Influence of Feeding Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Broiler Breeders on Indices of Immunocompetence, Gastrointestinal, and Skeletal Development in Broiler Chickens
Aizwarya Thanabalan
Elijah G. Kiarie- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Modern broiler chickens are associated with rapid growth rates and superior feed efficiency. However, they are also susceptible to physiological and metabolic disorders (e.g., skin lesions, lameness, sudden death, enteric diseases, myopathies) that exert substantial economic losses to producers. This is further exacerbated by consumer pressure and mandated cessation of production practices such as indiscriminate use of antimicrobial growth promoters. Manipulation of broiler breeder (BB) nutrition and management can influence chick quality, robustness, and resilience to stressors in the production environment. The present review examines the role of feeding BB functional polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and subsequent impact on the indices of immunocompetence, skeletal, and gastrointestinal (GIT) development in broiler chickens. Research in mammalian and avian models led evidence that perinatal feeding of long chain n-3 PUFA such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) engender transgenerational effects through regulation of a variety of biological processes including development of vital organs such as skeleton, brain and GIT. It is shown that feeding poultry breeders n-3 PUFA decreases inflammatory states and enriches hatching eggs with n-3 PUFA and immunoglobulins. Further evidence also shows that after 15 days of incubation, chicken embryos preferentially utilize long chain n-3 PUFA-critical for optimal cell, tissues, and organ development. Enrichment of n-3 PUFA in newly hatchling tissues reduce proinflammatory eicosanoids with consequences of enhanced bone mineralization. Dietary n-3 PUFA also modulates breeder GIT microbiota with consequences of microbial colonization and succession in chicks. As well, research shows that feeding poultry breeders n-3 PUFA bolsters progeny immunocompetence through enhanced passive immunity and antibody titres against routine vaccination. In conclusion, it appears that chicks may benefit from the incorporation of n-3 PUFA in the breeder diets; however, little attention is paid to fatty acids composition in breeder nutrition. We also highlight gaps in knowledge and future research perspectives.
Introduction
Poultry production has continued to grow since the end of world war II, accelerating exponentially in the last few decades (1). Due to the anticipated growth of the human population, it is estimated that the global consumption of poultry products' will climb to 145 million tons by 2029—accounting for 50% of the 12% increase in global meat consumption projected by 2029 (2). To meet production demands, modern broiler chickens have undergone intensive genetic selection, associated with rapid growth rates and superior feed efficiency, as well as short and low-cost production cycles. For example, a broiler chicken now reaches 2.44 kg at day 35 vs. 1.40 kg bird at day 35, 30 years ago (1). Continuous improvements in broiler production are primarily due to genetic selection for high performing biological and economic traits, nonetheless, albeit to a lesser degree advancement in nutrition, housing, health, and management practices have also contributed (3).
Intensive selection for growth has also significantly accelerated occurrence of metabolic disorders due to high nutrient intake, rapid growth, and high metabolic rate (4). Examples of specific metabolic issues include skeletal disorders from rapid growth, resulting in inadequate bone and tendon development, which are unable to support heavy broiler weight. Alongside skeletal issues, modern broiler chicks also present issues with immunocompetence and decreased resistance to pathogens. A comparison of immune responses between a 1957 vs. 2001 broiler chicken strain, showed 1957 strain had heavier bursas, spleen and cecal tonsils and higher antibodies (Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G) response post-challenge (5). Traditionally, antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) have been used sub-therapeutically to ameliorate broiler chickens' low response immune system. However, due to consumer and regulatory pressures, the industry is moving toward a complete removal of AGP use. As a result, there are increasing concerns about the broiler's health; specifically the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which may be compromised leading to increased susceptibility to enteritis. Furthermore, digestion insufficiencies and high feed intake lead to excessive undigested nutrients in the small intestine leading to bacterial overgrowth—ultimately causing inadequate growth (3, 6). In this sense, alternative methods to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a healthy GIT, robust immune system and the overall broiler chicken productivity of chicks are of interest. The concept of developmental programming through maternal nutrition could present a means to blunt the aforementioned metabolic disorders in the offspring.
Egg fat is of considerable importance in the nutrition of the developing embryo as a source of energy and essential fatty acids (FA) such as linoleic (18:2 ω-6) and α-linolenic (18:3 ω-3) acids for synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-rich membrane phospholipids and eicosanoids (7, 8). Substantial upregulation of cytosolic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) and preferential utilization of long-chain omega-3 PUFA (n-3 PUFA) have been observed in the later phases of embryo development (9). In fact, Saber et al. (10) reported a decrease in late-stage embryonic mortality in fertile eggs from BB fed flaxseed or fish oil enriched diets, possibly due to the improved incubation parameters due to PUFA availability. The long chain n-3 PUFA such as docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3; DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3; EPA) are critical for optimal cell, tissues, and organs structure and function. Thus, adequate supply of n-3 PUFA through the yolk could be pivotal in the development of metabolic and immune tissue functions with long-term implications on susceptibility to metabolic disorders in broiler chickens. This review will examine the role of functional n-3 PUFA in broiler breeder (BB) diets and characterize subsequent effects on indices of immunocompetence, skeletal and gastrointestinal development in broiler chickens. Current literature will be appraised on aspects of FA nutrition in BB, gaps in knowledge and areas of future research.
Metabolic Issues in Broiler Chickens
Intensive genetic selection has resulted in a modern-day broiler chickens that can reach market weight faster with significantly less feed for unit body weight gain than it is predecessors. While this rapid growth has allowed for efficient poultry production, it has also resulted in metabolic issues.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Broiler chickens experience both leg weakness and leg lameness due to a rapid and disproportionate muscle accretion relative to the maturation of skeletal system (11). Leg weakness is classified as breakage, fractures, and lack of strength and is quantified by a reduced bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and poor growth (12). The tibia is the main focus of skeletal disorders such as leg weakness as it bears majority of the bird load and is affected the most during locomotion. In order to sustain rapid growth during the early weeks of life, the tibia increases circumferential and longitudinal growth, at the cost of reduced mineralization and high porosity, increasing fracture risk (13).
Leg lameness is characterized as an inability to walk or have a limp due to injuries or defects—examples include tibial dyschondroplasia and bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) (12, 14). A broiler inability to support the body weight is often a result of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), wherein the proliferating avascular, pre-hypertrophying growth plate cartilage does not change to hypertrophying cartilage (4). Therefore, it cannot be replaced by bone—ultimately resulting in an abnormal cartilage mass under the growth plate and bone weakness. Broiler BCO is also considered a common cause of lameness and is a bacterial infection of the femoral or tibial head, which can result in necrosis (14). The BCO can be viewed as an interface between a dysfunctional gut and skeletal deformities. The mechanical stress on the growth rates leads to microfractures in the cartilage layers, which paired with disruption of the gut from inflammation allows bacteria to translocate through the epithelial layer and into the femoral head (14). In conjunction with rapid growth, inflammation of the gut has been identified to play a negative role in bone development—a concern in AGP-free broilers.
Gastrointestinal and Immunocompetence Issues
For optimal production, a broiler chick must have a healthy gut, which can be defined as a combination of digestive function, immune competence, and gut microbiota. Genetically, broilers have increased their feed intake as selection has aimed at growth performance. This growth is dependent on the efficient digestion, absorption and assimilation of dietary nutrients. As well, maximum digestion of available dietary nutrients is critical for disease prevention. The presence of undigested feed results in loading of substrates in the hindgut, encouraging proliferation of bacteria, causing dysregulation in the adaptive immune system due to changes in microbial metabolism leading to inflammation and potentially disease (15). In conjunction, the short life span of broiler chicken limits the potential for the complete development of an adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system is estimated to take ~5–6 weeks post-hatch to fully develop, indicating a strong reliance on the innate immune system. Traditionally, AGPs were used to maintain a balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria, with a direct influence on ileal microbiota communities (16). However, as poultry production shifts away from AGP use to modulate the gut microbiota, questions on how to establish a well-balanced gut microbiota and well-established innate immune system rises.
Broiler Breeder Management, Nutrition, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Optimizing broiler chicken production starts with chick quality at hatch, a characteristic that can be primarily attributed to BB nutrition and management. The nutrition of BB contributes to hatching egg fertility and hatchability, chick hatch weight and subsequent performance upon placement in grow-out facilities. All required and available nutrients for embryonic development are heavily dependent on the nutrients and components deposited in the egg by the hen (17). Modern BB nutrition is unique as it is critical to provide enough, but not excessive nutrients for maximum egg production (18). This is because BB have not only been intensively genetically selected for the favorable traits found in broilers, such as rapid and efficient growth but also for a successful lifetime of egg production (19). As such, the metabolic needs resulting from these characteristics are contradictory—BB possess the genetics for broiler chicken production rates requiring high feed intake; however, excess body weight leads to low egg production and egg size variability in a flock. Furthermore, as poultry production eradicates the usage of AGP, BB production must also consider ways to maintain a healthy gut to prevent intestinal and inflammatory disorders which could negatively affect productivity and performance. A compromise of the hen's intestinal health affects the ability to absorb nutrients, affecting the ability to produce eggs as well as the nutrients deposited in the yolk for embryogenesis. Lastly, a compromised intestinal tract in broiler breeders also presents the potential to transfer pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter to progeny during egg formation and passage (20–22).
To meet their unique metabolic demands, BB nutrition is constantly changing with their life stages. The first limiting nutrient in these diets is energy for proper body maintenance, growth, and production demands (23–25). Energy requirements are met through the fortification with lipid sources such as vegetable oils and animal fat. In particular, long chain n-6 and n-3 PUFA are considered essential due to the inability of avian species to insert a double bond beyond Δ−9 carbon due to the lack of Δ-12 and−15 desaturases and must be provided through the diet (26). Current practices of feeding cereal and vegetable protein-based diets have been well-documented for their imbalance of n-6 to n-3 FA ratio (27). A high dietary n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratio is known to create a prothrombotic and proaggregatory physiological state, encouraging inflammation and disease pathogenesis (28). Enriching diets with n-3 PUFA decreases the competition between alpha-linolenic acid (n-3) and linoleic acid (n-6) for conversion and elongation to their active metabolites: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) and increases n-3 PUFA metabolites. Reducing the difference between n-6 and n-3 PUFA ratio is not only beneficial for BB production but also to the progeny.
The FA profile of BB eggs is reflective of the FA composition of the diet, and therefore can be enriched with n-3 PUFA for embryonic utilization (29, 30). Beneficial effects of feeding BB n-3 PUFA enriched diets on offspring immunity, gut microbiota, skeletal development, modulation of hepatic and cardiac function have been reported. Oxidation of FA provides 95% of the total energy needed for embryonic development, with a preference of incorporating PUFA into the tissues (31–33). Polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute most of the structural phospholipids in the cell membrane of the developing embryo, affecting immune cell FA composition as well as the FA profile of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract acts as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, referred to as the GALT, responding against bacterial, viral, and parasitic antigens (34). Excessive feed in the gut due to broiler growth demands and short intestinal passage rate induces stress on the gut, causing inflammation and intestinal barrier leakage. Therefore, the increase of n-3 PUFA in chick tissues may be beneficial for a more controlled immune response (35). As previously mentioned, n-3 PUFA inclusion also affects BB microbiota, which is passed on from BB to newly hatched chicks and can affect broiler immune status and production. Lastly, modulation of inflammatory responses in broilers also influences adequate bone development, another major developmental issue in poultry production.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Broiler Breeder Diets and the Effect on Progeny
Inflammatory Mediators and Antibodies
Newly hatched chicks are exposed to a variety of stressors associated with routine husbandry practices, including vaccination, handling, heat stress, and feed change. Whether these stressors occur singly or simultaneously, they have the potential to stimulate the stress response, impair immunity and negatively affect bird growth and well-being. The acquired immune system of a broiler chicken takes ~4–6 weeks after the 10 days post-hatch period to fully develop (36). In this sense, there is a strong reliance on the innate immune system, and the yolk derived maternal antibodies for protection during the early life stage due to broiler's short life span (37). The protective role of maternal immunoglobulins (IgY and IgA) is of particular interest due to the precocial nature of chickens (38). These maternal antibodies are provided during the process of egg formation and continue to function in the hatchling until its own immune response can take over (38). Manipulation of the maternal diet not only influences the passive and innate immune system of broiler chicks but also subsequent development of the acquired immune system through subtle variations in the epigenetic regulation of immune gene expression (39).
Inflammation serves as a normal innate immune response to a challenge, particularly during the first week of life when the chick experiences environmental, nutritional, and developmental changes. However, excessive or uncontrolled inflammation can steer nutrients toward the acute phase response and cause decreased feed intake, muscle protein accretion and increase metabolic rate, ultimately resulting in poor production (40). Eicosanoids are lipid mediators of inflammation, produced through the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways—utilizing AA and EPA as substrates (41). Eicosanoids derived from AA are generally more potent, can increase the production of pro-inflammatory interleukins and may play a pathogenic role (42, 43). Inclusion of 3% fish oil, providing EPA and DHA, into maternal diets resulted in a significant increase in the production of EPA derived leukotriene B5 (LTB5) by thrombocytes, which is less pro-inflammatory than AA derived leukotriene B4 (LTB4), at day 7 and 14 in progeny compared to progeny from breeders fed conventional corn-soybean meal diets (44). The EPA and DHA competitively inhibit the metabolism of AA in the COX and LOX pathways, supressing the up-regulation of the genes for enzymes required for LTB4 production while EPA also acts as a substrate for LTB5 production (42). Incorporation of yolk omega-3 FA from enriched maternal diets into chick cell membrane during embryogenesis may result in a less potent inflammatory response to early life stressors.
Furthermore, the FA profile of immune organs in the progeny, specifically the spleen and bursa reflect the FA profile of the maternal diet; indicating incorporation during the developmental stage (44). A study examining effects of n-3 FA (DHA and EPA) inclusion from 1.5% replacement of the basal diet with fish oil blends in maternal diets reported the heaviest bursal weights upon hatch in chicks from EPA fed BB, potentially indicating an enhanced immune status due to the increase in B cell proliferation and maturation (45). Chicks hatched from BB fed diets enriched with 3.5% fish oil produced significantly less of AA derived eicosanoids, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2, which are known for being pro-inflammatory and encouraging vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation, than their low n-3 PUFA dietary counterparts (46). Bullock et al. (47) reported a decrease in the pro-inflammatory regulatory cytokine interleukin–6 (IL-6) in both the liver and serum of chicks hatched from BB fed diets enriched with n-3 PUFA via 3.5% fish oil in the diet. As previously mentioned, n-6 and n-3 FA competition occurs in eicosanoid production by COX and LOX enzymes. By increasing preferential incorporation of n-3 FA into cell membrane embryonically, there is a shift toward EPA and DHA derived eicosanoids, accounting for the decrease in PGE2 as well as PGE2 induced IL-6 (48). Serum concentrations of IgG in hens fed diets with 5% linseed oil inclusion by replacement in the basal diet, as a source of n-3 PUFA, were significantly higher than other dietary treatments (49). Egg yolk IgY was also higher in eggs from n-3 PUFA enriched hens—both IgG and IgY have a role in inflammatory responses. As immunoglobulins in the hen are transferred to the chick to provide passive immunity, these results indicated the possibility for more controlled inflammatory responses in newly hatched chicks (49). The type of long-chain PUFA released in response to inflammatory stimuli is dependent on the cell membrane phospholipid PUFA content and therefore increased n-3 PUFA in BB diets is reflected in broiler chicks upon hatch and could act as a means of modulating inflammatory disease (50).
Transient immunosuppression caused by routine vaccination regimens in early phases of chick life (e.g., IBD, Marek's disease, coccidiosis, etc.) can increase broiler flock susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. Moreover, incidences of vaccination failure are prevalent in the field resulting in chickens with inadequate antibody titer level development or are susceptible to a field disease outbreak following vaccine administration (51). Vaccination inadequacy is often associated with immunosuppression related non-cellular (antibody) and cellular components of the immune system not functioning properly (51, 52). There are numerous feedstuffs that have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects in young birds such as functional n-3 PUFA, yeast metabolites and probiotics (53–55). Dietary n-3 PUFA had a positive influence on humoral immunity in broiler chickens measured by antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) compared to the control diet (56). Hens fed n-3 PUFA (fish or linseed oil, regardless of low, medium or high dose) had higher antibody titers upon challenge with bovine serum albumin compared to hens fed corn oil (57). It was recently demonstrated that feeding pullet breeders and/or their progeny n-3 PUFA (DHA and ALA) increased embryonic utilization of DHA and antibody titers for infectious bronchitis and new castle disease post-vaccination (9, 58). Fish oil modified eicosanoid metabolism and attenuated growth-depressing effects in an Eimeria tenella infection model (59).
Gastrointestinal Microbiota Development
The gut microbiota is characterized by microbial community comprised of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms with significant roles in the gastrointestinal development, resistance to non-specific infections and immune function (60). The intestinal microbiota has a specific role in forming a protective barrier in the GIT mucosa against pathogenic bacteria by reducing their adhesion to the mucosa (55). However, intestinal tract disturbances are a common issue in modern broilers due to their rapid growth rate and excessive feed intake resulting in a “leaky gut” and inflammation caused by dysbiosis (61, 62). Subtherapeutic use of AGP allowed for homeostasis of the microbiota by reducing the microbial load in the intestinal tract, preventing dysbiosis and increasing nutrient availability for the chick (60, 63–65). Dysbiosis of the microbiota leads to cascade effects resulting in inflammatory responses, reduction in nutrient digestion, and negatively affecting production (64, 66). Upon hatching, chicks display a highly dynamic and variable microbiota, as a result of maternal, hatchery, transportation, and rearing influences (67). Additionally, interactions between gut microbial community and host immune system stimulate GALT maturation, subsequently, the adaptive immune system and production long term (55, 68). Developmental programming could allow for colonization of some microbiota before hatch, as BB transfer gut microbiota to their offspring. This presents an opportunity to manipulate maternal diets toward beneficial microbiota (55). Recently published research mapping chick microbiota relative to maternal and egg microbiota suggests establishment and inheritance of microbiota from the hen as early as the fertilization period and during egg formation in the oviduct (69). The most significant determinant of gut microbiota profile is the diet which is influenced by factors like nutrient composition (fat, protein, fiber, etc.) and ingredients used (63, 70, 71).
While the relationship between n-3 FA and immunity is well-established, emerging research indicates n-3 FA and the gut microbiota share critical pathways of immune system activation and inhibition (72). It was reported that increased ingestion of n-3 FA resulted in a higher number of bacteria from the Lactobacillus group (72). However, another study only indicated minor changes in cecal Lactobacillus in broilers fed a diet with 2% fish oil relative to control and no difference in birds fed 5% fish oil (73). The Lactobacillus group is known functionally for enhancing intestinal barriers and is from the phyla Firmicutes (74). An increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes in broiler chicken intestinal tract was negatively correlated with the expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL–6 (75). Firmicutes are also associated with the capacity for energy harvest and production of short-chain FA, particularly butyrate. This process reduces unused nutrients in the GIT while producing more usable energy for the chick (55, 76). Reduction of unused nutrients in the gut can facilitate homeostasis in the microbiota and potentially ameliorating some of the inflammatory intestinal metabolic issues seen in broilers.
Intestinal permeability (IP) serves as a measure of gut epithelial integrity (“leaky gut”) in relation to the passage of bacterial endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) through the intestinal walls and into circulation (77). Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is a marker of metabolic endotoxemia, a measure of the innate inflammatory immune response caused by the increase of endotoxin bacteria which triggers a pro-inflammatory cascade effect releasing cytokines such as IL-6 (77, 78). Robertson et al. (77) reported a significant decrease in IP and LBP in offspring from Fat-1 mice, indicating a suppressive effect on LPS-producing/pro-inflammatory bacteria. Metabolic endotoxemia may also be reduced by decreased LPS circulation due to the increase of gut barrier protecting bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) a consequence of reduced n-6 to n-3 FA ratio (78). Interestingly, there were no differences in circulating cytokine between progeny despite their role in the inflammatory cascade involving LPS (77). Kaliannan et al. (78) reported gut microbiota influence on differential effects of tissue n-6 PUFA vs. n-3 PUFA on metabolic endotoxemia—particularly in tissues with high n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA ratio which retains pro-endotoxic bacteria. Enriching broiler chick tissue with maternal feeding of n-3 PUFA could present an opportunity to decrease harboring of pro-endotoxic bacteria, reducing inflammation, and increasing productivity. The inclusion of n-3 PUFA into BB diets could not only help the progeny but also help decrease the transfer of pathogenic bacteria from BB to broilers during egg formation and lay. As previously discussed, an inflammatory physiological state leads to a dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, allowing for pro-inflammatory bacteria presence to proliferate and subsequently transfer to the egg and outer shell. Through the reduction of inflammation and pro-inflammatory bacteria, there is the opportunity to decrease horizontal transfer and increase chick health upon hatch.
Skeletal Development
As with other aspects discussed in this review, issues of skeletal development in broilers are a consequence of genetic selection for rapid growth rates and muscle deposition (79). Equally dramatic increases in the size, growth rate and structural integrity of the skeleton have not been selected for, leading to leg disorders such as leg weakness (characterized as fractures, breaks, and a lack of strength) and lameness in broilers (4, 14, 79, 80). These issues ultimately lead to unfavorable outcomes such as culling, poor production, and economic losses (79). While genetic selection plays the majority role in bone formation, environmental effects such as housing, and nutrition can also affect bone development. In humans, nutrient supply before birth and early adulthood plays an essential role in determining health outcomes such as bone mass into adulthood (81). In utero delivery of n-3 PUFA had the most significant positive effect on bone formation and was determinant of bone health in offspring during early developmental phase (82). In broilers, the concept of developmental programming through BB arises again as bone mineralization and development begins in early embryonic phase. Coupled with the knowledge that stimulation of the nutrition in the breeder affects progeny growth and metabolism, there is the potential to mitigate some skeletal issues in chicks (83, 84).
Currently, studies have shown a positive association of n-3 PUFA in optimizing bone growth and mass. Lau et al. (85) reported a favorable association between n-3 PUFA and bone formation biomarkers in Fat-1 transgenic mice, which are capable of producing n-3 PUFA from n-6 PUFA. The FA composition of the femur was increased, specifically with ALA, DHA, and EPA—this coincides with previous reports of bone FA profiles in tibial cortical bone of chicks reflecting their n-3 PUFA enriched diets (85, 86). Similar results were seen in offspring of female rats fed either ALA (flaxseed oil) or ALA + DHA (DHASCO oil) 5 weeks before mating; offspring were maintained on maternal diets—indicating the ability to manipulate bone FA embryonically (87). Lau et al. (82) presents a comprehensive look at FA profiles of the bone relative to enriched diets.
Bone mineral content (BMC), a widely used marker of bone health, had a significantly positive correlation with either DHA or EPA in Fat-1 mice (85). Several other feeding studies reported the same positive correlation between BMC and n-3 PUFA in growing animals (88–90). The BMC of the tibia in growing Japanese quail was also the highest in n-3 PUFA supplemented birds relative to control (91). While several studies report positive effects, there are other reports of no effects of n-3 PUFA inclusion on BMC in both mice and avian species (92, 93). A study feeding pullet breeders either DHA, ALA or a standard control diet reported an increase in tibial ash weight and percentage increases in the offspring produced from 1% DHA fed mothers (9). It may be possible to apply these findings in BB nutrition to fortify bone strength in broiler chicks. Bone mineral density (BMD) reflects the bone mineral content per unit volume of bone material significantly affecting the bone strength—this biomarker is of interest as increased bone strength could provide more support to the rapid growth of broilers. Rats fed diets with 40 g/kg n-3 PUFA displayed a 5.2% increase in femur BMD relative to control (94). In conjunction, bone biomechanical response is also an indicator of bone strength. The humeri of laying hens fed 10% flaxseed oil diets (supplying ALA) displayed a greater BMD than those from n-6 FA fed birds (95). The authors also reported stronger, tougher and stiffer bones as measured through bone-breaking strength in tibia from n-3 PUFA group (95). These results coincided with reports of an increase in tibial bone breaking strength in growing Japanese quail fed 2% fish oil and linolenic supplemented diets (96). Liu et al. (91) study also reported a higher relative shear force response (29.3% n-3 PUFA group vs. 16.6% control group) and stress response in the tibia of growing quail. Lastly, Fat-1 progeny of Fat-1 one mice reported a higher BMD at week 5 (growing stage) as well as an increase in tibial bone strength as the mice aged, as tested by ultimate load, stiffness and yield points (97). Feeding ALA and DHA to pullet breeders and pullets supported cortical development at sexual maturity (18-wk of age) (98). In broilers, the tibia is the main load bearing site and is most affected during locomotion and lameness; therefore, positive correlations between n-3 PUFA and increased bone strength could help in reducing current skeletal issues. It is interesting to note that studies which found no effect of n-3 PUFA on bone qualities were generally in older animals, indicating the importance of bone formation at early stages of development.
There are several hypothesized mechanisms relating n-3 PUFA and bone health such as an increase in calcium absorption in the small intestine, modulation of bone marrow cells and attenuating mediators of osteoclastogenesis. Studies feeding growing rats n-3 PUFA, particularly DHA, displayed an increase in calcium balance and small intestine absorption—indicating an increased availability of calcium and therefore potentially increasing incorporation into the bone matrix (82). Another proposed mechanism of action involving n-3 PUFA and bone development involves bone marrow which contains mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and adipocytes—stipulating that the higher number of bone marrow cells available, the higher the potential for osteoblastogenesis (99). Rats fed DHA during early post-weaning displayed a 2-fold increase in bone marrow cell numbers relative to their n-6 PUFA fed counterparts (100). Dietary n-3 PUFA also enhances the translocation of the stem cells into the osteoblastic lines by enhancing transcription factors (101). Osteoclastogenesis is the process wherein bone-resorbing cells known as osteoclasts are formed. A triad of proteins regulates the process, and this includes nuclear factor β ligand RANKL, the receptor RANK and the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) (102). The main regulatory cytokine involved in this process is the AA derived lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and acts to stimulate RANKL and RANK, leading to maturation of osteoclast precursors into activated osteoclasts. Mouse bone marrow stem cells which were exposed to control, AA or EPA treatment showed the highest production of PGE2 in the AA group (103). Furthermore, the EPA group had an inhibitory effect on PGE2 production, which was related to lower COX-2 gene expression, the pathway which produces PGE2 (103). Offspring of n-3 PUFA fed mice also exhibited a significant decrease in the number of resorptive osteoclast cells, due to the downregulation of RANKL mRNA (81). As with many of the results presented in the literature review, research indicates that the reduction in dietary n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA ratio has the potential to enhance beneficial effects; in this case, bone formation (104). Decreasing the n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA ratio results in the decrease of proinflammatory n-6 PUFA derived cytokines such as IL-6 (95). Cytokines IL- 6 and PGE2 induce each other's production and prompt osteoclastogenesis through inhibiting OPG production and upregulating RANK production, indicating an inflamed state could perpetuate bone loss and weakening (91). Tong et al. (105) explored the relationship between inflammation and bone metabolism in broilers through an LPS challenge. LPS challenged birds had shorter tibial length and reduced tibial weight relative to control birds, as well as increased levels of pro-inflammatory AA, derived cytokines (IL-6, TNF α) and RANKL and decreased OPG levels (105). Cytokine IL-6 also decreased the height and proportion of the tibial growth plate, suppressing bone growth. Factors associated with osteoclastogenesis were also responsible for tibial dysplasia in chickens due to the decrease in vascular density (105).
The last concept we will discuss involving skeletal metabolic issues in broilers is lameness caused by bacterial chondronecrosis osteomyelitis (BCO). BCO is characterized as an infection in rapidly growing bones attributed to repeated mechanical stress (14). As previously mentioned, broiler chicks generally have underdeveloped immune systems and are often in state of stress during early development. During this immunosuppressed state, bacteria from the gut microbiome translocate across the intestinal epithelium into the circulation and spreads hematogenously, forming bacterial foci which sequesters within the infected bone at the growth plate and adjacent metaphysis where antibiotics and immune system cells cannot reach (14). While there is no research examining the relationship between BCO, inflammation and n-3 PUFA, we postulate that n-3 PUFA inclusion into diets could ameliorate some of the effects of BCO by decreasing the inflammatory intestinal state and thereby reducing bacterial translocation.
Concluding Remarks and Future Directions
The role of dietary polyunsaturated n-3 PUFA on immune modulation, microbiota regulation, and bone development has been explored individually. To the authors knowledge, this is the first time the role of omega-3 FA in the broiler breeder-broiler chickens interface regarding immune response, skeletal development and gut health has been reviewed. In general, there is consensus on the beneficial effects of reducing the n-6 PUFA to n-3 PUFA ratio by increasing dietary inclusion of n-3 PUFA. In this review, we examined the overall effects of n-3 PUFA on physiological and metabolic attributes in modern broilers. Majority of research characterizing the benefits of dietary n-3 PUFA examines the direct effects of feeding broiler chicks. However, there is an opportunity to apply concepts of developmental programming by utilizing broiler breeders to deposit n-3 FA in the yolk for embryonic utilization. While extensive research has been conducted on the feeding n-3 PUFA to BB and the subsequent effects on their progeny regarding their immune response, minimal data is available on the effect on progeny microbiota or skeletal development. There is an innate understanding that the immune status of a bird drives the health of the gut (microbiota) and plays a role in the signaling pathways involving bone health. However, quantitative, and qualitative relationship between these elements with respect to integrating n-3 PUFA provision in broiler diets and progeny outcomes is not well-defined (Figure 1). As a start, studies characterizing the effects of n-3 PUFA inclusion into BB diets on reproductive performance as measured by fertility, hatchability, and chick quality must be determined. Once these effects have been established, maternal feeding of n-3 PUFA may be examined in terms of subsequent effects on growth performance, immune status and bone development in broiler chickens. The review leads us to postulate the possibilities of mitigating some of the common physiological and metabolic issues seen in broiler chicks through maternal feeding of n-3 PUFA.
Figure 1. Pathways for modulating immunocompetence, skeletal, and gastrointestinal attributes in broiler chickens hatched from broiler breeders fed omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Author Contributions
AT is a graduate student of EK, she searched literature and wrote significant portion of the review. EK overall conceptual and editorial responsibility.
Funding
Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada-CRD Program, Egg Farmers of Canada, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Alltech Canada, and O & T Farms. AT was supported by MITACS Research Training Award Program for the duration of writing the review and she is also a recipient of Ontario Graduate, Egg Farmers of Ontario's Thomas R. Graham and Keyes Family Scholarships.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
Contributions of the current and former graduate students and research associates of EK Monogastric Nutrition Research Laboratory at University of Guelph appreciated.
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Keywords: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, broiler breeder nutrition, broiler chicken, growth performance, immunocompetence, skeletal development
Citation: Thanabalan A and Kiarie EG (2021) Influence of Feeding Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Broiler Breeders on Indices of Immunocompetence, Gastrointestinal, and Skeletal Development in Broiler Chickens. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:653152. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.653152
Received: 13 January 2021; Accepted: 01 June 2021;
Published: 28 June 2021.
Edited by:
Rajesh Jha, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United StatesReviewed by:
Giuseppe Conte, University of Pisa, ItalyAmit Kumar Singh, University of Georgia, United States
Copyright © 2021 Thanabalan and Kiarie. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Elijah G. Kiarie, ekiarie@uoguelph.ca