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Innovative Approach of Non-Thermal Plasma Application for Improving the Growth Rate in Chickens.

Jiao-Jiao ZhangXian Zhong WangTaeho KwonDo Luong HuynhNisansala ChandimaliNameun KimTae Yoon KangMrinmoy GhoshMeeta GeraSang Baek LeeSung Jin LeeWang Shik LeeSeong Bong KimYoung Sun MokDong Kee Jeong
Published in: International journal of molecular sciences (2018)
As an innovative technology in biological applications-non-thermal plasma technique-has recently been applied to living cells and tissues. However, it is unclear whether non-thermal plasma treatment can directly regulate the growth and development of livestock. In this study, we exposed four-day-incubated fertilized eggs to plasma at 11.7 kV for 2 min, which was found to be the optimal condition in respect of highest growth rate in chickens. Interestingly, plasma-treated male chickens conspicuously grew faster than females. Plasma treatment regulated the reactive oxygen species homeostasis by controlling the mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and up-regulating the antioxidant defense system. At the same time, growth metabolism was improved due to the increase of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 and their receptors expression, and the rise of thyroid hormones and adenosine triphosphate levels through the regulation of demethylation levels of growth and hormone biosynthesis-related genes in the skeletal muscles and thyroid glands. To our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate the effects of a non-thermal plasma treatment on the growth rate of chickens. This safe strategy might be beneficial to the livestock industry.
Keyphrases
  • living cells
  • reactive oxygen species
  • healthcare
  • oxidative stress
  • heat stress
  • growth hormone
  • gene expression
  • computed tomography
  • fluorescent probe