Birds In T3 Research Articles

Influence of herbal calcium supplements on nutrient utilisation, serum mineral concentration and leg health in commercial layers reared under the cage and deep litter systems

This study aimed to evaluate the herbal calcium supplements in commercial layers under cage and deep litter systems of rearing. A total of 240 White Leghorn layers (Bovans) were distributed randomly into 4 different treatments with 4 replicates having 15 birds in each replicate. The basal diet, which consisted of corn and soybean meal, was prepared as a control and fed to birds under cage (T1) and deep litter (T3) system. The other experimental diets (T2 & T4) were prepared by supplementing herbal calcium supplement (Ayucal D @ 9 g/60 birds/day, Ayurvet Limited, India) as a top-up supplement by mixing uniformly in the basal diet for 10 days in every month of the experimental period and fed to birds under cage (T2) and deep litter system (T4). Remaining 20 days every month, the birds in T2 and T4were fed with a basal diet without herbal supplement Ayucal D supplementation and systems of rearing did not influence the nutrient utilisation of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, total ash, metabolisable energy, bone strength and serum mineral concentration. However, the utilisation of calcium and phosphorus improved significantly. The leg health measure scores also significantly improved (P<0.001) in Ayucal D-supplemented birds. Thus, overall results indicated that supplementation of Ayucal D to layer birds reared under cage and deep litter systems improved the nutrient utilisation of dietary calcium and phosphorus without affecting the utilisation of proximate nutrients and energy and thereby improved leg health. Keywords: Ayucal-D, bone strength, cage, deep litter, layers, nutrients

Evaluation of zinc oxide nanocomposites and L-ascorbic acid on meat quality during transport induced stress in birds of Sonali breed

The study assessed the efficacy of phytofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (CF-ZnONPs) and L-ascorbic acid in alleviating pre-slaughter transport induced stress in birds of Sonali breed (Cross bred of Rhode Island Red cocks and Fayoumi hens). A total of 120 birds were divided into four groups: negative control (T1) which were loaded in vehicle but not transported, Positive control (T2) birds were transported without any prior supplementation, T3 and T4 birds were transported with prior supplementation (a day before transportation) of CF-ZnONPs @100 µg/ml and L-ascorbic acid @82 µg/ml in drinking water. Results obtained observed significant reduction in live weight, meat colour and pH but increased drip loss percentage in T2 group. Significantly elevated H/L ratio was recorded in all transported groups. Increased cortisol and TSH levels and decreased thyroid hormones, Triiodothyronine and thyroxin (T3 and T4) levels were recorded in T2 group. However, supplementation with CF-ZnONPs and L-ascorbic acid notably reversed these adverse effects, restoring meat quality and other metabolic profiles. Notably, ascorbic acid exhibited greater efficacy, suggesting its superior role in mitigating transportation-induced stress. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of antioxidant supplementation in alleviating transport induced stress in birds.

Growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broilers fed Moringa oleifera leaf meal

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four (144) day-old were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments group of 3 birds per group each after 3 weeks brooding. Each replicate had 12 birds. The birds in T1 (control) group were offered a basal diet only; the T2 were given basal diet with 300g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T3 were given basal diet with 500g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T4 were given basal diet with 700g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed. The experiment lasted till the birds were 56 days of age. Significant differences were observed in the feed intake of the birds and body weight gain. The hematological parameters measured differ significantly. Alanine transaminase (ALT) differed among the dietary treatments. Significant differences were observed in the other serum biochemical indices measured. Cost incurred per kilogram weight gain was higher for birds on Moringa diets than birds on the control diet. The results of this study indicate that Moringa oleifera leaf meal significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth performance - weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, in the treated birds compared to the control group with the best result at level 700 g inclusion. Feeding the birds with Moringa oleifera leaf meal brought about changes in the serum biochemical parameters but without any deleterious effect on them and should be considered as a good source of protein in livestock nutrition.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF ISA-BROWN COCKERELS FED VARYING DIETARY PROTEIN LEVELS

The quest for antibiotic free poultry products has necessitated the need for organic antimicrobial sources that will not be detrimental to animal and human health. A 21 days study was conducted to examine the economics and growth performance of starter broiler chickens fed diets containing phytogenic blend (PB). 240-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments, which was replicated 5 times. A basal diet (T1), Oxytetracycline + basal diet (T2), PB was added to basal diet at 5g/kg (T3), 10g/kg (T4), 15g/kg (T5), 20g/kg (T6). Data on body weight, feed intake were taken and weight gain, feed conversion ratio were calculated. The prevailing market price of ingredients and selling rate per kilogram live broiler chicken were used for the economic analysis. Data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Final weight and weight gain of birds in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were higher and statistically similar (P <0.05). Feed intake was higher (P <0.05) for birds in T3. Feed conversion ratio was statistically similar for T1, T2, T3 and T4. Feed cost/kilogram, Feed cost/bird, feed cost/weight gain and feed cost differential increased (P <0.05) as the levels of the PB increased in the diets. Revenue was statistically similar for T1, T3, T4 and T5. Gross margin was (P <0.05) best for T1 and worst for T6. It was concluded that supplementing starter broiler chicken diets with this PB should not exceed 15g/kg for improved weight gain.

PERFORMANCE AND COST-BENEFIT OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS FED BOILED COCOYAM PEEL

Given the soaring costs of conventional feedstuffs, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable alternatives that enhance performance, cut production costs, and foster environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the performance and cost-benefit of finisher broiler chickens fed boiled cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott) peel meal. Four broiler finisher diets were formulated and labeled T1, T2, T3, and T4. The control (T1) did not contain boiled cocoyam peel meal, while T2, T3, and T4 contained boiled cocoyam peel meat at 5, 10, and 15 % levels replacing maize in the diet. One hundred and sixty broiler chickens (Abor Arce) at 28 days of age were used. Birds were divided into four groups of 40 birds and each group was assigned one of the diets using a completely randomized design. Each group was further divided into four replicates of 10 birds. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Measurements were taken on the weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The result of the growth performance showed no significant (P>0.05) difference in final weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Cost-benefit analysis showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in cost per kg feed, feed cost per bird, cost per kg weight gain, and gross margin. Birds in T4 fed 15 % boiled cocoyam peel meal recorded the lowest values for the four parameters. Significant (P<0.05) differences were not recorded in revenue and price/kg live weight. It is concluded that boiled cocoyam peel meal could be incorporated in finisher broiler diets up to 15 % level without any deleterious effect on the performance and also reduces the cost of feeding broiler birds.

BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT ENZYMES

Animals used behaviour as one of the important tools of adapting to their physical and social environment. This study was conducted to examine the effect of enzyme on the behavioural response of broiler chickens fed with diets containing different enzymes.. The experiment was carried out for six weeks using one hundred and twenty-day old cobb 500 broiler chicks (n = 120). The birds were randomly distributed into four dietary treatment, such that there were 30 birds per each treatment and replicated thrice with ten birds each.. Treatment 1 (T1) (control diet without enzyme), T2 (diet with enzyme Nutrizymes NZ), T3 (diet with enzyme Nutrizymes NZ + Avizymes VZ) and T4 (diet with enzyme Nutrizymes NZ + Roxazyme PZ). Walking, lying, floor scratching, eating, wing flapping, feather pecking, dust bathing, preening and flying were not significantly (p<0.05) influenced by age while floor scratching, fighting and sleeping were significant (p<0.05). floor and fighting (3.20) behaviours were observed in broiler chickens atb5th week while birds appeared to sleep (0.81) more at 3rd week of age compared to the fifth week. Birds were seen lying down frequently (23.76) (p<0.5) in treatment 4 (NZ+PZ) while a higher occurrence of floor scratching (106.10) was observed on treatment 3 (NZ+VZ) diet which signifies better welfare. The interaction between enzyme and behaviour was significant (p<0.05) in birds on diet NZ+VZ with higher incidence of floor scratching (188.0) while fighting behaviour was seen on birds in T4 (NZ+PZ) diet. The study concluded that addition of enzymes in broiler diet enhances better behavioural response in NZ+PZ.

EFFECT OF HERBS (GINGER AND TURMERIC) POWDER AT VARIED INCLUSION LEVEL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF BROILER CHICKS

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of herb types (ginger and turmeric) powder and inclusion level on growth performance and nutrient utilisation of broiler chicks. A total of two hundred and ten day old chicks of equal initial weight (39.00 g) were allocated to seven dietary treatments each with three replicates of ten chicks per replicate. Seven experimental diets were formulated in a way that control diet (T0) contained neither turmeric nor ginger. Birds in T1, T2 and T3 were fed diets containing 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 % ginger respectively, while birds in T4, T5 and T6 were fed diet that contained 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 % turmeric, respectively. The feeding trials were carried out for 28 days and parameters on growth performance and nutrient digestibility were measured. All growth parameters evaluated were not significantly different. Neither the herbs nor inclusion levels had significant effect on nutrients digestibility. It is concluded that inclusion of ginger and turmeric in the diets of broiler chicks showed no effect on growth performance and nutrient utilization. Therefore, ginger and turmeric above 0.30 % as feed additives in broiler chicks’ diet can be considered.

GROWTH RESPONSE OF FINISHER BROILERS FED VARYING DIETARY LEVELS OF BAMBARA NUT (VIGNA SUBTERRANEA (L) VERDE) OFFAL AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE

Looking ahead towards the path to inclusive prosperity by enhancing the productivity of bambara nut production in Nigeria will be a step in the right direction towards fighting food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. Thus, this study was carried to assess growth response of finisher broilers fed varying dietary levels of bambara nut (Vigna subterranea (l) verde) offal as partial replacement for maize. A 28 day feeding trial was conducted for the evaluation. Four diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels of Bambara Nut Offal (BNO) coded T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively were fed to 120 Ross 308 strain broiler birds. The broiler birds were divided into four groups of 30 birds per treatment replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The treatment diets were randomly assigned to experimental stocks in a completely randomized design (CRD). Performance data revealed that treatment significantly (P<0.05) affected the final body weight, body weight change and daily weight gain of finisher broiler birds. The highest final body weight of (2733.33g) was recorded in T2 (5% inclusion) while the least body weight of (2266.67g) was recorded by birds in T4 (15% inclusion). In view of the above result, BNO should be included in the ration of finisher broilers at 5% level for optimum performance to make animal protein available at a reduced cost and maximized profit.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS ON COLD AQUEOUS JATROPHA TANJORENSIS LEAF EXTRACTS

The study was conducted to assess the growth performance, cost and returns of broiler chickens on cold aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis. A hundred and fifty (150) anak 2000 broiler chicken was randomly allotted into five (5) treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group contained three (3) replicates with ten (10) birds each per replicates and the experiment lasted eight 8 weeks (56days). The birds were fed commercial starter diet for one week acclimatization period after which they were fed formulated started and finisher diet. The T1 (control) which took the antibiotic (Doxygen) in drinking water, while the birds in T2, T3,T4, and T5 were offered cold aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves at 25mL, 50mL, 75mL and 100mL per liter of drinking water, respectively. The result showed the different dosages of CALEJ did not significantly (P>0.05) influence the live weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio but the daily feed intake on broiler chicken were significantly (p<0.05) Influenced. Average live weights were statistically similar (p>0.05) among birds with respective values of 824.44, 878.89, 835.56, 866.66 and 872.22 g/bird in treatments 1 (control), 2 (25mL CALEJ), 3 (50mL CALEJ), 4 (75mL CALEJ), and 5 (100mL CALEJ). In this study, it was observed that the administration of different dosages of cold aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis did not adversely affect the growth performance and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. However, the best growth performance, cost and returns were obtained in broiler chickens administered 25mL CALEJ per litre of drinking water. This therefore revealed the potential of cold aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis as probiotics additive in poultry production.

INFLUENCE OF AQUEOUS CHROMOLAENA ODORATA (SIAM WEED) LEAF EXTRACT ON THE PERFORMANCE, IMMUNOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKEN

A 42-day trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Aqueous Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) leaf extract (ACOLE) on the growth performance, immunology and histological indices of broiler chickens. A total of 200 day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four (4) treatment groups consisting of five (5) replicates of 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Aqueous COLE was administered in their water served on daily basis at 0, 5, 10 and 15mL/L to represent four treatment groups; T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. At the end of the study, data were collected on growth performance, blood samples were collected at day 0, 12 and 42 to conduct immunological assessment of the birds and samples of the intestine and liver were collected for histological evaluation. All data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. The Results obtained showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences on all growth parameters evaluated except in feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Birds in T2 had the best FCR values (1.95). Administration of ACOLE had no significant influence (P>0.05) on immunological indices of broiler chickens for day 0 and day 42 but there was significant difference on day 12. The immunity (3.00 – 4.00) of the birds increased as ACOLE inclusion levels decreased. ACOLE had effect (P<0.05) on the histopathologicalindices observed in this study, ACOLE had some considerable level of protective effect on the liver with no negative influence on the intestine except for those on T4, (15mL/L ACOLE) where atrophy of villi, necrosis and cystic dilation of crypts was observed. Conclusively, the administration of 5mL/L ACOLE had the best FCR and posed a considerable level of protective effect on the liver sampled across the treatment groups.

ROASTING OF BLACK SEED (NIGELLA SATIVA) AND AFRICAN NUTMEG (MONODORA MYRISTICA) NEGATIVELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE OF ARBOR ACRES BROILER STARTERS

Elimination of synthetic antibiotics in animal nutrition has been a global interest. Medicinal plants are relatively cheap and could be considered as alternatives. Nigella sativa (black seed) and Monodora myristica (African nutmeg) are examples and roasting was used to minimize the inherent antinutrients in these plants. Therefore, this study investigated effects of two herbal feed additives in roasted form (black seed and African nutmeg) as growth promoters for broiler starters. A total of 160 one-day old Arbor Acre strain of broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatments consisting of four replicates with eight birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments were T1 - control (given antibiotics), T2 - 0.5% black seed (BS), T3 - 0.5% African nutmeg (AN), T4 - 0.25% BS + 0.25% AN and T5 - 0.5% BS + 0.5% AN. Birds in T2 to T5 were not given antibiotics. Feed and water were given ad libitum. Data were collected on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical parameters which were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS version-21. The roasting of black seed and African nutmeg had detrimental effect (P < 0.05) effect on growth performance. However, broiler starters in control had the highest final weight (1027.81g), daily weight gain (35.68g) with the best feed-to-gain ratio (1.32). Starters in T2 had the highest RBC (2.43×106/µL) and WBC (145.00×103/µL). Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the normal ranges. It was concluded that roasting black seed and African nutmeg had depressing effect on performance of Arbor Acres broilers.

HEAMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF LAYING HENS FED GRADED LEVEL OF PALM BUNCH ASH AS A MINERAL SOURCE

In producing plant ash, the organic components of the material which ordinarily interact with the mineral molecule to reduce their bioavailability are completely eliminated. The end product may therefore successfully replace intact plant and rock mineral sources in animal and human diets when properly processed. Ash derived from the combustion of various parts of the palm tree such as trunk, inflorescence, bunch and leaves have been analyzed and shown to contain excellent levels of essential minerals, especially potassium, which also makes the ash highly alkaline. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the hematology and serum biochemistry of laying hens fed graded levels of palm bunch ash as mineral source. Empty palm bunches were used for the study. It was cleaned, sundried and burnt to produce palm bunch ash (PBA). It was analyzed for mineral concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Two hundred and forty Isa brown layer birds that were 16 weeks into lay were used to assess the hematological and serum biochemical indices when fed with graded levels of PBA that lasted for 12 weeks. They were divided into four groups of 60 birds each and further replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 20 birds per replicate. Four experimental layer diets were formulated such that the control diets had no PBA while the other three diets had graded levels of PBA supplementation in the diets at 0. 10, 0.15 and 0.2kg/100kg of feed respectively in replacement of common salt. Proximate and mineral analysis of the feeds were determined. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical characteristics. The 0.1kg/100kg diet (T2) supplemented group recorded significantly higher Hb, and PCV values than the control, and the other supplementation groups. Lipid profile results obtained in the study showed that triglyceride, especially the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), decreased in values as the PBA supplementation level increased except at T4. These positive results were supported by superior hematological and serum biochemical indices of T2 and T3 birds.

EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF ORGANIC ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF FUNAAB ALPHA CHICKENS

This study was conducted to determine the effect of garlic, synbiotic, organic acidifier as alternative to synthetic antibiotics on growth performance of pullet strain of FUNAAB alpha chickens. A total of 150 pullet strain of FUNAAB alpha chicks were divided into 5 treatments, each treatment comprising of 30 birds sub-grouped into 3 replicates of 10 chicks each in a Completely Randomized Design. Birds on the Control Treatment (T0) were fed chicks mash diets without any test ingredients. Treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 birds were fed chicks mash with Garlic (3g per 1kg), Synbiotic (2g per 1kg of feed), Organic acidifier (3g per 2kg of feed) and synthetic antibiotics (0.5g per 1kg of feed) respectively. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. The result revealed that garlic, synbiotic, organic acidifier and synthetic antibiotics inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality. Test ingredients however, had significant (P<0.05) effect on final weight and weight gain. It was concluded that organic acidifier and synbiotic gave the best weight gain comparable to synthetic antibiotics.

Dietary impact of West African black pepper (Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the dietary impact of West African black pepper (WABP; Piper guineense) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemical profile, and oxidative stress markers of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) of 5 replicates (10 birds per replicate) in a completely randomised design for a 49-day study. Broiler birds in T1 (control) were fed basal diet (BD), T2 (BD + 5 g turmeric/kg), T3 (BD + 5 g WABP/kg), and T4 (BD + 2.5 g turmeric and 2.5 g WABP/kg). This study found (p < 0.05) that feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly altered during the starter phase, while no significant effect was observed in body weight gain (BWG). BWG, FI, and FCR were not significantly affected (p > 0.05) during the finisher and overall phases. Except for haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the finisher phase, haematological measures were not affected (p > 0.05). During the starter phase, aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p < 0.05) across the treatment groups fed Piper guineense and Curcuma longa compared with those in the control group. In the finisher phase, all the serum biochemistry parameters, except for the serum protein content were significantly (p < 0.05) impacted. Piper guineense and Curcuma longa significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase and reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde during the starter phase across the treatment groups, with no significant (p > 0.05) effect on catalase and glutathione. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while malondialdehyde significantly decreased (p < 0.05) during the finisher phase when compared to the control group. Conclusively, these findings suggest the potential health benefits of these dietary additives in broiler chicken nutrition to enhance overall health and performance.

EFFECTS OF SPRAYING CEMELE PEPPER (Capsicum annuum L.) EXTRACTS ONTO HATCHING EGGS OF ATAK-S LAYER HENS ON HATCHING RESULTS, SERUM GLUTATHIONE AND MALONDIALDEHYDE LEVELS

Alternative natural products have been used in hatching since chemicals used in the incubation of chicken eggs have toxic effects on the embryo, the practitioners and the environment. In this study with completely randomized design (CRD) the effects of a registered local pepper (Cemele) extract at different dosages in the incubation process of hatching eggs was examined. The chloride group disinfectant (T1), ethanol (T2), 2% pepper extract (T3), and 4% pepper extract (T4) were sprayed on to disinfect eggs before the incubation process. On the second, eighth, and eighteenth incubation days of the groups, the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) loads of the eggshell were examined, and the lowest load values were found at T4. In this study, the highest hatching efficiency (H) and the highest fertilised hatching rate (HF) were 87.52±2.88% and 81.66±1.44%, respectively, in T4. Early embryonic mortality (EEM) was not observed at T4, while the highest value was 7.11±1.35% at T2. The highest mid embryonic mortality (MEM) rate was 10.91±0.34% in T3 while the lowest rate was 7.11±1.35% in T4. The late embryonic mortality (LEM) rates were 14.22±2.69% in T2, 12.47±1.17% in T1, 12.66±2.69% in T3 and 5.30±0.17% in T4. The lowest malposition rate 8.92±0.01% and the lowest malformation rate 8.83±0.12% were observed in T4. At the end of this study, body weights, lengths, tona, and pasgar scores of the hatched chicks were calculated. The highest body weight and length values were observed as 43.57±1.37 g and 16.47±0.45 cm in T4 birds, respectively. The highest tona score was 98.10±1.27 in T4 and the lowest tona score was 93.65±1.22 in T1 birds. Pasgar score values of the chicks were 9.69±0.16 in T4, 9.38±0.17 in T2, 9.31±0.18 at T3 and 9.16±0.16 in T1, respectively. The MDA values of birds were 8.63±0.05, 0.70±0.10, 0.28±0.01 and 0.25±0.01 nmol mL-1 in T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively while the highest GSH value was 32.39±0.66 M in T4, and the lowest value 11.15±1.03M in T2. In conclusion, the use of Cemele pepper extract had positive results in the incubation process of hatching eggs. Key Words: Incubation process, disinfectant, chlorine dioxide, ethanol, cemele pepper.

HAEMATOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF USING GARLIC AS AN ADDITIVE IN BROILER PRODUCTION

An experiment that involved the haematological effects of using garlic (Allium sativum) as an additive in broiler production was carried out in Livestock Investigation Department (L.I.D) of the National Veterinary Research Institute (N.V.R.I), Vom. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. A total of 144 day old broiler chicks of Aburica breed were used for the study in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were allotted into four (4) treatments with each having three (3) replicates. Processed garlic was added into the drinking water of each treatment at Og, 3g, 6g and 9g per liter of drinking water representing treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The result of haematological analysis showed that all the parameters were significantly (P&gt;0.05) different across the dietary treatments. The white blood cells did not show significant (P&lt;0.05) difference except for T4 that indicates slight difference in value. However, birds in T4 gave the best in terms of white blood cells, haemoglobin, Lymphocytes and Monocytes compared to the control treatment (TI). Packed cell volume (PCV) level of T4 was the Lowest among the dietary treatment. It can therefore be concluded that garlic as an additive in drinking water showed no deleterious effect in haematological parameters of broiler chickens.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC OF BROILER BIRDS FED VARYING LEVELS OF ALOE-VERA GEL IN WATER

The study was carried out at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farms of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Nigeria. A total number of 96 day old unsexed broiler chicks were purchased from a reputable farm at Ibadan for the experiment. At 8 days of age, birds were weighed and randomly allotted into 4 feeding treatments of 3 replicates consisting of 8 birds in a completely randomized design (CRD). T1 control, T2 (30 ml of AVGE + 1 litre of water), T3 (60 ml of AVGE + 1 litre of water), T4 (90 ml of AVGE + 1 litre of water). The experiment lasted for 49 days. Results showed that, there were no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences existing among treatments groups in final body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and total water intake as well as the mortality except for the overall feed intake. Birds in T1 had the highest final body weight of 1870.33g which is followed numerically by birds in T4 with 1860.00g, T2 with 1798.33g and T3 with a numerical value of 1775.67g respectively. FCR was nonsignificant (p&gt;0.05) but differs numerically across the treatment groups with birds in T4 having the least value of 2.01. Mortality value was highest in T1 (control) with a non-significant (p&gt;0.05) value of 0.67while T2 had no mortality recorded. It can be concluded from the experiment that the groups treated with Aloe vera gel extract showed better performance in weight, FCR, and mortality compared to the control.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics and digestibility coefficient of finisher broiler chicken fed varying levels of Fennel seed powder

A 28-day trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different levels of fennel seed powder as a feed additive on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens. The study involved 200 finisher broiler chickens divided into four groups of 50 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated with fennel seed powder at 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The treatment groups were further subdivided into five replicates with 10 birds in each group. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results indicated significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in final weight gain (FWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups. Birds in T4 group showed the highest FWG and DWG values (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, T4 had the lowest FCR values (p&lt;0.05), significant differences in feed intake (p&lt;0.05) were similarly observed. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were recorded in dressed weight, live weight, dressing percentage, and various cut-parts for the birds, birds in T4 recorded superior values for all carcass traits. The internal organs were not affected by the feed (p&gt;0.05). However, the diet significantly influenced abdominal fat, with T4 showing the lowest values (p&lt;0.05). The nutrient digestibility coefficients were significantly affected by the diet, with T4 showing the highest values in all proximate composition parameters analyzed (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that adding fennel seed powder at 450g per 100kg of feed can enhance the growth performance, carcass quality, internal organ traits, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens.

The effect of adding cod liver oil to the diet on the productivity and blood parameters of broiler chickens

The experiment was performed to evaluate the production performance and blood parameters of broiler chicken fed on cod liver oil enriched feed. A cohort of 96 day-old chickens was allocated at random into four treatment groups, denoted as T0, T1, T2, and T3. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates. In contrast to each replication consisting of eight birds, each treatment group comprises 24 birds. Experimental birds in T1, T2, and T3 were fed rations enriched with cod liver oil at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by weight, respectively, whereas T0 received only standard feed and was designated as the control group. The findings of this research demonstrated that the final live weight and live weight gain of the birds in group T3 which was provided with feed enriched with 2% cod liver oil was significantly greater (p

Influence of in ovo administration of oyster mushroom extract on morphological and histological responses of intestines of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the influence of in ovo administration of oyster mushroom aqueous extract on intestinal development of broiler chickens. A total of 600 hatching eggs of Arbor acre strain of broiler chickens were used in this experiment. The eggs were divided into three treatments; T1: Control (non-injected eggs), T2: in ovo administration of 0.1 ml of oyster mushroom aqueous extract and T3: in ovo administration of 0.2 ml of oyster mushroom aqueous extract. In ovo injection of eggs was carried out on the 18th day of incubation and hatched chicks were brooded for 2 weeks and the experiment lasted for six weeks. At the starter and finisher (7th and 56th days of age) phases, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for intestinal evaluation. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using General Linear Model. Results from the starter phase showed jejunal villus height significantly (p&lt;0.05) ranged from 290.62 µm in birds in T1 to 415.60 µm in birds in the T3 group. Moreover, jejunal crypt depth ranged from 51.96 µm to 115.62 µm, while muscular wall thickness ranged from 53.94 µm to 139.23 µm with the highest recorded in the T2 birds. In finisher broilers, there was significant (p&lt;0.05) difference among treatments for duodenum length, muscular wall thickness of the ileum and colon length. Histological plates taken in the starter phase indicated no visible lesion in the villi across treatments with crypts appearing normal. However, finisher broilers in the T2 group had preeminent villi representation showing intact enterocytes and slightly high and more prominent crypts. Therefore, to improve jejunal morphology in the starter phase as well as increased intestinal length and superior duodenal histology in the finisher phase of broiler chickens, in ovo administration of 0.1 ml oyster mushroom aqueous extract is recommended.