Body Weight Gain Of Broilers Research Articles

Effect of thermal conditioning on growth performance and thermotolerance in broilers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Thermal conditioning has been introduced as a cost-effective way to improve performance and thermotolerance in broilers. However, since all the trials were performed under various experimental conditions, it appears difficult to draw general conclusions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the response of broilers to thermal conditioning through a meta-analysis approach. A literature search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Google scholar in December 2020. A restricted maximum likelihood random effect model was used to pool the effect sizes from the body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body temperature (Tb). BWG, FI, and Tb were computed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) while FCR was computed using mean differences (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (IC). Growth performances were evaluated during the thermoneutral conditions while Tb was evaluated after either acute or chronic heat stress after early age thermal conditioning. A total of 17 studies were included in the dataset. Thermal conditioning significantly increased BWG (SMD=0.139, IC=0.0372-0.2407, P=0.0074) and FI (SMD=0.292, IC=0.108-0.476, P=0.0019) compared with the control. Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed that overall Tb was significantly reduced under acute heat stress (SMD=-0.455, IC=-0.718 to -0.192, P<0.001) but not affected during chronic heat stress (SMD=-0.115, IC=-0.651 to -0.420, P=0.6729). In conclusion, thermal conditioning significantly increased the broiler's BWG and FI under thermoneutral conditions and can help in reducing Tb under acute heat stress.

Supplementation ofBacillus subtilisGM5 enhances broiler body weight gain and modulates cecal microbiota.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-020-02634-2.

Effect of almond hulls on the growth performance, body composition, digestive tract weight, and liver antioxidant capacity of broilers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of graded inclusion of almond hulls on growth performance, body composition, digestive tract weight, and liver antioxidant capacity of broilers. A total of 420 one-day-old Cobb male chicks was randomly allocated to 5 experimental treatments with 6 replicates of 14 birds each for 19 d of age. The five dietary treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal control diet and 4 almond hull treatments containing 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% of almond hulls with 97.5, 95, 92.5, and 90% of the control diet, respectively. Feeding almond hulls at 10% reduced broiler body weight gain ( P ≤ 0.048) and increased feed conversion ratio ( FCR ; P < 0.01) at 0 to 7 and 0 to 14 d compared to the control group. Inclusion of almond hulls showed a quadratic effect ( P = 0.044) on body weight gain and linear effect ( P = 0.045) on FCR during 0 to 19 d of age. The numerically highest body weight gain was achieved when broilers were fed the diet containing 5% of almond hulls at 19 d of age. As the almond hull inclusion level increased, a linear ( P = 0.035) effect was observed on the relative whole intestine weight, whereas a quadratic ( P = 0.086) trend was observed on the relative gizzard weight at 19 d of age. Inclusion of almond hulls showed a quadratic ( P ≤ 0.011) effect on broiler body fat weight and fat percentage. Broilers fed the diet containing almond hulls at 5% had a lower body fat weight ( P = 0.011) and fat percentage ( P < 0.01) compared to the control group. Inclusion of almond hulls also showed a quadratic ( P = 0.075) trend on broiler body mineral content. Hepatic superoxidative dismutase linearly ( P < 0.01) increased as the level of almond hulls in the diet increased. In summary, inclusion of almond hull showed a beneficial effect on intestinal development and liver antioxidant capacity. Moreover, broilers fed the diet containing 5% almond hull showed an optimum body weight gain with lower body fat weight and fat percentage, whereas inclusion of up to 7.5% of almond hulls did not show any negative effects on growth performance.

Effect of incremental levels of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) seed powder on growth, carcass traits, blood parameters, immune system and selected ileal microorganisms of broilers.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a plant species belong to Anacardiaceous family that is worldwide diffused. The sumac seed power (SSP), produced by grinding dried fruits, is recognized to have defensive and beneficial effects on numerous health‑related problems. In this study, SSP was included in broilers basal‑diet to investigate the comparative effects of different levels of SSP on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system and ileal microorganisms. A total of 225, one day‑old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments with three replicates per treatment. The experimental diets were: basal‑diet (BD); and BD including 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% SSP, respectively. During the whole feeding period (42 days), birds fed corn‑based grower (1‑21 days) and finisher (22‑42 days) diets, respectively. Results indicated that supplementing SSP had no effect on broiler body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion as well as carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). Similarly, blood total protein, albumin, glucose and triglyceride were not influenced by dietary SSP. Conversely, serum total cholesterol and LDL‑cholesterol levels were decreased, while HDL‑cholesterol increased in all SSP fed groups compared to control (P < 0.05). In this study the addition of SSP in broilers diets did not show any effect on blood heterophils and lymphocyte. Moreover, the lactobacillus count remained unaffected by dietary treatments, while E. coli count in broiler ileal content was lower when fed 0.10% SSP than the other groups (P < 0.05). Thus, the present findings indicated a positive effect of feeding SSP (especially at 0.10% diet) on blood cholesterol levels and E. coli count in broiler chickens

Influence of branched chain amino acid inclusion in diets varying in ingredient composition on broiler performance, processing yields, and pododermatitis and litter characteristics

The inclusion of L-Val and L-Ile is progressively becoming an economically feasible strategy to reduce the dietary CP content of broiler diets. In the current experiment, the influence of supplementing the feed-grade branched chain amino acids ( BCAA ) Val and Ile was evaluated in corn and soybean meal–based ( CSBM ) diets, with or without the inclusion of either peanut meal ( PM ) or an animal protein blend ( APB ), on broiler growth performance (0–48 D), processing characteristics, and incidence of pododermatitis and litter characteristics. Supplementation of BCAA reduced analyzed CP by an average of 1.62 percentage units across 4 feeding phases. Overall (0–48 D), broiler body weight gain and FCR were unaffected when fed supplemental BCAA; however, feed intake was increased for those supplemented with BCAA. Overall growth performance was similar when including either PM or APB in CSBM diets. At processing, broilers fed BCAA diets had increased relative and absolute breast fillets and total white meat weights, as well as heavier fat pad weights. Nitrogen excretion was reduced when BCAA were supplemented, but no differences were observed for footpad dermatitis ( FPD ) lesion scores. Interestingly, APB supplementation did not impact litter moisture or nitrogen but improved FPD scores compared to birds fed CSBM, with PM-fed birds having intermediate FPD scores. In conclusion, these data indicate that BCAA inclusion can support CP reductions while maintaining growth performance, improving breast fillet yield, and reducing nitrogen excretion in broilers reared to market ages.

The Potential of Guanidino Acetic Acid to Reduce the Occurrence and Severity of Broiler Muscle Myopathies.

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is the biochemical precursor of creatine, which, in its phosphorylated form, is an essential high-energy carrier in the muscle. Although creatine has limited stability in feed processing, GAA is well established as a source of creatine in the animal feed industry. Published data demonstrate beneficial effects of GAA supplementation on muscle creatine, energy compounds, and antioxidant status, leading to improvements in broiler body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast meat yield. Although increases in weight gain and meat yield are often associated with wooden breast (WB) and other myopathies, recent reports have suggested the potential of GAA supplementation to reduce the occurrence and severity of WB while improving breast meat yield. This disorder increases the hardness of the Pectoralis major muscle and has emerged as a current challenge to the broiler industry worldwide by impacting meat quality. Genetic selection, fast-growth rates, and environmental stressors have been identified to be the main factors related to this myopathy, but the actual cause of this disorder is still unknown. Creatine supplementation has been used as a nutritional prescription in the treatment of several muscular myopathies in humans and other animals. Because GAA is a common feed additive in poultry production, the potential of GAA supplementation to reduce broiler myopathies has been investigated in experimental and commercial scenarios. In addition, a few studies have evaluated the potential of creatine in plasma and blood enzymes related to creatine to be used as potential markers for WB. The evidence indicates that GAA could potentially minimize the incidence of WB. More data are warranted to understand the factors affecting the potential efficacy of GAA to reduce the occurrence and severity of myopathies.

Oral administration of red and yellow watermelon rind act as as ahyphotermic agent in broiler chicks

Heat stress produced by high ambient temperature is a serious concern in poultry farming. Heat stress increases body temperature and induces heat stress responses in chicks. High ambient temperature can reduce food intake, food efficiency, and body weight gain in broilers. Additionally, several free amino acids, including L-citrulline (L-Cit), were found to decline in the plasma of heat-exposed chicks . Recently, it has been further found that oral administration of L-Cit can lower the body temperature of chicks and impart them with thermotolerance .However, the use of synthetic L-Cit in poultry rations is still not approved in Japan.

Функціональний стан печінки курчат-бройлерів за застосування мультиферментного препарату «Natuzyme»

The results of investigation using multienzyme preparation «Natyzyme» for broiler chickens to provide ultimate digestion of feed by preventive treatment of digestive system organs, increase of poultry growth intensity and correction of physiological spectrum of homeostasis have been shown in this article. Fifty chickens of cross Ross 308 of first (experimental) group since the sixth day of growth were inserted preparation «Natyzyme» added to feed in a dose of 35 gr on 100 kg of feed during 30 days, while the poultry of second (control) group was not used that preparation. The influence of enzyme preparation «Natyzyme» was estimated on 14th and 36th day of poultry birth according to analysis of productive indices, the results of biochemical and histological researches. It was defined the chick livability and liveweight gain of poultry during the period of growth, feed conversion ratio and EEI (European efficiency index) of poultry operation. Blood sampling was carried out in above mentioned period to define indices, characterized functional liver state: protein contain, albumin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholinesterase, that were investigated spectrophotometrically. The liver samples were taken for histological research on the 36th day of poultry birth. Obtained digital data were processed mathematically of variation statics. The use of preparation «Natyzyme» contributed to broiler body weight gain on 5.1 % (р ≤ 0,05), viability – on 4.0 %. The results of biochemical researches of blood serum showed higher protein content in chickens of experimental group to 14 and 36th day of experience on 3.2 and 8.9 % (р ≤ 0,05) accordingly. In connection with increasing protein content the index of synthetic activity of liver has grown – cholinesterase contain: on 14th day of birth on 7.1 %, 36th day of birth – on 14.6 % (р ≤ 0,05). The indices of enzymes transamination activity - alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase in blood serum of experimental chicken group on 14th and 36th day of birth accurately have not differed from control data. According to the histological analysis of liver the positive influence of multienzyme preparation on the chicken broilers body has been diagnosed. Unlike the chicken liver of control group, where the presence of liver beam decomplexation in the composition of particles and fatty degeneration of hepatocytes was detected, the chickens of experimental group did not have the such features of the microscopic structure. As a result, the use of preparation «Natyzyme» contributed to greater growth and safety of broiler chickens, reducing of feed costs per 1kg of poultry gain, increasing the European efficiency index of poultry, had a positive effect on the functional state of the liver, that blood biochemical results and data of histological researches have been proved, that shows the advantages of its use in the feeding of broiler chickens.

Effects of Dietary Chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) and Probiotic Blend as Natural Feed Additives on Performance Traits, Blood Biochemistry, and Gut Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of different levels of chicory (Chicorium intybus L.) powder and a probiotic blend (PrimaLac®) on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, and ileal microbiota in broiler chickens. A total of 225 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with five experimental diets as follows: 1—basal-diet without supplements (control-group); 2—basal-diet including probiotic blend; 3— basal-diet including 0.10% chicory; 4—basal-diet including 0.15% chicory; 5—basal-diet including 0.20% chicory. At 42 days of age, representative birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood samples and carcass measurements. Results showed that the body weight gain of broilers fed the probiotic blend or 0.10% chicory was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed on the other treatments. The abdominal fat pad was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds fed diets including chicory compared with control or probiotic. Blood triglycerides and LDL levels were reduced (P < 0.05) and HDL increased (P < 0.05) when fed probiotic or chicory whereas no significant effect on the other serum parameters was found. Broiler ileal microflora from the control group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher count of E. coli and lower Lactobacillus than those from the other groups. From findings, it is possible to conclude that dietary chicory powder supported positively growth performance and improved gut microbiota in broiler chickens. However, more research is needed on this subject to better understand the mode of action of feed additives used.

Bacillus subtilis 29784 induces a shift in broiler gut microbiome toward butyrate-producing bacteria and improves intestinal histomorphology and animal performance

The study reports the effects of Bacillus subtilis 29784 on broiler performance. A total of 1,600 one-day-old Cobb 500 male broiler chicks received either a control diet or the same diet to which B. subtilis 29784 spores were added (1E8 CFU/kg of feed). The birds were slaughtered at 42 D of age. Ileal and cecal tissues and content were collected for histomorphological analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, respectively. The inclusion of B. subtilis 29784 led to an increase of final body weight gain of broilers (+5.7%; P < 0.0001) and an improvement in feed conversion ratio (-5.4%; P < 0.0001). Higher feed efficiency in the Bacillus-fed group was correlated with a significant increase in intestinal microvilli length (+18% in ileum and +17% in cecum; P < 0.001). Among the differences revealed by 16S rRNA analysis, Ruminococcus, Lachnoclostridium, and Anaerostipes were found in higher relative abundance in Bacillus-treated birds at the cecal level. These bacterial genera include species that produce butyrate, the main source of energy for enterocytes and known to be an immune modulator. There was also a slight increase in the Butyrivibrio genus in the cecum, which is known to be an important player in the production of conjugated linoleic acid, also considered an anti-inflammatory compound. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of B. subtilis 29784 significantly improved the growth performance of broilers, likely through beneficial effects on microbiota and host.

Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) Extract as Natural Feed Additive in Broilers: Effects on Growth, Plasma Constituents, Immune Response, and Ileal Microflora.

Simple SummaryThe growth-promoting effect of many herbs and their extracts in poultry has been reported in literature. Therefore, the objective of this feeding trial was to determine the effect of different levels of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) extract in diet on broilers performance, immune response, hematology, and microbiota. Based on findings, dietary supplementation with summer savory extract, as natural feed additive, sustained growth traits and improved the feed efficiency and health status of broilers.This study investigated the effects of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) extract (SSE) on growth, plasma constituents, immune response, and gut microbiota of broiler chickens. A total of 300 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments containing five replicates of 12 birds each. The treatments consisted of a controldiet without feed additive and experimental diets supplemented with four levels of SSE (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Results showed no significant effect of SSE supplementation on broiler body weight gain (p > 0.05), but feed conversion ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) improved when fed 400 mg/kg SSE compared to control. Most of the blood parameters and immune response criteria studied were improved (p < 0.05) by SSE supplementation. There was no dietary effect on Lactobacilli count (p > 0.05); conversely, Escherichia coli count was reduced and the Lactobacilli/E. coli ratio improved with SSE (p < 0.05). Based on our findings, it was concluded that supplementation of the diet with SSE up to 400 mg/kg sustained growth traits and improved the feed efficiency and health status of broilers. However, more research is needed on this subject in order to better understand the mode of action of the extract used.

Effect of supplementation of nicotinamide and sodium butyrate on the growth performance, liver mitochondrial function and gut microbiota of broilers at high stocking density.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of stocking density and dietary nicotinamide (NAM) and butyrate sodium (BA) supplementation on the growth performance, liver mitochondrial function and gut microbiota of broilers at high stocking density. A total of 342, 26-d-old Cobb500 broilers were divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates. Treatments were as follows: (a) Low stocking density (L, 9 birds per cage); (b) High stocking density (H, 12 birds per cage); (c) H + 50 ppm NAM; (d) H + 500 ppm BA; (e) H + 50 ppm NAM + 500 ppm BA (COMB). The results showed that high stocking density significantly reduced the feed intake and body weight gain of broilers, while COMB improved the growth performance at high stocking density. High stocking density significantly reduced the liver metallothionein content, liver mitochondrial membrane potential and the activities of Na+K+-ATPase and Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase. In contrast, the liver metallothionein contents in the NAM, BA and COMB fed group were higher than those in the H group. COMB increased the activity of ATPase as well, but it failed to enhance the mitochondrial membrane potential. Stocking density also affected gut microbiota of broilers. The high-density group increased the relative abundance of Blautia. Supplementation of BA and NAM increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, respectively. In conclusion, a combination of NAM and BA can improve the performance, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and intestinal microbiota of broilers at high stocking density.

Alleviation of aflatoxin-related oxidative damage to liver and improvement of growth performance in broiler chickens consumed Lactobacillus plantarum 299v for entire growth period

Growing broiler chicks on a diet contaminated with aflatoxins (200 or 2000 ppb) for entire growth period resulted in increased oxidative stress and liver damage markers. The toxicity was subsided in broilers received a specific aflatoxin-binding probiotic i.e., Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v). There was a substantial (30–90%) increase in antioxidant activity of plasma, which was suppressed due to dietary aflatoxins. Probiotic also reduced serum lactate dehydrogenase and alanine amino transferase together with lipid peroxidation products in liver, which were elevated due to aflatoxin. Because of Lp299v consumption, there was ∼20–55% recovery in body weight gain in broilers intoxicated with aflatoxins. Comparison of the Lp299v effects with that of a commercial aflatoxin binder revealed that, improved antioxidant activity of the chicks was associated with growth performance. These data suggest that aflatoxin-binding probiotics are beneficial with multi-functional effects and can efficiently help reducing aflatoxins in food chain associated with poultry industry.

Effect of different level of rosemary leave powder in diet on blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and broiler performance

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of rosemary powder in diet on blood metabolite and performance of broiler chickens. 180 one day broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomize design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates and 15 bird in each. Experimental treatments were included: Control (without additive), 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 percent of rosemary in diet. In 42 day of age one bird from each replicate was selected and slaughtering for carcass traits. The results were sowed use of 0.05 percent of rosemary could be significantly increased feed intake of broiler in starter period (p&lt;0.05). Also use of 0.1 percent of rosemary caused to significantly increase broiler body weight gain in overall of rearing period than 0.2 percent group (p&lt;0.05). Use of 0.1 percent rosemary in diet had a significantly feed conversion ratio (FCR) than T4 (0.2% rosemary). Experimental treatments had no significant effect on carcass traits, except in liver percent weight, which had significantly higher in T2 group (p&lt;0.05). Also experimental treatments had no significant effect on glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride level of broiler chickens in 42 day of age. The results of this experiment showed use of rosemary powder could be improved broiler feed intake in starter period.

Effects of the biological age of broiler chickens and feed access after hatching on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and intestinal morphology at slaughter age

Abstract The current study was designed to investigate the effects of the biological age (BA) of broiler chickens and feed access at hatching on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology at slaughter age. A total of 720 chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 6 treatment groups as follows: 1–475Â h of BA with direct feed access, 2–475Â h of BA with delayed feed access, 3–489Â h of BA with direct feed access, 4–489Â h of BA with delayed feed access, 5–503Â h of BA with direct feed access, and 6–503Â h of BA with delayed feed access. The chickens at 489Â h of BA with direct feed access were found to be the heaviest with a value of 167.8Â g at 7 d of age, whereas a higher body weight was observed in chickens at 475 and 489Â h of BA with direct feed access with a value of 524.3Â g at 14 d of age. The highest body weight gain was found with a value of 2527Â g in broilers at 489Â h of BA with direct feed access. Broilers at 475Â h of BA with direct feed access had the worst FCR compared to the other groups. Small intestine morphological characteristics showed alterations for the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The broilers at 489Â h of BA had a higher ratio of villus height and crypt depth than the broilers at 475 and 503Â h of BA. It resulted in a decreased turnover of the jejunum and ileum, which meant a lower maintenance demand and subsequently a higher body weight gain of broilers at 489Â h of BA with direct feed access. The present findings show that chickens at different BA (475, 489, and 503Â h) benefit from feed access in different ways, showing differences in body weight gain, feed efficiency, and small intestine morphological characteristics.

The Relationship between Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed Intake and Body Weight Gain of Broilers fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplemented Feed Following Challenged with Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

The Relationship between Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed Intake and Body Weight Gain of Broilers fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplemented Feed Following Challenged with Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

Effects of glycine and glutamine supplementation to reduced crude protein diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of male broilers during a 41-day production period

Glycine has been reported to be conditionally essential for broilers fed reduced crude protein diets during the starter period. Research evaluating dietary Gly responses subsequent to the starter period is sparse. This experiment was conducted to ascertain the effects of feeding reduced crude protein diets supplemented with Gly and/or L-Gln (nitrogen source) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers during a 41-day production period. Eight dietary treatments were utilized with the negative control diets formulated to contain approximately 2.4 and 0.29% points lower crude protein and total Gly + Ser concentrations, respectively, than the positive control diets. The 6 other diets were formulated to contain intermediate concentrations of total Gly + Ser and/or crude protein (nitrogen) by adding Gly and/or L-Gln, respectively, to the negative control diets. Glycine appeared to have more pronounced effects than nitrogen contribution on feed conversion ratio and body weight gain of broilers during starter and grower periods, whereas Gln improved feed conversion of broilers in the finisher period. Total breast meat weight and yield of broilers provided diets with the additions of Gly and L-Gln were higher than those receiving diets with only Gly or L-Gln supplementation. The positive outcomes on growth performance and carcass characteristics suggested that providing adequate total Gly + Ser and nitrogen concentrations in diet formulation may be necessary for broilers when dietary CP content was reduced approximately by 2.4% points during a 6-week production period.

RNA-seq analysis of the kidneys of broiler chickens fed diets containing different concentrations of calcium

Calcium (Ca) is required for normal growth and is involved in cellular physiology, signal transduction, and bone mineralization. In humans, inadequate Ca intake causes hypocalcaemia, and excessive Ca intake causes hypercalcemia. In chicken, Ca is also required for body weight gain and eggshell formation. However, transcriptomic responses to low/high Ca intake, and mechanisms affecting body weight have not been explored. In this study, we performed comparative RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) using the kidney of broiler chickens fed diets containing 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2% Ca. Annotation of RNA-seq data revealed a significant number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the kidney via pairwise comparison using Cufflinks and edgeR. Using edgeR, we identified 12 DEGs; seven overlapped with those found by cufflinks. Seven DEGs were validated by real-time quantitative-PCR (qRT-PCR) in Ca-supplemented kidneys, and the results correlated with the RNA-seq data. DEGs identified by cufflinks/edgeR were subjected to pathway enrichment, protein/protein interaction, and co-occurrence analyses to determine their involvement in disease. The National Research Council (NRC) recommended Ca intake for 21-day post-hatch broilers is about 1.0%. Our findings suggest that higher-than-recommended Ca intake (1.2%) could reduce body weight gain in broilers, and that affected DEGs are related to stress-induced diseases, such as hypertension.

Efek ekstrak minyak citronela Cymbopogon nardus L. terhadap proporsi frekuensi kontak fisik Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) pada ransum dan performa broiler

Flies are well known as vector that has an important role in transferring pathogen microbes to broilers. Various tropical plants, as well as Cymbopogon spp. possess a large potential in controlling the activities of this flies. This research was aimed to determine the effect of citronella oils extracted from Cymbopogon nardus L on Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) activities in ration surface and also to study the effect of COE in ration on broiler performances. Three treatment levels of EMC were 0%, 0.25%, and 0.5% and added in broilers ration experimental. The research was designed by using randomized experimental design. The parameters measured were: proportion of physical contact frequency (PCF), feed consumption, and body weight gain. The results showed that the treatment levels of COE of C. nardus significantly influenced (F 2,48 = 38,456, P=0,000) PCF of M. domestica , while the levels of COE were significantly influencing (F 2,36 = 51,178, P = 0,000) the feed consumption and body weight gain of broilers (F 2,36 = 81,969, P=0,000). This research revealed that the levels of COE of C. nardus were able to decrease PCF value of M. domestica in ration while the treatments increased feed consumption and body gain values of broilers. We concluded that EMC of C. nardus L up to 0.5% can function as bio-repellent to the M. domestica activities on broiler ration and cause a positive effect to the consumption and to the body gains of chickens broilers.

Nutritional Value of Putak: Apparent Metabolisable Energy, and Growth Performance

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate nutritional value of putak for broilers. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolisable energy of raw and fermented putak were determined. The experimental design used was completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates. Total of 64 broilers were randomly distributed to 16 pens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and three assay diets were then developed by substituting putak (raw, and fermented, 250 g kg-1, w/w), and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Even though the AME and AMEn values of fermented putak were comparable to that of raw putak and maize, but it was slightly higher than that of raw putak. Experiment 2. Using the AME value of raw putak obtained in Experiment 1, five treatment diets containing 0 to 200 g kg-1 putak were formulated. The body weight gain of broilers fed 150 - 200 g kg-1-1 putak was higher to that of control diet, but it was similar to those fed 50-100 g kg-1 putak. No differences were found in FCR and mortality rate. Feed intake of broilers fed diets containing putak was higher than that of control diet. In conclusion, the AME and AMEn values of putak, fermented putak, and maize were comparable. Putak can be included in broiler diets up to 200 g kg-1 without detrimental effects.