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13 pages, 259 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Broiler Performance and Intestinal Morphology and Increasing Nutritional Availability via Microbial Muramidase Supplementation

by Akram El Kadi, Radmila Marković, Dejan Perić, Sladjan Nešić, Nataša Glamočlija, Aurélia A. Séon Simon and Dragan Šefer

Animals 2026, 16(7), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16071123 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

An experiment was conducted in a commercial broiler farm to evaluate birds’ growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and total blood carotenoid levels when adding different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) to broilers’ feed formula. A total of 336-day-old broilers from Ross 308 [...] Read more.

An experiment was conducted in a commercial broiler farm to evaluate birds’ growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and total blood carotenoid levels when adding different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) to broilers’ feed formula. A total of 336-day-old broilers from Ross 308 were assigned to three groups and were fed from day 1 to day 42. Treatment 1 (T1), the control treatment, was a basal corn soybean meal diet that followed Aviagen nutrient specifications; Treatment 2 (T2) was the control treatment + 350 g MUR per ton of feed; Treatment 3 (T3) was the control treatment + 450 g MUR per ton of feed. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), carotenoid levels (CLs), and IM from samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were evaluated on day 42. MUR significantly outperformed the control diet in terms of body weight (BW), resulting in BWs of 2513 g (p = 0.005) and 2463 g with T3 and T2, respectively, versus 2377 g with T1. Daily weight gain (DWG) was 58.77 g and 57.58 g in T3 and T2 (p = 0.0004), respectively, versus 55.54 g in T1. The Daily Feed Intake (DFI) on day 42 was higher in T3 compared to T1 (98.90 g p < 0.0001 versus 97.72 g). The morphology results show higher effects in the duodenum with T3 versus T2 and T1. In addition, the results were significantly higher in the jejunum when using T2 and T3 compared to T1. Goblet cells were not influenced by MUR use in the diets. The broilers’ blood carotenoid levels were significantly higher in T3 (1.75 mg/L p = 0.0026) compared to T1 (1.02 mg/L). These results shed light on broilers’ performance, intestinal health, and nutrient availability when using MUR at different inclusion rates in broiler feed for broilers raised under near-commercial conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

24 pages, 521 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of Replacing Conventional Corn with Corn Containing Thermostable α-Amylase Enzyme (AMY797E) in Standard and Low-Energy Diets in Laying Hens

by Deependra Paneru, Dima White, Milan Sharma, John Gonzalez and Woo Kim

Animals 2026, 16(4), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16040582 - 12 Feb 2026

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Abstract

In laying hens, the undigested starch in conventional corn can reduce the efficiency of their diet. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effects of replacing conventional corn with a corn hybrid expressing thermostable α-amylase (Enogen corn) in standard and energy-deficient diets in laying [...] Read more.

In laying hens, the undigested starch in conventional corn can reduce the efficiency of their diet. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effects of replacing conventional corn with a corn hybrid expressing thermostable α-amylase (Enogen corn) in standard and energy-deficient diets in laying hens. A total of 320 White Leghorn hens were assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design of corn type (conventional and Enogen) and energy density (standard and 200 kcal/kg reduction) from 18–45 weeks of age. Enogen corn diet improved overall feed efficiency by 8% (p < 0.001) and increased egg production by 6–10% (p < 0.05) during 35–45 weeks compared to conventional corn diet. Yolk weight was also improved by Enogen corn at 35 and 45 weeks (p < 0.05), with no significant effect on body weight and body composition (p > 0.05). Reducing dietary energy led to higher feed intake during 36–45 weeks (p = 0.017), worsened overall feed efficiency (p = 0.030), and decreased cortical bone mineral density (p = 0.035). In conclusion, replacing conventional corn with Enogen corn improved feed efficiency and egg production, whereas a 200 kcal/kg energy reduction triggered compensatory intake and impaired cortical bone quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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13 pages, 271 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Partial and Total Substitution of Soybean Meal with Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal in Japanese Quail Diets: Effects on Performance Criteria and Feed Cost Scenarios

by Nihan Öksüz Narinç, Nilgün Yapıcı, Ali Aygun and Doğan Narinç

Animals 2026, 16(3), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16030415 - 28 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 494

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of graded replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth performance, growth dynamics, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of graded replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on growth performance, growth dynamics, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 300 one-day-old quail chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in which SBM was replaced with BSFLM at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% using isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Body weight was recorded weekly, feed intake was measured per cage, and growth dynamics were assessed using the Gompertz growth model. At 42 d of age, 150 quails were slaughtered to determine carcass yield and major carcass components, and economic evaluation was performed using scenario-based analyses to compare feed cost efficiency under contrasting ingredient price conditions. Dietary inclusion of BSFLM had no significant effects on body weight at any measured age, mortality rate, or carcass yield and composition. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved at the 50% BSFLM inclusion level, indicating improved feed efficiency at moderate replacement. Gompertz growth parameters, including mature weight, growth rate, and inflection point traits, were not affected by dietary treatment, confirming that intrinsic growth patterns were maintained. Economic analyses showed that partial replacement of SBM with BSFLM was associated with improved or stabilized feed cost efficiency depending on relative ingredient prices, whereas higher inclusion levels were more sensitive to unfavorable price conditions. In conclusion, BSFLM can be incorporated into Japanese quail diets without detrimental effects on growth performance or carcass traits, with moderate inclusion levels providing the most consistent balance between biological efficiency and economic robustness, thereby supporting risk-aware and sustainable poultry feeding strategies under variable market conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

15 pages, 2810 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Mechanism of Small Peptide Application in Enhancing Laying Performance of Late-Laying Hens Through Bidirectional Liver–Gut Interactions

by Yuanyuan Li, Xiaopeng Liao, Xiaoyue Wang, Yiping Wang, Qin Liu, Lizhi Li, Dongsheng Guo and Zhen Li

Animals 2026, 16(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020164 - 6 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism through which small peptides regulate the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens during the late-laying period. A total of 200 Lohmann Pink laying hens, aged 400 days, were randomly assigned [...] Read more.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism through which small peptides regulate the productive performance and egg quality of laying hens during the late-laying period. A total of 200 Lohmann Pink laying hens, aged 400 days, were randomly assigned into a control treatment (CON) and a small peptide treatment (SP) for a 120-day treating period. Productive performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, microbial community, and hepatic gene expressions were measured. Results showed that SP supplementation significantly increased eggshell strength and albumen height, while reducing the rate of abnormal eggs (p < 0.05). SP notably enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and hepatic lipase (p < 0.05). Additionally, SP supplementation significantly increased microbial α-diversity (p < 0.05) and elevated the relative abundances of Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05). Hepatic transcriptomic analysis revealed that up-regulated genes in the SP treatment were primarily enriched in steroid biosynthesis, while down-regulated genes were mainly associated with the Yersinia infection pathway. In conclusion, small peptide supplementation efficiently improved eggshell strength and albumen height while reducing the rate of abnormal eggs by modulating the interactions between gut microbiota and hepatic gene expressions. Our findings may provide an effective option for enhancing egg quality in the late-laying period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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24 pages, 8697 KB

Open AccessArticle

Curculigo orchioides Polysaccharide Promotes the Growth and Development of Wenchang Chickens via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

by Sheng Gao, Xingke Wang, Ruiying Bao, Qingchao Yang, Qingying Cai, Yipeng Zhang, Zeru Peng, Liangmin Huang and Xuemei Wang

Animals 2025, 15(24), 3585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15243585 - 13 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides used as feed additives can promote poultry growth. This study evaluated the effects of different doses of Curculigo orchioides Polysaccharide (COP) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, intestinal health and related mechanisms in 1 to 35 [...] Read more.

Previous studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides used as feed additives can promote poultry growth. This study evaluated the effects of different doses of Curculigo orchioides Polysaccharide (COP) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, intestinal health and related mechanisms in 1 to 35 days old Wenchang female chicks. A total of 120 female Wenchang chickens (1 day old) were assigned to three treatment groups, with 5 replicates per group and 8 chickens per replicate. The Wenchang chickens were fed a basal diet (control) supplemented with either a low dose of Curculigo orchioides Polysaccharide (400 mg/kg) or a high dose (800 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. Purified COP is composed of mannose (68.97%), glucose (24.38%), galactose (6.34%), and arabinose (0.32%). Results showed that high-dose COP supplementation significantly increased Wenchang chicken body weight (p < 0.05) and feed intake (p < 0.05); reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05); increased small intestinal villus height and tight junction protein expression levels; enhanced muscle fiber cross-sectional area (p < 0.05); improved total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01); decreased serum malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.0001), and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 levels (p < 0.05); and elevated antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus at 21, 28, and 35 days (p < 0.01). It also elevated the protein phosphorylation levels of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway (p < 0.0001) and enriched beneficial gut microbiota that may mediate this pathway activation. Analysis of the cecal microbiota in Wenchang female chicks revealed that the high-dose COP group enriched Oscillospira and Lactobacillus. In conclusion, high-dose COP improves growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Wenchang chicks, enhances immunity against NDV, enriches beneficial gut microbiota, and promotes growth by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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11 pages, 1614 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Dietary Schizochytrium Powder in Chicken Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Antioxidant Status

by Qianbao Wang, Huayun Huang, Chunmiao Li, Zhengyang Huang, Zhaolin Wu, Linglin Kong, Zhenhua Zhao and Zhicheng Wang

Animals 2025, 15(23), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233494 - 4 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 617

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this experiment was to explore how the addition of Schizochytrium powder to the feeding ration affected the production performance, egg quality, and antioxidant function of chickens. Schizochytrium powder is a unicellular spherical marine microalga that can be cultivated through [...] Read more.

Objectives: The aim of this experiment was to explore how the addition of Schizochytrium powder to the feeding ration affected the production performance, egg quality, and antioxidant function of chickens. Schizochytrium powder is a unicellular spherical marine microalga that can be cultivated through heterotrophic fermentation, with characteristics including rapid cell growth, stable composition, and ease of large-scale production. Experimental design: Three hundred and twenty 33-week-old chickens with similar egg production rates and body weights were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates each and 16 hens in each replicate. The control group (Group I) was fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet, while the test groups were supplemented with 0.5% (Group II), 1.0% (Group III), and 2.0% (Group IV) Schizochytrium powder on top of this basal diet, respectively. The pretest period was 1 week, and the main test period was 8 weeks. The results revealed the following: (1) Compared with Group I, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and laying rate (LR) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Group IV, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the ADFI and LR between Groups II and III. (2) Compared with Group I, the eggshell strength (ES) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of Groups II, III, and IV were significantly higher (p < 0.05). (3) Compared with Group I, serum triglyceride (TG) content was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in Groups II, III, and IV. Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (PO) activities were significantly higher (p < 0.05) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Groups II, III, and IV compared to Group I. In conclusion, adding Schizochytrium powder to the feeding ration could affect chickens’ production performance, increase egg DHA content, and improve the antioxidant capacity of the organism. Based on the results of this study, we recommend a ratio of 1.0% Schizochytrium powder addition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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18 pages, 4502 KB

Open AccessArticle

Procyanidin-B1-Enriched Cyperus esculentus Extract Regulates Anti-Inflammatory Pathways in Chicken Macrophages Cells Through Transcription Factor STAT2 and HIF1A

by Siqi Niu, Fanghong Zhang, Juan Li, Jianwu Wang, Tinghua Huang and Min Yao

Animals 2025, 15(23), 3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233469 - 2 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Procyanidin B1 (PB1), a polyphenol abundant in Cyperus esculentus stems and leaves extract (CELE), exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, though its mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated CELE’s effects in chickens and LPS-stimulated HD11 macrophages. Chickens fed CELE showed increased blood [...] Read more.

Procyanidin B1 (PB1), a polyphenol abundant in Cyperus esculentus stems and leaves extract (CELE), exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, though its mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated CELE’s effects in chickens and LPS-stimulated HD11 macrophages. Chickens fed CELE showed increased blood levels of SOD, GSH-Px, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, while MDA decreased. RNA-seq of LPS + PB1 vs. LPS-treated cells identified 696 differentially expressed genes enriched in inflammation and antioxidant pathways. Analysis indicated 120 transcription factors (TFs) may regulate these changes, with FOSL1, HIF1A, and STAT2 significantly downregulated. In HD11 cells, PB1 reduced expression of HIF1A/STAT2-target genes (e.g., HMGA2, EPSTI1), lowered IL-1β, IL-6, and ROS, and shifted macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. PB1’s effects were enhanced by an HIF1A inhibitor but reversed by a STAT2 activator. These findings support PB1 and CELE as potential feed additives for livestock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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18 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolizable Energy of Whole and Ground Canola Seed with Enzyme Supplementation and Effects of Ground Canola Seed on Broiler Performance

by Cleverson de Souza, Ricardo Vianna Nunes, Cleison de Souza, Paula Horácio Cesar, Francieli Sordi Lovatto, Aline Felix Schneider Bedin, Marcelo Suzuki Suyama and Clóvis Eliseu Gewehr

Animals 2025, 15(22), 3291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223291 - 14 Nov 2025

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Abstract

Canola seed is a high-energy oilseed with potential as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets, yet its use is limited by nutrient encapsulation and antinutritional factors. This study aimed to evaluate the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of canola seed and its effects [...] Read more.

Canola seed is a high-energy oilseed with potential as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets, yet its use is limited by nutrient encapsulation and antinutritional factors. This study aimed to evaluate the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of canola seed and its effects on broiler performance, organ development, serum biochemical profile, and carcass yield from hatch to 42 days of age. A digestibility trial was conducted using 300 broilers in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design (whole vs. ground seed, with or without enzyme, at 100 or 200 g/kg replacement). A performance trial involved 660 broilers fed diets with 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g/kg of ground canola seed (GCS). Grinding without enzyme addition significantly increased AME from 2318 to 3864 kcal/kg and AME corrected for nitrogen retention (AMEn) from 2192 to 3734 kcal/kg (p < 0.05). An interaction was observed between seed x enzyme and seed × levels (p < 0.05). Addition of enzymes increased the AME value of canola from 3091 to 4091 kcal/kg and the AMEn value from 2963 to 3958 kcal/kg (p < 0.001). Inclusion of GCS up to 150 g/kg did not affect feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), organ index, serum parameters, or carcass traits (p > 0.05). However, higher inclusion levels (200 and 250 g/kg) reduced body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) and worsened FCR, particularly in the early growth stages (p > 0.05). In the period 1–42 days of age, only the 250 g/kg level worsened FCR (p < 0.001), and BWG decreased in 200 and 250 g/kg (p < 0.001). In conclusion, GCS can be included up to 150 g/kg in broiler diets without compromising performance or metabolism, and grinding combined with enzyme supplementation enhances its nutritional value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

14 pages, 588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Seaweed Polysaccharide (SP) and Seaweed Enzymatic Hydrolysate (SEH) on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Gut Microbiota in Muscovy Ducks

by Hong-Yan Wu, Xiao-Feng Lin, Chang-Sheng Fu, Yang Yang, Lei Wang, Hai-Yan Wu, Pan-Pan Guo, Deng-Feng Wang and Guang-Wen Yin

Animals 2025, 15(20), 3047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15203047 - 20 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 857

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) [...] Read more.

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 4 replicates per group and 20 ducks per replicate. The control (CON) group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of water, the SP group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SP, and the SEH group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SEH. The experimental period lasted for 28 d. The results indicate that, compared to the CON group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed to gain (F/G) of the SP and SEH groups of ducks significantly decreased at 28 d (p < 0.05). In the SP group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the SEH group, the activities of ALT and AST were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the SEH group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SP group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the SP and SEH groups, the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) of the Muscovy ducks significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the crypt depth (CD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the abundance of Barnesiella was observed in the SP and SEH groups (p < 0.05), whereas the abundances of UCG-005 and Romboutsia significantly decreased (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis indicated that g__Bacillus and g__Veillonella were significantly abundant in the SP group (p < 0.05), while g__Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 was significantly abundant in the SEH group (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of SP and SEH to the feed can promote the healthy growth of ducks by improving intestinal morphology, regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizing metabolic indicators. This occurs while reducing feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio, and there is a certain specificity in their mechanisms of action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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14 pages, 235 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of an Unblanched Peanut and/or Peanut Skin Diet on Egg Quality, Egg Lipid Chemistry, and Performance of Hens Housed in a Cage-Free Environment

by Ondulla T. Toomer, Thien C. Vu, Rebecca Wysocky, Vera Moraes, Ramon Malheiros, Quentin D. Read and Kenneth E. Anderson

Animals 2025, 15(18), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15182673 - 12 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 803

Abstract

Peanuts and poultry production predominate within the southeast US. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the dietary effects of unblanched (skin-intact) high-oleic peanuts (HOPNs) and peanut skins (PN skins) on layer performance, egg quality, and fatty acid profile. To meet [...] Read more.

Peanuts and poultry production predominate within the southeast US. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the dietary effects of unblanched (skin-intact) high-oleic peanuts (HOPNs) and peanut skins (PN skins) on layer performance, egg quality, and fatty acid profile. To meet these objectives, 200 hens were randomly assigned to four treatments, housed in floor pens, and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks a control, HOPN (24%), PN Skin (3%), or 2.5% oleic acid (OA) diet. All empirical data was statistically analyzed for variance at the p < 0.05 level. Hens fed the HOPN and PN Skin diets had heavier body weights relative to the controls at week 8 (p < 0.05). Layers fed the HOPN treatment had poor FCR and smaller egg weights with lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to the controls (p < 0.05). Hens fed the PN Skin treatment had similar performance parameters, egg quality, and egg chemistry relative to the controls over the 8-week study. These results imply that PN skins may be an acceptable poultry feed additive without adverse effects on performance, egg quality, or egg lipid chemistry. Also, these results demonstrate the potential value-added utilization of PN skins, a waste by-product of the peanut industry, as a layer feed ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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18 pages, 3855 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tartary Buckwheat Flavonoids and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ Mitigate Fatty Liver Syndrome in Laying Hens: Association with Cecal Microbiota Remodeling and Lipid Metabolic Homeostasis

by Dongdong Li, Binlong Chen, Yi Zhang, Zengwen Huang, Zhiqiu Huang, Xi Chen, Caiyun Sun, Yunxia Qi, Yaodong Hu, Ting Chen and Silu Wang

Animals 2025, 15(15), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152210 - 27 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD) on fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in laying hens. A total of 450 35-wk-old Lohmann laying hens were selected and randomly divided into five [...] Read more.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OHD) on fatty liver syndrome (FLS) in laying hens. A total of 450 35-wk-old Lohmann laying hens were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates per treatment and 15 laying hens in each replicate. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The FLS group was fed a high- energy–low-protein (HELP) diet, and the other three experimental groups were fed HELP diets supplemented with 60 mg/kg TBF, 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, and 60 mg/kg TBF plus 69 μg/kg 25-OHD, respectively. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. The results demonstrated that feeding laying hens with a HELP diet led to a significant accumulation of fat in their livers, liver enlargement and yellowing, as well as a decline in liver antioxidant capacity and an aggravation of inflammation. TBF alone, 25-OHD alone, and their combination had no effect on the laying performance of laying hens fed with a HELP diet. However, 25-OHD significantly enhanced the albumin content, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness of eggs (p < 0.05). Compared with the HELP group, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced serum LDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). The combined treatment further lowered serum NEFA and MDA, enhanced liver SOD activity (p < 0.05), and unlike TBF alone (which reduced hepatic TG) or 25-OHD alone (which decreased liver index), reduced both liver index and hepatic TG (p < 0.05). Liver gene expression analysis showed that combined TBF and 25-OHD significantly inhibited the expression of fat synthesis-related genes (ACC, FAS, GPAT1, ChREBP1, LXRα, SREBP-1C, SREBP-2, FABP) as well as inflammation-related genes (IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, TLR4) (p < 0.05). At the phylum level of the cecal microbiota, TBF increased the abundance of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05), and combined TBF and 25-OHD tended to increase the abundance of Firmicutes_D. At the genus level, TBF increased the abundance of Phocaeicola_A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TBF, 25-OHD, or their combination reduced the abundance of Faecalibacterium (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that combined TBF and 25-OHD mitigates FLS in laying hens potentially through remodeling gut microbiota and maintaining lipid metabolic homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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11 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validation with the Dynamic Prediction Model of Protein and Amino Acid Requirements for Growth Performance and Health in Layer Chicks

by Zhi-Yuan Xia, Alainaa Refaie, Miao Liu, You-Yang Wei, Lv-Hui Sun and Zhang-Chao Deng

Animals 2025, 15(13), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131968 - 4 Jul 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluated an established dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid nutritional requirements on growth performance and health in layer chicks. A total of 288 one-day-old healthy Jing Tint 6 chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 6 replicates [...] Read more.

This study evaluated an established dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid nutritional requirements on growth performance and health in layer chicks. A total of 288 one-day-old healthy Jing Tint 6 chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 6 replicates of 12 chicks each. The chicks in the four groups were fed a basal diet (BD) according to the feeding standards and a model diet (MD) based on the dynamic prediction model for protein and amino acid values at 90%, 100%, or 110% for 6 weeks. The results showed that, compared to the BD, the 110% MD increased (p < 0.05) the FI and the 100% MD had no effect (p > 0.05) on FI, BWG, and FCR of chicks throughout the entire feeding phase. The 90% MD, however, significantly reduced (p < 0.05) FI and BWG, while also increasing (p < 0.05) FCR during the 3–6- and 0–6-week periods. Additionally, compared to the BD, the 100% MD had a lower (p < 0.05) intake of crude protein, methionine, lysine, and threonine than that of the BD. Both the 100% and 110% MDs increased (p < 0.05) bursa weight and its index at the 2nd week, while the 90% MD reduced (p < 0.05) the weights of the liver, spleen, and pancreas at the 6th week when compared to the BD. Moreover, the 100% MD increased (p < 0.05) the weights of the duodenum and jejunum, while the 90% MD decreased (p < 0.05) jejunum and ileum length at the 2nd or 6th week. Furthermore, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in serum ALT, AST, BUN, and UA between the 100% MD and BD groups. In conclusion, the dynamic prediction model can minimize protein waste while supporting healthy growth and development in layer chicks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition)

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A Paradigm Shift—Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Management, and Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredients Using Novel Feed Processing Methods: Second Edition

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