Birds In T3 Research Articles

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.

Bovine testicular fluid enhanced growth performance of broiler chickens

Testosterone has been reported to have anabolic influence on various organs of animals. Thus, an experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of crude testosterone in bovine testicular fluid (BTF) on the growth performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty-five broiler chicks (Abore Acre) were used. They were raised for one week and randomly allotted into five treatments consisted of five replicates (five chicks per replicate) under the intensive management system. Four different levels; 25mL, 50mL, 75mL, and 100mL of bovine testicular fluid per litre of water were administered to the birds, while the control birds were offered ordinary water. Feeds (broiler starter and finisher diets) were provided ad libitum on daily basis at weeks 2-4 and 5-8, respectively and clean water was given at free choice throughout the period of the study. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily weight gain (ADWG) per bird, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds were determined. At week seven blood was sampled to assay for level of the luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. The results indicated that ALW and the ADWG of the T5 birds (1850.00g/bird and 43.79g/bird, respectively) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than birds in T1, T2, T3, and T4, while the ADFI of T1, T3 and T4 birds (90.33g/bird, 94.09g/bird, 90.39g/bird respectively) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than T2 (84.60g/bird) and T5 (84.60g/bird). ADWI of the T5 and T4 birds (101.01mL/bird, and 98.68mL/bird, respectively) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than TI (82.13mL/bird), T2 (86.50mL/bird) and T3 (93.01mL/bird) birds. Birds administered 100mL of BTF/litre (T5) had the best percentage carcass yield and feed conversion ratio of 76.60% and 2.11 respectively, among the treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 birds. The result of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the serum concentration of the sex hormones showed that the expression of the serum testosterone increased as the inclusion levels of the Bovine testicular fluid increased with birds on T5 having significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher values (3.64 nmol/L) than those on the control (2.60 nmol/L). However, testosterone levels in T2 (3.18 nmol/L), T3 (3.24 nmol/L) and T4 (3.40 nmol/L) was not significantly different from T5. This study suggests that 100ml of bovine testicular fluid per liter of the drinking water can be used as a growth promoter for broiler chickens.

Effects of Cold Stress and Ammonia Concentration on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits of Laying Hens

In a cold climate, ensuring indoor air quality and heat preservation simultaneously has always been a difficult problem in the poultry house. The current study was carried out in order to determine the effects of chronic low temperature and ammonia concentration on productive performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens. 576 18-week-old Hy-line Brown hens were used in this study. Birds were housed in cages and received for 20-week exposure to low temperature and ammonia in six artificial environmental chambers. Birds were randomly assigned into six treatments: treatment 1 (T1, 20 °C, ≤5 ppm, control group), treatment 2 (T2, 20 °C, 20 ppm), treatment 3 (T3, 20 °C, 45 ppm), treatment 4 (T4, 8 °C, ≤5 ppm), treatment 5 (T5, 8 °C, 20 ppm) and treatment 6 (T6, 8 °C, 45 ppm). Daily feed intake (DFI), feed efficiency (FE), egg production (EP) and body weight (BW) were recorded and calculated from 19 weeks of age. Egg samples were collected at 22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 weeks of age and egg weight (EW), shell breaking strength (SBS), albumen height (AH), yolk weight (YW), shell weight (SW), shell thickness (ST) and Haugh unit (HU) were measured. The results of the present study indicated that low temperature and excessive ammonia decreased the EP of hens compared with those of the T1 birds. Low temperature increased DFI of hens thereby FE showed significant differences among treatments. During the early period of the experiment, low temperature treatment increased the BW of laying hens, but this trend of increase was suppressed by the treatment of ammonia with the prolongation of the experimental period. Egg quality was also affected by low temperature and excessive ammonia. At different experimental periods, egg quality traits of hens exposed to the cold and ammonia stress presented significant differences compared to those of control birds. The present study indicated that the effect of ammonia was more pronounced on hens than that of low temperature at the early and peak laying period in terms of several main traits of productive performance and egg quality under long term hens breeding.

Effect of dietary supplementation of seaweed (Ulva lactuca) and Azolla on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Aseel chicken

BackgroundAn effort was made to assess the effectiveness of dietary supplementation of Ulva lactuca (U. lactuca), a seaweed and Azolla individually and in combination on different physiological parameters of Aseel chicken. A total of 40 Aseel chicks of 8 weeks old were allocated into four groups, C1 (control), T1 (Azolla alone), T2 (seaweed alone) and T3 (seaweed plus Azolla). Aseel chicks in C1 were fed with formulated grower feed alone, birds in T1 had control diet with 5% Azolla, birds in T2 had control diet with 3% U. lactuca and birds in T3 had control diet admixtured with 5% of Azolla and 3% of U. lactuca. Parameters were recorded for a continuous period of 2 months in 15 days interval.ResultsThe growth performance was found to be significant (P ≤ 0.05) during 30 days of feed trials and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) during 45 and 60 days of treatment. Birds in T3 had a higher body weight gain, shank length and feed conversion efficiency followed with T1 and T2 compared to C1. PCV, RBC, WBC and heterophil counts were not influenced (P ≥ 0.05) by dietary treatments. Uric acid, creatinine, AST, glucose, triglycerides and magnesium levels revealed a high significant (P ≤ 0.01) variation, and cholesterol level showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) changes during 30th and 60th day of feed trials between the control and treatment groups. Total protein, globulin, phosphorus and electrolytes like Na, K and Cl levels were not significant (P ≥ 0.05) during 30th day and were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) during the 60th day of the trial.ConclusionsIt could be noted that inclusion of U. lactuca and Azolla as feed supplement in grower chicken had a better body weight gain when given in combination (U. lactuca and Azolla) rather than supplemented with the sole entity. Based on the haematological and serum biochemical analysis, the supplementation of U. lactuca and Azolla at the levels included in this trial did not pose any threat to the physiological well-being of Aseel chicken.

Effects of Feeding Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) with or without Enzymes on Carcass Characteristics of Indigenous Chicken

Aims: The present investigation aimed at assessing the effects of feeding graded levels of DDGS with or without enzymes on the carcass characteristics of indigenous chicken.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati-22, Assam for a period of 182 d (13 fortnights) between January 2018 and June 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 180 21 d old indigenous chicks were divided into six groups: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 each with 30 chicks. The birds of T1, T3 and T5 were fed a basal diet containing 0, 10 and 20 per cent DDGS while the birds in T2, T4 and T6 were fed the same basal diet as that of T1, T3 and T5, respectively, but were additionally supplemented with a commercial exogenous multi-enzyme preparation. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 182 d (13 fortnights) excluding a metabolic trial for a period of 8 days. At the end of the experiment, four birds from each treatment group were randomly selected, slaughtered and processed and different carcass traits viz. live weight, dressing percentage, relative weights of breast, thigh, drumsticks, liver, heart, gizzard, giblets, head and shank in relation to pre-slaughtered live weights were recorded. The chemical composition and organoleptic evaluation of meat samples from different treatment groups were also conducted.&#x0D; Results: The percent dressing and eviscerated yields of experimental birds under different treatment groups were ranged from 66.81±0.37 to 67.68±0.41 and 71.74±0.54 to 73.35±0.34, respectively. No significant (P ≥ .05) differences were observed in respect of relative weights of various carcass traits in relation to the live body weights, the chemical compositions of breast meat comprising of moisture, crude protein, ether extract and total ash and the mean scores for organoleptic evaluation comprising of colour, tenderness, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptance of the breast meat of experimental birds from different treatment groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that DDGS can be incorporated at 20% level in the rations of indigenous chicken for the economic gain without any adverse effect on dressing percentage as well as various carcass traits and organoleptic qualities.

Inflammatory responses, energy metabolism enzymes, oxidative status in Clostridium perfringens infection in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine whether infection by Clostridium perfringens negatively interferes with the oxidant/antioxidant status and activity of energy metabolism enzymes (creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK) and pyruvate kinase (PK)), as well as the zootechnical performance of broilers. A completely randomized design with three treatments, with five replications by treatment, and 10 birds by repetitions was used: T1: non-infected group; T2: group infected with C. perfringens; T3: group infected with C. perfringens, and basal diet with performance enhancers (antibiotic and coccidiostatic). At 21 days of age, the birds were experimentally infected orally with 4.0 x 108 CFU/mL C. perfringens. At strategic moments during the experimental period, zootechnical data and blood samples were collected. There were no significant differences among treatments in terms of weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion. At 20 days, heterophils counts were significantly lower in the T3 group birds than in the others. A significant reduction in the number of total leukocytes, because of the lower number of lymphocytes, was observed in groups T2 and T3 on day 34. Neutrophil and monocyte counts were significantly lower in group T3 than in group T1 on day 34. On day 42, there were significantly lower levels of total protein and globulin in birds in T3 than in T1. On day 27, PK activity was significantly higher in groups T2 and T3; similar behavior observed on day 34 when CK and PK activities in T2 and T3 were significantly higher than those of T1. AK activity was significantly higher in the serum of T3 birds than in those of the other groups at 34 days. At 41 days, CK and PK activities were significantly higher only in birds in group T3 compared to other groups. The levels of reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation, as well as the activity of glutathione S-transferase, were significantly lower in birds from group T3 compared to other groups at age 20 days. After a challenge with C. perfringens, there were fluctuations in the behavior of oxidative stress biomarkers; in particular, at 41 days of age, birds in T2 had elevated levels of lipoperoxidation, different from what was seen in birds in T3 that consumed feed with a performance enhancer. Preliminary results suggest that clostridiosis affects serum activity of enzymes in the phosphotransfer network, requiring compensatory enzymatic changes in an attempt to maintain energy homeostasis. In addition, the infection reduces the number of inflammatory cells and causes oxidant/antioxidant imbalance that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. Además, la infección reduce el número de células inflamatorias y provoca un desequilibrio en el estado oxidante / antioxidante que puede contribuir a la fisiopatología de la enfermedad.

Effect of Alum-treated Groundnut (&lt;I&gt;Arachis hypogea&lt;/I&gt;) Shell Meal on Blood Chemistry and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effect of alum-treated groundnut (Arachis hypogea) shell (ATGNS) meal was studied on the blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) day-old broiler chicks of Anak strain were used for the study in a completely randomized design for eight weeks. The chicks were allotted into six groups of forty chicks each and further divided into four replicates of ten chicks each.Groundnut shell (GNS) was processed by soaking it in water containing alum in ratio 1kg of groundnut shell: 15 litre of water: 600g of alum for three, four, five and six days. Wheat offal was included at 10% in T1 as positive control, 4% wheat offal and 6% untreated groundnut shell (GNS) in T2 as negative control, and 4% wheat offal with 6% treated GNS in treatments 3, 4, 5 and 6 at three days, four day, five days and six days of processing respectively. Results on haematological parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different except mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Birds in T5 performed better than others in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) with highestvalues of 123.83% and 41.93pg respectively, while birds in T3 had the lowest values of 115.28% and 39.05pg in the two parameters respectively. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in serum total protein, albumin and globulin, while other parameters measured showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences in serum biochemical studies. Birds fed treatment 1 (T1) had the highest values of 3.95 and 2.72g/dl in total protein and globulin respectively, while the lowest values 2.55 and 0.97g/dl were obtained from birds in T6 respectively. Cut-up parts showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in head, neck, back and thigh across treatment means with the exception of other parameters considered. The live weights of birdson processed groundnut shell meal, although not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different, were better (p&lt;0.05) than those on untreated groundnut shell meal (T2). Birds in T6 had the highest values (2.95, 4.60 and 12.53%) in head, neck and thigh respectively. The highest weight (18.02%) of back was recorded in T1. Birds in T4 had the highest values of 19.60 and 4.20% in breast muscle and shank respectively, while those in T3 recorded the lowest (14.65%) in breast muscle, and those in T2 had the lowest (3.56%) in shank. The results in conclusion, showed that alum-treated groundnut shell(ATGNS) could replace wheat offal at 6% level of inclusion by improving carcass yield as well as maintainingblood profile of broiler chickens.&#x0D; Keywords: Groundnut shell, alum, blood chemistry, carcass, broiler

Effects of feeding distillers dried grains with Solubles (DDGS) with exogenous enzyme supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization of indigenous chicken

Distillers dried grains with Solubles (DDGS), a co-product of ethanol production process, has been identified as a promising feed resource for its use in the rations of poultry as an energy and protein source. The present investigation aimed at assessing the effects of feeding graded levels of DDGS with or without enzymes on the growth performance of indigenous chicken. A total of 180 21 d old indigenous chicks were divided into six groups viz. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 each with 30 chicks. The birds of T1, T3 and T5 were fed a basal diet containing 0, 10 and 20 per cent DDGS while the birds in T2, T4 and T6 were fed the same basal diet as that of T1, T3 and T5, respectively, but were additionally supplemented with a commercial exogenous multi-enzyme preparation. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 182 d (13 fortnights) excluding a metabolic trial for a period of 8 days. The average final body weight was recorded highest in T2 group (1643.93±25.22 g) and lowest in T5 group (1580.00±14.50 g) without any significant (P>0.05) difference among the groups. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in respect of final body weight, total and mean daily gain in body weight, total feed consumption as well as overall feed conversion efficiency (FCRs) among the treatment groups. Positive Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorus balances were observed in all the treatment groups with significant differences (P>0.05) in respect of P retention between T1 and T4 and T6; T3 and T6 and T5 and T6 groups. It is concluded that DDGS can be incorporated at 20% level in the rations of indigenous chicken for the economic gain without any adverse affect on growth and nutrient utilization.

Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effect of Aegle marmelos and Andrographis paniculata in Aflatoxicosis of Broiler Chicken

Background: Aflatoxins (AF) are a major threat in tropical and sub-tropical countries and causes aflatoxicosis in poultry. The deleterious effect of AF are minimised by the addition of various hepatoprotectants. Study was undertaken to find out the effect of Aegle marmelos and Andrographis paniculata on aflatoxicosis of broiler chicken. Methods: Forty eight day old broiler chicks were divided into eight groups and fed with diets: standard feed (T1), T1 with 100 ppb AF (T2), T1 with 0.1 per cent A. marmelos powder and 0.1 per cent A. paniculata powder (T3), T1 with 100ppb AF and 0.10 per cent A. marmelos powder (T4), T1 with 100ppb AF and 0.10 per cent A. paniculata powder (T5), T1 with 100 ppb AF and 0.20 per cent A. marmelos powder (T6), T1 with 100ppb AF and 0.20 per cent A. paniculata powder (T7) and T1 containing 100 ppb AF, 0.1 per cent A. marmelos powder and 0.1 per cent A. paniculata powder (T8). All the experimental birds were sacrificed on 21st day of the experiment. Result: Broiler chicks of T2 group showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels compared with other groups at 21st day of experiment. Liver of T2 group of birds revealed the presence of cytoplasmic vacuolations, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, focal accumulation of mononuclear cells and acinar pattern of parenchyma compared to normal histological appearance of T1 and T3 groups. Kidney of T2 birds revealed epithelial degeneration, mononuclear accumulation, desquamation of proximal convoluted tubule and vacuolation of distal convoluted tubule. The hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of both plant powders in aflatoxicosis was established.

Performance, intestinal histomorphology and bone composition of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with genistein

The effect of dietary genistein on performance, intestinal morphology, caecal Lactobacillus spp. count, and tibia composition in broiler chickens after 21 and 37 days of feeding was investigated. A total of 360 Cobb 500 broiler chickens (21 days old) were randomly allocated to five treatments with six replicates of 12 birds each. They were fed a basal diet (C) or a basal diet supplemented with 200 (T1), 400 (T2), 600 (T3) and 800 (T4) mg genistein/kg of feed. Genistein supplementation did not affect feed intake, but improved bodyweight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) after 21 days, while 600 mg/kg led to a significant increase in FCR after 37 days of feeding. Plasma triglyceride level decreased with dietary genistein after 21 days, while increases were found in T3 and T4 groups after prolonged supplementation. Significantly improved duodenal and jejunal villus length and width, crypt depth and villus/crypt ratio were observed after the first and the second finishing periods, respectively, while adverse effects were found in the ileum for both periods. At 42 days old, greater spleen and heart weights were measured in broilers fed diets with 800 mg/kg than in other broiler groups. The shorter genistein supplementation period (21 days) of 200 and 400 mg/kg had a positive effect on tibia wet weight, ash and calcium (Ca) content, while 37 days of the higher genistein doses administered to the T2, T3 and T4 birds significantly increased caecal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts. Thus, recommended doses should not exceed 400 mg/kg.&#x0D; Keywords: broiler performance, blood triglyceride, Lactobacillus, prolonged fattening, small intestinal morphology

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamins C and E on the semen quality of local turkeys

A 56-day study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamins C and E on semen quality of local toms. Twenty-four toms were procured and randomly divided into four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) of six birds each and replicated thrice. Birds in T1(control) were fed diets without vitamin supplementation. Birds in T2, T3 and T4 were fed diets supplemented with Vitamin C (400 mg), Vitamin E (125 mg), and vitamin E (125 mg) + Vitamin C (400 mg) in a kg diet, respectively. Semen collections and evaluations were done through to the 8th week. The samples were evaluated for ejaculate volume, progressive sperm motility (mot.), sperm concentration (SC), percentage live (LSP) and dead spermatozoa, and total sperm per ejaculate. Results showed that all semen quality traits considered differed (P &lt; 0.01) among the treatment groups. Toms in T4 had the highest (P &lt; 0.01) values of mot. (88.08%) and LSP (85.23%). The T2 and T3 groups had similar mot. (75.39 and 77.15%, respectively) and LSP (71.81 and 76.80%, respectively) values while the control group had the least values (54.13 and 54.69%, respectively). The SC (x109/ml) was highest in T4 (17.42). Toms in T3 had a higher SC level (14.03) than those of the T2 (11.58) and the control (8.92). It was concluded therefore, that combined supplementation of vitamins E (125 mg/kg diet) and C (400 mg/kg diet) in toms’ diet enhanced semen quality the most and thus, recommended for turkey breeding operations.Keywords: Toms, semen quality, vitamin C and vitamin E

Effect of Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) Addition to Poultry Litter on Layer Performance, Litter pH and Litter Composition

The current experiment was conducted to assess the effect of using different litter types with or without alum on performance and litter quality of the hen layers. A total number of 120 Inshas layer hens of 24 weeks of age were randomly distributed into 4 groups (3 replicates each 10 hens) of floor litter: T1 birds were raised on wood shaving litter, T2 birds were raised on wheat straw litter, T3 birds were raised wood shaving with 100 g of alum / kg of bedding, and T4 birds were raised on wheat straw litter with 100 g of alum / kg of bedding. Topping of fresh litter with acidifier amendment improved body weight, egg weight, egg number, egg mass, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of layers compared to chickens in the untreated litter group. In comparison with the control group, alum treatment reduced the pH level of the litter. Regarding the NH4+-N content, alum-treated litter showed a higher value than the untreated litter. On average, alum-treated litter had lower P content than the untreated litter. Alum treated group showed a significant increase in dry matter and total nitrogen content when compared with the untreated group. The study results showed significant variability (p &lt; .05) in the moisture content and pH of the control and treated litter. This clearly shows the effectiveness of litter treatment products enhancing litter quality and therefore the bird’s environmental climate. Thus it can be decided that litter modification with alum treatment had a significant impact on litter quality and in turn enhanced the productive performance of layer chickens without any adverse effect.

Feed intake, growth performance, carcass characteristics and organ sizes of broilers fed baobab seed oilcake supplemented finisher diets

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed oilcake has been proven a potential low-cost and locally available protein source for various livestock diets. A study was conducted to determine growth performance, carcass characteristics and organ sizes of finisher broilers fed a commercial finisher diet supplemented with baobab seed oilcake. Three-week-old ROSS 308 broiler chicks (n = 160) that were reared on a starter and grower commercial diets for the first three weeks were allotted to one of four broiler finisher dietary treatments (10 chicks/pen, four replications/treatment) using a completely randomised design. The broiler finisher diets were: control diet, which was a commercial finisher diet (T1), T2 contained 6 g/kg baobab seed oilcake plus maize mash (BSOCMM) mixed with 114 g/kg commercial finisher diet; T3 contained 18 g/kg BSOCMM mixed with 102 g/kg commercial finisher diet; while T4 contained 30 g/kg BSOCMM mixed with 90 g/kg commercial finisher diet. There were no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences in the growth parameters among the treatments. However, the birds on T2 had a higher feed conversion ratio and average daily gains. Final body weights at day 35 were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) different, but T3 and T4 birds had the highest values numerically. There were significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences in the carcass weights and dressing percentages among the treatments. The T4 birds had the highest dressing percentage (P &lt; 0.05) compared to T2, which had the lowest. The cut portion yield (thigh, wing, breast and feet) of the carcass were not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) different among the treatments. However, the drumstick yield was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) different among the treatments. Organ sizes showed no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences among treatments, except for the gizzard and the heart, which differed (P &lt; 0.05) among treatments. The study concluded that the inclusion of 6–30 g/kg of BSOC blended with maize mash as partial supplementation to a commercial diet can improve final body weights without negatively affecting the feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics in the broiler.

Semen Characteristics and Hematology of Nigerian Local Cocks Fed Varying Dietary Levels of Ethiopian Pepper Fruit Meal

SUMMARY This study evaluated the effect of Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruit meal (EPFM) on the semen quality and hematology of Nigerian light ecotype local cocks. A total of 90 mature cocks (weighing about 1.4 ± 1.00 kg) were randomly assorted into 5 treatments groups: T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 with 18 cocks per treatment in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were fed basal diets containing EPFM at the levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg diet, respectively. Semen was collected twice per week using the abdominal massage method, while blood samples were collected at the eighth week of study for hematological analysis. Sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells, and total sperm count were higher in birds fed 2 and 4 g EPFM compared to the control group. At and above 6 g/kg diet, EPFM was observed to significantly decrease semen quality. The hematology results showed no significant differences among the different treatments in the considered indices. From these findings, we conclude that addition of EPFM up to 4 g/kg diet could be used to improve semen quality of cocks without detrimental effects on the physiological status of the birds.

The long-term oral administration of thyroxine: effects on blood hematological and biochemical features in broiler breeder hens

Published data on the beneficial effect of short-term administration of thyroxine (T4) in broiler breeder hens to reduce the ascites incidence in their progeny chicks raises the question as to what extent might the long-term maternal administration of T4 affect the blood hematological and biochemical attributes in breeder hens. A total of 70 broiler breeder hens (47-wk-old) were randomly allotted to control or thyroxine treated (T4) groups. Pure T4 (0.3 mg/bird per day) was orally administered to T4 birds for 14 successive weeks, whereas the control group received the drinking water only. Blood samples were obtained from the brachial vein prior to the initiation of the trial as well as weeks 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, and 61 of age. Body weight was decreased but egg production was not affected by T4 treatment. Plasma concentration of T4, but not triiodothyronine (T3), was increased in T4-treated hens (P < 0.05). The total number of leukocytes and erythrocytes were also higher in T4 birds. A significant effect of time was observed for erythrocyte number and plasma cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05). The long-term administration of T4 did not affect the concentrations of serum calcium and plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, alanine amino transferase, and aspartate amino transferase (P > 0.05). However, serum concentrations of phosphorus, glucose, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in T4 hens as compared to their control counterparts. In spite of differences in circulatory concentrations of a number of traits between the experimental groups, the recorded values were within their reference ranges. Therefore, the administration of T4 for an extended period of time had no apparent adverse effect on the clinical profile in subjected hens, which may practically support the implementation of this preventative treatment as an approach to decrease the ascites incidence; however, a lower incidence rate in the progeny chicks produced from hens receiving T4 for long-term periods of time remains to be elucidated.

Effects of cassava and yam peel meals on carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers.

A four week study was conducted using 180 four weeks-old Abor acre broilers to determine the carcass traits and economics of production of finishing broilers fed cassava and yam peel meals as partial replacement for maize. They were randomly assigned to three treatment groups of 60 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated three times with twenty birds constituting a replicate. The three treatment groups were fed the three experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 28 days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for the period. Proximate composition results revealed that cassava and yam peel meals are rich in energy and minerals. Birds on diets T1 and T3 had similar (p &gt; 0.05) final live and de-feathered weights, which were higher (p&lt;0.05) than those on diet T2. Birds on diet T2 and T3 had the lower (p &lt; 0.05) carcass weight than the birds on diet T1. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) differences in the cut parts and organ weights, but there were significant differences in the dressing percentage of the birds across the treatments. Revenue generated per bird was influenced (p &lt; 0.05) with T3 birds having better income. It was concluded that sun-dried yam peel meal can replace 20 percent maize in the finishing broiler diet without adverse effects on performance and at reduced cost of productionKeywords: poultry, agro waste, unconventional feedstuffs, production traits, roots and tubers

Phosphorus bioavailability, amino acid digestibility and metabolizable energy of broiler chick diets supplemented with low-oil distiller’s dried grains with solubles

Phosphorus (P) bioavailability, crude protein (CP), amino acid (AA) digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) were determined in broiler chick diets, supplemented with one of two low-oil distiller´s dried grains with solubles (oil contents 6.54% and 5.35% for DDGS A and B, respectively). Diets were provided ad libitum in a mash form, from days 8 to 21 of age. In Experiment 1, one day old male broiler chicks (n=210) were assigned to one of 7 treatments, with 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Animals in treatment 1 (T1) were fed a basal diet formulated to be deficient in nonphytate P (0.14%). Birds in T2 and T3 received the basal diet supplemented with 0.05% or 0.10% of P from monodicalcium phosphate (MCP), respectively. Phosphorus from DDGS was added to diets in T4 (0.05% from DDGS A), T5 (0.1% from DDGS A), T6 (0.05% from DDGS B) and T7 (0.1% from DDGS B). Percent of inclusion of DDGS was dictated by total P content as determined by chemical analyses. Growth performance and P intake were assessed in all birds. Phosphorus bioavailability was determined using the slope ratio assay, with tibia ash as the response variable. For Experiment 2, one-day-old male broiler chicks (n=200), were assigned to 5 treatments with 4 replicates of 10 birds each. A sorghum-soya control diet was given to animals in T1. Treatments 2 and 3 included this same diet supplemented with either 5% or 10% of DDGS A. Birds in T4 and 5 received the control diet with either- 5% or 10% of DDGS B. Amino acid digestibility was measured from ileal contents in 7 euthanized birds from each group at day 21. Apparent metabolizable energy was determined in oven dried feces from all animals during the last 3 days of the experiment. Weight gain and feed consumption increased (P &lt;0.001) with larger inclusion of dietary P in birds from experiment 1. Relative P bioavailability for DDGS A and B was 72% and 86% respectively, from a P total content of 0.85% and 0.94%.,. Growth performance was similar for all treatment groups in experiment 2 (P &gt;0.05). The average apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficient for DDGS A 76.5% and B was 76.4%. No differences were found for essential AA coefficients between the two DDGS (P &gt;0.05). The AMEn values on a dry matter basis were 2828 and 2854 kcal/kg for DDGS A and B, respectively.

Strategies to combat the deleterious impacts of heat stress through feed restrictions and dietary supplementation (vitamins, minerals) in broilers

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impacts of feed restriction (FR) for 3 hours and/or dietary supplementation with vitamins and minerals on growth, mortality rate, some carcass traits, and serum biochemistry indices of broiler chicks under heat stress in the open housing system. A total of 240 one-week old broilers were weighed and randomly assigned into 4 equal experimental treatments. Treatment 1 (T1) was fed ad libitum on basal diets, T2 birds were fed on basal diets with FR, T3 birds were fed ad libitum on basal diets with vitamin C (200 mg) + vitamin E (200 mg) + Cr (1.5 mg ) + Zn (100 mg) per kg diet, and T4 birds were fed on basal diets with FR and combined supplementation of vitamins and minerals. It was found that growth parameters improved in T2, T3, and T4, while the mortality rate was significantly reduced compared with control. FR and feed additives (T4) revealed marked increases in serum total protein and a decrease in total serum cholesterol. It was concluded that combined effect of FR and feed additives could significantly alleviate heat stress effects for broilers by improving growth performance and decreasing mortality rate.

The Effect of Emulsifier on Growth Performance and Fat Digestibility in Turkeys

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of an emulsifier with very high hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB) value (18) on growth performance and fat digestibility in turkeys. A total of 1120 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 7 replicates (pens) of 40 birds each. Control group (T1) turkeys were fed a basal diet (BD), while turkeys from experimental groups received different levels of the commercial emulsifier VE added to diets with standard or reduced metabolizable energy (ME) content: T2 – BD + 500 ppm of VE; T3 – BD + 500 ppm of VE until 8 weeks of age, and 250 ppm from 9 to 16 weeks; T4 – BD – 3% ME + 500 ppm of VE until 8 weeks of age, and 250 ppm from 9 to 16 weeks. Regardless of its dietary inclusion level (500 g/ton and 500/250 g/ton feed), the emulsifier positively influenced the body weights (BW) and body weight gains (BWG) of birds. On days 56 and 112, significant differences in the values of these parameters were noted between the control treatment (T1) vs. groups T2 and T3. Emulsifier addition even contributed to an increase in the BWG and BW of birds receiving diets with 3% lower ME content, as compared with turkeys fed control diets. This shows that the emulsifier more than compensated the reduction in ME in T4. The turkeys from group T3 were characterized by significantly higher feed efficiency than T1 and T4 birds. The highest fat digestibility was noted in turkeys fed diets with a standard ME level and emulsifier addition (T2 and T3). In conclusion, the use of dietary emulsifier positively influences the growth performance of turkeys, and improves fat digestibility.

Effect of aqueous extract of cocoyam leaf (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) on growth performance of broiler chickens fed full-fat Soya bean

This study evaluated the effect of aqueous extracts from cocoyam leaf on the growth performance of broiler chickens fed full-fat Soya bean. The study was carried out with seventy-two (72) day old broiler chickens in a completely randomized design. The seventytwo (72) broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4), each treatment had (3) birds per replicate. The T1 which was the control, contained 0g of aqueous extract of cocoyam leaves while the birds in T2, T3 and T4 were offered aqueous extract of cocoyam leaves at 100g, 150g and 200g per 6 liters of water, respectively. The test ingredients were analyzed for nutritional and phytochemical composition. Data was collected from the broiler chickens' daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, body weight gain and daily weight gain. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) on the feed intake, daily weight gain, feed efficiency, feed conversion ratio, initial and final body weights of the broiler birds. However, total water and mean daily water intake differed significantly (P&gt;0.05). The extract administered groups (T2, T3 and T4) had lower water intake as the quality of cocoyam leaves increased. The significant variations in the water intake as the quantity of cocoyam increased may be attributed to anti-nutrient factors (tannins) found in the leaves. The cocoyam leaves are rich in nutrients when assessed by the proximate and mineral composition. It can serve as a feedstuff for livestock. Cocoyam leaves extracts should be used with caution due to the anti-nutritional factors present in it. It is therefore safe to recommend 100-150g of cocoyam leaves/ 6litres of water for broiler chickens without any negative impact on growth rate of the broiler chickens.