Body Weight Gain Of Broilers Research Articles

Replacing Hydrolyzed Soybean Meal with Recombinant β-Glucosidase Enhances Resistance to Clostridium perfringens in Broilers Through Immune Modulation.

Aglycone soy isoflavones have notable immune-regulatory bioactivity, while glycosidic forms in soybean meal pose challenges for absorption. β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzes the non-reducing terminal β-d-glucosidic bonds, releasing β-d-glucan and aglycones. This study evaluated the impact of enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean meal (ESM) using recombinant β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger on the growth performance and intestinal immune function of broilers under Clostridium perfringens infection. Prior to the feeding trial, soybean meal was enzymatically digested with recombinant β-glucosidase, ensuring almost complete conversion of glycosides to aglycones. After a week of pre-feeding, a total 180 healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned to three groups-control, semi-replacement of ESM (50% ESM), and full-replacement of ESM (100% ESM)-with 6 replicates of 10 chickens, and the trial lasted 28 days. On the 36th day, broilers were challenged with 1 mL of 1 × 1010 CFU/mL Clostridium perfringens (Cp) via gavage for 3 days. The results showed that the substitution of ESM had no effect on the body weight gain of broilers but significantly reduced the feed consumption and feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). The study revealed that Cp significantly disrupted jejunal morphology, while ESM significantly mitigated this damage (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR results demonstrated that compared to the Cp group, ESM restored Cp-induced intestinal barrier impairments (e.g., Occludin, Claudin-1, Muc2), normalized aberrant cellular proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (Caspase-1 and Caspase-3), and upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory factor Il-10 while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-8) (p < 0.05). Moreover, flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that ESM promoted Treg cell-derived Il-10, which alleviated macrophage-derived inflammation. Substituting conventional soybean meal with β-glucosidase, enzymatically treated, significantly reduced feed consumption and alleviated the intestinal damage and immune dysfunctions induced by Clostridium perfringens infection in broilers.

Preparation and Characterization of Cumin Essential Oil Nanoemulsion (CEONE) as an Antibacterial Agent and Growth Promoter in Broilers: A Study on Efficacy, Safety, and Health Impact.

This research characterized and explored the effect of cumin essential oil nanoemulsion (CEONE) on broiler growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematological parameters, and cecal microbial count. Day-old (n = 96) broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments with five replicates of three broilers each. The dietary treatments consisted of negative control (only basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 200 µL of enrofloxacin), 25 µL (basal diet + 25 µL of CEONE), 50 µL (basal diet + 50 µL of CEONE), 75 µL (basal diet + 75 µL of CEONE), and 100 µL (basal diet + 100 µL of CEONE). The broiler's body weight gain (BWG) after 42 days of treatment exhibited increased weight in the CEONE group (976.47 ± 11.82-1116.22 ± 29.04). The gain in weight was further evidenced by the beneficial microbe load (107 log) compared to the pathogenic strain. All the biochemical parameters were observed in the normal range, except for a higher level of HDL and a lower LDL value. This safety has been validated by pKCSM toxicity analysis showing a safe and highly tolerable dose of cuminaldehyde. In conclusion, this research observed the potential of CEONE as a multifunctional agent. It is a valuable candidate for further application in combating bacterial infections and enhancing animal health and growth.

Metabolomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanism related to leg abnormality in broilers

AbstractRapid body weight gain in broilers overloads the metabolic system of the organism, resulting in leg abnormalities, which seriously affects animal welfare and industry economics. In this study, broilers with normal and deformed leg bones were examined. Serum biochemical indices showed that the serum calcium to phosphorus ratio was extremely decreased in leg deformed group. In addition, abnormal serum lipid levels suggested a disruption in lipid metabolism. Based on widely targeted metabonomic analysis of serum and cartilage tissues, a total of nine differential metabolites (DMs) significantly associated with leg abnormalities and serum calcium and phosphorus levels were screened, including carnitine C16:0, carnitine C18:1, 3‐hydroxymethyl‐L‐tyrosine, cis‐4‐hydroxy‐D‐proline, cis‐L‐3‐hydroxyproline, trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline, and so on. Pathway analysis revealed that fatty acid degradation and arachidonic acid metabolism were enriched. Analysis of DMs in these two pathways showed that prostaglandin D2, prostaglandin J2, prostaglandin A2, 15‐keto prostaglandin F2α, and Δ12‐prostaglandin J2 significantly differed between the normal and abnormal groups. It was hypothesized that these important metabolic pathways and metabolites were involved in the metabolic regulation of leg abnormalities.

The effects of improved water quality with zeolite addition and/or water magnetization on broiler performance, meat quality, and immunity

In this study, 120 male day-old Cobb broiler chickens from Kafrelsheikh, Egypt, were divided into four groups to assess the effects of different water treatments on their growth and health. The control group had access to conventional roof-top tank water, while the other groups received magnetic treated water, zeolite treated water, and a combination of both, with changes made every 72 hours based on manufacturer recommendations. This setup aimed to explore the potential benefits of magnetic and zeolite treatments on poultry development and welfare.The study investigates the impact of magnetic and zeolite-treated water on broiler chickens, showing significant physico-chemical and bacteriological changes. Magnetic water increased pH, Ca2+, and Na+ levels, while zeolite and combined treatments notably reduced hardness, ammonia, and turbidity. Magnetic water decreased total and fecal coliform counts, whereas zeolite water excelled in lowering ammonia levels but increased total bacterial counts. Zeolite treatment alone improved final weight and body weight gain in broilers without affecting feed intake or conversion. Carcass traits and meat quality were also influenced, with zeolite-treated groups showing better outcomes in carcass weight and gene expression related to nutrient absorption and growth, suggesting its potential to enhance broiler health and production efficiency.

Influence of phytobiotics and organic acid on nutrient utilization efficiency and carcass characteristics of broiler

A total of 120-day old straight run broiler chicks (cobb 500) were randomly assigned into four groups having three replications in each. In control group (To) only mash feed (ME- 3028 kcal/kg, CP- 22.72%) was supplied and in other groups (TN, TM, TC), control + 1% dried Neem leaf powder, Control + 1% dried Moringa leaf powder and control + 1% Citric acid were supplied respectively. The entire period for feeding trial was 28 days. At last day of the feeding trial blood and meat samples were collected. The body weight gain of broilers was observed as the highest in Tc group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and Metabolizable energy (ME) intake per gram gain (4.63) was lower (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in TM than the other groups of birds. Energy efficiency ratio in TM and protein efficiency ratio in TN was higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than other groups of birds. CP content was high (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in TN. Drip loss and cooking loss was lower (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in TM than other groups. Based on the findings of the present experiment, it could be concluded that, supplementation of dried Moringa leaf powder has stimulating effect on nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of broiler and useful phytobiotics for safe and high-quality broiler meat production.

Use of wheat dilution to improve digestive function in broilers: application in low protein diets

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effect of wheat dilution increasing in particle size in low crude protein diets on growth performance, digestive tract, nitrogen efficiency and litter quality in broiler chickens. 2. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 336) were allocated to one of four dietary treatments (each with 7 pens, 12 chicks per pen); Control (CON; commercial pellet diet with standard crude protein, CP: 22.50%), W578 (CON +20% wheat of geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 578 µm; CP: 20.25%), W1326 (CON +20% wheat of GMD 1326 µm; CP: 20.25%) and WW (CON +20% whole wheat, CP: 20.25%), from d 0 to 21 of age. 3. Body weight gain was increased (P < 0.05) for birds fed CON compared to the low crude protein diets. However, WW increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain compared to W578 and W1326, while feed intake and feed conversion ratio on CON and WW were similar (P > 0.05). Birds fed W1326 showed the poorest (P < 0.05) FCR compared to CON, W578 and WW. 4. Gizzard relative weight (g/kg body weight) was increased (P < 0.05) on WW compared to CON on d 14 and 21, whereas gastric isthmus diameter was significantly reduced on W1326 and WW compared with CON and W578. 5. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the depth of gizzard mucosa of lamina propria between CON and WW at d 14 and 21. Birds fed WW increased (P < 0.05) gizzard tensile strength compared to W578 and W1326, whereas no difference was observed between WW and CON on d 14. 6. No significant differences were seen for ileum villus height and mucosal layer between CON and WW on d 21, however, feeding CON increased the extent of the mucosal layer compared to W578 and W1326. 7. Nitrogen excretion (g/kg BWG) was significantly lower (P > 0.05) on W1326 and WW compared with CON and W578. Litter nitrogen, moisture, and footpad scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05) for birds fed WW compared with CON. 8. Diluting dietary protein content from 22.50 to 20.25% resulted in lower body weight gain in broilers. However, dilution with whole wheat resulted in comparable FCR, reduced nitrogen excretion, litter moisture and footpad dermatitis compared with a standard protein diet.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced immune stress negatively regulates broiler chicken growth via the COX-2-PGE2-EP4 signaling pathway.

Immune stress in broiler chickens is characterized by the development of persistent pro-inflammatory responses that contribute to degradation of production performance. However, the underlying mechanisms that cause growth inhibition of broilers with immune stress are not well defined. A total of 252 1-day-old Arbor Acres(AA) broilers were randomly allocated to three groups with six replicates per group and 14 broilers per replicate. The three groups comprised a saline control group, an Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (immune stress) group, and an LPS and celecoxib group corresponding to an immune stress group treated with a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Birds in LPS group and saline group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of LPS or saline from 14d of age for 3 consecutive days. And birds in the LPS and celecoxib group were given a single intraperitoneal injection of celecoxib 15 min prior to LPS injection at 14 d of age. The feed intake and body weight gain of broilers were suppressed in response to immune stress induced by LPS which is an intrinsic component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme that mediates prostaglandin synthesis, was up-regulated through MAPK-NF-κB pathways in activated microglia cells in broilers exposed to LPS. Subsequently, the binding of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to the EP4 receptor maintained the activation of microglia and promoted the secretion of cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-8, and chemokines CX3CL1 and CCL4. In addition, the expression of appetite suppressor proopiomelanocortin protein was increased and the levels of growth hormone-releasing hormone were reduced in the hypothalamus. These effects resulted in decreased expression of insulin-like growth factor in the serum of stressed broilers. In contrast, inhibition of COX-2 normalized pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and promoted the expression of Neuropeptide Y and growth hormone-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus which improved the growth performance of stressed broilers. Transcriptomic analysis of the hypothalamus of stressed broilers showed that inhibition of COX-2 activity significantly down-regulated the expression of the TLR1B, IRF7, LY96, MAP3K8, CX3CL1, and CCL4 genes in the MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathway. This study provides new evidence that immune stress mediates growth suppression in broilers by activating the COX-2-PGE2-EP4 signaling axis. Moreover, growth inhibition is reversed by inhibiting the activity of COX-2 under stressed conditions. These observations suggest new approaches for promoting the health of broiler chickens reared in intensive conditions.

Pengaruh Waktu Penggantian Ransum BR1 dengan BR2 terhadap Performa Broiler

This research aimed to find out how the effect of replacing BR1 with BR2 on broiler performance. The research method was experimental using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments consisted of R1: giving BR1 aged 1 to 35 days, R2: giving BR2 aged 1 to 35 days, R3: giving BR1 aged 1 to 7 days and giving BR2 aged 8 to 35 days, R4: giving BR1 aged 1 to 14 days and giving BR2 aged 15 to 35 days, R5: giving BR1 aged 1 to 21 days and giving BR2 aged 22 to 35 days. Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The observed variables were daily ration consumption, daily body weight gain, ration conversion. Data were analyzed by variance analysis, if there was an effect of treatment, it was continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The conclusion of this research was that the replacement of BR1 to BR2 rations had a significant effect on daily ration consumption and ration conversion, but had no significant effect on daily body weight gain of broilers. Giving BR1 for 35 days resulted in the lowest daily ration consumption, daily body weight gain and ration conversion.

Balanced protein efficiency of broiler chickens given rations containing Jengkol peel extract (Pithecellobium jiringa (Jack) Prain)

Background: The research was carried out in the Poultry Cage of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Sumedang. The research objective was to determine the effect and obtain the appropriate level of use of jengkol peel extract in a ration that produces an optimal balance of protein efficiency in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: The study used 100 one-day-old broiler chickens (DOC) of the Cobb strain which were placed in 20 cage units for five weeks. The study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 ration treatments, namely R0 (basal ration without jengkol peel extract), and rations with the addition of jengkol peel extract, namely R1 (0.01%), R2 (0.02%), and R3 (0.03%), each treatment was repeated five times. The variables observed were body weight gain, protein consumption, and protein efficiency balance. Data were analyzed using variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results: The results of the statistical analysis, of the balance protein efficiency (BPE) for broiler chickens, found that between treatments there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in BPE. However, was a significantly different (P&lt;0.05) in body weight gain. The addition of jengkol peel extract (JPE) to the ration resulted in a chicken body weight gain that was as great as the ration treatment without JPE (R0), except the ration with the addition of 0.02% JPE (R2) resulted in a significantly higher broiler body weight gain than the treatment other. This is because the content of the active compound JPE is at the right dose so that it can function optimally. Conclusions: The use of jengkol peel extract in rations influences body weight gain, but does not affect protein consumption and protein efficiency balance. The use of jengkol peel extract at a level of 0.02% resulted in an optimal balance of protein efficiency in broiler chickens.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Pisang Kepok (Musa paradisiaca) Sebagai Pakan Alternatif Ayam Pedaging (Gallus gallus) di Peternakan Ayam Rakyat Desa Labuhan Ratu VII Kecamatan Lampung Timur

Chicken meat is a source of animal food which contains quite high nutrition in the form of protein and energy. This study aims to determine the utilization of kepok banana peels on the growth of broilers. This research was conducted for 2 months, including the preparation of cages until harvest with 1 day old broilers (DOC). The method used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 2 repetitions with concentrations of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% banana peels. As well as analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANAVA), if there is a difference between the treatments, it can be continued with the LSD test (Lessest Significant Difference) with a 95% confidence level. From the results of the research that has been done, the results show that the best broiler body weight gain is 0% banana peel and the lowest is 100% banana peel. The main factor causing the low death of broilers in the 100% banana peel treatment was due to the high C/N content in the banana peel. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the higher the concentration of feed given to broiler feed the lower the average growth of broilers. As well as processed feed made from kepok banana peels at a concentration of 25% -75% all of which can be consumed by broilers to gain weight in broilers because the results are not significantly different.

Supplementation of amylase or amylase + xylanase improves performance and metabolism of broilers fed with diets containing newly harvested maize

How supplementation with amylase or amylase + xylanase in newly harvested maize-based diets affects broiler nutrient metabolism and performance is unclear. Thus, this study evaluated whether the supplementation of amylase (CN) or amylase + xylanase (CAX) improves performance and metabolism of broilers fed with newly harvested maize-based diets during a 6-week production. The results showed that the body weight gain of broilers fed with CA or CAX diet was higher than that with the control (CN) diet at 1–21 d of age; however, an opposite trend was observed for feed/gain (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 150, 64 and 35 different metabolites were found between CA/CN, CAX/CN and CAX/CA, respectively. Overall, amylase supplementation improved broiler growth performance at 1–21 d of age, and the positive effects of amylase on nutrient utilization were mostly related to nicotinate, retinol and glutathione metabolism improvement. Moreover, CAX diet increased apparent metabolizable energy and growth performance of broilers at 22–42 d of age, and the difference might be related to sphingolipid, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism regulation. The findings prove amylase + xylanase supplementation is an effective method to improve the nutritional value of newly harvested maize for broilers.

Serum biochemistry indices, leukogram, carcass variables and intestinal measurements of Eimeria tenella-infected or non-infected broilers treated with dietary Cinnamomum verum bark

ABSTRACT We compared the outcomes of various concentrations of Cinnamomum verum bark powder (CNP), a natural product, to a conventional anticoccidial drug in induced Eimeria tenella infection in broilers aged 21 days. On day 21, 250 birds (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of 10 treatments, five of which had Eimeria tenella infection and five of which did not. Results 14 days post-infection (dpi) revealed that the treatments had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG) and production efficiency factor (PEF). Although the 2 g CNP and Salinomycin (Sacox) treatments performed equally well, the 2 g CNP had the highest BWG and PEF under challenging conditions. Although the PEF improved satisfactorily at 14 dpi, the loss of BWG at 7 dpi did not compensate at 14 dpi. Challenged birds had longer and heavier small intestines, atrophiedceca, lower creatinine levels and higher eosinophils % than unchallenged birds. The elevation lesion score and oocyst secretion of challenged birds decreased with increasing cinnamon dosage. In conclusion, 6 g CNP as a natural product could be as effective as Sacox against occidiosis, with 2 g CNP performing best at 14 dpi. However, more research is required to fully understand its anticoccidial mechanisms. Highlights Cinnamomum verum bark may benefit broiler health by reducing Eimeria tenella oocysts. Under coccidial challenge, Cinnamomum verum bark at 2 g/kg diet may improve broiler body weight gain and production efficiency at 34 days of age (14 days post-infection). The lesion score and oocyst secretion of challenged birds decreased less as cinnamon dosage was increased.

Probiotic mixture (Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis) a potential in-feed additive to improve broiler production efficiency, nutrient digestibility, caecal microflora, meat qualityand to diminish hazardous odour emission.

This research aimed to assess the impact of probiotic supplementation in the broiler diet on growth performance, nutrient utilization, noxious gas emissions, excreta micromiotaand meat quality. One thousand six hundred and twenty male Ross 380 broilers (one-day-old, body weight, 42 ± 0.5 gand 5-week trial) were arbitrarily chosen and assigned to three nutritive treatments (basal diet and basal diet included with 0.1%,and 0.2% probiotic mixture[Bacillus subtilis 7.0 × 107 cfu/g, Bacillus licheniformis 4.1 × 107 cfu/g]) with 30 duplicates (18 birds each). Probiotic inclusion linearly increased (p < 0.05) broiler body weight gain (BWG) during Phases 1, 2and the overall period and decreased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly on Phase 2 and the overall period. However, feed intake (FI) and mortality rate remained unaffected (p > 0.05). Thoughnutrient digestibility of nitrogen (N) tendency to increase (p < 0.05), dry matter (DM) and energy (E) did not influence (p > 0.05). Inclusion of a probiotic supplement linearly increased (p < 0.05) Lactobacillus and reduced Salmonella (p < 0.05) counts in broilers. Moreover, broilers fed a diet supplement with probiotic addition linearly decreased (p < 0.05) NH3 , H2 S, C2 Oand acetic acid emissions. The graded level of probiotic addition linearly reduced (p < 0.05) cooking loss and the tendency to decrease (p < 0.05) weight of bursa of Fabricius, but had no effect (p > 0.05) on other meat quality measures. These findings indicated that increasing the level of probiotics in feed could improve growth efficiency, nutrient absorption, microbial index, meat qualityand reduce gas emissions in broilers.

Effect of Dietary 4-Phenylbuthyric Acid Supplementation on Acute Heat-Stress-Induced Hyperthermia in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryHeat stress (HS) induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and disrupts the ER and cellular homeostasis. A recent study showed that ER stress was induced in broiler chickens under severe and acute HS; however, it was unclear how the alleviation of ER stress affects the physiological state of broiler chickens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of an ER stress alleviator, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), which is a chemical chaperone that reduces ER stress, on the body temperature response, energy metabolic state, and cellular ER stress in HS-exposed birds. 4-PBA supplementation did not negatively affect the growth rate. In addition, 4-PBA suppressed the HS-induced ER stress response in skeletal muscle. Surprisingly, 4-PBA significantly decreased body temperature elevation in HS birds. The present study showed that the ER stress, alleviated by 4-PBA, might contribute to the induction of heat tolerance in broiler chickens.Hot, humid weather causes heat stress (HS) in broiler chickens, which can lead to high mortality. A recent study found that HS causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the possible involvement of ER stress in HS-induced physiological alterations in broiler chickens is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an alleviator of ER stress, in acute HS-exposed young broiler chickens. Twenty-eight 14-day-old male broiler chickens (ROSS 308) were divided into two groups and fed either a control diet or a diet containing 4-PBA (5.25 g per kg of diet feed) for 10 days. At 24 days old, each group of chickens was kept in thermoneutral (24 ± 0.5 °C) or acute HS (36 ± 0.5 °C) conditions for 2 h. The results showed that thermoneutral birds supplemented with 4-PBA exhibited no negative effects in terms of broiler body weight gain and tissue weight compared to non-supplemental birds. HS increased body temperature in both the control and 4-PBA groups, but the elevation was significantly lower in the 4-PBA group than in the control group. The plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentration was significantly increased by HS treatment in non-supplemental groups, while the increase was partially attenuated in the 4-PBA group. Moreover, 4-PBA prevented HS-induced gene elevation of the ER stress markers GRP78 and GRP94 in the skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that the 4-PBA effect may be specific to the skeletal muscle in HS-exposed birds and that 4-PBA supplementation attenuated HS-induced muscle ER stress, which could be associated with a supplementation of the body temperature elevation and lipolysis.

Early locomotor activity in broilers and the relationship with body weight gain

Fast-growing broilers are relatively inactive and this is thought to be a result of selection for high growth rates. This reduced activity level is considered a major cause of leg weakness and associated leg health problems. Increased activity, especially early in life, is suggested to have positive effects on leg health, but the relationship between early activity and growth is unclear. A clearer understanding of the relationship between activity early in life and body weight gain could help determine how selecting on increased early activity could affect body weight gain in broilers. Here, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system was implemented to record daily individual broiler activity throughout life, in 5 production rounds. As mean activity levels alone do not capture the variation in activity over time, multiple (dynamic) descriptors of activity were determined based on the individual birds’ daily distances moved, focusing on the period from 0 to 15 days old. The mean, skewness, root mean square error (RMSE), autocorrelation, and entropy of (deviations in) activity were determined at the individual level, as well as the average daily gain (ADG). Relationships between activity descriptors and ADG were determined for 318 birds. Both when combining the data from the different production rounds and when taking production round and start weight into account, a negative relationship between ADG and RMSE was observed, indicating that birds that were more variable in their activity levels had a lower ADG. However, the activity descriptors, in combination with recording round and start weight, explained only a small part (8%) of the variation in ADG. Therefore, it is recommended for future research to also record other factors affecting ADG (e.g., type of feed provided and feed intake) and to model growth curves. Overall, this study suggests that increasing early activity does not necessarily negatively affect body weight gain. This could contribute to improved broiler health and welfare if selecting for increased activity has the expected positive effects on leg health.

Possibility of using glucose oxidase in the diet to improve selected indicators of blood antioxidant defense, digestibility and growth performance of broiler chicken

We conducted this experiment to establish a consistent result of dietary glucose oxidase (GOX) supplementation in broilers’ growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, caecum bacterial count, and antoxidant status. A total of 792 broilers of 42.38 ± 0.72 g average body weight (BW) at one-day old were fractionated into four treatment groups (18 birds/pen; 11 pens/treatment) named as 0%, Basal diet; 0.01%, basal diet + 100 mg/kg GOX; 0.02%, basal diet + 200 mg/kg GOX; 0.03%, basal diet + 300 mg/kg GOX. For growth performance, this 35 days’ experimental period was divided into three phases (d 1 to 7, d 7 to 21, d 22 to 35, overall). For the final phase, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, caecum bacterial count, and blood parameters were measured. GOX supplementation (0.02%, 0.03%) showed increased body weight gain (BWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) during days 22 to 35 and in overall period. At the same time, linear increase of BWG and linear decrease of FCR were observed. Increasing doses of GOX showed linear improvement in dry matter digestibility and a tendency for a gradual increase in energy digestibility. On day 7, GOX supplementation (0.02%, 0.03%) reduced drip loss in meat with a gradual decrease. Blood antioxidant parameters of glutathione peroxidase (GSSG) and glutathione (GSH) were linearly increased by rising doses of GOX where 0.03% GOX had the highest value. In short, GOX supplementation brought improvements in digestibility and antioxidant capacity, which helped to increase body weight gain in broilers. Highlights Glucose oxidase enzyme supplementation could benefit growth performance in broilers Dietary addition of glucose oxidase could increase apparent nutrient digestibility in broilers As a health benefit, antioxidant status of broilers were improved with glucose oxidase supplementation

Evaluation of Lactobacillus Plantarum Additive on Growth Performance, Excreta Microbiota, Nutrient Digestibility, Gas Emission, and Meat Quality in Ross308-Broilers

The intention of this study was to analyze the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) additive with different nutrient density diets on growth performance, excreta microbiota, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, and meat quality in Ross308-broilers. A total of 576 mixed-sex, 1-d old Ross-308 chicks were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups with 8 replication and 18 chicks/cage. For a period of 35 days, HD and LD group chicks were fed with commercial corn and soybean meal-based basal diet which contains high and low nutrient density diet, respectively. The other treatment groups LP1 and LP2 chicks were fed with LD+ 0.05% and 0.01 % of L. plantarum, respectively. During day 21 and the overall experimental period, the body weight gain of broilers significantly increased (p<0.05) in HD and L. plantarum groups compared to the LD group. On day 35, broilers fed L. plantarum additive had significantly increased (p<0. 05) the nutrient digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen compared to those fed HD and LD diets. Moreover, dietary inclusion of L. plantarum additive had significantly increased (p<0.05) lactobacillus population and decreased (p>0.05) E. coli and ammonium emission. However, the meat quality traits were not affected by experimental diets. In conclusion, we infer that a low-density diet with 0.1% of L. plantarum additive could serve as an excellent alternative feed additive to enhance the performance of broilers.

Evaluating the Effects of Dried Orange and Lemon Peelon Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers

The study’s goal was to assess the effects of dietary inclusion of dried orange peel (DOP) and dried lemon peel (DLP) on broiler growth performance and meat quality. Five dietary treatments namely basal diet (control); basal diet plus 0.5% DOP; basal diet plus 0.5% DLP; basal diet plus 1.0% DOP and basal diet plus 1.0% DLP were given to 200 one-day-old broiler chicks for 35 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.5% DLP, 1.0% DOP, and 1.0% DLP significantly increased broiler body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in comparison to the control and 0.5% DOP supplemented groups (P&lt;0.05). The dressing percentage in all supplemented groups was significantly greater, while proportion of breast meat was higher in the 0.5% DLP, 1.0% DOP, and 1.0% DLP supplemented groups (P&lt;0.05). The relative weight of the spleen was significantly higher and that of abdominal fat was lower in the 0.5% and 1.0% DLP supplemented groups (P&lt;0.05). The control group had the highest net profit per broiler followed by the 1.0 % DLP supplemented group. As a conclusion, DOP and DLP can be employed as possible feed additives in broiler diet at a concentration of up to 1% to improve broiler growth performance, meat yield without affecting the profitability.

Effects of Cyclic Thermal Stress at Later Age on Production Performance and Meat Quality of Fast-Growing, Medium-Growing and Thai Native Chickens.

Simple SummaryAn increase in global surface temperature has raised a serious concern, as it can remarkably decrease broiler production, hence altering food security. This study investigated the effects of cyclic thermal stress, mimicking the rise of temperature during the day in tropical regions on production performance and meat quality of fast-growing commercial broilers (BRs), slow-growing Thai native (NT) chickens and medium-growing ones obtained from crossbreeding between BR and NT. The results indicated that, upon an exposure to thermal stress (35 ± 1 °C, 6 h daily) for 3 weeks prior to their specific market ages, all three chicken strains showed reduced final body weight and decreased average daily weight gain in comparison to their control counterparts. The adverse effects on production performance were less pronounced in the medium-growing and slow-growing chickens, with no significant alteration in their meat quality indices. The present study aimed at assessing the impact of cyclic thermal stress on production performance and meat quality of commercial broilers (BRs), Thai native chickens (NT) and the hybrids between BR and NT (H75; crossbreed 25% NT). At the age of 3, 5 and 9 weeks for BR, H75 and NT, respectively, each strain was equally divided (n = 50) into control and treatment groups. The controls were raised at a constant 26 ± 1 °C, while the treatments were subjected to thermal stress (35 ± 1 °C, 6 h daily) for 3 weeks. The results indicated that final weight and average daily gain of BR and NT treated groups were significantly lower than those of their control counterparts. Reduced body weight gain of BR and H75, as well as feed intake of H75, was observed in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The stressed BR breasts showed decreased moisture, fat and carbohydrate, accompanied by increased protein, ash, L *-value, b*-value and shear force (p < 0.05). No significant effects (p ≥ 0.05) of the thermal stress on meat quality indices were found for H75 and NT breast samples. Pectoral myopathies were observed in BR and H75 chickens, but the numbers of cases were decreased in the thermally treated groups.

The Efficacy of Mycosorb in Broiler Diets Contaminated with Low Doses of Aflatoxin B1

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mycosorb in broiler diets containing a low level of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 200 male broiler chicks (Lohmann) were randomly distributed into 20 pens (10 birds/pen). The experimental design used was a 2 x 2 factorial completely randomized design with two main factors which were the AFB1 levels (non-detectable level; 2.58 ppb) and mycotoxin binder (MB) (0 and 0.15% Mycosorb), respectively. The treatments were control diet (P1), control diet + MB (P2), 2.58 ppb AFB1 diet (P3), and 2.58 ppb AFB1 diet + MB (P3). The AFB1 diets were formulated by replacing the whole proportion of fresh corn with moldy corn containing 4.22 ppb AFB1. The results showed that except for the digestibility coefficient of crude fat (DCCF), AL x MB interaction was not significant (P&gt;0.05) for the growth performance and DCCP. The AFB1 levels (AL) improved (P&lt;0.001) feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and reduced the DCCF of broilers. The AFB1 levels enhanced the body weight gain (BWG) of growing broilers, but it did not augmented (P&gt;0.05) the BWG of starter broilers. The digestibility coefficient of crude protein was not influenced (P&gt;0.05) by the AFB1 levels. DCCF of broilers who received AFB1 diets were lower (P&lt;0.05) than that of the control diet. Mycosorb did not affect (P&gt;0.05) all variables measured. In conclusion, 1) except for DCCF, AFB1 levels x MB interaction did not improve growth performance and DCCP; 2) the AFB1 level of 2.58 ppb in the diets increased FI and BWG of broilers, but reduced the feed efficiency and DCCF; and 3) Mycosorb did not improve all variables measured.