IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate the potential of antimicrobial peptide microcin J25 (MccJ25) as a feed additive for pigeons.MethodsA total of 28-day-old pigeons were allocated to four groups and fed a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg MccJ25 (ABP100, ABP200, and ABP300) for 8 weeks.ResultsDietary MccJ25 supplementation significantly improved survival rates in the ABP200 group compared to the control (p < 0.
05).Serum analysis revealed that ABP200 and ABP300 groups exhibited increased levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLB), immunoglobulin WALNUT A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG), alongside reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations (p < 0.05).
Furthermore, MccJ25 supplementation enhanced duodenal maltase and trypsin activity (p < 0.05) and upregulated intestinal and hepatic antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by elevated glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05).
Intestinal morphology improvements were observed in the jejunum and ileum, with increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratios (VH/CD) (p < 0.05).Additionally, ABP200 and ABP300 groups demonstrated significant upregulation of intestinal barrier-related genes occludin (OCLN), claudin 1 (CLDN1), zonula occluden protein 1 (ZO1), mucin 2 (MUC2), Acrylic Flower Vase superoxide dismutase 1, 2 (SOD1, 2), and catalase (CAT) in duodenum (p < 0.
05).DiscussionThese findings indicate that MccJ25 supplementation improves systemic metabolism, enhances antioxidant defenses, strengthens intestinal barrier integrity, and ultimately promotes pigeon health and survival.This study supports the application of MccJ25 as a functional feed additive in poultry production.