Prototype of IoT-Based Temperature and Humidity Monitoring and Controlling System for Broiler Chicken Coops

Behavioural responses to humans and the productivity of commercial broiler chickens

Simple SummaryThe ban of growth promoters in poultry farming in the European Union has resulted in the development of alternatives. Among these alternatives, medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or organic acids (OAs) are considered to be suitable for in-feed use. However, their effect on microbiota modulation and the meat quality of broiler chickens are still under-investigated. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of MCFAs and OAs supplements on the caecum microbial profiles, productivity and production quality characteristics of broiler chickens. The 42-days experiment was conducted using 900-day-old broiler chickens, allocated into three groups, consisting of 300 birds per group. The results indicated that the addition of OAs results in a more appropriate environment in the caecum for beneficial microorganisms rather than diets supplemented with MCFAs. These positive changes led to a higher efficiency of poultry productivity (higher body weight and lower mortality); however, for most of the analysed broilers’, technological parameters were not considerably influenced by treatments.The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and organic acids (OAs) supplements on the caecum microbial profiles, productivity and production quality characteristics of broiler chickens (BCs). BC (900 chicks) were attributed to three groups: (i) control; (ii) MCFAs group (BCs fed with feed supplemented with MCFAs); (iii) OAs group (BCs fed with feed supplemented with OAs). Broilers were slaughtered at the end of the trial (42 days old), and the caecum microbial profiles, productivity and production quality characteristics were analysed. Supplementation with OAs resulted in a more appropriate environment in the caecum for beneficial microorganisms than with a diet supplemented with MCFAs. This was supported by data on the presence of higher amounts and an increased species variety of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) in the caecum of birds. The above-mentioned changes of the caecum microbiota led to significantly higher villus height (p = 0.003) of the OAs broiler group and significantly lower crypt depth (p = 0.037). Notwithstanding the significant increase of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids that were established in caecum samples from the MCFAs group, better parameters of broiler production performance (higher body weight and lower mortality) and carcass traits (higher both thigh and shin muscles with skin and bone weight; both shin muscles without skin and bone weight; abdominal fat yield) were found in the OAs-treated group. For chemical, physical and technological characteristics of breast meat samples, increased yellowness and water holding capacity by 14.7% and 2.3%, respectively, were found in MCFAs group samples. A more appropriate environment in the caecum for beneficial microorganisms could be obtained when BCs were fed with OAs supplement, comparing to MCFAs, and these positive changes were associated with higher efficiency of poultry production.

The influence of essential oils (EOs) on gut microorganisms and broiler chicken production was evaluated through the systematic analysis of scientific reports. The present study was focused on the EO antimicrobial activity oriented toward broiler chicken production. There is a great biodiversity of plants, and various compounds with different biological activity have been isolated from them. The EO molecules extracted from plants have been employed recently in livestock feeding. Microbial resistance to antibiotics has led to their reduced use in animal production. To maintain competitive broiler chicken production with reduced antibiotic use, EOs have been explored. In broiler chickens, EOs are supplemented in the diet or drinking water to enhance weight gain and feed efficiency and reduce mortality. EOs are an alternative to antibiotics, and their research is dynamic in poultry production. The present review focused on the antimicrobial activity oriented to broiler chicken production. The search for information in databases used the terms “broiler chicken”, “essential oils” and combined them with the name of the plants. It was detected that the EO of Cinnamon bark or its compound cinnamaldehyde could reduce pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract and improve intestinal morphology. Essential oils from Cymbopogon spp. and Origanum vulgare had an effect mainly against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., and others, and against some Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus spp., or yeasts, such as Candida albicans. Essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus acted against Salmonella. Citrus japonica affected Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. Origanum EO improved the antioxidant status and gut health of chickens, while EO of Eucalyptus with carvacrol, thymol, and Citrus lemon improved the productive performance of broiler chickens; also, Citrus spp. reduced the number of oocysts of Eimeria and showed activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is concluded that EOs are a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in the production of broiler chickens. Future research includes the standardization of EO from different plants and active molecules, as well as the interaction with other feed additives and their impact on the health and production of broiler chickens. In addition, safety for consumers and the environment must be considered.

Abstract. The purpose of the research is to study the effect of a probiotic supplement on the productivity of broiler chickens of the fast-growing Cobb 500 cross and the quality of poultry meat. Research methods. To study the parameters of meat productivity of broiler chickens, slaughter and anatomical cutting of poultry carcasses were carried out, the morphological composition of individual parts of carcasses was evaluated, the chemical composition of poultry meat was analyzed by determining moisture (GOST 9793-74), fat (GOST 23042-86), protein (GOST 25011-81), the level of essential amino acids (capillary electrophoresis method), organoleptic parameters of poultry meat and broth were studied. Research results. It was found that the introduction of a fodder additive into the poultry diet contributes to the improvement of meat characteristics of the Cobb 500 cross, improves the quality properties of poultry meat, as well as the bio-value of poultry meat products. When studying meat productivity, it was revealed that in experimental groups the mass of the gutted carcass was higher than in the control by 1.45.3 %, the slaughter yield was higher by 0.31.4 %, the mass of all breast tissues of broiler chickens of experimental groups exceeded this indicator in the control by 1.78.2 %, the mass of all femoral tissues was higher by 2.07.8 %, and the mass of all shin tissues by 1.56.8 %. The results of the chemical analysis of muscles of broiler chickens showed that the protein content was higher in experimental groups compared to the control group by 0.180.60 %, with a decrease in fat by 0.060.16 %, and there was also a decrease in meat quality index in all experimental groups by 4.510.5 %. A positive statistically significant difference was revealed when analyzing the amino acid score in the muscles of birds of experimental groups compared with the control group. The organoleptic evaluation of boiled broiler chicken meat and broth from them in experimental groups showed superiority over the poultry meat of the control group and averaged 4.9 versus 4.8 points. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens were evaluated when using a microbial additive based on autochthonous microorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus isolated from the contents of the gastrointestinal tract of wild quails in their diet.

Contents of the microflora of the intestine, retention and productivity of broiler chickens in accordance with different types and quantities of the acidifier

In current condition, the issue of providing poultry with mineral elements in particular selenium is relevant. Scientists’ research has established the role of selenium in the processes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, stabilization of membrane functions, protein synthesis on ribosomes and macroergic compounds in mitochondria. The manifestation of signs of microelement deficiency differs in poultry of different ages, it depends on the conditions of housing and feeding. The use of probiotic drugs in poultry farming practice is an effective way to increase the body’s resistance to negative environmental influences, which helps to increase the survival rate of livestock and productive traits of poultry. The eff ect of preparations based on probiotic microorganisms depends on the diets used, individual components of which can reduce their eff ectiveness. The purpose of the work was to study the eff ect of biologically active drugs on meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens. The research was conducted to study the ways of increasing the meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens cross Ross-308 by using the selenium-containing drug DAFS-25k in the diets both separately and in combination with the probiotic additive Bacell-M. The influence of the studied additives on the digestibility and use of feed nutrients, and blood biochemical parameters was theoretically and practically confirmed. The optimal rate of additive introduction into broiler chicken diets was established and the economic efficiency of poultry meat production was determined. In order to improve the completeness of broiler chicken feeding, increase their productivity and meat quality, it is necessary to introduce the selenium-containing drug DAFS-25k into the diet together with the probiotic additive Bacell-M at the rate of 0.9 mg and 2.0 g per 1 kg of compound feed, respectively, up to 40 days of age.

Purpose. Assessment of the influence of the organomineral feed additive "Si-lact" on the productivity and metabolism of broiler chickens. Materials and Мethods. The object of the study was broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross and an organomineral feed additive. The studies were carried out on 90 broiler chickens, divided into 3 groups: control and two experimental ones. The control bird received a diet according to the recommendations of VNITIP (2019), chickens of experimental group I were given an organomineral feed additive (lactulose, succinic acid, arginine, silicon), II – were given a feed additive devoid of lactulose. Morphological blood parameters were determined using a DF 50 VetPlus device (URIT Medial Electronic Co., Ltd, China). Biochemical studies of blood serum were carried out on a CS-T240 apparatus (DIRUI Industrial Co., Ltd, China) using commercial kits for veterinary research DiaVetTest (Russia). The chemical composition of broiler droppings, feed and body tissue was determined using standard methods. Statistical analysis of the data obtained during the experiment was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 program (StatSoft Inc., USA) and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, USA). Results. Feeding with an organomineral feed additive (group I) ensured an increase in live weight of 2.28 kg, which was 10.7% (P≤0.05) higher than the same parameter in the control. The growth rate during the experiment in experimental group II was similar (2.27 kg; P≤0.05). At the same time, chickens of experimental group I in terms of live weight by the end of the experiment exceeded their peers from the control group by 17.9% (P≤0.05), group II – by 10.8%. The organomineral additive improved some metabolic parameters. The level of digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, carbohydrates and nitrogen-free extractive substances increases in experimental I by 5.6 (P≤0.05); 4.2; 5.9 (P≤0.05) and 5.3%, respectively, compared with control. Conclusion. An organomineral feed additive containing lactulose has a greater effect on the growth and, as a consequence, the productivity of broiler chickens.

Purpose. To study the impact of the adsorbents based on organosilicon compounds on productivity and safety of broiler chickens and advisability of using them in poultry feed. Methods. Zootechnical (research on birds were carried out on the basis of generally accepted methods in accordance with approved regulations). Analytical (laboratory studies of the chemical composition of feed were conducted in accordance with the methods developed in the laboratory and certified by the “Ukrmetrteststandard” state enterprise). Statistical (processing of the obtained research results by the method of variation statistics). Results. To conduct the research, two groups of broiler chickens were formed, a control and an experimental one, 28 heads each, selected on the principle of pairs of analogues. The completeness of the diets of broiler chickens up to three weeks of age was ensured by introduction of high-quality fish meal and a complex of mineral and amino acid preparations that came from the amino acid-vitamin-mineral concentrate “Zhyvina”. Throughout the study period, the diets of broiler chickens were adjusted to ensure the appropriate level of nutrients according to the norms of feeding that corresponded to their age. The results of poultry weighing showed that the absolute increase in live weight in chickens of broilers of the control group that consumed the experimental diet was 10.2% (P <0.05) greater than the absolute increase in broiler chickens of the experimental group receiving the control diet. Changing rations in the groups had a positive effect on the productivity of broiler chickens in the control group with introduction of the Enterosgel. It was found that short-term use of sorbent based on organosilicon compounds (Enterosgel) in the diets of broiler chickens increases their absolute live weight gain by 8.5% in the first weeks of life and by 10.2% (P <0.05) in the final period of fattening . Conclusions. The use of Enterosgel in the diet of broiler chickens contributed to the intensity of growth – the absolute increase was 10.2% (P <0.05) and in no way affected the safety of young birds.

The rapid expansion of the livestock production sector to meet the world population’s demand is posing a big challenge to environmental sustainability. Plant-based feed additives extracted from agro-food byproducts could potentially result in multiple outcomes: reducing food-processing wastes and improving animal growth performances, hence mitigating environmental impacts of meat production chains. This presented study was carried out to assess the environmental impacts of the use of a commercial citrus extract feed additive (CEFA) in swine and broiler chicken farming. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to assess the impact of manufacturing and distributing one 25 kg bag of CEFA and its use in feed in broiler chicken and swine productions. With regards to CEFA manufacturing and distribution, results showed that most of the impact came from the production of CEFA ingredients, accounting for 70% of the impact generated. The remaining 30% effect was divided between transportation to the customer (25%), CEFA packaging (3%), and CEFA manufacturing and production loss (2%). When enlarging the scope, the use of the CEFA in pigs and broilers’ diets was shown to improve the measured environmental indicators, compared to such standard systems. Indeed, CEFA-added feeds have demonstrated enhanced growth performances, hence reducing the required amount of consumed feed to achieve the same level of growth. Consequently, this helped reduce environmental issues from animal feed ingredients’ agriculture. To be more specific, the use of one 25 kg bag of CEFA in feed at 250 g per ton of feed led to a reduction of 6 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq) emitted along the life cycle of poultry production and 5 tons in the case of fattening pigs. The inclusion of this CEFA in the diet also led to a reduction in the land use footprint by 0.7 hectares and reductions in water consumption by 201 m3 and 82 m3 for broiler chicken and swine production, respectively. The environmental performance assessment thus showed the interest in using this CEFA in swine and broiler chicken diets to mitigate the environmental impacts.

This study looks at how light intensity affects broiler chicken growth rate, feed consumption, immune function, and overall welfare. Light intensity has a significant impact on broiler chicken productivity and welfare. The findings demonstrate that while suboptimal light levels have negative effects, such as decreased growth rates, decreased feed consumption, and compromised immune function, optimal light intensity significantly increases broiler chicken productivity. On the other hand, ideal light intensity can enhance the welfare of broiler chickens by lowering stress levels, encouraging exercise, and improving general health. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to take light intensity into account when developing poultry farming techniques and offers suggestions for enhancing lighting settings to raise the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens. The results can be used to inform poultry farming practices and improve the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens, promoting healthier, more productive birds and enhancing the overall sustainability of poultry farming operations. The findings have significant implications for the poultry industry, particularly in terms of optimizing lighting conditions to promote broiler chicken welfare and productivity.

The article analyses the issues of balanced feeding of broiler chickens and their balanced diet. The results of studies aimed to determine the effect of mixed feeds on the productivity of Arbor Acres cross broiler chickens and the economic efficiency of poultry meat production companies are presented. It was found that broilers from the experimental group, who were fed with improved compound feed with additional sources of proteins and carbohydrates and feed additives exceeded broilers from the control group by their live weight at all ages. At the slaughter age, the average weight was more than 39.2%. The experimental group consumed 10-15% less feed whose conversion was 2.4 and 1.9 kg in favour of the group feeding with the new compound feed. The new compound feed had a positive effect on the viability of broilers: there were no deaths during the period under study. According to the control slaughter results, it was found that the pre-slaughter live weight was higher by 35% in the experimental group. The weight of edible parts increased by 6%. The improved compound feed can be used both in industrial conditions and by poultry farms.

Growing chickens for meat is the main link in the technological chain of broiler production. Broilers – the final hybrid obtained as a result of interbreeding of different chicken breeds lines (meat parent forms), tested for compatibility. Because of this, the bird has an intense growth rate, high taste of meat. Consumer demand for broiler meat has been increasing steadily in recent decades. Biostrong 510 (BIOSTRONG 510) herbal feed supplement to improve palatability and increase consumption or feed for farm poultry. The mechanism of action is based on the joint action of several plant substances, in which there are active substances, which, when combined, affect a certain category of animals. Four groups of broiler chickens (1 control and 3 experimental) of the Cobb 500 cross at the daily age of 50 heads each were formed to conduct the experiment by the method of analogues. The experiments were carried out with the daily up to 40 days of age. Expenses of feeds in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group by 0.07, 0.13, 0.12 kg, respectively. The purpose of this work was to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of enrichment of animal feed with vegetable feed additive "Biostrong 510" used in the production of meat broiler chickens. Assessing the results of scientific and economic experience, we can safely say that in all the experimental groups in which "Biostrong 510" was used as an additive, the gain in the live weight of broiler chickens was increased compared to the control group. In total, 4020 g of compound feed was spent for the period of an experiment for each experimental group of broiler chickens. Due to the improved taste of feed, the palatability in the experimental groups was higher than in the control group by 0.3 %; 0.9 %; 0.8 %. The cost of feed in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group. For example, in the control – 1, 87 kg per 1 kg of body weight gain. In experimental – below 0.07; 0.13; 0,12 kg, respectively. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the viability of experimental broiler chickens was almost 100%. The natural loss of livestock was only due to technological injuries. The obtained data on the productivity of broiler chickens indicate a favorable effect of plant feed additive on the live weight of broiler chickens. Based on the results of the research, we recommend to introduce a plant feed additive based on essential oils and plant substances "Biostrong 510" in the composition of complete feed in the amount of 150 g/t to increase live weight, growth intensity, preservation, meat productivity, reduce feed costs per unit of broiler chickens of the cross "Cobb 500".

At present, the increase in poultry meat production is associated with the development of resource- saving technologies that ensure maximum productivity. However, the search for new methods to reduce the rearing period, increase live weight and reduce feed costs per 1 kg of gain continues. It should be noted that at the current stage of development, poultry farming has a high productivity potential, which is currently not fully utilized in some cases. The main reason is the inclusion of ingredients containing anti-nutritional substances in the compound feed. In compound feed for broiler chickens, the need to use biologically active additives has been proven. The inclusion of such additives in the composition of compound feed helps to increase the productive action, improve digestibility and effi ciency of using nutrients in diets. The purpose of the research was to study the meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens when input additive of plant-based additive in compound feed. On the base of research data, the eff ectiveness of including the plant-based feed additive Biostrong 510 in the compound feed for rearing of broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in the amount of 0.010 %, 0.015 and 0.020 % of the compound feed weight was established. It made possible to increase the average daily live weight gain by 4.3–8.5 %, increase the gutted carcass weight by 4.3–4.6 %, reduce feed costs per 1 kg of broiler chicken gain by 0.07–0.13 kg, and increase the profi tability level by 0.78–1.44 abs.%. The safety of the tested additive was proven by a number of indicators. The obtained results of animal science, physiological and biochemical studies made it possible to identify the optimal dose of the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 for broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in feeding technology 0.015 % of the mass of the compound feed.

Newcastle Disease (ND), also known as tetelo, is one of the major poultry diseases that causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to decreased productivity and increased mortality rates in broiler chickens. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Phyllanthus niruri Linn (green meniran) extract at different oral doses on ND antibody titers in broiler chickens. This study employed an experimental method with a completely randomized design, involving 30 broiler chickens divided into three treatment groups: a control group (without extract), a group receiving Phyllanthus niruri extract at a dose of 7 mg/kgW/day, and a group receiving 9 mg/kgW/day for four weeks. ND antibody titers were analyzed using the Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test. The results showed that the administration of Phyllanthus niruri extract significantly increased ND antibody titers, with the highest immune response observed in the group receiving 9 mg/kg W/day compared to the 7 mg/kg W/day and control groups. The increase in antibody titers was noticeable from the first week post-vaccination and peaked in the second week. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus niruri extract has potential as a natural immunostimulant to enhance immune responses against ND in broiler chickens. Further studies are needed to evaluate higher doses and the long-term effects of Phyllanthus niruri extract administration on the health and productivity of broiler chickens.

Noni fruit extract as a phytobiotic and Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic is used to maintain body health and liver function in broiler chickens. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding a combination of noni fruit extract and Lactobacillus acidophilus in the liver ration based on serum glutamate oxaloacetate concentration transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and relative liver weight in broiler chickens. Research materials included 189 broiler chickens (body weight 40.98 ± 1.27 g), noni fruit extract and Lactobacillus acidophilus as treatment. A fully randomized factorial design was used for this study. The addition of noni fruit extract as the first factor with levels of A1 (0.04 per cent), A2 (0.08 per cent) and A3 (0.12 per cent) and Lactobacillus acidophilus as the second factor with levels of B1 (0 per cent), B2 (0.6 per cent) and B3 (1.2 per cent) was repeated three times each treatment. The measured parameters included the concentration of SGOT, SGPT and the relative weight of the liver in broiler chickens. The data were processed using variance analysis. The results showed that the combination of Noni fruit extract and Lactobacillus acidophilus had a significant effect (P <0.05) on SGOT, SGPT and relative liver weight. The addition of a combination of 0.12 per cent noni fruit extract and 1.2 per cent Lactobacillus acidophilus does not interfere with the performance of the liver so that it has the potential to be a natural additive to improve the health of the body and the productivity of broiler chickens.