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Copper is an essential element to brain cells as it is a cofactor and a structural component of various enzymes involved in energy metabolism pathways. Accumulating evidence points to the pivotal role of copper deficiency in neurodegeneration resulting from impaired copper homeostasis. Despite the indisputable role of copper in mitochondrial respiration, its homeostasis regulation in the brain tissue remains unclear. The assessment of changes in the expression of genes encoding key pathways of energy metabolism can greatly benefit further studies exploring copper’s role in neurodegeneration. Using a rat model, we investigate whether the replacement of the inorganic form of copper with metallic nanoparticles containing copper or complete deprivation of copper from the diet have an impact on the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism in the prefrontal cortex of the rats’ brain. Herein, we indicate that removing inorganic copper from the normal standard diet or the replacement with copper nanoparticles can lead to programmed energy metabolism changes. It can be recognized that some of these changes indicate an increased demand for NADH in the prefrontal cortex of the rat’s brain, probably as a result of adaptation effect.

Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) protein (in wholemeal and protein isolates) was biodegraded using Pediococcus acidilactici in submerged and solid‐state fermentation conditions. The changes in the molecular weight of lupine protein fractions, amino acid (AA) profile, biogenic amine formation, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and protein digestibility in vitro and in vivo (in Wistar rats) were evaluated. After biotreatment, lower molecular weight peptides (from 10 to 20 kDa) were established, and the free AA content increased. Biodegradation improved the antioxidant properties, modulated the antimicrobial properties, and led to higher in vitro and in vivo digestibility and functionality of the lupine in treated rats (significant increase in body weight of Wistar rats, and increased acetic acid concentration and lowered Escherichia coli count in the caecum). Overall, the biodegradation of lupine protein can transform the plant protein, producing enhanced functionality and bioavailable products.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of faba bean (FB) seeds with high or low tannin content (HT or LT) on the gastrointestinal function and growth performance of turkeys at 13–18 weeks of age. Hybrid Converter turkeys were distributed into 7 treatments corresponding to 7 different finisher diets: a control wheat-soybean meal-based (FB0) diet and experimental diets where SBM was partially replaced with HT or LT seeds at 100, 200 and 300 g/kg. Each treatment comprised 210 turkeys, with seven replicate pens and 30 birds per pen. The LT treatment decreased jejunal crypt depth (vs. FB0; P = 0.049) and the experimental factors had no significant effect on the analysed caecal histological parameters. In comparison with the FB0 diet, diets containing HT and LT FB contributed to an increase in the total bacterial counts (P = 0.001 and P = 0.033) and Bacteria domain (P = 0.001 and P = 0.060), and a decrease in the counts of Bacteroides (P = 0.002 and P = 0.013). Diets containing LT FB reduced the abundance of Salmonella bacteria, relative to the FB0 diet (P = 0.011) and diets with HT FB (P = 0.023). The LT treatment decreased the counts of total bacteria and Bacteria domain (P = 0.005), in comparison with the HT treatment. The highest ileal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were observed in response to the LT200 diet. LT diets stimulated increased SCFA production in the caeca, relative to the FB0 diet (P = 0.022), and the opposite effect was noted when HT and SBM dietary treatments were compared. In comparison with HT diets, LT diets led to a desirable increase in the concentrations of all major fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) in the caecal contents. It can be concluded that FB seeds enhanced fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract of turkeys. In comparison with HT FB, LT seeds improved selected parameters of intestinal function, including a decrease in the counts of Salmonella bacteria (P = 0.023), increased SCFA production (including butyrate; P = 0.001), and a decrease in the pH of intestinal digesta (P = 0.105). In conclusion, both LT and HT FB seeds, the latter containing up to 7.1 g/kg tannins, can be included in finisher turkey diets at up to 300 g/kg as a safe and effective substitute for SBM.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary replacement of soya bean meal (SBM) with faba bean (FB) and a blend of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzymes on the gastrointestinal function, growth performance and welfare of young turkeys (1 to 56 days of age). An experiment with a 2×2 factorial design was performed to compare the efficacy of four diets: a SBM-based diet and a diet containing FB, with and without enzyme supplementation (C, FB, CE and FBE, respectively). In comparison with groups C, higher dry matter content and lower viscosity of the small intestinal digesta were noted in groups FB. The content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the small intestinal digesta was higher in groups FB, but SCFA concentrations in the caecal digesta were comparable in groups C and FB. In comparison with control groups, similar BW gains, higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), higher dry matter content of excreta and milder symptoms of footpad dermatitis (FPD) were noted in groups FB. Enzyme supplementation increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total SCFAs, but it did not increase the SCFA pool in the caecal digesta. The enzymatic preparation significantly improved FCR, reduced excreta hydration and the severity of FPD in turkeys. It can be concluded that in comparison with the SBM-based diet, the diet containing 30% of FB enables to achieve comparable BW gains accompanied by lower feed efficiency during the first 8 weeks of rearing. Non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes can be used to improve the nutritional value of diets for young turkeys, but more desirable results of enzyme supplementation were noted in the SBM-based diet than in the FB-based diet.

This review article discusses the production results of experiments performed on turkeys, where WG, mainly whole wheat (WW), was incorporated into diets with the use of different methods: i) pre-pe...

The effect of different dietary levels of raw yellow lupine seed meal (YLM) on the development and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), nutrient digestibility, the histological structure of intestinal mucosa, the composition and enzyme activity of gut microbiota and growth performance was evaluated in young turkeys. One-day-old Hybrid Converter female turkeys were fed four different diets for 56 days: diet L0 (control) without YLM, and diets L80, L160 and L240 containing 80, 160 and 240 g/kg of YLM, respectively. The increasing dietary inclusion levels of YLM, added at the expense of soybean meal and wheat, contributed to an increase in the concentrations of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) in experimental diets. Even though daily feed intake decreased linearly in YLM treatments, feed utilization and the body weight gains of birds (in the latter case, particularly in 80 and 160 g/kg treatments) were positively affected by increasing YLM inclusion levels. A linear increase was observed in the apparent digestibility coefficients of neutral detergent fiber and crude fat with the progressive replacement of SBM and wheat by YLM. The elevated dietary levels of YLM led to a linear increase (P

One-day-old female turkeys were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments and were fed for 15 weeks diets containing 5% of cellulose (control, C) or 5% of dried fruit pomaces (apple, black currant, strawberry, seedless strawberry; AP, BCP, SP, SSP respectively). In weeks 11-15 of feeding, all diets were supplemented with 2.5% of linseed oil. The crude fibre content of fruit pomaces ranged from 56.5% in AP to 62.9% in SP. In comparison with AP, berry fruit pomaces (BCP, SP and SSP) were characterised by a higher content of neutral detergent fibre - NDF (41.2% vs. 52.7-59.3%) and lignin (13.24% vs. 21.80-25.56%). A monomer analysis revealed that cellulose was the main non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) in fruit pomaces, whereas their pectin content was low. Polyphenol content was determined at below 6 g/kg in AP, at approximately 12 g/kg in BCP and SP, and at 32.8 g/kg in SSP. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in final body weight of birds. After 15 weeks of feeding fruit pomaces to turkeys, the relative weight of the small intestine with digesta was higher in group AP, and lower in group SSP, as compared to controls. Dietary fruit pomaces decreased the dry matter (DM) concentration and lowered the pH of the small intestinal digesta, except the AP and SSP treatments respectively. In the caeca, significantly reduced concentrations of ammonia or putrefactive short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) upon dietary fruit pomaces were observed. Fruit pomaces did not influence the concentrations or the total pool of short-chain fatty acids, but led to a significant increase in butyric proportion in the SCFA profile at the expense propionate.

The purpose of the study was to compare in vivo effects of dietary supplementation with blackcurrant pomaces containing variable level of phenolic compounds on blood and internal organ parameters in rats. Forty-eight growing Wistar rats were allocated to six treatment groups in which they were fed ad libitum for 4 weeks the following diets: standard chow (group S), high-fructose diet (group F), standard chow supplemented with 7.7% of either rich in polyphenols unprocessed blackcurrant pomace (UB) or polyphenol-deprived processed pomace (PB) (groups SUB and SPB respectively), and high-fructose diet with 7.7% of either UB or PB (groups FUB and FPB respectively). Blackcurrant pomace, irrespective of its phenolic content, selectively modulated the enzymatic activity of the colon microflora, reducing the activity of enzymes with potentially harmful properties and promoting activities of enzymes that might increase the use of carbohydrates that escaped digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Although both pomaces increased antioxidant status of the liver and blood serum, the unprocessed pomace showed a greater ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in heart and kidney than the pomace that was less abundant in polyphenols. Both of the examined pomaces had a positive influence on serum lipid profile, but better hypocholesterolemic effect was observed after supplementation of the diet with unprocessed preparation. The biochemical action of unprocessed pomace in the normalization of fructose-induced disturbances was more distinct than those of pomace remaining after extraction.

The objective of this study was to determine the duration of diet administration required for effective modification of meat fatty acids (FA) in turkeys fed diets containing 10% of flaxseed. BIG-7 female turkeys of 11 wk of age were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments and were fed wheat/soybean-based diets containing 2.5% of flaxseed oil and 2% of soybean oil (FO), 10% of ground flaxseed (FS), and 10% of flaxseed and NSP-degrading enzymes (FS + E) for 3, 4, and 5 wk. After 5 wk, the BWG of turkeys from FO and FS + E groups were similar, while group FS birds had a lower body weight (P = 0.009). When compared to the reference diet FO, diets FS and FS + E decreased (P

The composition and activity of gut microbiota were analyzed in laying hens fed for 24 weeks a control diet containing soybean meal (diet C) and two experimental diets supplemented with 10% or 20% blue lupine seed meal used as a substitute for soybean meal (diets L 10 and L 20 , respectively). In comparison with soybean, lupine seeds had a higher content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) (25.4% vs. 9.61% and 7.98% vs. 5.91%). The dietary 20% lupine seeds increased the content of NDF and RFOs in the ration, from 10.5% to 12.54% and from 0.77% to 2.08%, respectively. The final body weights of layers, and the number and weight of eggs laid were similar in all groups. In comparison with group C, group L 20 hens were characterized by a lower dry matter concentration of digesta (P = 0.024), and higher activity of mucosal sucrase in the small intestine (P = 0.006). The following differences were noted between groups with respect to the counts of bacteria identified in the cecal digesta: total bacterial counts—C 10 and L 20 (P = 0.004), Lactobacillus / Enterococcus —C 20 (P = 0.014), Bifidobacterium sp. . —C 10 20 (P = 0.001), Escherichia coli —C > L 10 > L 20 (P = 0.001). Group L 20 birds, compared with group C, had higher activity levels of cecal bacterial glycolytic enzymes, α- and β-glucosidase, α- and β-galactosidase and α-arabinopyranosidase (P = 0.001 in all cases), and an increase close to significance (P = 0.105) in the cecal pool of short-chain fatty acids. Cecal ammonia concentrations were lower in both lupine-fed groups than in control group (P = 0.004), and digesta pH was lower in group L 20 than in the other two groups (P = 0.001). The results of our study indicate that the inclusion of blue lupine seeds at 20% of the layer diet, and to lower extent at the 10% dietary dosage, had a positive effect on the cecal microbiota. In regard to cecal microbiota composition, the shift toward higher percentage of potentially beneficial bacteria groups ( Bifidobacterium sp ., Lactobacillus and/or Enterococcus ) was manifested upon 20% of lupine seeds in a diet and both dietary lupine levels decreased the percentage of the potential pathogenic bacteria Bacteroides, Prevotella and E. coli . The above positive changes in the composition of cecal microbiota might prevent a deterioration in the laying performance of hens fed diets supplemented with lupine seeds which considerably increased the content of NDF and RFOs in the ration.

This study investigated differences in the architecture of intestinal mucosa, digestive and fermentation processes in laying hens fed diets in which soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with increasing levels of yellow lupine seeds (YL) for 16 weeks. Two hundred twenty-four Lohmann Brown hens aged 32 weeks were placed in battery cages and were assigned to four dietary treatments (56 replicates in each, 1 hen per replicate). Diets containing 100, 200 or 300 g/kg YL (YL100, YL200 and YL300, respectively) were compared with a control soybean-wheat-based diet (YL0). Diets containing YL did not negatively affect the key variables of hens performance. Increasing dietary inclusion levels of YL caused a linear increase in duodenal mucosa thickness (P = 0.046), crypt depth (P = 0.016) and villus height (P = 0.066). In the jejunum, a quadratic effect of YL inclusion was noted for mucosa thickness (P = 0.021) and crypt depth (P = 0.007), with the lowest values in groups YL100 and YL200. The dietary YL significantly decreased the weight of the small intestine with digesta vs. YL0. Dietary treatments had no effect on the hydration, pH and viscosity of the small intestinal contents or the weight of cecal tissue and contents. Dietary YL treatments linearly increased the dry matter content of cecal digesta (P = 0.029), and decreased cecal pH (P = 0.028) and ammonia concentrations (P = 0.001). Dietary YL led to a linear increase in the activity of microbial enzymes, including α-glucosidase, α- and β-galactosidase, α-arabinopyranosidase and β-xylosidase (all P

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to determine whether different levels of dietary Na from NaCl affect gut function, tibia mineralization, and footpad dermatitis incidence in young turkeys. Male B.U.T. 9 turkeys (n = 308) were fed diets with very low, low, medium, and high NaCl addition, providing 0.07, 0.12, 0.17, and 0.22% Na and 0.23, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.49% Cl. Only the very low NaCl treatment negatively (P < 0.05) affected the growth rate and feed conversion in 8-wk-old turkeys. Both very low and low dietary NaCl levels adversely affected the density index and the elastic strength of the tibia. Dry matter concentrations in the small intestine and digesta viscosity were found to decrease along with increasing NaCl addition. The moisture content of cecal digesta and excreta was not affected by dietary treatments, although significantly lower footpad dermatitis scores were noted in groups fed the very low and low NaCl diets. A high salt level was associated with an increase in cecal pH, NH3 concentrations, and β-glucuronidase activity (P < 0.05 vs. other groups). It may be concluded that the medium level of NaCl addition seems to be the best dietary option because the other treatments decreased the BW of 8-wk-old turkeys (very low NaCl level), reduced tibia strength (very low and low NaCl levels), or negatively affected cecal metabolism (high NaCl level).

A total of 24 rats were assigned to groups fed for 35 days with the following diets characterised by a similar protein content: a control diet with casein as a sole protein source (C group) and two experimental diets with quark (tvarog) produced with or without the use of transglutaminase as a protein source (groups T and S, respectively). The dietary application of quark T produced with transglutaminase was found to significantly ( P

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of diets with a different n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio (7.31, 4.43, and 0.99), resulting from the addition of different dietary oils: soybean, rapeseed, and linseed (diets S, R, and L, respectively), on the fatty acid (FA) profile, oxidative status, and sensory properties of turkey breast meat. After 15 wk of feeding, breast meat yield and chemical properties of the meat were similar in all groups. Raw breast meat of R turkeys had a significantly higher content of all-trans-retinol and atocopherol, compared with S and L. The physicochemical properties of breast meat, including pH, color, drip loss, and cooking loss, did not differ significantly. Cooked meat samples differed significantly with respect to the concentrations of oleic acid, linoleic acid (S and R>L), and linolenic acid (S and R

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different dietary levels of low-glucosinolate rapeseed meal (RSM) on growth performance, blood thyroid hormone concentration, carcass traits, and chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and fatty acid profile of breast meat in growing turkeys. The experiment lasted for 21 wk. Large White BIG-6 turkeys were fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 60, 120, and 180 g/kg of RSM. Each experimental group was comprised of 7 replicates/pen of 28 birds each. There was no effect of graded levels of RSM on final BW. An increase in the inclusion rate of RSM was followed by a linear increase in feed conversion ratio, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the group fed 180 g/kg of RSM. The blood levels of free triiodothyronine decreased significantly (P < 0.05) regardless of the dietary level of RSM. No significant changes in the carcass dressing percentage or the meat fat content were observed. Significant differences were found in the fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of breast meat. The concentrations of margaroleic acid and saturated fatty acids, including myristic and palmitic acid, in meat from male turkeys fed 120 and 180 g/kg of RSM decreased linearly; whereas the levels of oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acid (an n-3 fatty acid), increased linearly. An increase in RSM content of the diets was accompanied by the unfavorable changes in selected functional properties of meat, including a significant increase in drip loss in groups fed 120 g/kg of RSM (from 1.85 to 2.38%) and 180 g/kg of RSM (from 1.85 to 3.02%) and a decrease in Warner-Bratzler shear force values in turkeys fed 180 g/kg of RSM (from 19.1 to 15.8 N). The results suggest that the quality of turkey meat could be affected by impaired triiodothyronine secretion caused by dietary RSM.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether a low-dietary application (15 mg/kg) of an alkaloid preparation containing quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids and obtained from Macleaya cordata (Sangrovit) influenced caecal metabolism, growth performance and long-chain fatty acid composition of breast meat. One-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were fed a diet without supplement or with a 15 mg/kg dose of Sangrovit (C and A groups respectively) for 5 weeks. Although the A treatment was not accompanied by an enhanced final body weight of broilers, the intake of a diet with Sangrovit influenced the caecal microflora activity. The addition of Sangrovit to a diet decreased potentially harmful β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase activities (p

The physiological status of the colon or ceacum is known to be very important for the host organism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the influence of high doses of polyphenolic extracts from chokeberry (CH), blue-berried honeysuckle (H), and green tea (GT) on fermentation processes in the caecum and caecal parameters of rats fed casein diets. In a 4-week experiment, 35-day-old rats were fed diets containing 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 % of pure polyphenols. The greatest weight of digesta was recorded in rats fed 1.2 % of GT extract, and these animals were also characterised by having the lowest content of dry matter. Supplementation of diets with the extracts of interest caused a reduction in pH values and ammonia concentrations in caecal digesta in comparison to control animals. The results of a two-way analysis of variance indicated dose-dependent (except for 0.4 % supplementation) inhibition of enzymatic activity compared to control animals. Introduction of CH and H extracts significantly reduced the activity of β-glucuronidase compared to rats fed tea diets. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant decrease in volatile fatty acids concentration in rats fed diets supplemented with H and CH extracts in comparison to control and tea-fed rats. The obtained results showed that the extracts tested can distinctly influence caecal parameters and metabolism.

SUMMARY Until the end of 2005, antibiotics were used in Europe in poultry nutrition as growth-promoting agents. The general European Union ban on antibiotic growth promoters, beginning in 2006, has encouraged the search for effective alternatives. Research not only on performance, but also on the physiological responses of birds is still sparse. This experiment was conducted to characterize, in addition to performance indices, the physiological effect of an alkaloid preparation, Sangrovit, obtained from the aerial parts Macleaya cordata, on the gastrointestinal tract (mainly ceca) of broiler chickens. Carcass meat characteristics and the fatty acid profile of breast meat were evaluated as well. One-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were fed a wheat-corn-soybean meal control diet without (control) or with a 30 mg/kg dose of the alkaloid preparation for 5 wk. The Sangrovit treatment did not significantly improve final BW, FCR, or breast muscle weight when compared with the control treatment. The n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio in breast meat was significantly increased by the Sangrovit treatment. The sensory evaluation of breast and thigh meat did not reveal any negative influence of dietary supplementation with the alkaloid preparation. Supplementation of 30 mg/kg of the alkaloid-containing preparation Sangrovit in broiler diets without growth promoters can help perpetuate a beneficial cecal environment, reducing the activities of bacterial β-glucosidase (P = 0.095) and β-glucuronidase (P = 0.075) as well as decreasing pH of the digesta (P = 0.060).

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of diets containing soybean meal (SBM), soybean protein concentrate (SPC), and soybean protein isolate (SPI) on growth performance and gut function of the young turkey. A total of 812 one-day-old male turkey poults were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments, with 7 pens per treatment and 29 birds per pen. The 4 experimental diets contained SBM, SBM-SPC, SPC, and SPI and were fed throughout the two 4-wk experimental periods. In each period, the diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric and contained similar amounts of total and water-soluble nonstarch polysaccharides. The content of oligosaccharides differed among the diets and averaged 2.4, 1.9, 0.9, and 0.1% for SBM, SBM-SPC, SPC, and SPI, respectively. When compared with SBM, birds consuming the SBM-SPC and SPC diets had higher (P0.05) final BW (4.32 vs. 4.45 and 4.46 kg, respectively). Incorporation of SPI as a substitute for SBM resulted in improved (P0.05) feed utilization (from 1.76 to 1.67) but did not affect the final BW. Significant changes in cecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were observed and averaged 130, 103, and 89 micromol/g of digesta for the SBM, SBM-SPC, and SPC diets, respectively. This coincided with the proportional decrease in dietary oligosaccharide content (from 2.4 to 0.9%) and was further substantiated by a significant decrease in ileum weights. Feeding the SPI diet resulted in the lowest ileal and cecal tissue weights as well as the lowest cecal short-chain fatty acids concentration. There was no effect of diet on digesta pH, viscosity, and mucosal sucrase and maltase activities. Bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity was decreased (P=0.08) in the cecum (from 0.98 to 0.60 U/g) with decreased dietary oligosaccharide content. In conclusion, partial or almost complete substitution of SBM with SPC suppressed the fermentation processes in the ceca but enhanced the growth rate. Substitution of SBM with SPI significantly improved feed utilization but decreased BW of 4-wk-old turkeys with no effect on growth rate of older 8-wk-old birds.

The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid profile of apple seed oil and its effects on the caecal functions, blood lipids, and markers of antioxidant status and inflammation in rats. A nutritional experiment was performed on Wistar rats allocated to 3 groups of 8 animals each. The animals were fed with a diet containing different sources of fat: pork lard (group LA), rapeseed oil (group RO) and apple seed oil (group AO). Apple seed oil was rich in linoleic acid and oleic acids (57 % and 32.3 % of total fatty acids, respectively). The short chain fatty acid concentration in the caecal digesta was comparable among all groups, whereas the ammonia concentration was lower in groups AO and RO than in group LA (0.32 and 0.3, respectively vs 0.42 mg/g). The plasma alanine (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities also decreased in the AO and RO groups (ALT, 19.34 and 19.81, respectively vs 30,7 U/L and AST, 115.1 and 107, respectively vs 138.3 U/L) The plasma triacylglycerols (TG) concentration and the atherogenic index (ATI) of plasma were significantly decreased in the AO group compared to the LA group (TG, 1.79 vs 2.62 mmol/L and ATI, 0.095 vs 0.313). Apple seed oil is a valuable source of unsaturated fatty acids and its dietary addition has slightly better metabolic effects on rat organism than does rapeseed oil.

In four studies, we evaluated the influence of dietary MOS on the performance of turkeys and their intestinal health status at various stages of the production. Turkey growth, feed efficiency and large intestine parameters were examined after 4-, 8- and 16-week administration of diets with different levels (0.1 to 1.0%) of a MOS. The experimental 4- and 8-week feeding with various levels of MOS (up to 0.5%) did not affect the productivity of the birds, yet medium (0.4 and 0.2% in the first and second 8-wk periods, respectively) and high (1.0 and 0.4% in the first and second 8-wk periods, respectively) levels of dietary MOS were found to significantly increase live body weight after feeding for 16 weeks. At the age of 8 weeks, we observed a similar effect of MOS and inulin on the productivity parameters. The caecal metabolism was affected by dietary mannan variously depending on the dose of MOS and the age of birds. Generally, the dietary mannan-oligosaccharides more considerably changed caecal metabolism at early ages. At 4 weeks of age, we found some positive effects of adding MOS to the diet, such as lowering ammonia concentration and decreasing β-glucuronidase activity in the caeca, as well as some negative effects, including decreased bacterial glycolytic activity and raised pH of digesta. In our 8-week experiment, non-linear changes were observed in the parameters of caecal digesta at different doses of MOS. It seems that dietary supplementation with 0.25% MOS, compared to other doses, exerted a specific effect on gut-colonizing microflora enhancing its proliferation and activity, which has been reflected in a higher concentration of Lowry's protein and an increased glycolytic activity. After feeding the turkeys for 16 weeks, their caecal metabolism was affected by dietary MOS to some extent. Although MOS did not change the caecal pH or the bacterial enzyme activity, when applied at medium and higher doses it decreased ammonia as well as SCFA concentration (mainly acetate) in the caecal digesta. Dietary MOS had no significant effect on the caecal populations of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, whereas the populations of caecal E. coli were observed to decrease, especially upon medium and high experimental concentrations.

The potential effect of genetic modification on nutritional properties of potatoes was determined in a rat experiment. The potato cultivar Irga was transformed with viral genome sequences in order to improve its resistance to a necrotic strain of potato virus Y (PVYN). Four clones of genetically-modified potato were compared with the conventional variety Irga and non-transgenic somaclone from cv. Irga. Autoclaved and dried potato tubers were introduced in a high amount (40%) to rat diets. The genetic status of the potato had no effect on the mass of the caecum and caecal digesta. The parameters tested were pH, dry matter content and bacterial enzyme activity, comprising α- and β-glucosidase, α- and β-galactosidase, and β-glucuronidase. The results indicate that improvement of potato resistance to PVYN by genetic transformation had no negative effect on the ecosystem of the caecum of the rats, activity of serum enzymes (aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase) and non-specific defence mechanisms (lysozyme and ceruloplasmine level, number of bacteria taken up per cell and the percentage of the phagocytic cells in the serum).

Different levels of dietary mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) administered for 16 wk to commercial male turkeys were evaluated for their efficacy on performance and on microbial activity in the digestive tract. The following levels of MOS were used in a diet: low (0.1% during the entire study), medium (0.4 and 0.2% in the first and second 8-wk periods, respectively), and high (1.0 and 0.4% in the first and second 8-wk periods, respectively). After 16 wk of experimental feeding, the diet intake was similar in all groups examined, whereas the live BW was significantly higher in groups with medium and high levels of MOS compared with the control group and birds fed a diet containing a low level of mannan. The pH of ileal and cecal contents were unaffected by dietary treatments. The highest ammonia concentration in the cecal digesta was associated with a low dose of mannan in a diet, and the concentration was reduced to the control level when both higher doses of MOS were used. Bacterial enzyme activity remained unaffected by experimental treatments. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the ceca decreased with increasing amounts of MOS in a diet, especially in the case of acetate. Dietary MOS did not significantly affect the cecal populations of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The population of cecal Escherichia coli was decreased, especially by the medium and high experimental treatments.

In two experiments, the response of rats to feeding with diets containing grapefruit flavonoids was examined. In the first experiment, during 8 weeks, four diets without or with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4% extract of flavonoid from grapefruit (from 0.05 to 0.2% DM pure flavonoids) were applied. In the second experiment, during 10 days, diets with oxidised fat (100 meq O2/kg) and without or with 0.4% extract of flavonoid were applied. The obtained results showed that the addition of 0.1–0.4% extract of flavonoid from grapefruit did not affect the diet intake and the body weight gain of rats, and slightly increased the antioxidative potential of serum (decreased the MDA content but had no significant effect on the PGx and SOD activities). The addition strongly affected functioning of the blind gut ecosystem causing an increased filling with contents, an increase in the intestinal wall mass and pH, as well as a decrease in the microbiological activity of β-glucuronidase and an increase in the α-galactosidase activity.

The objective of the experiment was to determine whether small amounts of proanthocyanidins (0.1 and 0.3%) may increase the antioxidative properties of the rat diet without exerting an antinutritional effect. Proanthocyanidins of faba bean seed coats were extracted with a mixture of acetone and water (70:30) and lyophilized. The amount of proanthocyanidins was two- or fourfold higher in the experimental diets as compared to the control diet. The addition of proanthocyanidin extract had no significant effect on the coefficients of digestibility of crude protein, daily nitrogen retention and the coefficient of biological value of diet protein. In the blood serum of rats fed diets supplemented with proanthocyanidin extract, there was a slightly higher content of vitamin E and alanine aminotransferase activity, while the content of vitamin A and aspartate aminotransferase activity were similar to those of the control group. In the contents of the rat gut (caecum), a lower activity of â -glucuronidase was foun...

The present study proposes the contribution of lactic acid bacteria and plants rich in bioactive substances and high-quality proteins as alternative products for human diets in improving the gut environment as potential against pathogenic bacteria. The effect of diets supplemented with soya, flaxseed and lupine flours fermented with a Pediococcus acidilactici KTU05-7 probiotic strain in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Wistar rats were analyzed. In vivo experiments showed a positive effect of long time lactofermentation of plant material on the body weight of rats. Diets with fermented yellow lupine resulted in enhanced activities of α-glucosidase, β-galactosidases, as well as high levels of lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria and enterococci in the GIT were determined. Lactofermentation of analyzed plant products had a significantly lowering effect on Escherichia coli compared with the control group. The dominant flora of large intestines like Bifidobacterium and anaerobic cocci were found in high levels after diets with fermented lupine.

This study has been undertaken to investigate the effect of different membrane separation processes (nanofiltration, nanofiltration with diafiltration, and ultrafiltration) on the content of macro- and microelements in acid whey from tvarog cheese (white cheese) production and on bioavailability of calcium and phosphorus in rats' diets with 20 or 40% content of spray dried whey. The use of nanofiltration and ultrafiltration processes in whey concentration did not cause differences in the content of Ca, Mg, P, Fe, nor Zn in the end product. Compared to nanofiltration and ultrafiltration, the introduction of diafiltration to the nanofiltration process was observed to reduce the content of Ca from over 14 to less than 10 mg g(-1), and that of phosphorus from 8.3 and 7.4 to 5.9 mg g(-1), although the biggest reduction was noted in the content of monovalent Na and K. The changes in the mineral composition of whey did not affect coefficients of Ca bioavailability in diets for rats. By substituting Ca in a standard mineral mixture with a 20% addition of whey concentrate, coefficients of the apparent absorption of this element were increased from 36.4% to 42.8-44.6%, and coefficients of its apparent retention from 33% to 38.5-41.7%. The 40% addition of whey concentrates lowered Ca bioavailability coefficients compared to the diets with the 20% whey concentrate content, but not in respect of the control diet. The application of nanofiltration with diafiltration for whey concentration deteriorated phosphorus absorption from the diet with 40% of whey, which was indicated by decreased values of the apparent retention coefficient and absolute retention of P in the body of rats within 5 days, i.e. from 35.2 to 18.5% and from 98.8 to 64.5 mg, respectively, compared to the control diet.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different dietary sodium levels on serum macroelement concentrations, growth performance and incidence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in female turkeys raised to six weeks of age. The influence of a lowsodium diet (without additional sodium) and diets supplemented with NaCl to increase sodium content by 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g kg–1 was compared. The dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) was high (242-248 mEq kg–1) due to a high potassium content (11.0 g kg–1). Turkeys fed the low-sodium diet were characterized by significantly lower concentrations of chloride (p=0.002) and phosphorus (p

1. A 4 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the effect of graded levels of sunflower meal (SFM; 0, 70, 140 and 210 g/kg) and enzyme supplementation on gut morphology, nutrient utilisation and growth performance of young turkeys from 0 to 8 weeks of age. The enzyme supplement used in the study contained non-starch polysaccharide (NSP)-degrading activities and supplied 500 U pectinase, 40 U cellulase, 1600 U xylanase, 800 U glucanase, 200 U mannanase, 20 U galactanase per kg diet. 2. The use of SFM resulted in an increase in the height and width of intestinal villi, and a linear decrease in crypt depth. Dry matter digestibility and energy metabolisability decreased in groups fed diets with a moderate (140 g/kg) and high (210 g/kg) SFM content. 3. A decrease in dry matter digestibility and energy metabolisability was most likely the reason for a reduction in body weights of 8-week-old turkeys fed on diets containing 140 g/kg (from 4 x 17 to 4 x 01 kg) and 210 g/kg (from 4 x 17 to 3 x 93?kg) of SFM. 4. The addition of enzyme resulted in a slight increase in villus height, a significant increase in the number of goblet cells and an increase in digestibility coefficients for crude fat. 5. The results of this study demonstrate that turkey diets can be effectively supplemented with high-quality sunflower meal at a concentration of approximately 70 g/kg. It should be noted, however, that at 8 weeks of age the body weight of turkeys fed on diets containing 140 and 210 g/kg of SFM could be lower by 4 and 6%, respectively, than in those receiving the soyabean meal-based diets.

This study compared the effects of supplementation with a polyphenol-rich pomace from strawberry (US) and a strawberry pomace without most of these compounds (PS) on gastrointestinal, blood, and tissue biomarkers in rats fed diets differing in carbohydrate contents for 4 wk. The diets were: corn starch (group CS), high fructose (60% by weight; group F), starch with 7.7% of either US or PS (groups CS+US and CS+PS, respectively), and high fructose with 7.7% of either US or PS (groups F+US and F+PS, respectively). An interaction (P < 0.05) was observed between diet type and strawberry preparation, showing that upon fructose feeding, US had a greater effect than PS on lowering serum insulin, liver total cholesterol, and conjugated dienes. Additionally, the F+US group had lower serum FFA than the F+PS group (P < 0.05). The extraction of polyphenols diminished the physiological effect associated with strawberry intake, suggesting that the fiber component of the pomace was also active in reducing metabolic complications following fructose feeding to rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary administration of a fructooligosaccharide preparation rich in kestose and nestose on growth performance and gastrointestinal parameters in young turkeys. The kestose and nestose preparation was obtained through bioconversion of sucrose using fungi fructosyl transferase and contained in DM 39.9% of kestose, 17.6% of nystose, as well as 26.5% of glucose and 14.7% of sucrose. Three dietary levels of the sum of kestose and nystose (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2%) were fed to growing turkeys for 8 wk. When compared with the control treatment, addition of the kestose and nestose preparation had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion, and BW. The kestose and nestose-supplemented diet, especially the medium level of kestose and nystose, influenced microbial metabolism, especially in the ceca. Compared with the control group, the medium level of kestose and nestose decreased relative weight of gizzard (from 18.67 to 16.51 g/kg of BW) and weight of small intestine tissue (from 23.3 to 19.6 g/kg of BW) and increased weight of ceca digesta (from 3.51 to 4.77 g/kg of BW) as well as activities of microbial beta-glucosidase (an increase from 0.22 to 0.38 U/g) and alpha-galactosidase (an increase from 0.90 to 1.61 U/g), pH of digesta (a decrease from 6.13 to 5.79), concentration of NH3 (an increase from 0.60 to 0.98 mg/g), and concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (an increase from 81.1 to 107.7 micromol/g) in the cecal digesta. A high content of kestose and nestose in the diet caused a decrease in ileal and cecal pH (to 5.42 and 5.49, respectively).

The objective of this study was to determine the physiological re- sponses and growth performance of turkeys fed 20% whole wheat (WW) in two feeding programmes, diets A and B, consistent with the NRC (1994) and B.U.T. (2012) recommendations, respectively. In diet B, in successive feeding periods (weeks 5-18), the soyabean meal content was increased by 2.89% to 5.13%, the wheat content was decreased by 5.29% to 8.18%, and the concentrations of L-lysine, DL-methionine and L-threonine were considerably increased. A total of 896 four-week-old Big-6 male turkeys with similar initial body weights were randomly assigned to four equal dietary treatment groups, with seven replicate pens per treatment. The birds had free access to water and pelleted diets that contained no WW or 20% WW. After 14 weeks of feeding, the body weight gains (BWG) of turkeys were similar in all dietary treatments. From week 13 to 18, WW contributed to a significant ( P = 0.040) increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas the increase in FCR noted over the entire experiment was nearly significant ( P = 0.065). Dietary inclusion of WW had no effect on the weights of the gizzard, small intestine, or caecum, and it enhanced fermentation in the caecum, including increasing α-glucosidase activity and the concentra- tions of total short-chain fatty acids, and decreasing the pH of caecal digesta (all P = 0.001). No significant differences were noted in the parameters of gastroin - testinal function and BWG between turkeys fed diets A and B. Diet B did, how- ever, significantly (P = 0.045) improve FCR over the entire experiment.

The chemical composition of the ethanol extracts of chicory root, peel, seed and leaf has been determined, in particular their inulin and phenolic fractions. The root and peel extracts were characterized by large mass fractions of inulin (60.1 and 46.8 g per 100 g of fresh mass, respectively), predominantly with degree of polymerization in the range from 3 to 10, while phenolics, determined as caffeoylquinic acids, made up 0.5 and 1.7 g per 100 g of fresh mass, respectively. The leaf and seed extracts had decidedly lower mass fractions of inulin (1.7 and 3.2 g per 100 g of fresh mass, respectively) and higher mass fractions of phenolics (9.6 and 4.22 g per 100 g of fresh mass, respectively) recognized as caffeoylquinic acids, chicoric acid and quercetin glucuronide. The biological properties of a non-inulin fraction from each extract were determined on Wistar rats fed with diets rich in fructose and saturated fat, as a model of metabolic changes related to westernization of human eating habits. The diets contained the same amount of inulin (6 %) with various phenolic fractions. Some changes were noted in the microbial enzymatic activity of the caecum after feeding for 4 weeks with the diet containing the highest mass fraction of phenolics (0.208 %), derived from the mixture of peel and seed extracts (decreased activity of β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase), as well as with the diet containing leaf extract (decreased β-glucuronidase activity). All the diets showed no essential influence on the caecal concentration and profile of short-chain fatty acids, except acetate, whose concentration decreased significantly in rats fed with the diet enriched with root extract. The addition of peel and leaf extracts to the fructose diets significantly increased the serum antioxidant capacity of lipophilic substances. The study indicates that parts of chicory and its byproducts might be a source of valuable compounds to improve the physiological activity of inulin.

Different levelsof dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) administered for 8 wk to commercial male turkeys were evaluated for their efficacy on performance and physiological response in the digestive tract. Special attention was paid to cecal metabolism. The following levels of FOS were used in a diet: 0.5, 1, and 2%. After 8 wk of experimental feeding, the diet intake, body weight, and feed efficiency ratio were similar in all groups examined. The pH of ileal and cecal contents were reduced by dietary treatments, especially when 2% of dietary FOS was used. The highest ammonia and Lowry's protein concentrations were associated with elevated amounts of FOS preparation in a diet (1 and 2%). Bacterial enzyme activity remained statistically unaffected by experimental treatments; however, a slight beneficial decrease in the activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase was observed after ingestion of the FOS preparation. The addition of FOS to a diet did not affect short-chain fatty acid concentration but gave greater short-chain fatty acid pool in the ceca of turkeys, especially in the case of the highest dose of FOS.