Effect of fungal gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene containing prefermented feed on immunity and gut of broiler chicken

Abstract

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a fatty acid from the ω-6 family. It is able to deliver a wide range of health benefits arising from its anti-inflammatory effects. An insufficient supply of GLA from agricultural and animal sources resulted in the development of a fermentation technique using lower filamentous fungi, which have the ability to accumulate high concentrations of GLA and beta-carotene during solid-state fermentation of cereals. The goal of this study was to observe the influence of the addition of prefermented cereal product, containing high amounts of GLA and beta-carotene, into the feed of broiler chickens on their immune status, and also the number of lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria in gut content, which has never been studied before. Immunostimulation in the GLA group was manifested by a significant increase in the oxidative burst of phagocytes, CD4+CD8- lymphocytes in blood, and the CD4: CD8 ratio. Upregulation of gene expression for IgA in the GLA group indicates that the B-lymphocytes were stimulated at a local gut level. In the caecum, increased mRNA expression for mucin-2 and insulin-like growth factor was observed in the GLA group, which could contribute mainly to the protection of the intestinal mucosa and to better growth and regeneration of skeletal muscles. Improved immune activation and protection of the intestinal mucosa were subsequently reflected in a change of the microbial composition in gut contents; a significant reduction of enterobacteria occurred after GLA administration. We can conclude that prefermented cereals containing fungal GLA and beta-carotene represent a low-cost supplement for broiler diet having a beneficial health effect.

Production of high-value bioproducts enriched with γ-linolenic acid and β-carotene by filamentous fungi Umbelopsis isabellina using solid-state fermentations

“…The prepared feed was administered to broiler chicken according to the methods described by Marcinčák et al (2018) and Mudroňová et al (2018).…”

“…Improved quality of chicken meat was observed after feeding the chicken with a mixture of feed and the fermented bioproduct. In addition, the presence of these metabolites has been reported to improve the immune status of the produced chicken meat (Mudroňová et al 2018).…”

Effect of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran Supplemented with Agrimony Extract on Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

“…The content of GLA in feed mixtures administered to both experimental groups was in accordance with our previously published studies [12,21] and ranged about 0.5%. This amount should be sufficient for improvement of production parameters, immunity [10] and also the qualitative parameters of the produced meat [7,12]. In addition to the production of PUFA, the particular filamentous fungi used in our experiment (Cunninghamella echinulata ATHUM 4411) causes the elimination of antinutritional components via the fermentation process.…”

“…In recent years, several studies have been published, which detail the use of filamentous fungi in SSF and its successful application in broiler nutrition. Specific examples include the use of Umbelopsis isabellina CCF2412 on cornmeal [ 7 , 10 , 11 ], Trichoderma pseudokoningii on wheat bran [ 4 ], Acremonium charticola and Rhizopus oryzae on cassava pulp [ 3 ], Cunninghamella elegans CCF 2591 on spelt brans [ 12 ], Trichoderma viride on copra meal [ 13 ], and Trichoderma virens on palm-fruit husk [ 14 ]. Čertík et al [ 15 ] observed that SSF with Cunninghamella echinulata ATHUM 4411 produces mainly gamma-linolenic acid (18:3, GLA).…”

Poplar bark lipids enhance mouse immunity by inducing T cell proliferation and differentiation

“…Nayak et al showed that AC can promote the marbled spinefoot rabbitfish growth, survival, and innate and acquired humoral immune functions [ 26 ]. Mudronová et al showed that γ-linolenic acid increases the ratio of CD4 + /CD8 + cells in peripheral blood and improves immunity [ 25 ]. Based on these results, we hypothesize that PBLs may exert a stimulating effect on the immune system in mice.…”