wageha awad | University of Veterinary Medicine Kosice (original) (raw)

Papers by wageha awad

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Fusarium Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol on the Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2011

The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding grains naturally cont... more The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on morphometric indices of jejunum and to follow the passage of deoxynivalenol (DON) through subsequent segments of the digestive tract of broilers. A total of 45 1-d-old broiler chickens (Ross 308 males) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (15 birds/treatment): (1) control diet;

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Feed Additive and the Effect of the Fusarium Toxin Deoxynivalenol on the Electrophysiological Measurement of Transepithelial Ion Transport of Young Chickens with Ussing Chamber Technique

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2009

The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to anima... more The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to animal industries. Ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated feed by chickens causes injury to the gastrointestinal tract. DON has negative effects on the active transport of some nutrients in the small intestine of chickens. We tested the hypothesis that prefeeding with probiotic (Eubacterium sp.) or inulin, as a

Research paper thumbnail of ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of the chicory inulin efficacy on ameliorating the intestinal morphology and modulating the intestinal electrophysiological properties in broiler chickens: Evaluation of the chicory inulin efficacy in broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2010

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to plants of the Compositae family accumulating energy in the... more Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to plants of the Compositae family accumulating energy in the form of inulin fructan. Chicory, a prebiotic, is a fermentable oligosaccharide and oligofructose that may affect the intestinal mucosal architecture and the electrophysiological parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding chicory fructans in feed on the intestinal morphology and electrogenic transport of glucose in broilers. Four hundred, 1 day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups (200 bird per group) for 5 weeks. The dietary treatments were (i) control, (ii) basal diets supplemented with the dried, grinded ground chicory pulp containing inulin (1 kg of chicory/ton of the starter and grower diets). In duodenum, dietary chicory increased the villus height and villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05), but the duodenal crypt depth remained unaffected (p > 0.05). However, in jejunum, the villus height, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio were decreased by dietary chicory compared with control birds (p < 0.05). In ileum, the villus height and villus crypt depth was decreased by dietary chicory supplementation compared with control (p < 0.05), but, the villus height to crypt depth ratio was increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary chicory relatively affected the electrophysiological parameters of the intestine but did not reach significance. The amount of ΔIsc after d-glucose addition to the jejunal mucosa was numerically higher for chicory fed birds (19 μA/cm2) than control birds (10 μA/cm2). The percentage of increase in the Isc after d-glucose addition (ΔIsc %) was higher for chicory group upto (90%) of the control group. In colon, the actual Isc value and Isc after d-glucose addition was numerically higher for chicory fed birds than control birds (p > 0.05). Moreover, the conductance of jejunal and colonic tissues after d-glucose addition remained unaffected by the dietary chicory. In conclusion, addition of chicory to broilers diet increased the duodenal villus height, villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio and decreased the villus height and crypt depth in both jejenum and ileum. Furthermore, dietary chicory relatively modified the small intestinal electrogenic transport of glucose in broilers.

Research paper thumbnail of ENVIRONMENT, WELL-BEING, AND BEHAVIOR Effect of Addition of a Probiotic Microorganism to Broiler Diets Contaminated with Deoxynivalenol on Performance and Histological Alterations of Intestinal Villi of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) on the performance of br... more An experiment was conducted to study the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) on the performance of broilers, organ weights, and intestinal histology and to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic feed additive (PB, Eubacterium sp.) with the ability to deepoxidize DON. Two hundred seventy-seven 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments for 6 wk. The dietary treatments were 1) control; 2) artificially contaminated diets with 10 mg of DON/kg of diet; 3) DON-contaminated diets plus probiotic feed additive (DON-PB). The BW and the efficiency of feed utilization were not adversely affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of DON in the diets. A slight improvement in feed intake and BW gain over the course of the experiment was observed in broilers fed DON-PB with no change in feed efficiency. The absolute or relative organ weights were not altered (P > 0.05) in broilers fed the diet containing DON compared with controls and the DON-PB group. The absolute liver weights were numerically increased (P < 0.1) for broilers receiving the diet containing DON-PB. There were no significant differences in the absolute

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of B-trichothecenes on luminal glucose transport across the isolated jejunal epithelium of broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2008

Trichothecenes are closely-related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and... more Trichothecenes are closely-related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and a variable number of hydroxyl, acetyl or other substituents. In chickens, d-glucose and amino acid absorption occurs via carrier-mediated transport. Recently, it has been observed that deoxynivalenol (DON) alters the gut function and impairs glucose and amino acid transport in chickens. The purpose of this work was to determine the effects of different B-trichothecenes [DON, Nivalenol (NIV), 15-Ac-DON and Fusarenon X (FUS X)] on intestinal carrier-mediated sodium co-transport of d-glucose in the small intestine of broiler chickens. Intestinal transport was determined by changes in the short-circuit current (Isc), proportional to ion transmembrane flux, in the middle segment of the jejunum of broilers with the Ussing chamber technique. d-glucose produced an increase of the Isc, and this effect was reverted by different B-trichothecene mycotoxins, indicating that the glucose induced Isc was altered by B-trichothecenes. The addition of glucose after pre-incubation of the tissues with B-trichothecenes had no effect (p > 0.05) on the Isc, suggesting that B-trichothecenes afflicted the Na+-d-glucose co-transport. However, FUX had no obvious effect on the measured parameters. It could be concluded from the present study that the glucose co-transporter activity appears to be more sensitive to DON, NIV and 15-Ac-DON suppression than by FUS X in the jejunum of broilers.Trichothecene sind aufgrund der Ringstruktur den Sesquiterpenen nahe verwandte Verbindungen mit einem 12,13-Epoxidring und einer variablen Anzahl von Hydroxyl-, Acetylgruppen und anderen Substituenten. Beim Kücken ist für die Resorption von d-glucose und Aminosäuren ein carrier-vermittelter Transportmechanismus verantwortlich. Die möglichen Einflüsse von B-Trichothecenen auf den Na-Cotransport wurden bislang nicht eingehend untersucht. Der Zweck dieser Studie war, die Wirkungen von verschiedenen B-Trichothecenen (DON; NIV, 15-Ac-DON und FUS X) auf die intestinale Absorption der Glucose und die Existenz des Carrier-vermittelten Na Cotransport der d-glucose im Dünndarm der Kücken zu bestimmen. Der intestinale Transport wurde durch Änderungen im Kurzschlußstrom (Isc) bestimmt, die den transmembranalen Ionenfluß proportional waren, wobei ein mittleres Segment aus dem Jejunum eines Broilers in eine Ussing-Kammer eingebracht wurde. d-glucose erzeugte eine Zunahme des Isc und dieser Effekt wurde durch verschiedene B-Trichothecene abgeschwächt, was darauf hinweist, dass der durch Glucose induzierte Isc durch die B-Trichothecene negativ beeinflußt wurde. Die Glucosezugabe nach einer Vorinkubation des Gewebe mit B-Trichothecenen hatte keine Auswirkungen (p > 0.05) auf den Isc, was darauf hinweist, dass die B-Trichothecene den Na d-glucose-Cotransport beeinflusst. Fusarenon X hat keine offensichtliche Wirkung auf die gemessenen Parametern gezeigt. Aufgund dieser Studie kann geschlussfolgert werden, dass die Glucose-Cotransport Aktivität im Dünndarm von Kücken stärker durch DON; NIV; und 15-AcDON unterdrückt wird, als durch FUS X.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of deoxynivalenol on the D-glucose transport across the isolated epithelium of different intestinal segments of laying hens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2007

Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium d-glucose co-transporter. DON could modulate the sugar transport of other intestinal regions of chickens. For this purpose, we have measured the effects of DON on the Na+d-glucose co-transporter, by addition of DON after and before a glucose addition in the isolated epithelium from chicken duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon by using the Ussing chamber technique in the voltage clamp technique. The data showed in all segments of the gut that the addition of d-glucose on the mucosal side produced an increase in the current (Isc) compared with the basal values, the Isc after glucose addition to the small intestine was greater than the Isc of the large intestine compared with the basal values, specially of the jejunum (p < 0.002), indicating that the jejunum is the segment that is the best prepared for Na+-d-glucose co-transport. Further addition of 10 μg DON/ml to the mucosal solution decreased the Isc in all segments and the Isc returned to the basal value, especially in the duodenum and mid jejunum (p < 0.05). In contrast, the addition of 5 mmol d-glucose/l on the mucosal side after incubation of the tissues with DON in all segments had no effect on the Isc (p > 0.05), suggesting that DON previously inhibited the Na+d-glucose co-transport. The blocking effects of DON in duodenum and jejunum were greater than the other regions of the gut. It can be concluded that the small intestine of laying hens has the most relevant role in the carrier mediated glucose transport and the large intestine, having non-significant capacity to transport sugars, appears to offer a minor contribution to glucose transport because the surface area is small. The effect of d-glucose on the Isc was reversed by DON in all segments, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, suggesting that DON entirely inhibited Na+-d-glucose co-transport. This finding indicates that the inhibition of Na+ co-transport system in all segments could be an important mode of action for DON toxicity of hens.Zusammenfassung Deoxynivalenol (DON) erniedrigt in vitro die Glukoseabsorption im proximalen Jejunum von Legehennen. Dieser Effekt ist vermutlich durch eine Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems bedingt. DON könnte außerdem den Glukosetransport in anderen Segmenten des Darms beeinflußen. Zu diesem Zweck haben wir Wirkungen von DON auf das Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystem gemessen, indem wir DON nach und vor einer Glukosezugabe auf isolierte Darmepithelien des Duodenums, Jejunums, Ileums, Caecums und des Kolons mittels der Ussing-Kammer-Technik in der Volt-Klemmtechnik einwirken ließen. Die erzielten Daten wiesen in allen Segmenten des Darms verglichen mit den Basalwerten einen Anstieg im Strom (Isc) auf, wobei die Isc des Dünndarms bei Glukosegabe signifikant größer als die des Dickdarms waren, was darauf hinweist, dass das Jejunum am besten für den Glukosetransport geeignet war. Eine DON-Zugabe von 10 μg/ml zur mukosalen Lösung schwächte den Isc in allen Segmenten, wobei die Isc speziell im Duodenum und mittleren Jejunum zum Ausgangswert zurück kehrten. Im Gegensatz dazu brachte die mukosale Glukosezugabe nach der DON-Inkubation keinen signifikanten Anstieg der Isc (p > 0,05), was auf eine durch DON hervorgerufene Blockade des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems schließen ließ. Es kann daraus geschlossen werden, dass der Dünndarm von Legehennen den bedeutendsten Einfluß im Glukosetransportmechanismus nimmt und der Dickdarm aufgrund einer kleineren Oberfläche einen geringeren Beitrag zum Glukosetransport leistet. Dem Isc steigernden Effekt der Glukose konnte signifikant durch DON in den Darmsegmenten besonders im Duodenum und im Jejunum entgegen gewirkt werden, was auf eine umfassende Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems hinweist. Die Resultate weisen darauf hin, dass eine Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems in allen Darmsegmenten eine wichtige Rolle in der DON-Toxizität für die Henne darstellen könnte.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro aflatoxin B1 exposure decreases response to carbamylcholine in the jejunal epithelium of broilers

Poultry Science, 2010

The study was conducted to evaluate if aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) has the capacity to affect the ele... more The study was conducted to evaluate if aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) has the capacity to affect the electrophysiological variables and active glucose uptake in jejunal epithelium of chicken. For this purpose, intestinal segments from the middle jejunum of broilers (35 to 39 d old) were incubated in Ussing chambers in the presence of 0 (vehicle control), 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL of buffer. After 40 and 60 min of incubation with AFB(1), d-glucose (20 mmol/L) and carbamylcholine (200 micromol/L; an analog of acetylcholine and inducer of apical Cl(-) secretion) were respectively added to the incubation medium. Addition of 3.75 microg of AFB(1) caused an increase (P &lt; 0.04) in short-circuit current (I(sc)) and transmural potential difference (V(t)) between 12 to 27 min postexposure as compared with the control. Glucose-induced DeltaI(sc) and percentage of DeltaV(t) were reduced (P &lt; 0.04) at 2.5 and 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL, respectively, as compared with the control. The carbamylcholine-induced DeltaI(sc) and DeltaV(t) were both lower (P &lt; 0.05) at 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL as compared with the control (-0.05 microA/cm(2), 0.1 mV vs. 1.1 microA/cm(2), and 0.6 mV, respectively). These observations indicate that acute exposure to AFB(1) may increase apical anion secretion in the jejunal epithelium of chicken. The negative effect of this increased anion secretion on active glucose uptake was, however, not prominent and may be considered as moderate or progressive in nature.

Research paper thumbnail of A diet naturally contaminated with the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) downregulates gene expression of glucose transporters in the intestine of broiler chickens

Livestock Science, 2011

... Wageha A. Awad a , b , low asterisk , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Wilfried Vahjen a , J... more ... Wageha A. Awad a , b , low asterisk , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Wilfried Vahjen a , Jörg R. Aschenbach b and Jürgen Zentek a. a Institute of Animal Nutrition, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universiät Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The feed contaminant deoxynivalenol affects the intestinal barrier permeability through inhibition of protein synthesis

Archives of Toxicology, 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON) has critical health effects if the contaminated grains consumed by humans or... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) has critical health effects if the contaminated grains consumed by humans or animals. DON can have negative effects on the active transport of glucose and amino acids in the small intestine of chickens. As the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the present study was performed to delineate more precisely the effects of cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor, CHX) and DON on the intestinal absorption of nutrients. This was to confirm whether DON effects on nutrient absorption are due to an inhibition of protein synthesis. Changes in ion transport and barrier function were assessed by short-circuit current (Isc) and transepithelial ion conductance (Gt) in Ussing chambers. Addition of D-glucose or L-glutamine to the luminal side of the isolated mucosa of the jejunum increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the Isc compared with basal conditions in the control tissues. However, the Isc was not increased by the glucose or glutamine addition after pre-incubation of tissues with DON or CHX. Furthermore, both DON and CHX reduced Gt, indicating that the intestinal barrier is compromised and consequently induced a greater impairment of the barrier function. The remarkable similarity between the activity of CHX and DON on nutrient uptake is consistent with their common ability to inhibit protein synthesis. It can be concluded that the decreases in transport activity by CHX was evident in this study using the chicken as experimental model. Similarly, DON has negative effects on the active transport of some nutrients, and these can be explained by its influence on protein synthesis.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of feeding deoxynivalenol contaminated wheat on growth performance, organ weights and histological parameters of the intestine of broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2006

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxy... more A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) during a 21-day feeding experiment on the performance of broilers. Fifteen 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed non-contaminated diet. Another group of broilers was fed a diet naturally contaminated with 5 mg DON/kg diet. Deoxynivalenol had no effect (p > 0.05) on feed consumption, feed conversion, body-weight gain, live body weight or mortality. The absolute and relative weight of the organs (gizzard, pancreas, heart, spleen, colon and caecum) were not altered by the dietary inclusion of DON contaminated grain. However, both the absolute and relative weight of small intestine was decreased (p < 0.01) in DON fed broilers compared to the controls. No gross lesions were detected in any of the organs of birds fed contaminated wheat during the feeding trial. The microscopic examination revealed that, the height and the width of villi in duodenum decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed DON contaminated wheat compared to controls. On the other hand the height and the width of jejunum villi were not affected (p > 0.05). This study indicates that feeding DON for 21 days to broiler chickens at a concentration of up to 5 mg/kg of diet influenced the weight of the small intestine as well as intestinal histology, especially the duodenum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. In conclusion, diets with DON contamination below levels that induce negative impact on health and performance cauld affect small intestinal morphology in broilers.Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Effekte einer Aufnahme von Deoxynivalenol (DON) über 21 Tage auf Leistungs- und Gesundheitsparameter von Broilern zu evaluieren. Zu diesem Zweck wurden fünfzehn Masthühner randomisiert auf zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt, wovon die erste Gruppe DON-kontaminierten Weizen erhielt. Die Toxin - Konzentrationen in der Ration betrug 5 mg/kg. Die zweite Gruppe diente als Kontrolle und bekam unkontaminierten Weizen verabreicht. Die Aufnahme von DON hatte keinen Effekt (p > 0.05) auf Futteraufnahme und – Verwertung, auf Gewichtszunahmen, Lebendmasse oder die Mortalitätsrate. Das absolute und relative Gewicht der Organe (Muskelmagen, Pankreas, Herz, Milz, Colon und Zäkum) wurde durch die Verabreichung von DON-kontaminiertem Futter nicht verändert. Jedoch nahm das absolute und relative Gewicht des Dünndarms in der DON-Gruppe gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe ab (p < 0.05). Pathologische Veränderungen der Organe wurden bei keinem Tier gefunden. Bei histologischen Untersuchungen zeigte sich, dass die Höhe und die Breite der Villi im Duodenum bei den DON-gefütterten Tieren im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe abnahm (p < 0.05). Für die Villi im Jejunum konnte dieser Effekt nicht nachgewiesen werden (p > 0.05). In dieser Studie konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Fütterung von DON-kontaminiertem Weizen (5 mg DON/kg Ration) an Broiler über 21 Tage einen Effekt auf das Gewicht des Dünndarms sowie auf die Morphologie des Duodenums hatte.

Research paper thumbnail of In Vitro Effects of Deoxynivalenol on Electrical Properties of Intestinal Mucosa of Laying Hens

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is common in European cereal grains, and of all the trichothecenes, poses th... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) is common in European cereal grains, and of all the trichothecenes, poses the greatest problems to animal health. The present study investigated the effects of DON on electrophysiological parameters in laying hens' jejunum mounted in Ussing chambers. In vitro studies were performed to measure the effects of different luminal concentrations of DON (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL) on the transmural potential difference, electrical tissue resistance, and electrogenic ion flux rates (short-circuit current, Isc) across the isolated gut mucosa. Deoxynivalenol did not alter (P > 0.05) the transmural potential difference. Resistance was higher (P < 0.05) in the tissues exposed to DON compared with basal values. Deoxynivalenol caused a dose-dependent decrease in Isc (P < 0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Luminal Deoxynivalenol and L-Proline on Electrophysiological Parameters in the Jejunums of Laying Hens

Most amino acids are cotransported with sodium. Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption... more Most amino acids are cotransported with sodium. Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the chicken small intestine in vivo and in vitro, and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium D-glucose cotransporter. DON could selectively modulate the activities of other intestinal transporters. In order to assess this hypothesis, a study was conducted to characterize the in vitro effects of DON in the presence of mucosal amino acids, using L-proline as a model, on the electrophysiological parameters in the jejunums of laying hens. L-Proline (mucosal concentration of 1 mmol/L) was added to a stripped proximal part of jejunum sheets mounted in Ussing chambers in Ringer buffer, and the electrical properties were measured. The transmural potential difference (PD) was nearly constant (Key words: laying hen, deoxynivalenol, Ussing chamber, amino acid cotransport, electrical property) 2005 Poultry Science 84:928-932 Abbreviation Key: DON = deoxynivalenol; Isc = short-circuit current; PD = transmural potential difference; Rt = electrical resistance of the tissue. by guest on March 5, 2015 http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ Downloaded from

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Fusarium Toxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) on Poultry

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene, is prevalent worldwide in crops used for food and feed pro... more Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene, is prevalent worldwide in crops used for food and feed production. The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to animal industries. Although DON is one of the least acutely toxic trichothecenes, it should be treated as an important food safety issue because it is a common contaminant of grains. Special care must be taken in so-called "Fusarium years". As poultry is regarded to be less sensitive to DON compared to other species it is suspected to divert the infected cereal batches to poultry feeding. This review focuses on the ability of DON to induce toxicologic and immunotoxic effects in chickens. Chickens and laying hens respond to increasing dietary DON concentrations with a reduction in productivity only at high levels above 5mg/kg but there is no clear evidence of a dose-response relationship. The main effect at low dietary concentrations appears to be a reduction in food consumption (anorexia), while higher doses induce severe reduction in weight and impaired resistance to infection, particularly bacterial infection. One important aspect of DON toxicity is injury to the gastrointestinal tract. DON has an influence intestinal morphology of chickens, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. Additionally, DON decreased the intestinal nutrients absorption (glucose and amino acid) in the chicken small intestine in vivo and In vitro. The capacity of DON to alter normal immune function has been of particular interest. There is extensive evidence that DON impairs the immune function in broiler and Leghorn chicks. DON induced changes in the haematopoietic system of chicks and altered the mitogen-induced proliferation of lymphocytes. The feeding of DON contaminated grains decreases serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in laying hens and broilers. Other effects include superinduction of cytokine production by T helper cells (In vitro) and activation of T cells to produce a proinflammatory cytokine. To what extent the elevation of cytokines contributes to metabolic effects such as decreased feed intake remains to be established. Further toxicological studies on the impact of DON in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract of poultry are warranted.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotic and synbiotic on growth performance, organ weights, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens

Poultry Science, 2009

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementations of synbiotic... more A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementations of synbiotic and probiotic on broiler performance, carcass yield, organs weights, and histomorphological measurements of small intestine. Six hundred 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments for 5 wk. The dietary treatments were 1) control, 2) basal diets supplemented with synbiotic (1 kg of Biomin IMBO/ ton of the starter diets and 0.5 kg/ton of the grower diets), 3) basal diets supplemented with probiotic (1 kg of a homofermentative and a heterofermentative Lactobacillus sp./ton of feed). The BW, average daily weight gain, carcass yield percentage, and feed conversion rate were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the dietary inclusion of the synbiotic compared with the control and probiotic-fed broilers. Moreover, a slight improvement in performance traits was observed in broilers fed the probiotic compared with control birds. The absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus tended to be greater (P < 0.1) for the probiotic-supplemented group compared with the synbiotic-supplemented group. The relative liver weight was greater (P < 0.05) for probiotic-fed birds compared with synbiotic-fed birds.

Research paper thumbnail of Stability of fear and sociality in two strains of laying hens

British Poultry Science, 2008

1. This trial studied the effects of strain and age on tonic immobility (TI) duration, emergence ... more 1. This trial studied the effects of strain and age on tonic immobility (TI) duration, emergence time (ET) and social reinstatement time (SRT) in laying hens and investigated the consistency of individual behavioural characteristics over rearing and laying periods and the correlations between these behavioural traits. 2. One hundred chicks from each of ISA Brown (ISA) and Lohmann Tradition (LT) laying hens were reared from one day old in pens. At 3 weeks, birds of each line were divided into 4 groups. Twenty birds in one group of each line were marked individually for repeated testing and the other groups were assigned for single testing to test the habituation effect and possible age effects at a group level. 3. ISA birds had higher overall means for TI duration and latency to leave the start box. ISA also showed longer latency in SRT at week 28 than Lohmanns. TI duration increased from weeks 3 to 10 and then decreased to week 35 in both lines. The latency to explore the test area and to reinstate decreased from weeks 10 to 35. 4. Tonic immobility, exploratory and social reinstatement behaviours were consistent over time in both lines, as revealed by Kendall&#39;s W coefficient of concordance. 5. In social test situations, an inter-situational consistency was found, that is, birds emerged quickly from the start box and reinstated quickly with their companion. TI (non-social test) was negatively correlated with ET and SRT. Thus the two lines of laying hens respond differently in social and non-social tests.

Research paper thumbnail of Decontamination and detoxification strategies for the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in animal feed and the effectiveness of microbial biodegradation

Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 2010

Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins mainly produced by fungi of the Fusarium genus. Deoxyniv... more Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins mainly produced by fungi of the Fusarium genus. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most abundant and important trichothecenes in food and feed, and is a significant contaminants due to its frequent occurrence in toxicologically relevant concentrations worldwide. Since toxin production depends strongly on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, Fusarium toxin contamination can not be avoided completely. Therefore, exposure to this toxin is a permanent health risk for both humans and farm animals. As cereal crops are commonly contaminated with DON and animal diets consist mainly of cereals, it can be assumed that animals are frequently exposed to DON-contaminated feeds. Many strategies can be undertaken to reduce the toxic effect of DON. In addition to the general necessity for minimizing all risk factors that might influence the contamination of cereals with DON, such as the so-called field toxins before harvest, several post-harvest strategies can be applied to counteract possible deleterious effects of this mycotoxin in farm animals. Another approach for decontamination in feedstuffs is the use of adsorbent materials. Adsorbent materials may bind mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce absorption and systemic toxicity. It has been shown that some adsorbents are suitable to alleviate the toxic effects of specific mycotoxins, but its efficacy against trichothecenes is practically zero. Therefore, alternative strategies to reduce animal and human health risk are needed. The use of microbial additives is a method which uses microorganisms having the capability to detoxify mycotoxins by metabolism or degradation prior to their resorption in the gastrointestinal tract. DON has been reported to be completely transformed to de-epoxy-DON by ruminal and intestinal microflora. Eubacterium BBSH 797 was capable of DON degradation and counteracted the toxic effects of DON in animals. This review focuses on the efficacy of microbial feed additives in ameliorating the toxic effects of DON. According to the results of experiments to date, it appears that microorganisms are the main living organisms suitable for this mycotoxin biodegradation. However, the use of this approach depends on its effectiveness from both a practical and economic perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Individual Differences in Fear and Social Reinstatement Behaviours in Laying Hens

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Individual differences in behavioural responses are of growing interest in behavioural studies. T... more Individual differences in behavioural responses are of growing interest in behavioural studies. The present study investigated the consistency of the individual differences over time and across social (social reinstatement responses) and non social test situations (tonic immobility response). Three breeds of commercial hybrid layers (ISA Brown, Lohmann Tradition and Lohmann Silver) were reared from hatch to 37 weeks of age. Individual birds were subjected to tonic immobility test at 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 16, 20, 24, 35 and 37 wk old and to runway test of sociality at 3, 5, 10, 16, 20 and 37 wk old. Fearfulness did not show breed differences either in the overall means or in a certain tested age. However, ISA Brown had a higher latency to emerge to a runway than LT (16 and 20 wk) and LS (at 37 wk). In addition, ISA Brown hens had a higher latency to reinstate with their companion than LS (10 and 37 wk). The individual ranks for behavioural traits of fear and sociality were consistent over time. These results indicate fear and sociality responses are behavioural strategies used by individuals in certain test situation when repeated. Moreover, the duration of TI response was positively correlated to both sociality traits (latency to emerge and reinstate with a companion) indicating that birds had overall behavioural traits that were consistent across different contexts. This suggests that hens can be categorized into behavioural types or styles based on their test responses. The highly fearful birds (longer TI duration) had a higher latency to emerge and reinstate with their companions (reactive style) and the less fearful birds (shorter TI duration) had a lower latency to emerge and socially reinstate with their companions (proactive style). In conclusion, these individual differences are consistent over time and the behaviour of hens in one test can predict their behaviour in other test situation. Thus it could be used to assess individual hens and potentially be used in a breeding program to select a hen with more desirable personality traits.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Transportation on Stress and Fear Responses of Growing Broilers Supplemented with Prebiotic or Probiotic

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Physiological stress response and fear levels were evaluated in broiler chickens fed control diet... more Physiological stress response and fear levels were evaluated in broiler chickens fed control diets, chicory (1 kg/ton) and Lactobacillus sp.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous bacteria and bacterial metabolic products in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens

Archives of Animal Nutrition, 2007

The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic ecosystem containing a complex microbial community. In th... more The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic ecosystem containing a complex microbial community. In this paper, the indigenous intestinal bacteria and the microbial fermentation profile particularly short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactate, and ammonia concentrations are reviewed. The intestinal bacterial composition changes with age. The bacterial density of the small intestine increases with age and comprises of lactobacilli, streptococci, enterobacteria, fusobacteria and eubacteria. Strict anaerobes (anaerobic gram-positive cocci, Eubacterium spp., Clostridium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Bacteroides) are predominating caecal bacteria in young broilers. Data from culture-based studies showed that bifidobacteria could not be isolated from young birds, but were recovered from four-week-old broilers. Caecal lactobacilli accounted for 1.5-24% of the caecal bacteria. Gene sequencing of caecal DNA extracts showed that the majority of bacteria belonged to Clostridiaceae. Intestinal bacterial community is influenced by the dietary ingredients, nutrient levels and physical structure of feed. SCFA and other metabolic products are affected by diet formulation and age. Additional studies are required to know the bacterial metabolic activities together with the community analysis of the intestinal bacteria. Feed composition and processing have great potential to influence the activities of intestinal bacteria towards a desired direction in order to support animal health, well-being and microbial safety of broiler meat.

Research paper thumbnail of Impacts of the feed contaminant deoxynivalenol on the intestine of monogastric animals: poultry and swine

Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent cereal contaminants with major public health co... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent cereal contaminants with major public health concerns owing to its high toxigenic potentials. Once ingested, DON first and foremost targets epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, whose proper functioning, as the first line of defence, is of paramount importance for the host&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s health. Emerging evidences, summarized in this article, suggest that DON produces its toxicity primarily via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathway and alteration in the expression of genes responsible for key physiological and immunological functions of the intestinal tissue of chickens and pigs. The activation of MAPKs signalling cascade results in disruption of the gut barrier function and an increase in the permeability by reducing expression of the tight junction proteins. Exposure to DON also down-regulates the expression of multiple transporter systems in the enterocytes with subsequent impairment of the absorption of key nutrients. Other major intestinal cytotoxic effects of DON described herein are modulation of mucosal immune responses, leading to immunosupression or stimulation of local immune cells and cytokine release, and also facilitation of the persistence of intestinal pathogens in the gut. Both of the last events potentiate enteric infections and local inflammation in pigs and poultry, rendering enterocytes and the host more vulnerable to luminal toxic compounds. This review highlights the cytotoxic risks associated with the intake of even low levels of DON and also identifies gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Sons, Ltd.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Fusarium Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol on the Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2011

The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding grains naturally cont... more The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on morphometric indices of jejunum and to follow the passage of deoxynivalenol (DON) through subsequent segments of the digestive tract of broilers. A total of 45 1-d-old broiler chickens (Ross 308 males) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (15 birds/treatment): (1) control diet;

Research paper thumbnail of Animal Feed Additive and the Effect of the Fusarium Toxin Deoxynivalenol on the Electrophysiological Measurement of Transepithelial Ion Transport of Young Chickens with Ussing Chamber Technique

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2009

The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to anima... more The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to animal industries. Ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated feed by chickens causes injury to the gastrointestinal tract. DON has negative effects on the active transport of some nutrients in the small intestine of chickens. We tested the hypothesis that prefeeding with probiotic (Eubacterium sp.) or inulin, as a

Research paper thumbnail of ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of the chicory inulin efficacy on ameliorating the intestinal morphology and modulating the intestinal electrophysiological properties in broiler chickens: Evaluation of the chicory inulin efficacy in broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2010

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to plants of the Compositae family accumulating energy in the... more Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to plants of the Compositae family accumulating energy in the form of inulin fructan. Chicory, a prebiotic, is a fermentable oligosaccharide and oligofructose that may affect the intestinal mucosal architecture and the electrophysiological parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of adding chicory fructans in feed on the intestinal morphology and electrogenic transport of glucose in broilers. Four hundred, 1 day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups (200 bird per group) for 5 weeks. The dietary treatments were (i) control, (ii) basal diets supplemented with the dried, grinded ground chicory pulp containing inulin (1 kg of chicory/ton of the starter and grower diets). In duodenum, dietary chicory increased the villus height and villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05), but the duodenal crypt depth remained unaffected (p > 0.05). However, in jejunum, the villus height, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio were decreased by dietary chicory compared with control birds (p < 0.05). In ileum, the villus height and villus crypt depth was decreased by dietary chicory supplementation compared with control (p < 0.05), but, the villus height to crypt depth ratio was increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary chicory relatively affected the electrophysiological parameters of the intestine but did not reach significance. The amount of ΔIsc after d-glucose addition to the jejunal mucosa was numerically higher for chicory fed birds (19 μA/cm2) than control birds (10 μA/cm2). The percentage of increase in the Isc after d-glucose addition (ΔIsc %) was higher for chicory group upto (90%) of the control group. In colon, the actual Isc value and Isc after d-glucose addition was numerically higher for chicory fed birds than control birds (p > 0.05). Moreover, the conductance of jejunal and colonic tissues after d-glucose addition remained unaffected by the dietary chicory. In conclusion, addition of chicory to broilers diet increased the duodenal villus height, villus width and villus height to crypt depth ratio and decreased the villus height and crypt depth in both jejenum and ileum. Furthermore, dietary chicory relatively modified the small intestinal electrogenic transport of glucose in broilers.

Research paper thumbnail of ENVIRONMENT, WELL-BEING, AND BEHAVIOR Effect of Addition of a Probiotic Microorganism to Broiler Diets Contaminated with Deoxynivalenol on Performance and Histological Alterations of Intestinal Villi of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) on the performance of br... more An experiment was conducted to study the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) on the performance of broilers, organ weights, and intestinal histology and to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic feed additive (PB, Eubacterium sp.) with the ability to deepoxidize DON. Two hundred seventy-seven 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatments for 6 wk. The dietary treatments were 1) control; 2) artificially contaminated diets with 10 mg of DON/kg of diet; 3) DON-contaminated diets plus probiotic feed additive (DON-PB). The BW and the efficiency of feed utilization were not adversely affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of DON in the diets. A slight improvement in feed intake and BW gain over the course of the experiment was observed in broilers fed DON-PB with no change in feed efficiency. The absolute or relative organ weights were not altered (P > 0.05) in broilers fed the diet containing DON compared with controls and the DON-PB group. The absolute liver weights were numerically increased (P < 0.1) for broilers receiving the diet containing DON-PB. There were no significant differences in the absolute

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of B-trichothecenes on luminal glucose transport across the isolated jejunal epithelium of broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2008

Trichothecenes are closely-related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and... more Trichothecenes are closely-related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and a variable number of hydroxyl, acetyl or other substituents. In chickens, d-glucose and amino acid absorption occurs via carrier-mediated transport. Recently, it has been observed that deoxynivalenol (DON) alters the gut function and impairs glucose and amino acid transport in chickens. The purpose of this work was to determine the effects of different B-trichothecenes [DON, Nivalenol (NIV), 15-Ac-DON and Fusarenon X (FUS X)] on intestinal carrier-mediated sodium co-transport of d-glucose in the small intestine of broiler chickens. Intestinal transport was determined by changes in the short-circuit current (Isc), proportional to ion transmembrane flux, in the middle segment of the jejunum of broilers with the Ussing chamber technique. d-glucose produced an increase of the Isc, and this effect was reverted by different B-trichothecene mycotoxins, indicating that the glucose induced Isc was altered by B-trichothecenes. The addition of glucose after pre-incubation of the tissues with B-trichothecenes had no effect (p > 0.05) on the Isc, suggesting that B-trichothecenes afflicted the Na+-d-glucose co-transport. However, FUX had no obvious effect on the measured parameters. It could be concluded from the present study that the glucose co-transporter activity appears to be more sensitive to DON, NIV and 15-Ac-DON suppression than by FUS X in the jejunum of broilers.Trichothecene sind aufgrund der Ringstruktur den Sesquiterpenen nahe verwandte Verbindungen mit einem 12,13-Epoxidring und einer variablen Anzahl von Hydroxyl-, Acetylgruppen und anderen Substituenten. Beim Kücken ist für die Resorption von d-glucose und Aminosäuren ein carrier-vermittelter Transportmechanismus verantwortlich. Die möglichen Einflüsse von B-Trichothecenen auf den Na-Cotransport wurden bislang nicht eingehend untersucht. Der Zweck dieser Studie war, die Wirkungen von verschiedenen B-Trichothecenen (DON; NIV, 15-Ac-DON und FUS X) auf die intestinale Absorption der Glucose und die Existenz des Carrier-vermittelten Na Cotransport der d-glucose im Dünndarm der Kücken zu bestimmen. Der intestinale Transport wurde durch Änderungen im Kurzschlußstrom (Isc) bestimmt, die den transmembranalen Ionenfluß proportional waren, wobei ein mittleres Segment aus dem Jejunum eines Broilers in eine Ussing-Kammer eingebracht wurde. d-glucose erzeugte eine Zunahme des Isc und dieser Effekt wurde durch verschiedene B-Trichothecene abgeschwächt, was darauf hinweist, dass der durch Glucose induzierte Isc durch die B-Trichothecene negativ beeinflußt wurde. Die Glucosezugabe nach einer Vorinkubation des Gewebe mit B-Trichothecenen hatte keine Auswirkungen (p > 0.05) auf den Isc, was darauf hinweist, dass die B-Trichothecene den Na d-glucose-Cotransport beeinflusst. Fusarenon X hat keine offensichtliche Wirkung auf die gemessenen Parametern gezeigt. Aufgund dieser Studie kann geschlussfolgert werden, dass die Glucose-Cotransport Aktivität im Dünndarm von Kücken stärker durch DON; NIV; und 15-AcDON unterdrückt wird, als durch FUS X.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of deoxynivalenol on the D-glucose transport across the isolated epithelium of different intestinal segments of laying hens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2007

Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the proximal jejunum of laying hens in vitro and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium d-glucose co-transporter. DON could modulate the sugar transport of other intestinal regions of chickens. For this purpose, we have measured the effects of DON on the Na+d-glucose co-transporter, by addition of DON after and before a glucose addition in the isolated epithelium from chicken duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon by using the Ussing chamber technique in the voltage clamp technique. The data showed in all segments of the gut that the addition of d-glucose on the mucosal side produced an increase in the current (Isc) compared with the basal values, the Isc after glucose addition to the small intestine was greater than the Isc of the large intestine compared with the basal values, specially of the jejunum (p < 0.002), indicating that the jejunum is the segment that is the best prepared for Na+-d-glucose co-transport. Further addition of 10 μg DON/ml to the mucosal solution decreased the Isc in all segments and the Isc returned to the basal value, especially in the duodenum and mid jejunum (p < 0.05). In contrast, the addition of 5 mmol d-glucose/l on the mucosal side after incubation of the tissues with DON in all segments had no effect on the Isc (p > 0.05), suggesting that DON previously inhibited the Na+d-glucose co-transport. The blocking effects of DON in duodenum and jejunum were greater than the other regions of the gut. It can be concluded that the small intestine of laying hens has the most relevant role in the carrier mediated glucose transport and the large intestine, having non-significant capacity to transport sugars, appears to offer a minor contribution to glucose transport because the surface area is small. The effect of d-glucose on the Isc was reversed by DON in all segments, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, suggesting that DON entirely inhibited Na+-d-glucose co-transport. This finding indicates that the inhibition of Na+ co-transport system in all segments could be an important mode of action for DON toxicity of hens.Zusammenfassung Deoxynivalenol (DON) erniedrigt in vitro die Glukoseabsorption im proximalen Jejunum von Legehennen. Dieser Effekt ist vermutlich durch eine Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems bedingt. DON könnte außerdem den Glukosetransport in anderen Segmenten des Darms beeinflußen. Zu diesem Zweck haben wir Wirkungen von DON auf das Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystem gemessen, indem wir DON nach und vor einer Glukosezugabe auf isolierte Darmepithelien des Duodenums, Jejunums, Ileums, Caecums und des Kolons mittels der Ussing-Kammer-Technik in der Volt-Klemmtechnik einwirken ließen. Die erzielten Daten wiesen in allen Segmenten des Darms verglichen mit den Basalwerten einen Anstieg im Strom (Isc) auf, wobei die Isc des Dünndarms bei Glukosegabe signifikant größer als die des Dickdarms waren, was darauf hinweist, dass das Jejunum am besten für den Glukosetransport geeignet war. Eine DON-Zugabe von 10 μg/ml zur mukosalen Lösung schwächte den Isc in allen Segmenten, wobei die Isc speziell im Duodenum und mittleren Jejunum zum Ausgangswert zurück kehrten. Im Gegensatz dazu brachte die mukosale Glukosezugabe nach der DON-Inkubation keinen signifikanten Anstieg der Isc (p > 0,05), was auf eine durch DON hervorgerufene Blockade des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems schließen ließ. Es kann daraus geschlossen werden, dass der Dünndarm von Legehennen den bedeutendsten Einfluß im Glukosetransportmechanismus nimmt und der Dickdarm aufgrund einer kleineren Oberfläche einen geringeren Beitrag zum Glukosetransport leistet. Dem Isc steigernden Effekt der Glukose konnte signifikant durch DON in den Darmsegmenten besonders im Duodenum und im Jejunum entgegen gewirkt werden, was auf eine umfassende Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems hinweist. Die Resultate weisen darauf hin, dass eine Hemmung des Natrium-d-Glukose-Cotransportsystems in allen Darmsegmenten eine wichtige Rolle in der DON-Toxizität für die Henne darstellen könnte.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro aflatoxin B1 exposure decreases response to carbamylcholine in the jejunal epithelium of broilers

Poultry Science, 2010

The study was conducted to evaluate if aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) has the capacity to affect the ele... more The study was conducted to evaluate if aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) has the capacity to affect the electrophysiological variables and active glucose uptake in jejunal epithelium of chicken. For this purpose, intestinal segments from the middle jejunum of broilers (35 to 39 d old) were incubated in Ussing chambers in the presence of 0 (vehicle control), 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL of buffer. After 40 and 60 min of incubation with AFB(1), d-glucose (20 mmol/L) and carbamylcholine (200 micromol/L; an analog of acetylcholine and inducer of apical Cl(-) secretion) were respectively added to the incubation medium. Addition of 3.75 microg of AFB(1) caused an increase (P &lt; 0.04) in short-circuit current (I(sc)) and transmural potential difference (V(t)) between 12 to 27 min postexposure as compared with the control. Glucose-induced DeltaI(sc) and percentage of DeltaV(t) were reduced (P &lt; 0.04) at 2.5 and 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL, respectively, as compared with the control. The carbamylcholine-induced DeltaI(sc) and DeltaV(t) were both lower (P &lt; 0.05) at 3.75 microg of AFB(1)/mL as compared with the control (-0.05 microA/cm(2), 0.1 mV vs. 1.1 microA/cm(2), and 0.6 mV, respectively). These observations indicate that acute exposure to AFB(1) may increase apical anion secretion in the jejunal epithelium of chicken. The negative effect of this increased anion secretion on active glucose uptake was, however, not prominent and may be considered as moderate or progressive in nature.

Research paper thumbnail of A diet naturally contaminated with the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) downregulates gene expression of glucose transporters in the intestine of broiler chickens

Livestock Science, 2011

... Wageha A. Awad a , b , low asterisk , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Wilfried Vahjen a , J... more ... Wageha A. Awad a , b , low asterisk , E-mail The Corresponding Author , Wilfried Vahjen a , Jörg R. Aschenbach b and Jürgen Zentek a. a Institute of Animal Nutrition, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universiät Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany. ...

Research paper thumbnail of The feed contaminant deoxynivalenol affects the intestinal barrier permeability through inhibition of protein synthesis

Archives of Toxicology, 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON) has critical health effects if the contaminated grains consumed by humans or... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) has critical health effects if the contaminated grains consumed by humans or animals. DON can have negative effects on the active transport of glucose and amino acids in the small intestine of chickens. As the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the present study was performed to delineate more precisely the effects of cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor, CHX) and DON on the intestinal absorption of nutrients. This was to confirm whether DON effects on nutrient absorption are due to an inhibition of protein synthesis. Changes in ion transport and barrier function were assessed by short-circuit current (Isc) and transepithelial ion conductance (Gt) in Ussing chambers. Addition of D-glucose or L-glutamine to the luminal side of the isolated mucosa of the jejunum increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the Isc compared with basal conditions in the control tissues. However, the Isc was not increased by the glucose or glutamine addition after pre-incubation of tissues with DON or CHX. Furthermore, both DON and CHX reduced Gt, indicating that the intestinal barrier is compromised and consequently induced a greater impairment of the barrier function. The remarkable similarity between the activity of CHX and DON on nutrient uptake is consistent with their common ability to inhibit protein synthesis. It can be concluded that the decreases in transport activity by CHX was evident in this study using the chicken as experimental model. Similarly, DON has negative effects on the active transport of some nutrients, and these can be explained by its influence on protein synthesis.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of feeding deoxynivalenol contaminated wheat on growth performance, organ weights and histological parameters of the intestine of broiler chickens

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2006

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxy... more A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) during a 21-day feeding experiment on the performance of broilers. Fifteen 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed non-contaminated diet. Another group of broilers was fed a diet naturally contaminated with 5 mg DON/kg diet. Deoxynivalenol had no effect (p > 0.05) on feed consumption, feed conversion, body-weight gain, live body weight or mortality. The absolute and relative weight of the organs (gizzard, pancreas, heart, spleen, colon and caecum) were not altered by the dietary inclusion of DON contaminated grain. However, both the absolute and relative weight of small intestine was decreased (p < 0.01) in DON fed broilers compared to the controls. No gross lesions were detected in any of the organs of birds fed contaminated wheat during the feeding trial. The microscopic examination revealed that, the height and the width of villi in duodenum decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed DON contaminated wheat compared to controls. On the other hand the height and the width of jejunum villi were not affected (p > 0.05). This study indicates that feeding DON for 21 days to broiler chickens at a concentration of up to 5 mg/kg of diet influenced the weight of the small intestine as well as intestinal histology, especially the duodenum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. In conclusion, diets with DON contamination below levels that induce negative impact on health and performance cauld affect small intestinal morphology in broilers.Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Effekte einer Aufnahme von Deoxynivalenol (DON) über 21 Tage auf Leistungs- und Gesundheitsparameter von Broilern zu evaluieren. Zu diesem Zweck wurden fünfzehn Masthühner randomisiert auf zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt, wovon die erste Gruppe DON-kontaminierten Weizen erhielt. Die Toxin - Konzentrationen in der Ration betrug 5 mg/kg. Die zweite Gruppe diente als Kontrolle und bekam unkontaminierten Weizen verabreicht. Die Aufnahme von DON hatte keinen Effekt (p > 0.05) auf Futteraufnahme und – Verwertung, auf Gewichtszunahmen, Lebendmasse oder die Mortalitätsrate. Das absolute und relative Gewicht der Organe (Muskelmagen, Pankreas, Herz, Milz, Colon und Zäkum) wurde durch die Verabreichung von DON-kontaminiertem Futter nicht verändert. Jedoch nahm das absolute und relative Gewicht des Dünndarms in der DON-Gruppe gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe ab (p < 0.05). Pathologische Veränderungen der Organe wurden bei keinem Tier gefunden. Bei histologischen Untersuchungen zeigte sich, dass die Höhe und die Breite der Villi im Duodenum bei den DON-gefütterten Tieren im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe abnahm (p < 0.05). Für die Villi im Jejunum konnte dieser Effekt nicht nachgewiesen werden (p > 0.05). In dieser Studie konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Fütterung von DON-kontaminiertem Weizen (5 mg DON/kg Ration) an Broiler über 21 Tage einen Effekt auf das Gewicht des Dünndarms sowie auf die Morphologie des Duodenums hatte.

Research paper thumbnail of In Vitro Effects of Deoxynivalenol on Electrical Properties of Intestinal Mucosa of Laying Hens

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is common in European cereal grains, and of all the trichothecenes, poses th... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) is common in European cereal grains, and of all the trichothecenes, poses the greatest problems to animal health. The present study investigated the effects of DON on electrophysiological parameters in laying hens' jejunum mounted in Ussing chambers. In vitro studies were performed to measure the effects of different luminal concentrations of DON (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL) on the transmural potential difference, electrical tissue resistance, and electrogenic ion flux rates (short-circuit current, Isc) across the isolated gut mucosa. Deoxynivalenol did not alter (P > 0.05) the transmural potential difference. Resistance was higher (P < 0.05) in the tissues exposed to DON compared with basal values. Deoxynivalenol caused a dose-dependent decrease in Isc (P < 0.05).

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Luminal Deoxynivalenol and L-Proline on Electrophysiological Parameters in the Jejunums of Laying Hens

Most amino acids are cotransported with sodium. Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption... more Most amino acids are cotransported with sodium. Deoxynivalenol (DON) decreases glucose absorption in the chicken small intestine in vivo and in vitro, and this effect is apparently mediated by the inhibition of the sodium D-glucose cotransporter. DON could selectively modulate the activities of other intestinal transporters. In order to assess this hypothesis, a study was conducted to characterize the in vitro effects of DON in the presence of mucosal amino acids, using L-proline as a model, on the electrophysiological parameters in the jejunums of laying hens. L-Proline (mucosal concentration of 1 mmol/L) was added to a stripped proximal part of jejunum sheets mounted in Ussing chambers in Ringer buffer, and the electrical properties were measured. The transmural potential difference (PD) was nearly constant (Key words: laying hen, deoxynivalenol, Ussing chamber, amino acid cotransport, electrical property) 2005 Poultry Science 84:928-932 Abbreviation Key: DON = deoxynivalenol; Isc = short-circuit current; PD = transmural potential difference; Rt = electrical resistance of the tissue. by guest on March 5, 2015 http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ Downloaded from

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of the Fusarium Toxin Deoxynivalenol (DON) on Poultry

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene, is prevalent worldwide in crops used for food and feed pro... more Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene, is prevalent worldwide in crops used for food and feed production. The presence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a significant factor for financial losses to animal industries. Although DON is one of the least acutely toxic trichothecenes, it should be treated as an important food safety issue because it is a common contaminant of grains. Special care must be taken in so-called "Fusarium years". As poultry is regarded to be less sensitive to DON compared to other species it is suspected to divert the infected cereal batches to poultry feeding. This review focuses on the ability of DON to induce toxicologic and immunotoxic effects in chickens. Chickens and laying hens respond to increasing dietary DON concentrations with a reduction in productivity only at high levels above 5mg/kg but there is no clear evidence of a dose-response relationship. The main effect at low dietary concentrations appears to be a reduction in food consumption (anorexia), while higher doses induce severe reduction in weight and impaired resistance to infection, particularly bacterial infection. One important aspect of DON toxicity is injury to the gastrointestinal tract. DON has an influence intestinal morphology of chickens, especially in the duodenum and jejunum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. Additionally, DON decreased the intestinal nutrients absorption (glucose and amino acid) in the chicken small intestine in vivo and In vitro. The capacity of DON to alter normal immune function has been of particular interest. There is extensive evidence that DON impairs the immune function in broiler and Leghorn chicks. DON induced changes in the haematopoietic system of chicks and altered the mitogen-induced proliferation of lymphocytes. The feeding of DON contaminated grains decreases serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in laying hens and broilers. Other effects include superinduction of cytokine production by T helper cells (In vitro) and activation of T cells to produce a proinflammatory cytokine. To what extent the elevation of cytokines contributes to metabolic effects such as decreased feed intake remains to be established. Further toxicological studies on the impact of DON in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract of poultry are warranted.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotic and synbiotic on growth performance, organ weights, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens

Poultry Science, 2009

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementations of synbiotic... more A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementations of synbiotic and probiotic on broiler performance, carcass yield, organs weights, and histomorphological measurements of small intestine. Six hundred 1-d-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments for 5 wk. The dietary treatments were 1) control, 2) basal diets supplemented with synbiotic (1 kg of Biomin IMBO/ ton of the starter diets and 0.5 kg/ton of the grower diets), 3) basal diets supplemented with probiotic (1 kg of a homofermentative and a heterofermentative Lactobacillus sp./ton of feed). The BW, average daily weight gain, carcass yield percentage, and feed conversion rate were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the dietary inclusion of the synbiotic compared with the control and probiotic-fed broilers. Moreover, a slight improvement in performance traits was observed in broilers fed the probiotic compared with control birds. The absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus tended to be greater (P < 0.1) for the probiotic-supplemented group compared with the synbiotic-supplemented group. The relative liver weight was greater (P < 0.05) for probiotic-fed birds compared with synbiotic-fed birds.

Research paper thumbnail of Stability of fear and sociality in two strains of laying hens

British Poultry Science, 2008

1. This trial studied the effects of strain and age on tonic immobility (TI) duration, emergence ... more 1. This trial studied the effects of strain and age on tonic immobility (TI) duration, emergence time (ET) and social reinstatement time (SRT) in laying hens and investigated the consistency of individual behavioural characteristics over rearing and laying periods and the correlations between these behavioural traits. 2. One hundred chicks from each of ISA Brown (ISA) and Lohmann Tradition (LT) laying hens were reared from one day old in pens. At 3 weeks, birds of each line were divided into 4 groups. Twenty birds in one group of each line were marked individually for repeated testing and the other groups were assigned for single testing to test the habituation effect and possible age effects at a group level. 3. ISA birds had higher overall means for TI duration and latency to leave the start box. ISA also showed longer latency in SRT at week 28 than Lohmanns. TI duration increased from weeks 3 to 10 and then decreased to week 35 in both lines. The latency to explore the test area and to reinstate decreased from weeks 10 to 35. 4. Tonic immobility, exploratory and social reinstatement behaviours were consistent over time in both lines, as revealed by Kendall&#39;s W coefficient of concordance. 5. In social test situations, an inter-situational consistency was found, that is, birds emerged quickly from the start box and reinstated quickly with their companion. TI (non-social test) was negatively correlated with ET and SRT. Thus the two lines of laying hens respond differently in social and non-social tests.

Research paper thumbnail of Decontamination and detoxification strategies for the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in animal feed and the effectiveness of microbial biodegradation

Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 2010

Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins mainly produced by fungi of the Fusarium genus. Deoxyniv... more Trichothecenes are a group of mycotoxins mainly produced by fungi of the Fusarium genus. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most abundant and important trichothecenes in food and feed, and is a significant contaminants due to its frequent occurrence in toxicologically relevant concentrations worldwide. Since toxin production depends strongly on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, Fusarium toxin contamination can not be avoided completely. Therefore, exposure to this toxin is a permanent health risk for both humans and farm animals. As cereal crops are commonly contaminated with DON and animal diets consist mainly of cereals, it can be assumed that animals are frequently exposed to DON-contaminated feeds. Many strategies can be undertaken to reduce the toxic effect of DON. In addition to the general necessity for minimizing all risk factors that might influence the contamination of cereals with DON, such as the so-called field toxins before harvest, several post-harvest strategies can be applied to counteract possible deleterious effects of this mycotoxin in farm animals. Another approach for decontamination in feedstuffs is the use of adsorbent materials. Adsorbent materials may bind mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce absorption and systemic toxicity. It has been shown that some adsorbents are suitable to alleviate the toxic effects of specific mycotoxins, but its efficacy against trichothecenes is practically zero. Therefore, alternative strategies to reduce animal and human health risk are needed. The use of microbial additives is a method which uses microorganisms having the capability to detoxify mycotoxins by metabolism or degradation prior to their resorption in the gastrointestinal tract. DON has been reported to be completely transformed to de-epoxy-DON by ruminal and intestinal microflora. Eubacterium BBSH 797 was capable of DON degradation and counteracted the toxic effects of DON in animals. This review focuses on the efficacy of microbial feed additives in ameliorating the toxic effects of DON. According to the results of experiments to date, it appears that microorganisms are the main living organisms suitable for this mycotoxin biodegradation. However, the use of this approach depends on its effectiveness from both a practical and economic perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Individual Differences in Fear and Social Reinstatement Behaviours in Laying Hens

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Individual differences in behavioural responses are of growing interest in behavioural studies. T... more Individual differences in behavioural responses are of growing interest in behavioural studies. The present study investigated the consistency of the individual differences over time and across social (social reinstatement responses) and non social test situations (tonic immobility response). Three breeds of commercial hybrid layers (ISA Brown, Lohmann Tradition and Lohmann Silver) were reared from hatch to 37 weeks of age. Individual birds were subjected to tonic immobility test at 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 16, 20, 24, 35 and 37 wk old and to runway test of sociality at 3, 5, 10, 16, 20 and 37 wk old. Fearfulness did not show breed differences either in the overall means or in a certain tested age. However, ISA Brown had a higher latency to emerge to a runway than LT (16 and 20 wk) and LS (at 37 wk). In addition, ISA Brown hens had a higher latency to reinstate with their companion than LS (10 and 37 wk). The individual ranks for behavioural traits of fear and sociality were consistent over time. These results indicate fear and sociality responses are behavioural strategies used by individuals in certain test situation when repeated. Moreover, the duration of TI response was positively correlated to both sociality traits (latency to emerge and reinstate with a companion) indicating that birds had overall behavioural traits that were consistent across different contexts. This suggests that hens can be categorized into behavioural types or styles based on their test responses. The highly fearful birds (longer TI duration) had a higher latency to emerge and reinstate with their companions (reactive style) and the less fearful birds (shorter TI duration) had a lower latency to emerge and socially reinstate with their companions (proactive style). In conclusion, these individual differences are consistent over time and the behaviour of hens in one test can predict their behaviour in other test situation. Thus it could be used to assess individual hens and potentially be used in a breeding program to select a hen with more desirable personality traits.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Transportation on Stress and Fear Responses of Growing Broilers Supplemented with Prebiotic or Probiotic

International Journal of Poultry Science, 2008

Physiological stress response and fear levels were evaluated in broiler chickens fed control diet... more Physiological stress response and fear levels were evaluated in broiler chickens fed control diets, chicory (1 kg/ton) and Lactobacillus sp.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous bacteria and bacterial metabolic products in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens

Archives of Animal Nutrition, 2007

The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic ecosystem containing a complex microbial community. In th... more The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic ecosystem containing a complex microbial community. In this paper, the indigenous intestinal bacteria and the microbial fermentation profile particularly short chain fatty acids (SCFA), lactate, and ammonia concentrations are reviewed. The intestinal bacterial composition changes with age. The bacterial density of the small intestine increases with age and comprises of lactobacilli, streptococci, enterobacteria, fusobacteria and eubacteria. Strict anaerobes (anaerobic gram-positive cocci, Eubacterium spp., Clostridium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Fusobacterium spp. and Bacteroides) are predominating caecal bacteria in young broilers. Data from culture-based studies showed that bifidobacteria could not be isolated from young birds, but were recovered from four-week-old broilers. Caecal lactobacilli accounted for 1.5-24% of the caecal bacteria. Gene sequencing of caecal DNA extracts showed that the majority of bacteria belonged to Clostridiaceae. Intestinal bacterial community is influenced by the dietary ingredients, nutrient levels and physical structure of feed. SCFA and other metabolic products are affected by diet formulation and age. Additional studies are required to know the bacterial metabolic activities together with the community analysis of the intestinal bacteria. Feed composition and processing have great potential to influence the activities of intestinal bacteria towards a desired direction in order to support animal health, well-being and microbial safety of broiler meat.

Research paper thumbnail of Impacts of the feed contaminant deoxynivalenol on the intestine of monogastric animals: poultry and swine

Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2014

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent cereal contaminants with major public health co... more Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent cereal contaminants with major public health concerns owing to its high toxigenic potentials. Once ingested, DON first and foremost targets epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, whose proper functioning, as the first line of defence, is of paramount importance for the host&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s health. Emerging evidences, summarized in this article, suggest that DON produces its toxicity primarily via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathway and alteration in the expression of genes responsible for key physiological and immunological functions of the intestinal tissue of chickens and pigs. The activation of MAPKs signalling cascade results in disruption of the gut barrier function and an increase in the permeability by reducing expression of the tight junction proteins. Exposure to DON also down-regulates the expression of multiple transporter systems in the enterocytes with subsequent impairment of the absorption of key nutrients. Other major intestinal cytotoxic effects of DON described herein are modulation of mucosal immune responses, leading to immunosupression or stimulation of local immune cells and cytokine release, and also facilitation of the persistence of intestinal pathogens in the gut. Both of the last events potentiate enteric infections and local inflammation in pigs and poultry, rendering enterocytes and the host more vulnerable to luminal toxic compounds. This review highlights the cytotoxic risks associated with the intake of even low levels of DON and also identifies gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed by future research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Sons, Ltd.