Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 8353

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: poultry physiology; ovarian follicle development; ovarian aging; nutrition regulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress reflects a disturbed balance associated with increased production of oxidizing species or a decreased capability of the antioxidant defenses. The effects of oxidative stress in animals or tissues/cells depend on the intensity of various stressors and the organism's ability to overcome perturbations to maintain its physiological homeostasis. The reactive oxygen species can be beneficial in tissue repair and pathogen elimination; however, in most instances, severe oxidative stress is detrimental, even lethal, to animals, especially in domestic animals, resulting in various diseases and huge economic losses.

In poultry production, excessive oxidative stress is unavoidable due to factors such as unsuitable feedstuff and management practices (e.g., heat and cold stress), deviated growth and breeding, and aging. Tremendous research has been conducted to explore the mechanism of oxidation/antioxidation at the cellular and molecular levels in recent years. Simultaneously, the development of efficient natural antioxidants is crucial for both broilers (meat production) and layers (egg production).

This Special Issue invites submissions of original and review articles exploring the relationships between oxidative stress and poultry reproduction and nutrition. Topics include the effects of oxidative stress on growth and reproduction, mechanisms of oxidation/antioxidation at the molecular, subcellular and cellular levels, nutritional uptake and distribution, energy metabolism and the exploration of potential antioxidants for alleviating oxidative stress in poultry production.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Caiqiao Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • oxidative stress
  • antioxidants
  • poultry reproduction
  • poultry nutrition
  • molecular mechanisms
  • physiological homeostasis
  • ovarian development
  • ovarian aging
  • nutrition regulation
  • energy metabolism

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2522 KiB  
Article
Impact of Full-Spectrum and Infrared Lighting on Growth, Oxidative Stress, and Cecal Microbiota in Broilers
by Khawar Hayat, Rongjin Zheng, Li Zeng, Zunzhong Ye and Jinming Pan
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121442 (registering DOI) - 23 Nov 2024
Abstract
Lighting is crucial for the development of broilers as it affects their growth performance, oxidative stress, and overall health. This study investigates the impact of full-spectrum light, infrared light, and LED white light exposure on the growth performance, oxidative stress markers, and cecal [...] Read more.
Lighting is crucial for the development of broilers as it affects their growth performance, oxidative stress, and overall health. This study investigates the impact of full-spectrum light, infrared light, and LED white light exposure on the growth performance, oxidative stress markers, and cecal microbiota of medium-growth yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 216 medium-growth yellow-feathered chicks (Yuhuang No. 5), five days old, were randomly divided into three groups: 72 chicks in each group, with three replicates of 24 chicks. The birds were raised under different lighting conditions, including LED infrared light (II), full-spectrum therapy light (FB), and LED white light (CG) until day 87. This experiment comprised the early growth phase and measured critical hormones such as Melatonin (Mel), Growth Hormone (GH), and Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), as well as Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT). Additionally, this study examined the differences in microbiota diversity and composition. The results demonstrated that LED infrared and full-spectrum light exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased broiler body weight. Particularly, full-spectrum light was effective in comb redness and reducing final comb length and oxidative stress. Furthermore, full-spectrum light improved microbial prosperity and diversity compared with the other lighting conditions. Overall, the findings suggest that full-spectrum lighting is more beneficial for broiler growth, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting gut health compared with LED infrared lighting. These insights can be applied to optimizing broiler farming practices, thereby improving productivity and animal welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
21 pages, 6735 KiB  
Article
Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers
by Xinyao Li, Hao Ling, Zengyang He, Zihui Yang, Tao Jiang, Peng Huang and Jianguo Zeng
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111291 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder [...] Read more.
The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn–soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1–21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22–42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p < 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3–12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p < 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p < 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p < 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
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19 pages, 4042 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of an Antioxidant Compound and Ethoxyquin on Feed Oxidative Stability and on Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health in Starter Broiler Chickens
by Yong Xiao, Xuyang Gao and Jianmin Yuan
Antioxidants 2024, 13(10), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101229 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Concerns over the safety of ethoxyquin (EQ) highlight the need for safer, more effective feed antioxidants. This study investigated a healthier antioxidant compound (AC) as a potential alternative to EQ in broilers. A total of 351 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus male broilers were [...] Read more.
Concerns over the safety of ethoxyquin (EQ) highlight the need for safer, more effective feed antioxidants. This study investigated a healthier antioxidant compound (AC) as a potential alternative to EQ in broilers. A total of 351 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus male broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments for 21 days: control (CON), EQ group (200 g/ton EQ at 60% purity), and AC group (200 g/ton AC containing 18% butylated hydroxytoluene, 3% citric acid, and 1% tertiary butylhydroquinone). AC supplementation reduced the acid value, peroxide value, and malondialdehyde content in stored feed, decreased feed intake and the feed conversion ratio without affecting body weight gain, and enhanced antioxidant capacity (liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase; intestinal catalase and glutathione peroxidase 7). It improved intestinal morphology and decreased barrier permeability (lower diamine oxidase and D-lactate), potentially by promoting ZO-1, Occludin, and Mucin2 expression. The AC also upregulated NF-κB p50 and its inhibitor (NF-κB p105), enhancing immune regulation. Additionally, the AC tended to increase beneficial gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus, and reduced Bacteroides, Corprococcus, and Anaeroplasma. Compared to EQ, the AC further enhanced feed oxidative stability, the feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology and barrier functions, and inflammatory status, suggesting its potential as a superior alternative to EQ for broiler diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
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20 pages, 4695 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Resveratrol and Apigenin on Jejunal Oxidative Injury in Ducks and on Immortalized Duck Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to H2O2
by Ning Zhou, Yongqing Cao, Youwen Luo, Lihua Wang, Ruiqing Li, Heshuang Di, Tiantian Gu, Yun Cao, Tao Zeng, Jianping Zhu, Li Chen, Dong An, Yue Ma, Wenwu Xu, Yong Tian and Lizhi Lu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050611 - 17 May 2024
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress increases the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and impairs intestinal epithelial cell renewal, which further promotes intestinal barrier dysfunction and even death. Extensive evidence supports that resveratrol and apigenin have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties. Here, we investigated the ability of these two compounds to alleviate diquat-induced jejunal oxidative stress and morphological injury, using the duck as a model, as well as the effects of apigenin on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in immortalized duck intestinal epithelial cells (IDECs). Ducks were randomly assigned to the following four groups, with five replicates: a control (CON) group, a diquat-challenged (DIQ) group, a resveratrol (500 mg/kg) + diquat (RES) group, and an apigenin (500 mg/kg) + diquat (API) group. We found that serum catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) markedly reduced in the RES and API groups as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05); moreover, serum S superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased significantly in the API group as compared to the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In jejunal mucosa, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the RES and API groups decreased more than that in the DIQ group (p < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal expression levels of the NRF2 and GCLM genes in the RES and API groups increased notably compared with those in the DIQ group (p < 0.05); meanwhile, CAT activity in the RES and API groups was markedly elevated compared with that in the CON group (p < 0.05). In IDECs, apigenin significantly restrained the H2O2-mediated increase in MDA content and decrease in CAT levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, apigenin increased the protein expression of p-NRF2, NRF2, p-AKT, and p-P38; downregulated that of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9; and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in H2O2-treated IDECs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resveratrol and apigenin can be used as natural feed additives to protect against jejunal oxidative stress in ducks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
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21 pages, 14300 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Lignan Honokiol Alleviates Ovarian Oxidative Stress in Aging Laying Chickens by Regulating SIRT3/AMPK Pathway
by Yiqiu Chen, Zhaoyu Yang, Jingchun Bai, Xinyu Wang, Qiongyu Yuan, Yuling Mi and Caiqiao Zhang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(3), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13030377 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1798
Abstract
Aging is not only a key internal cause of age-related diseases in humans but also poses a threat to the productivity of farm animals with longer breeding cycles, such as laying chickens. Various measures were taken to prolong the laying period by reducing [...] Read more.
Aging is not only a key internal cause of age-related diseases in humans but also poses a threat to the productivity of farm animals with longer breeding cycles, such as laying chickens. Various measures were taken to prolong the laying period by reducing oxidative stress to improve poultry ovarian functions. Within the mitochondria, SIRT3, a member of the Sirtuin family, plays an important role in post-translational modifications and the regulation of protein activities involved in energy metabolism and oxidative response. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effect of a bioactive lignan Honokiol (HKL) on oxidative stress in aging chicken ovaries in order to retard decline in egg production. The results showed that HKL treatment restored the abnormal balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, and it enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the H2O2-induced small white follicles (SWFs) by activating the SIRT3/AMPK pathway. Moreover, HKL significantly increased total egg production, the number of yellow follicles, and the mRNA expression of yolk synthesis and deposition-related genes, serum estrogen, and antioxidant levels. These findings suggest that HKL holds promise in enhancing the egg productivity of aging laying chickens by promoting yolk deposition and reducing ovarian oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
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Review

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25 pages, 2800 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Poultry and the Therapeutic Role of Herbal Medicine in Intestinal Health
by Yuan Li, Kai Wang and Chunmei Li
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111375 - 10 Nov 2024
Viewed by 595
Abstract
The intensive broiler farming model has accelerated the development of the poultry farming industry. However, it has also inevitably brought about many stressors that lead to oxidative stress in the organism. The intestine is the leading site of nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, [...] Read more.
The intensive broiler farming model has accelerated the development of the poultry farming industry. However, it has also inevitably brought about many stressors that lead to oxidative stress in the organism. The intestine is the leading site of nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as a secretory and immune organ. Oxidative stress in animal production can harm the intestine, potentially leading to significant losses for the farming industry. Under conditions of oxidative stress, many free radicals are produced in the animal’s body, attacking the intestinal mucosal tissues and destroying the barrier integrity of the intestinal tract, leading to disease. Recently, herbs have been shown to have a favorable safety profile and promising application in improving intestinal oxidative stress in poultry. Therefore, future in-depth studies on the specific mechanisms of herbs and their extracts for treating intestinal oxidative stress can provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of herbs and new therapeutic options for intestinal oxidative stress injury during poultry farming. This review focuses on the causes and hazards of oxidative stress in the intestinal tract of poultry, and on herbs and their extracts with therapeutic potential, to provide a reference for developing and applying new antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Poultry Reproduction and Nutrition)
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