Activity Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Research Note: Effects of high barn temperature on group-level dispersion and individual activity in broiler chickens

Heat stress in broilers is a pressing issue in the changing climate. Data on broiler behaviour might be useful for early detection of heat stress and subsequent intervention, and may provide potential indicators for heat tolerance that can be used in broiler breeding programs. Here, we used bird location data collected in a previous study during which broilers were inadvertently exposed to high ambient temperatures due to a local heat wave. We examined whether broiler behaviour changed with increasing ambient temperatures, focusing on group-level dispersion behaviour and individual-level locomotor activity. We observed that birds moved closer together with increasing temperatures up to 9 degrees Celsius above the desired level, and remained in similar proximity or moved further apart at temperatures above that threshold. The activity level decreased or remained stable with increasing temperature during most parts of the day, but increased at the end of the day. Possibly, the birds exhibited compensatory behaviour (such as drinking and eating) during the periods when the barn cooled down after a hot day, but that could not be confirmed as no behavioural observations were available. The difference in activity levels between individuals accounted for 8.4% of the total variation, suggesting that activity might be an interesting indicator trait for heat tolerance in broiler chickens. Overall, the results of this study can inform the development of behaviour-based 1) early-warning systems for heat stress and 2) heat tolerance indicators, although data on behaviours that are more specific to heat stress are probably required.

Elevated platforms with integrated weighing beams allow automatic monitoring of usage and activity in broiler chickens

Elevated platforms are a suitable possibility to enrich the environment of broiler chicken and, thus, improving their welfare. Early detection of health problems additionally contributes to an improved welfare of chickens and, at the same time, helps the farmer to optimize production efficiency. A prototype combined elevated platforms with weighing beams and an algorithm was developed to estimate number of chickens on the platform as well as their activity. To validate the prototype, during two consecutive trials, 1200 mixed-sex broiler chickens were kept for 35 days in 6 pens in total. In each pen, an elevated platform (height × length × width: 0.5 m × 4 m × 0.6 m), consisting of two rectangular steel frames and four load cells, was offered. Overall weight of broilers on the elevated platform was recorded continuously during the entire fattening period by the automatic weighing system. Algorithms were developed and implemented to estimate (i) daily mean weight of a single animal, (ii) number of animals on the platform, and two activity measures: (iii) movement on platform and (iv) number of platform changes from the weight recordings. To validate estimations, weight was recorded manually on 5 days throughout the trial and usage of elevated platforms was analysed via video records with scan sampling. From days 4 to 34, daily mean weight could be estimated using the proposed algorithm. Compared to manual weighing of a sample group at five days per pen, Spearman correlation coefficient was given by 0.9868 (p < 0.0001), and estimation error (RAE) was 11% on average. The number of chickens on the elevated platform could be approximated with deviations of about +19% and Spearman correlation of 0.97 (p < 0.0001) compared to video observations. An explanation for overestimation of animal number are occasional recalibration problems of the weighing system that resulted in measured weights being larger than actual weights. Furthermore, results of automatic approximation of usage behaviour and animal activity based on continuous recordings of the weighing system throughout days 4 to 34 of fattening are shown. In addition to providing an enrichment tool that could help farmers to control weight development of their livestock automatically and continually, first promising observations of anomalies due to heat and illness show that the proposed system could be used for early detection of animal welfare problems.

Using ergotropics to normalize the homeostasis system activity in broiler chickens

The article describes the research results on the complex enzyme and antibacterial drugs use in feed for the Hubbard cross broiler chickens. A studies review is presented, which showed that ergotropic preparations complex use when growing broiler chickens is poultry increasing the meat productivity effective method, as per basic zootechnical indicators. As a studying result an ergotropics complex combined use effectiveness in growing poultry, a significant decrease in a highly toxic elements number concentration in the broiler chickens carcasses and organs has been established, which is very important today. The preparation complex influence on the Hubbard cross broiler chickens meat chemical composition, physicochemical and tasting parameters was traced. Our research has proved the ergotropic drugs use effectiveness in broiler chickens, which is one of the increasing poultry meat productivity effective methods and the quality products necessary to provide the population needs with high nutritional and biological products values.

Efficacy of lysophospholipids on growth performance, carcase, intestinal morphology, microbial population and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed different dietary oil sources

An experiment was conducted to investigate the growth performance, microbial population, intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with lysophospholipids (LPL) in combination with soybean (SO), flaxseed (FSO) or sesame seed (SSO) oil sources. A completely randomised design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement including two levels of LPL (0 or 0.1% Lipidol) and three different oil sources was used. A total of three hundred one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into six treatments of five pens with ten birds per pen. The results showed that body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly increased in broilers fed dietary LPL and SSO (p < .05). There was a significant interaction between the oil sources and LPL supplementation on 10 days of age (p < .05). Inclusion of SSO to the diets increased villus width and villus surface area compared with SO diet (p < .05). Broilers fed LPL supplemented diets had lower crypt depth, while villus length to crypt depth ratio was greater in broilers fed LPL supplementation (p < .05). Lactobacillus population increased in broilers fed LPL supplemented diet compared to those without dietary LPL (p < .05). Inclusion of LPL increased ileal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract (p < .05). Broiler fed SSO diets had greater digestibility coefficient for ether extract compared with SO group (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary LPL supplementation and SSO increased growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbiota activity and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. HIGHLIGHTS Lysophospholipids (LPL) supplementation increased growth performance, intestinal morphology, and microbiota activity in broiler chickens. Supplemental LPL enhanced ileal nutrient digestibility coefficients in broiler chickens. Dietary sesame seed oil (SSO) increased growth performance, ether extract digestibility and intestinal morphometric variables in broiler chickens compared with soybean oil (SO).

Influence of dietary phytase and protease, individually or in combination, on growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbiota composition and nutrient utilisation in broiler chickens fed sesame meal-based diets

Efficacy of phytase and protease supplements, individually or in combination, on growth performance, carcass, intestinal morphology, microbiota composition and nutrient digestibility was investigated in broilers fed diets containing sesame meal. A total of 375 day-old male broiler chickens of ROSS 308 strain were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments with five replicates per treatment and 15 broilers per each. Dietary treatments were T1: a basal diet (control), T2: sesame meal diet (150 g/kg sesame meal to replace soybean meal), T3: T2 + 500 FTU/kg phytase, T4: T2 + 0.2 g/kg protease and T5: T2 + combination of phytase and protease supplements. At the end of the study, body weight gain of the T5 broilers was greater than those of the T1 birds (p<.05). Feed conversion ratio improved in broiler chickens fed the T3, T4 and T5 diets compared with T1 diet (p<.05). An increase in villus length (VL) was found in broilers which received T3, T4 and T5 diets compared with control (p<.05). The greatest value of crypt depth (CD), and villus surface area observed in the birds fed with T4 diet compared with control (p<.05). Inclusion of phytase in broiler diet increased VL/CD ratio compared with control group (p<.05). Combination of phytase and protease (T5) increased the caecal Lactobacillus and decreased E. coli counts compared with T1, T2 and T4, while T3 group was intermediate (p<.05). Ileal nutrients digestibility was greatest in broilers which received T5 diet (p<.05). In conclusion, addition of protease and phytase to sesame meal diets may be a suitable strategy for improving growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbiota composition and nutrient utilisation in broiler chickens. Highlights Combination of phytase and protease enzymes in sesame meal diets improved growth performance, nutrient utilisation and microbiota activity of broiler chickens. Supplemental phytase or protease improved jejunal morphology of broiler chickens fed sesame meal diets.

Effect of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination on productive performance, intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes' activity of broiler chickens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination on productive performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzymes' activity in broilers. Four hundred one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments, each with 5 replicates. The birds were fed experimental diets contained either no phytogenic feed additives (control) or were supplemented with 25.0mg/kg of an essential oil blend from star anise, rosemary, thyme and oregano (essential oils); 46.0mg/kg of a Quillaja saponin blend (saponins); or a combination of both phytogenic preparations (essential oils plus saponins). The experiment lasted for 42days. Body weight, feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated, throughout the experiment. Intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes' activity were determined at the end of the experiment. It was found that the body weight was increased by all dietary supplements at the end of the experiment. There was no change in performance parameters among the treatments during the starter period. At the grower period and the overall experiment, the weight gain of birds was higher in all supplemented groups compared to the control, but the feed conversion was better in the essential oils with saponins treatment. Supplementation of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination increased the villus height and the villus/crypt ratio of the intestine. There was an increase in trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase activities in the essential oils plus saponins group only. The obtained results indicate that the phytogenic feed additives, especially essential oils with saponins, can be considered as new promising agents in promoting the growth performance of broilers. The effect could be related to its improving impact in intestinal development and increasing the protease enzymes' activity, resulting in increased protein digestibility and absorption of dietary nutrients.

Effects of faba bean extrusion and phytase supplementation on performance, phosphorus and nitrogen retention, and gut microbiota activity in broilers.

Faba bean (FB) can be used in poultry diets as a protein source alternative to soybean meal. This study evaluated the effect of extrusion of low-tannin FB and phytase supplementation on performance, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) retention, and gut microbiota activity in broiler chickens. Raw or extruded FB meal was included in broiler diet at 300 g kg-1 . The experimental treatments additionally differed in nutrient level (adequate, or calcium, P, and protein reduced) and phytase supplementation. Broiler performance was not affected by the dietary treatments. Extrusion and a reduced nutrient content did not affect P and N retention coefficients, but they increased when the reduced diets were supplemented with phytase. In the ileal digesta, FB extrusion increased the activities of bacterial α- and β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, and β-glucuronidase, but acetate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations were higher only in birds fed extruded FB supplemented with phytase. In the cecal digesta, FB extrusion increased the activities of bacterial α- and β-glucosidase, α-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase, and phytase supplementation decreased β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase activities, but acetate, butyrate and valerate and total SCFA concentrations were lower in birds fed extruded FB. Good performance of broilers could be obtained using diets containing 300 g kg-1 raw FB. The extrusion process does not improve FB nutritive value and may negatively affect the activity of cecal microbiota. Phytase supplementation allows lowering calcium, inorganic P, and protein level in diets with FB, and reduces P and N excreted in droppings, with a positive effect on the environment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Влияние на Силимарина и охратоксина върху хуморалния естествен имунитет при пилета бройлери

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and Silymarin on serum lysozyme concentrations, complement and betalysin activity in broiler chickens. In this experiment 144 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were used. All chicks were divided in four groups of 36 birds each: Group 1: Basal diet (BD) with no supplementation of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and Silymarin; Group 2: BD with 1.0% Silymarin; Group 3: BD with 3.0 mg/kg OTA; Group 4: BD with 3.0 mg/kg OTA plus 1.0% Silymarin. It was found that lysozyme concentration in the 2nd group there is a significant difference to groups 3 and 4. The immunosuppressive effect of Ochratoxin A is underlined but no protective effect of Silymarin in the group 4 was found. The alternative pathway of complement activation (APCA) is affected in the group 4. Betalysine there is a significant decreasing in the group 3 but slightly increasing of Betalysine in 4th group. Based on these results it can be concluded that OTA there is an immunosuppressive effect on the studied traits and there is a positive effect of Silymarin only on serum betalysine.

Effects of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on intestinal microbiota, tight junctions, and inflammation in young broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica.

ObjectiveThis study assessed the effects of probiotics on cecal microbiota, gene expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, and immune response in the cecal tonsil of broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica.MethodsOne-day-old broiler chickens (n = 240) were randomly allocated to four treatments: negative control (Cont), multi-strain probiotic-treated group (Pro), Salmonella-infected group (Sal), and multi-strain probiotic-treated and Salmonella-infected group (ProSal). All chickens except those in the Cont and Pro groups were gavaged with 1×108 cfu/mL of S. enterica subsp. enterica 4 days after hatching.ResultsOur results indicated that body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of birds were significantly reduced (p<0.05) by Salmonella challenge. Chickens challenged with Salmonella decreased cecal microbial diversity. Chickens in the Sal group exhibited abundant Proteobacteria than those in the Cont, Pro, and ProSal groups. Salmonella infection downregulated gene expression of Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO1), and Mucin 2 in the jejunum and Occludin and Claudin in the ileum. Moreover, the Sal group increased gene expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha factor (LITAF) and reduced levels of transforming growth factor-β4 and IL-10 compared with the other groups (p<0.05). However, chickens receiving probiotic diets increased Lactobacillaceae abundance and reduced Enterobacteriaceae abundance in the ceca. Moreover, supplementation with probiotics increased the mRNA expression of Occludin, ZO1, and Mucin 2 in the ileum (p<0.05). In addition, probiotic supplementation downregulated the mRNA levels of IFN-γ (p<0.05) and LITAF (p = 0.075) and upregulated IL-10 (p = 0.084) expression in the cecal tonsil.ConclusionThe administration of multi-strain probiotics modulated intestinal microbiota, gene expression of tight junction proteins, and immunomodulatory activity in broiler chickens.

Comparative evaluation of Lactobacillus strains with different adhesion ability on growth performance and immunomodulatory activity in broiler chickens

The study was designed to assess the effect of 2 Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus kefiri 1.3207 and Lactobacillus plantarum 1.2567) with different adherence ability on growth performance and immunomodulatory activity in broiler. The BW and FCR were higher in L. kefiri 1.3207 and L. plantarum 1.2567 groups compared to control group at 42 days of age, and BW of broilers in L. kefiri 1.3207 group was significantly higher than that in L. plantarum 1.2567 group. IgA and IgG contents and the spleen and bursa of Fabricius indices in significantly increased in the L. kefiri 1.3207 group, but not in the L. plantarum 1.2567-treated group. L. kefiri 1.3207 had more significant effect on growth performance, plasma IgA and IgG levels and immune organs indices because it had better adhesion ability.

Skeletal muscle growth characteristics and myogenic stem cell activity in broiler chickens affected by wooden breast ,

The degenerative myopathy known as wooden breast (WB) has been increasingly observed in the breast muscle (PM) of commercial broilers during the last decade. Previous research has demonstrated that WB may be induced or ameliorated by modulating dietary digestible Lys (dLys) concentrations. Two concurrent experiments (Exp) were conducted to verify the effects of feeding 2 diets formulated to 75% and 100% of recommended dLys concentrations from 15 to 25 d of age on production responses and WB incidence (Exp 1), and the characterization of muscle stem cell activity in broilers affected by WB (Exp 2). At 25 and 43 d of age, birds were injected with 5΄-bromo-2΄-deoxyuridine (BrdU) prior to the collection of PM tissue to label mitotically active cells. Muscle samples were processed for cryosectioning and immunofluorescence staining and microscopy in order to determine myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), to enumerate Myf-5+ and Pax7+ myogenic stem cell populations, and to determine the mitotic activity (BrdU+) of these populations. The reduced dLys diet produced broilers with differing (P < 0.001) incidences of WB within the same flock (Exp 1), with some detrimental effects on performance and processing characteristics. In Exp 2, broilers with severe WB had increased numbers (P = 0.016) and proportions (P = 0.022) of mitotically active, myogenic stem cells, as well as increased proportions (P < 0.05) of large CSA myofibers relative to broilers unaffected by WB at 25 d of age. At 43 d of age, broilers affected by severe WB had a greater (P = 0.011) total population of myogenic stem cell types (Myf-5+, Pax7+, or Myf-5+:Pax7+) and a concurrent increase (P = 0.007) in the mitotic activity (Myf-5+:BrdU+, and Pax7+:BrdU+, and Myf-5+:Pax7+:BrdU+) of these cells. Additionally, a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of small CSA myofibers was observed in broilers with severe WB. These results provide evidence that myofiber CSA, as well as the heterogeneity and mitotic activity of myogenic stem cell populations were altered in the presence of WB.

Harina De Ají De Ratón (Capsicum Mínimum) Como Anticoccidial Natural En Pollos De Engorde, Manabí-Ecuador

The use of natural plants for the control and treatment of diseases is an alternative to drugs and antibiotics. In the present test the hot pepper (Capsicum Minimum) was used as an anticoccidial in broiler chickens, it was taken as a reference to salinomycin (control) including 350g / ton, faced with three increasing levels of hot pepper flour (350, 500 and 1000g / ton). For the effect, 160 newborn chicks of the Cobb 500 line were used, distributed in four treatments and four repetitions under a completely randomized design, for the comparison of means the discrete Tukey test (0,05) was used, the data were analysed in the free version of InfoStat 2014 program. The variables analysed were weight, feed consumption, feed conversion, mortality and counting of Eimeria oocysts in faeces. Regarding the weight, the treatments presented statistical equality (p&gt; 0.05), numerically T3 registered the highest (2405.13 ± 43.33); and food conversion T1 and T2 (1.69), T3 and T4 (1.80) did not present differences between their means. Regarding mortality, T3 did not present deaths, not so, T4 (2.5%); T2 (5%) and T1 (10%); for oocyte count of E. Tenella and Acervulina T3 and T4 do not register eggs, T1 (3000 and 4500) and T2 (2500 and 1500, respectively). The hot pepper flour has anticoccidial activity in broiler chickens, its inclusion did not alter the productive parameters of the flock, which is recommended to be used during the fattening stage of the chickens or fowls.

The effects of low-protein diets and protease supplementation on broiler chickens in a hot and humid tropical environment.

ObjectiveThis experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) level and exogenous protease supplementation on growth performance, serum metabolites, carcass traits, small intestinal morphology and endogenous protease activity in broiler chickens reared under a tropical climate.MethodsA total of 480 day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 4×2 factorial arrangement. The main effects were CP level (21.0%, 19.7%, 18.5%, or 17.2% from 1 to 21 days and 19.0%, 17.9%, 16.7%, or 15.6% from 22 to 35 days) and protease enzyme supplementation (0 ppm or 500 ppm). All experimental diets were fortified with synthetic feed-grade lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan to provide the minimum amino acid recommended levels for Cobb 500.ResultsReducing dietary CP linearly reduced (p<0.05) growth performance, serum albumin, total protein, and carcass traits and increased (p<0.05) serum triglycerides and abdominal fat. There was no consistent effect of reducing dietary CP on morphological parameters of the intestine and on the pancreatic and intestinal endogenous protease activity (p>0.05). Protease supplementation improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, carcass yield and intestinal absorptive surface area.ConclusionProtease supplementation, as measured by growth performance, intestinal morphology and carcass yield, may alleviate the detrimental effects of low protein diets in broiler chickens.

Propolis residue inclusion in the diet affects digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of the inclusion of solid propolis residue (PR) from alcoholic propolis extraction in the diets of broiler chickens from 1 to 21-d of age on their performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity. 405 male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (inclusion of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% PR in the diets), and three replications with 27 birds each. The birds were fed experimental diets from 1 to 21-d of age and basal diet from 22 to 42-d of age. Feed intake (from 1 to 21-d and 1 to 42-d of age) decreased linearly with increasing levels of PR inclusion (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary inclusion of PR did not affect intestinal morphology at 7 and 21-d of age (P &gt; 0.05). Pancreatic amylase activity presented a quadratic response at 7 and 21-d of age, with its lowest activity estimated at 2.45 and 1.91% PR inclusion, respectively. At 7-d of age, trypsin activity decreased linearly, whereas chymotrypsin activity varied quadratically, with its activity estimated at 2.06% PR inclusion. Intestinal maltase activity varied quadratically with lowest activity predicted at 1.57% PR inclusion at 21-d of age. The dietary inclusion of solid propolis residue of propolis decreases feed intake in broilers and modulates their intestinal and pancreatic enzyme activity.

Regulatory effects of dietary L-Arg supplementation on the innate immunity and antioxidant ability in broiler chickens

Here, we investigated the effect of dietary arginine (Arg) supplementation on innate immunity and the antioxidant ability of broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a single-factorial arrangement (n=8 cages/treatment, six birds/cage), and we used four dietary Arg concentrations (10.0, 15.0, 20.0 or 25.0 g kg−1). On day 21, the birds were killed to obtain spleen, cecal tonsil and liver samples to determine the gene expression and antioxidant characteristics. Increasing the Arg concentration linearly decreased (P<0.05) the mRNA expression of splenic interleukin-18 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Dietary Arg supplementation quadratically decreased (P<0.05) the expression of interleukin-1b (IL-1b) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA in the spleen. Increasing Arg concentrations linearly and quadratically reduced the expression of IL-18 mRNA in the spleen. Meanwhile, increasing dietary Arg supplementation linearly and quadratically increased the lymphotactin mRNA (P<0.05) expression, and linearly increased the macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) and toll-like receptor 15 (TLR15) mRNA expression in the cecal tonsils. Dietary Arg supplementation linearly (P<0.05) increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and lysozyme (LZM) activities in the liver. However, the malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in the liver was not influenced by the dietary Arg concentration (P>0.05). No significant (P>0.05) effect was found on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver. Thus high levels of Arg supplementation (>20.0 g kg−1) may potentially suppress the innate immunity of broiler chickens, and dietary Arg supplementation enhances the antioxidant activity in broiler chickens.

Effects of two native Iranian wheat cultivars, processing method, and enzyme supplementation on performance, carcass, intestinal morphology, and microbiota activity in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTA 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to investigate the effects of two Iranian wheat cultivars (Alvand or Atrak), two processing methods (dry heating or microwave), and two enzyme (Kemzyme) levels on the performance, microbiota activity, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 320 broiler chickens were assigned to 8 treatments with 4 replicate pens of 10 broiler chickens per pen. The results showed that birds that received Alvand cultivar with microwave processing and enzyme supplementation had greater weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those that received Atrak cultivar (P < .05). The total bacteria count in ileo-caecum was greater in broilers fed wheat-based diets with enzyme and dry heating process (P < .05). Atrak cultivar, microwave processing, and enzyme supplementation increased the population of Lactobacilli in broiler chickens (P < .05). Besides, the inclusion of enzyme decreased the population of E. coli in the ileo-caecum of broiler chickens (P < .05). The morphological traits of the intestine were greater in birds that received Atrak cultivar with enzyme supplementation and microwave treatment (P < .05). In conclusion, the positive effects of microwave processing and enzyme supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal morphology were clearly evident for broiler chickens.

Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic, Clostridium butyricum, on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88.

BackgroundColibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) K88.MethodsThe chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment (NC) consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coli K88 challenge and positive control treatment (PC) consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coli K88. C. butyricum probiotic treatment (CB) consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 × 107 cfu C. butyricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coli K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment (CS) consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coli K88.ResultsThe body weight (BW) and average day gain (ADG) in the broilers of CB group were higher (P < 0.05) than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher (P < 0.05) concentration of interleukin-4 (IL-4) at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower (P < 0.05) at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower (P < 0.05) at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher (P < 0.05) jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower (P < 0.05) jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher (P < 0.05) activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher (P < 0.05) activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.ConclusionsIn all, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with C. butyricum promotes immune response, improves intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activities in broiler chickens challenged with E. coli K88. There is no significant difference between the C. butyricum probiotic treatment and the colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the C. butyricum probiotic may be an alternative to antibiotic for broiler chickens.

Novel probiotics: Their effects on growth performance, gut development, microbial community and activity of broiler chickens.

A total of 294 one-day-old Cobb broiler chickens were used to investigate the effects of four Lactobacillus strains on gut microbial profile and production performance. The six dietary treatments, each with 7 replicates were: 1) basal diet (negative control), 2) one of four strains of Lactobacillus (tentatively identified as Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus salivarius and an unidentified Lactobacillus sp.) and 3) basal diet with added zinc-bacitracin (ZnB, 50 mg/kg). Results showed that the addition of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. to the feed did not significantly improve weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion rate (FCR) of broiler chickens raised in cages during the 6-week experimental period, but tended to increase the number of total anaerobic bacteria in the ileum and caeca, and the number of lactic acid bacteria and lactobacilli in the caeca; and to significantly increase the small intestinal weight (jejunum and ileum). Furthermore, all 4 probiotics tended to reduce the number of Enterobacteria in the ileum, compared with the control treatments. The probiotics did not affect the pH and the concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid in both the ileum and caeca.

The influences of ambient temperature and crude protein levels on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, crude protein levels and their interaction on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 216 Arbor Acre broiler chickens (108 males and 108 females) were used in a 2×3 factorial arrangement and randomly reared at two temperatures (normal temperature: 23°C; daily cyclic high temperature: 28-32°C) and fed on three diets with different crude protein levels (153.3, 183.3 or 213.3g/kg, with constant essential amino acids) from 28 to 42days of age. Daily cyclic high ambient temperature decreased final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and serum total protein contents (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.008 respectively), but increased feed/gain, mortality, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum uric acid contents and serum creatine kinase activity (p=0.008, p=0.003, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p=0.003 respectively), irrespective of crude protein levels. At the ambient temperature, reducing crude protein levels resulted in an increase in feed/gain (p<0.001), but a decrease in serum total protein and uric acid contents. Only serum creatine kinase activity in broiler chickens was interacted by daily cyclic high ambient temperature and dietary crude protein levels (p=0.003). These results indicated that daily cyclic high ambient temperature had a great effect on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, whereas dietary crude protein levels affected them partially.

Comparative Effects of Various Forms of Selenium on Thioredoxin Reductase Activity in Broiler Chickens

Comparative Effects of Various Forms of Selenium on Thioredoxin Reductase Activity in Broiler Chickens