Karakterisasi dan Suplementasi Nanofiber PVA-kurkumin pada Performa Pertumbuhan Ayam Broiler Minggu Pertama

This study examined whether pre-treating palm kernel expeller (PKE) with exogenous enzyme would degrade its fiber content; thus improving its metabolizable energy (ME), growth performance, villus height and digesta viscosity in broiler chickens fed diets containing PKE. Our results showed that enzyme treatment decreased (p<0.05) hemicellulose and cellulose contents of PKE by 26.26 and 32.62%, respectively; and improved true ME (TME) and its nitrogen corrected value (TMEn) by 38% and 33%, respectively, compared to the raw sample. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chickens fed on different dietary treatments in the grower period were not significantly different. Although there was no difference in feed intake (p>0.05) among treatment groups in the finisher period, ADG of chickens in the control (PKE-free diet) was higher (p<0.05) than in all treatment groups fed either 20 or 30% PKE, irrespective of with or without enzyme treatment. However, ADG of birds fed with 20% PKE was higher than those fed with 30% PKE. The FCR of chickens in the control was the lowest (2.20) but not significantly different from those fed 20% PKE diets while birds in the 30% PKE diets recorded higher (p>0.05) FCR. The intestinal villus height and crypt depth (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were not different (p>0.05) among treatments except for duodenal crypt depth. The villus height and crypt depth of birds in enzyme treated PKE diets were higher (p<0.05) than those in the raw PKE groups. Viscosity of the intestinal digesta was not different (p>0.05) among treatments. Results of this study suggest that exogenous enzyme is effective in hydrolyzing the fiber (hemicellulose and cellulose) component and improved the ME values of PKE, however, the above positive effects were not reflected in the growth performance in broiler chickens fed the enzyme treated PKE compared to those received raw PKE. The results suggest that PKE can be included up to 5% in the grower diet and 20% in the finisher diet without any significant negative effect on FCR in broiler chickens.

Plants, especially on the leaves, have various bioactive compounds capable of becoming natural growth promoters. Plant leaf extracts have been widely studied for their ability as an antibiotic substitute for broiler chickens. This meta-analysis study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of supplementations with leaf extract on the growth performance of broiler chickens, using average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), final body weight (FBW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as responses observed criteria. The meta-analysis study was based on the articles published from 2006 to recent years as several countries started to ban in-feed antibiotics. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals [DOAJ], and ScienceDirect) were searched for peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. The meta-analysis included 19 research papers that met the criteria. Overall results showed a significant increase (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) in ADFI by 0.56 g/day (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02 to 1.11), in ADG by 1.57 g/day (95% CI = 0.77 to 2.36), and in FBW by 2.28 (95% CI = 1.40 to 3.16). At the same time, the FCR was reduced (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) by -1.25 (95% CI = -1.76 to -0.73) relative to controls taking cognisance of publication bias and heterogeneity. Results in the current meta-analysis study indicated that herbal feed additives were proven to be effective as growth promoters in broiler chickens.

There are variable results on the effect of cassava on the performance characteristics of broiler chickens. As a result, this meta-analysis was performed to determine the effect of cassava on feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and average daily gain (ADG) in broiler chickens. A methodical search performed on Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases as well as individual journals yielded 365 published articles. Out of 365 studies, 23 that met the inclusion criteria were used for the meta-analysis. Outcome measures were pooled using a random-effects model. Results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to explore the effects of studied covariates (broiler strain, inclusion level of cassava, number of broilers per replicate, cassava processing methods, and cassava form) on measured outcomes. Results indicated that cassava had a small positive effect on feed intake (SMD = −0.07, 95% CI −0.26, 0.12) and FCR (SMD = 0.14; 95% CI 0.82, 1.746), but a large negative effect on ADG (SMD = −1.67; 95% CI −1.99, −1.35) compared to the controls. Subgroup analysis by cassava form showed that wet fermented cassava peel meal (WFCPM) had a moderate impact on feed intake (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.47, 0.77) and ADG (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI 0.37, 0.95) in broiler chickens compared with the controls. Our results also found improved growth performance in broiler chickens fed cassava at 4–10%. There is evidence of between-study variance, and studied covariates explain most of the sources of heterogeneity. This study concluded that the replacement of maize with 4–10% WFCPM improved growth performance traits in broiler chickens.

The search for nonconventional feed supplements that can act as growth promoter with cost effectiveness for broiler chickens production and are capable of maximizing its growth performance will create increase supply of protein for the growing populace and growth in the investment of Nigerian poultry farmers. Therefore, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying levels of processed black plum meal on growth performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were used for the starter phase and one hundred and eighty four weeks old chicks were used for the finisher phase. Vitex doniana leaf meal had significant effects on final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broiler starter chicks. Birds fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar results in terms of the final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain compared to chicks fed the control diet. Results showed that broiler finisher chickens fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg weight gain. Birds fed the control had the least weight gain. In conclusion, processed black plum meal improved growth performance and reduced cost of feed to gain a kilogramme of meat at both the starter and finisher phases. Therefore, processed black plum meal as supplement in broiler chicken diets will increase efficiency for sustainable broiler chicken production.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and dietary nutrient utilization in broiler chickens through a meta-analysis. The effects were further examined by a meta-regression analysis with activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets.MethodsA total of 23 studies, which were conducted in 11 countries and completed between December 2003 and August 2023, were selected for this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference and its 95% confidence interval were calculated as the effect size metrics using random effect model, with I2 value being utilized to measure heterogeneity. Investigated measurements included body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio, digesta viscosity, nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N). All statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3.ResultsResults revealed significant positive effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on BWG (p = 0.005), FCR (p<0.001), VH (p<0.001), VH:CD (p<0.001), digesta viscosity (p<0.001), AMEn (p = 0.011), AID of GE (p = 0.002) and N (p = 0.003), and ATTR of DM (p = 0.019), GE (p = 0.002), and N (p = 0.005) in broiler chickens. In the meta-regression analysis, increasing activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets increased VH:CD (p< 0.001; R2 = 79.2%) and AID of N (p = 0.038; R2 = 67.4%).ConclusionThe current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity and enhancing intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. These beneficial effects can contribute to improved growth performance in broiler chickens.

This experiment was conducted determine the effect of dates molasses, ascorbic acid and feeding method on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 480 one day–old broilers Ross 308 were randomly allotted to 8 experimental groups in a complete randomized design. Basic treatments were divided initially at time of hatching, a- early feeding group which had a free access to water and diet from direct time of post hatching until 6 weeks, this group contained 240 chicks which distributed into 4 subgroups with 4 replicates/subgroups. The 1st subgroup was fed basal diet (control), the 2nd subgroup was fed basal diet plus 1000 ml of dates molasses/l of drinking water. The 3rd subgroup was fed basal diet plus 50 g of L-ascorbic acid/l of drinking water. The 4th subgroup was fed basal diet plus 1000 ml and 50 g of dates molasses and L-ascorbic acid, respectively / l of drinking water, b- late feeding group which had free access to water and diet after 12 hours from their reaching to farm until 6 weeks, this group was also contained 240 chicks which distributed into 4 subgroups and 4 replicates/subgroup with the same feed additives mentioned earlier.All the chickens were reared in the same environmental and management conditions. Growth performance (body weight, weight gain, feed intake, water consumption and feed conversion ratio) were determined on 3 and 6 weeks. Carcass traits (dressing percentage, breast, Thigh and femoral part, abdominal fat), factor of productive efficiency and mortality were assessed on 6 weeks. Growth performance was significantly (P<0.05) improved in the dates molasses and ascorbic acid in both early and late feeding treated broilers compared to the not supplemented control. Dates molasses in water increased the relative weight of dressing percentage, breast and abdominal fat as well as ascorbic acid increased the relative weight of thigh and femoral part. These data suggest that the dates molasses and ascorbic acid may improve growth performance in broiler chickens.

Meta-analysis of growth performance indices of broiler chickens in response to turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) supplementation

Feed costs constitute a major portion of poultry production expenses, prompting interest in feed additives that enhance nutrient utilization. Proteases, as exogenous enzymes, have shown potential to improve protein digestibility and support the immature digestive systems of chick's birds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of protease enzyme supplementation in broiler chicken diets, particularly in the context of Escherichia coli (E. coli) K88 challenge. This study investigated the effects of supplemental exogenous protease enzyme on growth performance and gut microbiota of broiler chickens under a reduced protein-energy diet. A total of 200 broiler chicks one day age was allocated into four groups (T1–T4), each with 50 birds, and reared for 35 days. The experimental groups were fed different diets, T1 control group, T2 reduce protein – energy diets, T3 control with add 250g/ton of protease enzyme and T4 add 250 g/ton of protease enzyme supplementation to reduce protein – energy diets. Growth parameters including body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored, along with microbial analysis of drop E. coli and Lactobacillus counts. The results indicated that protease supplementation of (T3 and T4) significantly improved final body weight (2169.02 g and 2186.81 g, respectively) and feed conversion ratio (1.45 and 1.46) compared to control (T1: 1895.7 g, FCR: 1.69). Feed intake was moderately increased in supplemented groups, reflecting improved nutrient utilization. Microbiological analysis showed a significant reduction in E. coli count and a highly significant increase in Lactobacillus populations in T4 compared to other groups (p &lt; 0.001), indicating enhanced gut health. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with exogenous protease enzyme can effectively improve growth performance and gut microbial balance in broilers fed low protein-energy diets, suggesting its beneficial role in sustainable poultry nutrition.

Although it has widely been applied in human applications for therapeutic purposes, the use of fermented herbal products to improve growth performance in broiler chickens is still disputable. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of fermented versus unfermented herbal products in improving the growth performance, breast meat quality, and small intestinal morphology of broiler chickens and to determine the optimal conditions according to meta-analysis and response surface methodology. The database was developed based on 23 articles comprising 123 data points collected in 2023. The metadata was analysed using OpenMEE and R, with the inclusion of fermented herbal products as fixed factors and individual studies as random factors. The optimal dosage was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was detected between unfermented and fermented herbal products in terms of broiler body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase. The principal notable impact is associated with the utilisation of Zingiber officinale and fermenting agents, such as Lactobacillus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both treatments resulted in a substantial reduction (p < 0.01) in the FCR. According to the meta-regression, growth performance exhibited a consistent pattern with the results of the meta-analysis, including overall production parameters during the starter phase (p < 0.05), such as body weight, average daily gain, and daily feed intake. Significant differences were detected in breast meat quality, particularly in terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05), as well as in the morphology of the digestive tract, such as duodenum crypt depth, villus height, and their ratio (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that fermenting dietary herbs can enhance the growth, breast meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens, particularly during their initial growth phase. It is envisaged that broiler producers ferment herbs before adding them to chicken feed at ∼26.3 g/kg.

Background and Aim: The gastrointestinal microbiome plays a key role in nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and growth performance in broiler chickens. As restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters increase, phytogenic compounds like quercetin (QC) have gained attention as potential alternatives. Although QC is recognized for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, its dose-dependent influence on gut microbiota composition and systemic immune parameters remains not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the effects of graded dietary QC supplementation on cecal microbiome structure, hematological profiles, and production performance in Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chickens to identify an optimal and safe inclusion level. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 seven-day-old AA broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 45 per group; three replicates). Birds received either a basal diet (BD, control) and the BD supplemented with QC at 5 mg/kg (QC1), 10 mg/kg (QC2), or 15 mg/kg (QC3) of feed daily for 35 days. Growth performance indicators, including body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, livability, and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), were recorded. Hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated veterinary hematology analyzer. Cecal microbiota composition was examined through high-throughput 16S Ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing, followed by alpha- and beta-diversity analyses and differential abundance testing. Results: Dietary QC significantly affected broiler performance, immune status, and gut microbiota composition in a dose-dependent way. The QC1 group achieved the highest final body weight, average daily gain, and EPEF, with an 11.6% increase in production efficiency compared to the control. Hematological analysis showed increased total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, along with decreased neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil levels, reflecting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Microbiome analysis indicated that Bacillota and Bacteroidota were dominant across all groups. QC at 5 mg/kg boosted beneficial, butyrate-producing genera, especially Faecalibacterium, while preserving microbial balance. Conversely, higher doses (10–15 mg/kg) led to a notable rise in Campylobacterota, suggesting a possible shift toward dysbiosis. Alpha-diversity measures were not significantly affected, but beta-diversity analysis confirmed distinct changes in microbial communities among the treatment groups. Conclusion: Dietary QC has a clear dose-dependent effect on the gut microbiota–immune–performance axis in broiler chickens. Supplementation at 5 mg/kg of feed is the optimal level, improving growth performance, feed efficiency, immune balance, and beneficial microbial populations without increasing pathogenic taxa. Higher supplementation levels may disturb microbial balance and raise the levels of potentially harmful bacteria. These findings support QC as a promising phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters and provide a scientific basis for its rational use in sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production systems. Keywords: antibiotic alternative, broiler chickens, cecal microbiota, feed additive, growth performance, hematological parameters, immune modulation, phytobiotics, poultry nutrition, quercetin, 16S rRNA sequencing.

A total of 408, day-old Vencobb 400Y strain broiler chicks were locally procured, weighed individually and randomly divided into four treatment groups to study the effect of tannins, probiotics and antibiotics on feed intake, body weight, weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient utilization, performance index and nutrient retention in broiler chickens during 35 days feeding trial. Growth performance of broilers in terms of feed intake, weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index was found significant and higher in T1 (Tannin group) and T3 (Probiotics group) in comparison to T2 (Antibiotics group) and control group. Supplementation of tannins and probiotics enhanced growth performance of broiler chicken compared to antibiotics and control group. There was no significant effect on dry matter, ether extract and phosphorus retention in broiler chickens fed tannin, probiotics and antibiotic except calcium. Thus, it may be concluded that supplementation of broiler diet with tannin, probiotics and antibiotics may prove a promising approach in enhancing the growth performance, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index.

Effect of nucleotides on growth performance, gut health, and some immunological parameters of broiler chicken exposed to high stocking density

Effect of trehalose supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of wheat bran (as a source of insoluble fiber) in a barley-based diet, fed from 11 to 42 d of age, on villus morphology of jejunum, serum cholesterol level, abdominal fat pad and growth performance of broiler chickens. Three hundred and thirty six 10-d-old female Ross 308 chicks were allocated to six diets with four replicates of 14 birds per diet. The diets were a corn-based diet (CN); barley-based diet without (BL) or with multi-enzyme (BL+E, 500 mg/kg of the diet, Rovabio Excel 10%); and barley based-diet that contained 4 (BL+WB4), 8 (BL+WB8) or 12 (BL+WB12) percent wheat bran. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured from 11 to 42 d of age. Serum cholesterol level was measured on d 24. Villus height (VH) and villus surface area (VSA) of jejunum, and relative weight (% of body weight) of abdominal fat pad were measured at 42 d of age. The birds receiving CN, BL+E, BL+WB4 and BL+WB8 had significantly (P < 0.01) lower FCR than those feeding on BL. VH (P < 0.01) and VSA (P < 0.001) in the jejunum increased in birds receiving CN, BL+E and BL+WB12 compared with BL birds. Serum cholesterol level in birds fed with BL+WB12 diet decreased (P < 0.05) compared with CN birds. The birds fed with BL, B+WB4, B+WB8, B+WB12 diets showed lower (P < 0.05) relative weight of abdominal fat pad compared with CN diet. In conclusion, the results of this study showed, when broiler chickens fed barley-based diet, the inclusion of lower levels of wheat bran in diet could have a positive effect on feed efficiency, whereas serum cholesterol level, VH and VSA were influenced with the inclusion of highest level of wheat bran.

SUMMARY Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has received attention as an alternative protein source and feed additive in animal diets. Many studies reported varying degrees of success in the growth performance of broiler chicken when fed diets containing Spirulina. In the present study, we investigated dietary effect of Spirulina on broiler chicken growth performance using a meta-analytical approach. The databases, WEB OF SCIENCE (1970–2021), SCOPUS (1939–2021) and Google Scholar were searched systematically to select studies for the analysis. A total of 28 studies were included in the analysis. The differences in growth performance parameters (i.e. feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio) between the birds fed control diets and Spirulina diets were calculated using a standardised effect size; Hedges’ g. The meta-analysis showed that birds fed diets containing Spirulina improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to those fed control diets. On the other hand, there was no difference in feed intake between the groups fed Spirulina diets and control diets. The present meta-analysis manifested that dietary inclusion of Spirulina could improve the growth performance of broiler chicken. In particular, the supplementation of low levels of Spirulina (i.e. less than 10%) in diets is more suitable to achieve higher growth performance in broiler chicken.