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Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 30629

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Prof. Dr. Anna Czech

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Guest Editor

Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Interests: feed components; feed additives; monogastric animal nutrition; probiotics; prebiotics; ferments; production parameters; digestibility; body immunity parameters; antioxidant parameters; biochemical parameters
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Animal Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Interests: prenatal programming; postnatal development; physiology; nutrition; probiotics; glucocorticoids; heavy metals; toxicology; bone metabolism and development; bone and tendon mechanical properties; gut structure; gut-bone axis; skin in fur animals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While the use of animal meal is banned in the feeding of cattle, pigs, and poultry, soy products are the best source of vegetable protein. These, however, are mainly obtained from genetically modified crops. Due to the increasing emphasis on eliminating GMO ingredients from feed, alternative protein ingredients and additives are sought. There is also an ongoing discussion as to whether and to what extent the use of feed with GMO products can be eliminated from animal diets. Due to the presence of antinutritional substances, it is difficult to completely replace genetically modified soy protein with protein products such as legumes, alfalfa, oilseed meal, algae, yeast, or seaweed. Recent studies have aimed to treat meal from protein crops to reduce the content of crude fibre and other antinutritional substances and increase the amount of available protein, especially essential amino acids, some vitamins, and other biologically active substances. These procedures should increase the suitability of the products for feeding livestock.

One of the interesting processes that improve the utility of protein ingredients is fermentation. Fermented products are not only more suitable for use in feed but additionally stimulate the development of beneficial intestinal microbiota; improve nutrient absorption; exert a positive effect on other systems, including the skeletal system; and stimulate immune processes, which results in better production results. There are few reports dealing with the influence of fermented components on the availability of bioactive substances, the efficiency of their absorption and utilization, and the mechanism of their immunological effect on the animal body.

Therefore, it would be interesting to investigate whether feed components derived from GMO crops could be replaced with other protein ingredients without adversely affecting animal health and production.

Prof. Anna Czech
Prof. Dr. Ewa Tomaszewska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Biochemistry of nutrient absorption
Nutrition
Stimulation of the body's immunity
Gut structure and function
Microbiology of the intestinal tract
Antioxidation processes
Protein feeds
Feed additives
Bone metabolism and development.

Published Papers (11 papers)

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22 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Various Feed Additives on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Bone Quality, Blood Constituents, and Phosphorus Absorption and Utilization of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Phosphorus Diet

by Shaimaa Selim, Nazema S. Abdel-Megeid, Hanem K. Khalifa, Khloud G. Fakiha, Kamlah A. Majrashi and Eman Hussein

Animals 2022, 12(14), 1742; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani12141742 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1991

Abstract

The present trial was designed to assess the effect of phytase, multi-strain probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and fumaric acid on performance, nutrient digestibility, bone physical parameters and mineralization, blood constituents, bone and gut histomorphology, and duodenal phosphorus transporter genes of broiler chickens fed a decreased non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) diet for 5 weeks. A total of 480 broiler chickens were allotted to six dietary groups and eight replicates each: (1) positive control diet with recommended levels of nPP (PC; 0.48, 0.44, and 0.41% in the three feeding phases); (2) negative control diet with a decreased dietary nPP (NC; 0.28, 0.24, and 0.21% in the three feeding phases); (3) NC + 600 FTU/kg phytase (PHY); (4) NC + 0.05% multi-strain probiotic (PRO); (5) NC + 0.2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC); and (6) NC + 0.2% fumaric acid. Growth performance data were recorded weekly, and blood sampling was performed at days 21 and 35 of age. Bone quality traits, gut and tibia histology, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal gene expression analyses were conducted at the end of the trial (35 days of age). Final body weight and total gain at day 35 of age of the broiler chickens fed with the PHY, PRO, and SC diets were greater (p < 0.01) than in NC, where broilers fed with the PRO and PHY diets had higher values and were similar to that of PC. There was a non-significant variation in the cumulative feed intake among the treatment groups. The PHY and PRO groups had better FCR than the PC group (p < 0.05), and FA and SC had an FCR equivalent to that of PC. The PHY and PRO broilers had greater dressing % than the NC group (p < 0.05) and even better than PC. The PHY, PRO, SC, and FA broilers had higher relative weights of spleen and bursa of Fabricius (p < 0.01) than NC. In comparison to NC, the PHY, PRO, and SC groups improved (p < 0.05) CP, CF, Ca, and P digestibility. Greater tibia breaking strength of the low nPP-supplemented groups was shown to be associated with higher tibia ash, Ca, and P concentrations (p < 0.01) and increased (p < 0.001) tibia cortical area thickness. At days 21 and 35 of age, the dietary supplements to low nPP diets reduced (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, glucose, and alkaline phosphatase levels, while serum Ca and P concentrations were improved (p < 0.05) compared to NC. All supplements led to enhancement (p < 0.01) in villi height and width and villi absorptive surface area when compared with NC and were even comparable to that of PC. The mRNA expression of NaP-IIb was up-regulated (p < 0.001) in the duodenum of PRO and FA broilers at day 35 of age compared with NC, and their expression levels were similar to that of PC, indicating greater P availability. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of PHY, PRO, SC, and FA to a low nPP diet was advantageous and mitigated the negative impacts of P reduction on the growth performance, health, nutrient digestibility, and bone quality of broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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13 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Using Corn Dried Distillers’ Grains with Solubles (cDDGS) as a Partial Replacement for Soybean Meal on the Outcomes of Pig Fattening, Pork Slaughter Value and Quality

by Tomasz Schwarz, Marcin Przybyło, Piotr Zapletal, Artur Turek, Mariola Pabiańczyk and Pawel Mieczyslaw Bartlewski

Animals 2021, 11(10), 2956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11102956 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1966

Abstract

The present study set out to determine the effects of incorporating cDDGS into starter, grower, and finisher diets (containing 5%, 10%, and 15% of cDDGS, respectively) on growth performance, carcass and meat quality, and cost effectiveness of pig fattening. Sixty-four pigs (mean body weight of 15.0 ± 2.1 kg) were divided into two groups (n = 32) and fed a control diet (cereal–soybean meal-based) or cDGGS-containing diets (with soybean meal partially replaced with cDDGS). Live weights of pigs as well as weight gains/daily weight gains across all fattening phases did not differ between the two groups of fattener pigs studied (p > 0.05). Addition of cDDGS decreased feed intake per pig during the grower (p < 0.05) and finisher (p < 0.01) phases, and, as a result, throughout the entire fattening period (254 vs. 245 kg for control and cDDGS groups, respectively; p < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the entire fattening period was significantly less for cDDGS-fed fatteners (2.77) than for controls (2.91; p < 0.05). Carcass weights, fat thickness, and meatiness did not vary between the two groups of animals (p > 0.05). Loin depth was greater in the cDDGS group by ~5 mm (p < 0.05). Slaughter value was higher for the cDDGS group (76.1% vs. 77.0%, p < 0.05). The total cost of fattening and total cost of 1 kg of body weight decreased in cDDGS compared with the control subset of fatteners by ~7% and 8% during the grower and finisher phases, respectively (p < 0.01). The simplified direct surplus per pig was approximately 63% higher for the cDDGS group. Our results indicate that even moderate inclusion of cDDGS to concentrate mixtures (or a partial replacement of soybean meal with cDDGS) may improve FCR without any substantial changes in meat and back fat characteristics as well as significantly decrease the cost of feeding and increase the profitability of pig production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

17 pages, 4205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating the Growth, Biochemical Changes, Genotoxic and Pathological Effects of Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens by Supplementing Vitamins C and E

by Mohamed A. Hashem, Sahar S. Abd El Hamied, Eman M. A. Ahmed, Shimaa A. Amer and Mohamed E. El-Sharnouby

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1811; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11061811 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2328

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to explore the efficiency of an individual or combined doses of vitamin C (Vit. C) and vitamin E (Vit. E) in alleviating biochemical, genotoxicity, and pathological changes in the liver induced by copper sulfate (CuSO₄) toxicity in broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old broiler chicks were haphazardly allotted into five groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate). The birds were fed five experimental diets; (1) basal diet with no additives (CON), (2) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO₄/kg diet (CuSO₄), (3) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO₄/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet, (4) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO₄/kg diet +250 mg Vit. E /kg diet, (5) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO₄/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet + 250 mg Vit. E /kg diet for six weeks. The results displayed that CuSO₄-intoxicated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bodyweight, weight gain, and feed intake with increased feed conversion ratio from the 2nd week till the 6th week compared with the CON. However, these changes were minimized by single or combined supplementation of vitamin C and E. The FCR was insignificantly different in birds-fed diets complemented with vitamin C and E singly or in combination from the 3rd week of age compared to the CON. Serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in CuSO₄-intoxicated birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, they showed a drop in serum total protein (TP), albumin, globulins, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, histopathological and DNA changes were perceived in the liver of CuSO₄-intoxicated birds. Co-supplementation of Vit. C and Vit. E single-handedly or combined with CuSO₄-intoxicated chickens enhanced the performance traits and abovementioned changes, especially with those given combinations of vitamins. From the extant inquiry, it could be established that supplementation of vitamin C and E was beneficial for mitigating the harmful effects of CuSO₄ toxicity on growth performance and liver histoarchitecture in broiler chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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10 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of a Diet Containing Extruded Faba Bean Seeds on Growth Performance and Selected Microbial Activity Indices in the Large Intestine of Piglets

by Anna Tuśnio, Marcin Barszcz, Marcin Taciak, Ewa Święch, Agnieszka Wójtowicz and Jacek Skomiał

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1703; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11061703 - 07 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3618

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of replacing soybean meal with extruded faba bean seeds on piglet growth performance and selected microbial activity indices in the large intestine. In total, 24, 35-day-old, healthy, castrated piglets of similar body weight were divided into four groups with six replicates. Animals in the control group (C) were fed with soybean meal without extruded faba bean seeds. In other experimental groups, pigs were fed diets with the addition of 20 (FB20), 25 (FB25) or 30% (FB30) extruded faba bean seeds instead of soybean meal and wheat starch. Growth performance, histology of the large intestine, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia concentration, as well as the activity of bacterial enzymes in digesta samples, were analyzed. The intake of the FB25 diet resulted in an increased feed:gain ratio in comparison to the FB30 group. Feeding the FB30 diet increased tunica muscularis thickness in the caecum as compared to other groups. Moreover, dietary inclusion of extruded faba bean seeds had no effect on SCFA and ammonia concentration. In addition, feeding diets with a different level of extruded faba bean seeds did not affect the activity of bacterial enzymes in the colon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

10 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of a Fermented Rapeseed or/and Soybean Meal Additive on Antioxidant Parameters in the Blood and Tissues of Piglets

by Anna Czech, Iwona Sembratowicz and Martyna Kiesz

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11061646 - 01 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3587

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and/or rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the redox status of blood and tissues in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 150 28-day-old weaned piglets divided into five groups. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in the experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with FRSM and/or FSBM: group FR—8% FRSM; group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM; and group FS—8% FSBM. Group FR/FS showed an increase in total antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP) and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, i.e., vitamin C, urea, uric acid, and albumin, as well as an increase in catalase activity. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. A reduction in lipid peroxidation due to the use of FR/FS was also indicated by a decrease in liver MDA and jejunum wall LOOH levels. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and vitamin C levels in these tissues were also noted. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet (6%) in combination with soybean meal (2%), improved the redox status of the weaners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

11 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Component of the Mink Diet (Neovison vison) Modulating the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota

by Łukasz Wlazło, Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek, Anna Czech, Anna Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska, Mateusz Ossowski, Marek Kułażyński, Marcin Łukaszewicz and Anna Krasowska

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1337; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11051337 - 08 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

Fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) was used in the diet of American mink (Neovison vison). An advantage of this product is its prebiotic and functional properties, which can modify the bacterial microbiota of the GIT. A control group and three experimental groups were formed, with 60 animals in each group. The control group received a basal diet and the experimental groups received a diet with a 2%, 4% or 6% of FRSM as a replacement of extruded wheat. Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y was used to ferment the rapeseed meal (RSM). The study was conducted on mink from the age of 16–17 weeks until slaughter. Changes in the microbiota were analysed in samples of the animals’ faeces and intestinal contents. The analyses included determination of the total number of bacteria and fungi, the number of coliforms and Escherichia coli, the total number of anaerobic Clostridium perfringens, and the presence of Salmonella spp. In animals receiving 4% and 6% FRSM (groups II and III), the content of microscopic fungi and the number of C. perfringens bacteria was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than in the animals from the control group (group 0). A decrease in E. coli was observed in all experimental groups (I, II and III), although these differences were not statistically significant. The inclusion of FRSM in the feed ration did not affect the number of lactic acid intestinal bacteria. Analysis of the results obtained from the stool samples showed that the inclusion of FRSM in the ration did not significantly affect the number of microorganisms in each group. However, as in the case of the intestinal contents, in these samples there was a decrease in the total number of C. perfringens in the experimental groups (I, II and III), with a simultaneous increase in the number of mesophilic bacteria in relation to the control. There was no detection of Salmonella bacteria in any of the analysed material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

19 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Replacement of Soybean Meal with Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (cDDGS) and Differentiation of Dietary Fat Sources on Pig Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile

by Małgorzata Świątkiewicz, Anna Olszewska, Eugeniusz R. Grela and Mirosław Tyra

Animals 2021, 11(5), 1277; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11051277 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate mixtures comprising corn distillers dried grain with solubles as a partial replacer for soybean meal (SBM) and different dietary fat sources, in order to determine their effect on the meat quality and fatty acid profile. Thirty-two crossbred fatteners were divided into four groups: I–SBM + rapeseed oil, II–cDDGS + rapeseed oil, III–cDDGS + beef tallow, IV–cDDGS + coconut oil. The experiment took place from 60 to 118 kg. At the end of fattening, all pigs were slaughtered and samples of meat (musculuslongissimus lumborum) were taken. The fatty acid profile, texture, and quality traits were analyzed. Corn DDGS affected drip loss. Beef tallow and coconut oil improved water holding capacity and drip loss and increased fat content, compared to the control group. The dietary fat type affected the fatty acid composition, iodine value, and consequently some quality traits of meat. However, these relationships varied. Fat content in the meat was inversely correlated with shear force and texture parameters, but positively with tenderness and juiciness. The fatty acid profile significantly influenced cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and sensory traits, which were the most beneficial in meat with higher fat content and higher fat saturation index. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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14 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Immune Status of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

by Łukasz Wlazło, Dorota Kowalska, Paweł Bielański, Anna Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska, Mateusz Ossowski, Marcin Łukaszewicz, Anna Czech and Bożena Nowakowicz-Dębek

Animals 2021, 11(3), 716; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030716 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2709

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the use of varying amounts of fermented rapeseed meal in diets for rabbits on the immune status and microbiota of segments of the GIT. Forty 35 day old rabbits used in the experiment were assigned to four groups: the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet and the experimental received 4%, 8% or 12% fermented rapeseed meal (included in place of standard soybean meal). Class A, G and M immunoglobulins were determined in the blood plasma. In the food content collected after slaughter, microbiological parameters were determined for individual sections of the digestive tract. Rabbits from the groups receiving a diet with an increased proportion of fermented rapeseed meal (8% or 12%) had lower concentrations of anaerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents. Research has shown that the increase in intake of fermented rapeseed meal was correlated with an increase in the correlations between the immunoglobulin level and the size of the microbial population in the GIT. In light of the presented results fermented rapeseed meal, by supplying valuable bioactive substances, appears to be a good component in the diet of rabbits, enhancing immune system development and helping to prevent disturbances of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

19 pages, 4470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ameliorative Effect of Graviola (Annona muricata) on Mono Sodium Glutamate-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats: Antioxidant, Apoptotic, Anti-inflammatory, Lipogenesis Markers, and Histopathological Studies

by Mustafa Shukry, Ahmed M. El-Shehawi, Wafaa M. El-Kholy, Rasha A. Elsisy, Hazem S. Hamoda, Hossam G. Tohamy, Mohamed M. Abumandour and Foad A. Farrag

Animals 2020, 10(11), 1996; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10111996 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3755

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive, and there is a trepidation that MSG plays a critical role in multiple hepatic disorders. This study was planned to investigate Graviola extract (GE) effects on hepatic and cellular alterations induced by MSG. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control (received normal saline), Graviola (received 200 mg/kg body weight), MSG (received 2.4 gm MSG/kg, 15% of Lethal dose (LD₅₀) of MSG), Graviola + monosodium glutamate (MSG + GE; received GE, 200 mg/kg/day and MSG 2.4 gm/kg body weight (BW) for the next four weeks), and monosodium glutamate + Graviola (received MSG only (2.4 gm/kg BW) daily for four weeks, then concomitant with Graviola (200 mg/kg BW) daily for the next four weeks. MSG and GR were administered orally for eight weeks. Our results showed that MSG caused a significant increase in oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) level, a tumor protein (P53), hepatic cellular damage, as well as proapoptotic markers caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-like protein 4 (Bax). A significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and an antiapoptotic agent B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) was observed. The detected MSG effects were normalized by Graviola administration, either a prophylactic or protecting dose. Besides, Graviola reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and led to the upregulation of the silent information regulator protein one gene expression gene (SIRT1).In conclusion, the results suggest that Gaviola’s interrelated antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are potential mechanisms to enhance hepatic deficits and protect the liver. Graviola can, therefore, be considered a promising hepatoprotective supplement. Additionally, further human clinical trials are also necessary to validate the present research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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12 pages, 2652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unrestricted Feed Intake Induces β-Cell Death and Impairs Insulin Secretion in Broiler Breeder Hens

by Yu-Feng Huang, Ling-Chu Chang, Chung-Yu Chen, Yu-Hui Chen, Rosemary L. Walzem and Shuen-Ei Chen

Animals 2020, 10(11), 1969; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10111969 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1705

Abstract

Past studies regarding to insulin secretion and glucose disposal in chickens were focused on rapidly growing juvenile broilers and may not reflect glucose/insulin physiology in adulthood. The study aimed to assess insulin secretion and glucose disposal in respect to restricted (R) vs. ad libitum (Ad) feed intake for obesity development in broiler breeder hens. Hens at age of 26 weeks were continued on R rations, or allowed Ad-feed intake up to 45 weeks. Results from prandial changes and glucose tolerance test suggested that Ad-feed intake to 45 weeks impaired insulin secretion and glucose clearance, and, thus, caused hyperglycemia in accompany with transient hyperinsulinemia at age of 33 weeks (p < 0.05). The alterations were shown operating at both transcript and protein level of insulin gene expression per se and at ATP supply for insulin release as evidenced by consistent changes of enzyme expression and activity in pyruvate anaplerosis in the β-islets (p < 0.05). Ad-feed intake also increased β-islet triacylglycerol and ceramide accumulation and provoked interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production (p < 0.05), which were further manifested by a detrimental increase of caspase 3/7 activity and cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). Results support the conclusion that release to Ad-feed intake in broiler breeder hens transiently induced hyperinsulinemia along rapid bodyweight gain and adiposity, but later provoked lipotoxicity and inflammation leading to β-cell apoptosis and ultimately impaired insulin secretion and glucose disposal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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12 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fermentation Process Improves the Nutritional Value of Rapeseed Cake for Turkeys—Effects on Performance, Gut Bacterial Population and Its Fermentative Activity

by Aleksandra Alicja Drażbo, Jerzy Juśkiewicz, Agata Józefiak and Paweł Konieczka

Animals 2020, 10(9), 1711; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10091711 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

This experiment investigated the potential inclusion of fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in turkey diets. The turkeys received diets either not supplemented (C) or supplemented with raw rapeseed cake (RRC) or FRC at 150 g/kg diet. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW comparable with that noted in the control group. The dietary inclusion of FRC increased the concentrations of propionic and valeric acid in the cecal digesta compared with the control group, and increased the proportion of butyric acid in SCFA profile compared with RRC group. The activities of glycolytic bacterial enzymes in the cecal digesta, were lowest in turkeys fed FRC. Experimental diets did not cause a shift in the relative abundances of the main bacterial phyla or orders in the cecal digesta. FRC increased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae at the family level, but decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level compared with birds fed RRC. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of FRC at 150 g/kg did not compromise bird performance, did not excessively stimulate bacterial activity, and did not cause shifts in the bacterial composition in the cecum. Actually, FCR exerted several beneficial effects that contributed to maintaining gut health in turkeys, which points to its advantage over RRC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Health: A Biochemical Approach)

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