed 60% dried distillers grains (DDGS) on 1) mineral status, performance, and carcass characteristics, and on 2) ruminal pH, H(2)S, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations. In Exp. 1, Angus-cross steers (n=168; BW=277 ± 67 kg) were blocked by BW and allotted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to 24 pens. Dietary treatments were 1) 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 0% haylage, 2) 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 0% haylage, 3) 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 10% haylage, and 4) 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet + 10% haylage. The remainder of the diet was 60% DDGS, 10% corn silage, 15% supplement, and corn (either 5 or 15%) on a DM basis. When supplemented with 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet, added haylage increased ADG by 5.7%, whereas when supplemented with 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet, added haylage increased ADG by 13% (P < 0.01). No interactions of monensin and haylage were observed for DMI or G:F (P ≥ 0.36). Haylage inclusion increased (P < 0.01) DMI and decreased (P < 0.01) G:F. No interactions (P > 0.05) on plasma mineral concentrations were observed; however, over time, plasma Cu concentrations decreased (P < 0.01), whereas plasma ceruloplasmin and S concentrations increased (P < 0.01). There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.08) on carcass characteristics. Cattle fed the 60% DDGS diets benefitted from increased dietary forage, and the effects of monensin and forage were additive for ADG and final BW. In Exp. 2, ruminally fistulated steers (n=8; BW = 346 ± 34 kg) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design and were randomly assigned to the diets used in Exp. 1. Haylage inclusion increased ruminal pH from 1.5 through 12 h postfeeding, and the effects of monensin supplementation were additive (P < 0.05). From 1.5 through 9 h postfeeding, steers fed 33 mg of monensin/kg of diet tended to have reduced (P ≤ 0.10) concentrations of H(2)S when compared with steers fed 0 mg of monensin/kg of diet. Acetate:propionate ratios at 6 h postfeeding were 0.94, 0.93, 1.29, and 1.35 for diets 1 to 4, respectively (P < 0.01); total lactate was decreased regardless of treatment (range: 0.94 to 1.42 μmol/mL). Sulfuric acid in DDGS, not ruminal short-chain fatty acids, may be responsible for the low rumen pH observed and may influence the maximum inclusion of DDGS in cattle diets. Monensin supplementation decreased H(2)S concentration and may decrease the risk of polioencephalomalacia for cattle fed high-DDGS diets.     

饲用枯草芽孢杆菌对育肥猪生长性能、养分消化、粪便特征及经济效益的影响

文章旨在评估日粮添加不同水平的饲用枯草芽孢杆菌对9～24周龄育肥猪生长性能、养分表观消化及粪便特征的影响。将600头9周龄平均初始体重为（22.96±0.09）kg的商品猪随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复40头。对照组饲喂基础日粮,T1和T2组肥猪分别饲喂基础日粮+100和200?mg/kg枯草芽孢杆菌（3×108?CFU/kg）,试验共进行15周。结果：与对照组相比,T2组15?w育肥猪体重显著提高4.37%（P＜0.05）,同时T1和T2组1～15?w育肥猪的平均日增重较对照组分别显著提高3.81%和5.35%（P＜0.05）,饲料报酬分别显著提高4.44%和4.44%（P＜0.05）。T1和T2组育肥猪干物质表观消化率分别较对照组显著提高8.75%和9.37%（P＜0.05）,同时T1组育肥猪有机物表观消化率较对照组显著提高了6.13%（P＜0.05）。日粮添加100和200?mg/kg枯草芽孢杆菌可以显著降低6和15?w育肥猪粪便中氨气浓度和大肠杆菌数量（P＜0.05）,同时T1和T2组15?w育肥猪粪便中乳酸杆菌数量也显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论：日粮添加100～200?mg/kg饲用枯草芽孢杆菌（3×108?CFU/kg）可改善9～24周龄育肥猪的饲料报酬,改善干物质表观消化率,降低粪中氨气浓度和大肠杆菌数量。 [关键词]育肥猪|枯草芽孢杆菌|生长性能|养分消化|粪便特征     

Effects of copper supplementation on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and rumen sulfur metabolism of growing cattle fed diets containing 60% dried distillers grains

The effects of 3 supplemental Cu concentrations on feedlot performance, mineral absorption, carcass characteristics, and ruminal S metabolism of cattle fed diets containing 60% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) were evaluated in 2 experiments. Experiment 1 was conducted with 84 Angus-cross yearling steers and heifers (initial BW = 238 ± 36 kg), which were blocked by gender and allocated to 12 pens. Supplemental dietary Cu (tribasic copper chloride) treatments were: 1) 0 mg Cu/kg diet DM, 2) 100 mg Cu/kg diet DM, 3) 200 mg Cu/kg diet DM. The remainder of the diet was DDGS (60%), grass hay (10%), pelleted soy hulls (15%), and a vitamin-mineral supplement (15%). Diets were offered ad libitum throughout the finishing phase (168 d). Three cattle from each pen (n = 36) were harvested on d 168 and carcass data and liver samples were collected. Copper supplementation did not affect ADG (P = 0.22). However, the nonsignificant trend for increased ADG and decreased DMI led to a linear increase (P = 0.02) feed efficiency (G:F = 0.167, 0.177, and 0.177 for 0, 100, and 200 mg Cu/kg diet DM, respectively). The apparent absorption of Cu decreased quadratically (P = 0.07) and the apparent absorption of Mn and Zn were decreased linearly (P = 0.03 and P = 0.05, respectively) with increased Cu supplementation. Cattle supplemented with 100 or 200 mg Cu/kg diet DM had greater liver Cu concentrations (P < 0.01) than cattle that were not supplemented with Cu. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.10) on HCW, LM area, USDA yield grade, backfat, or marbling score. Experiment 2 was conducted with 6 ruminally fistulated steers that were fed the same diets as in Exp 1 in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Copper supplementation did not affect (P > 0.10) ruminal pH or liquid S(2-) concentrations in steers consuming 60% DDGS diets (total dietary S = 0.55%). From 3 to 9 h after feeding, H(2)S gas concentration was decreased in those cattle supplemented with 100 mg Cu/kg diet. Concentration of H(2)S gas did not differ among cattle supplemented with 0 or 200 mg Cu/kg diet DM on 60% DDGS diets. Supplemental Cu improved feed efficiency in cattle consuming diets containing 60% DDGS; however, effects of Cu on rumen S metabolism were minimal even when supplemented at twice the maximum tolerable limit for beef cattle (NRC, 2000).     

Study of immune response in pigs fed with high vitamin E-dosages

The effects of long-term vitamin E-supplementation on phagocytic cells, lymphocyte sub-populations, and SWC3+ cell count were studied in pigs. Eighteen weaned pigs were divided into three groups: 1) 100 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, 2) 200 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, 3) control group (basic feed with 10 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet). The examination of the immune indices was performed on day 120 of feeding the supplemented diets. The higher dietary levels of vitamin E resulted in increased serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol for both experimental groups (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences in counts of CD2+, CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes nor SWC3+ cells among the groups. Similarly, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the functions of phagocytic cells tested.     

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.     

沙葱黄酮对肉羊外周血淋巴细胞转化率和凋亡率的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加沙葱黄酮对肉羊外周血淋巴细胞转化率和凋亡率的影响。选用60只6月龄左右、体重(39.9±3.2)kg的小尾寒羊为试验动物,按照出生月龄和体重相近的原则,随机分为4组,每组15只羊。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,3个试验组分别在基础饲粮中添加11、22、33 mg/kg的沙葱总黄酮。预试期为15 d,正试期为60 d。正试期第60天空腹颈静脉采血,采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法测定肉羊外周血淋巴细胞转化率,采用流式细胞仪测定细胞周期、细胞凋亡率。结果表明:1)饲粮添加11、22、33 mg/kg沙葱黄酮可提高肉羊外周血淋巴细胞转化率,其中33 mg/kg组显著高于对照组(P0.05);2)与对照组相比,饲粮添加33 mg/kg沙葱黄酮能够显著提高S期和G2/M期细胞比例(P0.05);3)与对照组和11 mg/kg组相比,22和33 mg/kg组外周血淋巴细胞凋亡率显著提高(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加11~33 mg/kg沙葱黄酮可促进肉羊外周血淋巴细胞转化,并使细胞向DNA合成期转化,促进细胞分裂,对细胞凋亡有显著促进作用,以添加33 mg/kg沙葱黄酮的效果最佳。     

Higher water temperature enhances dietary carbohydrate utilization and growth performance in Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings

A 60-day experiment was conducted to delineate the effect of three dietary levels of gelatinized carbohydrate (GC) on growth, nutrient-utilization and body composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings (avg. wt 6.5 ± 0.3 g) reared at two water temperatures (ambient-AT (26 ± 0.8 °C) and 32 °C). Two hundred and sixteen fingerlings were randomly distributed into six treatments in triplicates. Three semi-purified isonitrogenous diets were prepared with graded levels of GC viz. D(1) : 40%, D(2) : 50% and D(3) : 58%. Growth rate, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 50% GC and 32 °C reared groups than their AT counterparts. Hepato Somatic Index was higher in AT reared groups compared to 32 °C reared counterparts. Apparent digestibility co-efficient of carbohydrate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 32 °C reared groups but decreased with increasing carbohydrate (GC) levels. Fish reared at 32 °C showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher amylase, protease and hexokinase activities while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatse were significantly (p < 0.05) higher at ambient temperatures. The results obtained in present study indicated that L. rohita could utilize higher level (50%) of dietary carbohydrate at 32 °C.     

The influence of dietary boron supplementation on egg quality and serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in laying hens

This study was performed to investigate the influence of dietary boron (B) supplementation on egg production, interior and exterior egg quality and serum parameters related to egg formation in laying hens. Two hundred and twenty four, 18 week old, Hyline Brown 98 strain hens were assigned to 7 groups with 4 replicates. After 10 days of adaptation the hens were fed for 8 weeks on diets supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (diet) B (H(3)BO(3)). Live weight, feed consumption and egg production were reduced in the 400 mg/kg B supplemented group. Increases were determined in serum Ca, inorganic P and Mg levels and serum ALP activity was not influenced by supplemental B. Boron changed the interior and exterior quality of eggs. In particular, high level of B supplementation reduced live weight, feed consumption and egg production and changed some blood metabolites.     

Effects of zinc and vitamin A supplements on plasma levels of thyroid hormones, cholesterol, glucose and egg yolk cholesterol of laying hens

The effects of zinc and vitamin A supplementation to the diet on some blood metabolites were evaluated in Hisex brown laying hens from 56 weeks to 68 weeks of age. A total of 130 birds were divided into two main groups according to vitamin A treatment (0 and 3.44 mg retinyl acetate kg(-1) feed, respectively), each consisting of 65 hens. Hens in both of the main groups were then divided into five zinc treatment groups (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg zinc kg diet(-1) respectively) of 13 hens each. It was observed that plasma T4, T3 and total cholesterol levels were affected by only zinc supplementation. While 100 and 200 mg Zn kg(-1) decreased plasma T4 level compared to control value, plasma T3 level was reduced by 100 mg Zn kg(-1) compared to groups fed less Zn. Adding 50 and 200 mg Zn kg(-1) to the diet increased plasma total cholesterol level in the birds compared to other groups. Vitamin A, zinc, and their interaction did not influence the concentration of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, glucose and egg yolk cholesterol in laying hens.     

The Effect of Dietary Sulphate Copper Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Enzymes and Absorptive Transporters in Weanling Pigs

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Cu on the growth performance,digestive enzymes,tissue minerals and absorptive transporters in small intestinal mucosa of weanling pigs.One hundred crossbred pigs weaned at 28±2 d of age were assigned randomly to one of the following diets with 5 replicates:corn-soybean basal diet with 10,100,175,250 mg/kg of Cu as CuSO4·5H2O.The results showed that 250 mg/kg Cu had a positive effect (P0.05) on average daily gain,daily feed intake and ratio of gain/feed.Compared to 10 mg/kg Cu,higher Cu had significant effect on the apparent digestibility of protein and fat (P0.05).The supplementing of Cu improved amylase and lipase activity in jejunum content and lipase in pancreas (P0.05) and had no effect on intestinal morphology.The liver Cu elevated approximately 4-fold in pigs fed diet with 250 mg/kg Cu compared with pigs fed diet with 10 mg/kg Cu,no increases were observed in pigs receiving the lower level of Cu (100 and 175 mg/kg).Both Fe and Zn contents in kidney and liver were not affected by Cu supplementation.There was no positive effect (P0.05) of Cu supplementation on PepT1 (peptide transporter 1) and SGLT1 (sodium/glucose cotransporter) mRNA abundance in intestinal mucosa.However,higher supplementing level (250 mg/kg) significantly elevated the DMT1 (divalent metal transporter) mRNA abundance in duodenum mucosa.These results suggested that dietary supplementation with 250 mg/kg Cu could improve growth performance,nutrient digestibility and intestinal enzyme activities of weanling pigs.     

维生素E对免疫抑制产蛋鸡生产性能和蛋品质的调控效应

试验探讨维生素E对免疫抑制蛋鸡生产性能和蛋品质的调控效应,选取健康的尼克褐产蛋鸡270只,随机等分为5组,每组3个重复,每重复18只。第Ⅰ组为对照组,第Ⅱ~Ⅴ组为免疫抑制组,对第Ⅱ~Ⅴ组鸡在试验第5、6、7 d进行腿部肌肉注射80 mg/kgBW环磷酰胺(CTX),第Ⅰ组注射等量生理盐水。Ⅰ、Ⅱ组饲喂基础日粮(维生素E含量44.59 mg/kg),Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组在基础日粮中分别添加50、100、200 mg/kg维生素E。结果显示:①免疫抑制产蛋鸡的产蛋率、平均蛋重和平均日采食量显著降低(P<0.05),破蛋率显著升高(P<0.05)。基础日粮中添加50 mg/kg维生素E显著提高免疫抑制产蛋鸡的产蛋率、平均蛋重和平均日采食量(P<0.05),但仍低于对照组Ⅰ(P<0.05);显著降低料蛋比和破蛋率(P<0.05)。②免疫抑制产蛋鸡的蛋壳厚度、蛋壳强度和哈氏单位显著降低(P<0.05),蛋形指数和蛋黄颜色无显著改变(P>0.05);50 mg/kg维生素E添加量显著提高免疫抑制产蛋鸡的蛋壳厚度、蛋壳强度和哈氏单位(P<0.05),与对照组Ⅰ无显著差异(P>0.05)。因此,免疫抑制显著降低产蛋鸡的生产性能和蛋品质;基础日粮中添加维生素E对免疫抑制蛋鸡的生产性能和蛋品质具有明显的调控效应,且以50 mg/kg添加量效果较好。     

Effects of Antibacterial Peptide Cecropin on Prouduction Performance，Immune Function and Serum Biological Parameters of Weaner Piglets

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of antimicrobial peptide cecropin on production performance,immune function and serum biological parameters of weaner piglets.A total of 240 weaner hybrid piglets （Landrace×Large White×Duroc） with average body weight （8.35±0.12）kg were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 10 each.The four treatments were control group （fed a basal diet）,antibiotics group （fed basal diet＋140 mg/kg 50% kitasamycin＋100 mg/kg olaquindox ＋600 mg/kg 10% colistin sulfate）,antimicrobial peptide group （fed basal diet＋350 mg/kg antimicrobial peptide cecropin）,compatibility group （antibiotics + antibacterial peptide group）（fed basal diet＋250 mg/kg antimicrobial peptide cecropin＋50 mg/kg olaquindox ＋200 mg/kg 10% colistin sulfate）,each group was half male and half female.The pre-test period lasted for 7 days,the trial period lasted for 34 days.The results showed that compared with control group,the average daily gain in compatibility group was significantly increased （P＜0.05）,the average daily feed intake in antibiotic group and antimicrobial peptide group was significantly decreased （P＜0.05）,the feed conversion ratio and diarrhea rate in all three experimental groups were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）.The antibody blocking rate and serum IgG,IgA contents in antimicrobial peptide group and compatibility group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）,the serum urea nitrogen and blood sugar contents in antimicrobial peptide group and compatibility group were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）,but the serum total protein and albumin contents were significantly increased （P＜0.05）.In conclusion,dietary supplementation appropriate level of antimicrobial peptide cecropin could replace part of the antibiotics,and adding high dose of antimicrobial peptide cecropin could replace antibiotics used in feed completely.     

The Effect of Dietary Sulphate Copper Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Enzymes and Absorptive Transporters in Weanling Pigs

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Cu on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, tissue minerals and absorptive transporters in small intestinal mucosa of weanling pigs. One hundred crossbred pigs weaned at 28 ± 2 d of age were assigned randomly to one of the following diets with 5 replicates: corn-soybean basal diet with 10, 100, 175, 250 mg/kg of Cu as CuSO₄•5H₂O. The results showed that 250 mg/kg Cu had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on average daily gain, daily feed intake and ratio of gain/feed. Compared to 10 mg/kg Cu, higher Cu had significant effect on the apparent digestibility of protein and fat (P < 0.05). The supplementing of Cu improved amylase and lipase activity in jejunum content and lipase in pancreas (P < 0.05) and had no effect on intestinal morphology. The liver Cu elevated approximately 4-fold in pigs fed diet with 250 mg/kg Cu compared with pigs fed diet with 10 mg/kg Cu, no increases were observed in pigs receiving the lower level of Cu (100 and 175 mg/kg). Both Fe and Zn contents in kidney and liver were not affected by Cu supplementation. There was no positive effect (P > 0.05) of Cu supplementation on PepT1 (peptide transporter 1) and SGLT1 (sodium/glucose cotransporter) mRNA abundance in intestinal mucosa. However, higher supplementing level (250 mg/kg) significantly elevated the DMT1 (divalent metal transporter) mRNA abundance in duodenum mucosa. These results suggested that dietary supplementation with 250 mg/kg Cu could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal enzyme activities of weanling pigs.     

Effect of dietary oregano oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on iron-induced lipid oxidation of turkey breast, thigh, liver and heart tissues

Twenty-five 12-week-old turkeys randomly divided into five groups were given a basal diet, or a basal diet supplemented with 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg, or 100 mg oregano oil/kg or 200 mg oregano oil/kg, or 100 mg oregano oil plus 100 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, for 4 weeks prior to slaughter. Breast, thigh, liver and heart tissues were subjected to iron-induced lipid oxidation, the extent of which was determined by third-order derivative spectrophotometry. Results showed that dietary oregano oil at the inclusion level of 200 mg oregano oil/kg diet was more effective in delaying lipid oxidation compared with the inclusion level of 100 mg/kg, but equivalent to the inclusion of 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, which in turn was inferior to the combined inclusion of 100 mg oregano oil plus 100 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg, which was superior to all dietary treatments. Thigh tissue was more susceptible to oxidation than breast tissue, although it contained alpha-tocopherol at higher concentrations. Also, lipid oxidation in heart was relatively high, although it contained the highest alpha-tocopherol levels. This indicates that tissue alpha-tocopherol is one important factor influencing the level of lipid oxidation, but the distribution of lipids, iron and oregano oil in tissues must also be taken into consideration. Tissue alpha-tocopherol levels responded to dietary intake of 30-200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg in the order heart > liver > thigh > breast. Breast, thigh and heart tissues from the oregano groups presented significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of alpha-tocopherol compared with the control, the increase being positively correlated with the supplementation level. The increased levels of alpha-tocopherol in these tissues indicated that the dietary oregano oil exerted a protective action on alpha-tocopherol.     

Vitamin E and organic selenium enhances the antioxidative status and quality of chicken semen under high ambient temperature

1. The effects of supplemental dietary vitamin E and organic selenium (Se), and their combination, on improving semen quality characteristics and antioxidative status were investigated in cockerels exposed to high ambient temperature.

2. A total of 36 Egyptian local cross males, 40 weeks old, were housed individually in cages in an open-sided building (average daily temperature ranged from 33 to 36°C and relative humidity from 60 to 70%). Birds were divided randomly into 4 experimental treatments (n?=?9 each): (1) control (basal diet without any supplementation with vitamin E or Se); (2) vitamin E (basal diet +200?mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet); (3) Se (basal diet +0·3?mg organic Se/kg diet); and (4) vitamin E?+?Se (basal diet +200?mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet +0·3?mg organic Se/kg diet).

3. Under heat stress conditions, inclusion of vitamin E and/or organic Se in the diets enhanced the semen quality traits, including the spermatozoa count and motility, and reduced the percentage of dead spermatozoa.

4. A combination of 200?mg/kg vitamin E with 0·3?mg/kg organic Se reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentration in seminal plasma samples to about 28% of the controls; and also enhanced the seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase activity by two-fold compared with controls.

5. It was concluded that dietary vitamin E in combination with organic Se has a synergistic effect in minimising lipid peroxidation and improving the antioxidative status in seminal plasma of the domestic fowl, which probably translated into enhanced spermatozoa count, motility and reduced percentage of dead spermatozoa under heat stress conditions.     

The influence of dietary boron supplementation on egg quality and serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in laying hens

This study was performed to investigate the influence of dietary boron (B) supplementation on egg production, interior and exterior egg quality and serum parameters related to egg formation in laying hens. Two hundred and twenty four, 18 week old, Hyline Brown 98 strain hens were assigned to 7 groups with 4 replicates. After 10 days of adaptation the hens were fed for 8 weeks on diets supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (diet) B (H₃BO₃). Live weight, feed consumption and egg production were reduced in the 400 mg/kg B supplemented group. Increases were determined in serum Ca, inorganic P and Mg levels and serum ALP activity was not influenced by supplemental B. Boron changed the interior and exterior quality of eggs. In particular, high level of B supplementation reduced live weight, feed consumption and egg production and changed some blood metabolites.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc on laying performance,egg quality and some biochemical parameters of laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn‐Met) supplementation on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age. A total of 120 Hisex Brown laying hens of 22‐week‐old were randomly allocated into five treatments with six cage replicates for each (four hens/replicate). Dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet with no Zn‐Met supplementation (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. No significant differences were observed on body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio due to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation. However, highly significant impact was observed on daily feed intake. Egg number, egg weight and egg mass were increased in the group fed diet supplemented with the highest level of Zn‐Met (100 mg/kg of diet) as compared to other groups. All egg quality traits were statistically (p > .05 or .01) affected as a response to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation except egg shape index, shell percentage and yolk index. In comparison with the control group, dietary supplementation of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg decreased serum triglyceride and LDL‐cholesterol levels. Serum cholesterol level was increased with all dietary levels of Zn‐Met in comparison with the control group. Dietary Zn‐Met supplementation increased the serum content of zinc, where the highest values were recorded with 50 and 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. Dietary Zn‐Met levels did not affect the antioxidant indices in blood serum except for the activity of copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu‐Zn‐SOD). The activity of Cu‐Zn‐SOD was increased with Zn‐Met supplementations with no differences among supplemental zinc levels. It is concluded that dietary Zn‐Met supplementation reduced serum triglyceride, LDL‐cholesterol and increased Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability of laying hens, and the addition of 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg to layer diet was appropriate for improving the above parameters in addition to egg production indices and Haugh unit score.