Modulations of genes related to gut integrity,apoptosis, and immunity underlie the beneficial effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 in broilers fed diets with different protein levels in a necrotic enteritis challenge model

Background: The ban of in-feed antimicrobial additives has negatively affected the poultry industry by causing necrotic enteritis(NE) to emerge in the flocks. Alternatives such as Bacillus probiotics have shown to be effective on eliminating the negative effects of this disease. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940(BA) in broiler chickens under NE challenge and/or fed diets with different protein levels.Methods: In both experiments, 480 day-old mix-sexed Ross-308 broilers were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. In experiment 1, the factors were NE challenge(yes or no) and probiotic(yes or no). In experiment 2, the factors were dietary crude protein levels(standard or reduced) and probiotic(yes or no) and were used under NE challenge condition. Oral administration of Eimeria oocysts(day 9) followed by inoculation with Clostridium perfringens(day 14 and 15) was used to induce NE challenge. On day 16, two birds from each treatment were gavaged with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran(FITC-d) and blood samples were collected for gut integrity evaluation, and jejunal samples were collected for gene expression assay.Results: In experiment 1, BA supplementation decreased caspase-3(CASP3)(P 0.001) and caspase-8(CASP8)(P 0.05) and increased occludin(OCLD)(P 0.05) expression regardless of the challenge. Additionally, BA supplementation downregulated interfron-γ(IFN-γ) expression(P 0.01) and upregulated immunoglobulin-G(Ig G)(P 0.01) and immunoglobulin-M(Ig M)(P 0.05) only in challenged birds. In experiment 2, the expression of genes encoding mucin-2(MUC2)(P 0.001), tight junction protein-1(TJP1)(P 0.05) and OCLD(P 0.05) were upregulated by the addition of BA in the diet, regardless of the crude protein level. Further, BA supplementation downregulated INF-γ(P 0.01) and upregulated immunoglobulin-A(Ig A)(P 0.05), Ig M(P 0.05) and Ig G(P 0.01) regardless of the crude protein level.Conclusion: These findings suggest that supplementation of BA in broiler diets can improve gut health by modulation of genes related to the mucosal barrier, tight junction, and immunity in broilers challenged by unfavourable conditions such as NE challenge.     

Organic acid blends improve intestinal integrity,modulate short-chain fatty acids profiles and alter microbiota of broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge

Controlling enteric diseases of broilers is crucial.Among many additives,organic acids(OA)and their blends are gaining attention to combat diseases in the post-antibiotic era.The current study evaluated the potentials of short-chain fatty acids(SCFA)and medium-chain fatty acids(MCFA)blends and/or phenolic compounds on intestinal integrity,intestinal pH,caecal microbiota,and caecal SCFA profiles of broilers under necrotic enteritis(NE)challenge.The additives used were:(A)a blend of SCFA,MCFA,and a phenolic compound(SMP),(B)a blend of free and buffered SCFA with MCFA(SMF),and(C)a blend of free and buffered SCFA with a high concentration of MCFA(SHM).A total of 1,404 male parental chicks of Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to 78 floor pens on hatching day with 6 treatments replicated 13 times with 18 birds per pen.The treatments were:UCC,unchallenged control;CHC,challenged control;BAC,challenged group plus zinc bacitracin;SMP,challenged group plus additive SMP;SMF,challenged group plus additive SMF;SHM,challenged group plus additive SHM.Birds were challenged with field-strain Eimeria spp.on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14.Birds challenged with NE increased fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran(FITC-d)concentration in serum,reduced acetate and butyrate concentrations,and increased Bacteroides and C.perfringens load in the caeca(P<0.05).Birds fed additives decreased FITC-d from gut to serum,reduced Bacteroides(d 16,P<0.05)and numerically reduced C.perfringens load compared to CHC group.Birds fed additive SHM had higher concentrations of acetate and butyrate(d 21,P<0.05)than CHC group but were not different from SMP and SMF groups.All the additives exhibited similar intestinal protection against NE compared to the BAC group indicated by FITC-d concentration in serum,acetate,propionate and butyrate concentrations in the caeca,and caecal bacterial loads except for the C.perfringens(P>0.05).The SMP group had a higher load compared to BAC(P<0.05).These findings suggest the promising effects of OA blends as alternatives to BAC to ameliorate the impact of NE challenge of broilers as indicated by improved intestinal health.     

Glutamic acid supplementation recovers the reduced performance of weanling pigs fed reduced crude protein diets

This study was conducted to evaluate the supplementation of glutamic acid(Glu)to reduced protein diets on the performance of weanling pigs.One hundred and eighty crossbred weanling pigs([Yorkshire
Landrace]
Duroc,21 d old)having similar body weight(BW)of 6.45 kg were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments(5 pigs per pen[2 barrows and 3 gilts];6 pens per treatment)based on BW and sex during a 6-week trial.Dietary treatments consisted of positive control(PC)diet formulated to have 226.9,205.6,and 188.8 g crude protein(CP)during phases 1,2,and 3,respectively,and negative control(NC)diets with 20 g CP reduction from PC diets and addition of Glu with increasing levels,resulting in the calculated Lys-to-Glu ratios of 1:2.25,1:2.30.1:2.35,1:2.40,and 1:2.45,designated as NC,NC1,NC2,NC3,and NC4,respectively.The BW of pigs receiving PC diet was higher(P<0.05)than those receiving NC diet at d 7,21 and 42.A higher(P<0.05)average daily gain(ADG)from d 1 to 7,8 to 21,22 to 42 and during the overall experiment period was observed in pigs fed PC than NC diet.Pigs fed NC diets including the graded level of Glu linearly increased(P<0.05)BW at d 42,ADG and gain-to-feed ratio(G:F)during the overall experimental period.In addition,trends in linear increase in BW(P=0.056)at d 7 and ADG from d 1 to 7 and d 22 to 42(linear effect,P=0.081,P=0.058 respectively)were observed.A tendency in the linear increment of NH3(P=0.082)at d 21 and linear reduction in methyl mercaptans(P=0.054)emission at d 42 was observed in pigs fed NC diets supplemented with graded level of Glu.In conclusion,supplementing the reduced protein diet with Glu enhanced the growth performance in weanling pigs suggesting that supplementation of Glu can compensate the reduction of 2%CP in the basal diets.     

Potential of a mixture of eugenol and garlic tincture to improve performance and intestinal health in broilers under necrotic enteritis challenge

Plant extracts(PE)are gaining increased attention as potential alternatives to in-feed antimicrobials(AM)due to their known antimicrobial activities.This study was conducted to examine the potential of PE,a microencapsulated product composed of eugenol and garlic tincture as an alternative to AM-agent on performance and intestinal health in broilers under necrotic enteritis(NE)challenge.A total of 960 dayold mixed-sex Cobb 500 chicks were randomly distributed to 48-floor pens with 6 treatments replicated 8 times with 20 birds each.The 6 treatments were as follows:UC,unchallenged control;CC,challenged control;PE,challenged group plus PE;AM,challenged group plus AM;FAP,challenged group plus a full dose of AM with PE;HAP,challenged group plus a half dose of AM with PE in starter,grower and finisher phases.Birds in the challenged groups were inoculated with Eimeria spp.on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14.The body weight gain(BWG),feed intake(FI),feed conversion ratio(FCR),and livability of birds were compromised,and intestinal lesions and mortality were increased(P<0.05)by NE challenge,illustrating a successful clinical NE challenge.Birds fed AM had higher BWG and FI,and lower FCR,mortality,and intestinal lesions compared to the CC group(P<0.05).Birds fed PE had improved FCR(P<0.05)and livability(5.8%)in an overall period compared to the CC group.On d 16,PE supplementation reduced ileal lesion scores in only male birds(P<0.05).Birds fed PE had decreased Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocyst counts in caecal content(P<0.05).Birds fed PE had decreased Eimeria brunetti and total oocyst counts in caecal content,and E.acervulina oocyst counts in ileal content in only female birds(P<0.05).On d 35,PE supplementation reduced variation of BW in both male and female birds and increased yellowness(b*value,14.4%)in the thigh.These findings suggest the potential of PE supplementation in diets to improve the performance and intestinal health of birds under clinical NE as indicated by improved FCR,livability,uniformity,reduced ileal lesions,oocyst counts and increased skin yellowness.However,the protective effect of PE may not be apparent in the presence of AM in the feed.     

低蛋白日粮对猪肠道健康与生长性能的影响

与传统玉米-豆粕型日粮相比,在不影响猪生长性能的前提下,低蛋白日粮具有节约蛋白原料、减少氮排放、降低饲料成本及猪舍内氨气和硫化氢等有毒有害气体浓度等优点。随着国际贸易摩擦频繁、环保要求日渐严格和2020年7月1日饲料无抗的实施,低蛋白日粮已成为现代规模化养猪生产中日粮营养供应发展的必然趋势。因此,文章将从低蛋白日粮设计的理论基础以及对猪肠道健康和生长性能的影响进行简要综述,为低蛋白日粮的科学推广与应用提供参考与依据。     

Dietary ferulic acid and vanillic acid on inflammation,gut barrier function and growth performance in lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets

Ferulic acid(FA) and vanillic acid(VA) are considered as major phenolic metabolites of cyanidin 3-glucoside, a polyphenol that widely exists in plants that possess a protective effect against oxidative stress and inflammation in our previous study. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FA and VA on inflammation, gut barrier function, and growth performance in a weaned piglet model challenged with lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Thirty-six piglets(PIC 337 × C48, 28 d of age) were randomly alloca...     

不同蛋白源日粮对肉鸡生长性能、酶活及胫骨特征的影响

文章旨在评估肉鸡在不同生长阶段饲喂不同蛋白源日粮对其生长性能、小肠酶活和胫骨特征的影响。试验将平均初始体重为（43.55±0.36）g的400只商品肉仔鸡随机分为5组,每组4个重复,每个重复20只。试验分为1～14?d和15～28?d两个试验阶段,T1组肉鸡在1～28?d饲喂鱼粉型日粮,T2组肉鸡在1～14?d饲喂豆粕型日粮,15～28?d饲喂鱼粉型日粮,T3组肉鸡在1～14?d饲喂菜粕型日粮,15～28?d饲喂鱼粉型日粮,T4组肉鸡在1～14?d饲喂鱼粉型日粮,15～28?d饲喂豆粕型日粮,T5组肉鸡在1～14?d饲喂鱼粉型日粮,15～28?d饲喂菜粕型日粮。结果：T3和T4组肉鸡1～14?d平均日增重和采食量显著高于T1和T2组,而T1和T2组肉鸡1～14?d料重比最低（P＜0.05）。T1和T5组肉鸡小肠胰蛋白酶活性显著高于其他组（P＜0.05）,T3和T4组肉鸡小肠脂肪酶活性显著高于其他组（P＜0.05）,T1组肉鸡小肠糜蛋白酶活性最低（P＜0.05）。T2组胫骨灰分含量较其他组分别显著提高了9.65%、13.64%、15.74%和17.92%（P＜0.05）。结论：在本研究条件下,肉鸡在生长初期（1～14?d）饲喂菜粕型日粮可以显著改善采食量和日增重。 [关键词]蛋白源饲料|肉鸡|生长性能|酶活|胫骨特征     

不同剂量血浆蛋白粉对肉鸡生产性能和免疫功能的影响

本试验选用300只1日龄AA肉鸡,随机分为5个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复10只鸡。试验前期(1～21d)5个处理分别饲喂基础日粮、基础日粮+50mg/kg金霉素和含有0.5%、2.5%、5.0%血浆蛋白粉(SDPP)日粮,试验后期(22～49d)各处理组均饲喂基础日粮。结果表明,添加0.5%SDPP极显著提高前期平均日增重(ADG)和平均日采食量(ADFI)(P<0.01);SDPP显著提高后期和全期ADG和ADFI,但后期和全期各处理间F/G差异不显著(P>0.05);0.5%SDPP组肉鸡全期的生产成绩高于2.5%和5.0%SDPP组(P>0.05)。血浆蛋白粉可提高Ea、Et、脾脏指数和胸腺指数(P>0.05);2.5%、5.0%SDPP组淋巴细胞转化率极显著高于对照组(P<0.01),0.5%SDPP组淋巴细胞转化率显著高于对照组(P<0.05);2.5%SDPP组的法氏囊指数显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。     

日粮蛋白水平对黄羽鹌鹑产蛋性能和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮粗蛋白质水平对黄羽鹌鹑产蛋性能和血液生化指标的影响。以粗蛋白质水平分别为:17.75%、19.95%、21.85%、24.08%的日粮作为4个处理(处理1、2、3、4),选用35日龄蛋用黄羽鹌鹑120只随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复10只。试验预试期15 d,正试期30 d,试验结果表明:不同蛋白质水平的处理,平均蛋重差异不显著(P>0.05);处理2的平均产蛋率显著高于其他处理(P<0.05);料蛋比显著低于其他处理组(P<0.05);处理1的干物质采食量显著高于处理3和处理4(P<0.05);谷丙转氨酶处理1(17.75%)显著低于处理3(21.85%)(P<0.05)。谷草转氨酶各处理差异不显著(P>0.05);处理3(21.85%)的血清总蛋白显著高于处理1(17.75%)(P<0.05),其他处理血清总蛋白差异不显著(P>0.05);血清尿氮和磷各组差异不显著(P>0.05),血清尿氮处理2(19.95%)最高,磷处理1(17.75%)最高。结果表明,日粮粗蛋白质水平对黄羽鹌鹑产蛋性能和部分血清生化指标有显著影响。     

Evaluation of growth performance of broiler birds fed with diet containing different levels of velvet bean meal as an alternative protein ingredient

The effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by the velvet bean meal (VBM) as an alternative protein ingredient on the growth performance of broiler birds was investigated. The seed materials of velvet bean (VB) [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck], an under-utilized food legume collected from South India, was found to contain appreciable levels of proteins (265 g/kg DM); lipid (65.1 g/kg DM); Neutral Detergent Fiber (84.3 g/kg DM) and ash content (49.2 g/kg DM). Soaking in sodium-bi-carbonate solution + autoclaving treatment was found to cause substantial reduction on the levels of antinutritional compounds such as tannins (75%), L-Dopa (81%), phytic acid (70%), raffinose (92%), stachyose (89%), verbascose (71%), haemagglutinating activity (75%), trypsin inhibitor activity (78%) and α-amylase inhibitor activity (77%) without affecting the nutritional quality of VB seeds. Such processed VBM was incorporated as an alternative protein source by replacing the SBM protein at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% levels in the commercial type broiler diets. Replacement of SBM up to 40% level with VBM as an alternative protein ingredient in the poultry diet, which corresponds to the inclusion of VBM up to 15.7% in the starter feed and 11% in the finisher phase poultry feed, exhibited better growth performance of the broiler birds without any adverse effects.     

Source of fiber influences growth,immune responses,gut barrier function and microbiota in weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diets

This study examined the impacts of different fiber sources on growth, immune status and gut health in weaned piglets fed antibiotic-free diets. Sixty piglets (BW = 8.18 ± 1.35 kg) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments based on BW and gender in a randomized complete block design (5 replicates/treatment and 4 piglets [2 barrows and 2 gilts]/replicate): (1) an antibiotic-free diet (control, CON); (2) CON + 6% wheat bran (WB); (3) CON + 4% sugar beet pulp (SBP). Dietary WB supplementation tended to increase ADG compared with CON from d 1 to 14 (P = 0.051) and from d 1 to 28 (P = 0.099). Supplementation of WB increased (P < 0.05) G:F compared with CON and SBP from d 1 to 14 and from d 1 to 28. Compared with CON, the addition of WB reduced (P < 0.05) diarrhea rate from d 1 to 14 and tended (P = 0.054) to reduce diarrhea rate from d 1 to 28. The addition of WB decreased (P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase activity on d 14, and up-regulated (P < 0.05) ileal mRNA levels of occludin on d 28 when compared with CON. Piglets fed WB showed decreased (P < 0.05) serum interleukin-6 levels compared to those fed SBP and decreased (P < 0.05) ileal interleukin-8 levels compared to those fed CON and SBP on d 28. Supplementation of WB increased (P < 0.05) serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and IgM compared with SBP on d 14, and increased (P < 0.05) the levels of serum IgA and ileal sIgA compared with CON and SBP on d 28. Piglets fed WB showed an enhanced (P < 0.05) α-diversity of cecal microbiota than those fed SBP, while piglets fed SBP showed reduced (P < 0.05) α-diversity of cecal microbiota than those fed CON. Compared with CON, the addition of WB elevated (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lachnospira and cecal butyric acid level. Piglets fed WB also showed increased (P < 0.05) abundances of Lachnospira and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae compared with those fed SBP. Collectively, the supplementation of WB to antibiotic-free diets improved performance, immune responses, gut barrier function and microbiota compared with the CON and SBP fed piglets. Therefore, supplementing weaned piglets with WB was more effective than SBP.     

Optimization of surfactin production from Bacillus subtilis in fermentation and its effects on Clostridium perfringens‐induced necrotic enteritis and growth performance in broilers

Bacillus species are commonly used as probiotics in the poultry feed industry for preventing infectious diseases and improving productivity by altering gastrointestinal microbiota. The growth parameters of Bacillus subtilis for surfactin production in fermentation and the benefits of surfactin on broiler chickens remain unclear. In this study, we examined the growth parameters of B. subtilis in fermentation and evaluated the effects of surfactin from B. subtilis‐fermented products on Clostridium perfringens‐induced necrotic enteritis and growth performance in broilers. Results showed that the highest viable biomass of B. subtilis was observed at 10% molasses and 2% yeast supplementation during fermentation. The 4‐ and 6‐day fermented B. subtilis products were heat‐, acid‐ and bile‐resistant. Furthermore, the 4‐day fermented B. subtilis products with the highest surfactin concentration showed the maximal antimicrobial activity against pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and C. perfringens. Dietary B. subtilis‐fermented product supplementation in broilers significantly improved intestinal morphology and necrotic lesions under C. perfringens challenge. Bacillus subtilis treatments could enhance broiler productivity, as well as promote bone quality and intestinal morphology. These results together indicate that B. subtilis‐fermented products containing surfactin have potential for the development as feed additives and use as possible substitutes for antibiotics to treat C. perfringens in the poultry industry.     

Effects of three major protein sources on performance,gut morphology and fermentation characteristics in broilers

ABSTRACT

1. This study determined the effects of three protein sources (PS), each at two digestibility crude protein (DCP) levels, on performance, gut morphology and fermentation characteristics in the hindgut of broilers.

2. It was hypothesised that broilers fed ingredients high in indigestible CP, i.e. rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG), could potentially cause reduced growth, impaired gut health, and more protein fermentation products in caecal digesta. Increasing the DCP level in each of the indigestible CP diets may compensate for these detrimental effects.

3. In total, 288 one-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a completely randomised 3 × 2 factorial design, with six replicate pens per treatment. Three PS: soybean meal (SBM), rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG), and two DCP levels: 15.8 and 17.2% were used.

4. Broilers fed SBM had increased feed intake and BWG and improved FCR compared with those fed RSM and MG diets. Broilers fed high DCP had better performance compared with those on low DCP. No significant effects of PS or DCP level were found on gastrointestinal tract development, caecal ammonia or volatile fatty acid concentrations.

5. Broilers fed SBM had longer villi, smaller crypts and increased villus height to crypt depth ratio compared with those fed RSM and MG diets. Broilers fed RSM diet had a lower caecal pH, and had 16.5% and 14.9% more branched chain fatty acid contents in caecal digesta compared with those fed SBM and MG diets, respectively, indicating more proteolytic fermentation.

6. Replacing SBM by RSM and MG negatively affected growth performance and gut morphology. Hindgut protein fermentation was substantially increased in RSM fed birds.

7. To a certain extent, retarded growth performance in RSM and MG fed birds could be counterbalanced by increasing the dietary level of digestible CP.     

The influences of ambient temperature and crude protein levels on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, crude protein levels and their interaction on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 216 Arbor Acre broiler chickens (108 males and 108 females) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and randomly reared at two temperatures (normal temperature: 23 °C; daily cyclic high temperature: 28–32 °C) and fed on three diets with different crude protein levels (153.3, 183.3 or 213.3 g/kg, with constant essential amino acids) from 28 to 42 days of age. Daily cyclic high ambient temperature decreased final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and serum total protein contents (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008 respectively), but increased feed/gain, mortality, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum uric acid contents and serum creatine kinase activity (p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.003 respectively), irrespective of crude protein levels. At the ambient temperature, reducing crude protein levels resulted in an increase in feed/gain (p < 0.001), but a decrease in serum total protein and uric acid contents. Only serum creatine kinase activity in broiler chickens was interacted by daily cyclic high ambient temperature and dietary crude protein levels (p = 0.003). These results indicated that daily cyclic high ambient temperature had a great effect on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, whereas dietary crude protein levels affected them partially.     

Effects of high peanut meal with different crude protein level supplemented with amino acids on performance,carcass traits and nitrogen retention of Chinese Yellow broilers

This study assessed the effects of feeding high peanut meal diets of reduced crude protein (CP) content supplemented with essential amino acids (EAA) on growth performance, carcass traits, biochemical indices in plasma, and nitrogen (N) retention of male and female Lingnan Yellow broilers from day 22 to day 42 of age. Each of four dietary treatments (19%, 18%, 17% or 16% CP, dietary CP level reduced by the reduced dietary peanut meal) contained six replicate pens with 35 birds of each sex (males and females with equal number), separately (1680 in total). The three diets with reduced CP were supplemented with 5 EAA to meet the requirements and provide the same levels as in the 19% CP diet. Average daily gain decreased and feed:gain ratio was worse in both sexes with reduced CP% (linear, p < 0.05). Dressing percentage increased as CP% decreased in males (linear, p < 0.05) and thigh muscle percentage reduced slightly in females (linear, p < 0.05). Abdominal fat percentage of males fed the 17% CP was the lowest (quadratic, p < 0.05). The plasma metabolic indices, concentrations of triglycerides and malondialdehyde, showed linear responses to reduced CP% (p < 0.05) with triglycerides increasing while malondialdehyde decreased. Plasma uric acid increased in females (linear, p < 0.05), but not in males, as CP% decreased. Efficiency of N retention increased and N excretion strikingly decreased with lower CP diets (p < 0.001), and both variables showed significant (p < 0.05) linear and quadratic effects. It is concluded that there was a limit to which dietary CP of broilers could be reduced without adverse effects. Dietary CP could be reduced to 17% for males and 18% for females (or 18% when fed together) between day 22 and day 42, if diets are supplemented with synthetic EAA.     

不同日粮能量和蛋白水平对特种野猪的表观消化率和生长性能的影响

选择54头健康断奶的50日龄50%野猪血缘的特种野猪为试验用猪(平均体重为7.92±0.61 kg),日粮消化能分为12.76,13.17和13.6M J/kg 3个水平;蛋白含量分为14%,16%和18%3个水平,采用3×3完全随机试验设计。研究了9种不同能量和蛋白质水平的日粮在舍饲条件下,特种野猪生长期的能量和蛋白质营养需要量。结果表明:在日粮表观消化率方面,不同能量水平对于总能、粗蛋白、干物质,高能组和中能组比低能组分别提高3.66%和2.55%(P<0.05),3.26%和1.29%(P<0.05);3.01%和1.74%。不同蛋白水平对于总能、粗蛋白、干物质,高蛋白组和中蛋白组比低蛋白组分别提高1.95%和1.36%(P<0.05);2.01%(P<0.05)和0.7%;1.55%(P<0.05)和0.92%。生长性能方面,不同能量水平中,中能组的日增重显著高于高能组与低能组(P<0.05),高能组平均日采食量,显著低于中能、低能组(P<0.05),对于料肉比,高能、中能组显著低于低能组(P<0.05)。不同粗蛋白水平中,对于平均日采食量,低蛋白水平显著高于高蛋、中蛋白水平(P<0.05),对于料重比,低蛋白水平显著高于高蛋白、中蛋白水平(P<0.05)。总之,日粮消化能在13.17 M J/kg和粗蛋白在16%水平有一个较好的生产性能,更能适应广西特种野猪的营养需要。     

Effects of dietary Bacillus coagulans and yeast hydrolysate supplementation on growth performance,immune response and intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets

The present study investigated the effects of Bacillus coagulans and yeast hydrolysate supplementation on growth performance, immune response and intestinal barrier function of weaned piglets. Twenty-four weaned piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 0.15 kg were divided into four diets for 28 days. The treatments were basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with antibiotic (20 mg/kg colistin sulphate and 40 mg/kg bacitracin zinc, AT), probiotics (400 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans ≥5 × 109 CFU/g, BC) or yeast hydrolysate (5000 mg/kg yeast hydrolysate, YH). Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were improved by AT and YH diets (p < 0.05), while BC diet only increased ADG (p < 0.05). The complement 3 (C3), lysozyme (LZM) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations in serum were increased in BC diet (p < 0.05). Feeding AT and YH caused the increase of jejunal villus height (p < 0.05), and a higher ratio of villus height/crypt depth was observed in AT, BC and YH groups (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in jejunal mucosa was up-regulated by AT, BC and YH diets (p < 0.05). Dietary AT, BC or YH inclusion decreased the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentration and TNF-α mRNA expression (p < 0.05), and YH supplementation even down-regulated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD14 expressions (p < 0.05). In summary, the dietary administration of BC or YH both improves growth performance through promoting the intestinal barrier function, indicating both of them can serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics growth promoters for the piglet production.     

Effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on growth performance,carcass trait,meat quality,and plasma metabolites in pigs of different genotypes

Background

The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes.

Methods

Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups (Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases.

Results

We observed significant interactions (P < 0.05) between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat (IMF) content, protein content in biceps femoris (BF) muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen (UN) concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), dry matter, IMF content in psoas major (PM) muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced (P < 0.05) growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower (P < 0.05) feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN.

Conclusions

Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-015-0036-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.