MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Influence of Mushroom Polysaccharide, Nano-Copper, Copper Loaded Chitosan, and Lysozyme on Intestinal Barrier and Immunity of LPS-Mediated Yellow-Feathered Chickens

Summary

This research investigated natural alternatives to antibiotics in chicken feed, specifically testing mushroom extracts, different forms of copper, and lysozyme. The study aimed to find safer, more natural ways to protect chicken health without contributing to antibiotic resistance. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps develop safer food production methods by reducing antibiotic use in livestock – Contributes to addressing global antibiotic resistance concerns – Supports development of natural feed supplements for healthier animal products – Demonstrates potential for mushroom-based supplements in animal health – Could lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices

Background

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major elements of gram-negative bacterial cell walls that act as endotoxins and cause strong immune responses in animals. They damage intestinal barrier function, restrict immune receptor expression, and enhance inflammation. With worldwide efforts to limit antibiotic use in animal production to prevent drug resistance, there is increasing focus on finding natural antibiotic alternatives.

Objective

To evaluate the ability of mushroom polysaccharide, nano-copper, copper loaded chitosan, and lysozyme to protect the intestinal barrier immunity of chickens under LPS stimulation compared to traditional antibiotics.

Results

LPS challenge decreased body weight, average daily gain, and feed intake. The tested alternatives could not fully prevent these growth performance reductions. However, mushroom polysaccharide (100 mg/kg) and lysozyme (500 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects by reducing diamine oxidase activity, inflammatory mediators in plasma and tissues, increasing immunoglobulin levels, and decreasing expression of inflammatory genes. Nano-copper and copper loaded chitosan showed more limited benefits.

Conclusion

The tested antibiotic alternatives, particularly mushroom polysaccharide (100 mg/kg) and lysozyme (500 mg/kg), demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating several negative impacts of LPS on jejunal barrier and immunity, though they could not prevent growth performance reductions. Their effects were comparable to the antibiotic treatment, suggesting potential as natural antibiotic alternatives in poultry production.
  • Published in:Animals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Controlled Animal Trial,
  • Source: 10.3390/ani10040594
Scroll to Top