ABSTRACT This study provides a physicochemical, microstructural, and thermal characterization of an imported extruded racing pigeon feed in the scope of reverse engineering. It aimed to bridge technological gaps in domestic production. Proximate analysis showed that the sample had a nutritionally balanced profile, with high protein (26.44%) and carbohydrate (51.34%), along with low fat (3.77%). The feed exhibited considerable functional properties, including a high water-holding capacity (4.18 g H2O/g), consistent particle size homogeneity (99.2% within 2-4 mm), and good powder flowability (Carr Index = 16.7). Microstructural analysis revealed a protein-dominated matrix with intact starch granules. Thermal analysis showed the degradation phase is above 290 °C. The formulation demonstrates a strong scientific basis for supporting racing performance due to its color, particle size distribution, good water holding property, and the high structural hardness that positively affects palatability and feed efficiency. Its limited starch gelatinization suggests potential challenges related to mechanical grinding efficiency in the gizzard and bioavailability. These findings provide critical technical insights for manufacturers developing optimized feeds for avian physiology. Future research should focus on in vivo digestibility studies and potential modifications to enhance nutrient absorption.

This experiment evaluated the influence of chromium (Cr) and vitamin E (VitE) supplementation on the performance, glucose levels, thyroid hormone levels, immune and oxidative response, and 70 kilodalton heat shock protein (HSP70) mRNA expression of broilers under heat stress (HS).Male chickens (n = 768, 22 days old) were randomly assigned to a 4x3 factorial with 4 Cr levels (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppb) and 3 VitE levels (0, 150, and 300 mg/kg), totaling 12 treatments with 8 replicates and 8 birds per experimental unit.Performance, glucose levels, thyroid hormone levels, heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) in muscle, relative weight of lymphoid organs, and HSP70 mRNA expression were measured.VitE at 150 mg/kg improved FI and BWG (p 0.05).The combination of Cr 1500 ppb and VitE 150 mg/ kg reduced FCR (p 0.05).Cr and VitE had single effects on glucose levels (p 0.05) and their interaction influenced thyroid hormone levels (p 0.05).Cr 1500 ppb with VitE 300 mg/kg lowered the H:L ratio and HSP70 mRNA expression (p 0.05).VitE at 300 mg/kg increased spleen relative weight (p 0.05).Cr supplementation reduced MDA concentrations (p 0.05).In conclusion, Cr and VitE, individually or combined, benefitted performance, glucose and thyroid hormone levels, immune and oxidative response, and heat stress tolerance.

ABSTRACT Numerous alternative methods have already been evaluated to avoid the side effects of chemical insecticides for pest control, including plant extracts with insecticidal potential. This research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal potential (using the degree of lethality (DL%) as the parameter) of different plant extracts: timbó root (Derris urucu), neem (Azadirachta indica), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), garlic (Allium sativum), Persicaria lapathifolia, pyroligneous extract, neem+andiroba, and azadirachtin concentrate. For comparison, negative control (water) and commercial positive control, Termidil 200 SC (imidacloprid) were used. Statistical analysis demonstrated the existence of three distinct groups in terms of their efficiency in controlling red mites in laying hens. The group with the highest efficiency (DL>80) includes the alcoholic extract of timbó (86.10%), neem essential oil (84.20%), neem+andiroba in combination (85.36%), and Azadirachtin concentrate (81.06%). The medium efficiency group (80<DL<60) comprised Persicaria lapathifolia (66.79%), and cinnamon (61.81%); while the low efficiency group (DL<50) included garlic (44.60%), pyroligneous extract (43.10%) and the positive control (38.50%). Based on these results, alcoholic extract of Timbó root, Neem essential oil, Neem + Andiroba in combination and Azadirachtin concentrated extract are recommended, due to their DL>80%. Garlic and pyroligneous extracts as well as chemical insecticides are not recommended due to their low efficiency. Moreover, it was demonstrated that there is the possibility of resistance against commercial chemical insecticide due to its continuous use on the farm where the insects were collected. Persicaria lapathifolia and cinnamon can be used, but their efficiency is between 60-80%.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to examine the effects of sea buckthorn fruits (SBF) on the production performance and egg quality of chickens during the initial stage of the laying period. A total of 160 chickens were randomly divided into four groups, with 40 birds in each group. The chickens of the control group were fed with a standard feed, while those in the three other groups were fed with the feed supplemented with 1, 2 and 4 g/kg of SBF powder, respectively. It was found that the dietary intake of SBF powder had little effect on the initiation time of egg production, laying rate, average egg weight, yolk weight, yolk ratio, eggshell thickness, albumen texture and yolk texture of the eggs; but the addition of SBF powder at dosages of 2 and 4 g/kg caused significant increase in yolk color and HU values (p<0.01), and the 4 g/kg dose resulted in a marked increase in albumen height (p<0.01). Importantly, dietary intake of SBF powder reduced the cholesterol level in the eggs (p<0.01). Moreover, supplementation of SBF powder into the feed increased the contents of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with the PUFAs/SFAs ratio enhancing (p<0.001) by adding 2 g/kg SBF powder to the feed. In summary, our study suggests that SBF has potential for application in the production of high-quality eggs with reduced cholesterol, enhanced PUFAs/SFAs ratio, and better aroma and taste.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of probiotics on antimicrobial peptides and cytokines’ mRNA synthesis in the proventriculus and cecum of broiler chicks exposed to Campylobacter jejuni lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The chicks were divided into two groups: the probiotic-supplemented group, which received 0.4% probiotics in their feed for seven days, and the control group, which did not receive probiotics. On the seventh day, both groups were further divided and exposed to either no LPS (0-LPS) or 1 µg LPS (1-LPS) (n=6 per group). Five hours post-LPS administration, tissue samples from the proventriculi and ceca were collected, and the expression of avian beta defensins (AvBDs), cathelicidins (CATHs), and proinflammatory cytokines was assessed via real-time PCR. The expression of CATH, AvBD4 and AvBD6 in the proventriculus, and CATH1, CATH3, AvBD2, AvBD4, AvBD6 and AvBD7 in the cecum was downregulated in the probiotic group compared to the control group following 1-LPS exposure. Probiotic upregulated the levels of IL6 and TNFSF15 in the cecum, and IL6 in the proventriculus after exposure to 1-LPS. This study concluded that Campylobacter LPS either downregulated or had no significant effect on AvBDs and CATHs expressions in probiotic-fed chicks. In addition, the innate immune response in the form of AvBDs, CATHs and cytokines may be modulated according to the nature of the pathogen and the supplemented probiotics.

ABSTRACT We evaluated whether the addition of a commercial product made of Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysate (Detoxa Plus®) would be able to minimize the negative effects on performance and health of broilers fed diets contaminated with Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Fumonisin (FB1). A total of 450 male broiler chickens were randomly divided as follows: NC - Negative control diet (without mycotoxin); PC - positive control (diet contaminated with 3 ppm of DON and 30 ppm of FB1); PC+D500 (positive control diet+Detoxa Plus® 500 mg/kg); PC+D750 (positive control diet + Detoxa Plus® 750 mg/kg); PC+D1000 (positive control diet + Detoxa Plus® 1000 mg/kg); NC+D1000 (negative control diet + Detoxa Plus® 1000 mg/kg). Birds fed contaminated diets had lower weight gain (WG) when compared to NC and NC+D1000 at 21 days; however, at 35 and 42 days only birds from the group NC+D1000 showed higher WG. The best feed conversion (FC) was observed in the groups NC and NC+D1000, but birds from the PC+D1000 group showed a similar FC to them. There was an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances in the liver of PC birds when compared to the other groups. Birds in the NC+D1000 and PC+D1000 groups had the largest intestinal villus size when compared to the other treatments. It is concluded that the consumption of mycotoxins impaired the performance and increased the oxidative stress of the birds. However, the addition of 1000 mg/kg of Detoxa Plus® minimized these negative effects, while also providing larger villus length.

ABSTRACT Pre-slaughter phases of broiler chickens can significantly compromise animal welfare, as conventional catching methods often raise ethical, physical, and moral concerns. Mechanized catching has been emerging as a viable alternative with potential to reduce these issues and improve animal treatment. This study aimed to assess the Brazilian population’s perception of broiler chicken welfare and identify factors influencing preferences for manual or mechanized catching methods, focusing on socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural aspects. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 508 individuals. Variables examined included socioeconomic class, demographic profile, diet type, involvement in poultry farming, and willingness to pay more for products with certified animal welfare. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests to assess associations between categorical variables. The findings revealed a strong preference for mechanized catching, which was perceived as more comfortable and less physically harmful to chickens. However, it was also associated with perceptions of increased fear and emotional distress. Concerns related to animal welfare and confidence in preserving bird health during and after catching were significantly affected by the place of residence, but not by diet. Although animal welfare is not a primary factor for most consumers at the time of purchase, many respondents (62%) expressed a willingness to pay more for products with certified animal welfare. Mechanized catching remains relatively unfamiliar to Brazilian consumers, but the study suggests that increasing awareness of its benefits could enhance understanding and support the development of public policies and communication strategies to promote better welfare practices in the poultry industry.

ABSTRACT Allium tuberosum (Chinese chives; CC) contains large amounts of metabolites that have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In our previous study, fermented CC was shown to improve physiological functions and have positive results in broilers. In this study, we investigated egg productivity, egg quality, blood parameters, organ and intestinal characteristics, and gut microbiota by adding solid-state fermented CC (FCC) to laying hen diets. A total of 120 laying hens (40-weeks-old) were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatment groups: (1) basal diet + carrier mixture (CM) 1.5% (CC juice concentration 0%; CON); (2) basal diet + 0.5% FCC + 1.0% CM (CC juice concentration 0.1%; FCC 0.1%); (3) basal diet + 1.5% FCC (CC juice concentration 0.3%; FCC 0.3%). Each treatment was designed with 10 replicates, and 4 hens were assigned to each replicate. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. As a result, the FCC 0.1% group had a heavier egg weight, and the FCC 0.3% group had higher feed intake (p<0.05). However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was similar in all treatments (p>0.05). Egg quality was also not observed to be affected by the supplementation of FCC (p>0.05). However, interestingly, when eggs were stored for 4 weeks, FCC treatment hens showed lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations than CON (p<0.05). Although the content of blood components was similar (p>0.05), FCC 0.1% affected ileum length and potential pathogen growth (p<0.05). This study suggests that FCC as a feed additive for laying hens improves egg productivity, and storage period, and helps maintain health.

ABSTRACT The type of carbohydrate diet is an important factor in methane (CH4) emission from livestock. In this study, a structural carbohydrate (rice hull) was tested as a feed ingredient and compared with the use of a non-structural carbohydrate supplemented to cecal contents to study the effect of carbohydrates type and levels on methane production from the caecum content of White Roman geese. Four experiments were conducted to determine the methane production in the cecal material from White Roman geese. In Experiment I, the methane production in vitro from cecal content from the basal diet supplemented with 8% rice hull did not increase compared with the basal diet. In Experiment II, non-structural carbohydrates such as glucose, starch, and sucrose could increase the methane production of cecal contents in vitro (p<0.05), and the mean methane production was such that glucose > starch > sucrose. In Experiment III, the cumulative methane production in cecal contents added with glucose in White Roman geese for different incubation times showed that the methane production had the largest increase 0.5 hour after adding the glucose treatments. It also indicated that glucose could be fermented and converted into methane after half an hour of incubation. In Experiment IV, methane production from cecal contents increased with the quantity of glucose (p<0.001) in a dose response manner of additives, whereas methane concentration did not increase with the dose of glucose in geometric progression. These results suggest that rice hulls can substitute part of the feed of White Roman geese to reduce methane emissions. Methane production rates from cecal contents depend on the type of carbohydrate and the additional glucose in cecal can cause issues by increasing methane emission from birds. To conclude, it is suggested that the speed of decomposing polysaccharide into monosaccharide by digestion may be a key to determine methane production rate from cecal content in goslings.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary paddy rice on the performance of geese. A total of 210 28-day-old geese were randomly allotted to 5 treatment groups with 7 replicates of 6 geese each. The geese were raised for 42 days on feed with 0 (control), 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% dietary paddy rice inclusion. The results showed that dietary paddy rice increased body weight, average daily feed intake, and average daily gain of geese (p<0.05), but did not influence feed/gain ratio (p>0.05). Increasing dietary paddy rice levels decreased the plasma total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin content of geese (p<0.05). The percentage of carcass, half-eviscerated yield, and eviscerated yield in geese were increased as dietary paddy rice increased (p<0.05). The dietary paddy rice did not affect the breast meat quality of geese (p>0.05). In conclusion, paddy rice could increase the growth performance, and had no negative effects on plasma biochemical parameters, carcass traits, and breast meat quality of geese from 28 to 70 d of age. We showed that paddy rice can be used up to a concentration of 60% in the geese diets.