Effects of Rhamnolipids on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Cecal Microflora in Linnan Yellow Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharides

Abstract

This present study aimed to investigate the effects of rhamnolipids (RLS) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune function, short-chain fatty acid content, and microflora community in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A total of 450 broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three groups: basal diet with no supplement (NCO), basal diet with bacitracin (ANT), and basal diet with rhamnolipids (RLS). After 56 d of feeding, 20 healthy broilers were selected from each group, with half being intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the other half with normal saline. Treatments with LPS were labelled LPS-NCO, LPS-ANT, and LPS-RLS, whereas treatments with normal saline were labelled NS-NCO, NS-ANT, and NS-RLS. LPS-challenged birds had lower jejunal villus height and higher crypt depth than unchallenged birds. LPS-RLS broilers had increased jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) but lower crypt depth than LPS-NCO. Dietary supplementation with RLS reduced the LPS-induced immunological stress. Compared with LPS-NCO, birds in LPS-RLS had lower concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In LPS-challenged broilers, RLS and ANT increased the concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgY compared with LPS-NCO. In LPS treatments, RLS enhanced the contents of acetic acid, butyrate, isobutyric acid, isovalerate, and valerate more than LPS-NCO birds. High-throughput sequencing indicated that RLS supplementation led to changes in the cecal microbial community of broilers. At the species level, Clostridium-sp-Marseille-p3244 and Slakia_eqcsolifaciens were more abundant in NS-RLS than in NS-NCO broilers. In summary, RLS improved the growth performance and relative abundance of cecal microbiota and reduced the LPS-induced immunological stress in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary resveratrol supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

“…As expected, the present results showed that LPS significantly impaired the growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers by reducing ADG and ADFI and increasing the F/G during days 16–21. Consistently, previous studies have clearly demonstrated that immune stress induced by LPS excitation severely affected ADG and ADFI in broiler chickens; Yang S. et al, 2021 ; Zhang et al, 2021 (Kamboh et al, 2016 ; Li X. et al, 2021 ). Moreover, the induction of immune stress by LPS injection after 14 days significantly affected the growth performance in weaned piglets ( Li Y. S. et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Increasing evidence also suggested that RES can effectively improve intestinal barrier function ( Wang et al, 2022 ), alleviate the oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation for the enhancement of gut health and performance in piglets ( Cao et al, 2019 ; Qiu et al, 2021 ), ducks ( Yang C. et al, 2021 ), rats ( Wang et al, 2022 ), and mice ( Hao et al, 2022 ) under different experimental models. It has been well demonstrated that LPS could be used to mimick pathogen infection in broilers for studying immune inflammatory responses ( Zhang et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Erinle et al, 2022a ). However, studies on the effects of RES on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal health and gut microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers at early stage under LPS challenge conditions remained limited.…”

Modulation of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and intestinal flora in broiler by deep eutectic solvent extracted polysaccharides of Acanthopanax senticosus

“…Studies have shown that the growth performance of broilers in an immunosuppressed state is reduced, as evidenced by slower body weight growth and higher FCR ( 46 , 47 ). In this experiment, the FCR increased, and body weight growth slowed down in group M compared to group B.…”

Evaluation of Clostridium autoethanogenum protein as a new protein source for broiler chickens in replacement of soybean meal

“…Broiler chickens are highly susceptible to feed, heat stress, and pathogen infection, resulting in a stress response in the early development of poultry [ 38 , 39 ]. Oxidative stress refers to the disruption of the balance between antioxidants and free radicals that generate various reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 40 , 41 ]. ROS damages proteins and nucleic acids while producing a large amount of MDA, causing tissue damage, and reducing antioxidant capacity [ 42 ].…”

“…IgA, IgM, and IgG are important immunoglobulins in broilers, which can resist viruses and toxins, protect the immune system, and maintain the health of the body [ 46 , 47 ]. IgG is secreted by plasma cells and has antiviral and antibacterial effects [ 40 ]. IgM has a strong bactericidal effect, activates antibodies, and regulates immune function [ 48 ].…”