Search Results (486)

This study aimed to evaluate the compensatory effects of amino acid (AA) supplementation on laying hens fed a low-protein diet, focusing on production performance, egg quality, blood immunity, total tract retention, and intestinal health. A total of 180 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (35 weeks old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments with 12 replicates (5 hens/replicate): (1) control diet (15.90% crude protein, CON), (2) reduced-protein diet (15.20% crude protein, NG), and (3) reduced-protein diet supplemented with 400 g/t methionine, 400 g/t lysine, and 300 g/t threonine (15.20% crude protein, LAA). Over the 12-week experimental period, production parameters were monitored weekly. The results showed that compared to the NG group, AA supplementation significantly increased laying rates during weeks 1–4 (p < 0.05) and reduced the feed-to-egg ratio during weeks 9–12 (p < 0.05), with a 3.10% decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR). By week 12, the NG group exhibited lower Haugh unit values than both the CON and LAA groups (p < 0.05), indicating improved egg quality with AA supplementation. Serum analysis revealed elevated immunoglobulin Y levels and upregulated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the LAA group (p < 0.05). Total tract retention of crude protein (CP) and phosphorus (P) was significantly enhanced in the LAA group compared to CON and NG groups (p < 0.05). However, in terms of cecal microbiota, no significant differences were observed among the experimental groups. These findings demonstrate that AA supplementation alleviates the adverse effects of low-protein diets by enhancing nutrient utilization and immune modulation, thereby improving productive performance, egg quality, and total tract retention in laying hens. Full article

This study evaluated how varying proportions of licorice residue and sweet sorghum affect pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal morphology, and cecal microflora in 120 healthy 30-day-old Ira rabbits, which were randomly assigned to five groups (six replicates of four rabbits each). Five experimental diets were formulated, each containing 30% licorice residue and sweet sorghum (with licorice residue at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% w/w) and 70% other components. We found that licorice residue level significantly affected pellet hardness, powder content, and volumetric weight (p < 0.05). The L25 group had significantly higher final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) than other groups (p < 0.05). In the duodenum, villus height (VH) was improved in L25 (p < 0.05). Ileal VH increased significantly in L0, L25 and L50 (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes were most enriched. At the genus level, Faecousia and SFMI01 abundance increased with higher licorice residue. LEfSe analysis confirmed that varying licorice residue levels influenced cecal microbial composition from phylum to genus. The addition of 25% licorice residue to the diet can improve the growth performance of meat rabbits and improved both intestinal tissue morphology and the cecal microbiota of meat rabbits. Full article

Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (Salmonella Pullorum) is a specific avian pathogen responsible for Pullorum disease, causing substantial economic losses to the global poultry industry. With the rising restrictions on antibiotic use, probiotics have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. The Bacillus subtilis group, including B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis, is a collection of closely related species that has been widely used as a probiotic due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and other benefits. However, how the probiotics-derived antibacterial phenotype contributes to infection control is still unclear. Methods: In this study, we used two different antibacterial phenotype strains, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis, to treat S. Pullorum infections. The spores of two strains (10⁷ CFUs) were supplemented daily for 21 days. Results: The reduction in body weight gains and the severity of S. Pullorum-induced symptoms were ameliorated. Compared to B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens exhibited a stronger host protection effect, manifested in a greater reduction in the bacterial load of S. Pullorum in organs throughout the infection. Furthermore, both strains enhanced cecal microbiota diversity, suppressed infection-associated taxa, and promoted beneficial genera. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that probiotic Bacillus can alleviate S. Pullorum infection and improve growth performance in poultry, especially the antimicrobial phenotype contributing to pathogen clearance. This work provides crucial insights for developing effective, probiotic-based strategies against Pullorum disease. Full article

This study investigated the effects of different breeding methods on the cecal microbiota and production traits of Yimeng Black Goats (YBGs). Twenty-seven 3-month-old male YBGs were assigned to three groups (n = 9 each): total mixed ration once daily (A), concentrate in the morning and roughage in the afternoon (B), or grazing with supplementary feeding (C). Cecal bacterial communities were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and functional potential was predicted using FAPROTAX. Breeding method significantly altered microbial composition (p < 0.05). Beta diversity was highest in Group C, while alpha diversity remained similar across groups. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant; Proteobacteria were most abundant in Group A. At the genus level, relative abundances of nine taxa, including Lactobacillus and Fusobacterium, differed significantly (p < 0.05). At the species level, including Lactobacillus mucosae, Bacteroides massiliensis and Alistipes finegoldii, differed significantly (p < 0.05). Chemoheterotrophy and fermentation functions were most enriched, particularly in Group C. Total weight gain was highest in Group A and lowest in Group C (p < 0.05), while carcass rate showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Euryarchaeota as the key phylum, and Bacteroides, Tyzzerella, Fusobacterium, unidentified_Prevotellaceae, Methanovrevibacter and Faecalibacterium as the key genera were influencing the production traits of YBGs. These findings highlight the adaptive responses of the cecal microbiota to breeding methods and their potential links to host performance. Full article

Environmental stressors and host genetics influence gut microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, but their combined effects across intestinal niches remain poorly unexplored. We conducted a metagenomic analysis of 60 jejunal and cecal samples from 30 native Chinese pigs across three altitudes (500 m, 1400 m, and 3850 m). The aim was to disentangle the interactive impacts of altitude, breed, and intestinal site on microbiome structure and antibiotic resistome dynamics. The cecal microbiota was taxonomically conserved and strongly associated with breed. Conversely, while jejunal communities exhibited structural variations among the sampled cohorts, differences in alpha diversity (Shannon index, p < 0.01) appeared to be primarily associated with breed differences rather than an independent altitudinal effect. High-altitude Tibetan pigs showed an enrichment of Bifidobacterium and Pseudomonas, which may be linked to hypoxia adaptation. Despite a shared core resistome (88 ARG types), the cecum harbored significantly higher ARG abundance than the jejunum within-breed comparisons of Tibetan pigs across altitudes; this revealed stable ARG profiles (p > 0.05) suggesting that, although some descriptive differences were observed, the independent effect of altitude weakens when the genetic effect is taken into account. Furthermore, carbohydrate-active enzymes (e.g., CBM13, GH33) correlated positively with ARG abundance. In conclusion, the jejunum appears to act as an environmentally responsive niche, while the cecum exhibits a higher ARG abundance that is closely associated with the host breed. Full article

Growing Angus steers (n = 20) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: Control group (CON, n = 10) fed a feedlot ration ad libitum, or a ruminally protected hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG) treatment group (HFCG, n = 10), which was fed the control ration top-dressed at 16 g/head/day for 55 days. During the slaughter process, digesta samples were collected from the cecum, colon, and rectum. Acetate concentrations were greater in the cecal and rectal digesta of steers (p ≤ 0.05) in the HFCG treatment group. Propionate concentrations were greater in the cecal, colonic, and rectal (p ≤ 0.05) digesta of steers in the HFCG treatment group. Butyrate concentrations were greater (p = 0.098) in the colon digesta of steers in the HFCG treatment group; however, they were not different in the cecal and rectal digesta. To determine the microbial composition within each section of the hindgut, DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. Data were analyzed using a General Linear Model with dietary treatment as the main effect. Species richness in the cecum, colon, and rectum was not different between treatments. Erysipelotrichaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Atopobiaceae abundances were increased (p ≤ 0.05) in the cecal bacterial community of steers in the HFCG group, while a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in Rikenellaceae and Muribaculaceae abundances was recorded within the same bacterial community. In the colon bacterial community of steers in the HFCG group, Ruminococcaceae and Muribaculaceae abundances were elevated (p ≤ 0.05), while there was a reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in Lachnospiraceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Atopobiaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae abundances. Paeniclostridium, Romboutsia, and Turicibacter abundances were increased (p ≤ 0.05) in the cecal bacterial community of steers in the HFCG group, while there was a decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in Rikenellaceae_RC9 _gut_group abundance within the same bacterial community. In the colon microbiota of steers in the HFCG group, Turicibacter abundance was decreased (p ≤ 0.05). Supplementing growing steers with HFCG impacted some members of the bacterial populations, which have important roles in gut homeostasis and health, along with the formation of beneficial end-products in the gastrointestinal tract. Full article

Background: Obesity and its related metabolic complications, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance, constitute an escalating global public health challenge, with high-fat diet (HFD) exposure recognized as a primary etiological driver. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects of pepper leaf extracts (PLE), spinach extracts (SE), and obeticholic acid (OCA) on HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction in mice. Methods: Integrated phenotypic, histopathological, gut microbial, bile acid, and metabolomic analyses were applied to evaluate the intervention effects. Results: Our results demonstrated that 16-week dietary intervention with PLE, SE, or OCA all effectively mitigated HFD-induced obesity, pathological adipose remodeling, hepatic steatosis, systemic insulin resistance, and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Mechanistically, PLE effectively restored intestinal barrier integrity and reshaped the dysbiotic gut microbiota, with a marked enrichment of beneficial bacterial taxa closely linked to intestinal barrier maintenance, and normalized the disrupted cecal bile acid profile in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that PLE reprogrammed disordered systemic metabolism, with significant modulation of key pathways involved in bile acid homeostasis, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. Conclusions: In summary, this study provides evidence that PLE effectively attenuates HFD-induced metabolic disorders through modulation of the gut microbiota–bile acid–metabolome axis and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity. The superior therapeutic efficacy of PLE compared with SE and OCA, coupled with its favorable safety profile, positions PLE as a promising novel natural candidate for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic complications. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a widely distributed estrogenic mycotoxin that compromises intestinal health in pigs, but its spatial difference ZEN and niche-specific regulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota remain largely unelucidated. In this study, 12 healthy three-way crossbred weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into two treatments. The control group (CON) was fed with the basal diet, and the treatment group (ZEN) was supplemented with 1.5 mg ZEA/kg of the basal diet for 28 days. Chyme and mucosal microorganisms in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and cecum were profiled by using 16S rDNA sequencing. The results indicated that ZEN significantly reduced the α-diversity of ileal chyme, while the abnormal increase in α-diversity of ileal and cecal mucosa represented a pathological signature of intestinal mucosal barrier damage induced by ZEN, which was detrimental to intestinal health. β-Diversity analysis revealed ZEN altered the microbial community composition of the cecal chyme. LEfSe analysis revealed gut segment-specific and niche-specific biomarker taxa among the groups, and functional prediction further indicated that ZEN exposure significantly perturbed key metabolic pathways: it downregulated nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism as well as the citrate cycle in ileal chyme and upregulated the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway in cecal chyme. Collectively, this study demonstrated the effects of ZEN on the intestinal microbiota across spatial difference and ecological niches in weaned piglets, providing a basis for elucidating the microecological mechanisms underlying ZEN-induced intestinal injury in pigs. Full article

This study investigated the effects of compound microbial fermented feed on the growth performance, intestinal architecture, microbiota composition, and metabolic profiles of weaned piglets. Fifty-four weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: a control group (basal diet), a 50% fermented feed group (T1), and a 100% fermented feed group (T2), for a 33-day feeding period. The results indicated that both T1 and T2 diets significantly improved final body weight and average daily gain (ADG), while decreasing the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) compared with the control (p < 0.05). Morphological assessment revealed that the T1 group significantly elevated the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and increased the density of goblet cells in the cecum and colon (p < 0.05). Multi-omics analysis indicated that fermented feed significantly reshaped the gut microbiota structure (p < 0.05), characterized by the enrichment of beneficial taxa, including Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05), and the modulation of nucleotide and bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, correlation analysis identified significant linkages between the abundance of jejunal Oscillospiraceae and colonic/cecal Lactobacillus with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and key metabolites. This finding systematically elucidates the mechanisms by which compound microbial fermented feed promotes growth and intestinal health in weaned piglets via microbiota-mediated pathways, offering a robust scientific framework for the development of antibiotic-free nutritional strategies. Full article

Coffee cherry pulp is an abundant by-product of coffee processing and contains bioactive compounds with potential value in animal nutrition. This study evaluated fermented coffee cherry pulp (CCF) as a feed additive in Thai native chickens. Five hundred day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five treatments: basal diet (CON), antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), and basal diets supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg CCF for 12 weeks. Supplementation with 1.0 g/kg CCF significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain and significantly improved feed conversion ratio compared with the basal diet (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in the CCF1.0 and CCF2.0 groups (p < 0.05), while liver and kidney function indicators were not affected. Cooking loss was significantly lower in CCF-supplemented groups, and thigh muscle crude protein content was significantly higher at 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg (p < 0.05). Alpha diversity of cecal microbiota was not significantly altered, but directional shifts in community composition were observed, including enrichment of short-chain fatty acid-associated genera. Functional prediction indicated differences in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways. These results support fermented coffee cherry pulp as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in native chicken production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD) represents a prevalent liver disease worldwide. It is crucial to maintain the stability of the gut–liver axis in order to inhibit the advancement of MASLD. Broccoli-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (BDENs) can alleviate constipation and improve colitis. This study investigated whether BDENs possess therapeutic potential for improving induced MASLD by the gut–liver axis. Methods: BDENs were fractionated from fresh broccoli using differential centrifugation, and the microRNAs were identified and analyzed. 24 male C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks old) were randomized into the control group, HFD group, and BDENs group, with 8 mice per group. After 8 weeks of high-fat diet modeling, the BDENs group accepted BDENs daily oral gavage of 100 mg/kg (B.W.), while the control and HFD groups accepted 1 × PBS. Four weeks after BDENs intervention, analysis was conducted on liver injury markers, liver tissue pathology, intestinal barrier, cecal content metabolomics and fecal 16S rRNA, serum inflammatory factors, and hepatic inflammation. Results: BDENs identified 1659 miRNAs associated with physiological processes such as immunity, antioxidant defense, and fatty acid biosynthesis. BDENs significantly reduced weight and ALT/AST ratio (p < 0.05). Furthermore, BDENs attenuated hepatic histopathological damage and lipid accumulation. For the gut–liver axis, BDENs maintained intestinal barrier, regulated intestinal bile acid metabolism and restored the gut microbiota. Additionally, BDENs reduced serum LPS level (p < 0.01) and suppressed hepatic inflammation, including F4/80 and IL-6, IL-1β (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Oral BDENs therapy demonstrates potential for ameliorating MASLD. Full article

Se-enriched functional eggs are prevalent nowadays, which may help improve body health and anti-oxidant capacities. However, the modulatory effects on cecal microbiota are still limited. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of Se-enriched egg powder in modulating the cecal microbiota of Kunming mice. A total of 72 mice were randomly assigned to a control treatment (CON), a conventional egg powder treatment (EP), and four gradient Se-enriched egg powder treatments (EPS1–EPS4, with the Se content ranging from 0.01 to 0.04% of total dietary content) for a 35-day feeding procedure. Parameters included growth performance, tissue Se content distribution, serum anti-oxidant capacities (GSH-Px, SOD, MDA), and immune cytokines (IgG, TNF-α), and cecal microbiota composition was further measured. Results showed dietary 0.02% (EPS2) significantly improved growth performance, physiological anti-oxidant defenses, and cytokine TNF-α (p < 0.05), while significantly reducing feed conversion ratio and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with CON (p < 0.05). Metagenomic results revealed that Se-enriched egg powder significantly increased bacterial α-diversity and the abundance of Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05), while significantly decreasing Desulfovibrio and Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Se-enriched egg powder effectively enhances growth performance, anti-oxidant capacity, and immunity, mainly through the promotion of beneficial bacteria diversity and suppression of pathogens. Full article

The effects of dietary supplementation of enzyme–microbe co-fermented Ganoderma lucidum spent substrate (EFGLS) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, organ indices, and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers are investigated. Healthy broilers (450 individuals of 22 days age) of similar body weight were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (five replicates/treatment, 30 birds/replicate). A control group received a corn–soybean meal-based basal diet; treatments received diets containing 1.5% or 3.0% EFGLS. Over six weeks, treatment-group broilers exhibited significantly greater average daily gain and a lower feed-to-gain ratio compared with the control group (p < 0.001); differences in apparent nutrient digestibility in EFGLS-supplemented groups were not significant. A thymus index was significantly higher in the 1.5% than 3.0% EFGLS group (p < 0.05); Pielou’s evenness, Shannon, and Simpson indices of cecal microbiota were significantly higher in the 3.0% EFGLS group than control group (p < 0.05); and a dominance index was significantly higher in the control group than in treatment groups. Under study conditions, dietary supplementation with EFGLS improved growth performance in broilers, associated with favorable changes in apparent nutrient digestibility, immune organ development, and cecal microbial community structure. Accordingly, we recommend a dietary supplementation level of 1.5% EFGLS. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a low soybean meal (SBM) diet and its supplementation with graded levels of raffinose on the growth performance, expression of genes related to nutrient transport and intestinal function, and cecal microbiota of white-feathered broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly allotted to six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, each with eight replicates of 10 birds. The diets consisted of a positive diet, a low SBM diet (10% reduction in SBM), and the low SBM diet supplemented with 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, or 0.25% raffinose. Results indicated that, compared with the positive diet, the low SBM diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the overall mortality and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during days 22–42, while significantly decreasing (p < 0.05) dietary ether extract (EE) availability. Raffinose supplementation to the low SBM diet linearly reduced (p < 0.05) dietary gross energy and dry matter utilization and downregulated duodenal SLC5A1 gene expression at 42 days, while linearly increasing (p < 0.05) the cecal isobutyric acid content. A decreasing tendency in mortality during days 22–42 was also observed with raffinose inclusion (p = 0.088). Notably, the low SBM diet elevated the relative abundance of Campylobacterota and Helicobacter, which was effectively reversed by raffinose supplementation. In conclusion, a 10% reduction in dietary SBM negatively affected the survival, nutrient utilization, and cecal microbial structure in broilers, whereas raffinose supplementation partially modulated these alterations. Full article

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) are well-recognized for their beneficial effects on intestinal health, yet their regulatory impacts on the metabolic dynamics of other intestinal metabolites remain elusive. In this study, 24 male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups: control (CON), low-dose GOS (L-GOS; 500 mg/kg body weight), and high-dose GOS (H-GOS; 800 mg/kg body weight). Following a 4-week intervention, the cecal contents were analyzed to characterize the bacterial community structure and metabolic profiles. Results indicated that GOS supplementation significantly increased the ACE and Chao1 indices of cecal bacteria. Specifically, L-GOS led to notable enrichment of the [Eubacterium] brachy group, Coriobacteriaceae UCG-002, Faecalimonas, and the [Eubacterium] siraeum group, whereas H-GOS significantly increased the abundance of Clostridium, Ruminiclostridium, Thomasclavelia, Adlercreutzia, and Faecalimonas. Metabolomic profiling revealed that L-GOS profoundly reduced levels of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and their downstream metabolites, while inhibiting the conversion of sphingolipids to ceramides. The changes in phospholipid derivatives imply enhanced intestinal epithelial integrity, supporting intestinal homeostasis. GOS intervention also decreased phenylacetic acid content. L-GOS increased the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid content, whereas H-GOS reduced 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid levels. Notably, H-GOS significantly up-regulated the production of indole-3-acetic acid, a tryptophan-derived microbial metabolite with multiple biological activities. Collectively, these findings provide insights and potential targets for future research on GOS application in intestinal health interventions. Full article