@article{moita_kim_2023, title={Awardee Talk: Functional Roles of Phytase and Xylanase for Nursery Pigs and Broiler Chickens}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad341.133}, abstractNote={
 The objective of this research was to investigate the functional roles of phytase and xylanase in nursery pigs and broiler chickens. These enzymes have been widely studied and have shown consistent results improving nutrient digestibility and growth performance. However, recent studies have raised the hypothesis that phytase and xylanase could also have potential effects on intestinal and bone health, and intestinal microbiota. The first study studied at the effects of a bacterial 6-phytase on nutrient digestibility and retention of nursery and growing pigs. The results showed that supplementing a bacterial 6-phytase in pig diets can be a potential alternative for reducing high levels of inorganic phosphorus sources while still increasing the digestibility and utilization of phosphorus by the animals. The second study investigated the efficacy and optimal level of a bacterial 6-phytase supplemented beyond traditional dose levels on bone and intestinal health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. The results revealed that the supplementation of the bacterial 6-phytase enhanced bone health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in nursery pigs. The third study aimed to determine the effects of phytase supplementation on the intestinal microbiota and morphology, bone health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of broiler chickens. The results showed that phytase supplementation had potential benefits on the microbiota by reducing potential harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria. Additionally, phytase had positive effects on bone health, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. The fourth study examined the functional roles of xylanase on the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. The results showed that xylanase supplementation had beneficial effects on intestinal health by reducing the digesta viscosity, the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, and the oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa. All of these factors collectively reflected in improvements on the intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. In conclusion, the results of these studies reaffirmed the benefits of phytase and xylanase related to nutrient digestibility and growth performance in nursery pigs and broiler chickens, as well as showed potential benefits on intestinal health and microbiota of the animals. Supplementing these enzymes could also contribute to a reduction in feed costs and environmental concerns associated with a poor hydrolysis and breakdown of antinutritional factors in animal diets.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={119–120} }
 @article{jang_moita_martinez_sokale_kim_2023, title={Dose-Response and Functional Roles of Zinc Glycinate on Growth and Intestinal Health of Nursery Pigs Challenged with F18<SUP>+</SUP>Escherichia Coli}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad341.104}, abstractNote={
 This study was to evaluate dose-response and supplemental effects of zinc glycinate (ZnGly) on growth and intestinal health of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli. Nursery pigs (n = 40; BW = 6.5 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW and sex as blocks: 1) NC: no-challenge/no-supplement; (2) PC: F18+E. coli challenge/no-supplement; (3 to 5) F18+E. coli challenge/supplementations of ZnGly at 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg. On d 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli at 6 × 109 CFU/mL, whereas NC received saline solution. Pigs were fed for 28 d based on 2 phases (Phase 1: 14 d and phase 2: 14 d), and experimental diets were formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements suggested by NRC (2012). Pigs were euthanized on d 28 to collect tissues to evaluate TNF-α, IL-8, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, gene expression of Zn transporters, and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum. Data were analyzed using contrasts in the MIXED procedure of SAS. The E. coli challenge tended to reduce (P = 0.065) ADG (308 to 244 g/d) and increase (P < 0.05) fecal score (3.2 to 4.1) of the pigs during the first week of post-challenge. Supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg linearly (P = 0.092) increased G:F (0.69 to 0.81) during phase 1 and decreased (P <0.05) fecal score (4.1 to 3.5) of the pigs during the first week of post-challenge. Supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg had quadratic effects on TNF-α (P = 0.065; minimum 1.51 pg/mg at 405 mg/kg of ZnGly), IL-8 (P = 0.093; minimum 0.53 ng/mg at 494 mg/kg), and protein carbonyl (P = 0.054; minimum 2.30 pg/mg at 675 mg/kg) and linearly increased mRNA expressions of (P = 0.057) ZIP4 (0.69 to 1.03) and (P = 0.075) ZnT5 (0.92 to 1.22) in the jejunum of the pigs. Supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.065) Chao1 index (150.6 to 144.6) and linearly increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Actinobacteria (13.10 to 16.26%) and had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria (minimum 0.67 % at 625 mg/kg) and Proteobacteria (minimum 45.6% at 735 mg/kg) at the phylum level with Enterobacteriaceae (minimum 4.79% at 660 mg/kg) at family level in jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota of the pigs. In conclusion, supplementation of ZnGly at a range of 400 to 675 mg/kg could reduce the negative impacts of F18+E. coli on growth performance and diarrhea of nursery pigs. These positive changes are related to reducing jejunal inflammation and oxidative stress by enhancing jejunal Zn absorption with positive changes in jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in the pigs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Jang, Ki Beom and Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Martinez, Nicolas and Sokale, Adebayo O. and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={93–94} }
 @article{jang_moita_martinez_sokale_kim_2023, title={Efficacy of Zinc Glycinate Reducing Zinc Oxide on Growth and Intestinal Health of Nursery Pigs Challenged with F18<SUP>+</SUP> <i>Escherichia Coli</i>}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad341.108}, abstractNote={
 The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ZnGly supplementation reducing ZnO in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli (E. coli). A total of 56 nursery pigs (initial BW = 6.5 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted to 7 treatments based on a randomized complete block design using BW and sex as blocks. Treatment groups were: 1) NC: no-challenged with E. coli; 2) PC: challenged with F18+E. coli; 3) challenged with F18+ E. coli and fed ZnO at 2,500 mg/kg in the diet; (4 to 7) challenged with F18+E. coli and fed ZnGly at 400 mg/kg and ZnO at 0, 700, 1,400, and 2,357 mg/kg in the diets. Pigs were fed for 28 days based on 2 phases (Phase 1: 14 d and phase 2: 14 d) and 48 pigs were orally inoculated with F18+ E. coli (6 × 109 CFU/mL) on d 7. Pigs were euthanized on d 28 to collect tissues to evaluate TNF-α, IL-8, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, gene expression of Zn transporters, and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum. Data were analyzed by Mixed procedure of SAS. The E. coli challenge tended to decrease (P = 0.076) ADG (200 to 155 g/d) and (P = 0.055) G:F (0.82 to 0.69) during phase 1, and increased (P < 0.05) fecal score (3.2 to 4.1) of nursery pigs during d 7 to 14. There was no difference on the growth performance during the overall period, although pigs fed with the pharmaceutical level of ZnO had greater (P < 0.05) ADG (343 vs. 256 g/d) than pigs fed with ZnGly at 400 mg/kg during the first week of post-challenge. Supplementation of ZnGly with reducing the levels of ZnO from 2,357 to 0 mg/kg tended to have a quadratic response on the fecal score (maximum 4.2 at 667 mg/kg of ZnO) during post-challenge period. Supplementation of ZnGly with reducing levels of ZnO from 2,357 to 0 mg/kg linearly decreased (P < 0.05) IL-8 (0.94 to 0.58 ng/mg) and malondialdehyde (0.49 to 0.34 μM/mg) in jejunum of the pigs. Supplementation of ZnGly reducing the levels of ZnO from 2,357 to 0 mg/kg linearly increased (P < 0.05) Chao1 (142.2 to 148.7) and decreased (P < 0.05) Shannon (4.08 to 3.99) with quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae (minimum 6.15% at 1,000 mg/kg) and Streptomycetaceae (minimum 5.91% at 800 mg/kg) at family level in jejunum of the pigs. In conclusion, ZnGly supplementation at 400 mg/kg could effectively reduce the use of ZnO in nursery feeds by having similar effects to the pharmaceutical use of ZnO without negatively affecting growth performance and intestinal health of pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Jang, Ki Beom and Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Martinez, Nicolas and Sokale, Adebayo O. and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Nov} }
 @article{moita_jang_kim_2023, title={Efficacy of a Bacterial 6-Phytase on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients and Retention of Phosphorus of Nursery and Growing Pigs}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad341.132}, abstractNote={
 This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and retention of phosphorus (P) in nursery and growing pigs. In experiment (Exp.) 1, twelve barrows (initial BW of 8.5 ± 0.3 kg) were individually housed in metabolism crates and were allotted based on a quadruplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design with three treatments and three periods. In Exp. 2, twelve barrows (initial BW of 35.7 ± 1.9 kg) were individually housed in metabolism crates and were allotted following the same experimental design of Exp. 1. The dietary treatments were: positive control (PC): a diet formulated meeting nutrient requirements from NRC (2012); negative control (NC): a diet 0.14% deficient in the Ca and P requirements; and a diet with bacterial 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg of feed (PHY; Rovabio PhyPlus, Adisseo, France). Each period lasted for eight days, and consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 4-day collection period. All pigs were weighed at the end of each period to adjust daily feed allowance. Chromium oxide, at 0.5%, was added as an external marker indicating the start and end of fecal collection. Urine and fecal samples were collected daily and stored until further chemical analysis. Data from both experiments were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Treatments were considered fixed effects, and the individual pig and period were included as random effects. In both experiments, the ATTD of Ca and P, and P retention in PC were greater (P < 0.05) compared with NC. Supplementation of bacterial 6-phytase improved (P < 0.05) ATTD of Ca (45 to 57%) and P (31 to 45%) and P retention (31 to 43%) in nursery pigs, and ATTD of P (44 to 55%) and P retention (42 to 54%) in growing pigs. No differences were detected on the ATTD of DM and CP of nursery and growing pigs among the treatments, and on nitrogen (N) retention for growing pigs. In conclusion, the supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase improved the ATTD and retention of P in nursery and growing pigs. Results from both experiments indicated that the supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase in diets for nursery and growing pigs can be a potential alternative to reduce the high levels of inorganic P sources, whereas still increasing the digestibility and utilization of P by nursery and growing pigs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Jang, Ki Beom and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Oct}, pages={118–119} }
 @article{moita_kim_2023, title={Efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase supplemented beyond traditional dose levels on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, ileal nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad134}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad134}, abstractNote={Abstract This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a bacterial 6-phytase (Buttiauxella spp.) supplemented beyond traditional dose levels based on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), intestinal health and bone parameters, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Seventy-two weaned pigs (36 barrows and 36 gilts at 21 d of age with 5.8 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to six treatments based on randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks and fed in three dietary phases (phase 1 for 14 d, phase 2 for 10 d, and phase 3 for 14 d). The treatments included a negative control (NC) diet without phytase formulated meeting nutrient requirements by NRC and the other five treatments were deficient in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by 0.12% with increasing levels of a bacterial 6-phytase (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 FTU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to phase 3 diets as an indigestible marker to measure AID of nutrients. On day 45, all pigs were euthanized to collect ileal digesta to measure AID, the third metacarpus to measure bone parameters, and jejunal mucosa to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken line analysis using the SAS 9.4. Broken line analysis demonstrated that 948 FTU/kg feed increased (P < 0.05) the ADG and the bone P content. Increasing phytase supplementation increased (linear, P < 0.05) AID of CP, bone P, and ash content. Increasing phytase supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the fecal score during phases 2 and 3. Broken line analysis demonstrated that 1,889 FTU/kg feed increased (P < 0.05) bone breaking strength. Increasing phytase supplementation (PC vs. Phy) increased (P < 0.05) AID of ether extract (EE) and P. The supplementation of phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg feed tended (P = 0.087) to reduce the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae. In conclusion, the supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase beyond traditional dose levels improved bone breaking strength, bone ash, and P content, AID of CP, EE, and P, and growth performance of nursery pigs with reduced relative abundance of Bacteroidetes specifically Prevotellaceae in the jejunal mucosa. Supplementation of a bacterial 6-phytase between 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg feed provided benefits associated with growth performance and bone parameters of nursery pigs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{jang_moita_martinez_sokale_kim_2023, title={Efficacy of zinc glycinate reducing zinc oxide on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18(+) Escherichia coli}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad035}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skad035}, abstractNote={Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate effects of zinc glycinate (ZnGly) supplementation reducing zinc oxide (ZnO) in feeds on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli (E. coli). In total, 72 nursery pigs (BW 6.5 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to nine treatments: (1) NC: no challenge/no supplement; (2) PC: E. coli challenge/no-supplement; (3) E. coli challenge/ZnO at 2,500 mg/kg; (4, 5, and 6) E. coli challenge/ZnGly at 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg; and (7, 8, and 9) E. coli challenge/ZnGly at 400 mg/kg and ZnO at 700, 1,400, and 2,357 mg/kg. Pigs were fed for 28 d based on two phases (phase 1: 14 d and phase 2: 14 d). On day 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli at 6 × 109 CFU/mL whereas NC received saline solution. The PC showed reduced ADG (P = 0.076) and G:F (P = 0.055) during phase 1 and increased fecal score (P < 0.05) during the first week of postchallenge when compared with NC, whereas supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg linearly increased (P = 0.092) G:F and decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal score of the pigs challenged with F18+E. coli. Supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg had quadratic effects on TNF-α (P = 0.065; minimum 1.13 pg/mg at 850 mg/kg ZnGly), IL-8 (P = 0.093; minimum 0.53 ng/mg at 494 mg/kg), and protein carbonyl (P = 0.054; minimum 2.30 pg/mg at 675 mg/kg) and linearly increased mRNA expressions of ZIP4 (P = 0.057) and ZnT5 (P = 0.075) in the jejunum of the pigs. Supplementation of ZnGly from 0 to 1,200 mg/kg linearly increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and had quadratic effects on Cyanobacteria (minimum 0.67% at 625 mg/kg ZnO) and Proteobacteria (maximum 45.6 g/d at 735 mg/kg) at the phylum level, with linearly decreased (P < 0.05) Enterobacteriaceae at the family level in the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota of the pigs. There was no difference in growth performance during the overall period, although pigs fed with ZnO at 2,500 mg/kg had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed with ZnGly at 400 mg/kg during the first week of the post challenge period. In conclusion, ZnGly could be an alternative to the pharmaceutical use of ZnO without negatively affecting the growth of nursery pigs by enhancing intestinal Zn absorption, reducing intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, and providing positive changes in jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Jang, Ki Beom and Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Martinez, Nicolas and Sokale, Adebayo and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{passos_moita_kim_2023, title={Individual or combinational use of phytase, protease, and xylanase for the impacts on total tract digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with soluble fed to pigs}, volume={36}, ISSN={["2765-0235"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.23.0212}, DOI={10.5713/ab.23.0212}, abstractNote={Objective This study was to evaluate the effects of individual or combinational use of phytase, protease, and xylanase on total tract digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS) fed to pigs. Methods Each experiment had four 4×4 Latin squares using 16 barrows. Each period had 5-d adaptation and 3-d collection. All experiments had: CON (no enzyme); Phy (CON+phytase); Xyl (CON+xylanase); Pro (CON+protease); Phy+Xyl; Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro. Each Latin square had ‘CON, Phy, Xyl, and Phy+Xyl’; ‘CON, Phy, Pro, and Phy+Pro’; ‘CON, Pro, Xyl, and Xyl+Pro’; and ‘Phy+Xyl, Phy+Pro, Xyl+Pro, Phy+Xyl+Pro’. Results The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nitrogen retention (NR) of corn were not affected by enzymes but the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) was improved (p<0.01) by Phy. The DE and ATTD dry matter (DM) in soybean meal were increased (p<0.05) by Phy+Pro and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl. The DE, ME, and ATTD DM in DDGS were improved (p<0.05) by Phy+Xyl and the ATTD P was improved (p<0.01) by Phy, Phy+Pro, and Phy+Xyl. Conclusion Phytase individually or in combination with xylanase and protease improved the Ca and P digestibility of corn, soybean meal, and DDGS, from the hydrolysis of phytic acid. The supplementation of protease was more effective when combined with phytase and xylanase in the soybean meal and DDGS possibly due to a higher protein content in these feedstuffs. Xylanase was more effective in DDGS diets due to the elevated levels of non-starch polysaccharides in these feedstuffs. However, when xylanase was combined with phytase, it demonstrated a higher efficacy improving the nutrient digestibility of pigs. Overall, combinational uses of feed enzymes can be more efficient for nutrient utilization in soybean meal and DDGS than single enzymes.}, number={12}, journal={ANIMAL BIOSCIENCE}, author={Passos, Adsos Adami and Moita, Vitor Hugo Cardoso and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2023}, month={Dec}, pages={1869–1879} }
 @article{moita_duarte_kim_2022, title={Functional roles of xylanase enhancing intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs by reducing the digesta viscosity and modulating the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum}, volume={100}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac116}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skac116}, abstractNote={Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the functional roles of an endo-β-1,4-xylanase on the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (21 d old, 6.9 ± 0.8 kg body weight [BW]) were allotted based on a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. Dietary treatments had nutrients meeting the requirements with increasing levels of endo-β-1,4-xylanase (0, 220, 440, 880, 1,760 xylanase unit [XU] per kg feed) and fed to pigs in three phases (phases 1, 2, and 3 for 10, 14, and 14 d, respectively). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to the phase 3 diets as an indigestible marker. On day 38, all pigs were euthanized to collect ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID), jejunal digesta to measure viscosity, and jejunal mucosa to evaluate intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken line analysis of SAS. Increasing xylanase in the nursery diets reduced (linear, P < 0.05) the digesta viscosity in the jejunum. Increasing xylanase tended to reduce the relative abundance of Cupriavidus (P = 0.073) and Megasphaera (P = 0.063); tended to increase the relative abundance of Succinivibrio (P = 0.076) and Pseudomonas (P = 0.060); and had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the relative abundance of Acinetobacter (maximum: 2.01% at 867 XU per kg feed). Xylanase from 0 to 1,087 XU per kg feed reduced (P < 0.05) jejunal malondialdehyde. Xylanase from 0 to 1,475 XU per kg feed increased (P < 0.05) the AID of neutral detergent fiber. Increasing xylanase increased (P < 0.05) the AID of ether extract and tended to increase (P = 0.058) the AID of crude protein. Increasing xylanase did not affect growth performance on overall period, whereas xylanase from 0 to 736 XU per kg feed increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) during days 31 to 38. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation showed benefits on intestinal health by reducing digesta viscosity, the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, and the oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa, collectively enhancing intestinal morphology and the AID of nutrients. Xylanase supplementation at a range of 750 to 1,500 XU per kg feed provided benefits associated with reduced oxidative stress, increased nutrient digestibility, resulting in potential improvement on growth performance of nursery pigs by increasing the average daily feed intake and moderately improving the ADG throughout the last week of feeding.}, number={5}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Duarte, Marcos Elias and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2022}, month={May} }
 @misc{moita_kim_2022, title={Nutritional and Functional Roles of Phytase and Xylanase Enhancing the Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs and Broiler Chickens}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233322}, DOI={10.3390/ani12233322}, abstractNote={Simple Summary Feed enzymes have been widely used with the goal to improve nutrient digestibility and growth performance of pigs. However, recent studies have shown that feed enzymes, especially phytase and xylanase, may provide potential benefits associated with the intestinal health and microbiota of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Phytase and xylanase are catalyzers for the hydrolysis of phytic acid and β-1,4- xylan bonds, respectively. With a reduction in the antinutritional properties of phytic acid and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) by the supplementation of these enzymes, there may be a possibility to improve the intestinal health of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Intestinal health can be a determinant for the overall health and subsequent performance of the animals. Some of the factors affecting the intestinal health of nursery pigs could be related to antinutritional properties from phytic acid and NSP. Thus, this review paper aimed to discuss the nutritional and functional roles associated phytase and xylanase supplementation enhancing the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Abstract This review paper discussed the nutritional and functional roles of phytase and xylanase enhancing the intestinal and growth of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. There are different feed enzymes that are currently supplemented to feeds for nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Phytase and xylanase have been extensively studied showing consistent results especially related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Findings from recent studies raise the hypothesis that phytase and xylanase could play functional roles beyond increasing nutrient digestibility, but also enhancing the intestinal health and positively modulating the intestinal microbiota of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. In conclusion, the supplementation of phytase and xylanase for nursery pigs and broiler chickens reaffirmed the benefits related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance, whilst also playing functional roles benefiting the intestinal microbiota and reducing the intestinal oxidative damages. As a result, it could contribute to a reduction in the feed costs by allowing the use of a wider range of feedstuffs without compromising the optimal performance of the animals, as well as the environmental concerns associated with a poor hydrolysis of antinutritional factors present in the diets for swine and poultry.}, number={23}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2022}, month={Dec} }
 @article{moita_duarte_kim_2021, title={Effects of a Functional Oils Blend on Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs}, volume={99}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, url={https://publons.com/wos-op/publon/54495233/}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skab054.081}, abstractNote={
 This study was to investigate the role of castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid (functional oil blend, FOB) on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs and to determine an optimal supplemental level. Newly weaned pigs (20 barrows and 20 gilts at 25 d of age, 7.02 ± 0.58 kg BW) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments in a RCBD and fed in 2 phases (13 and 21 d respectively) with increasing levels (0, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100, and 0.150%) of FOB. Growth performance was measured by each phase. Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to phase 2 diets as an indigestible marker to measure AID. On d 34, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunum to measure immune status, oxidative stress status, microbiota, morphology, and crypt cell proliferation. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS. Supplementation of FOB did not affect the overall growth performance. Supplementation of FOB tended to decrease (P = 0.064) the concentration of jejunal protein carbonyl (3.11 to 2.45 nmol/protein) and tended to increase villus height (P = 0.098, 401 to 453 μm) and crypt depth (P = 0.070, 86 to 99 μm). Increasing FOB reduced (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae (46.8 to 21.0%) and increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotellaceae (7.9 to 13.1%), Burkholderiaceae (6.3 to 10.8%) and Pseudomonadaceae (0.1 to 1.0%), and increased (P < 0.05) alpha diversity of the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota at the family level (Chao1 index 42.8 to 56.8%). In conclusion, FOB showed potential benefits on intestinal health of nursery pigs by increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria reducing oxidative damages in the jejunal mucosa, and by enhancing villus structure, whereas without affecting the growth performance. The FOB at a range of 0.050% to 0.150% provided the most benefit for nursery pigs.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Duarte, Marcos Elias and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={47–47} }
 @article{moita_duarte_da silva_kim_2021, title={Supplemental Effects of Functional Oils on the Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota, Intestinal Health, and Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs}, volume={11}, ISSN={2076-2615}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani11061591}, DOI={10.3390/ani11061591}, abstractNote={Simple Summary The earlier establishment of a health-benefiting intestinal microbiota can be an important strategy to improve intestinal health and subsequent growth performance. Functional oils, such as castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid, have been studied for promoting intestinal health due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the benefits of supplementation of functional oils on modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota, enhancing the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. It was demonstrated that the functional oils enhanced the intestinal health of the pigs by increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria and by potentially reducing jejunal oxidative stress and enhancing intestinal morphology. Our results suggest that the blend composed of castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid can be used in nursery pigs to modulate the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal integrity of nursery pigs. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional oils on modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Forty newly weaned pigs (20 barrows and 20 gilts) with 7.0 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW) were housed individually and randomly allotted in a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. The dietary treatments were a basal diet with increasing levels (0.00, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 g/kg feed) of functional oils (a blend of castor oil and cashew nutshell liquid; Oligo Basics USA LLC, Cary, NC) fed to pigs for 34 days divided in two phases (P1 for 13 days and P2 for 21 days). Growth performance was analyzed weekly. On day 34, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal health, and ileal digesta for analyzing apparent ileal digestibility. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Supplementation of functional oils did not affect the overall growth performance. Increasing supplementation of functional oils reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) Lactobacillus kitasatonis. Supplementation of functional oils tended (p = 0.064) to decrease protein carbonyl and increase the villus height (p = 0.098) and crypt depth (p = 0.070). In conclusion, supplementation of functional oils enhanced intestinal health of nursery pigs by increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria, potentially reducing oxidative stress and enhancing intestinal morphology, without affecting overall growth performance of pigs. Supplementation of functional oils at 0.75–1.50 g/kg feed was the most beneficial to the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota and intestinal integrity of nursery pigs.}, number={6}, journal={Animals}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Duarte, Marcos Elias and da Silva, Suelen Nunes and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={1591} }
 @article{moita_duarte_kim_2021, title={Supplemental Effects of Phytase on Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota in the Jejunum and the Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology, and Bone Parameters in Broiler Chickens}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123351}, DOI={10.3390/ani11123351}, abstractNote={Simple Summary A positive modulation of the gut microbiota is associated with benefits regarding intestinal health and subsequent growth performance. The supplementation of phytase has been studied for improving nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and growth performance. This study aimed to determine the effects of increasing doses of phytase on the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum enhancing intestinal health and the impacts on nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and growth performance of broiler chickens. It was demonstrated that the use of phytase enhanced the intestinal health of the broiler chickens by potentially increasing beneficial and reducing harmful bacteria, enhancing intestinal morphology, and consequently improving nutrient digestibility and bone parameters. Our results suggest that the use of phytase can positively modulate the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, enhance intestinal integrity, nutrient digestibility, and bone parameters of broiler chickens. Abstract This study aimed to determine supplemental effects of phytase on modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and growth performance of broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty newly hatched broiler chickens (Ross 308) (44 ± 2 g BW) were randomly allotted in 6 treatments with 10 birds per cage based on a completely randomized design and fed for 27 d. The treatments consisted of one negative control (NC), diet formulated meeting the requirements suggested by Ross recommendations (2019), and without phytase supplementation. The other treatments consisted of a positive control diet (PC) formulated with 0.15% deficient Ca and P and split into 5 treatments with different phytase inclusion levels (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 FTU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to feeds as an indigestible marker to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. On d 27, 3 birds were randomly selected from each cage and euthanized to collect samples for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, oxidative stress status, AID, and bone parameters. Data were analyzed using the proc Mixed of SAS 9.4. Phytase supplementation tended to have a quadratic effect (p = 0.078) on the overall ADG (maximum: 41 g/d at 2833 FTU/kg of feed). Supplementation of phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and reduced (p < 0.05) Pelomonas. Moreover, it tended to reduce Helicobacter (p = 0.085), Pseudomonas (p = 0.090) Sphingomonas (p = 0.071). Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and the AID of CP; and tended to increase (p = 0.086) the AID of P. Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) breaking strength and P content in the tibia. In conclusion, phytase supplementation showed potential benefits on the modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum by tending to reduce harmful bacteria (Pelomonas, Helicobacter, and Pseudomonas) and increase beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). In addition, it showed positive effects increasing apparent ileal digestibility of CP and P, enhancing intestinal morphology (villus height), and improving the bone parameters (bone breaking strength, ash, and P content). Phytase supplementation at a range of 38 to 59 FTU/d or 600 to 950 FTU/kg of feed provided the most benefits related to nutrient digestibility.}, number={12}, journal={ANIMALS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Duarte, Marcos Elias and Kim, Sung Woo}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }
 @article{moita_abreu_silva_chaves_tolentino_goncalves_lima_2020, title={Performance and mineral fecal excretion of post weaned piglets are influenced by different sources of zinc oxide}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.1093/jas/skaa054.184}, abstractNote={
 The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the supplementation on post weaning diets of the conventional source of zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or a potentiated source of zinc oxide (PZnO) and different (P) levels on productive performance, incidence of diarrhea, (Zn) and (Cu) fecal excretion. Eighty-four pigs weaned at 21 days of age were allocated in a randomized block design with four dietary treatments [T1: no inclusion of ZnO and regular P levels (0.440%; 0.420%; 0.400%; 0.380%); T2: inclusion of ZnO and regular P levels (0.440%; 0.420%; 0.400%; 0.380%); T3: ZnO and PZnO and 10% low P levels (0.396%; 0.379%; 0.360%; 0.340%); T4: inclusion of the PZnO and 10% low P levels (0.396%; 0.379%; 0.360%; 0.340%)], with seven replications and three pigs/pen. The nutritional program was: (pre-starter 1: d 21 to 28; pre-starter II: d 28 to 35; starter I: d 35 to 49; and starter II: d 49 to 63). The Tukey test was adopted to compare the means (SAS, 9.3). From d 1 to 14, T2 improved ADG (P < 0.05) and BW (P < 0.05) at d 14. From the period of d1 to d28, pigs fed with T2 diets showed higher ADG (P < 0.05), ADFI (P < 0.05) and, consequently, higher BW (P < 0.05) at d 28. From d 1 to 42, pigs fed with PZnO diet performed the highest ADFI (P < 0.05). Evaluating overall data of diarrhea, T2 reduced the incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.05). T4 reduced Zn and P fecal excretion during the period from d 7 to 28 (P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of ZnO and PZnO provide the same performance results of piglets on the period from d 1 to 42 after weaning. Furthermore, the inclusion of PZnO reduces the Zn and P fecal excretion.}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Moita, Vitor Hugo C. and Abreu, Marvio L. and Silva, Bruno N. and Chaves, Rhuan and Tolentino, Ronald Lucas S. and Goncalves, Mateus F. and Lima, Valesca}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={108–108} }