Effects of force-feeding on immunology, digestive function and oxidative stress in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa of Pekin ducks

Abstract

Force-feeding was considered as a traditional high-efficiency approach to improve growth performance and accelerate fat deposition of Pekin ducks. However, force-feeding is a serious violation of international advocacy on animal welfare, because it can induce serious injuries to animals, such as damages to the digestive tract, effects on immunity and even severe oxidative stress. Therefore, it is urgent to stop force-feeding. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of force feeding on immune function, digestive function and oxidative stress in the mucosa of duodenum and jejunum of Pekin ducks. A total of 500 ducks were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was allowed to feed freely on a basal diet. The experimental group was force-fed by inserting a plastic feeding tube 8 to 10 inches long down the esophagus for 6 days. Compared with the control group, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum diamine oxidase, d-lactic acid, endotoxin and corticosterone levels in the force-feeding group. The crypt depth in duodenum and jejunum showed significant differences (P<0.05) between the two groups and the intestinal villus epithelium cell was severely damaged in force-feeding group. Similarly, the activities of digestive enzymes as well as the levels of immune function in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa in the force-feeding group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels with a marked increase in malondialdehyde level in duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P<0.05). In summary, at the end of the fattening period with force-feeding for 6 days, Pekin ducks experienced an adverse effect on the integrity of their duodenal and jejunal mucosa epithelium cell as well as their immune function and antioxidant capacity of Pekin ducks but also had improvement in digestive enzyme activities.

Comparison of metabolizable energy values of wheat, paddy, and brown rice in roosters determined by free‐feeding and tube‐feeding methods

“…Although the roosters in this study were not subjected to continuous tube feeding, as reported by Liu et al. [45], the finding implies that the influence of TF treatment on AME values should not be disregarded. Additionally, the welfare of animals should be taken into account during the experimental phase.…”

“…A recent publication by Liu et al. [45] has suggested that TF could also negatively impact the intestinal mucosa, disrupt immune function, and impair the antioxidant capacity in Pekin ducks. Although the roosters in this study were not subjected to continuous tube feeding, as reported by Liu et al.…”

“…Previous research has demonstrated that tube feeding can lead to mucosal injury in the esophagus and increase the susceptibility to bacterial infections [44]. A recent publication by Liu et al [45] has suggested that TF could also negatively impact the intestinal mucosa, disrupt immune function, and impair the antioxidant capacity in Pekin ducks. Although the roosters in this study were not subjected to continuous tube feeding, as reported by Liu et al [45], the finding implies that the influence of TF treatment on AME values should not be disregarded.…”

“…A recent publication by Liu et al [45] has suggested that TF could also negatively impact the intestinal mucosa, disrupt immune function, and impair the antioxidant capacity in Pekin ducks. Although the roosters in this study were not subjected to continuous tube feeding, as reported by Liu et al [45], the finding implies that the influence of TF treatment on AME values should not be disregarded. Additionally, the welfare of animals should be taken into account during the experimental phase.…”