Research Keyword: growth performance

Maternal Euglena gracilis supplementation alters sow and piglet gut microbiota, reduces diarrhea incidence, and enhances piglet growth

This study examined how feeding sows a supplement called Euglena gracilis (an algae-derived prebiotic) affected the gut bacteria of both the sows and their piglets. Piglets born to supplemented sows weighed more at weaning and had fewer cases of diarrhea during the nursing period. The supplement changed the types of bacteria in both the sows’ and piglets’ guts in beneficial ways, promoting healthier and more stable gut communities that supported better growth and digestive health.

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Harnessing mushrooms for poultry nutrition: Boosting health, immunity, and productivity

Mushrooms and mushroom stems are emerging as natural feed additives that can significantly improve poultry health, growth, and egg/meat quality while reducing the need for antibiotics. These fungi contain beneficial compounds that boost immune function, reduce harmful bacteria, and protect against cellular damage. By using mushroom byproducts that are typically discarded, farmers can create more sustainable and environmentally friendly poultry production systems while improving overall bird health and productivity.

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Effects of fiber sources with different solubilities on the growth performance, nutrient metabolism, antioxidant, immune capacity and intestinal health of meat geese

This study examined how different types of dietary fiber affect the health and growth of meat geese. Researchers compared three fiber sources with different levels of solubility: wheat bran (highly soluble), alfalfa meal (moderately soluble), and bamboo meal (low solubility). They found that the highly soluble fiber source improved growth, enhanced immune and antioxidant functions in the intestines, and promoted beneficial bacteria, making it the best choice for geese farming.

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Growth variation of an ambrosia fungus on different tree species indicates host specialization

This research demonstrates that ambrosia fungi, which are cultivated by beetles as food sources, grow better on certain types of trees. The fungus studied, Dryadomyces montetyi, grows faster and denser on hardwood trees like oak and beech compared to conifer trees like fir and Douglas-fir. This suggests that the fungal symbiont has evolved preferences for the same tree types that its beetle partner prefers, indicating a specialized relationship shaped by millions of years of evolution.

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Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

Pineapple pomace, a leftover byproduct from pineapple processing, was tested as a feed ingredient for young piglets. When added at 2% to their diet, it significantly improved their growth rate and feed efficiency better than expensive imported fish meal. The pineapple pomace also made the pigs’ manure smell better by reducing foul-smelling compounds, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestion and health.

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Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Powder on the Growth Performance, Immune Organ Weights, Cecal Microbiology, Serum Immunoglobulins, and Tibia Minerals of Broiler Chickens

Researchers tested whether powdered Ganoderma lucidum mushroom could replace antibiotic growth promoters in chicken farming. The study found that adding 0.2% mushroom powder to chicken feed improved weight gain and feed efficiency similar to antibiotics, while also promoting beneficial gut bacteria. The mushroom powder was safe and did not cause any disease, making it a promising natural alternative to antibiotics in poultry production.

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Growth performance, meat quality, cecal microbiota and metabolomics profile of turkeys fed diets containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal

Researchers tested using black soldier fly meal as a protein source in turkey feed to replace traditional soybean meal. Turkeys fed diets containing 5% BSF meal from mid-growth to slaughter showed better growth and weight gain with minimal changes to meat quality. The improvements appeared to be linked to beneficial changes in gut chemistry rather than changes in gut bacteria, making BSF meal a promising sustainable protein alternative for poultry farming.

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Impacts of dietary sodium alginate as a prebiotic on the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense): A comprehensive analysis of growth, physiology, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolism

This study tested whether sodium alginate, a natural substance from brown seaweed, could improve the health and growth of freshwater prawns used in farming. After 60 days of feeding trials, prawns given the highest dose of sodium alginate (4.0 grams per kilogram of feed) showed significantly better growth, improved immune function, and stronger antioxidant defenses compared to control groups. The supplement also promoted beneficial bacteria in the prawns’ digestive systems and improved their overall body composition.

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Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

Researchers tested whether combining a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae with mushroom extract could improve the health and growth of zebrafish. The combination, called a synbiotic, significantly boosted fish growth by over 70%, enhanced their digestive function, and strengthened their immune system. This natural supplement approach shows promise for improving fish farming practices without requiring antibiotics.

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Effects of Cordyceps militaris solid medium on the growth performance, immunity parameters and intestinal health of broilers

This research shows that a byproduct from growing Cordyceps militaris mushrooms can be used as a feed additive for chickens. When added at low doses to chicken feed, this mushroom byproduct improved the chickens’ growth, boosted their immune system, and created a healthier gut environment with beneficial bacteria. This offers a natural, non-antibiotic option for improving poultry farming.

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