Special Issue "Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production"

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Natalie Morgan
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
Interests: poultry production; poultry nutrition; fibre; non-starch polysaccharides; carbohydrate chemistry; oligosaccharides
Prof. Dr. Youssef A. Attia
E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Interests: poultry sciences; rabbits sciences; Nutrition; husbandry; Production; physiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality papers on poultry nutrition and the inter-relations between nutrition, metabolism, gut microflora, and poultry performance. Therefore, I invite the submission of recent findings, in the form of original research articles or reviews, on poultry nutrition in such areas as:

  • the nutrient requirements of poultry;
  • the impact of dietary fibre on poultry health and performance;
  • the use of feed additives to improve gut microflora and performance;
  • the effect of feeding on poultry meat end egg quality;
  • assessing factors that cause variation in feed ingredients used in poultry diets;
  • alternative feed ingredients for use in poultry feed formulations;
  • the influence of gastrointestinal pH on nutrient bioavailability and the intestinal microbiota in poultry;
  • evaluating phytate and xylan ‘susceptibility’ to the effects of enzymes;
  • assessing factors that influence reactivity and enzyme efficacy;and
  • developing in vitro models to determine the digestibility of poultry diets.

Dr. Natalie Morgan
Prof. Dr. Youssef A. Attia
Guest Editors

Keywords

  • poultry nutrition
  • poultry production
  • feed additives
  • by-products
  • egg quality
  • meat quality

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

Article
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in Organic Laying Hens on Egg Quality, Yolk Oxidative Stability and Eggshell Microbiological Counts
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092502 - 26 Aug 2021
Viewed by 211
Abstract
Aromatic plants of Labiatae family are used in poultry diets because of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The notion is that hens raised in organic systems face several health and environmental challenges. Hence, the objective here was to assess hens’ performances and the [...] Read more.
Aromatic plants of Labiatae family are used in poultry diets because of their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The notion is that hens raised in organic systems face several health and environmental challenges. Hence, the objective here was to assess hens’ performances and the quality of their eggs in such systems following a dietary supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. in powder form. The experiments were conducted over two successive years (1 and 2). They lasted 16 weeks each and involved 198 laying hens aged 40 weeks old randomly assigned to three groups: Con (control diet), Sal-0.5%, and Sal-1.0% (diets supplemented with Salvia officinalis L. at 0.5% or 1.0%, respectively). The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in egg yolks in year 2 were lower in both Sal-0.5% and Sal-1.0% compared to the Con (p < 0.05). The total number of Enterobacteriaceae in eggshells were lower in Sal-1.0% compared to the Con (p < 0.05) in both years. The results suggest that a dietary supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. at 1.0% improves the antioxidant status and reduces the microbial load of eggs produced in organic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Communication
Impact of Microbial Protease Enzyme and Dietary Crude Protein Levels on Growth and Nutrients Digestibility in Broilers over 15–28 Days
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092499 - 25 Aug 2021
Viewed by 272
Abstract
In this trial, a 3 × 2 factorial design with different dietary crude protein levels (CP, 17, 19 and 21%) and two levels of exogenous protease (0 and 30,000 IU/kg) was used. A total of 540 two-week old broilers (Ross-308) was randomly allocated [...] Read more.
In this trial, a 3 × 2 factorial design with different dietary crude protein levels (CP, 17, 19 and 21%) and two levels of exogenous protease (0 and 30,000 IU/kg) was used. A total of 540 two-week old broilers (Ross-308) was randomly allocated to experimental diets over 15–28 days of age. The interaction between dietary protein levels and enzyme supplementation showed that body weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in birds fed CP-19 (1114.7 g) and CP-21 (1108.8 g) with enzymes supplementation. Feed intake was higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed with CP-17 than CP-19 with supplementation of the protease enzyme. Results also revealed that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (p < 0.05) improved in birds fed with CP-19 and CP-21 and protease supplementation. Total tract N retention was lower (p < 0.05) in birds fed CP-17 with no enzyme than the other dietary groups. Similarly, the gross energy (GE) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in birds fed CP-17 with or without the protease enzyme. Abdominal fat was higher (p < 0.05) in CP-17 (0.96%) without the protease enzyme. It was concluded that a diet at 19% CP with the protease enzyme improved the performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers over 15–28 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
Article
Quercetin Dietary Supplementation Advances Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal mRNA Expression Genes in Broiler Chickens
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082302 - 04 Aug 2021
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Quercetin was fed to groups of broiler chickens at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 ppm, and a control group was supplemented with a basal diet. Results revealed that quercetin dietary supplementation numerically improved the growth performance traits and significantly increased (p [...] Read more.
Quercetin was fed to groups of broiler chickens at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 ppm, and a control group was supplemented with a basal diet. Results revealed that quercetin dietary supplementation numerically improved the growth performance traits and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the European production efficiency factor (EPEF) in the 200 ppm group. The total coliforms and Clostridium perfringens were decreased (p < 0.05) in quercetin-supplemented groups. Conversely, Lactobacillus counts were increased (p < 0.05), due to improvement of the gut microbiota environment in quercetin-supplemented groups. Moreover, the mRNA expression of intestinal Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and nutritional transporters, including glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes, were significantly upregulated in quercetin-supplemented groups. Quercetin enhanced intestinal morphometry. We can suggest quercetin supplementation in broiler chickens by levels between 200 and 400 ppm to enhance their development and gut environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Article
Dietary Supplementation of Shredded, Steam-Exploded Pine Particles Decreases Pathogenic Microbes in the Cecum of Acute Heat-Stressed Broilers
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082252 - 30 Jul 2021
Viewed by 600
Abstract
The gut microbiome stimulates nutrient metabolism and could effectively generate heat tolerance in chickens. This study investigates the effects of dietary steam-exploded pine particle (SPP) supplementation and subsequent acute heat stress on productive performance and cecum microbiome in broilers. Eight-day Ross 308 broilers [...] Read more.
The gut microbiome stimulates nutrient metabolism and could effectively generate heat tolerance in chickens. This study investigates the effects of dietary steam-exploded pine particle (SPP) supplementation and subsequent acute heat stress on productive performance and cecum microbiome in broilers. Eight-day Ross 308 broilers were distributed in three groups with 0%, 1%, and 2% SPP in diets. On the 41st day, forty birds were allocated to four groups with ten birds each. The treatments were control diet at thermoneutral temperature (0% NT) and acute heat-stressed (HS) birds fed control (0% HS), 1% (1% HS), and 2% (2% HS) SPP. Parameters recorded were body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), rectal temperature (RT), relative organ weight, and metagenome analysis from cecum samples. Percent difference in BW, FI, and RT was decreased in HS birds. Metagenome analysis revealed similar richness and diversity in microbial communities. The relative abundance of the bacterial genus such as Limosilactobacillus, Drancourtella, and Ihubacter was increased while that of Alistipes, Alkalibacter, Lachnotalea, and Turicibacter was decreased in SPP supplemented HS birds. Concludingly, the production performance of broilers is negatively influenced during HS, and 2% dietary SPP supplementation may reduce the adverse effects of HS by modifying the microbiota in chickens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Article
Impacts of Supplementing Broiler Diets with Biological Curcumin, Zinc Nanoparticles and Bacillus licheniformis on Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Indices, Meat Quality and Cecal Microbial Load
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071878 - 24 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 421
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs), and Bacillus licheniformis (Bl) on the growth, carcass, blood metabolites, and the count of some cecal microorganisms of Indian River (IR) broilers. Chicks were allotted into seven [...] Read more.
The current study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs), and Bacillus licheniformis (Bl) on the growth, carcass, blood metabolites, and the count of some cecal microorganisms of Indian River (IR) broilers. Chicks were allotted into seven experimental groups: control group, 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups were given diets enriched with ZnNPs, CurNPs and Bl (3.0, 5.0 and 2.0 cm3/kg diet, respectively). The 4th, 5th and 6th groups were given diets supplemented with ZnNPs (3.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZP); ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) (ZC) and ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZCP) cm3/kg diet, respectively. The results revealed that ZnNPs and CurNPs exhibited a considerable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. They also inhibited the growth of microbes in a range of 50–95 µg/mL. The diet supplemented with ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl increased the body weight compared to the control after five weeks of age. Additionally, values of daily feed intake increased in these groups; however, the feed conversion ratio decreased. All values of carcass traits were better than that of the control. The treatments led to decreased abdominal lipids compared to the control. The activity of liver enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased in the treated groups. In a converse trend, the levels of oxidative enzymes, amylase, protease, lipase and immunoglobulin were higher than that of the control. Meat quality properties were improved and cecal microbial counts were decreased. In conclusion, the ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl improved the broiler’s weights, carcass traits, meat quality traits, as well as some blood indices and cecal microbial load. Therefore, the inclusion of ZnNPs, CurNPs, or Bl is recommended for broiler feeding regimens to improve the performance and health status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Article
Effect of Different Dietary Betaine Fortifications on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Blood Biochemistry, and Hematology of Broilers Exposed to Various Temperature Patterns
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061555 - 26 May 2021
Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Improving broilers’ production in the hot region is essential to overcome heat-stress challenges. The current experiment examined the effects of betaine’s fortification (0.0, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.15%) to broiler chickens during days 1–40 of age. The growth period was divided into the starter [...] Read more.
Improving broilers’ production in the hot region is essential to overcome heat-stress challenges. The current experiment examined the effects of betaine’s fortification (0.0, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.15%) to broiler chickens during days 1–40 of age. The growth period was divided into the starter (1–18 d) and growing-finishing (19–40 d). During the starter period, there was no heat challenge, and all birds were kept under the same conditions. At 18 days of age, half of the birds were kept under thermos-neutral temperature (TN, 22–24 °C), while the other half were kept under high temperature (HT, 35 °C). However, the production efficiency factor (PEF) was the best (p < 0.05) for birds that received 0.10% betaine. Betaine fortification improved (p < 0.05 and 0.01) body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and production efficiency factor (PEF) in the cumulative finisher heat-stress challenge period (19–40 d). The best performance was achieved at 0.1% betaine fortification with 84 g gain, 4.6 points improvement in FCR, and 24 points improvements in PEF as compared to no betaine fortification. The heat-stressed group consumed less feed (239 g), gained less weight (179 g), converted feed less efficiently (2.6 points), and, as a result, had lower FEF (29 points) as compared to the TN group. Conclusively, heat challenge had a powerful effect on growth performance, meat characteristics, and blood parameters, especially during the grower-finisher period. Betaine fortification (0.1%) during heat stress reduced the negative impact on performance and improved production efficiency, suggesting that betaine is a useful nutritional tool under stress conditions that deserves further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
Article
Myostatin and Related Factors Are Involved in Skeletal Muscle Protein Breakdown in Growing Broilers Exposed to Constant Heat Stress
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051467 - 20 May 2021
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Heat stress has an adverse effect on the development of poultry farming, which has always aroused great concern. This study was carried out to investigate the protein breakdown mechanism responsible for the suppressive effect of constant heat stress on muscle growth in growing [...] Read more.
Heat stress has an adverse effect on the development of poultry farming, which has always aroused great concern. This study was carried out to investigate the protein breakdown mechanism responsible for the suppressive effect of constant heat stress on muscle growth in growing broilers. A total of 96, 29-day-old, Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly divided into two groups, a thermoneutral control (21 ± 1 °C, TC) and a heat stress (31 ± 1 °C, HS) group, with six replicates in each group and eight birds in each replicate. The trial period lasted for 14 d, and the trial was performed at 60 ± 7% relative humidity, a wind speed of <0.5 m/s and an ammonia level of <5 ppm. The results showed that the average daily feed intake and average daily gain in the HS group were distinctly lower than those in the TC group (p < 0.05), whereas the HS group showed a significantly increased feed conversion ratio, nitrogen excretion per weight gain and nitrogen excretion per feed intake compared to the TC group (p < 0.05). In addition, the HS group showed a significantly reduced breast muscle yield and nitrogen utilization in the broilers (p < 0.05). The HS group showed an increase in the serum corticosterone level (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the thyroxine levels in the broiler chickens (p < 0.05) compared to the TC group, whereas the HS group showed no significant changes in the serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine levels compared to the TC group (p > 0.05). Moreover, the HS group showed increased mRNA expression levels of myostatin, Smad3, forkhead box O 4, muscle atrophy F-box and muscle ring-finger 1, but reduced mRNA expression levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin, the protein kinase B and the myogenic determination factor 1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the poor growth performance of birds under constant heat stress may be due to an increased protein breakdown via an mRNA expression of myostatin and related factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Article
Effects of Heat Stress on Gut-Microbial Metabolites, Gastrointestinal Peptides, Glycolipid Metabolism, and Performance of Broilers
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051286 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 537
Abstract
This paper investigated the effects of heat stress on gut-microbial metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, glycolipid metabolism, and performance of broilers. Thus, 132 male Arbor Acres broilers, 28-days-old, were randomly distributed to undergo two treatments: thermoneutral control (TC, 21 °C) and high temperature (HT, 31 [...] Read more.
This paper investigated the effects of heat stress on gut-microbial metabolites, gastrointestinal peptides, glycolipid metabolism, and performance of broilers. Thus, 132 male Arbor Acres broilers, 28-days-old, were randomly distributed to undergo two treatments: thermoneutral control (TC, 21 °C) and high temperature (HT, 31 °C). The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) concentration in the jejunum significantly decreased the core temperature, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and ghrelin of the hypothalamus, and cholecystokinin (CCK) in jejunum, and serum significantly increased in the HT group (p < 0.05). Exploration of the structure of cecal microbes was accomplished by sequencing 16S rRNA genes. The sequencing results showed that the proportion of Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae decreased significantly whereas the proportion of Peptococcaceae increased at the family level (p < 0.05). Ruminococcus and Clostridium abundances significantly increased at the genus level. Furthermore, the content of acetate in the HT group significantly increased. Biochemical parameters showed that the blood glucose concentration of the HT group significantly decreased, and the TG (serum triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), insulin concentration, and the insulin resistance index significantly increased. Nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the HT group decreased significantly. In conclusion, the results of this paper suggest that the poor production performance of broilers under heat stress may be related to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) fermented by intestinal microbiota involved in regulating metabolic disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Article
Research on the Effects of Gender and Feeding Geese Oats and Hybrid Rye on Their Slaughter Traits and Meat Quality
Animals 2021, 11(3), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030672 - 03 Mar 2021
Viewed by 515
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of feeding Zatorska variety geese hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of both grains (1:1) on slaughter value and meat quality. At 14 weeks old, the birds were separated into three feeding groups [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of feeding Zatorska variety geese hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of both grains (1:1) on slaughter value and meat quality. At 14 weeks old, the birds were separated into three feeding groups (n = 12) and were fed between 15 and 17 weeks of age with hybrid rye, oats, or a mixture of these two grains. The research proved the effect of gender and feeding on some slaughter value traits and meat quality of the goslings’ breast meat. It was found that the ganders had a 10% to 15% higher body and carcass weight than the females. No significant differences were observed between the genders within the majority of the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the sensory traits. The feeding type did not have a significant effect on the goslings’ body weight and carcass element share. The birds fed hybrid rye had a 2 percentage points lower slaughter yield than those birds fed oats which was combined with a lower share of subcutaneous fat (measured as the weight of the tissue coming from dissection) in birds fed hybrid rye. The meat of the birds fed hybrid rye had some better physical, chemical characteristics and, in the female goslings, also better sensory quality. The results indicated that hybrid rye may be used in feeding goslings at the end of the growing period, because it did not cause any negative effects on the pre-slaughter body weight and had a positive effect on some meat quality traits, such as better sensory estimation results, higher protein content, and lower drip losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)

Review

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Review
Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism in Poultry during and after Heat Stress: A Review
Animals 2021, 11(4), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041167 - 19 Apr 2021
Viewed by 768
Abstract
This review examined the influence of environmental heat stress, a concern facing modern broiler producers, on protein metabolism and broiler performance, as well as the physiological mechanisms that activate and control or minimize the detrimental impacts of stress. In addition, available scientific papers [...] Read more.
This review examined the influence of environmental heat stress, a concern facing modern broiler producers, on protein metabolism and broiler performance, as well as the physiological mechanisms that activate and control or minimize the detrimental impacts of stress. In addition, available scientific papers that focused on amino acids (AA) digestibility under stress conditions were analyzed. Furthermore, AA supplementation, a good strategy to enhance broiler thermotolerance, amelioration, or stress control, by keeping stress at optimal levels rather than its elimination, plays an important role in the success of poultry breeding. Poultry maintain homeothermy, and their response to heat stress is mainly due to elevated ambient temperature and the failure of effective heat loss, which causes a considerable negative economic impact on the poultry industry worldwide. Reduced feed intake, typically observed during heat stress, was the primary driver for meat production loss. However, accumulating evidence indicates that heat stress influences poultry metabolism and endocrine profiles independently of reduced feed intake. In conclusion, high ambient temperatures significantly reduced dietary AA intake, which in turn reduced protein deposition and growth in broilers. Further studies are required to determine the quantity of the AA needed in warm and hot climates and to introduce genetic tools for animal breeding associated with the heat stress in chickens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Review
Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by-Products: Chemical Composition, Nutritive Value and Applications in Poultry Nutrition, an Updating Review
Animals 2021, 11(4), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041133 - 15 Apr 2021
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Several by-products, such as whole cull dates, date stones (also called pits, seeds, kernels), sugar-extracted date pulp, are produced from date fruit processing industries. These by-products, particularly date stone meal represent 10 to 20% of the whole dates are wasted, causing environmental issues. [...] Read more.
Several by-products, such as whole cull dates, date stones (also called pits, seeds, kernels), sugar-extracted date pulp, are produced from date fruit processing industries. These by-products, particularly date stone meal represent 10 to 20% of the whole dates are wasted, causing environmental issues. However, the date stone is rich in various nutrients, such as nitrogen-free extract, fiber, fat, and minerals, which could be used as an alternative feed source in poultry nutrition. However, the high fiber content in date stone meal restricts its use in poultry diets. Whole date wastes and date pulp have lower protein, fiber and fat content than those in date stone meal. Several studies have investigated the use of date stone meal and other by-products as a replacement of dietary corn and barley on feed intake, growth, feed efficiency, and nutrient utilization in poultry. The compilation of results obtained from different studies indicates that date fruit by-products, particularly date stone meal, could be incorporated up to 10% levels, replacing corn or barley grains without hampering production performance, and this could reduce the production cost. Moreover, the use of date stone meal at lower levels (5–10%) sometimes shows better growth performance, probably due to the presence of bioactive principles such as antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The use of date stone meal in poultry diets may be practically important under certain circumstances not only under the COVID-19 crisis due to the lockdown of airports, dry ports, ports and traffic restrictions, but also in countries with a limited supply of classical feed resources and which depend on imported ones. Finally, it can recommend that using date stone meal (DSM) up to 5–10% in poultry diets positively affect the productive performance. Due to the variability in the nutritive value of the DSM, developing a formula for metabolizable energy (ME) of DSM = a (intercept) − b (slope) × crude fiber (CF) content should be considered to improve the precision of feed formula for poultry. However, the nutritional value of DSM might not only depend on crude fiber but also on other compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition and Production)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Effects of Dietary Microecological Agents on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemical Indices and Intestinal Morphology in Danzhou Chickens
Authors: Pengfei Huang
Affiliation: Hunan Normal University
Abstract: Effects of Dietary Microecological Agents on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemical Indices and Intestinal Morphology in Danzhou Chickens

Title: Effects of Heat Stress on Gut-Microbial Metabolites, Gastrointestinal Peptides, Glycolipid Metabolism, and Performance of Broilers
Authors: Guangju Wang; Xiumei Li; Ying Zhou; Jinghai Feng; Minhong Zhang
Affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract: This paper investigated effects of heat stress on gut-microbial metabolites, gastrointestinal pep-tides, glycolipid metabolism and performance of broilers. Thus, 132 28-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly distributed to two treatments:thermoneutral control (TC, 21℃) and high temperature (HT, 31℃). The results showed that the average (ADG), average (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) concentration in the jejunum sig-nificantly decreased(P<0.05), the core temperature, ghrelin in hypothalamus and cholecystokinin (CCK) in jejunum and serum significantly increased(P<0.05)in HT group. Exploration the structure of cecal microbes is accomplished by sequencing 16S rRNA genes. The sequencing re-sults showed that the proportion of Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae decreased signifi-cantly (P<0.05) whereas the proportion of Peptococcaceae increased at the family level. Rumino-coccus and Clostridium abundances were significantly increased at the genus level. Furthermore, the content of acetate in the HT group was significantly increased. Biochemical parameters showed that the blood glucose concentration of the HT group was significantly decreased, and the TG (serum triglycerides), TC (total cholesterol), insulin concentration and the insulin re-sistance index were significantly increased. Nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the HT group de-creased significantly. In conclusion, the results of this paper suggest that the poor production per-formance of broilers under heat stress may be related to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) ferment-ed by intestinal microbiota involved in regulating metabolic disorders.

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