A review on the influence of dietary immunobiotics on the performance, intestinal morphology and immune-related gene expression in post-hatched broiler chicks

The use of antibiotics in the broiler industry is continuously increasing for promoting growth performance, improving the edible meat yield, and preventing microbial infections in the chicks. Due to the extreme misuse of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance is developing among the broilers and simultaneously to their consumers. Keeping in view these facts current review was planned to understand the effect of different dietary immunobiotics on the performance, intestinal morphology, and immune-related gene expression in post-hatched broiler chicks. The review of the literature indicated that the application of immunobiotics as functional foods and its biological value have been reported by many scientists worldwide. In addition, to develop immunologically functional foods, immunobiotics also help in regulating intestinal immunity. The current review further explored that the immunobiotics regulate intestinal immune homeostasis, cellular and molecular mechanisms. It was also interesting to note that immunobiotics concerning microorganisms stimulate the activation of mucosal immunity in the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissues (GALT). In vitro studies on the toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-transfected cells showed that immunobiotics can potentially be used to enhance the immune system in the GALT. Keeping in view reviewed studies on immunobiotics it could be concluded that immunobiotics positively influence the performance, intestinal morphology, and immune-related gene expression in post-hatch chicks. They could be used as the best alternative to antibiotics. Keywords: Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissues; Immune system; Prebiotics; Receptors.

Chinese medicinal plants: an alternative approach for management of Verticillium wilt of cotton

Summary. The use of chemical fungicides is costly and potentially harmful to the environment. The trend towards the environmentally-friendly pesticides has led to the search for new antifungal agents from various sources, including Chinese medicinal herbs. This study aimed to confirm the antifungal potential of selected Chinese medicinal herbs, under in vitro and greenhouse conditions, against Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of cotton. Preliminary screening of 26 medicinal herbs for antifungal potential showed varied responses, reducing the radial colony growth of V. dahliae, and fungicidal potential. The strongest efficacy was observed for extracts from Prunus mume and Rhus chinensis, followed by Coptis chinensis, Cortex phellodendri chinensis (dried bark of Phellodendron chinense) and Curcuma longa. The efficacy of the four most effective herbs (R. chinensis, P. mume, C. chinensis and C. phellodendri chinensis) under greenhouse conditions correlated with in vitro tests. However, Prunus mume and Rhus chinensis gave the greatest reduction in severity of Verticillium wilt. The greatest improvements in plant height, fresh weight and number of leaves were obtained with P. mume and R. chinensis, followed by C. chinensis and C. phellodendri chinensis. Greatest improvements in plant growth resulted from P. mume and R. chi-nensis. Alternative control with Chinese medicinal herbs showing the greatest antifungal potential could provide economical, safe and non-hazardous tools for management of Verticillium wilt and increased cotton quality from sustainable production