Nutrient sparing concepts in aquatic diets are recognized as reasonable approach to support sustainable and efficient use of marine resources and thereby contribute against overfishing. Simultaneously, the reduction in marine protein source (MPS) often causes reduced health status and thus increased mortality of animals grown in aquaculture. The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on shrimp performance in a nutrient sparing concept over a period of 57 days. A total of 240 white-leg shrimps Litopenaeus vannamei (1.5 – 2.0 g body weight (BW)) were randomly allocated to 12 tanks (RAS system with appropriate water quality parameters) which were divided into two experimental groups (n=6). Both groups received a diet based on soybean meal, wheat and corn, including 15% MPS. One group additionally received 0.2 g/kg feed of the PFA, an encapsulated blend of essential oils with thymol as major component. Shrimp health was monitored through observation and water quality parameters were recorded daily. BW as well as feed consumption were determined at day 0, 28 and 57. Hepatopancreas weight was measured at trial end. Statistical analysis comprised Student’s t-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Over the entire trial period, the PFA group showed increased biomass (p<0.001) and weight gain per tank (p<0.001), survival (p=0.004) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR, p=0.001). Especially the improved FCR demonstrates how PFAs can promote a better efficacy in nutrient utilization which ultimately yields an improved health status, increased survival whilst contributing to improved sustainability through reduced effluents.

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of dietary viable or heat inactivated probiotic forms (PF) combined or not with avilamycin (AV) used as a growth promoter, on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activities, and expression of immune response related genes.Depending on the type of PF (i.e., no addition, viable, inactivated) and AV addition (no/yes), 450 one-day-old Cobb male broilers were allocated in the following 6 treatments according to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 5 replicates of 15 broilers each for 6 wk: CoN: diet without any addition; CoN+A: combination of CoN with AV; ViP: viable PF - no AV; ViP+A: combination of ViP with AV; InP: inactivated PF - no AV; InP+A: combination of InP with AV.There were no interactions (P > 0.05) for overall performance parameters. In contrast, PF or AV addition improved BW gain (PPF= 0.015; PAV < 0.001), FCR (PPF < 0.001; PAV < 0.001) and production efficiency factor (PPF= 0.001; PAV= 0.001).Significant (PPF×AV ≤ 0.05) interaction effects regarding ileal digestibility (IAD) of DM and total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of DM and ether extracts (EE) were noted. In addition, PF affected IAD and TTAD of CP (PPF < 0.001, PPF= 0.004, respectively). Inactivated PF increased (PPR= 0.024) lipase activity in jejunal digesta.At spleen level InP and ViP+A down-regulated TGF-β4 (PPF × AV = 0.035) compared to CoN and ViP, whereas ViP+A up-regulated iNOS (PPF × AV = 0.022). An anti-inflammatory effect of live and inactive PF and/or AV addition at cecal tonsils was shown by iNOS down-regulation (PPF × AV= 0.015) compared to CoN. Furthermore, AV down-regulated IFN-γ (PAV= 0.002).In conclusion, viable probiotic, as well as inactivated probiotic alone or in combination with avilamycin, improved nutrient digestibility. All dietary additives affected growth performance positively and induced an anti-inflammatory response at cecal level.

This study analyzed the inhibitory effects of a synbiotic product (PoultryStar® me) on production parameters, intestinal microflora profile, and immune parameters in laying hens with and without a Salmonella challenge. The synbiotic product contained 4 probiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Pediococcus acidilactici) and a prebiotic fructooligosaccharide. Layers were supplemented with the synbiotic from d of hatch to 28 wk of age. At 16 wk of age, birds were either vaccinated with Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (SE) vaccine or left unvaccinated. At 24 wk of age, a portion of the birds was challenged with 1 × 109 CFU of SE or left unchallenged, resulting in a 3 (vaccinated, challenged, or both vaccinated and challenged) X 2 (control and synbiotics) factorial arrangement of treatments. At 18 and 20 wk of age, birds fed synbiotics in both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups had increased (P < 0.05) BW more than those in the un-supplemented groups. Birds fed synbiotics had 0.7, 17.8, 21.7, 3, and 4.2% higher (P < 0.05) hen d egg production (HDEP) at 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 wk of age, compared to the birds without supplementation, respectively. After administering the SE challenge, supplemented birds had 3, 6.7, 4.3, 12.5, and 14.4% higher (P < 0.05) HDEP at 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 wk of age, compared to the birds not supplemented, respectively. Irrespective of the vaccination status, birds fed synbiotics and challenged with SE had a lower (P < 0.05) SE cecal load compared to the un-supplemented groups. At 22 d post Salmonella challenge, birds supplemented, vaccinated, and challenged had the highest bile IgA content. It can be concluded that supplementation of the synbiotic product could be beneficial to layer diets as a growth promoter, performance enhancer, and for protection against SE infection.

In this study, the effect of probiotic supplementation via drinking water or feed on the performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina (5 × 10(4)), Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella (2 × 10(4) each one) at 14 days of age was evaluated. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were separated into eight equal groups with three replicates. Two of the groups, one infected with mixed Eimeria oocysts and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The remaining groups were also challenged with mixed Eimeria species and received the basal diet and either water supplemented with probiotic (three groups) or probiotic via feed (two groups); the probiotic used consisted of Enterococcus faecium #589, Bifidobacterium animalis #503 and Lactobacillus salivarius #505 at a ratio of 6:3:1. Probiotic supplementation was applied either via drinking water in different inclusion rates (groups W1, W2 and W3) or via feed using uncoated (group FN) or coated strains (group FC). The last group was given the basal diet supplemented with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Each experimental group was given the corresponding diet or drinking water from day 1 to day 42 of age. Throughout the experimental period of 42 days, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Seven days after infection, the infected control group presented the lowest weight gain values, while probiotics supplied via feed supported growth to a comparable level with that of the lasalocid group. Probiotic groups presented lesion score values and oocyst numbers that were lower than in control infected birds but higher than in the lasalocid group. In the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the highest villous height values were presented by probiotic groups. In conclusion, a mixture of probiotic substances gave considerable improvement in both growth performance and intestinal health in comparison with infected control birds and fairly similar improvement to an approved anticoccidial during a mixed Eimeria infection.

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) on growth performance, carcass quality and growth index of immune organs of broilers. A total of 300 one-day old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments and 5 replicates in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets were: T1) control (basal diet without NanoZnO) and T2, T3, T4 and T5 basal diet supplemented with 30, 60, 90, and 120 ppm nanoZnO per kg, respectively. Birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout study (1–42 d). At 21 and 42 d, live body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were evaluated. At 42 d of age, 5 birds (one bird per replicate) were selected based on proximity to mean treatment weight and then slaughtered. Visceral and immune organs were removed and relative weight calculated. Edible parts of carcass such as breast and thigh were removed and evaluation was performed at 42 d of study period. Results indicated that nano-ZnO had significantly affected on the live body weight and feed conversion ratio compared with control group (P < 0.05). Weights of edible parts of carcass were statistically (P < 0.05) improved by increasing organic Zn levels in the diet. Highest weights observed in birds fed diets contain 90 ppm nanoZnO per kg. Growth index of bursa and thymus had significantly increased in birds fed 90 ppm nanoZnO per kg (P < 0.05) in comparison with control and other treatments. In conclusion, these data indicated that in comparison to the control group 60 and 90 ppm nano-ZO /kg fed birds were resulted in significantly increased performance traits, breast and thigh weight, as well as increased growth index of bursa of Fabricius and thymus.

Campylobacteriosis is the most frequent zoonotic disease in humans worldwide. Poultry meat contaminated by Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is an important source of this enteric zoonosis. Broiler chickens are the common natural host for this pathogen and infected birds carry a very high Campylobacter load in their gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, intervention at the farm level by reducing pathogen colonisation should be taken into consideration in any control policy. In addition, hygienic measures at the farm and control measures during carcass processing can reduce Campylobacter numbers on the retail product. It is important to differentiate between prevention and colonisation-reducing measures, which intervene at a different stage of the infection process. Several approaches have been conducted to reduce the number of Campylobacter in poultry, such as vaccination, passive immunisation, bacteriophages, bacteriocins, organic acids or their derivatives and medium chain of fatty acids, all with varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, to date there is no reliable and practical intervention measure available to reduce colonisation of the broiler gut with Campylobacter. A possible way to reduce Campylobacter contamination in poultry is to develop new strategies at the primary production level. As a consequence, it has become necessary to develop alternatives such as beneficial microorganisms (probiotics). The use of probiotics can help to improve the natural defence of animals against pathogenic bacteria and is an effective approach for livestock to reduce bacterial contamination. This review summarises current on-farm control options to reduce the prevalence and colonisation of Campylobacter in poultry. The interaction between poultry welfare and Campylobacter colonisation is also discussed.

OF PAPERS 215 lowering feed conversion ratio and improving bird uniformity at slaughter under the current anticoccidial control program practices.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler birds which supplemented with a commercial inactivated probiotic. Four hundred and fifty day old broiler chickens were allocated into 3 treatments with 6 replicates each. Each replicate was placed on clean wood shavings in floor pens receiving feed and water ad libitum. In treatment 1, feed was supplemented with 500 g/ton of a heat-inactivated probiotic containing Lactobacillus spp, Bifidobacterium animalis, Pediococus acidilactici and Enterococcus faecium. In treatment 2, the feed was supplemented with 500 g/ton of the same probiotic without the heat-inactivating process (commercial product). In Treatment 3 the feed was supplemented with Zinc Bacitracin at 100 ppm. During the length of the experiment the birds received the following diets: pre-initial 1 to 7 days; initial 8 to 21 days; growth, 22 to 35 days; and finisher, 36 to 40 days. Data were analyzed following the same dietary periods. In addition, data was arranged in two periods of similar length; from 1 to 21 days and from 22 to 40 days. During the pre-initial phase, treatment 2 had higher weight gain compared to treatment 1. During the initial phase, treatments 1 and 2 had lower feed conversion compared to treatment 3. In the finisher, treatments 1 and 2 had higher body weight and lower feed conversion than treatment 3. In conclusion, regular and inactivated probiotics had a similar performance which under the conditions of this trial were superior to the treatment containing 100 ppm of zinc bacitracin. These data suggest that not all growth promoting effects are mediated by bacterial metabolites or active colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.

Campylobacteriosis is the most frequent zoonotic disease in humans worldwide, and the contaminated poultry meat byCampylobacter jejuni can be considered one of the important sources of enteric infections in humans. The use of probiotics, which can help to improve the natural defense of animals against pathogenic bacteria, is an alternative and effective approach to antibiotic administration for livestock to reduce bacterial contamination. In vitro experiments showed thatEnterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus salivarius, andLactobacillus reuteri isolated from healthy chicken gut inhibited the growth ofC. jejuni. To demonstrate this effect in vivo, 1-d-old broiler chicks received 2 mg/bird per day of a multispecies probiotic product via the drinking water. Controls received no probiotic treatment, and all chicks were infected withC. jejuni orally. Results showed that the cecal colonization byC. jejuni was significantly reduced by probiotic treatment at both 8 and 15 d postchallenge. To confirm this effect, in a second in vivo experiment, 1-d-old broiler chicks received the same dose of the same probiotic via the drinking water and controls received no probiotic, and all chicks were infected withC. jejuni orally. Similarly, probiotic treatment reduced (P = 0.001) cecal colonization byC. jejuni at both 8 and 15 d postchallenge. The results of our in vivo experiments conclude that probiotic administration reduced the colonization ofC. jejuni in broiler chickens.

Probiotics are nonpathogenic bacteria that can promote bird health by reducing pathogen colonization. Researchers have previously demonstrated that the avian immune response can be modulated with probiotics, which may provide a mechanism for the reported reductions in pathogens. We examined phagocyte oxidative burst and cell proliferation of vaccinated broilers administered probiotics. We hypothesized that the combination of probiotic bacteria and a vaccine would affect immune function. Two studies were conducted to evaluate this interaction in broilers. Treatments consisted of a negative control, probiotic, vaccine, or a probiotic + vaccine. Peripheral blood was collected on d 7, 14, and 21 of age. Heterophils and monocytes were evaluated for oxidative burst and lymphocytes were assayed for proliferation. In study 1, heterophil oxidative burst was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in each treatment that received probiotic on d 14 when compared with the negative control. On d 21, an enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) heterophil oxidative burst was observed in the probiotic treatment when compared with the other treatments. On d 14, monocyte oxidative burst was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the probiotic + vaccine treatment when compared with all other treatments. An increase (P ≤ 0.05) in lymphocyte proliferation was observed among all treatments on d 7 when compared with the negative control. Both vaccine treatments had significant lymphocyte proliferation on d 14 when compared with the negative control. In study 2, the probiotic treatment was associated with greater levels in heterophil oxidative burst on d 7 when compared with all other treatments. On d 21, an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in heterophil oxidative burst was seen in the vaccine treatment when compared with the negative control. On d 7, increased (P ≤ 0.05) monocyte oxidative burst was observed in the vaccine treatment when compared with the negative control. No significant differences were observed in lymphocyte proliferation in any of the treatment groups. These data suggest that probiotics can modulate the immune response and may play a role in vaccination.

231 The synergistic effects of plant-derived nutritional mixtures on recombinant antigen vaccination against avian coccidiosis. H. Lillehoj*1, S. H. Lee1, S. I. Jang1, K. W. Lee1, M. S. Park1, and D. Bravo2, 1Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service-U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD, 2Pancosma S.A., Geneva, Switzerland.

Two separate performance trials were conducted to determine the effects of postpelleting feed or drinking water application of a Lactobacillus-based probiotic, alone or in combination with a phytogenic product, on growth parameters of broilers fed medicated or nonmedicated diets. Trial 1 consisted of 1,000 straight-run broilers that were randomized, placed in floor rearing pens, and fed medicated diets. At the conclusion of the experiment, BW of broilers receiving the probiotic were not different (P > 0.05) when compared with control broilers. In trial 2, stocking densities were increased to simulate local industry rearing practices, resulting in a total placement of 1,880 chicks in the same rearing facility. Broilers in trial 2 were fed nonmedicated diets. Broilers administered the probiotic by intermittent drinking water application had increased (P < 0.05) BW and improved FCR (P < 0.05) through d 40 compared with control birds. Similarly, broilers receiving the phytogenic product had reduced (P < 0.05) FCR at d 40 compared with control broilers. We conclude that probiotic administration, alone or in combination with a phytogenic product, has the potential to influence broiler performance during commercial grow-out.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of inclusion levels of a 5-bacterial species probiotic in broiler nutrition. Five hundred twenty-five 1-d-old male Cobb broilers were allocated in 5 experimental treatments for 6 wk. The experimental treatments received a corn-soybean coccidiostat-free basal diet and depending on the addition were labeled as follows: no addition (C), 108 cfu probiotic/kg of diet (P1), 109 cfu probiotic/kg of diet (P2), 1010 cfu probiotic/kg of diet (P3), and 2.5 mg of avilamycin/kg of diet (A). Each treatment had 3 replicates of 35 broilers each. Treatment effects on broiler growth performance and biomarkers such as ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility, plasma Ig concentration, and cecal microflora composition were determined. Differences among treatments were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. Overall BW gain was significantly higher in treatment P1 (2,293 g) compared with P2 (2,163 g), C (2,165 g), and P3 (2,167 g), with A (2,230 g) being intermediate and not different from P1. Overall feed conversion ratio values were similar and significantly better for P1 (1.80) and A (1.80) compared with P2 (1.87), C (1.89), and P3 (1.92). Ileal apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of CP and ether extract were higher in A. Generally, treatments A and P1 showed an improved total tract ADC for DM, organic matter, ash, ether extract, and AMEn values. The total tract ADC of CP was higher in P1, C, and P2. There were no differences between treatments regarding plasma Ig in 14- and 42-d-old broilers. Treatments P2 and P3 were effective at beneficially modulating cecal microflora composition. In particular, the lower cecal coliform concentration (log cfu/g of wet digesta) was seen in P2 (6.12) and P3 (4.90) in 14- and 42-d-old broilers, respectively, whereas at 42 d, P3 and P2 had the highest Bifidobacterium (8.31; 8.08) and Lactobacillus concentrations (8.20; 7.86), respectively. It is concluded that probiotic inclusion level had a significant effect on broiler growth responses, nutrient ADC, AMEn, and cecal microflora composition.

M1 Performance and mortality rate of various broiler breeds reared in Ogun State after brooding stage to slaughter. A. A. Mako*1, O. I. Abiola-Olagunju2, O. A. Ogunwole2, R. A. Hamzat3, O. K. Awobajo1, A. O. Igbosanu1, and R. O. Ettu1, 1Tai Solarin, University of Education, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, 2Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, 3Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.

The acute phase response (APR) is characterized by inflammation, fever, and altered organ metabolism resulting in muscle catabolism and anorexia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced APR may reflect depressed growth and appetite loss. Therefore, a 1-wk growth experiment was conducted to examine whether dietary supplementation of a multispecies probiotic (PoultryStar) would alleviate growth suppression and anorexia caused by LPS-induced APR. The experiment was designed with 4 treatments (n = 8 cages/treatment; 6 birds/cage) starting at 14 d of age. Before (0 to 14 d of age) and for the experiment (14 to 21 d of age), male broiler chicks were fed diets devoid of probiotic or were supplemented with 1.7 x 10(8) cfu/kg of probiotic. At 14 d of age, birds fed the diet devoid of probiotic were further divided into 3 treatments: an unchallenged positive control, LPS-challenged negative control (LPS-NC), and a treatment that was pair-fed to LPS-NC. The probiotic-fed birds were also then challenged with LPS. The LPS (Escherichia coli 055:B5) was injected intraperitoneally 4 times at 48-h intervals at 1 mg/kg of BW. The LPS challenge dramatically depressed BW gain from 14 to 21 d of age by 22% (P < 0.001). However, 41% of growth depression was attributable to factors other than feed intake reduction when compared with the pair-fed treatment. Probiotic supplementation recovered 17% of depressed growth (vs. LPS-NC; P = 0.068), but this improved growth was not due to improvements in feed intake (P = 0.47). However, recovery of feed intake of the probiotic + LPS birds occurred 48-h earlier than the LPS-NC birds. Growth depression induced by LPS administration resulted in an overall relative feed intake (vs. positive control) of 0.83 and also decreased net energy and protein accretion. Probiotic supplementation did not alleviate the reduction in net energy or protein accretion induced by LPS. In conclusion, APR (induced by LPS administration) diverted a large portion of consumed nutrients from tissue accretion. Probiotic supplementation lessened the anorexic effects of LPS resulting in a trend toward BW gain improvement versus the LPS-NC.

Para estudiar la eficacia de un probiotico y una mezcla fitobiotica en el comportamiento productivo, rendimiento en canal y estado de salud de pollos de ceba, se utilizaron 875 animales machos del hibrido reproductor EB- 34, segun un diseno completamente aleatorizado. Se establecieron cinco tratamientos: control negativo (CN), control positivo con avilamicina (CP), probiotico Biomin® Poultry5Star (A), mezcla fitobiotica (B) y combinacion del probiotico mas mezcla fitobiotica (A+B). El consumo voluntario, el peso vivo, la ganancia de peso y su conversion (FCR), asi como el indice europeo de eficiencia de produccion (EPEF) y la viabilidad, fueron los indicadores productivos evaluados. Tambien se determino el rendimiento en canal, las porciones principales (pechuga, muslos mas encuentros, visceras comestibles y cuello) y las lesiones anatomopatologicas en animales enfermos o muertos. La inclusion del probiotico, solo o combinado con la mezcla, influyo positivamente en el consumo de alimento, la ganancia de peso y la conversion fitobiotica. La conversion fue mejor en todos los tratamientos, excepto en el control negativo (1,84; 1,91; 1,92; 1,92 vs 1,98). El rendimiento en pechuga fue mayor con la mezcla fitobiotica, sola o en combinacion con el probiotico. Las lesiones anatomopatologicas en el grupo control fueron coincidentes con enterobacteriosis y mas evidentes que en otros tratamientos (enteritis catarral: 62,2 vs. 16,6; 0; 21,4 y 20%; enteritis hemorragica: 32,2 vs. 0; 0; 7,1 y 0% y necrosis del higado: 56 vs. 0; 0; 14,3 y 0%). Sin embargo, con el probiotico las aves mostraron menos lesiones, las cuales fueron inespecificas. Los resultados sugieren la posibilidad de utilizar estos productos como promotores naturales del crecimiento, ya que los resultados son similares a los obtenidos con el promotor antibiotico. Ademas, con el probiotico se logro mayor eficiencia en la utilizacion de los alimentos y mejores condiciones de salud en el intestino. Se recomienda realizar otros estudios relacionados con la digestibilidad de los nutrientes y la composicion de la canal.