Effects of astragalus and ginseng polysaccharides on growth performance,immune function and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides (Aps) and ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) on growth performance, liver function, immune function, TLR4 signalling pathways and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In an experiment spanning 28 days, 180 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups: basal diet (Con), basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Gps (Gps) and basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Aps (Aps). At the end of the experiment, 12 piglets of each group were selected; half (n = 6) were intraperitoneally injected with LPS and half with normal saline. Dietary supplementation with Aps and Gps significantly increased (p < .05) the average daily gain and feed conversion rate. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p < .05) expression of serum urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour inflammatory factor-α (TNF-α), but decreased (p < .05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression. Lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets fed with Aps or Gps had lower (p < .05) BUN, ALT, AST, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and greater (p < .05) SOD, T-AOC and IgA levels. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p < .05) the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, and LPS-challenged piglets fed diets supplemented with Aps or Gps increased TLR4 and MyD88 and decreased NF-κB expression. Lipopolysaccharide challenge reduced (p < .05) the jejunal villus height, and piglets fed with Aps or Gps had increased (p < .05) jejunal villus height. Supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced the expression of occludin and claudin in challenged or unchallenged piglets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced piglet growth performance, alleviated liver dysfunction and reduced immunological stress caused by LPS, as well as increased the intestinal barrier function.     

Effects and interaction of dietary electrolyte balance and citric acid on growth performance,intestinal histomorphology,digestive enzyme activity and nutrient transporters expression of weaned piglets

Fifty-six piglets were weaned at 21 days and randomly assigned to 1 of 8 dietary treatments with 7 replicate pens for a 14-day experimental period. The eight experimental diets were prepared via a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with citric acid (CA; 0 and 0.3%) and dietary electrolyte balance (dEB, Na +K − Cl mEq/kg of the diet; −50, 100, 250, and 400 mEq/kg). Varying dEB values were obtained by altering calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate contents. Dietary CA significantly increased (p < .05) villus height (VH) and villus height:crypt depth (VH:CD) in the jejunum. Piglets fed a 250 mEq/kg diet increased (p < .05) VH and VH:CD values in the duodenum. Jejunal VH and VH:CD increased (quadratic; p < .05), and ileal VH:CD (liner and quadratic; p < .05) decreased as dEB was increased in diets without CA, but no such effect was observed on the diets containing CA (dEB ×CA; p < .05). The CD in jejunum (quadratic; p < .05) increased as dEB was increased in diets containing CA, whereas it was decreased (linear; p < .05) in the diets without CA (dEB ×CA; p < .001). Dietary CA increased maltase activity and reduced the number of Ki67-positive cells (p < .05). Increasing dEB values in diets without CA increased sucrose and lactase activities (quadratic; p < .05), but no such effect was observed in the diets with CA (dEB ×CA; p < .05). An interaction effect between dEB and CA on the number of Ki67-positive cells was observed (p < .001). In conclusion, 250 mEq/kg dEB diet with CA improved piglet intestinal digestion and absorption function by improving intestinal morphology and increasing digestive enzyme activities. However, these improvements were also observed in piglets fed the 100 mEq/kg dEB diet without CA.     

Dietary supplementation of plant essential oil improves growth performance,intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of plant essential oil (PEO) on growth performance, intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were assigned into four groups fed with a basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing PEO at a concentration of 50 (PEO50), 100 (PEO100) or 200 ppm (PEO200). After 21 days, pigs were slaughtered and blood and tissue samples were collected. Result showed that PEO200 group significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) compared with CON group (p < .05). Moreover, PEO supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of DM (p < .05). However, it significantly decreased the serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration (p < .05). Interestingly, PEO supplementation significantly increased the activity of sucrase in the duodenal and the activity of lactase in the jejunal mucosa (p < .05). Moreover, PEO supplementation improved the growth of intestinal mucosa. As compared to the CON group, the jejunum and ileum villus height were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p < .05). Importantly, the expression levels of critical genes associated with nutrient transportation (i.e., GLUT2 and SGLT1) and barrier function (occludin) were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p < .05). Moreover, the PEO100 and PEO200 group had higher propionic acid concentration and higher total bacterial gene copies in colon digesta than the CON group (p < .05) respectively. These results not only suggest that PEO has a positive role in the regulation of growth and intestinal health in weaned pigs, but also offer a potential candidate substituting the conventionally used antibiotics in the livestock industry.     

The effects of dietary supplementation with porous zinc oxide on growth performance,intestinal microbiota,morphology, and permeability in weaned piglets

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with porous zinc oxide (HiZox) on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, morphology, and permeability in weaned piglets. A total of 128 weaned piglets [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of (6.55 ± 0.25 kg; 21 d of age) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: (1) a corn‐soybean basal diet; (2) basal diet + 3,000 mg/kg conventional ZnO; (3) basal diet + 200 mg/kg HiZox; (4) basal diet + 500 mg/kg HiZox. The experiments lasted for 28 days. Incremental HiZox in the diet increased ADG (linear p = 0.015; quadratic p = 0.043) and ADFI (linear p = 0.027; quadratic p = 0.038), and the diarrhea index decreased linearly and quadratically (p < 0.01) as HiZox supplemented increased. Furthermore, supplementation with HiZox increased the amounts of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05) in the ileum and cecum in comparison with that of control treatment or 3,000 mg/kg ZnO treatment, while decreased the populations of Escherichia coli, Clostridium coccoides, and Clostridium. leptum subgroup (p < 0.05) in the ileum and cecum relative to those in control treatment. The addition of HiZox increased the villus height and villus‐to‐crypt ratio (VC) of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05), while decreased the crypt depth of jejunum (p < 0.05) and tended to reduce the crypt depth of duodenum (p < 0.10) compared with the control treatment. Piglets fed with 500 mg/kg HiZox had lower serum D‐lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) than those fed with basal control diet or 3,000 mg/kg ZnO diet (p < 0.01). The results suggested that supplementation with HiZox modulated intestinal microbial composition and improved intestinal morphology, which may exert protective effects on the integrity of the mucosal barrier function of weaned piglets, was as efficacious as pharmaceutical doses of ZnO in enhancing growth performance, indicating that the HiZox may be a promising alternative to pharmaceutical doses of ZnO.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on growth performance,immune status,antioxidant capacity and selected microbial populations of weaned piglets

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are a complex mixture of highly branched and partially characterised polysaccharides and proteoglycans extracted from the goji berry. This mixture has great potential as a novel feed supplement for pigs. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation with LBPs on the growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity and selected intestinal microbial populations in weaned piglets. In trial 1, a total of 400 weaned piglets [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.34 ± 0.16 kg (21 days of age) were divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control group) or a basal diet containing 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs (supplemented at the expense of corn). Supplementation with 4,000 or 6,000 mg/kg LBPs for 2 weeks significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the pigs compared with the control group (p < .05). In trial 2, thirty-two 21-days-old weaned piglets (BW: 6.33 ± 0.11 kg) were allotted to a control group (fed with a basal diet) or an experimental group (basal diet containing 4,000 mg/kg LBPs). The experiment lasted for 14 days. Pigs fed LBP diets exhibited an increased ADG and ADFI, and a decreased diarrhoeal incidence compared with those fed the basal diets (p < .05). Supplementation with LBPs increased the serum IgG and IgM levels (p < .05). Dietary LBPs effectively promoted antioxidant defence properties through enhancing the activities of serum, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), in addition to decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < .05). The addition of LBPs increased the amounts of Bacteroidetes in the ileum and caecum and the caecal contents of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < .05), while decreased the populations of Escherichia coli and Firmicutes in the ileum and caecum (p < .05) compared with the control group. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with LBPs can enhance growth performance, immune status and antioxidant capacity, and improve the intestinal microbial populations of weaned piglets.     

The effect of dietary high energy density and carbohydrate energy ratio on digestive enzymes activity,nutrient digestibility,amino acid utilization and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets

This study evaluated the effect of high or low digestible energy ratio of carbohydrate in a high or normal dietary energy density on performance, amino acid utilization and intestinal functions of weaned piglets. A total of 32 healthy weaners (9.60 ± 0.13 kg) were allocated to two dietary energy densities (3,400 and 3,800 kcal/kg) and two digestible energy ratio of carbohydrate to fat (9:1 and 3:1) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were eight piglets per treatment. The feed intake of piglets was significantly increased by dietary high carbohydrate ratio (9:1) (p < 0.01); however, this did not result in improved body weight gain (p > 0.05). The piglets fed high carbohydrate energy ratio had a reduced villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio in the duodenum (p < 0.05), and dietary high energy density further decreased the VH/CD ratio in the ileum (p < 0.01). In the duodenum, the lymphocyte count was increased by dietary high energy density (p < 0.05), while dietary energy density and carbohydrate energy ratio interacted to increase lymphocyte count in the ileum (p < 0.05). The serum cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein were not significantly affected (p > 0.05), but dietary energy density interacted with dietary energy ratio to increase high‐density lipoprotein concentration (p < 0.05) in piglets fed reduced carbohydrate energy ratio. Dietary high energy density reduced energy digestibility (p < 0.05), whereas high carbohydrate energy ratio increased crude protein digestibility in the piglets (p < 0.05). The intestinal sucrase, lactase activities and serum concentrations of histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, alanine, glycine, tyrosine and citrulline were higher in the piglets fed dietary increased carbohydrate energy ratio. Oxidative stress markers and volatile fatty acids concentrations were altered by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that dietary high energy density could be detrimental to piglets intestinal functions and that increased carbohydrate energy ratio could affect amino acid utilization and body weight gain in weaner pigs.     

Transport stress induces pig jejunum tissue oxidative damage and results in autophagy/mitophagy activation

Pig transportation is associated with intestinal oxidative stress and results in destruction of intestinal integrity. Autophagy has been contributed to maintain cell homeostasis under stresses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of transport stress on morphology, intestinal mucosal barrier and autophagy/mitophagy levels in pig jejunum. A total of 16 finishing pigs were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was directly transported to the slaughterhouse and rested for 24 hr. The experimental groups were transported for 5 hr and slaughtered immediately. The results showed that transportation induced obvious stress responses with morphological and histological damage in jejunum accompanying with an elevated level of malondialdehyde (MDA; p < .05), endotoxin (LPS; p < .05), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH; p < .05) and a decreased level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD; p < .05). Also, hemeoxy genase 1 (HO‐1; p < .01) as well as tight junction protein (claudin‐1 [p < .001], occludin [p < .05] and zonula occludens 1 [ZO‐1; p < 0.05]) levels were attenuated in jejunum tissue, and NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1; p < .01) mRNA expression was up‐regulated. Further research indicated that transport stress could induce autophagy through increasing microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3; p < .05) and autophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5; p < .01) levels and suppressing p62 expression. Additionally, transport stress increased the protein levels of PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1; p < .05) and Parkin (p < .05) which was associated with mitophagy. In conclusions, transport stress could induce the destruction of intestinal integrity and involve in the intestinal mucosal barrier oxidative damage, and also contribute to activation of autophagy/mitophagy.     

Beta‐glucan from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 improves growth performance and intestinal function in weaned piglets

Beta‐glucan is currently under consideration as an alternative to in‐feed antibiotics. The aim of the study was to investigate Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 beta‐glucan on intestinal morphology, cytokine concentration, mucin expression and microbial populations of weaning piglets. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg beta‐glucan. Data showed an increase in ADG at the 100 mg/kg group (p = .03). A significant increase in villus height and reduction in crypt depth were fund in ileal tissue at the 100 mg/kg inclusion level (p < .05). Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta‐glucan enhanced IL‐10 concentration (p = .04) and gene expression of MUC1 and MUC2 (p < .05) in the jejunum. Dietary supplementation of 100 mg/kg beta‐glucan provoked the up‐regulation of Lactobacillus counts and down‐regulation of Escherichia coli counts in the caecum (p = .05). Data suggested that improved growth performance in response to beta‐glucan supplementation at 100 mg/kg in weaned piglets may be explained by the improved intestinal function.     

肠膜蛋白粉和发酵豆粕替代鱼粉对断奶仔猪免疫功能和消化道发育的影响

本试验旨在研究肠膜蛋白粉和发酵豆粕替代鱼粉对断奶仔猪免疫功能和消化道发育的影响。选用28日龄平均体重为(8.0±0.5)kg的杜×长×大断奶仔猪180头,公、母各半,随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每个重复10头猪。对照组饲喂17.0%豆粕+6.0%鱼粉的日粮,进口肠膜组饲喂16.6%豆粕+4.0%发酵豆粕+4.0%进口肠膜蛋白粉的日粮,国产肠膜组饲喂16.6%豆粕+4.0%发酵豆粕+4.0%国产肠膜蛋白粉的日粮。预试期3 d,正试期14 d。结果表明,与对照组相比,进口肠膜组脾脏指数、下颌淋巴结指数和血清白蛋白(ALB)含量分别显著提高43.53%、49.18%和16.20%(P<0.05),国产肠膜组脾脏指数显著提高41.77%、血清补体C3含量显著降低16.22%(P<0.05);各组间胸腺指数、腹股沟淋巴结指数、髂下淋巴结指数、腘淋巴结指数、颈浅淋巴结指数及血清总蛋白(TP)、尿素氮(BUN)、免疫球蛋白A(IgA)、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)和一氧化氮(NO)含量均无显著差异(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,进口肠膜组胃重量和十二指肠重量无显著差异(P>0.05),而国产肠膜组分别显著降低19.68%和48.55%(P<0.05);进口肠膜组十二指肠长度显著升高(P<0.05),而国产肠膜组显著降低(P<0.05);进口肠膜组和国产肠膜组空肠长度和回肠重量显著降低(P<0.05),且国产肠膜组回肠绒毛高度显著降低(P<0.05);各组间肝脏重量、空肠重量、回肠长度、十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度和隐窝深度均无显著差异(P>0.05)。综上所述,断奶仔猪日粮中使用进口或国产肠膜蛋白粉和发酵豆粕等氮替代鱼粉,对主要免疫器官指数、血清免疫指标和小肠形态无显著影响,但国产肠膜组胃重量和十二指肠重量显著降低。     

Effects of dietary supplementation with epidermal growth factor on nutrient digestibility,intestinal development and expression of nutrient transporters in early‐weaned piglets

The abnormalities in intestinal morphology and digestive function during weaning are associated with the loss of milk‐borne growth factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to stimulate the growth of animals. This study was to determine the effect of dietary EGF on nutrient digestibility, intestinal development and the expression of genes encoding nutrient transporters in weaned piglets. Forty‐two piglets were weaned at 21 days and assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) basal diet (control), (2) basal diet + 200 µg/kg EGF or (3) basal diet + 400 µg/kg EGF. Each treatment consisted of 14 replicates, and seven piglets from each treatment were sampled on day 7 and 14. The EGF supplementation significantly elevated (p < 0.05) the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, but tended to decrease sucrase activity (p < 0.10) than the control group. At day 7 post‐weaning, animals receiving EGF diets showed a tendency (p < 0.10) towards greater ileal villus height (VH), jejunal crypt depth (CD) and duodenal VH:CD when compared with the control group. Moreover, the mRNA levels of glucose transporter 2 (Slc2a2), neutral amino acid transporter (Slc6a19) and calbindin D9k (S100G) tended to be higher (p < 0.10) for EGF groups than the control group. By day 14, EGF supplementation markedly enhanced (p < 0.05) the VH, CD and VH:CD in the jejunum compared to the control group. This addition also up‐regulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA level and the protein abundance of peptide transporter 1 than the control group. These findings demonstrated that dietary EGF beneficially enhanced nutrient digestibility, improved intestinal development and increased the mRNA expression of nutrient transporters in weaned piglets.     

Effects of tail docking and/or teeth clipping on behavior,lesions, and physiological indicators of sows and their piglets

To evaluate effects of tail docking and/or teeth clipping on sows and their piglets, a total of 24 sows and their 302 piglets at 3 days of age were randomly allocated to one of four treatments: teeth clipping and tail docking (TCTD), teeth clipping (TC), tail docking (TD), or intact teeth and tail (Intact). Behavior of piglets and sows, lesions on the body and tail of piglets and sows' teats were inspected. Heart rates of processed piglets were increased (p < .01) during the procedures. Teeth clipping decreased body surface temperature (p < .01) of piglets during and after the procedures but tail docking did not (p > .01). Processed piglets spent more (p < .05) time lying alone and playing/fighting than sham‐processed piglets. Tail docked piglets spent less (p < .01) time standing than tail sham‐docked piglets. Intact teeth increased (p < .05) the avoidance behaviors of sows. Teeth clipping decreased (p < .05) the lesion scores on the anterior, middle, and posterior teats. Taken together, piglet teeth clipping had more impact on sows and their piglets than tail docking did in the lactation period based on our findings.     

The production of short chain fatty acid and colonic development in weaning piglets

Weaning process widely affects the small intestinal structure and function in piglets, while the responses of large intestine to weaning stress are still obscure. The purpose of this study was to determine the developmental changes (i.e., short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations, growth parameters, crypt‐related indices and antioxidant capacity) in colon of piglet during weaning. Forty piglets were weaned at day 21 and euthanized to collect colonic tissues and digesta samples on day 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14 post‐weaning (n = 8). Piglet growth performance was improved (p < .001) on day 7 and 14 post‐weaning. The concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and total SCFAs were higher (p < .001) during the late post‐weaning period. The mRNA abundances of SCFAs transporters were greater (p < .001) on day 7 and 14. The absolute and relative weights, absolute length and perimeter of colon were greater (p < .001) on day 7 and 14. Similarly, post‐weaning increases (p < .001) in colonic crypt depth and Ki67 positive cells numbers per crypt were observed during the same period. Colonic crypt fission indices decreased (p < .01), while total crypt numbers increased (p < .001) on day 14 after weaning. Moreover, total SCFAs concentration was significantly associated with colonic growth parameters and Ki67 cells/crypt (p < .001). In addition, catalase content was decreased on day 3, 7, and 14, whereas, the concentrations of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were higher (p < .05) on day 1 and 3 post‐weaning. These results showed that weaning process has a significant effect on colonic growth and development, which might be associated with the change of SCFAs concentrations in colon.     

A deficient or an excess of dietary threonine level affects intestinal mucosal integrity and barrier function in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of deficient or excess of dietary threonine (Thr) levels on intestinal integrity and barrier function of broilers. A total of 432 1‐day‐old commercial broilers (Arbor Acre) were assigned to four experiment groups consisting of six replicates of 18 birds. The treatments were designed as follows: 85%, 100%, 125% and 150% of NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry (9th edn). Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1994) recommendations. The results indicated that expressions of jejunal and ileal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) mRNA were increased linearly or quadratically by increasing Thr (p < .05), and the highest sIgA mRNA abundance was obtained in 125% Thr level. Likewise, the intestinal sIgA content showed similar increasing trend with the intestinal sIgA gene expression in this instance. The high level of Thr inclusion upregulated mucin 2 (MUC2) mRNA expression in the jejunum and ileum (p < .05). In addition, on day 21, the expression levels of jejunal zonula occludens‐2 (ZO‐2) and ileal zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) decreased then increased with increasing Thr level (p < .05), whereas, the mRNA expressions of occludin in the jejunum and ileum had no significant difference amongst groups (p >.05). On day 42, Thr treatments did not affect the mRNA abundance of measured genes in the jejunum and ileum (p > .05). These findings suggested that Thr might be a nutrient immunomodulator that affects intestinal barrier function, moreover, 125% of the NRC (1994) recommendations Thr level was optimum.     

Effect of probiotic supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,barrier integrity,and inflammatory response in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress

This study investigated the protective effects of probiotic on heat stress‐induced intestinal injury and inflammatory response in broilers. A total of 180 male broilers were randomly allocated to three treatments with four replicates each from 22 to 42 days of age. The broilers were either raised under thermoneutral (TN) conditions (23 ± 1°C) or subjected to cyclic heat stress (28–35–28°C for 12 hr daily). The broilers kept at TN conditions were fed a basal diet, and those exposed to heat stress were fed basal diets supplemented with or without probiotic at a dose of 1.5 × 10⁸ cfu/kg. Compared with the TN group, heat stress decreased (p < .05) the growth performance, reduced (p < .05) villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio in intestinal mucosa, increased (p < .05) serum levels of D‐lactic acid on day 28 and endotoxin, TNF‐α and IL‐6 on day 42, and decreased (p < .05) serum IL‐10 content on day 42. Dietary supplementation of probiotic reversed (p < .05) all these changes except for the growth performance in heat‐stressed broilers. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of probiotic could improve intestinal morphology and barrier function, alleviate inflammatory response, but exert no ameliorative effect on growth performance of broilers under cyclic heat stress.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performance,colostrum composition and serum biochemical indexes of sow

Moringa oleifera has been considered as a potential functional feed or food, since it contains multiple components beneficial to animal and human. However, little is known about the effects of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performances in sows. In the current study, the results showed that dietary Moringa oleifera significantly decreased the farrowing length and the number of stillborn (p < .05), while had an increasing trend in the number of live-born (0.05 < p < .10). Furthermore, 8% Moringa oleifera supplementation significantly elevated protein levels in the colostrum (p < .05); 4% Moringa oleifera lowed serum urea nitrogen of sows after 90 days of gestation (p < .05) and significantly decreased serum glucose on 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Both groups showed significant elevation in serum T-AOC activity (p < .05). The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) of sows declined significantly in 4% Moringa oleifera addition group (p < .05). 8% Moringa oleifera meal significantly elevated serum CAT activity after 60 days of gestation (p < .05), while decreased the serum MDA level and increased the serum GSH-Px activity of sows at 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Of piglets, both two dosages of Moringa oleifera supplementation essentially reduced the serum urea nitrogen (p < .05), and 4% Moringa oleifera meal increased serum total protein (p < .05). In addition, piglets that received 8% Moringa oleifera had the highest serum CAT and SOD activities among all groups (p < .05). The present study indicated that Moringa oleifera supplementation could enhance the reproduction performances, elevate protein levels in the colostrum and improve the serum antioxidant indices in both sows and piglets.     

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded suckling piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with _L‐methionine (_L‐Met), _DL‐methionine (_DL‐Met) and calcium salt of the methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA‐Ca) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets. Six normal birthweight (NBW) female piglets and 24 same‐sex IUGR piglets were selected at birth. Piglets were fed nutrient adequate basal diet supplemented with 0.08% _L‐alanine (NBW‐CON), 0.08% _L‐alanine (IUGR‐CON), 0.12% _L‐Met (IUGR‐LM), 0.12% _DL‐Met (IUGR‐DLM) and 0.16% MHA‐Ca (IUGR‐MHA‐Ca) from 7 to 21 days of age respectively (n = 6). The results indicated that IUGR decreased average daily milk (dry matter) intake and average daily gain and increased feed conversion ratio of suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the NBW‐CON piglets, IUGR also impaired villus morphology and reduced antioxidant capacity and immune homeostasis in the intestine of IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met enhanced jejunal villus height (VH) and villus area and ileal VH of IUGR piglets compared with IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Similarly, _DL‐Met supplementation increased VH and the ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum compared with IUGR‐CON pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met and _DL‐Met (0.12%) tended to increase reduced glutathione content and reduced glutathione: oxidized glutathione ratio and decrease protein carbonyl concentration in the jejunum of piglets when compared with the IUGR‐CON group (p < 0.10). However, supplementation with MHA‐Ca had no effect on the intestinal redox status of IUGR piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, supplementation with either _L‐Met or _DL‐Met has a beneficial effect on the intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of IUGR suckling piglets.     

Effects of milk thistle meal on performance,ileal bacterial enumeration,jejunal morphology and blood lipid peroxidation in laying hens fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of milk thistle meal on performance, blood biochemical indices, ileal bacterial counts and intestinal histology in laying hens fed diets containing different levels of metabolizable energy. A total number of 200 Leghorn laying hens (Hy‐Line W‐36) were randomly assigned to eight experimental treatments with five cage replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of four levels of milk thistle meal (0%, 15%, 30% and 60%) and two levels of AME_n (11.09 and 12.34 MJ/kg) fed over a period of 80 days. In vitro studies revealed that the total phenolic component of milk thistle meal was 470.64 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of the sample, and its antioxidant activity for inhibiting the 2‐2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrichydrazyl free radical and reducing ferric ions was about 21% higher than that of butylated hydroxyltoluene (p < .05). Diets containing high level of AME_n led to improved egg production (p < .05), egg weight (p < .05), egg mass (p < .01) and feed conversion ratio (p < .01). In addition, offering diets containing high energy significantly enhanced (p < .01) serum triglyceride and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as jejunal villus height. Dietary supplementation of 3% milk thistle meal resulted in the best feed conversion ratio (p < .05), reduction of ileal Escherichia coli enumeration (p < .01) and an enhancement in the villus height‐to‐crypt depth ratio (p < .05). Furthermore, feeding incremental levels of this meal led to remarkable decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride and MDA (p < .01) concentrations while significant increase in blood high‐density lipoprotein content and goblet cell numbers (p < .05). The present findings indicate that milk thistle meal with high antioxidant and antibacterial properties in laying hen diets may improve health indices and productive performance.     

Benzoic acid beneficially affects growth performance of weaned pigs which was associated with changes in gut bacterial populations,morphology indices and growth factor gene expression

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of benzoic acid (BA) on growth performance, intestinal development and intestinal barrier function in weaned pigs. Ninety weaned pigs were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: a basal diet (CON), the basal diet supplemented with 2000 mg/kg benzoic acid (BA1) and 5000 mg/kg benzoic acid (BA2). At the end of days 14 and 42, six pigs per treatment were randomly selected to collect plasma and intestinal samples. Results showed that BA supplementation not only improved final body weight, daily growth and feed conversion ratio from days 15 to 42 and days 1 to 42, but also decreased the activity of plasma diamine oxidase (day 42) and the pH values of jejunal contents (day 14) (p < 0.05). Ileal Bacillus populations (day 14) were increased by BA, while Escherichia coli counts in the ileum and caecum (day 42) were decreased (p < 0.05). Higher Lactobacillus counts occurred in the ileum (day 14, 42) of BA1‐fed piglets as compared to CON and BA2‐fed piglets (p < 0.05). In addition, BA supplementation increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (day 14, 42) and decreased the crypt depth (day 14) (p < 0.05). Growth‐stimulating factors (insulin‐like growth factor‐1, day 42; insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor, day 14, 42) and tight junction protein (occludin, day 14, 42; zonula occludens‐1, day 42)‐related gene mRNA levels were upregulated in the jejunum of piglets fed BA diets (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that BA has beneficial effects on intestinal development and intestinal barrier function of weaned pigs, which can partly explain why growth performance of pigs was improved by dietary BA supplementation.     

Supplemental lipoic acid relieves post‐weaning diarrhoea by decreasing intestinal permeability in rats

Lipoic acid (LA) is a naturally existing substance which widely distributed in the cellular membranes and cytosol of animal cells. Its intracellular functions include quenching of free radicals and repairing oxidized proteins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LA on post‐weaning diarrhoea using a rat model. Sixty weaned rats were fed either a basal diet or a LA‐supplemented diet, or a zinc oxide (ZnO)‐supplemented diet as a positive control. Rats in the LA and ZnO groups had better performance and reduced incidence of diarrhoea (p < 0.05). Both LA and ZnO treatments enhanced intestinal homeostatic and architecture, significantly decreased urinary lactulose to mannitol ratios (p < 0.05) and increased the expression of the intestinal mucosal tight junction proteins occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens protein‐1 (ZO‐1) (p < 0.05). LA significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced glutathione while decreasing the levels of oxidative glutathione and malondialdehyde in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an in vitro study indicated that supplementation with LA in IEC‐6 intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhanced the expression of OCLN and ZO‐1 under hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these results suggest that LA relieves post‐weaning diarrhoea by reducing intestinal permeability and improving antioxidant indices.     

Combined effects of xylo-oligosaccharides and coated sodium butyrate on growth performance,immune function,and intestinal physical barrier function of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), coated sodium butyrate (CSB), and their combination on growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal barrier of broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old chicks were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design including two dietary additives (0 and 150 mg/kg XOS and 0 and 400 mg/kg CSB). This trial lasted for 42 days. CSB supplementation increased the thymus and bursa index, blood myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and IgG and IgM concentrations, whereas adding XOS only improved IgM concentration (p < .05). A significant interaction was observed for MPO activity. Furthermore, broilers fed CSB and their interaction exhibited increased ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and goblet cells numbers in the ileum, as well as decreased ileal CD (p < .05). Broilers fed XOS and CSB individually showed higher ileal VH, the number of goblet cells in the duodenum and jejunum (p < .05). Moreover, XOS and CSB individual supplementation upregulated the expression of claudin3 in the ileum (p < .05). Simultaneously, a significant interaction was found for the ileal expression of claudin3. Overall, XOS and CSB supplementation could improve the development of immune organs, the small intestine morphology, and the intestinal physical barrier of broilers. Although no clear synergy of XOS and CSB was detected, the combination had positively affect broilers intestinal barrier and immune parameters.