scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Phosphorus and Calcium in Two Strains of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Tanja Hofmann ◽  
Sonja Schmucker ◽  
Vera Sommerfeld ◽  
Korinna Huber ◽  
Markus Rodehutscord ◽  
...  

Insufficient nutrient supply can impair the immune system, which is important for animal health and welfare. Since chicken can partly hydrolyze phytate, which is the primary phosphorus storage in plant seeds, a reduction of mineral phosphorus in the diets could be an option for more sustainable egg production. Laying hens require high concentrations of calcium that might inhibit the function of endogenous enzymes for phytate hydrolyzation. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of standard and reduced dietary phosphorus and calcium concentrations on the number and functionality of immune cells in the peripheral and gut-associated immune system in a white and brown laying hen strain. Reduced mineral phosphorus enhanced several immune parameters such as B cells in blood and IgA concentrations in bile in both strains, and peripheral monocytes and T cells in cecal tonsils in brown hens. Reduced calcium levels resulted in lower numbers of T cells in blood and cecal tonsils in both strains, suggesting negative effects on adaptive immunity. Differences between the two strains were found in almost all immune parameters. Results suggest a potentially beneficial effect of reduced dietary mineral phosphorus on the immune system that is dependent on the genetic background.

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Štěpánová ◽  
Karolina Hlavová ◽  
Kamil Šťastný ◽  
Eduard Gopfert ◽  
Lenka Levá ◽  
...  

Deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated feed represents a serious problem for pigs due to their high sensitivity to its toxicological effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of intrauterine DON exposure on the immune system of piglets. Pure DON was intravenously administered to sows at the end of gestation (during the last 2–3 days of gestation, one dose of 300 µg per day). The plasma concentration of DON was analyzed using liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution Orbitrap-based mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS (HR)) and selected immune parameters were monitored six times in piglets from birth to 18 weeks. DON was found in the plasma of 90% of newborn piglets at a mean concentration of 6.28 ng/mL and subsequently, at one, three, and seven weeks after birth with decreasing concentrations. Trace amounts were still present in the plasma 14 weeks after birth. Flow cytometry revealed a significant impact of DON on T lymphocyte subpopulations during the early postnatal period. Lower percentages of regulatory T cells, T helper lymphocytes, and their double positive CD4+CD8+ subset were followed by increased percentages of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and γδ T cells. The capacity to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly lower after intrauterine DON exposure. In conclusion, this study revealed a long-term persistence of DON in the plasma of the piglets as a consequence of short-term intrauterine exposure, leading to altered immune parameters.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Sonia George ◽  
Trevor Tyson ◽  
Nolwen L. Rey ◽  
Rachael Sheridan ◽  
Wouter Peelaerts ◽  
...  

Background: α-Synuclein (α-syn) is the predominant protein in Lewy-body inclusions, which are pathological hallmarks of α- synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Other hallmarks include activation of microglia, elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation of T and B cells. These immune changes point towards a dysregulation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. T cells have been shown to recognize epitopes derived from α-syn and altered populations of T cells have been found in PD and MSA patients, providing evidence that these cells can be key to the pathogenesis of the disease. Objective To study the role of the adaptive immune system with respect to α-syn pathology. Methods: We injected human α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of immunocompromised mice (NSG) and assessed accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology, proteinase K-resistant α-syn pathology and microgliosis in the striatum, substantia nigra and frontal cortex. We also assessed the impact of adoptive transfer of naïve T and B cells into PFF-injected immunocompromised mice. Results: Compared to wildtype mice, NSG mice had an 8-fold increase in phosphorylated α-syn pathology in the substantia nigra. Reconstituting the T cell population decreased the accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn pathology and resulted in persistent microgliosis in the striatum when compared to non-transplanted mice. Conclusion: Our work provides evidence that T cells play a role in the pathogenesis of experimental α-synucleinopathy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 1623-1635 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.H. Marin ◽  
M.G. Liste ◽  
I. Campderrich ◽  
I. Estevez

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remigiusz Gałęcki ◽  
Michał Dąbrowski ◽  
Tadeusz Bakuła ◽  
Kazimierz Obremski ◽  
Adriana Nowak ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the biopreparation Deodoric® on ammonia (NH3) concentration, performance, and hygiene standards in laying hen (ROSS-308) production. Statistically significant differences in NH3 concentration and the body weight of laying hens were observed between the control group (C) and the experimental group (E) where Deodoric® was applied at the set dose. In the control group, an increase in NH3 concentration could have contributed to the decrease in the body weight of laying hens, egg production, and % hen day egg production, whereas no such correlations were observed in the experimental group. A moderate linear correlation between NH3 concentration vs. humidity (r = 0.68), air flow (r = 0.48) and weakly linear correlation between NH3 concentration and age of birds (r = 0.27) was noted in group C. In group E, NH3 concentration vs. temperature (r = 0.27) and humidity (r = 0.14) were weakly correlated. Statistical analysis of changes in the microbial counts isolated from manure revealed a significant decrease of mesophilic microorganisms on day 28 decrease of Campylobacter spp. days 14 and 84 in group E. However, for the entire experimental model no statistically significant changes in the number of Campylobacter spp. and mesophilic bacteria were found. The tested preparation did not cause changes in the microbial composition of tissue swabs. Deodoric® contributes to animal welfare by reducing the ammonia concentrations in poultry houses. It is also recommended for use in poultry farms to improve animal health and performance and to generate benefits for producers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 37677
Author(s):  
Daniel Araujo Netto ◽  
Héder José D'Ávila Lima ◽  
Julia Rodrigues Alves ◽  
Bianca Corrêa de Morais ◽  
Mauricio Silva Rosa ◽  
...  

 The environment is very important for the performance of laying hens; thus, techniques are required to improve production systems, providing better welfare for poultry and consequent increase in the quality of the final product, the egg. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rearing system, on the floor and in cage, on the performance and egg internal and external quality of laying hens. A total of 320 Hysex Brown laying hens, with 34-43 weeks days of age, was distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments, floor and cage, with 10 replicates each. The parameters evaluated were: individual feed intake, egg production per replicate, feed conversion per dozen eggs, egg weight; weight and percentage participation of shell, albumen and yolk, specific gravity, body weight variation and viability of birds. The results show that the birds raised on the floor showed best results as to egg production, besides the best internal and external quality, with greater weight of egg, yolk, albumen, shell and with lower losses of eggs. Because of the negative effects of the cage system, in general, hens presented lower results when compared to results of those raised on the floor. 


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. González Maglio ◽  
M. L. Paz ◽  
J. Leoni

Sunlight, composed of different types of radiation, including ultraviolet wavelengths, is an essential source of light and warmth for life on earth but has strong negative effects on human health, such as promoting the malignant transformation of skin cells and suppressing the ability of the human immune system to efficiently detect and attack malignant cells. UV-induced immunosuppression has been extensively studied since it was first described by Dr. Kripke and Dr. Fisher in the late 1970s. However, skin exposure to sunlight has not only this and other unfavorable effects, for example, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, but also a positive one: the induction of Vitamin D synthesis, which performs several roles within the immune system in addition to favoring bone homeostasis. The impact of low levels of UV exposure on the immune system has not been fully reported yet, but it bears interesting differences with the suppressive effect of high levels of UV radiation, as shown by some recent studies. The aim of this article is to put some ideas in perspective and pose some questions within the field of photoimmunology based on established and new information, which may lead to new experimental approaches and, eventually, to a better understanding of the effects of sunlight on the human immune system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilen Benner ◽  
Alejandro Lopez-Rincon ◽  
Suzan Thijssen ◽  
Johan Garssen ◽  
Gerben Ferwerda ◽  
...  

BackgroundPregnancy is a portentous stage in life, during which countless events are precisely orchestrated to ensure a healthy offspring. Maternal microbial communities are thought to have a profound impact on development. Although antibiotic drugs may interfere in these processes, they constitute the most frequently prescribed medication during pregnancy to prohibit detrimental consequences of infections. Gestational antibiotic intervention is linked to preeclampsia and negative effects on neonatal immunity. Even though perturbations in the immune system of the mother can affect reproductive health, the impact of microbial manipulation on maternal immunity is still unknown.AimTo assess whether antibiotic treatment influences maternal immunity during pregnancy.MethodsPregnant mice were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The maternal gut microbiome was assessed. Numerous immune parameters throughout the maternal body, including placenta and amniotic fluid were investigated and a novel machine-learning ensemble strategy was used to identify immunological parameters that allow distinction between the control and antibiotic-treated group.ResultsAntibiotic treatment reduced diversity of maternal microbiota, but litter sizes remained unaffected. Effects of antibiotic treatment on immunity reached as far as the placenta. Four immunological features were identified by recursive feature selection to contribute to the most robust classification (splenic T helper 17 cells and CD5+ B cells, CD4+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and RORγT mRNA expression in placenta).ConclusionIn the present study, antibiotic treatment was able to affect the carefully coordinated immunity during pregnancy. These findings highlight the importance of inclusion of immunological parameters when studying the effects of medication used during gestation.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2991
Author(s):  
Isabelle Ruhnke ◽  
Yeasmin Akter ◽  
Terence Zimazile Sibanda ◽  
Aaron J. Cowieson ◽  
Stuart Wilkinson ◽  
...  

Laying hens require substantial quantities of calcium (Ca) to maintain egg production. However, maintaining recommended dietary Ca through inclusion of limestone may impede nutrient digestibility, including that of other minerals. It was hypothesized that providing a separate source of dietary Ca in the form of limestone grit would preserve Ca intake of hens offered diets containing suboptimal Ca concentrations. Furthermore, the impact of dietary phytase at a “superdosing” inclusion rate on the voluntary consumption of limestone grit was evaluated. One hundred and forty-four laying hens (19 weeks of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising three dietary Ca concentrations (40, 30, and 20 g/kg) and ±dietary phytase (3500 FYT/kg diet) on an ad libitum basis for six weeks. Limestone grit (3.4 ± 1.0 mm) was provided to all hens ad libitum. Hens offered diets containing phytase consumed significantly less limestone grit p = 0.024). Egg weight, rate of lay, and egg mass were unaffected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). Egg shell weight % (p < 0.001), shell thickness (p < 0.001), and shell breaking strength (p < 0.01) decreased in line with dietary Ca levels. In summary, dietary superdosing with phytase reduced the consumption of a separate limestone source in individually housed, early lay ISA Brown hens. Egg shell quality variables but not egg production worsened in line with lower dietary Ca levels.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samara Mendez

Tracking the capability of the egg production industry to supply the food industry with enough cage-free eggs to meet retailers' and restaurants' animal welfare commitments is important to industry groups and farm animal advocacy organizations alike. In this project, we synthesize an analysis-ready data set that tracks cage-free hens and the supply of cage-free eggs relative to the overall numbers of hens and table eggs in the United States. The data set is based on reports produced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which are published weekly or monthly. The data will be updated periodically as new USDA reports are released. We supplement these data with definitions and a taxonomy of egg products drawn from USDA and industry publications. The data include flock size (both absolute and relative) and egg production of cage-free hens as well as all table-egg-laying hens in the US, collected to understand the impact of the industry's cage-free transition on hens. Data coverage ranges from December 2007 to present. Initial analysis of cage-free trends shows that, as of the most recent version of this report, 26% of all table-egg-laying hens lived in cage-free systems. This figure represents an increase of 23 percentage points over the entire sample period of December 2007 to April 2020.Revised: May 29, 2020


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 371
Author(s):  
Nicole C. Burdick Sanchez ◽  
Paul R. Broadway ◽  
Jeffery A. Carroll

Nutritional supplementation has been used by livestock producers for many years in order to increase animal performance, improve animal health, and reduce negative effects associated with enteric and/or respiratory pathogens. Supplements such as yeast and yeast-based products have broad applications across many livestock production systems, including poultry, aquaculture, cattle, and swine and have been shown to benefit animal production at various stages. These benefits include improvement in milk production, weight gain and feed conversion, as well as immune function. Initial research into the mode of action for these effects has focused on stimulation of the immune system by the β-glucan fractions of yeast. However, emerging studies have revealed that some of the beneficial effects of yeast products may stem from altering metabolism, including the availability of glucose and fatty acids. These changes in metabolism, and potentially energy availability, may partially explain differences in immune function observed in yeast-supplemented livestock, as the energy demands of an activated immune system are extremely high. Thus, this paper explores the influence of yeast products on metabolism in cattle and swine, and how changes in metabolism and energy availability may contribute to improvements in immune function in supplemented animals.


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