Abdominal Fat Weight Research Articles

EFFECTS OF SAMSORG-25 VARIETY OF SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor) BASED DIETS ON CARCASS TRAITS AND HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary samsorg-25 as a replacement for maize on the carcass characteristics and blood parameters of broiler chickens. Five diets were formulated, with samsorg-25 replacing white maize at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. These diets were labeled as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Three hundred (300) two-week-old broiler chickens, weighing between 187.00 and 194.75 grams, were randomly assigned to the five diets in four replicates of 15 birds each, following a Completely Randomized Design. Feed and water were provided ad libitum, and the feeding trial lasted for 42 days. The results of the carcass analysis revealed no significant effect (P>0.05) of samsorg-25 on most carcass and organ characteristics. The carcass weight of the birds ranged from 1.75 kg (T1) to 1.87 kg (T4), and the dressing percentage varied from 74.88% to 77.68% for diets T2 and T4, respectively. The relative weight of the liver showed a significant (P<0.05) dietary effect, with birds fed the control diet (T1) having a higher liver weight (1.73%) compared to those on T3 (1.53%). However, birds on both diets were comparable to those on other diets: T2 (1.66%), T4 (1.59%), and T5 (1.65%). Similarly, abdominal fat weight was higher on diet T1 (1.35%) than on T2 (1.17%), with birds on other diets showing comparable results to those on T1 and T2. The weight of the gizzard was also significantly (P<0.05) affected, favoring diets T1 (3.37%) and T3 (3.31%), which were similar and comparable to T2 (3.13%) and T5 (3.02%). Birds fed diet T4 (2.89%) had the lowest average gizzard weight but did not differ significantly from those on T2 and T5. Except for platelet count, no haematological index was significantly (P<0.05) affected. Platelet count was higher on T3 (2.69 x 103/µl) compared to T1 (1.70 x 103/µl) and T5 (1.60 x 103/µl), but comparable to T2 (2.13 x 103/µl) and T4 (1.88 x 103/µl). Serum biochemical assays indicated no significant dietary effect on all parameters except for urea. Urea concentration was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed diet T2 (4.94 g/dl) compared to those on T1 (4.02 g/dl). However, birds in both groups did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from those on other diets. It was concluded that Samsorg-25 can completely replace white maize in broiler chicken diets without any negative effects on carcass yield and the health of broiler chickens.

Investigation the Effect of High-Frequency Noise Exposure on Obesity, Food Intake, and Abdominal Visceral Fat in Adult Male Guinea Pigs

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are major global health challenges. One of the bad effects of noise that has been recently expressed is the effect of noise on obesity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-frequency noise exposure on obesity, food intake, and abdominal visceral fat in adult male guinea pigs. Material and Methods: The animals in this study were 24 adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into 3 groups (control and two case groups). Each case group was separately exposed to high- frequency white noise with sound pressure levels in 65 dB and 85 dB for 5 days per week in 30 days. The food intake was measured daily. The weight of animals was measured at the start and on days 6, 12, 18, 24, and at the end of exposure period. The abdominal visceral fat was extracted and weighted at the end of the study period. The data were assessed using SPSS V.22 software. Results: ANOVA analysis showed that exposure to high-frequency noise at 65dB and 85dB had a significant effect on weight gain, food intake, and abdominal visceral fat weight (P-value< 0.05) which in the group exposed to the noise with 65 dB was more than other groups. Conclusion: Based on this study, exposure to high-frequency noise may be an effective factor in obesity and increasing abdominal visceral fat. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism affecting weight status following noise exposure

Effect of terracotta drinker and/or water addition of ASPRO‐C plus on behavior, growth, and physiological response of broiler chickens exposed to high temperature

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a terracotta drinker and/or water supplementation with ASPRO‐C Plus on the zootechnical performance of broiler chickens reared in a hot environment. A total of 160 Cobb 500 broiler chicks of 15 days old (240.2 ± 39.82 g) were divided into four treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of drinker type (plastic or terracotta) and water with or without ASPRO‐C Plus (1 g/L) supplementation, each consisting of 4 replicate pens. Respiratory rate, water intake, feed intake, and live body weight were recorded weekly. At 49 days old, 12 birds per group were randomly selected, fasted for 12 h, weighed, and slaughtered for carcass evaluation and blood collection. The respiration rate of broilers decreased significantly (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water intake, the feed intake and the body weight gain increased significantly (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus significantly increased (p < 0.01) the relative weight of abdominal fat and spleen in broilers. The alpha‐amylase activity was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) with the water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus. The serum content of total cholesterol was significantly increased (p < 0.01) with the terracotta drinker. It can be concluded that ASPRO‐C Plus can slightly improve liveability, but using the terracotta drinker can be more efficient in reducing the behavioral response to heat stress and can improve the growth performance.

Effect of different levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on productivity in broiler chickens

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of turmeric powder on the performance, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal morphology, carcass characteristics, cecum microbial flora, fatty acid profile and sensory evaluation of breast meat of broiler chickens. A completely randomized design was used including four levels of turmeric powder (250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg diet) and a control treatment (without turmeric), in 5 replications. The growth performance was measured periodically and at the end of the 42-day period, three chickens from each experimental unit were killed for carcass examination. In order to check blood parameters at the end of the course, blood samples were taken from three chickens from each experimental unit. To check the immunity of broiler chickens, the weight percentage of immune glands was also evaluated. To measure the morphology of the cecum, one chicken from each experimental unit was killed to check the desired traits. The results of the experiment showed that different levels of turmeric had a significant effect on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal morphology, cecal microbial flora, fatty acid profile, and the sensory evaluation of breast meat (P<0.05). The results of the experiment showed body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the end of the period were significant in the treatments that received turmeric powder (P<0.05). Survival percentage, produced body weight per square meter, and final profit was also significant (P<0.05). Relative weight of abdominal fat, villus height and villus height/ crypt depth of the small intestine were significant in the treatments receiving turmeric powder (P<0.05). By adding turmeric powder to the diet of broiler chickens, the microbial population of the cecum also became significant (P<0.05). The concentration levels of uric acid, total cholesterol, glucose, HDL, albumin and liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase and ALT were significant in the birdsreceiving turmeric powder (P<0.05). Turmeric powder in the diet of broilers also had a significant effect on chondroitinic acid, linoleic acid and total polyathenoids (P<0.05). Turmeric powder was significant on the lactobacilli microbial population (P<0.05). The results of this experiment showed that fat content, juicyness, crispyness, chewability, elasticity, mouthfeel and general acceptance were significantly improved (P<0.05). In this research, the treatment receiving 500 mg of turmeric powder per kg had the greatest effect on the measured characteristics of broiler chickens. It can be concluded that the addition of the powder of these medicinal and aromatic plants to the diet of broiler chickens has beneficial effects on the carcass characteristics and meat quality. Keywords: fatty acid, blood plasma, abdominal cavity, triglyceride, feed conversion ratio, Curcuma longa

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals and comparison of their effect on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers

In the current study, the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals (HFM) was investigated in two separate experiments (an in vitro and an in vivo experiment). The in vitro experiment was based on a completely randomized design with five replications and seven treatments including (1) Raw feather meal (RFM), (2) HFM by autoclave (Au-HFM), (3) Fermented feather meal (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), (4) FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), (5) FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), (6) FFM by Bacillus licheniformis + Bacillus subtilis + Aspergillus niger (Co-FFM), and (7) HFM by an enzyme (En-HFM). The highest in vitro pepsin-pancreatin and apparent ileal CP digestibility were observed in Co-FFM, and the lowest amount belonged to RFM (P < 0.05). For the in-vivo experiment, 480 1-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were distributed in the experimental units in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 5 replicates (12 chicks/replicate). The treatments were: (1) Control diet (without feather meal (FM)), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), diets containing 4 % RFM, Au-HFM, Bl-FFM, Bs-FFM, An-FFM, Co-FFM, and En-HFM, respectively. For the in-vivo study, the birds fed control and Co-FFM diets had the highest feed intake, body weight gain, and the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). The broilers fed the control and FFMs diets had the lowest relative weight of abdominal fat and liver compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, our findings advise the poultry feed industry to look for Co-FFM as an effective alternative and cheaper feed ingredient to replace part of soybean meal in poultry diet.

Productive, internal organ and intestinal histomorphological characteristics of broiler chickens in response to dietary rapeseed meal: A meta-analysis.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data. Fourteen studies on the topic were identified via a systematic search performed on bibliographic databases, and the data generated was analysed using OpenMEE software. A random-effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using broiler strains, inclusion levels, processing methods, rearing phases and sex as moderators. In comparison with the controls, the results showed that RSM decreased feed intake (SMD = -0.29; 95% Cl: -0.41, -0.18; p < 0.001), average daily gain (SMD = -0.48; 95% Cl: -0.63, -0.32; p < 0.001), and liver weight (SMD = 1.24; 95% Cl: 0.78, 1.71; p < 0.001), but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.10; 95% Cl: -0.05, 0.23; p = 0.19). Likewise, broiler chickens fed RSM had significantly reduced carcass yield, weights of thigh, abdominal fat and heart when compared with the control. Results indicate that duodenum villus height (DVH) and jejunum villus height (JVH)/crypt depth (CD) ratios were improved in broiler chickens fed RSM. Meta-regression revealed that the analysed moderators are significant predictors of feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary RSM negatively influenced growth performance, liver weight and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens, but improved aspects of intestinal histomorphology traits. Therefore, innovative research on processing methods that will improve the feeding value of rapeseed meal in broiler chickens is recommended.

Synergistic Effects of Hydroxychloride and Organic Zinc on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Liver and Tibia Mineral Profiles of Broiler Chickens

AbstractThis study investigated the potential synergism between hydroxychloride and organic zinc (Zn) at different levels on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. There were seven experimental diets including a negative control diet without any supplemental Zn, and six diets with 80 mg/kg added Zn in the forms of ZnSO4, hydroxychloride Zn (HCZ) and organic Zn (ORZ), and a combination of HCZ and ORZ at 40 mg/kg HCZ + 40 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ40-ORZ40), 55 mg/kg HCZ + 25 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ55-ORZ25), and 70 mg/kg HCZ + 10 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ70-ORZ10). Each diet was replicated eight times with 17 chicks per replicate. On day 35, HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 diets resulted in the highest body weights (P &lt; 0.05). Throughout the entire production period (1–35 days), all HCZ and ORZ diets significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to PC (P &lt; 0.05), with HCZ40-ORZ40 showing the lowest FCR. Breast meat yield was lower in NC-fed birds, while HCZ80 and HCZ70-ORZ10 groups had the lowest abdominal fat weight (P &lt; 0.05). Liver and gizzard weight, tibia breaking strength, and ash percentage, footpad dermatitis, and hock burns were not affected. Tibia Zn content was higher in HCZ or ORZ-supplemented birds compared to NC (P &lt; 0.05), whereas other minerals in tibia and liver were unaffected. In summary, the absence of supplemental Zn negatively affects growth and carcass characteristics, whereas replacing ZnSO4 with HCZ, ORZ, or their combinations improves bodyweight and FCR. HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 were identified as optimal combinations for maximizing feed efficiency.

CINNAMON-ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION EFFECT ON VISCERAL ORGANS OF BROILER CHICKENS REARED IN NIGERIA

Broiler production has been challenged by excessive heat production due to climatic change. This has resulted into oxidative stress , depressed weight gain and growth performance. Phytogenic supplements have been reported to enhance antioxidant enzymes which improves the ability of broilers to cope with stress conditions. Therefore this study was designed to evaluate the visceral organ weights of broiler chicks given cinnamon-zinc supplementation in Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) arbor acre broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 40g +_2 were grouped into five treatments (48 chicks/treatment) and randomly replicated thrice with 16 chicks per replicate. Experimental design included T1 (modified cooler environment), T2 no administration (Control), T3-800 mg of Cinnamon powder/kg basal diet, T4-800 mg of Cinnamon powder+40mg Zinc/kg basal diet and T5-1000 mg Cinnamon powder+40mg Zinc/kg basal diet. This study was carried out for 10 weeks with environmental temperature and relative humidity of 30OC and 70% respectively. Parameters measured include; live, liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, gizzard, heart, and small intestine weights. Result revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in relative organ weights of the lung and liver in birds given 1000 mg/kg of Cinnamon powder + 40mg of Zinc per kg basal diet, compared to values across other treatments, while the observed abdominal fat weights reduced in birds given 800 mg/kg basal diet. This revealed that cinnamon-zinc supplementation could be safely used to improve the performance of birds during environmental stress.

Anti-obesity and immunomodulatory effects of Allium hookeri leaves cultivated with artificial light of different intensities on immune-depressed obese mice

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Allium hookeri (AH) leaves cultivated with different light-emitting diode (LED) intensities (L: low, 100 μmol/m2/s; M: medium, 150 μmol/m2/s; H: high, 200 μmol/m2/s). Alliin concentration increased as light intensity increased in AH and showed the highest level at LED-H condition. The anti-obesity and immunomodulatory properties of AH were evaluated in a cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immunosuppressed obese animal model. C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD) control (CON-H), negative control (NC), positive control (PC, β-glucan, 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)), AH L, M, and H groups. The three kinds of AH extracts were orally administered to the mice at 300 mg/kg BW for 2 weeks. Except for CON and CON-H, all the other groups were intraperitoneally treated with CPA. Epididymal and abdominal fat weight decreased as LED intensity increased while spleen weight increased in the AH groups. Serum glucose decreased as LED intensity increased in the AH groups and H group showed the lowest level. Triglycerides, total, and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased while HDL-cholesterol level increased in the AH groups compared to the NC group. Moreover, AH effectively reduced serum ALT and AST levels and increased the total white blood cell count, particularly elevating lymphocyte and monocyte levels. Furthermore, NK cell activity was higher in the AH groups. These findings suggest that AH cultivated at optimal LED intensity could be used as a novel biomedicine and in pharmacotherapy to treat related diseases to improve public health without any toxicity.

Effects of Different Photoperiods during Incubation on Post-Hatch Broiler Performance and Stress Response.

This study evaluated the subsequent effect of photoperiods during incubation on post-hatch growth and stress response of commercial broiler chickens. A total of 875 Ross 308 broiler breeder (48 weeks of age) eggs were hatched using different durations (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h a day) of dichromatic light [green and red (495 to 750 nm); 2700 K; 250 lux; SUNJIE; China] throughout the whole period of incubation. A total of 50 0-day-old hatched straight run broiler chicks from each photoperiod during incubation were used to evaluate subsequent growth performance (feed intake, body weight, and feed conversion ratio); stress parameters (physical asymmetry, tonic immobility, and vocalization,); welfare traits (feather score and gait score); carcass traits (live weight, dressed weight, carcass yield, liver weight, gizzard weight, heart weight, abdominal fat weight, breast weight, and leg weight); and serum chemistry (globulin, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid). There were no influences of photoperiod during incubation on post-hatch growth, stress parameters, welfare, and carcass traits. Heart yield was higher in birds incubated under 20 h light than in those from the 16 h light group. Incubation under different lighting durations also altered blood biochemical profile but did not influence serum globulin and cholesterol levels. It was concluded that under experimental conditions, incubation of broiler eggs under different lighting durations did not impact subsequent post-hatch performance (21-35 d).

Genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation of important economic traits in white and yellow broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study calculated descriptive statistics for the production traits of two broiler populations: 1) the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF white broilers), including fat and lean lines; and 2) the Guangxi yellow broilers. Their genetic parameters were estimated, including (co)variance components, heritability (h 2 ) and genetic correlations (rg), using the REML method. 2. Heritability estimates (h 2 ) for NEAUHLF white broilers ranged from 0.07 to 0.61. Traits with high heritability (h 2 >0.3) included body weight at 3, 5 and 7 weeks of age (BW3, BW5, BW7), carcass weight (CW), metatarsal circumference (MeC), liver weight (LW), gizzard weight (GW), spleen weight (SW) and testis weight (TeW), while in Guangxi yellow broilers, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.76, with every trait exhibiting high heritability, except for SW (0.18). 3. Positive genetic correlations for NEAUHLF were found (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.84) between BW7 and metatarsal length (MeL), MeC, body oblique length (BoL), chest angle (ChA), LW, GW, heart weight (HW) and SW. Genetic correlations between abdominal fat weight (AFW) and BW1, BW3, BW5, CW, MeL, keel length (KeL), BoL and LW were positive (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.58). 4. Among the Guangxi population, BW (125 d of age) showed strong positive genetic correlations with all other traits (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.30 to 0.99), while AFW displayed strong positive genetic correlations with leg muscle weight (LeW), CW, BW and thigh diameter (TD) (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.44 to 0.51). 5. It was concluded that the characteristics of the two populations were different, which means there is a need to use different strategies when performing the breeding work to improve productivity and efficiency in both broiler populations.

Exercise Volume Provides New Insight into the Effects of Housing Systems on Chicken Body Conformation, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Serum Biochemical Parameters.

This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in daily step counts under different housing systems and further explore the effects of housing system on the body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of a Chinese indigenous chicken breed. At 60 d of age, 300 Jiuyuan Black male chickens with similar body weights in each housing system were further raised until the age of 150 d. At 90, 120, and 150 d of age, in both cage-reared and free-range systems, the top 20 chickens with the highest step counts measured using pedometers and the bottom 20 chickens with the lowest step counts were designated as the cage high-steps group (CHS), the cage low-steps group (CLS), the free-range high-steps group (FHS), and the free-range low-steps group (FLS), respectively. The results show that, at any age stage, the average daily steps (ADS) and total steps (TS) of the FHS group are significantly higher than the other three groups (p < 0.05). The TS of almost all groups showed an overall downward trend as the age increased. Increased exercise volume results in reduced shank length (90 d), breast width (90 d), and keel length (150 d) (p < 0.05). Only birds at 90 d of age from the FHS and FLS groups exhibited lower live body weight, carcass weight, half-eviscerated weight, eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, leg muscle weight, and percentage of eviscerated weight than the CLS group (p < 0.05). Birds from the FHS group showed the highest heart weight values but the lowest abdominal fat weight values among these four groups (p < 0.05). Both the breast and leg muscle samples from the FHS group displayed higher dry matter and shear force than those from the CHS and CLS groups (p < 0.05). The FHS group displayed the lowest intramuscular fat among the four groups (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in chickens of all age stages were almost observed to rise with increased physical activity. In conclusion, free-range chickens with more exercise volume exhibited an elevated heart weight and reduced abdominal fat but showed negative effects on some body measurements and carcass traits. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of different housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Blood Parameters, and Cecal Bacteria of Broilers.

The effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on the growth, meat quality, carcass characteristics, hematobiochemical profile, and cecal bacteria of broiler chicken was investigated in this research trial. In this study, 192-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design to three groups: control, antibiotic, and MLP. A standard basal diet was given to the control group, while the antibiotic group received 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and the MLP group received 100 mg/kg M. oleifera leaf powder supplemented basal diet. Each group was further divided into eight replicates consisting of eight birds each, and the trial ran for 35 days. Among the groups, the MLP-fed broilers achieved the highest final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Notably, the FCR for the whole experimental period was lower in the MLP group, indicating a more efficient use of feed for growth. Supplementation of MLP with basal diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the weight of thighs and drumsticks relative to live weight %, while the spleen and abdominal fat weight (% of live weight) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Adding MLP to the diet improved the meat quality of broilers, as indicated by the highest pH of meat at 45 min and the lowest cooking loss (%) observed in this group. MLP exhibited hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects, with the lowest total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-supplemented groups. The hematological profile revealed that the MLP group exhibited the highest RBC count and Hb level, while also showing the lowest H/L ratio. Moringa supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the cecal bacterial population, reducing pathogenic E. coli and Shigella spp. while increasing beneficial Lactobacillus spp. and the total aerobic plate count (TAPC). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) can be used as a natural feed supplement for promoting the growth, meat quality, healthy blood, and sound health of broilers.

Research note: differential heterosis of spent laying hens’ carcass characteristics and meat quality in reciprocal crosses between White Leghorn and Beijing-You chickens

Hybridization is used extensively in commercial layer production. However, heterosis for carcass performance and meat quality of spent laying hens remains unclear, especially under the trend of extended laying cycles. In this study, indigenous Beijing-You chickens (Y) and elite White Leghorn layers (W) were selected to generate purebreds (WW and YY) and reciprocal crosses (WY and YW). Data on traits including carcass compositions, meat quality, and main nutrients for breast muscle were collected when chickens fed to 100 wks of age. Results showed that body weight (BW) and dressed weight for WY and YW with positive heterosis were significantly higher than WW (P < 0.05). YW had the heaviest breast and thigh of 232.28 g and 278.48 g, respectively. The abdominal fat weight for WY and YW were greatly higher than that for WW (P > 0.05). The yields of carcass compositions, including the dressed yield, half eviscerated yield, eviscerated yield, breast yield and thigh yield, did not differ among four genetic groups (P > 0.05), except for the yield of abdominal fat. The largest heterosis differences appeared in breast weight (12.26% in YW v.s. -0.46% in WY) and abdominal fat yield (15.26% in YW v.s. 24.55% in WY). Although BW for crossbreds were similar, the specific parts of the carcass between them were different. For meat quality, WY had negative heterosis (P < 0.05) with the lowest lightness and yellowness, whereas YW had the completely opposite trend. Neither pH1h nor pH24h values had difference among purebreds and reciprocal crossbreds (P > 0.05). The drip loss and cooking loss were 4.01%-4.77% and 15.59%-21.31% respectively among four genetic groups. The main nutrients of breast, including moisture, crude protein, intramuscular fat and unsaturated fatty acid, did not differ for purebreds and crossbreds (P > 0.05), except for saturated fatty acid. In general, the crossbreds even at the later laying period still showed divergent heterosis on carcass performance and meat characteristics. In view of the heterosis, Beijing-You chickens can use as the sire line in the crossbreeding to improve carcass compositions of spent hens.

CARCASS YIELD AND ORGAN WEIGHTS OF BROILER FINISHER BIRDS FED DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT FAT SOURCES

A four-week study was conducted to determine the effect of four different fat sources on carcass yield, organ weights and lipid profile of broiler finisher birds. One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups of 24 birds each and assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary treatments consisted of 1% added fat from four different sources as follows: Tl, diet containing no oil; T2 diet containing 1% palm oil; T3, diet containing 1% soybean oil; T4, diet containing 1% palm kernel oil and T5, diet containing 1% groundnut oil. Each treatment was replicated three times with 8 birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum to the birds. Results showed that live weight, carcass weight and dressing% of birds on T4 was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from all other treatments. Most of the internal organ-weights of birds on T4 and T1 were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than in other treatments. The abdominal fat weight of birds on T4 was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than those in the other treatment. It was concluded that addition of vegetable fat from palm kernel oil and groundnut oil in broiler diets enhanced carcass and organ weights of birds.

Supplementation of papaya leaf extract in drinking water to optimize broiler chicken carcass production

Abstract The papaya plant (Carica papaya Linn.) is regarded as an alternative option that is believed to have the potential to reduce fat accumulation in broiler chickens. In society, papaya leaves are well-known as ingredients in traditional medicine due to their content of alkaloid compounds and proteolytic enzymes, namely papain and chymopapain, which play a significant role in digestion and facilitate intestinal activity. The impact of adding Papaya Leaf Extract (PLE) to drinking water on parameters such as final body weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, abdominal fat weight, and abdominal fat percentage is sought to be assessed in this study. Eighty-seven-day-old chicks, irrespective of gender, constitute the subjects of the research. Commercial feed, papaya leaves, research facilities and equipment, and manual and digital scales are utilized in the study. An experimental approach with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) is followed in the research methodology. Five treatments, each repeated four times, are included in the study: T0 (control with 1 liter of drinking water), T1 (T0 + 5 ml of PLE), T2 (T0 + 15 ml of PLE), T3 (T0 + 25 ml of PLE), and T4 (T0 + 35 ml of PLE). Chicken slaughtering is performed after 35 days of rearing, with samples taken randomly from pens 1-20 and subsequently processed, adhering to Islamic principles. Measured parameters include final body weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, abdominal fat weight, and abdominal fat percentage. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a Completely Randomized Design is employed for data analysis. The research findings suggest that providing papaya leaf extract to broiler chickens up to 35 days of age does not significantly affect final body weight, carcass weight, carcass percentage, abdominal fat weight, or abdominal fat percentage. Based on the results obtained from the broiler chicken carcass production in this study, the administration of PLE to broiler chickens can be conducted.

Evaluation of Curcuma and Black Garlic Flour on Small Intestine Morphometrics, Carcass Weight, and Abdominal Fat of Broiler Chickens

Curcuma flour and black garlic have potential benefits for chicken digestive health. A healthy digestive tract will help the process of absorbing feed more optimally. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of curcuma flour and black garlic in feed on small intestine morphometrics, carcass weight, and abdominal fat in broiler chickens. The study used 200 broiler chicken day-old chicks (DOC) randomly assigned to 5 treatments with 4 replications, including P0 = 100% commercial ratio (control), P1 = P0 + 2% black garlic, P2 = P1 plus 0.25% curcuma flour, P3 = P1 + 0.50% curcuma flour, and P4 = P1 + 0.75% curcuma flour. The study employed a completely randomized design (CRD), and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences between treatments were further tested using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that supplementation with Curcuma flour and black garlic in feed did not have a significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on feed consumption, slaughter weight, small intestine morphometrics, carcass weight, carcass percentage, abdominal fat weight, and abdominal fat percentage. The results of this study indicate that the evaluation of Curcuma flour up to 0.75% and black garlic 2% in broiler chicken feed does not affect the activity of the small intestine, broiler carcass, and abdominal fat, as reflected in normal organ weights.

Inclusion of dietary lysine on growth, carcass yields and serum biochemical indices in broiler chickens

The experiment was conducted to compare the effect of different sources of lysine on growth performance, carcass yields and serum biochemical parameters in broiler. A total of 400 Arbor Acres straight run chicks were randomly assigned into 4 different treatment groups for five weeks. The treatment groups were; T1 (100% Ajinomoto lysine), T2 (100% CJ lysine), T3(100% Natural lysine) and T4(50% Ajinomoto + 50% Natural lysine). Each treatment consisted of four replicates and of each 25 chicks. Throughout the experiment body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded as growth performance. Carcass characteristics and blood biochemical profile were also taken after the end of feeding trial. The supplementation of different sources of lysine with feed had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on growth performances. Results showed that CJ lysine treated broilers had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher body weight and body weight gain at the end of the experiment compared to Ajinomoto and Natural lysine treated groups. FCR was improved significantly (P&lt;0.05) in CJ lysine group (1.56) compare to the Ajinomoto group (1.69) and Natural lysine group (1.68). Abdominal fat weight showed significant (P&lt;0.05) variation among different treatment groups. Based on the results of this study, it may be concluded that the supplementation of Ajinomoto lysine, CJ lysine and Natural lysine with feed could improve growth performance of broiler and CJ lysine could be considered as performance enhancer in broiler production. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 68-76, 2024

Regulatory Effects of 198-bp Structural Variants in the GSTA2 Promoter Region on Adipogenesis in Chickens.

Molecular breeding accelerates animal breeding and improves efficiency by utilizing genetic mutations. Structural variations (SVs), a significant source of genetic mutations, have a greater impact on phenotypic variation than SNPs. Understanding SV functional mechanisms and obtaining precise information are crucial for molecular breeding. In this study, association analysis revealed significant correlations between 198-bp SVs in the GSTA2 promoter region and abdominal fat weight, intramuscular fat content, and subcutaneous fat thickness in chickens. High expression of GSTA2 in adipose tissue was positively correlated with the abdominal fat percentage, and different genotypes of GSTA2 exhibited varied expression patterns in the liver. The 198-bp SVs regulate GSTA2 expression by binding to different transcription factors. Overexpression of GSTA2 promoted preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, while interference had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, the 198-bp fragment contains binding sites for transcription factors such as C/EBPα that regulate GSTA2 expression and fat synthesis. These SVs are significantly associated with chicken fat traits, positively influencing preadipocyte development by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Our work provides compelling evidence for the use of 198-bp SVs in the GSTA2 promoter region as molecular markers for poultry breeding and offers new insights into the pivotal role of the GSTA2 gene in fat generation.

VNN1 Gene Expression and Polymorphisms Associated with Chicken Carcass Traits.

This study aimed to investigate the association between hepatic VNN1 expression and carcass traits in Mahuang chickens as well as to identify polymorphisms in the upstream and downstream regions of VNN1 that could potentially be associated with these carcass traits. The study revealed that VNN1 expression levels in liver correlated with various carcass traits such as dressed weight, eviscerated weight, and abdominal fat weight. A total of 39 polymorphic sites were identified, among which 23 were found to be associated with 15 different carcass traits. These polymorphic sites were organized into three distinct haplotype blocks, with BLOCK2 and BLOCK3 being associated with various eviscerated weight percentages, thigh weight, breast muscle weight, wing weight, and other traits. The study underscores the significant role of VNN1 in influencing the carcass traits of Mahuang chickens and sheds light on the genetic foundations of these traits. The findings provide valuable insights that could inform breeding strategies aimed at optimizing traits relevant to market demands and slaughtering efficiency.