The effects of arginine and branched-chain amino acid supplementation to reduced-protein diet on intestinal health, cecal short-chain fatty acid profiles, and immune response in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp.

Graded levels of Eimeria infection modulated gut physiology and temporarily ceased the egg production of laying hens at peak production

“…During Eimeria infection, intestinal tight junction barrier would have breached, as indicated by increased intestinal permeability and lesion scores. The upregulation of CLDN-1 during Eimeria infection translates to host trying to maintain the intestinal barrier function and integrity of the intestine ( Choi et al, 2022 ; Liu et al, 2023 ). However, the downregulation of OCLN was uncommon and is different from the previous studies where it was upregulated in pullets ( Sharma et al, 2022a ).…”

“…Gastrointestinal health plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance, and avian coccidiosis is one of the many factors that negatively affect birds’ well-being and performance ( Blake et al, 2020 ; Liu et al, 2023 ; Teng et al, 2023 ). This protozoal disease, caused by various species of Eimeria , targets different sections of the intestinal tract, where Eimeria spp.…”

Effects of Methionine Supplementation Levels in Normal or Reduced Protein Diets on the Body Composition and Femur Bone Characteristics of Broilers Challenged with Coccidia

“…The infection of coccidia presents multifaceted challenges to broiler health and productivity. Numerous studies have highlighted its detrimental effects on nutrient utilization, intestinal integrity, and the growth performance of birds [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. On the other hand, previous research has also documented a range of adverse outcomes on bone health by coccidia infection, including reduced bone mineralization leading to greater porosity in cortical bone, diminished bone mineral density, weakened bone strength, and increased trabecular bone resorption [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Extra dietary levels of Met could potentially alleviate the impacts of coccidia challenge on bone health due to its potent antioxidant capacity and immune modulatory effects [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The reduction in dietary crude protein (CP) content has been advocated for its numerous advantages, including cost reduction, decreased nitrogen excretion, and improved litter quality [ 2 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Beyond protein synthesis: the emerging role of arginine in poultry nutrition and host-microbe interactions

“…Functional amino acids essential to maintaining whole-body homeostasis include methionine, arginine, proline, glutamine, leucine, glycine, tryptophan, and cysteine ( Wu, 2010 ). These amino acids exert their functional roles directly or through their metabolites, exerting antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and growth-promoting effects ( Fagundes et al, 2020 ; Liu et al, 2023 ). The cellular mechanisms by which these amino acids, notably arginine ( Rubin et al, 2007 ; Tan et al, 2009 ; Tan et al, 2010 ; Al-Daraji and Salih, 2012 ; Tan et al, 2014 ; Zhang et al, 2017 ; Dao et al, 2022a ), exert their beneficial effects, their functional roles, and their potential use as nutraceuticals in poultry feed have been investigated lately.…”