Chapters authored
Advances in the Nutrition of Functional Amino Acids in Healthy and Immunologically Challenged Birds
The effects of some functional amino acids (AAs) such as arginine, threonine, and methionine on the development of immune and digestive capacities in poultry were reviewed. The information was examined analytically to identify the source of the AA requirements, growth potential, type of housing, and type and degree of immune challenge applied. Regardless of these factors, the level of functional AA required to stimulate the immune or digestive response was higher than that required to maximize the productive performance. The implications section describes the main obstacles to integrating and applying the concept of functional AA in conventional diet formulation, and its use in birds raised under commercial conditions experiencing different types and degrees of immune stressors. It is necessary to develop a profile of functional AAs and establish their strategic use during or after immunological challenge situations to aid in the recovery of productive parameters to prechallenge levels.
Part of the book: Broiler Industry
Mechanisms of Action of Humic Substances as Growth Promoters in Animals
A review of the latest research on the addition of humic substances (HSs) in the drinking water or feed of farm animals including poultry, pigs, dairy cows and calves, goats, and rabbits was carried out. The results reinforces the promoted protective action of HS on the digestive mucosa, their antioxidant properties, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory attributes, the suggested microbial shift to a probiotic-type bacteria in the gut, including antiparasitic and antifungal effects, as well as their influence on the higher efficient of minerals, proteins, and lipids utilization within the body. The outstanding improvements in health, productivity, and meat and milk quality obtained from animals supplemented with HS are common features in the majority of available research. The main benefits in the gastrointestinal tract stem from the formation of protective barriers on the epithelial mucosa due to its colloidal properties and stimulation of mucin production. HS also promotes the development of probiotic microbiota and positive changes in bacterial fermentation patterns, which results in improved intestinal health and integrity. As a result, a cascade of benefits is derived within the body, reinforcing antioxidant protection responses, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammation mechanisms, as well as improving nutrient utilization efficiency. However, the truly molecular mechanisms of action of HS in the intestine and throughout the body remain unknown.
Part of the book: Humus and Humic Substances