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The experiment aimed to study the impact of traditional Chinese medicine compound polysaccharides on the growth performance, immune moderation, and intestinal flora of broilers. A total of 900 1-day-old broilers were selected. The broilers in the blank control group (BCG) were fed a basal diet, and those in the positive control group (PCG) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg levamisole hydrochloride, and those in different concentrations of TCMCP groups (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCPG) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCP. There were 3 replicates in each group and 60 broilers in each replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that the final weight of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely higher than the BCG group (P<0.01). 1.0% TCMCPG group extremely increased average daily gain (P<0.01), 0.5% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups significantly increased average daily gain (P<0.05). The ratio of feed to gain in 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely decreased (P<0.01). Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) content in 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was extremely higher than the BCG group (P<0.01), and serum IgG content in 0.5% TCMCPG group was significantly increased (P<0.05). 1.0% TCMCPG group extremely increased the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P<0.01). Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) content in 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). In 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups, thymus, bursa, and spleen indexes were extremely increased (P<0.01), and serum concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were extremely increased (P<0.01). The number and volume of lymphocytes in the splenic tissue structure increased. In terms of intestinal flora, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% TCMCPG groups extremely decreased the number of Escherichia coli in jejunum and cecum (P<0.01), and extremely increased the number of Lactobacillus in cecum (P<0.01). The Lactobacillus number in jejunum was extremely increased in 1.0% TCMCPG group (P<0.01). The study indicates that TCMCP can improve the immune function, improve the enteric microbiome, and improve growth performance, 1.0% TCMCPG has the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different proportions of new feed material, such as restaurant plate leftovers (CSS), on the quality, growth performances, apparent nutrient digestibility, slaughter performances, meat quality, immune-organ index and serum biochemical indicators of white-feather broilers. 504 1-day-old white-feather broiler roosters were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups, with 6 replicates in each group and 21 chickens in each replicate. In the early stage of the experiment (1th to 21th days), the same diet was fed; In the later stage (22th to 42th days), four types of diets were designed. The control group was fed the corn-soybean meal basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed three different CSS inclusion ratios, 10%, 20% and 30%, and the formula used CSS instead of corn and soybean meal in the basal diet The results showed that: ① the addition of different proportions of CSS had a significant impact on powder content, hardness and PDI of pellet feed (P< 0.01), with the increase of the ratio, the powder content of pellet feed increased, and the hardness and durability (PDI) decreased; ② with the increase of the proportion of CSS, the inclusion of 20% CSS significantly reduced the average body weight of broilers (P<0.05), and the inclusion of 30% CSS significantly reduced the average body weight, average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain of broilers (P<0.05); ③ except for the inclusion of 30% CSS significantly reduced the pectoral muscle rate (P<0.05), the remaining proportions had no significant effect on the slaughter performances (P>0.05); ④ the inclusion of different proportions of CSS did not significantly affect the color, drip loss, acidity, cooking loss, and shear strength of broiler breast and leg muscles at 24, 48, and 72 h (P>0.05). In summary, CSS has good application value as an energy and protein resource that can replace corn and soybean meal in 10% of the basal diet in poultry farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of alginic acid oligosaccharides (AOS) added to drinking water on the growth performance, carcass weight, immune organ index, intestinal morphology and small intestinal digestive enzyme activity of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly divided into two groups, with 18 replicates in each group and ten broilers in each replicate. The control group was feed a basal diet, and AOS group was feed a basal diet and added 200 mg/L alginic acid oligosaccharides to drinking water from 1 to 21 days of age. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of broilers in AOS group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased from 1 to 21 days (P<0.05). During the whole experiment period, the average daily gain of broilers in the AOS group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the carcass weight of broilers in the AOS group was significantly increased at 21 and 42 days (P<0.05), as well as the spleen index and the bursa of Fabricius index at 21 days (P<0.05). The villus height of the small intestine in the AOS group broilers was significantly higher at 21 and 42 days, along with a significant increase in the villus-to-crypt ratio and intestinal lipase activity at 21 days (P<0.05). Studies show that adding the 200 mg/L alginic acid oligosaccharides group to drinking water can improve the growth performance, immunity, intestinal development and digestion of broilers, thereby improving the economic benefits of breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effects of crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae on the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 15 chickens in each replicate. Group A (control group) was fed a basal diet, and groups B, C and D were fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 150, 200 mg/kg crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that 1~42 days, compared with the control group, the average daily weight gain of broilers in the experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the yellowness of the pectoral and leg muscles and the shear force in the group D were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the thymus index, bursa index, and serum IgG in the groups C and D were significantly increased at 21 and 42 days (P<0.05), and the antibody titers of Newcastle disease and avian influenza in the groups C and D at 28 days were significantly increased (P<0.05). The content of serum TNF-α in the groups C and D was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the content of serum IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the T-AOC, T-SOD and GSH-Px activity in the serum of the experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of MDA in the serum was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study indicates that that adding crude extract of Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae to the feed can promote the growth and development of broilers, improve meat quality, enhance the body's immune system, and strengthen antioxidant functions, with the addition of 200 mg/kg Flos sophorae and Fructus sophorae rude extract showing better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the intervention effect of cecropin on the inflammatory exudation caused by coinfection with H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) and pathogenic avian Escherichia coli (APEC), providing a reference for the effective prevention and treatment of clinical co-infections of H9N2 subtype AIV and APEC. The experiment selected 150 white-feathered broilers at 14 days old, randomly divided into five groups, with three replicates per group and 10 chickens per replicate. The control group was administered 0.2 mL of sterile saline nasally. The APEC infection group was administered 0.2 mL of broth containing 2.09×109 CFU of APEC O2 strain nasally. The H9N2 infection group was administered 0.2 mL of H9N2 viral allantoic fluid (approximately 105 EID50 H9N2 virus) nasally. The H9N2 + APEC infection group was administered 0.2 mL of the pellet from the centrifugation of APEC O2 broth mixed with 0.2 mL of H9N2 viral allantoic fluid nasally. The H9N2 + APEC intervention group was treated in the same way as the H9N2 + APEC infection group and fed with cecropin in drinking water (300 mg/kg) + basic feed. The rest of the groups were fed with normal water + basic feed. The formal experimental period was 21 days. The results showed that the H9N2 + APEC infection group had very obvious clinical symptoms and a significantly increased mortality rate (P<0.05), with the most severe tracheal and pulmonary lesions. Compared with the H9N2 + APEC infection group, the H9N2 virus copy number and APEC load on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after infection were significantly reduced in the H9N2 infection group and the APEC infection group (P<0.0 5), the H9N2 + APEC infection group, the H9N2 virus copy number on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after infection was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the APEC load on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after infection was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study showed that cecropin can significantly alleviate respiratory symptoms caused by H9N2 subtype AIV, APEC, and their co-infection, and reduce mortality rates. Its mechanism is related to the reduction of pathogen load in tissues and the repair of the respiratory system, improving respiratory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the effects of nano-selenium on the growth performance and meat quality of AA broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into three groups, with each group having eight replicates and each replicate consisting of 20 broilers. The control group was supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg sodium selenite in the basal diet, while the experimental group 1 was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg nano-selenium, and the experimental group 2 was supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg nano-selenium. The trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that at 22 to 42 days of age, compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake of broilers in the group 1 and group 2 significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio of the group 2 significantly decreased (P<0.05). The meat redness (a* value) of the group 2 significantly increased (P<0.05), and the shear force of the pectoral muscle in the group 1 and group 2 significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the pectoral muscle of the group 2 broilers significantly increased (P<0.05), and the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the pectoral muscle of broilers in the group 1 and group 2 significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the pectoral muscle of broilers in the group 2 significantly decreased (P<0.05), the expression of quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the pectoral muscle was significantly increased (P<0.05), the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) in the pectoral muscle of broilers in the group 1 and group 2 significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of nano-selenium in the diet can improve the antioxidant capacity of the muscle and the meat quality of AA broilers, with the 0.5 mg/kg supplementation showing superior effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of Patchouli essential oil (PEO) on the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of White-feathered broiler chicks. A total of 540 healthy one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group and 30 chicks per replicate. Group A was fed a basal diet, Group B was fed a basal diet + 200 mg/kg PEO, and Group C was fed a basal diet + 400 mg/kg PEO. The experimental period was 21 days. The results showed that compared to Group A, the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, final weight, and serum high-density lipoprotein levels in broilers of Group B and Group C were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed conversion ratio and serum activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the serum low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared to Group A, the levels of complement C3, C4, and the interleukin-10 in the serum of broilers in Group B and Group C were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the content of interleukin-6 was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared to Group A, the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in the serum of broilers in Group B and Group C were significantly enhanced (P<0.05), and the indices of the spleen index, thymus index, and bursa of Fabricius index were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the content of malondialdehyde in the serum was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg PEO to the feed can effectively improve the growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of White feathered broiler chicks aged 1 to 21 days. The effect of 400 mg/kg PEO is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-protein diet was an important direction for the development of livestock and poultry nutrition. The feed formula for broilers based on the standard ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) calculation can more accurately and reasonably reflect the digestion ability of poultry to feed protein and reduce nitrogen excretion. Therefore, using standard ileal amino acid digestibility to design a dietary formula is a prerequisite for low protein nutrition. The article reviews the recently research and the existing problems on determination of standard ileal amino acid digestibility in poultry, in order to provide a reference for establishing a database of standard ileal amino acid digestibility parameters for feed ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress occurs when the ambient temperature exceeds the upper limit of the comfortable temperature in the thermal area of the animal body. Broilers have thick body hair, fast growth rate, and no sweat glands. Due to the influence of feeding density, they are prone to heat stress in high-temperature environments. Heat stress can lead to a decrease in feed intake and slower growth rates in broilers. It also reduces their immune defense functions, inhibits the growth and development of immune organs, and increases the expression of inflammatory cytokines in tissues. Heat stress can lower the height of intestinal villi and increase the depth of crypts, causing damage to the intestinal structure and altering the quantity of the gut microbiota. Mild heat stress can lead to physiological dysfunction in broilers, while severe heat stress can lead to death, resulting in economic losses. This article summarizes the effects of heat stress on the productive performance, immune performance, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier of broilers, as well as preventive and mitigative measures against heat stress. It provides a reference for the prevention and mitigation of heat stress in practical production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of dietary lutein and lutein derivatives on the skin color, tissue pigment content, and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broilers, four hundred and thirty-two 37-day-old Sanhuang broilers were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and 18 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with wheat-soybean meal basal diet, and each experimental group was fed with lutein 40 mg/kg (lutein group), lutein 24 mg/kg and lutein derivative 16 mg/kg (lutein + lutein derivative group), lutein derivative 40 mg/kg (lutein derivative group). The trial period was 28 days. The results showed that the yellowness values of beak, shin, and underwing skin of broilers in each experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum of broilers in each experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver was increased (P>0.05). Serum cholesterol (TC) content of broilers in each experimental group increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression of GPR143 gene in subwing skin of broilers decreased significantly (P<0.05). The results show that lutein and lutein derivatives can improve the chromaticity of broiler skin and the antioxidant capacity of broiler body, and have no adverse effect on broiler liver. The partial replacement of lutein derivatives (16 mg/kg) cannot affect the coloring effect and antioxidant effect of lutein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic selenium on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The Na2SeO3 group, Se-Met group, and Nano-Se group were supplemented with sodium selenite, selenomethionine, and nano selenium at a selenium level of 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that during the 1~21 d, the feed-to-gain ratio of the Se-Met group was significantly lower than that of the Na2SeO3 group (P<0.05). The abdominal fat percentage of the Nano-Se and Se-Met groups was significantly lower than that of the Na2SeO3 group (P<0.05). Compared with the Na2SeO3 group, the a* value of the pectoral muscle in broilers from the Nano-Se group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the water-holding capacity of the pectoral muscle in broilers from the Se-Met and Nano-Se groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the Na2SeO3 group, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the pectoral muscle from the Nano-Se group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the pectoral muscle of broilers from the Se-Met and Nano-Se groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The study indicates that organic selenium can effectively improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broilers, with nano selenium showing better effects than selenomethionine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of diet supplemented with quercetagetin (QG) on the antioxidant capacity and immune function of broiler chickens under diquat-induced oxidative stress. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Cobb broilers were selected and randomly divided into a control group, a diquat induced oxidative stress (DOS) group, and a QG group, with eight replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate. The control group and DOS group were fed a basal diet, and the QG group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg QG. The experiment period was 23 d. One broiler close to the average body weight was selected from each replicate on the 20th day of the experiment. The control group was injected intraperitoneally with 1 mL of saline, and the DOS group and QG group were injected intraperitoneally with the same volume of diquat at a concentration of 20 mg/kg BW. The results showed that compared with the control group, the rate of body weight gain and bursal index in the DOS group significantly decreased (P<0.05), the concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and complement 4 (C4) in the serum of the DOS group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and expression of GSH-Px mRNA in the liver of boilers in the DOS group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly increased in the DOS group (P<0.05). Compared with the DOS group, the rate of body weight gain and bursal index in the QG group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and complement 3 (C3) in the serum of the QG group significantly increased (P<0.05), and the MDA content was significantly reduced in the liver of boilers in the QG group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 100 mg/kg QG to broiler feed can alleviate the weight loss in broilers caused by oxidative stress, by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve antioxidant capacity and enhance immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on the growth performance, slaughter performance, and blood lipid of AA broilers. 360 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. The control group was fed with basal diet, and the GSP-L group and GSP-H group were fed with 250 and 500 mg/kg grape seed proanthocyanidins in basal diet, respectively. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of broilers in GSP-H group increased significantly from 1 to 42 days old (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in feed-to-weight ratio (P>0.05). The abdominal fat rate of broilers in GSP-H group and GSP-L group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of broilers in GSP-H group decreased significantly (P<0.05). The study indicates that grape seed proanthocyanidins can effectively improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, and blood lipid level of broilers, and the suitable dosage of grape seed proanthocyanidins is 500 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of dietary arginine level on the growth performance, immune function, and small intestine development of broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into five groups with six replicates in each group and 20 chickens in each replicate. Each group was supplemented with 0, 0.65%, 1.15%, 1.65%, and 2.15% arginine in the basal diet. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in the 0.65% supplementation group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the villus height/recess depth of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher after 42 days of experiment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of serum immune protein in the 2.15% supplementation group increased significantly on the 21st day (P<0.05), and the index of bursa of fabricius increased significantly on the 42st day (P<0.05). The study indicates that proper addition of 0.65% arginine in basal diet can increase the body weight, average daily gain, and promote the development of duodenum and jejunum in the later growth stage of broilers. High level of arginine (2.15%) can improve the level of serum immune protein and promote the development of small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effects of dietary isochlorogenic acid (ICGA) on early growth performance, intestinal structure, immune performance, and microbial diversity of broilers. 400 one-day-old Kebao broilers, half in male and half female, were randomly divided into five groups with eight replicates in each group and 10 chickens in each replicate. Each group was fed with basal diet (control group), basal diet + 500 mg/kg ICGA (T1 group), basal diet + 1 000 mg/kg ICGA (T2 group), basal diet + 2 000 mg/kg ICGA (T3 group), and basal diet + 3 000 mg/kg ICGA (T4 group). The trial period was 21 days. The results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed-to-weight ratio (F/G) were not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05). The apparent metabolic rate of crude protein (CP) in T3 group and T4 group was significantly higher than that in control group and T2 group (P<0.05), and the apparent metabolic rate of calcium (Ca) in all experimental groups was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The ileal pH value of T3 group was significantly lower than that of other groups (P<0.05). Serum complement C3 content of broilers in each experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content of broilers in T3 group were significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05). The villus height of T3 group was significantly higher than that of the control group and T1 group (P<0.05), and the villus-saphenous ratio of T3 group was significantly higher than that of the control group, T1 group, and T2 group (P<0.05). Subdoligranulum&lowbar;variabile in T2 group and T3 group was significantly higher than that in control group and T1 group (P<0.05). Subdoligranulum&lowbar;variabile in T2 group was extremely higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). The study indicates that the nutrient apparent metabolic rate, immune performance, intestinal structure, and intestinal flora were improved by adding ICGA in the diet. The appropriate level of ICGA in the diet of broilers is 2 000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-protein diets are related to China's animal production and international trade, and are particularly important for maintaining the sustainable development of China's demestic animal. This paper reviews the research progress of crude protein reduction, ideal protein amino acid balance mode, amino acid supplement types, and standardize ideal digestible amino acid parameters of feed raw materials involved in the formulation technology of low-protein diets for broilers. In the case of limiting amino acids, the crude protein in the broiler diet can be reduced by about 2.5 percentage points. Adding protease or phytase can reduce the crude protein by 0.5 and 1 percentage points, and the low protein diet should be paid attention to the electrolyte balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the effects of isoleucine (Ile) supplementation in the diet on growth performance, meat quality and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 10 500 one-day)old healthy Arbor Acres (AA) broilers with healthy and good conditions were randomly divided into three groups with seven replicates per group and 500 broilers per replicate. Broilers in the control group (CON group) were fed a basal diet, and those in the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg Ile (ILE400 group) and 800 mg/kg Ile (ILE800 group), respectively. The results showed as follows: compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg Ile significantly decreased feed to gain ratio (F/G) and mortality of broilers (P<0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in ILE400 group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the values of L* and a* in breast muscle and leg muscle in ILE400 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the values of b* in breast muscle in ILE400 group was significantly higher than that in ILE800 group (P<0.05). Dietary 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg Ile supplementation signifi‐ cantly increased the crude protein content in leg muscle of broilers (P<0.05). In addition, compared with control and ILE800 groups, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg Ile significantly increased the mRNA relative expression level of mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) in breast muscle and the vil‐ lus height in small intestine (P<0.05). The mRNA relative expression level of eukaryotic translation initia‐ tion factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) in ILE400 group was significantly higher than that in ILE800 group (P<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 400 mg/kg Ile (total dietary Ile levels of 1.01%, 0.90% and 0.87% during the starter, grower and finisher phases, respectively) in the diet can improve the growth performance, reduce mortality of broilers, improve meat color, increase the protein content in muscle by regulating the expression of mTOR path-related genes, and improve intestinal morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of enzymolytic soybean meal (ESBM) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal barrier function of broilers. A total of 400 healthy one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly divided into five groups with eight replicates per group and 10 broilers per replicate. The broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups (T1 group, T2 group, T3 group, and T4 group) were fed 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% ESBM instead of the equivalent amount of soybean meal (SBM) in the basal diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed to gain ratio (F/G) of broilers in the experimental groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the ileum of broilers significantly decreased in the T3 group (P<0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver significantly increased (P<0.05), and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity significantly decreased in the T2 group and T3 group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) content in the liver of broilers in the T1 group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the interleukin-6 (IL-6) content in the liver of broilers in the T1 group and T3 group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, there were no significant effects on the serum immunity indexes of broilers in the experimental groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the D-lactate (D-LA) concentration in the serum of broilers significantly decreased in the T2 group and T4 group (P<0.05), the serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in the T3 group was lower than that in the control group (P>0.05). The study indicates that the dietary addition of ESBM can improve the antioxidant capacity and immunity, and improve the intestinal barrier function of broilers. The effect of the equivalent replacement of SBM with 3% ESBM in the diet of broilers is obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to study the effects of fermented additive of modified Liujunzi decoction on the growth performance, intestinal enzyme activity, microbial population, and intestinal pH value of broilers. Four hundred healthy one-day-old white feather broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates per group and 20 broilers per replicate. Group A, group B, and group C were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.6% fermented Chinese herbal medicine, 1.2% fermented Chinese herbal medicine, and 1.2% non-fermented Chinese herbal medicine, respectively. Group D (control group) was fed a basal diet. The preliminary trial lasted for seven days, followed by a 28-day experimental period. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily weight gain of broilers in the group A and group B increased, as well as the activities of intestinal amylase and protease (P<0.05). The population of Lactobacillus in the ileum increased (P<0.05), while the populations of Escherichia coli in the ileum and cecum of 36-day-old broilers decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the pH values of the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum in the group B at 20 days of age decreased (P<0.05), and the pH values of the duodenum, jejunum, and cecum in the group A and group B at 36 days of age decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding a certain amount of fermented additive of modified Liujunzi decoction to broiler diets can improve the intestinal environment, promote digestion and body development, and the recommended dosage is 0.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effects of perillol on the growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, liver lipid metabolism, and slaughter performance of yellow feather broilers fed a high-fat diet. Forty-five 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and five chickens in each replicate. The three groups were fed with basal diet, high-fat diet and high-fat diet supplemented with 1 g/kg perillol, respectively. The pre-test period was seven days, and the formal test period was 15 days. The results showed that compared with the high-fat diet group, the addition of perillol had no significant effect on the final weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed-to-weight ratio, and intestinal length of broilers (P>0.05). The addition of perillol significantly reduced the abdominal fat rate of broilers (P<0.05), and made the adipocytes smaller. The contentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) in liver decreased (P<0.05), the content of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum increased (P<0.05), and the contentrations of TG, TC, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum decreased (P<0.05). Perillol increased the relative expression of Pparα, Cpt1, and Apoa1 genes related to liver lipid metabolism, decreased the relative expression of Apob gene (P<0.05). The addition of perillol significantly increased the slaughter rate, chest muscle rate, and lean meat rate of broilers, and decreased the subcutaneous fat thickness and intermuscular fat width (P<0.05). The results showed that perillol had no significant effect on the growth performance of broilers, but could reduce the fat deposition in the liver, serum and abdomen of broilers by regulating the expression of genes related to fatty acid β -oxidation and cholesterol transport, and improve the slaughter performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound with various pharmacological effects, including anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, lipid-lowering, and immune-regulating properties. It can be employed as a novel feed additive in livestock and poultry feed. Adding an appropriate amount of CUR to feed can improve the production performance of broilers, enhance immunity, improve the quality of animal products, and alleviate the hepatotoxicity caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broilers. This article elaborates on the physiological functions of CUR and its impact on the broiler production performance, meat quality, immune function, antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and intervention against AFB1 to provide reference for the promotion and rational application of CUR as a new feed additive in broiler production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of dandelion extract on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and immune function of broilers. Two thousand healthy one-day-old AA broilers were divided into four groups, with 10 replicates per group and 50 broilers per replicate. The broilers in each group were fed experimental diets containing 0 (control group), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% dandelion extract, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the body weight of broilers at 42 days of age (P<0.05). From 22 to 42 day, 0.2% dandelion extract improved the average daily weight gain (P<0.05), while 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract reduced the feed to weight ratio (P<0.05). From 1 to 42 day, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the average daily weight gain (P<0.05), and 0.2% dandelion extract reduced the feed to weight ratio (P<0.05). 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the levels of total protein and albumin in the serum (P<0.05), and reduced the levels of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglycerides (P<0.05). 0.2% dandelion extract decreased the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the spleen index and thymus index of broilers at 42 days of age (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the Newcastle disease antibody titer (P<0.05), and 0.2% and 0.4% dandelion extract increased the levels of immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin G (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding an appropriate amount of dandelion extract to the diets can improve the growth performance, enhance the immune function, and improve the certain serum biochemical indexes. The suitable inclusion level of dandelion extract is determined to be 0.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the effect of dietary inulin addition on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and cecal microorganisms of broilers. A total of one hundred and eight 28-day-old broilers with similar weight and no underlying diseases were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates in each group, and six broilers in each replicate. Broilers in the group A were fed a basal diet, broilers in the group B were fed a basal diet + 0.5% inulin, and broilers in the group C were fed a basal diet + 1% inulin. The trial period was 14 days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the growth performance of broilers among all groups (P>0.05). Compared with the group A, the VH and VH/CD in the duodenum and jejunum of broilers in the group B and group C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the group B, the duodenal VH of broilers in the group C was significantly increased (P<0.05). The 16S RNA sequencing analysis of intestinal microbiota showed that compared with the group A, the differences in Sobs and Chao values in the group C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the group A, the abundance of rare Glomerella and Erysipella genera in the group B and group C was significantly decreased, but the abundance of Acinetobacter and Prevotella genera was significantly increased. The abundance and diversity of cecal microbiota of broilers in the group C were significantly higher than those in the group B. The experiment indicates that adding inulin to the feed can improve the morphological structure of the intestine and the abundance of cecal microbiota, optimize the intestinal microbial environment, and ensure intestinal health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of Taxus polysaccharide on growth performance and immunity of broilers. A total of 180 seven-day-old 817 broilers were randomly divided into six groups, with three replicates per group and 10 chickens per replicate. Chickens in the blank control group (NC) were fed with a basal diet, and the other five groups were low dose of Taxus polysaccharide group (TP-L, 0.5 g/kg), medium dose group (TP-M, 1.0 g/kg), high dose group (TP-H, 2.0 g/kg) and Taxus extract polysaccharide group (TEP, 0.75 g/kg), aureomycin group (CTE, 1 g/kg). The experiment lasted for 14 d. The results showed that dietary supplementation of Taxus polysaccharide had no significant effect on growth performance of broilers (P>0.05). Thymus index of broilers in TP-L group and TP-M group was extremely higher than that in NC group and CTE group (P<0.01). Serum IgG, IgM and IgA content of broilers in TP-M group, TP-H group and TEP group were extremely higher than those in NC group (P<0.01), serum IL-1β content was extremely lower than that in NC group and CTE group (P<0.01), and serum IL-4 content was extremely higher than that in CTE group (P<0.01). The content of IL-1β and IL-6 in duodenal mucosa of TEP group were extremely lower than those in NC group and CTE group (P<0.01). The content of IL-4 in duodenal mucosa of broilers in TP-L group and TP-M group was extremely higher than that in CTE group (P<0.01). The duodenal mucosa sIgA content of TP-L group was significantly higher than that of NC group (P<0.05). The duodenal V/C value of TEP group was extremely higher than that of NC group and CTE group (P<0.01). The study indicates that Taxus polysaccharide can effectively improve the organ index and serum immune index, regulate duodenal mucosal immunity and improve duodenal absorption function, and improve immunity of broilers. Taxus polysaccharide supplemental level of 0.5~1.0 g/kg has better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different levels of seven granatum powder (SGP) on slaughter performance, meat quality and blood calcium, magnesium and phosphorus ions of broilers were studied. A total of 288 1-day-old healthy AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups: CON group fed with basic diet and experimental group fed with SGP diet with 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% levels, with 6 replicates in each group and 12 broilers in each replicate. The experimental period was 42 days. The results showed that: ① compared with CON group, adding 0.4% and 0.6% SGP in the diet can significantly increase the breast muscle rate of AA broilers (P< 0.05), but it has no significant effect on the slaughter rate, semi-clean bore rate, full clean bore rate, leg muscle rate and abdominal fat rate (P>0.05); ② compared with CON group, SGP group can significantly reduce the L* value of breast muscle color index and the b* value of leg muscle color index (P<0.01), and significantly or extremely significantly reduce the b* value of breast muscle color index (P<0.05 or P<0.01). 0.4% and 0.6% SGP can significantly reduce the L* value of leg muscle color index; compared with CON group, different levels of SGP had no significant effect on the a* value of meat color index (P> 0.05). Compared with CON group, the shear force of chest muscle in 0.6% SGP group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the cooking loss of chest muscle in 0.4% SGP group increased significantly (P< 0.05), but the pH45 min, shear force and cooking loss of leg muscle in SGP group did not change significantly (P>0.05); ③ compared with CON group, adding different levels of SGP in the diet had no significant effect on the contents of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in broiler serum (P>0.05). The results show that dietary 0.4% SGP can effectively increase breast muscle rate and meat color, but has no significant effect on serum calcium, magnesium and phosphorus contents of AA broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are added to feed as supplements or additives. Probiotics can improve production performance of broilers, improve intestinal morphology, improve meat quality, regulate intestinal flora and improve feeding environment of broilers. The paper mainly reviews the probiotics commonly used in poultry production and their mechanism of action, summarizes the influence of probiotics added in diet on broilers production performance, to provide reference for further application of probiotics in broilers production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of Lactobacillus casei on growth performance, serum immune index, antioxidant index and economic benefits of broilers. A total of 2 400 one-day-old White feather broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and 100 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with a basal diet, and the broilers in experimental groups were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg Lactobacillus casei, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that the ADG of broilers in 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group at 1~21 d and 1~42 d was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The 1~42 d ADG in 200 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and F/G was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The number of Salmonella in intestinal tract of broilers in 400 mg/kg group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, serum IgG content of broilers in experimental groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Serum T-AOC of broilers in 200 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05), and serum GSH-Px activity of broilers in experimental groups was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The content of MDA was significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The breeding profits of broilers in control group, 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group were 13.94, 14.42, 14.62 and 14.81 yuan/bird, respectively. The experiment indicates that it is recommended to add 400 mg/kg Lactobacillus casei to diet of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different carrier plant extracts on growth performance, slaughter performance, apparent digestibility of general nutrients and serum biochemical indices of white feathered broilers. A total of 8100 1-day-old white-feathered broilers were divided into five groups: (A) corn carrier group, (B) diatomaceous earth carrier group, (C) drinking water carrier group, (D) drinking water antibiotic group and (E) basal diet group. White-feathered broilers were slaughtered at 42 days of age, and spleen and blood were collected to determine the relevant indexes. The results showed that: ① compard with group E, group B significantly increased the final weight, average daily gain and average feed intake (P<0.05). ② Each group had no significant effect on spleen index of 42-day-old white feathered broilers (P<0.05). ③ In the early stage of breeding (1-10 d), compared with group E, the digestibility of crude protein in groups A and B was significantly increased (P<0.05). ④ Compared with group E, group A significantly increased serum albumin content of white-feathered broilers at 42 days of age (P<0.05); groups A, B and C significantly decreased the blood glucose content, groups A and B significantly increased the immunoglobulin G content (P<0.05). In summary, from the carrier selection, diatomaceous earth carrier has obvious effects on improving growth performance, reducing blood sugar and increasing immunoglobulin G content of 42-day-old white-feathered broilers, so diatomaceous earth as the carrier of plant extract has the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary plant essential oils on growth performance, slaughter performance, serum biochemical indexes and nutrient metabolic rate of broilers. A total of 480 healthy broilers with the same batch and similar body weight were randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates in each group and 16 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with basal diet, broilers in antibiotic group were fed with basal diet + antibiotics, broilers in plant essential oil group 1 were fed with basal diet + plant essential oil 1, broilers in essential oil probiotic group were fed with basal diet + plant essential oil 1+ sodium butyrate + Bacillus subtilis, and broilers in plant essential oil group 2 were fed with basal diet + plant essential oil 2. The experiment lasted for 35 d, and the experiment period was divided into early stage (8~28 d) and late stage (29~42 d). The results showed that the growth performance of broilers could be improved by adding essential oil alone or by combining essential oil and probiotics. The indexes of heart, glandular stomach and immune organs of broilers in essential oil probiotic group and plant essential oil group 1 and plant essential oil group 2 were significantly higher than those in control group and antibiotic group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the activity of ALP in serum and the content of TP and ALB in serum of broilers at 28 d and 42 d of age were significantly increased in essential oil probiotic group and plant essential oil group 1 and plant essential oil group 2 (P<0.05), and the contents of BUN and TG in serum were extremely decreased (P<0.01). Compared with control group, the DM metabolic rate and EE metabolic rate of broilers at 28 d of age and 42 d of age in plant essential oil group 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of plant essential oil alone and the combination of essential oil and probiotics could improve the growth performance, organ index and nutrient metabolic rate of broilers. The effect of adding 100 mg/kg plant essential oil 2 (thymol + carvsol + cinnamaldehyde + capsaicin) to the basic diet of broilers was better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides on growth performance, serum biochemical indicators and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 240 broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with basal diet, and diets in test group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were added 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that 21 d weight, 22~42 d ADG and 1~42 d ADG of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05), and 42 d weight, 22~42 d ADFI of broilers in group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The F/G of broilers in group Ⅲ was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The activity of SOD and GSH-Px and T-AOC in serum of broilers in group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum MDA content of broilers in test groups was significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The serum IgG content of broilers in group Ⅲ significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05). The content of TNF-α and IL-6 of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The serum IL-10 of broilers in test groups was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). Duodenum and jejunum VH of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05), jejunal V/C of broilers in test groups was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). Ileum VH in of broilers in group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding 800 mg/kg Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides can obviously improve the growth performance, body antioxidant capacity, immune performance and intestinal tissue morphology of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding complex enzyme preparation in low protein diet on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology and immune organ indices of broilers. A total of 400 one-day-old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 20 broilers in each replicate (half in male and female) in a single-factor completely randomized design. The broilers in positive control group were fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the broilers in negative control group were fed with a low protein diet. Compound enzyme group 1 and compound enzyme group 2 were supplemented with 100 and 200 g/t compound enzyme preparations. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with positive control group, the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of broilers aged 1~21 d in negative control group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio was significantly increased (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake and average daily gain of broilers aged 1~42 d were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with negative control group, feed intake and average daily gain of broilers in compound enzyme group 1 and compound enzyme group 2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the feed to gain ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the negative control group, the serum TC content of broilers in compound enzyme group 1 at 21 d of age was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the serum TG content of broilers in compound enzyme group 1 and compound enzyme group 2 at 21 d of age was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with negative control group, duodenal crypt depth of broilers in compound enzyme group 1 and compound enzyme group 2 at 21 d of age was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the ratio of jejunum villus height to crypt depth in compound enzyme group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05), and ileum villus height in compound enzyme group 1 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Duodenal villus height of broilers at 42 d of age in compound enzyme group 1 and compound enzyme group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the ratio of duodenal villus height to crypt depth of broilers in compound enzyme group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding compound enzyme preparation to low protein diet can improve growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal morphology of broilers to varying degrees of broilers, among which adding 200 g/t has better effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to investigate effect of adding complex plant essential oils (oregano essential oil, cinnamaldehyde, eucalyptus oil) to diet of broilers on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity. A total of 120 one-day-old healthy broilers with similar body weight were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates in each group and 10 broilers in each replicate. The control group broilers were fed with basic diet, while low, medium and high dose groups were supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of composite plant essential oil in basic diet, respectively. Broilers were raised in three stages: 1~21, 22~42 and 43~60 d, the experiment lasted for 60 d. The results showed that ADG of broilers in medium and high dose groups was significantly higher than that in control group and low dose group on 1~21, 22~42 and 1~42 d (P<0.05), and F/G was significantly lower than other two groups (P<0.05). The ADFI of broilers in low, medium and high dose groups on 43~60 d was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). Titer of newcastle disease antibody and content of serum IgG, IgA and lgM in medium and high dose groups of broilers were significantly higher than those in control group and low dose group (P<0.05). T-AOC and T-SOD in serum of broilers in low, medium and high dose groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), and content of MDA was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding complex plant essential oils to diet can improve growth performance, enhance immune function and antioxidant capacity of broilers with an appropriate dosage of 200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Clostridium butyrate, mannooligosaccharides and their combined addition on intestinal flora structure of broilers. Four hundred one-day-old healthy Kebao broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups, with five replicates in each group and 20 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with a basal diet, Clostridium butyricum group was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 2×109 CFU Clostridium butyricum, mannooligosaccharides group was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0.2% mannooligosaccharides, combined group was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 2×109 CFU Clostridium butyricum + 0.2% mannooligosaccharides. The experiment lasted for 14 d. Compared with control group, the bacterial content of Firmicutes in each experimental group decreased, and the content of Proteobacteria increased. The content of Bacteroidetes in the combined addition group and the Clostridium butyricum group increased by 13.29% and 2.37%, respectively. Actinobacteria in Clostridium butyricum group was 2.89% higher than that in control group. Compared with control group, Bacilli content in all experimental groups decreased, while Gammapro-teobacteria and Clostridiales content increased. Compared with control group, the content of Lactobacillales decreased and the content of Enterbacteriales increased in all experimental groups. Compared with control group, the content of Lactobacillaceae decreased and the content of Enterobacteriaceae increased in all experimental groups. Compared with control group, the fecal Lactobacillus of broilers in all experimental groups decreased and Escherichia-Shigella increased. The content of Bacteroides in combined addition group and Clostridium butyricum group increased, while the content of mannooligosaccharides group decreased. The bacterial content of Lactobacillus and Comamonas decreased in each test group. The experiment indicates that the addition of Clostridium butyricum, mannan oligosaccharide or combined addition of Clostridium butyricum, mannan oligosaccharide in broiler feed can significantly change the dominant flora at the five classification levels of phylum, class, order, family and genus, and regulate the structure of intestinal flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to screen the shared DEGs of important brain tissues related to heat stress in broilers and explore their molecular mechanisms. Two sets of gene chip data sets of chicken brain and hypothalamus processed by heat stress were obtained from GEO database, and bioinformatics data were mined again. The results showed that 32 DEGs shared by important brain tissues related to heat stress were screened, including 27 significantly up-regulated genes and five significantly down-regulated genes. Through the analysis of GO and KEGG, the above genes are mainly involved in seveen biological processes and three KEGG pathways. Used STRING database and Cytoscape software to construct protein interaction network, there were 16 nodes and 102 proteins interacting. The first to seventh genes were screened as differentially expressed up-regulated genes due to GC, FGG, FGA, FGB, PLG, APOB and FABP1. The study indicates that sharing DEGs may be related to damage and pathogenesis of different tissues or organs in broilers during heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different doses of antimicrobial peptide-oligosaccharideorganic acid complex on growth performance, meat quality and serum antioxidant indexes of broilers. A total of 390 oneday-old Kebao broilers were randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates in each group and 13 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group (group Ⅰ) were fed with basal diet, broilers in antibiotic group (group Ⅱ) were fed with basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg lanamycin, and the broilers in other experimental groups (group Ⅲ, group Ⅳ and group Ⅴ) were fed with basal diet supplemented with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg antimicrobial peptidoseoligosaccharide-organic acid compound preparations, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of broilers in group Ⅱ, group Ⅳ and group Ⅴ was significantly increased by 4.57%, 3.40% and 5.40% (P<0.05), and the final body weight was significantly increased by 4.47%, 3.31% and 4.60% (P<0.05), respectively. The feed to gain ratio of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅴ was significantly decreased by 3.03% and 3.64%, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the cooking loss in group Ⅲ, group Ⅳ and group Ⅴ was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, serum T-AOC of broilers in group Ⅱ, group Ⅳ and group Ⅴ was significantly increased (P<0.05), the serum MDA content of broilers in all groups had a decreasing trend, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). The economic benefit profit of broilers in group Ⅱ, group Ⅲ, group Ⅳ and group Ⅴ was higher than that in control group, and the relative value of profit was increased by 14.13%, 4.62%, 10.91% and 8.99% compared with control group, respectively. The study indicates that the supplementation of antimicrobial peptide-oligosaccharide and organic acid complexes in basal diet can improve the growth performance, meat quality and serum antioxidant indexes of Kebao broilers, increase economic benefits. The optimum amount of antimicrobial peptide-oligosaccharide-organic acid complex is 400 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal health is closely related to the growth and production of broilers, and intestinal flora is one of the important factors affecting intestinal health. The imbalance of intestinal flora could cause intestinal dysfunction, reduce the growth performance of broilers, and seriously restrict the healthy development of the poultry industry. Natural plant active compositions (NPBCs) as antibiotic substitutes can promote broiler growth by modulating gut health. The article gives an overview of NPBCs, and reviews the immune regulation mechanism of NPBCs on broiler chicken gut microbes, as well as their effects on broiler chickens' intestinal digestive enzymes, intestinal barrier function, intestinal tissue morphology and intestinal microflora. In order to provide reference for the research and development and application of feed additives to promote the intestinal health of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the experiment was to study the effects of Forsythia suspensa leaves microecological preparation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function and intestinal microbes of broilers. A total of 300 one-day old white broilers were randomly divided into five groups, three replicates in each group, with 20 chickens in each replicate. Blank control group (fed with basic diet), antibiotic group (fed with basic diet+100 mg/kg lincomycin), and Forsythia suspensaleaves microecological preparation group I, group II and group III (fed with basic diet + 1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 mg/kg Forsythia suspensa leaves microecological preparation). The trial period was 42 d. The results showed that at the age of 1~42 d, compared with blank control group, the average daily weight gain of antibiotic group, Forsythia suspensa leaf microecological preparation group II and group III significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the feed weight ratio significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with blank control group, the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the serum of group III of Forsythia suspensa leaves microecological preparation was significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of MDA in serum of group II and group III was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with blank control group, the thymus index and spleen index of Forsythia suspensa leaves microecological preparation group II and group III were significantly higher (P<0.05), the bursal index of Fabricius in antibiotic group and group III significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with blank control group, the content of IgA in serum of Forsythia suspensa leaf microecological preparation group II and group III was significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of IgG in serum of antibiotic group and Forsythia suspensa leaf microecological preparation group III was significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of IgM in serum of antibiotic group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum of group III was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The content of IL-6 in antibiotic group decreased significantly (P<0.05), the content of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in serum of antibiotic group and group III increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with blank control group, the number of lactic acid bacteria in the intestinal tract of the antibiotic group decreased significantly (P<0.05), the number of Escherichia coli in intestinal tract of Forsythia suspensa leaves microecological preparation group II and group III decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the number of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly (P<0.05). The number of Salmonella in intestinal tract of group III significantly decreased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the diet supplemented with 2 000 and 4 000 mg/kg Forsythia suspensa leaf microecological preparation could improve the growth performance of broilers, enhance the antioxidant capacity and immune function of the body, and improve intestinal flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine / Zhongguo Yufang Shouyi Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The experiment was to study the effect of tannin and oregano oil mixed feeding on growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality and antioxidant indexes of broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old broilers of similar body weight were randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates in each group and15 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with a basal diet, broilers in group Ⅰ were fed with a basal diet +1 500 mg/kg tannic acid, broilers in group Ⅱ were fed with a basal diet + 1 500 mg/kg tannic acid + 300 mg/kg oregano oil, and broilers in group Ⅲ were fed with a basal diet +1 500 mg/kg tannic acid +500 mg/kg oregano oil. The pre-feeding period was 7 d, and the trial period was 21 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the final weight and average daily gain of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to gain ratio of each test group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the complete evisceration rate of broilers in each test group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the half evisceration rate of broilers in group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the pH45 min value of the leg muscles and pectoral muscles in each test group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the pH24 h value of the pectoralis muscles in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), the shear force of group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the serum GSH-Px activity in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of MDA in each test group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The activity of GSH-Px in group Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05). The study indicates that the combination of oregano oil and tannic acid can improve the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broilers, and the suitable combination concentration is 1 500 mg/kg tannic acid + 500 mg/kg oregano oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of dietary complex plant essential oil on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes and intestinal microbiota of broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates in each group and 16 broilers in each replicate. Broilers in control group were fed with basal diet, and broilers in experimental groups were fed with basal diet supplemented with 35 mg/kg antibiotics (group D1), 50 (group D2), 100 (group D3) and 150 mg/kg (group D4) plant essential oil. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of broilers in experimental group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The feed to gain ratio of broilers in group D1, group D3 and group D4 was lower than that in control group. Compared with control group, the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum of broilers in group D2, group D3 and group D4 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the content of total protein (TP) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of broilers in group D2, group D3 and group D4 was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the total number of bacteria, the number of Escherichia coli and the number of Salmonella in jejunum, ileum, cecum of broilers in experimental group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that plant essential oils can significantly improve the growth performance of broilers, reduce the incidence of oxidative stress and liver damage, protect the intestinal health of broilers, and improve the protein utilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of mangiferin (MGF) on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of broilers. A total of 180 healthy one-day-old white feather broilers were selected and randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates in each group and 20 broilers in each replicate. The broilers in group A (control group) were fed with basal diet, group B and group C were supplemented with 100 and 200 mg/kg of mangiferin in basal diet, respectively. The experimental period was 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the spleen index and thymus index of broilers in group B and group C were significantly increased (P<0.05). The bursa index of broilers in group C was significantly higher than that incontrol group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of broilers in group B and group C was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was extremely increased (P<0.01), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of broilers in group C was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that adding MGF to the diet can improve the growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of white-feathered broilers, and the effect is more obvious when the dose is 200 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to explore the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidins on growth performance, immune function and economic benefits of broilers. 240 broilers with similar body weight at 21-day-old (half in male and female) were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and ten broilers in each replicate. The broilers in control group were fed with basic diet, the broilers in GSP-1 group, GSP-2 group and GSP-3 group were fed with basic diet supplemented with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were added, respectively. The experiment lasted for 21 d. The results showed that the final weight and average daily gain of broilers in GSP-2 group and GSP-3 group were significantly higher than those in control group and GSP-1 group (P<0.05), the feed to gain ratio of broilers in GSP-2 group and GSP-3 group was significantly lower than that in control group and GSP-1 group (P<0.05). The content of serum immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, complement C3 and complement C4 of broilers in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in thymus index, spleen index and bursa of fabricius index between experimental group and control group (P>0.05). The economic benefit of broilers in GSP-2 group and GSP-3 group was higher than that in control group. The experiment indicates that the addition of grape seed proanthocyanidins to broiler diet can improve average daily gain, reduce the feed to gain ratio, improve the immune ability of animals, have no adverse effect on immune organ index, improve the economic benefits of broiler breeding, and the 200 mg/kg grape seed proanthocyanidins has obvious effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of dietary galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and mannitol on growth performance, apparent metabolic ratio of nutrients, slaughter rate and meat quality of broilers. 192 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and eight broliers in each replicate. The broilers in each group were fed with basic diet (control group), galactooligosaccharides diet, fructooligosaccharides diet and mannitol diet, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, the average daily gain of broilers in galactooligosaccharide group and the fructooligosaccharide group in early stage of the experiment was significantly increased (P<0.05). In the early stage of the experiment, the apparent metabolic ratio of crude protein in each experimental group was extremely higher than that in control group (P<0.01). Compared with control group, the slaughter rate of the fructooligosaccharide group was significantly higher than that of mannose group (P<0.05). The pH45 min value of pectoralis muscle in galactooligosaccharide group and fructooligosaccharide group was higher than that in mannose group (P<0.05). The shear force of pectoralis muscle in galactooligosaccharide group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that adding galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and mannitol into diet can promote the growth performance, improve meat quality in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of plant essential oil and propolis extract compound on growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality of white feather broilers. 960 one-day-old white feather broilers were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with 12 replicates in each group and 20 replicates in each group. The broilers in control group (group A) were fed with basal diet, the broilers in experimental group (group B, group C and group D) were fed with basal diets supplemented with 100, 200 and 300 g/t complex of plant essential oil and propolis extract, respectively. The experiment period was 42 d. The results showed that compared with control group, EPI index of broilers in group D was significantly increased (P<0.05), the value of broilers in group B and group C was increased, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Compared with control group, the slaughter percentage of broilers in group C and group D was significantly increased (P<0.05), the abdominal fat percentage was significantly decreased (P<0.05), eviscerated rate of broilers in group D was significantly increased (P<0.05), and liver fat rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The fat and protein content in breast muscle of broilers in group D were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the cooking loss in leg muscle was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that plant essential oil and compound propolis extract as white broilers feed additive can obviously improve the EPI value chamber, slaughter rate and total net rate, decrease the rate of abdominal fat and liver fat rate, improve broilers breast meat protein content and fat content, reduce the cooking loss of meat broilers legs, can significantly improve enwrapped broilers growth performance, slaughter performance and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes mycelium on growth performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity of broiler. 360 one-day-old broiler were randomly divided into four groups, with three replicates in each group and 30 broilers in each replicate. The broilers in control group were fed with basal diet, and experimental group Ⅰ, group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ added with 200, 500, 800 mg/kg polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes mycelium, respectively. The experiment lasted for 21 d. The results showed that compared with the control group, spleen index, thymus index and bursa of fabricius index of broilers in experimental group Ⅱ were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IgG, IgM and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px of serum in experimental group Ⅱ were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the feed to gain ratio, average daily feed intake and serum MDA content were significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The experiment indicates that polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes mycelium can increase production performance, immune function and antioxidant capacity in broiler, the appropriate dosage of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes mycelium is 500 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to study the effect of different types of low protein diets based on digestible amino acids on apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indexes and nitrogen pollutant emission in broilers. 648 one-day-old Hubbard broilers were randomly divided into 12 groups, with six replicates in each group and nine chickens in each replicate. The experiment used a 3×4 two-factor design. The diet types were corn-soybean meal, corn-soybean-cotton meal, and corn-soybean-peanut meal. The standard protein levels of each stage were 22%, 20% and 19%, and other protein levels were 1%, 2% and 3% lower than standard level, respectively. The experiment lasted for 6 w. The results showed that decreasing dietary protein level significantly decreased the content of indole, skatin, nitrogen and ammonia concentration in feces (P<0.05). Miscellaneous meal diet significantly increased ammonia concentration (P<0.05). The interaction of dietary type and protein concentration significantly reduced the content of indole, skatin and nitrogen as well as ammonia concentration in feces (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that feeding effect was best when corn-soybean meal-cottonmeal diet protein level was decreased by 1.5%, corn-soybean meal-cottonmeal diet protein level was decreased by 2%, and corn-soybean meal-peanut meal diet protein level was decreased by 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides are small molecular peptides with broad antibacterial activity or immunomodulatory function. Antimicrobial peptides are an important part of the body's innate immune system and bacteria are not easy to develop resistance to them. The paper reviews the bactericidal mechanism of antimicrobial peptides and application in broiler production, to provide reference for improving the benefits of broiler industry and developing antibiotic substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment investigated the effect of potassium diformate on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, slaughter performance and immune performance of broilers. 800 one-day Rose308 broilers were randomly divided into four groups with four replicates per group and 50 broilers per replicate. The broilers in control group were fed with basal diet, and the broilers in experimental group Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ were fed the diet supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% potassium diformate. The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that compared with the control group, the average daily gain of broilers in group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the feed to meat ratio was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, on the 17~21 d of experiment, the apparent digestibility of feed crude protein in broilers of experimental group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the apparent digestibility of feed calcium of broilers in experimental group Ⅳ was significantly increased (P<0.05). On the 38~42 d of experiment, the apparent digestibility of crude protein and calcium of broilers in experimental group Ⅲ and group Ⅳ were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the apparent digestibility of phosphorus of broilers in experimental group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the slaughter rate of broilers in experimental group Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05), the abdominal fat production rate was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the breast muscle production rate in experimental group Ⅲ and group Ⅳ was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, thymus index of broilers in experimental group Ⅲ was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the small intestine length of broilers had a tendency to increase in experimental group. The experiment indicates that adding 0.6% potassium dicarboxate in broilers' feed has better effect on improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility and slaughter performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance and serum biochemical indexes of broilers, 320 one-day-old broilers were randomly allotted into 5 groups. Broilers in the control group were fed the basal diet, while broilers in the other 4 experiment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1 000 mg/kg and 1 500 mg/kg GCP respectively. The results show that although the addition of GCP to the diet cannot improve the growth performance of broilers throughout the experimental period, the GCP in the 500 mg/kg group and the 1 000 mg/kg group for 22~42 significantly increase the average daily gain ( ADG ) and reduce the ratio of feed to gain ( F/G ) ( P <0. 05)- day-old broilers. The addition of GCP to the diet also has a certain effect on the serum biochemical indexes of broilers. Among them, GCP in the 500 mg/kg group and 1 000 mg/kg group can significantly increase the mass concentration of total protein (TP), globulin (GLB) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in broilers serum ( P <0. 05 ), and can significantly reduce the concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride ( TG ) and uric acid (UA) ( P <0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)