[Pragati]

Tight junctions are the “zip-locks” of the intestinal epithelium — once they loosen, leakage begins, and performance drops.

1. The Strategic Role of Tight Junctions

Tight junctions, composed mainly of proteins such as occludin, claudins, and zonula occludens (ZO-1), form a dynamic barrier that:

• Prevents translocation of pathogens, endotoxins, and antigens from the gut lumen into the bloodstream.
• Regulates paracellular transport, ensuring controlled absorption of ions and small molecules.
• Maintains intestinal homeostasis, a prerequisite for optimal digestion, immunity, and performance.

When this structural integrity is compromised — due to heat stress, mycotoxins, coccidiosis, dysbiosis, or nutritional imbalances — tight junctions loosen, leading to a “leaky gut.” The result is increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired nutrient utilisation.

2. Probiotics as Tight Junction Protectors

Modern probiotic strains (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium) exert a protective and restorative effect on intestinal tight junctions through several mechanisms:

a. Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Probiotics competitively exclude pathogens like Clostridium perfringens and E. coli, reducing their colonization and the associated epithelial damage.
They promote beneficial microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — particularly butyrate, which directly strengthens tight junction protein expression.

b. Enhancement of Tight Junction Protein Expression

Certain probiotic strains upregulate ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells.
This molecular reinforcement maintains the continuity of the epithelial barrier, especially under stress conditions such as high ambient temperature or mycotoxin exposure.

c. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

By downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and reducing oxidative stress markers, probiotics prevent the inflammatory cascade that otherwise disrupts tight junction assembly.

d. Immune Signaling and Mucosal Immunity

Probiotics interact with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), enhancing mucosal IgA secretion and promoting immune tolerance — an indirect but crucial support for maintaining epithelial stability.

BENEFITS-

• Improved feed efficiency (FCR) due to better nutrient absorption.
• Reduced enteric infections and incidence of subclinical gut inflammation.
• Enhanced resilience to stress (thermal, oxidative, or pathogenic).
• Better litter quality and growth uniformity, as gut health translates to overall flock performance.

[Samuel Adewumi]

Since organics feed has proof to be effective and reliable. It will be good if poultry farmer can have access to it in an affordable price and combined with probiotics

[India]

Based on traditional as well as modern scientific perspective of Fish / Prawn / Shrimp culture Water exchange requirements as well as pattern may change. let us brainstorm on few key aspects related to Water exchange,
1. Role of Water exchange in Pond ecosystem stability?
2. Key water quality parameters which are linked to water exchange in culture?
3. What are other criteria and What’s probable frequency of Water exchange?
4. What are different available sources for Water?
5. What are Water exchange models and technologies?
You can also share what type of water source and exchange module you follows and how effective do you find?
Participate and contribute openly and effectively.
-Anoop

[India]

It depends on the nature of AI tool and program developed.
But broadly in addition to Water & Soil quality data, mobile AI integration can help and support for,
1. Fish & Shrimp health monitoring
1a. Behavior analysis
1b. Mortality tracking
1c. Disease detection
2. Growth & Biomass Estimation
3. Feed management
4. Inventory & stock management
5. Environmental impact monitoring
6. Recordkeeping & Compliance
7. Harvesting prediction
These are broad key points, each one can be further elaborated based on need and interest by individuals in the group.
-Anoop

[Ezekiel Moses]

quantity of fish, weight of fish

[Amir]

Well

[Amir]

Raw material identification significantly enhances the intake process by improving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within the supply chain and manufacturing operations.

[Amir]

Yes,

[Amir]

Thanks Mohamed for your insightful answer

[Amir]

Great details dear Hamza

[Muhammad Ahmad]

TD is a metabolic bone disorder in poultry that disrupts normal bone and cartilage formation, leading to lameness and deformities in the tibia.

Prevalence: Common in fast-growing broilers, with prevalence increasing by up to 30% in some flocks.

Economic impact: Causes welfare issues and financial losses in the poultry industry.

[Dr Shabir]

how will affect the simultaneous use of organic acid and vitamins in feed and water on vitamins efficacy?

[Dr Shabir]

antibiitics free control of microorganisms a good way. informative

[India]

Dear Muhammad Zeeshan Asghar
Let us briefly know how do you find this discussion useful for you and your routine?
Your small note will help us to plan and share better further.
Waiting for your brief please.
– Anoop

[India]

Dear Ahmed,
Appreciate your greetings!
Sametime requesting you to please go beyond Thanks and participate.
At least do share about your professional career and journey, how are you involved with Aquaculture, any challenges facing or let us know how can we help / guide you more for betterment ahead.
Looking forward.
-Anoop