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Broiler chickens reared under heat stress (HS) conditions have decreased growth performance and show metabolic and immunologic alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a standardized blend of plant-derived isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) on the growth performance, protein catabolism, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory status of HS-treated chickens. Three hundred sixty 0-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly distributed into 2 treatment groups: control diet (no additives) or diet supplemented with 100 ppm IQ. At day 14, the chicks in each diet group were further divided into 2 groups, each of which was reared under thermoneutral (TN) (22.4°C) or constant HS (33.0°C) conditions until day 42. Each group consisted of 6 replicates with 15 birds per replicate, and chickens were provided ad libitum access to water and feed. During days 15–21, the body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were significantly lower in the HS treatment group than in the TN group, and feed conversion ratio was higher (P

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest challenges in animal husbandry and producers are attempting to reduce the use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs). In 2006, the use of AGP in food animals was banned in Europe and since then, more attention has been given to inflammation and how antiinflammatory compounds can be used to improve growth performance while reducing the need for AGPs. Inflammation is a protective and usually temporary response of the innate immune system to pathogens or injuries. However, excessive inflammation redirects nutrients and energy to the immune system limiting their availability for growth performance. Plant extracts with known antiinflammatory properties are extensively investigated in animal nutrition. Among other phytogenic substances, isoquinoline alkaloids have shown to have a strong antiinflammatory effect, inhibiting key steps along the inflammation cascade and influencing the local and the systemic effects of inflammation. Consequently, they can be used as an alternative to improve gut health and performance in mono- and polygastrics.

Based on a nonlinear N utilization model, 2 N balance experiments with growing broiler chickens were conducted, investigating the ideal amino acid (AA) ratio (IAAR) of the branched-chain AA (BCAA) Leu, Ile, and Val related to Lys. In both of the experiments, the starter (I: 10–20 d of age) and grower periods (II: 25–35 d of age) utilized 36 male Ross 308 chickens each (n = 144). Nitrogen balance periods were divided into an adaptation period (5 d) and 2 consecutive collection periods (2 × 5 d). Diets of experiment 1 were based on a consistent mixture of wheat, soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, fish meal, and crystalline AA, subsequently diluted by wheat starch to provide 8 graded CP levels (6–34% CP). Results of nonlinear regression between N intake and N deposition yielded the theoretical maximum for N deposition (NDmax T; I: 4,593 mg of N/BWkg0.67/d; II: 4,302 mg of N/BWkg0.67/d). Furthermore, the daily N maintenance requirement (NMR) was derived (I: 113 mg of N/BWkg0.67; II: 215 mg of N/BWkg0.67/d). Both the age-dependent data for NMR and NDmax T were applied to calculate the model parameter b (protein quality, independent of N intake) and bc−1 (efficiency of limiting AA), respectively. Five diets based on the same ingredients as in experiment 1 were formulated for experiment 2: an AA balanced basal diet and 4 diets of the same composition but lacking in supply of Lys, Leu, Ile, or Val. All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. For calculation of the IAAR, observed bc−1 data of each AA diluted diet were utilized. The concluded IAAR of Lys:Leu:Ile:Val for the starter and grower period were 100:94:55:65 and 100:106:56:72, respectively. These results indicated a higher demand for Leu and Val during the grower phase and, generally, a lower IAAR for the BCAA than previously reported in comparable experiments.

summary Background & aims: Plant proteins such as rapeseed have received little attention for human nutrition due to their high level of antinutritive compounds. Today, newer technologies can eliminate such compounds. The present intervention study aimed to evaluate nutritional and physiological properties of two manufactured canola proteins with special focus on their bioavailability in humans. Methods: 28 healthy male subjects (o 25 years) consumed 30.0 g protein (canola protein isolate e CPI, canola protein hydrolyzate e CPH or soy protein isolate e SPI) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Blood samples were regularly drawn over the 8-h postprandial period and a 24-h urine sample was collected. Results: True digestibility of the canola proteins determined in a separate rat assay showed 93.3% for CPI and 97.3% for CPH. In humans, consumption of either 30.0 g canola protein or soy protein mixed in a drink led to significant increases in plasma amino acids after 62.3 and 83.6 min, respectively. While the CPH produced an earlier response compared to CPI and SPI, total amino acid response (AUC for 8 h) was comparable between all interventions. The nitrogen balance between the three proteins tested showed no statistical differences. Conclusions: High digestibility of rapeseed protein was found in rats. In humans, this is the first intervention study showing rapeseed protein (both isolate and hydrolyzate) as having a high nutritional quality and can be considered to be as efficient as soy protein for a postprandial amino acid response. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01481584.