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Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health
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Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 14922

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Valentina Serra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: animal nutrition; feed additives; innovative additives; animal health; animal science; phytogenics; botanicals; natural extracts
Dr. Alessandro Guerrini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
Interests: animal nutrition; animal health; animal performance; phytoextracts; bioactive compounds; feed additives; phytopharmacology; phytotoxicology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As a result of the decision to ban antibiotics in animal feed in most developed countries (i.e., Europe and the United States), research on alternative natural feed additives has significantly increased. Phytogenic feed additives are a wide range of plant-derived products (e.g., herbs, spices, essential/aromatic oils, oleoresins) which exhibit a wide range of activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoccidial, and anthelmintic properties thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds mainly belonging to the classes of isoprene derivatives and flavonoids.

The dietary supplementation of phytogenic additives has been shown to exert beneficial effects on animals' health (gut, immune system, antioxidant defenses, etc.), growth performance, nutrient retention, and intestinal microflora, leading to reduced susceptibility to diseases.

This Special Issue aims to publish original research papers and review articles related to applying phytogenic feed additives to improve the welfare of livestock, poultry, and fish species. Particular emphasis will be on studies focusing on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities of phytoextracts on animals' organisms, correlating to the composition of phytoextracts.

Dr. Valentina Serra
Dr. Alessandro Guerrini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plant extracts
  • phytogenic feed additive
  • phytoextracts
  • animal health
  • performance
  • livestock
  • aquaculture
  • antioxidant
  • anti-inflammatory

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2438 KiB  
Article
Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets with Different Protein, Energy Levels, and Essential Oils During the Warm Season in Dry Tropics
by Jorge H. García-García, Jaime Salinas-Chavira, Flaviano Benavides-González, Enrique Corona-Barrera, Elvia M. Romero-Treviño and Jorge Loredo-Osti
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223179 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 578
Abstract
This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 and 200 ppm. The RED diets were formulated with 10% less energy and 10% less protein than STD diets. In the starter phase, weight gain was greater (p < 0.01) in birds fed STD than birds fed RED. In the starter phase, productive variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.14) by EOs. In the finisher phase, greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p = 0.04) were observed in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.97) for STD and RED. Throughout this study (1–42 d), greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p < 0.01) were found in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.51) for STD and RED. Broiler chickens on EO-supplemented diets had better feed conversion (p ≥ 0.08). Hot carcass weight was greater (p < 0.01) in birds on STD. Greater yields of leg-thigh (p = 0.01), back (p = 0.01), and wings (p < 0.01) were observed in RED. Carcass yields, breast yield, pH, and meat temperature were not influenced (p ≥ 0.14) by nutrient concentrations in the diet. Carcass evaluations were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by EOs. Body temperature was lower (p = 0.03) in birds receiving RED, however EOs had no effect (p ≥ 0.22) on body temperature. For the length of the study, at 20:00 h, broiler chickens fed on RED diets showed lower (p = 0.04) body temperatures. In conclusion, broiler chickens were under heat stress during the study, and body temperatures were reduced in chickens fed on RED diets or with EOs. Diet modification or EO-supplementation may improve feed conversion, though RED diets may have a negative effect on weight gain or carcass values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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13 pages, 6168 KiB  
Article
Hesperidin Helps Improve the Intestinal Structure, Maintain Barrier Function, and Reduce Inflammation in Yellow-Feathered Broilers Exposed to High Temperatures
by Shaoping He, Guozhi Bian, Yuming Guo and Jiyu Guo
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172585 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 544
Abstract
To investigate the possible protective effect of hesperidin on intestinal damage caused by high-temperature heat stress in yellow-feathered broilers, 960 broilers aged 21 days were randomly divided into four groups: HT, HT300, HT450, and HT600, with each group receiving different amounts of hesperidin [...] Read more.
To investigate the possible protective effect of hesperidin on intestinal damage caused by high-temperature heat stress in yellow-feathered broilers, 960 broilers aged 21 days were randomly divided into four groups: HT, HT300, HT450, and HT600, with each group receiving different amounts of hesperidin supplementation (0, 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg). The dietary supplementation of hesperidin could mitigate the elevation of corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH) levels in serum from yellow-feathered broilers induced by heat stress. The supplementation of 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of hesperidin reduced crypt depth and increased the V/C ratio in the small intestine compared to the HT group. The dietary supplementation of hesperidin decreased endotoxin and D-lactic acid levels in the blood, and dietary supplementation of 300 mg/kg of hesperidin increased the expression of claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA in the jejunum compared with the HT group. Furthermore, the dietary supplementation of 300 mg/kg of hesperidin decreased serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels. In comparison, supplementation with 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg of hesperidin decreased serum TNF-α levels in yellow-feathered broilers compared to the HT group. Moreover, the dietary supplementation of hesperidin decreased NF-κB mRNA levels. Overall, these data suggest that dietary supplementation with hesperidin potentially improves intestinal injury caused by heat stress in yellow-feathered broilers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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20 pages, 6791 KiB  
Article
Quercetin Supplementation Improves Intestinal Digestive and Absorptive Functions and Microbiota in Rats Fed Protein-Oxidized Soybean Meal: Transcriptomics and Microbiomics Insights
by Zhiyong Wang, Peng Wang, Yanmin Zhou and Su Zhuang
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2326; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162326 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 712
Abstract
To clarify the nutritional mechanisms of quercetin mitigation in the digestive and absorptive functions in rats fed protein-oxidized soybean meal, 48 three-week-old male SD rats were randomly allocated into a 2 × 2 factorial design with two soybean meal types (fresh soybean meal [...] Read more.
To clarify the nutritional mechanisms of quercetin mitigation in the digestive and absorptive functions in rats fed protein-oxidized soybean meal, 48 three-week-old male SD rats were randomly allocated into a 2 × 2 factorial design with two soybean meal types (fresh soybean meal or protein-oxidized soybean meal) and two quercetin levels (0 or 400 mg/kg) for a 28-day feeding trial. The protein-oxidized soybean meal treatment decreased (p < 0.05) the relative weights of the pancreas, stomach, and cecum, duodenal villus height, pancreatic and jejunal lipase activities, apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract. The supplementation of quercetin in the protein-oxidized soybean meal diet reversed (p < 0.05) the decreases in the duodenal length, ileal villus height, lipase activity, apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract. Transcriptomics revealed that the “alanine transport” and “lipid digestion and absorption” pathways were downregulated by the protein-oxidized soybean meal compared with fresh soybean meal, while the “basic amino acid transmembrane transporter activity” and “lipid digestion and absorption” pathways were upregulated by the quercetin supplementation. Microbiomics revealed that the protein-oxidized soybean meal increased the protein-degrading and inflammation-triggering bacteria in the cecum, while the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria were elevated by the quercetin supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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11 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis Mixed Extracts Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Umbilical Cord Blood Parameters, Colostrum Ingredients and Immunoglobulin Contents of Late-Pregnant Sows
by Chengkun Fang, Xiaopeng Tang, Qingtai Zhang, Qifang Yu, Shengting Deng, Shusong Wu and Rejun Fang
Animals 2024, 14(14), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142054 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis mixed extract (LSE) supplementation during the late-pregnancy period on the reproductive performance, umbilical cord blood hematological parameters, umbilical cord serum biochemical parameters, immune indices, hormone levels, colostrum ingredients, [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary Lonicera flos and Sucutellaria baicalensis mixed extract (LSE) supplementation during the late-pregnancy period on the reproductive performance, umbilical cord blood hematological parameters, umbilical cord serum biochemical parameters, immune indices, hormone levels, colostrum ingredients, and immunoglobulin contents of sows. A total of 40 hybrid pregnant sows were randomly assigned to the control group (CON; sows fed a basal diet) and LSE group (LSE; sows fed a basal diet supplemented with 500 g/t PE). The results indicated that dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the number of alive and healthy piglets and the litter weight at birth, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the platelet counts in umbilical cord blood. Dietary LSE supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), and the content of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in umbilical cord serum. Moreover, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the colostrum were increased with PE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary LSE supplementation in late-pregnancy sows could improve reproductive performance and colostrum quality, and could also regulate the levels of reproductive hormone in umbilical cord serum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
8 pages, 230 KiB  
Communication
Effects of Centella asiatica Extracts on Rumen In Vitro Fermentation Characteristics and Digestibility
by Yukyoung Yang, Kiyeon Park and Honggu Lee
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131956 - 2 Jul 2024
Viewed by 829
Abstract
Two in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) supplementation on the rumen’s in vitro fermentation characteristics. In the first experiment, CAE with five concentrations (C: 0%; T1: 3.05%; T2: 6.1%; T3: 12.2%; and T4: 24.4% CAE [...] Read more.
Two in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) supplementation on the rumen’s in vitro fermentation characteristics. In the first experiment, CAE with five concentrations (C: 0%; T1: 3.05%; T2: 6.1%; T3: 12.2%; and T4: 24.4% CAE in diet) was supplemented in the rumen fluid and incubated for 6, 24, and 48 h to determine the optimal dosage. The total gas and methane production increased in all incubation times, and the total volatile fatty acids increased at 6 and 48 h. Ammonia nitrogen, branched chain volatile fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate were increased by CAE supplementation. T1 was chosen as the optimal dosage based on the total volatile fatty acids, branched chain volatile fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen production. The CAE with the identified optimal dosage (T1) was incubated to identify its effect on the rumen’s in vitro degradability in the second experiment. The CAE supplementation did not influence the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability. In conclusion, CAE has no CH4 abatement or digestion promotion effects. However, CAE could be utilized as a feed additive to increase the rumen’s total volatile fatty acid production without an adverse effect on the in vitro dry matter, crude protein, or neutral detergent fiber degradability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
11 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
Capsaicin as a Dietary Additive for Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis on Performance, Milk Composition, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Serum Metabolites
by José Felipe Orzuna-Orzuna, Juan Eduardo Godina-Rodríguez, Jonathan Raúl Garay-Martínez and Alejandro Lara-Bueno
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071075 - 2 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and serum metabolites of dairy cows using a meta-analytical approach. The database included 13 studies, from which the response variables of [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and serum metabolites of dairy cows using a meta-analytical approach. The database included 13 studies, from which the response variables of interest were obtained. Data were analyzed using a random effects model, and results were expressed as weighted mean differences between treatments supplemented with and without CAP. Dietary supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, milk yield, feed efficiency, milk fat yield, and milk fat content. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) milk protein and lactose yield, milk urea nitrogen, or milk somatic cell count. Greater (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was observed in response to the dietary inclusion of CAP. Likewise, supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) the rumen concentration of total volatile fatty acids. In contrast, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH or the ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In blood serum, CAP supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the glucose concentration and decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) the serum concentration of urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate. In conclusion, capsaicin can be used as a dietary additive to improve the productive performance, milk composition, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows and, at the same time, improve the ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids and serum levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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16 pages, 1255 KiB  
Article
Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance, Hematology, Innate Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcus agalactiae Biotype 2
by Manoj Tukaram Kamble, Wenresti Gallardo, Krishna Rugmini Salin, Suntree Pumpuang, Balasaheb Ramdas Chavan, Ram Chandra Bhujel, Seema Vijay Medhe, Aikkarach Kettawan, Kim D. Thompson and Nopadon Pirarat
Animals 2024, 14(6), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060953 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2456
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf (MLE) extract-supplemented diets on the growth, feed utilization, hematology, innate immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia against Streptococcus agalactiae Biotype 2. Four hundred and fifty Nile tilapia (32.61 ± [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf (MLE) extract-supplemented diets on the growth, feed utilization, hematology, innate immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia against Streptococcus agalactiae Biotype 2. Four hundred and fifty Nile tilapia (32.61 ± 0.2 g/fish) were randomly allocated into fifteen tanks (30 fish/tank). Different concentrations of MLE at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% were fed to the Nile tilapia for 30 days, and the growth, feed utilization, hematology, and innate immune response of the Nile tilapia were determined. After the feeding trial, the Nile tilapia were challenged with a S. agalactiae Biotype 2 infection, and the relative percentage of survival (RPS) was determined. Results revealed the presence of quercetin, kaempferol, and p-coumaric acid in the MLE extract, exhibiting stronger antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae Biotype 2. The diets supplemented with the MLE-0.5 group showed a significantly higher growth, feed utilization, hematology, and innate immune response in the Nile tilapia compared to the control and other MLE groups. Additionally, the MLE-0.5 group exhibited a significantly higher RPS of the Nile tilapia against S. agalactiae Biotype 2. Therefore, MLE-0.5 can be employed as an alternative feed supplement in sustainable Nile tilapia farming to protect against S. agalactiae Biotype 2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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14 pages, 2035 KiB  
Article
Influence of Different Plant Extracts on CYP-Mediated Skatole and Indole Degradation in Pigs
by Philipp Marro, Raffael Wesoly and Volker Stefanski
Animals 2024, 14(6), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060888 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
One of the primary substances responsible for the unpleasant odor in boar meat is skatole. Enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family play a pivotal role in the hepatic clearance of skatole. This study aimed to investigate the impact of oregano essential [...] Read more.
One of the primary substances responsible for the unpleasant odor in boar meat is skatole. Enzymes belonging to the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family play a pivotal role in the hepatic clearance of skatole. This study aimed to investigate the impact of oregano essential oil (OEO), Schisandra chinensis extract (SC), and garlic essential oil (GEO) on hepatic CYP2E1 and CYP2A activity in pigs. In three consecutive trials, cannulated castrated male pigs were provided with a diet containing 0.2–0.3% of one of these plant extracts. Following a 14-day feeding period, the animals were slaughtered, and liver and fat samples were collected. The findings indicate that the activities of CYP2E1 were unaffected by any treatment. However, GEO treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in CYP2A activity (p < 0.05). Pigs treated with GEO also exhibited a notable increase in skatole concentrations in both plasma and adipose tissue. In contrast, animals fed SC displayed elevated skatole concentrations in plasma but not in fat tissue. OEO did not influence skatole concentrations in either blood or fat. Furthermore, the study revealed that a supplementation of 6 g GEO per animal per day induced a significant increase in skatole concentrations in blood plasma within 24 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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22 pages, 3114 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Terminalia chebula Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Broilers
by Ying Cheng, Shida Liu, Fang Wang, Tao Wang, Lichen Yin, Jiashun Chen and Chenxing Fu
Animals 2024, 14(5), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050746 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1739
Abstract
Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) has many physiological functions and is potentially helpful in maintaining poultry health, but its specific effect on the growth of broilers is not yet known. This research investigated the effects of dietary Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) supplementation on growth [...] Read more.
Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) has many physiological functions and is potentially helpful in maintaining poultry health, but its specific effect on the growth of broilers is not yet known. This research investigated the effects of dietary Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were divided into four treatment groups (72 broilers/group), each with six replicates of 12 broilers. The broilers were given a basal diet of corn–soybean meal supplemented with 0 (control), 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg TCE for 56 d. The results demonstrated that, compared with the basal diet, the addition of TCE significantly increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the final body weight and overall weight gain and performance and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio in the overall period. Dietary TCE increased (linear, p < 0.05) the levels of IgM, IL-4, and IL-10 and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IL-6 in the serum. Dietary TCE increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the levels of IL-2 and IL-4, decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IL-1β, and decreased (linear, p < 0.05) the level of IL-6 in the liver. Dietary TCE increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IgM and IL-10, increased (linear, p < 0.05) the level of IgG, and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the spleen. Supplementation with TCE linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.05) the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity activities while decreasing (p < 0.05) the malonic dialdehyde concentrations in the serum, liver, and spleen. TCE-containing diets for broilers resulted in a higher (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) villus height, a higher (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and a lower (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) crypt depth compared with the basal diet. TCE significantly increased (linear, p < 0.05) the acetic and butyric acid concentrations and decreased (quadratic, p < 0.05) the isovaleric acid concentration. Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides, which regulate the richness and diversity of microorganisms, were more abundant and contained when TCE was added to the diet. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that supplementing broilers with TCE could boost their immune function, antioxidant capacity, and gut health, improving their growth performance; they could also provide a reference for future research on TCE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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12 pages, 1345 KiB  
Article
Diet Supplementation with Prinsepiae Nux Extract in Broiler Chickens: Its Effect on Growth Performance and Expression of Antioxidant, Pro-Inflammatory, and Heat Shock Protein Genes
by Hong-Loan Tran, Yi-Siao Chen, His-Wen Hung, Bor-Ling Shih, Tsung-Yu Lee, Chia-Hung Yen and Jeng-Bin Lin
Animals 2024, 14(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010073 - 24 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1272
Abstract
Heat stress significantly undermines the poultry industry by escalating rates of morbidity and mortality and impairing growth performance. Our recent findings indicate that Prinsepiae Nux extract (PNE) effectively stimulates the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a vital element in cellular antioxidant stress responses. This study [...] Read more.
Heat stress significantly undermines the poultry industry by escalating rates of morbidity and mortality and impairing growth performance. Our recent findings indicate that Prinsepiae Nux extract (PNE) effectively stimulates the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a vital element in cellular antioxidant stress responses. This study further explores the prospective benefits of supplementing PNE into poultry feed to enhance broiler growth in heat-stressed conditions. An Nrf2-luciferase reporter assay was developed in a chicken fibroblast cell line, demonstrating that PNE induces Nrf2 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Real-time RT-PCR results showed that PNE intensifies the expression of Nrf2-responsive targets such as Ho1 and Nqo1 in chicken fibroblasts. A total of 160 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four groups, each receiving a basal diet supplemented with either 0% (control), 0.1% PNE, 1% PNE, or commercial electrolyte for 35 days. Broilers were raised in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeded 30 °C for approximately seven hours each day, fluctuating between 26 and 34 °C, which is known to induce mild heat stress. The findings reveal that a 1% PNE supplement led to a significant decrease in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Moreover, chickens supplemented with 1% PNE exhibited a substantial increase in hepatic mRNA expression of antioxidant genes, such as Nqo1, Gclc, Sod2, Cat, and heat shock protein-related genes including Hsp90 and Hsf1, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine genes Il-6 and Il-1β. Consequently, PNE holds potential as a feed supplement to strengthen the antioxidant defenses of broilers and build heat stress resilience in the poultry industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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19 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
Growth Performance, Metabolomics, and Microbiome Responses of Weaned Pigs Fed Diets Containing Growth-Promoting Antibiotics and Various Feed Additives
by Michaela P. Trudeau, Wes Mosher, Huyen Tran, Brenda de Rodas, Theodore P. Karnezos, Pedro E. Urriola, Andres Gomez, Milena Saqui-Salces, Chi Chen and Gerald C. Shurson
Animals 2024, 14(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010060 - 23 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the potential biological mechanisms of improved growth performance associated with potential changes in the metabolic profiles and intestinal microbiome composition of weaned pigs fed various feed additives. Three separate 42 day experiments were conducted to [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to determine the potential biological mechanisms of improved growth performance associated with potential changes in the metabolic profiles and intestinal microbiome composition of weaned pigs fed various feed additives. Three separate 42 day experiments were conducted to evaluate the following dietary treatments: chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine (PC), herbal blends, turmeric, garlic, bitter orange extract, sweet orange extract, volatile and semi-volatile milk-derived substances, yeast nucleotide, and cell wall products, compared with feeding a non-supplemented diet (NC). In all three experiments, only pigs fed PC had improved (p < 0.05) ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed NC. No differences in metabolome and microbiome responses were observed between feed additive treatments and NC. None of the feed additives affected alpha or beta microbiome diversity in the ileum and cecum, but the abundance of specific bacterial taxa was affected by some dietary treatments. Except for feeding antibiotics, none of the other feed additives were effective in improving growth performance or significantly altering the metabolomic profiles, but some additives (e.g., herbal blends and garlic) increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of potentially protective bacterial genera that may be beneficial during disease challenge in weaned pigs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition and Health)
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Planned Papers

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

Title: The beneficial use of Artemisia annua, artemisinin and other compounds in companion animals' health
Authors: Estefania Morua, Laura Cuyas and Luis Matías-Hernández
Affiliation: Biotech Tricopharming Research SL, Barcelona-Tenerife, Spain
Abstract: Plants and plant-derived natural products have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The lack of effective therapies in the modern world to address several diseases, and the growing interest in herbal medicine has led to the study and resurgence of natural ancient remedies. Artemisia annua, commonly known as sweet wormwood or sweet annie, is a medicinal plant from China widely known for its antimalarial properties. In the past decade, increasing evidence has demonstrated the plant’s broad therapeutic potential, including anti-tumoral, anti-microbial, antiparasitic, metabolic, and immunomodulatory effects, among others. While most research has focused on human health, there is a growing interest in investigating the applications of A. annua and its bioactive compounds, particularly artemisinin, in veterinary medicine for companion animals. Several commercial products containing A. annua or artemisinin molecules are available in the market for use in companion animals. However, these products vary in terms of quality and purity which could lead to inconsistencies in therapeutic outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the beneficial effects of A. annua, artemisinin, and its derivatives in companion animals' health. It also highlights the need for standardizing A. annua metabolites to ensure the reliability and efficacy of treatments.

Title: Flavonoids of Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi: Valuable Plant Extracts in Pig Healthy Husbandry
Authors: Jing Wu1,2,3,4; Yueqin Qiu1,2,3,4; Min Tian1,2,3,4; Li Wang1,2,3,4; Kaiguo Gao1,2,3,4; Xuefen Yang1,2,3,4*; Zongyong Jiang1,2,3,4
Affiliation: 1Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China 2State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry husbandry Industry, Guangzhou 510640, China 3Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China 4Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal husbandry and Nutrition, Guangzhou 510640, China
Abstract: The growing concerns regarding vaccine safety, bacterial resistance, and drug residues have led to an increased emphasis on traditional Chinese medicinal compounds for swine management. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, contains four primary flavonoids (SFs), including baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. These bioactive compounds have been shown to positively influence pig growth performance, enhance host immunity, modulate gut microbiota, and aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases. In this review, we employ network pharmacological analysis to elucidate the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of these four SFs, as well as their practical applications in pig farming. Our aim is to provide insightful recommendations for the optimal utilization of SFs in promoting healthy pig husbandry.

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