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Published on: July 25, 2017
Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide Microcin C7 on Growth Performance, Immune and Intestinal Barrier Functions, and
Ziqi Dai1,2, Lijun Shang1,2, Fengming Wang3
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Microcin C7 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Escherichia coli, composed of a heptapeptide with a modified adenosine monophosphate. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Microcin C7 as a potential substrate to traditional antibiotics on growth performance, immune functions, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota of broilers. In the current study, 300 healthy Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments including a corn-soybean basal diet and basal diet supplemented with antibiotic or 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg Microcin C7. Results showed that Microcin C7 significantly decreased the F/G ratio of broilers; significantly increased the levels of serum cytokine IL-10, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, and ileal sIgA secretion; significantly decreased the level of serum cytokine TNF-α. Microcin C7 significantly increased villus height and V/C ratio and significantly decreased crypt depth in small intestine of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased gene expression of tight junction protein Occludin and ZO-1 and significantly decreased gene expression of pro-inflammatory and chemokine TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-γ, Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, and downstream molecular MyD88 in the jejunum of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus and decreased the number of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in the cecum of broilers. Microcin C7 also significantly increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and lactic acid levels in the ileum and cecum of broilers. In conclusion, diet supplemented with Microcin C7 significantly improved growth performance, strengthened immune functions, enhanced intestinal barrier, and regulated cecal microbiota of broilers. Therefore, the antimicrobial peptide Microcin C7 may have the potential to be an ideal alternative to antibiotic.
Insights
Microcin C7, an antimicrobial peptide, improved broiler growth, immunity, and gut health. This peptide shows potential as a safe alternative to traditional antibiotics in poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microcin C7 is an antimicrobial peptide from Escherichia coli.
- Its potential as a poultry feed additive warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Microcin C7's effects on broiler growth, immunity, intestinal barrier, and microbiota.
- To assess Microcin C7 as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
Main Methods:
- 300 Arbor Acres broilers were fed diets with Microcin C7 (2, 4, 6 mg/kg) or antibiotic.
- Evaluated growth performance, serum cytokines, immunoglobulins, intestinal morphology, gene expression, and cecal microbiota.
Main Results:
- Microcin C7 improved feed conversion ratio, enhanced serum IL-10, IgG, IgM, and ileal sIgA, while reducing TNF-α.
- It increased intestinal villus height, villus/crypt ratio, and tight junction protein expression (Occludin, ZO-1).
- Microcin C7 modulated cecal microbiota, increasing Lactobacillus and decreasing E. coli, and boosted SCFA and lactic acid levels.
Conclusions:
- Dietary Microcin C7 supplementation significantly improved broiler growth, immunity, and intestinal health.
- Microcin C7 demonstrates potential as a viable alternative to antibiotic use in poultry production.
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