Improved performance and immunological responses as the result of dietary genistein supplementation of broiler chicks

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of supplemental genistein (an isoflavonoid) on performance, lymphoid organs’ development, and cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler chicks. A total of 675-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to the five replicate pens (15 chicks each) of nine experimental diets. Dietary treatments included a negative (not-supplemented) control diet, two positive control groups (virginiamycin or zinc-bacitracin, 20 mg/kg), and diets containing 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg of genistein. The cutaneous basophil hypersensivity (CBH) test was measured at day 10 of age after toe web injection with phytohemagglutinin-P. In addition, sera samples were collected after different antigen inoculations to investigate antibody responses. At day 28 of age, three randomly selected birds from each pen were euthanized to evaluate the relative weights of lymphoid organs. Results showed that dietary supplementation of both antibiotics increased (P<0.01) feed intake during 1 to 42 days of age. Furthermore, daily weight gain was influenced (P<0.01) by dietary treatments throughout the trial, so that the birds fed on antibiotics and 20 to 80 mg/kg genistein diets revealed the greater weight gains compared with other experimental groups. The best (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio assigned to the birds fed on diets containing antibiotics and moderate levels (40 to 80 mg/kg) of genistein. Although the relative weights of thymus (P<0.05) and bursa of Fabricius (P<0.01) were greater in birds fed on genistein-supplemented diets compared with antibiotics-supplemented birds, the spleen weight was not affected by experimental diets. Similarly, CBH response and antibody titers against Newcastle and infectious bronchitis disease viruses were markedly (P<0.05) greater in chicks fed on diets supplemented with 20 to 80 mg/kg of genistein. Interestingly, the higher dosages of genistein suppressed CBH and antibody responses to the levels seen by control and antibiotics chicks. Dietary inclusion of genistein increased (P<0.05) lymphocytes and subsequently reduced (P<0.01) heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. The present findings indicate that dietary genistein supplementation at the levels of 20 to 80 mg/kg not only improves growth performance, but also could beneficially affect immunological responses in broiler chicks.     

Effect of zinc supplementation on hematological parameters in athletes

The hematological effects of oral supplementation of zinc to training athletes are reported in the present study. A total of 30 subjects between 16 and 22 yr of age volunteered to participate in a 4-wk study. They were equally divided into three groups. Group 1 acted as resting controls receiving daily doses of 3 mg Zn/kg body wt. Group 2 was actively engaged in wrestling and exercised for 90–120 min, 5 d a week. Group 3 was also actively engaged in wrestling and exercised for 90–120 min, 5 d a week, but they were supplemented with 3 mg Zn/kg body wt per day. The erythrocyte, leukocyte, and thrombocyte counts and the hemoglobin values of all subjects participating in the study were measured before and after exercise at the beginning and at the end of the 4-wk study period. In all groups, there were no significant differences in the measured parameters before and after exercise. At the end of the supplementation period, the parameters of the subjects in groups 1 and 3 were significantly higher than those of group 2, both before (p<0.005) and after (p<0.05) exercise. These results suggest that zinc supplementation has a positive effect on hematological parameters in athletes.     

Influence of probiotic supplementation on blood parameters and growth performance in broiler chickens

Effects of commercial probiotic (Bactocell®) on growth performance and blood parameters were evaluated. A total of 800 one day-old Ross broiler chicks were raised over 42 days. Chicks were wing-banded, weighed individually and randomly allocated into four equally major groups each having two replicates. Chicks of group 1 (control group) were fed the starter and finisher diets that did not supplemented with probiotic. The chicks of groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control starter and finisher diets supplemented with 1.6 g, 1 g and 0.8 g of probiotic per kg feed, respectively. Weekly body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion were measured. Blood parameters at 1, 4 and 6 weeks of age including packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), total protein, albumin, total lipid and cholesterol were determined. All birds were kept under similar environmental, managerial and hygienic conditions. The results of the current study revealed that there was no significant change for Hb and PCV concentrations among different groups at all studied times. Also, total protein, lipids and albumin concentrations were not affected by probiotic supplementation. Chicken fed a diet containing various levels of probiotic showed a significant decrease (p ⩽ 0.05) in cholesterol concentration compared to control group. Probiotic supplementation significantly increased the body weight and daily weight gain of broiler chicks at late ages (3–6 weeks). Also, the birds fed on probiotic levels 1 and 0.8 g/kg diet exhibited higher body weight among chicken groups at 6 weeks of age. Improved feed conversion was noticed in birds fed a diet supplemented with probiotic. There was no significant difference in mortality rate among groups. We concluded that use of selected commercial probiotic resulted in improved performance parameters and reduced serum cholesterol in broiler chickens. Moreover, supplementation of the probiotic to broilers in the levels of 1 and 0.8 g/kg diet was found to be better than control and 1.6 g/kg level indicating that increasing dietary probiotic level does not has the best performance.     

Effects of zinc deficiency and supplementation on plasma leptin levels in rats

The effects of zinc deficiency and supplementation on plasma leptin levels were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. After 6 wk on a zinc-deficient diet containing 0.65 ppm Zn/g, the mean body weight was significantly lower than that of normal or zinc-supplemented rats, which showed no difference among them. The plasma leptin and zinc levels were lowest in zinc-deficient animals and highest in those that received a normal diet and daily intraperitioneal injections of 3 mg Zn/kg. These results indicate that zinc deficiency leads to a significant inhibition in plasma leptin levels, whereas zinc supplementation significantly increases plasma leptin.     

Effects of zinc supplementation in patients with type 1 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of oral zinc supplementation in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) on metabolic control and zinc blood concentrations. The sample consisted of 20 patients with T1DM and a control group (n=17). Metabolic control was evaluated by glycemia at fast, 24 h glycosuria, and HbA1c. Zinc concentrations were measured in plasma and erythrocytes. After the first collection of biological material, oral zinc supplementation was initiated and continued for 4 mo in T1MD patients (T1). Daily dosages were established based on Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs), considering zinc intake based on data from other studies previously performed with this population. All analyses were repeated after supplementation (T2). Metabolic control was unsatisfactory, with an HbA1c increase at T2. There was no difference in zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes between patients with T1DM and control. Zinc concentrations in plasma were within the normal range in T1MD before and after supplementation and the control. Zinc concentrations in erythrocyte presented lower than normal values for all groups. A zinc increase in erythrocyte after supplementation was observed in T1DM patients, although without statistical significance. More studies are needed to confirm oral zinc supplementation as nutritional management in diabetes.     

Daily zinc supplementation effect on zinc deficiency in rats during prolonged restriction of motor activity

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 47 mg zinc supplementation on deficiency of zinc in rats during 98 d of restriction of motor activity (hypokinesia), which appeared by higher plasma zinc concentration. One Hundred 13-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 360–390 g were used to perform the studies: They were equally divided into four groups: 1. Unsupplemented control animals (UCA); 2. Unsupplemented hypokinetic animals (UHA); 3. Supplemented control animals (SCA); and 4. Supplemented hypokinetic animals (SHA). For the simulation of the effect of hypokinesia (HK), the UHA and SHA were kept in small individual cages made of wood, which restricted their movements in all directions without hindering food and water intake. The SCA and SHA received daily with their food an additional amount of zinc. Before and during the experimental period of 98 d, plasma, urinary and fecal zinc, balance of zinc, food intake, and body weight were determined at different intervals. In the SHA and UHA, the concentration of zinc in plasma, and the elimination of zinc in urine and feces increased significantly when compared with the SCA and UCA, whereas the balance of zinc was negative. The body weight and food intake decreased significantly in the SHA and UHA when compared with the SCA and UCA. The increased plasma concentration of zinc in both the SHA and UHA groups was in contrast to the observed hypozincnemia during prolonged immobilization as during prolonged hospitalization. This reaction suggests that there may be some other mechanisms that are affecting the process of control and regulation of zinc metabolism during prolonged HK. It was concluded that exposure to prolonged restriction of motor activity of rats induces significant increases in plasma concentration, fecal and urinary elimination of zinc in the presence of negative zinc balance and regardless the daily intake of large amounts of zinc with their food, leading to zinc deficiency.     

The effect of Boswellia serrata resin diet supplementation on production,hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in broiler chickens

Boswellia serrata resin (BSR), exhibiting a variety of therapeutic properties, is applied in Asian traditional medicine. These properties can be used in poultry production as well. Application of the resin as a phytobiotic in broiler chicken rearing can increase the productivity and improve meat quality. However, the optimum and maximum levels of BSR in broiler diets need to be assessed. The study determined the effect of different levels of supplementation of BSR (directly derived, unprocessed) in diets for broiler chickens on the production traits, selected slaughter analysis parameters, nutrient digestibility and selected hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. In total, 200 1-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments with five replicate cages of 10 broiler chickens/cage (five females and five males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks, and the broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0% (control), 3% (BSR3), 4% (BSR4) or 5% (BSR5). In the broiler chickens receiving diets with addition of resin BSR3 and BSR4, there was an increase in (P<0.05) BW gain, ether extract, ADF, organic matter and energy digestibility of the diets. Moreover, the best carcass quality with a high proportion of muscles and low abdominal fat content (P<0.05) was noted in these groups. The content of uric acid (P<0.01) and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (P<0.05) in blood plasma decreased upon the BSR supplementation. Globulin content increased in blood plasma (P<0.05) along the increasing level of BSR. The blood immunoglobulin A concentration was only affected by the BSR treatments (P<0.05). It may be concluded that BSR can be regarded as a safe and effective dietary additive for broiler chicken.     

The beneficial effects of rosuvastatin are independent of zinc supplementation in patients with atherosclerosis

BackgroundStatins have multiple antiatherosclerotic effects, but can reduce blood plasma concentrations of minerals, including zinc. As zinc possesses antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects, low zinc status can promote injuries or inadequate tissue repair in endothelial cells. Metallothionein (MT) expression might modulate responses induced by statins in patients with atherosclerosis. However, research regarding mineral status and the use of statins is scarce. This study evaluated the effects of zinc supplementation on zinc status and expression of the zinc-dependent MT1F and MT2A genes in patients with atherosclerosis treated with rosuvastatin.MethodsA double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed with 54 participants treated with 10 mg rosuvastatin for 4 months with or without zinc supplementation (30 mg/day). Diet, lipid profile, high-sensitivity reactive protein C (hs-CRP), plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and MT1F and MT2A genes expression were analyzed before and after intervention.ResultsRosuvastatin therapy was effective in reducing low- and non-high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and hs-CRP levels, independent of zinc supplementation. Additionally, zinc treatment had no effect on SOD enzyme activity (P = 0.201), plasma (P > 0.671) and erythrocyte (P > 0.123) zinc concentrations, or the pattern of MT1F and MT2A genes expression (P = 0.088 and P = 0.229, respectively).ConclusionsThe effectiveness of rosuvastatin treatment is independent of the effects of zinc supplementation. Moreover, rosuvastatin treatment did not have a significant impact on zinc status or MT1F and MT2A genes expression in patients with atherosclerosis.     

硫酸锌添加对酿酒酵母乙酸胁迫条件下全局基因转录的影响

【目的】利用转录组测序研究硫酸锌添加提高絮凝酿酒酵母SPSC01乙酸胁迫耐性的分子机理。【方法】在10.0 g/L乙酸胁迫条件下,添加0.03 g/L硫酸锌,取对数期酿酒酵母细胞,与不添加硫酸锌的对照组细胞进行比较转录组分析。【结果】添加硫酸锌的实验组与对照组相比较,50个基因转录水平上调,162个基因转录水平下调,这些转录水平变化明显的基因涉及糖代谢、甲硫氨酸合成、维生素合成等多条代谢途径,此外,转录水平变化的基因还包括抗氧化酶基因等关键胁迫响应基因。【结论】硫酸锌添加可改变酿酒酵母全局基因转录水平,提高抗氧化酶及其他胁迫耐性相关基因的表达,影响细胞氧化还原平衡和能量代谢,通过对多基因转录的调控提高酿酒酵母乙酸耐受性。     

Effect of fungal enzyme mixture supplementation of various fibre-containing diets fed to broiler chicks 1: Performance and carcass characteristics

Partially purified enzymes: amylase of Macrophomina phaseolina, cellulase of Trichoderma sp. and pectinase of Fusarium trincitum were produced, purified and mixed together to form a three-enzyme system. A similar mixture was produced for the crude forms of the three enzymes. The two forms of the enzyme mixture were then applied to diets containing wheat bran, rice bran, palm kernel meal, corn bran or coconut meal and were fed to 784 1-day-old broiler chicks of both sexes. Results after six weeks showed the live weight, the body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio to be significantly affected by enzyme supplementation for all fibre types included in the diets. Over the feeding interval, the plucked weight, carcass weight, edible meat and the total bone weight also increased in amount for both crude and partially purified forms of the enzyme applied directly or in water, compared with the unsupplemented diet. Statistically significant differences P(0.05) also existed in the percentage protein and ash content of the carcass of both the unsupplemented and supplemented diets.     

Blood levels of copper, iron, zinc, and lead in adults in India and Pakistan and the effect of oral zinc supplementation for six weeks

Deficiency in the intake of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), is very common in the general population of most developing countries. A preliminary study in India and Pakistan showing the plasma levels of Zn and Fe indicates that approx 50% of the subjects who participated have low levels of both Fe and Zn, suggesting a marginal deficiency. The low plasma levels of these elements are more pronounced in females. The mean levels of Ze, Cu, and Fe in the plasma of 83 subjects were 0.71 ± 0.11, 0.96 ± 0.10, and 0.80 ± 0.12 mg/L, respectively. The Cu:Zn ratio in the plasma was 1.43 ± 0.16. Three groups of 15 subjects each were given three different levels of oral supplements of Zn (15, 30, and 45 mg of Zn as Zn gluconate) for 6 wk, and blood samples were analyzed during various intervals. Plasma concentration of Zn increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all the groups after 4 wk of supplementation and reached almost normal levels after 6 wk. Along with the increase in Zn, there was a significant decrease(p < 0.001) in plasma Cu levels. There were no changes in the concentration of Fe during the supplementation period. The supplementation was well tolerated by most subjects. The results of this pilot study indicate that Zn supplementation is a practical possibility comparable to that of Fe supplementation in order to prevent marginal Zn deficiency in vulnerable groups in the general population of developing countries.     

Growth responses of breast and leg muscles to essential amino acids in broiler chicks

The first three essential amino acids (EAA) for broilers including methionine (Met), lysine (Lys) and threonine (Thr) may greatly influence the growth of chick muscles at early stages of life. In order to survey the potential effects of those EAA on growth muscles, a rotatable three-variable central composite design (CCD) was conducted to track the interrelationships of dietary digestible Met (dMet), Lys (dLys) and Thr (dThr) for optimization of processing yields in broiler chicks using response surface methodology. A total of 60 floor pens of six birds each were assigned to 15 dietary treatments based on CCD containing five levels of dMet (0.416% to 0.584% of diet), dLys (0.881% to 1.319% of diet) and dThr (0.532% to 0.868% of diet) from 3 to 16 days of age. Experimental treatments significantly affected breast mass (BM) and leg mass (LM) of the birds (P<0.05) in which the main effect of dLys on BM was threefold higher than the main effect of dThr, and interaction effect between dMet and dLys was observed on BM (P<0.05). However, in the case of LM, the main effect of dThr was higher than the main effects of dMet and dLys and highest interaction effect exist between dThr and dMet (P<0.05). The second-order models for BM and LM were fitted by least squares regression. Canonical analysis revealed that the stationary points for carcass components were saddle points, thus ridge analysis was performed for getting optimal values of each EAA. Ridge analyses of BM and LM models showed that the maximum BM point may be obtained with 0.58%, 1.05% and 0.76% of dMet, dLys and dThr, respectively, in diet, and maximum LM point may be achieved with 0.58%, 1.09% and 0.70% of dMet, dLys and dThr, respectively, in diet. The resultant ideal ratios of dMet and dThr to dLys were 55% and 72% for BM; 53% and 64% for LM. Moreover, sensitivity analysis showed that the most important amino acids in BM and LM models were Lys and Thr, respectively. In conclusion, providing these three amino acid for BM optimization may warrant LM optimization and higher ideal ratios of dMet and dThr for breast muscle may indicate the higher importance of these EAA in this muscle than those in thigh muscle.     

Effects of zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation on homocysteine levels and related enzyme expression in rats

Methionine synthase (MS) and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) are both zinc (Zn)-dependent methyltransferases and involved in the methylation of homocysteine. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Zn supply on homocysteine levels and expression of the two enzymes in growing rats. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned randomly to four dietary groups (n = 8/group) for 3 weeks: Zn deficient (ZD; <1 mg Zn/kg); Zn control (ZC; 30 mg Zn/kg); Zn supplemented (ZS; 300 mg Zn/kg); pair fed (PF; 30 mg Zn/kg) to the ZD group. Serum and femur Zn concentrations were 83% and 58% lower in ZD, and 49% and 62% higher in ZS compared to ZC (P < 0.001), respectively. The ZD rats had lower feed intake (37%), body weight gains (45%), liver (43%) and kidney (31%) weights than those of ZC (P < 0.001), but these parameters in ZD were not significantly different from the PF controls. Serum homocysteine concentrations were 65% higher in ZD compared to PF (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in serum folate levels between ZD and PF groups. The mRNA expression of liver and kidney MS was 57% and 38% lower in ZD than PF (P < 0.001), respectively. Hepatic and renal BHMT mRNA levels were not altered in ZD compared to controls. The aforementioned measurements were not significantly different between ZS and ZC groups, except Zn levels. These results demonstrated that homocysteine homeostasis appeared to be disturbed by Zn deficiency but not Zn supplementation, and elevated serum homocysteine might be due to reduced expression of MS during Zn deficiency.     

Effects of dietary grape seed extract on growth performance,amino acid digestibility and plasma lipids and mineral content in broiler chicks

Polyphenols are chemically and biologically active compounds. Grape seed extracts (GSEs) have been widely used as a human food supplement for health promotion and disease prevention. However, there is little information regarding its application in animal feeds. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of GSE at 0.025, 0.25, 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg in a wheat soya bean control diet on growth performance, protein and amino acid (AA) digestibility and plasma lipid and mineral concentrations in broiler chickens at 21 days of age. Performance was not affected by dietary treatment except in the case of birds fed the diet with the highest GSE concentration, which showed a worsening of weight gain and feed conversion. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of protein was significantly reduced in the birds fed the highest concentration of GSE, which also had a reduction on the AID of arginine, histidine, phenylalanine, cystine, glutamic acid and proline compared with those fed control diet. The inclusion of graded concentration of GSE in the chicken diets caused a significant linear decrease in the concentrations of plasma copper, iron and zinc. Plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein) concentrations were not affected by dietary GSE. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that incorporation of GSE in chicken diets up to 2.5 g/kg had no adverse effect on growth performance or protein and AA digestibility. Feed conversion was reduced and growth rate was retarded, when chickens were fed 5 g/kg of GSE. This study also indicated that grape polyphenols reduce the free plasma minerals.     

An investigation of effects of toluene and cigarette smoking on some blood parameters and lymphocyte life span

As toluene is an organic solvent, its cytotoxic effect on the cell is known. Similarly, it has been demonstrated that many of the chemical agents that enter the body through smoking have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the cells. In this study, the effects of these two toxic agents, both separately and in combination, on leukocyte counts, lymphocyte counts and mitotic index values were investigated. The study was carried out on blood samples of 100 males, divided into four groups: 25 non-smokers and 25 smokers, 25 toluene-exposed non-smokers and 25 no toluene-exposed smokers. The blood cell values of the blood samples were determined automatically on the hemogram apparatus. In addition slides of the blood samples were prepared according to the chromosome analysis procedure and the mitotic index values were determined through microscopy. The possible effects of smoking and toluene on lymphocyte life span was considered by correlating mitotic index values with lymphocyte counts in the same way for each of the subgroups. Results revealed that leukocyte counts and mitotic index values were higher in the smokers than the non-smokers whether or not they had been exposed to toluene. In addition the results indicate that lymphocyte life span may be shortened due to cigarette smoking and toluene exposure.     

Effects of zinc deficiency and supplementation on some hematologic parameters of rats performing acute swimming exercise

The aim of the study was to investigate how zinc deficiency and supplementation effect some hematologic parameters of rats performing swimming exercise. Forty adult male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, zinc deficient swimming group (Group 1, n=10, zinc supplemented swimming group (Group 2, n=10), swimming control group (Group 3, n=10), and control group (Group 4, n=10). Blood samples were taken by decapitation and analyzed for the determination of erythrocyte, hemoglobin level, hematocrit, leukocyte, lymphocyte, platelet count and plasma zinc level at the end of the 4 week experiment. Erythrocyte count of group 1 was the lowest whereas erythrocyte count in group 3 was significantly lower than that in group 2 and 4 (p<0.05). Hemoglobin level of group 1 was significantly lower than that of groups 2 and 4 (p<0.05). Hematocrit was significantly lower in both group 1 and group 3 than both groups 2 and 4 (p<0.05). Lymphocyte count in group 2 was significantly higher than in all other groups (p<0.05). Platelet counts in group 2 was significantly lower than in all other groups (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that zinc deficiency effects the hematologic parameters mentioned negatively whereas zinc supplementation has a positive influence.     

The effect of zinc and phytoestrogen supplementation on the changes in mineral content of the femur of rats with chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis

The aim of this study was to assess skeletal effects of zinc or zinc with phytoestrogen (resveratrol or genistein) supplementation in an animal model of rats with DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis. The changes in bone parameters such as the length and mass were examined, as well as the changes in concentrations of selected minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus. Moreover, the investigations focused on finding the differences between the levels of iron and zinc in other tissues: the liver, spleen and serum of the examined rats.Fifty-six female Sprague–Dawley rats, 40 days old, were divided into four groups, regardless of the diets: standard (77 mg Zn kg/food), zinc (4.6 mg/mL via gavage), zinc (4.6 mg/mL) plus resveratrol (0.2 mg/kg bw), and zinc (4.6 mg/mL) plus genistein (0.2 mg/kg bw) for a period from 40 days until 20 weeks of age. The study rats were also treated with 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to induce mammary carcinogenesis.The applied diet and the advanced mammary cancer did not affect macrometric parameters of the rats’ bones, but they strongly affected their mineral content. It was found that mammary cancer, irrespectively of the applied diet, significantly modified the iron level in the femur, liver, spleen and serum of the examined rats. In addition, zinc supplementation significantly lowered the levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the femur of rats with mammary cancer as compared with respective levels in the control group. So, it was found that additional supplementation with zinc, which is generally considered to be an antioxidant, with the co-existing mammary carcinoma, increased the unfavorable changes as concerns the stability of bone tissue. The appropriate combination of zinc and phytoestrogens (resveratrol or genistein) could help prevent or slow bone loss associated with a range of skeletal disorders in breast cancer.     

Effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium on growth performance,carcass yield and antioxidant status of broiler chicks

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a putative essential nutrient and redox modulator in microorganisms, cell and animal models, has been recognized as a growth promoter in rodents. Growth performance, carcass yield and antioxidant status were evaluated on broiler chickens fed different levels of PQQ disodium (PQQ.Na₂). A total of 784 day-old male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allotted into seven dietary groups: negative control group (NC) fed a basal diet without virginiamycin (VIR) or PQQ.Na₂; a positive control group (PC) fed a diet with 15 mg of VIR/kg diet; and PQQ.Na₂ groups fed with 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40 or 0.80 mg PQQ.Na₂/kg diet. Each treatment contained eight replicates with 14 birds each. The feeding trial lasted for 6 weeks. The results showed that chicks fed 0.2 mg PQQ.Na₂/kg diet significantly improved growth performance comparable to those in PC group, and the feed efficiency enhancement effects of dietary PQQ.Na₂ was more apparent in grower phase. Dietary addition of PQQ.Na₂ had the potential to stimulate immune organs development, and low level dietary addition (<0.1 mg/kg) increased plasma lysozyme level. Broilers fed 0.2 mg PQQ.Na₂/kg diet gained more carcasses at day 42, and had lower lipid peroxide malondialdehyde content and higher total antioxidant power in plasma. The results indicated that dietary PQQ.Na₂ (0.2 mg/kg diet) had the potential to act as a growth promoter comparable to antibiotic in broiler chicks.     

Effect of fungal enzyme mixture supplementation of various fibre-containing diets fed to broiler chicks 2: On blood,liver and kidney total lipids,triacylglycerols and cholesterol

Broiler chicks of both sexes were fed formulated rations containing different fibre types with and without supplementation with crude and pure microbial enzymes in order to determine the effect on the lipids of the blood, liver and kidney. Results shown enzyme supplementation to greatly and significantly affect total lipid, free fatty acids, triglyceride and cholesterol levels of the blood, liver and kidney relative to the age of the birds and the type of fibres. By day 42, the total blood lipid of the unsupplemented diet rose to the highest level (22.4 mg/l), that of the kidney (3.62 mg/g) and the liver (185.7 mg/g). Enzyme supplementation, however, brought about reduction of these values with the diet containing all the fibres – wheat bran, corn bran, palm kernel meal and coconut meal giving the lowest values of the total lipids, free fatty acids, triglycerides and cholesterol on day 42 for the blood, liver and kidney, respectively. The pure forms of the enzymes applied directly to the feed gave more highly significant effects than the crude forms fed through water. Interaction effects between the various forms of the enzyme and the mode of application were also statistically significant.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acids on growth performance,serum lysozyme activity,lymphocyte proliferation,and antibody production in broiler chicks

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on growth performance and immune responses in broiler chicks. A total of 240 day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments with different inclusion levels of CLA (0, 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg) for six weeks. Growth performance, peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) proliferation, lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity (carbon clearance) and serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine were examined. There were no significant differences in growth performance among treatments (p > 0.05). Chicks fed CLA diets produced more lysozyme activity in serum than the control group at 2 and 6 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Dietary CLA enhanced the PBL proliferation in response to concanavalin A (ConA) at the age of 42 d (p < 0.05). Phagocytic ability was also affected by dietary CLA and chicks fed CLA diets had faster carbon clearance rate (p < 0.05), but antibody titers to NDV was not influenced by dietary CLA. The results of the study suggested that dietary CLA could enhance innate and cellular immune response in broiler chicks, and not affect the growth performance.