The Effects of Fenugreek Extract on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indexes, Immunity and NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Broiler

Abstract

In order to study the regulation of Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on the immunity of broilers, and explore the appropriate amount of FSE in broilers' production, 1-day-old yellow feather broilers with a total of 420 birds were randomly allocated into seven treatments. Each treatment had six replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. The two control groups were the basic fodder group fed with basal diet and the bacitracin zinc group added 30 mg/kg bacitracin zinc to the basal diet. Experimental groups included five levels of FSE (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg FSE to the basal diet, respectively). The pre-test period was 7 days and the formal test lasted for 56 days. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of 50 and 800 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the feed to gain ratio (F/G) of FSE groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) compared with the basic fodder and the bacitracin zinc groups. Compared with the basic fodder group, the serum total cholesterol (TC) content in the FSE groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content of 50, 100, and 800 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly lower than that of the basic fodder group (P < 0.05). Compared with the basic fodder and bacitracin zinc groups, the serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) content of 100 and 200 mg/kg FSE groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the bacitracin zinc group, the serum interleukins (IL-1, IL-10) content of 400 mg/kg FSE group were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05), and the serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) content of 100 and 200 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the basic fodder group, the lower doses (0–400 mg/kg) of FSE had no significant effect on the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors 4/ myeloid differentiation factor 88/ nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathways (P > 0.05). The 800 mg/kg FSE treatment group significantly increased the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA in the spleen of broilers (P < 0.05). The zinc bacitracin group significantly increased the expression levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that FSE could promote the secretion of immunoglobulins, regulate the body's cytokines, and have a positive effect on immunity in broilers. Furthermore, the recommended supplement of FSE is 100 mg/kg in the broiler diet.

Effect of Dietary Fenugreek Seeds and Synbiotic on the Physiological Anatomical, Immunological Attributes and Antioxidant Status in Stressed Chickens

“…Decreasing in H/L was synchronized with lowered levels in serum biochemical analytes for indices of kidney test (uric acid, creatinine) and liver test (ALT, AST) in all stressed birds fed FPS (T3), synbiotic (T4) and their mixture (T5) as well as T1 compared to T2. This might be presence number of detected bioactive compounds in FSP (table 1) which paly multiple physiological effects which ameliorated the OS conditions [10,12]. FSE affects modulation of inflammatory factors and stressful environmental conditions via its impacts on intestinal microflora population, intestinal morphology and overall nervous system functionality in addition to increased feed appetite and palatability of birds [11].…”

“…Obviously, the FSP, SP and their mixture proved their efficacy to increase serum antibody titers against NC and IBV at 42 days with no passive changing in proportional weight in lymphoid organs under stress effect (table 4). This is probably that different concentrations of FSE consumed in diet could stimulate immune system and immunoglobulins secretion such as (IgA, IgM, IgG) [40], increase the serum anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1,10 and interferon-g with augment signaling pathways of mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) in the spleen tissue and thus potentiate resistance against inflammation and stress in broiler chickens [12]. In addition, FSP might depress pathogenic microfloa in the digestive system and increase the proliferation of beneficial bacteria composition responsible for immunomodulatory action.…”

“…Fenugreek used as phytogenic feed additives instead of antibiotics in poultry nutrition because it proved its efficacy to increase productive performance by ameliorative digestibility, powerful intestinal absorption and removal of pathogens inhabitants in the digestive system [9][10][11]. Moreover, fenugreek extracts stimulate immune system [12] and antioxidant defense mechanism in egg yolk [13] as well as improve the meat quality and protein metabolism in broilers [14]. The synbiotic preparations are synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics that are utilized in various levels as a feed supplements to support the overall growth performance and public health of poultry.…”

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Massive Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seeds

“…Fenugreek has been used in many fields, such as medicine, perfume, cosmetics, and livestock feed. Fenugreek is an important medicinal plant in traditional medicine in many countries [ 4 , 5 ]. Fenugreek has many well-known pharmacological effects, including treating hypoglycemia and hypocholesterolemia; gastroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities; and appetite stimulation [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Fenugreek is an important medicinal plant in traditional medicine in many countries [ 4 , 5 ]. Fenugreek has many well-known pharmacological effects, including treating hypoglycemia and hypocholesterolemia; gastroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities; and appetite stimulation [ 4 , 5 ]. In ancient Egypt, fenugreek was used to improve the milk production of breastfeeding mothers.…”