Body Weight Gain Of Chicks Research Articles

The effect of dietary sodium octanoate on Ghrelin concentration and feed intake in chickens and turkeys: a comparative study

Active ghrelin (AG) is produced through the post-translational addition of n-octanoic acid to the amino residue Ser-3, making it the natural ligand for the ghrelin receptor. The synthesis of AG is contingent upon specific dietary fatty acids as substrates for the acylation process. Prior studies have demonstrated that AG infusion can lead to reduced feed intake (FI) in broiler chickens, suggesting that manipulating AG may serve as an alternative to quantitative feed restriction in broiler breeders. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary sodium octanoate (Octanoate) on FI, water intake (WI), BW, total ghrelin, and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration in two avian species. Broiler chickens and turkeys were reared as recommended by the industry. At 3 wk of age, birds were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial. The first factor included two species (chickens and turkeys), and the second included doses (0, 4, and 8 mg/mL) of Octanoate in drinking water for 30 d. Feed and WI were recorded daily, while body weight and blood samples were obtained weekly. In chickens, Octanoate doses increased ghrelin and BHB concentrations linearly, while FI and BW decreased linearly with rising Octanoate doses (P < 0.05). However, Octanoate doses did not affect ghrelin, BHB, FI, or BW in turkeys. In conclusion, our data indicate that sodium octanoate administration elicits a differential response in feed intake and body weight gain in chickens and turkeys.

Pengaruh Aplikasi Vaksin Dan Suplementasi Probiotik Terhadap Titer Antibodi Dan Pertumbuhan Ayam KUB Yang Dipelihara Di Lingkungan Lahan Kering

The maintenance of chicken livestock is often constrained by several infectious diseases that cause chicken death, one of which is Newcastle Disease. Efficiency in maintaining chicken production can be achieved with probiotics. Probiotic supplementation can reduce the risk of disease and improve chicken health. This study aims to determine the difference in antibody titer of KUB chickens given intramuscular vaccine and drinking water and to know the difference in body weight gain of chickens that get probiotics and those that do not get probiotics. The parameters observed were antibody titer before and after vaccination and body weight gain. This study used the HA and HI test methods. Positive results in the HA test are evenly distributed crystals (diffusion), while negative results in the HA test are flow (tears drop), while the HI test results can be observed by calculating the blood flow that occurs in each well. The results showed that there were significant differences in antibody titers between intramuscular and oral vaccination methods. The provision of probiotics did not show significant differences (P&gt;0.05) on body weight gain of KUB chickens both those who received probiotics and those who did not receive probiotics.

Effectiveness of probiotics in growing broiler chicken

Antibacterial preparations are used to prevent bacterial diseases in poultry when raising broilers but given the negative factor of their residual accumulation in meat and the acquisition of resistance by pathogens, it became necessary to find alternative means. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various concentrations of Bacillus coagulans on the growth and development of broiler chickens. Methods employed: microbiological; physiological to determine the state of health and safety of chickens; zootechnical; pathological; statistical. The chickens in the experiment had a higher live weight at Day 35: in Group 1 – by 11%, in Group 2 – by 15.4%, and in Group 3 – by 18.4%, as opposed to the control. The average daily body weight gain of chickens in groups with B. coagulans was higher, in Group 1–by 10.8%, in Group 2–by 15%, and in Group 3–by 18.3%. The preservation rate in all experimental groups, regardless of the probiotic concentration, was 100%, while in the control group – 80%. There was an increase in live weight in the following groups: Group 1–by 11%, Group 2 – by 15.5%, Group 3 – by 19%. Feed conversion was lower in Group 1 by 5.3%, in Group 2 – by 3.4%, and in Group 3 – by 2%, compared to the control. At the end of the study, the level of Lactobacillus sp. in the intestines of chickens in Group 1 was 33.78% higher, in Group 2 – by 50%, in Group 3 – by 78.37%; a decrease in the content of Enterobacteriaceae sp. in Group 1–by 51.48%, in Group 2 – by 65.11%, in Group 3–by 90.67%; Staphylococcus sp. in Group 1–by 15.04%, in Group 2–by 35.44%, in Group 3–by 51.47% (p≤0.05), in contrast to the control. The average bursal weight in Group 1 was 4.82% higher, in Group 2–30% higher, in Group 3–37.53% higher, and the bursal index was 15%, 25%, and 30% higher, respectively, compared to the control

Study of broiler chicken performance with different lighting time and vitamin B-Complex doses in close house

This study was conducted to analyze the performance of broiler chickens after receiving different exposure times and doses of vitamin B complex injection in a close house. Broiler chickens reared from DOC will get different lighting treatment and dose of vitamin B complex injection from 15 to 31 days of age. The treatments were N1 (24 hours), N2 (22 hours) and N3 (20 hours) while the doses of vitamin B complex were given at V0 (0.0 cc), V1 (0.5 cc), V2 (1 0.0 cc), and V3 (1.0 + vitamin A D E, 0.2 cc). Chickens will be placed in research plots each containing 36 birds with a separate plot design method. The results obtained in the analysis of feed consumption and body weight gain showed a very significant effect, FCR and IP did not show a significant effect and with dose treatment did not show a significant interaction. The conclusions obtained is to achieve maximum performance in broiler rearing, 24-hour lighting is needed, which can affect feed consumption and body weight gain of chickens. There is no stress effect so that the injection of vitamin B complex does not really need to be given into the chicken’s body.

Effect of Graded Levels of Dried Orange (Citrus sinensis) Byproducts on Production Efficiency, Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

Background: Orange wastes are bioactive compounds produced during the industrial transformation.The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding dried sweet orange byproducts (DOP) on broiler growth performance, serum metabolites and antioxidant status. Methods: A total of 200 of 20-day experimental broiler chicks were distributed into a completely randomized design which included 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds fed each. The dietary treatments included a control diet with no corn substitution and three diets containing 5, 10 and 15 % Dried Orange Pulp. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass traits, serum components, and blood antioxidant status were measured. Result: FCR and BWG of chickens were improved when using graded levels of DOP compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). Serum total protein and glucose were significantly increased (P less than 0.0001) in DOP groups compared to the control. Serum Cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly (P less than 0.0001) in the DOP groups. Higher Aspartate amino transferase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Creatine Phospho Kinase activities were observed in Control group compared to the other treatments.

Effects of dried chaya leaf meal inclusion in the diet on growth performance and blood profiles in Thai native chicken (Pradu Hangdum).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of using dried chaya leaf meal (DCLM) as a protein feed in a diet on growth performance, blood profiles, and carcass quality in a native Thai chicken. Eighty 14-day-old Pradu Hangdum chicks were divided into four groups with four replicates each: control (without DCLM), 10%, 20%, and 30% DCLM inclusion in mash feed. Growth performance was recorded weekly until 98 days of age. Blood profile, carcass quality, and visceral organ weight were measured at 98 days of age. The 10%-30% DCLM inclusion in the diet did not affect feed intake or feed efficiency; however, the body weight gain of chicks decreased linearly with the increase in DCLM inclusion. The heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were linearly increased with the increasing DCLM levels in the groups. The serum blood chemistry did not differ among the groups, while the AST in 10% and 20% DCLM was lower than in the control. Increasing the level of DCLM in the chicken diet did not affect carcass quality. The DCLM can be used as a feed ingredient in Thai native chicken feed up to 20%.

Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed Powder and Furazolidone Supplementation on Growth Performance of Broilers

‌Backgroud: Residues of AGPs (antibiotic growth promoters) caused bacterial resistance in humans. This study has been conducted to assess how broiler chicks responded to various amounts of fennel seed powder as a natural growth promoter and as an alternative to antibiotics. Furazolidone was fed as an antibiotic growth promoter to evaluate the effects of this substance on the feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and body weight gain of chickens. Materials and Methods: 120-days-old broiler chicks were used in this study. They were placed into five groups randomly with three replicates in each group and eight chicks in each replication, over the course of 35 days. From these five groups, the T1 (control) group was given a normal diet, the T2, T3, and T4 groups were given one, two, and three grams of fennel seed powder per kilogram of diet, respectively. However, the T5 group was given 0,2 g furazolidone per kilogram of diet. The feed which used in this study was obtained from Habib Hassam trading company and it was of two types (4 number feed and 9 number feed). Findings: It was found that the experimental groups who received 2 and 3 grams of fennel seed powder per kilogram of diet not only ate less food overall, but also had the best feed conversion ratio, and the greatest weight gains (P&lt;0.01). There was no significant difference between the group given 1gr of fennel seed powder per kilogram of a diet with the control group (P&gt;0.05). On the other hand, the group that was fed 0,2 g of furazolidone was not significant as compared to the first (control) group. Conclusion: As a natural growth promoter, feeding broiler chicks 2-3 grams of ground fennel seed per kilogram of diet will have the best effects on growth performance as well as avoiding furazolidone.

Test of the Different Proportions of Moringa oléifera fluor on the Growth of COBB500 Chicks in Vivo in Kinshasa (DR Congo) Bay

In Kinshasa, to understand the influence of different proportions of Moringa incorporated into the feeding of chicks, a study was carried out on the COBB 500 chicks. 40 chicks with an average weight of 41 ± 4.71 g for the control and 42 ± 4.06 for the test batch were tested in an experimental system duplicated with foods containing 25% crude protein where diets were supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% of the Moringa flour for 21 days. After analysis of the results, we noted the following: It was found that the chicks triplet weight during the experiment in the following order: 152 ± 55.96 g for R1, 181 ± 57, 48 g for R2, 185 ± 46.36 g for R3 and 157.5 ± 27.88 g for feed R0. A non-significant difference (&gt;0.05) was found in the STUDENT t-test, between the body weight gain of chicks fed R0 diet and those fed R1, R2, and R3. SGR (specific growth rate) was significantly correlated with the R3 regimen. Weekly consumption was not constant, and with significant increase during the experimental period. The results of mortality rates obtained during this experiment did not seem to be directly linked to the different regimes but rather to diseases, poor zootechnical construction conditions, and untimely shutdown of electricity in livestock premises. Regarding food Conversion Efficiency (ACE), it is found that diets containing 15% of Moringa show better feed conversion efficiency, with 0% diets showing a decrease in diet as the proportion in Moringa decreases. As regards the quantity of the food consumed, it should be noted that R1 was the most consumed during the experiment.

Floor eggs: Hatchability, microbiological analysis, and effects of post-hatch use of ceftiofur on performance of broiler chicks

The present study aimed to determine the effects of egg type (nest clean or floor eggs) on eggshell microbiological, hatching performance, chick quality, yolk sac microbiology, and the interaction between egg type and post-hatch use of ceftiofur on broiler performance at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. A total of 2500 fertile eggs were obtained from a commercial flock of Cobb Slow® broiler breeders. Half of the eggs were collected directly from the floor, and the other half were collected from the nests. Microbiological evaluation of eggshells was performed before and after sanitization. After hatching, 420 male chicks were randomly selected and distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, separated by the type of egg (clean nest or floor) and the inclusion or not of subcutaneous ceftiofur, totaling four treatments. Egg type did not influence hatchability although the contamination level was 1.3% higher. The body weight and body weight gain of chicks at seven days were greater for chicks from nest eggs that received ceftiofur than chicks from floor eggs that also received ceftiofur. There was no interaction between the studied factors or individual effects for performance at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. It is concluded that incubation of floor eggs, after standard sanitization, does not influence the hatch results and chick quality. Furthermore, it has been proven that the use of ceftiofur is unnecessary when there is correct management during broiler rearing.

The Effect of Diet with Fermented Soybean Meal on Blood Metabolites and Redox Status of Chickens

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine whether replacing soybean meal with 3% or 6% fermented soybean meal would positively affect blood metabolites and redox status of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out on 600 broiler chickens assigned to three experimental groups of 200 chickens each (10 replications of 20 individuals each). In the control group, soybean meal (SBM) was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the remaining groups were fed diets in which soybean meal was partially replaced with 3% or 6% fermented soybean meal (FSBM-3%, FSBM-6%). The fermentation of the SBM contributed to an increase of Lactobacillus, content of crude protein, methionine and lysine, and especially over a 30-fold increase in the concentration of lactic acid. The inclusion of 3% or 6% share of FSBM in the diet of chickens contributed to an increase in total antioxidant potential (FRAP) and plasma total glutathione content. In blood of chickens receiving FSBM an increase of total protein and HDL cholesterol content, aspartate aminotransferase activity and a decrease in urea content were noted. In addition to the positive effect on protein and lipid metabolism as well as antioxidant defence, the diet with a 6% share of FSBM improved body weight gain of chickens. In conclusion, it can be suggested that introducing 6% share of FSBM in place of FSM is more justified.

Effects of mushroom waster medium and stalk residues on the growth performance and oxidative status in broilers.

ObjectiveThe study developed mushroom stalk residues as feed additives in the broiler diet for improving the growth performance and immunity of broilers as well as to increase the value of mushroom stalk residues.MethodsIn total, 300 ROSS 308 broilers were randomly allocated into fifteen pens with five dietary treatments: i) control, basal diet; ii) CMWM, supplemented with 1% Cordyceps militaris waster medium (CM); iii) CMPE, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue (PE); iv) CMPS, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Pleurotus sajor-caju stalk residue (PS); v) CMFV, supplemented with 0.5% CM+0.5% Fammulina velutipes stalk residue (FV).ResultsThe chemical analysis results showed that CM extracts, PE extracts, PS extracts, and FV extracts contain functional components such as polysaccharides and phenols and have both 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate scavenging and Ferrous scavenging capacities. The group CMWM saw increased body weight gain and feed conversion rate and the promotion of jejunum villus growth, but there is no significant difference in the intestinal bacteria phase. Antioxidant genes in the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant responsive element pathway among the groups are significantly higher than that of the control group, especially in group CMWM.ConclusionThe mushroom stalk residues have antioxidant functional components, can improve the intestinal health and body weight gain of chickens, and can activate the antioxidant pathway of Nrf2 to increase the heme oxygenase-1 expression. The treatment with 1% CM was the most promising as a feed additive.

The effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation, as an alternative to antibiotics, on growth performance, intestinal immunity, and epithelial barrier integrity in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria maxima

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation on growth performance, jejunal lesion scores, oocyst shedding, and cytokine and tight junction protein expression in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria maxima. A total of 196 male day-old Ross 708 broilers were given a nonexperimental diet until 14 D of age. Then, all chickens were randomly assigned to one of seven dietary treatments: 2 basal diets (CON and NC); CON + virginiamycin (AB1); CON + bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD; AB2); CON + B. subtilis 1781 (PB1); CON + B. subtilis 747 (PB2); or CON + B. subtilis 1781 + 747 (PB3). At day 21, all chickens except those in the CON group were orally inoculated with E. maxima oocysts. At 7 D after E. maxima infection, the body weight gains of chickens fed PB2 and PB3 increased (P = 0.032) as much as those in chickens fed AB2. The body weight gain and feed efficiency of chickens fed PB2 were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and PB2 chickens showed (P = 0.005) the lowest lesion scores after E. maxima infection. Chickens fed PB2 showed (P < 0.05) lower mRNA expression of IL-1β in infected chicken groups. Chickens in the AB1, AB2, PB1, PB2, and PB3 groups showed (P < 0.05) greater mRNA expression of junctional adhesion molecule 2 in jejunal tissue, whereas occludin expression increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunal tissue of chickens fed AB2 or PB2. Dietary B. subtilis supplementation significantly improved the growth performance of young chickens to a level comparable with that induced by virginiamycin or BMD without E. maxima infection. After infection with E. maxima, dietary virginiamycin and BMD significantly enhanced the epithelial barrier integrity, and the dietary B. subtilis 747 showed significantly enhanced growth performance, intestinal immunity, and epithelial barrier integrity. Together our results indicated that certain strains of B. subtilis provide beneficial effects on the growth of young broiler chickens and have the potential to replace antibiotic growth promoters.

The Effect of a Probiotic Preparation Containing Bacillus subtilis PB6 in the Diet of Chickens on Redox and Biochemical Parameters in Their Blood

Abstract The aim of the study was to select a dosage and time of administration of a probiotic preparation containing live cultures of Bacillus subtilis and enriched with choline to obtain the most beneficial effect on the antioxidant and biochemical status of the blood of chickens and to improve their growth performance. A total of 980 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens (7 replications of 20 individuals each) reared until their 42nd day of life were used in the experiment. The chickens were divided into seven groups of 140 each. The control group did not receive any additives. The T1 groups received a probiotic in the amount of 0.05 g/L (T1-0.05), 0.1 g/l (T1-0.1) or 0.25 g/l (T1-0.25) throughout the rearing period, while the T2 groups received the same doses of the probiotic, but only during days 1–7, 15–21 and 29–35 of rearing. Administration of a preparation containing Bacillus subtilis bacteria was shown to increase the level of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), vitamin C, and uric acid (UA), while reducing the level of peroxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), the share of low-density fractions of cholesterol (LDL), and activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparagine aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and creatinine kinase (CK). An increase in the high-density fractions of cholesterol (HDL) and a decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were noted as well. The results of the study indicate that 0.25 g/l of the probiotic, administered continuously (T1), clearly has the most beneficial effect in terms of enhancing antioxidant potential and reducing the level of stress indicators, without disturbing overall metabolism in the body. During the 42 days of rearing each chicken received 33.3 CFUx1011 Bacillus subtilis from the probiotic preparation. The body weight gain of chickens from T1-0.1, T1-0.2 and T2-0.25 groups was higher (P≤0.027) and more favourable compared to G–C group.

Dietary Supplementation with Lysine and Threonine Modulates the Performance and Plasma Metabolites of Broiler Chicken.

Here, we investigated whether the optimal threonine (Thr) to lysine (Lys) ratio in high Lys diet improves the growth performance of modern broiler chickens at finisher period and determined the possible mechanism underlying improvement in the growth performance of chickens fed with high Lys or Lys + Thr diet using metabolome analyses. Eighteen 21-day-old chickens housed in individual cages were randomly divided into three groups of six chickens fed with different diets as follows: control diet, high Lys diet (150% Lys content of National Research Council requirement), and high Lys + Thr diet (0.68 of Thr/Lys in high Lys diet). Body weight gain (BWG) increased in chickens receiving high Lys diet as compared with those fed with the control diet (P<0.05); no significant difference was observed in BWG of chickens from high Lys + Thr and high Lys groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower in chickens fed with high Lys or high Lys + Thr diet than in those on the control diet. Serotonin concentration increased in the plasma of chickens fed with high Lys diet as compared to those fed with other diets. A negative correlation was observed between plasma serotonin concentration and FCR. These results provide the first evidence on the use of high Lys in broiler diets to reduce FCR during finisher period, which may be associated with change in plasma serotonin concentration. These findings suggest that high Lys content in finisher diet, but not high Thr + Lys diet, may affect the peripheral serotonergic metabolism and improve FCR. Thus, plasma serotonin may serve as a biomarker of FCR in broilers.

Improving protein mass and cumulative body weight gain of local chicken fed ration fortified with a combination of Lactobacillus sp. and dahlia inulin

The research aimed to evaluate meat calcium and protein content of local chicken fed diet fortified with a combination of Lactobacillus sp and Dahlia Inulin. One hundred and twenty birds of 4 months old local chicken with average body weight of 1001 g were assigned in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were the farmer formulated ration (FF) and the improved ration (IR), fortified with 1.2% inulin and 1.2 ml Lactobacillus sp. (FFIL and IRIL). Parameters were calcium retention, protein coefficient digestibility, meat calcium and protein mass, and cumulative body weight gain. The results showed that all parameters were significantly affected by dietary treatments. The improved ration resulted in higher calcium retention and protein coefficient digestibility than the farmer formulated ration when fed by both with and without fortification of dahlia inulin and Lactobacillus sp. Meat protein mass of chicken fed by both FR and IR fortified with dahlia inulin and Lactobacillus sp. showed higher value than chicken fed by unfortified FR and IR. Cumulative body weight gain of chicken fed by both FR and IR fortified with dahlia inulin and Lactobacillus sp. also showed higher value than chicken fed by without fortification. In conclusion, both FR and IR fortified with dahlia inulin and Lactobacillus sp. improved meat protein mass and cumulative body weight gain, especially the farmer formulated ration was pronouncedly improved by fortification of Lactobacillus sp. and dahlia inulin.

Evaluation of Dietary Energy and Protein Requirements of an Improved Backyard Chicken Variety (Rajasri) in its Juvenile Phase

A study was conducted to evaluate the dietary energy and protein requirements of an improved backyard chicken variety (Rajasri) during its juvenile phase (0–8 weeks of age). Day old Rajasri chicks (n=360) were randomly distributed into 9 groups of 5 replicates with 8 chicks per replicate. They were fed diets with three ME levels (2400 kcal, 2600 kcal and 2800 kcal ME/kg) and three CP levels (16, 18 and 20%) in a 3 × 3 factorial design. The body weight gain of chicks fed 2600 and 2800 kcal ME/kg diets was higher (P<0.05) than those fed 2400 kcal ME/kg and increased (P<0.001) with increasing levels of CP in diet. Feed intake was higher (P<0.05) in groups fed 2400 and 2600 kcal ME/kg when compared to 2800 kcal ME/kg fed groups and was not influenced by different levels of CP in the diet. Feed conversion ratio of groups fed 2600 and 2800 kcal ME/kg was better than those fed 2400 kcal ME/kg and improved with increasing levels of CP. Protein retention was better (P<0.05) in groups fed diets having 2600 and 2800 kcal ME/kg and was not influenced by different CP levels or ME and CP interactions. Energy retention was similar in different groups. Serum total cholesterol level was higher (P<0.001) in chicks fed diets containing 2400 kcal ME/kg and serum total protein level was similar and not influenced by different levels of ME, CP and their interactions. Hence, provision of diet containing 2600 kcal ME/kg and 20% CP would be ideal for eliciting optimum growth in Rajasri chicks during juvenile phase.

Effects of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation on chicken intestinal structure and growth performance

Abstract Introduction: This study examined the effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MoLM) supplementation on intestinal structure vis-à-vis body weight gain in chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 120-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four groups, each with three replicates, 10 birds per replicate. Broiler feed supplemented with different quantities of MoLM, viz.: group T1 (control) - 0%, T2- 7.5%, T3- 15% and T4- 30%, was fed to the birds for 38 days, after which six birds/group were randomly selected and euthanized for histological work. Results: Normal histology was evident in the various intestinal components except the lamina propria and crypts in T4 and villus muscle strands in T3 and T4 where degenerative changes were observed. Villus height, crypt depth, muscle wall thickness and villus area in T1 (controls) were 935.6 pm, 173.8 pm, 192.5 pm and 0.19 mm-2, respectively. Relative to the controls, an increase in the afore mentioned measurements was noted in T2 (6.4%, 8.4%, 10.6% and 10.5%, respectively) while a reduction was recorded in T3 (16.1°%, 10.8°%, 14.8°% and 15.8°%, respectively) and T4 (20.1°%, 14.7°%, 18.3°% and 21.1°%, respectively). Body weight gain within the feeding period increased 31.2, 37.6, 23.9 and 10.9-fold in T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Notably though, feed intake and villus height/ crypt depth ratio were not significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) between dietary treatments. Conclusion: Inclusion of M. oleifera in the diet should be done in moderation as quantities ≥ 15% interfere with intestinal structure and consequently body weight gain.

Lisina digestível na ração de frangos de corte tipo caipira na fase de crescimento

RESUMO O presente experimento foi conduzido para determinar as exigências de lisina digestível para frangos de corte (linhagem Redbro), machos e fêmeas, durante o período de crescimento. Foram utilizados 630 frangos, alojados em 30 boxes com acesso à área de pastejo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (lisina e sexo), e três repetições com 21 aves cada. Os níveis de lisina digestível avaliados foram: 7,07; 8,07; 9,07; 10,07 e 11,07g/kg. Avaliou-se o consumo de lisina, o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. Observou-se efeito de interação (P&lt;0,05) entre os níveis de lisina e sexo para o ganho de peso. Houve efeito (P&lt;0,01) dos níveis de lisina sobre o consumo de lisina, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. Verificou-se que todas as variáveis foram influenciadas (P&lt;0,05) pelo sexo dos frangos. Recomendam-se 10,08 e 9,49g de lisina digestível/kg de ração, correspondendo ao consumo estimado de 21 e 20g de lisina, para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente, para melhor ganho de peso das aves. Para melhor conversão alimentar, recomendam-se 9,61g de lisina digestível/kg, para frangos de ambos os sexos, correspondendo ao consumo estimado de 20g de lisina.

Optimizing energy, protein and amino acid needs in diet of starting and growing Aseel chicks

A study was conducted involving day-old Kadaknath chicks (n=288) to evaluate their optimum dietary energy, protein and amino acid levels for 0–20 weeks of age. Six dietary treatments with two levels of energy (2700 kcal and 2500 kcal ME/kg) each with three levels of protein (20, 18 and 16%), following 2 x3 factorial design, were formulated. Each of such diet was randomly allotted to 4 replicated groups of 12 chicks each kept in battery brooder cages for 0–12 weeks of age. In second experiment female Kadaknath growing chicks 12 wks of age (n=120) were randomly re-distributed to six dietary treatments with two levels of energy (2700 kcal and 2500 kcal ME/kg) each with three levels of protein (16, 14 and 12%) following a 2 x 3 factorial design were formulated and each of such diet was randomly offered to 4 replicated groups of 5 growing chicks each kept in growing cages from 12 to 20 wks of age. Results indicated that body weight gain of chicks (0-12wk) fed 2700 kcal ME/kg diet was significantly higher (P<0.01) than those fed diets with 2500 kcal ME/kg. Feed conversion ratio was better in 2700 kcal ME/kg in comparison to those fed 2500 kcal ME/kg. Body weight gain of chicks (0–12 wks) fed 18 and 20% CP was significantly higher in comparison to chicks those fed 16% CP. The gain in body weight during 12–20 weeks of age remained similar in all the protein levels and protein x energy interaction but significantly higher gain in body weight was recorded at low energy than higher energy diet. Feed intake was recorded significantly higher (P<0.001) at low energy than high energy diet but feed conversion efficiency remained similar due to different energy levels. The feed conversion efficiency and ME efficiency were significantly lower in low protein diet whereas protein efficiency was comparable in different protein levels in diet. The results revealed that the optimum dietary energy, protein and amino acid levels for 0–12 wks age Kadaknath chicks were 2700 kcal ME/kg, 18% CP and 1.12% lysine, 0.50% methionine and 0.70% threonine, respectively. Whereas during 12–20 weeks of age, dietary energy level of 2500 kcal ME/kg with 14% CP, 0.66% lysine, 0.30% methionine and 0.54% threonine was optimum.

Effects of putrescine supplementation on growth performance, blood lipids and immune response in broiler chickens fed methionine deficient diet

The polyamines including putrescine (PUT), spemidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) have been shown to play an important role in basic cellular processes. Methionine (Met) and arginine are required for polyamine biosynthesis. This experiment was carried out to study the effects of Met deficient diet with or without supplemental PUT on the performance, blood lipids and glucose and humoral immunity in broiler chickens. A total of 192 day-old chicks were allocated into factorial arrangement (2×2) of four dietary treatments including two Met levels (Normal and Low) and two PUT levels (0 and 0.03%). Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly. At the age of 28 d, 10 birds per treatment were challenged with infectious bursal disease vaccine orally (10 dosage/bird, 2ml). Blood samples of the challenged birds were collected for antibody determination and white blood cell count. Blood cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, hematocrit and protein of non-challenged birds were measured at the ages of 24, 33 and 40 d. Low Met decreased body weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). In grower period, energy efficiency ratio was improved by PUT supplementation in the chicks fed with normal Met level. Feed conversion ratio was badly affected (P<0.05) by low Met during grower period. PUT decreased body weight gain of chickens fed low Met significantly (P<0.05), indicating the importance of adequate Met level when high dietary PUT is offered. Met deficient diet decreased plasma protein level significantly (P<0.05). Five days post challenged, PUT supplementation elevated antibody level significantly (P<0.05) in the chicks fed normal level of Met. However, Met deficient diet in challenged chicks, caused significantly (P<0.05) lower monocyte ratio. In conclusion, growth performance declined due to Met deficiency, particularly during starter period (0–21 d) and when dietary PUT was supplemented. PUT showed the potential to increase blood antibody level and better dietary energy efficiency ratio.