Body Weight Gain Values Research Articles

Growth performance, welfare traits and meat characteristics of broilers fed diets partly replaced with whole Tenebrio molitor larvae

The role of insects in animal nutrition has been reconsidered during recent years, paving the way for an increasing market for edible insects. Their protein and amino acid balance make them a promising source of protein for replacing high value proteins. Yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (TM; Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae, have shown positive effects on broiler performance in several research studies and have a strong potential as a sustainable alternative protein source for monogastric animals. This study aimed to assess the effect of replacing various ratios of basal diets with T.molitor larvae on broiler performance as well as on several meat and welfare characteristics. For the study, 120 one-day-old male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated in 3 treatments and 4 replications (10 birds per pen). Birds of the control group (basal diet) were fed with typical commercial maize and soymeal-based rations in mash form. The other 2 groups were treated with the same diet, after replacing 5% and 10% with dried TM larvae, respectively. On d 35 (end of trial), meat samples were collected and analysed. Body weight, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the periods of 1 to 10d (starter period), 11 to 24d (grower period), 25 to 35d (finisher period) and 1 to 35d (total period) were assessed. Pododermatitis, diarrhoea, feather score and litter conditions were also assessed during the trial. The results indicated that TM larvae inclusion in the broilers' diet positively affected body weight gain values, as well as the carcass yield, the meat composition and various welfare traits. Additionally, the dietary treatments with TM larvae favourably affected meat composition and colour parameters, whereas there were also some positive effects on lipid and protein oxidation. Saturated fatty acids were decreased by the dietary supplementation whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids to SFA ratio increased. In general, the study showed that whole TM larvae addition can provide a promising alternative to soybean meal in the diet of broilers, demonstrating a positive impact on growth, welfare and meat characteristics.

The effects of carrot (Daucus carota L.) waste juice on the performances of native chicken in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract The abundance of agricultural products often causes environmental problems. The utilization of agricultural waste from carrots can reduce both the feed cost and environmental pollution and become a source of vitamin A for the health of the native chicken. The study aims to analyze carrot (Daucus carota L.) waste juice on native chicken performance. It was conducted from April to July 2019 at Pandu experimental field in North Minahasa Regency. The practical method used was a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental livestock used in the study was 80-day-old chickens of native chicken. The concentration of carrot juice during the study was as follows: 100% drinking water without carrot juice (W0), 80% water drinking + 20% carrot juice (W1), 60% drinking water + 40% carrot juice (W2), and 20% drinking water + 80% carrot juice (W3). Observed variables included feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rate. The results showed that carrot waste juice significantly impacted the body weight gain, feed conversion rate, and 0% mortality rate during the 8 weeks. The concentration of 20% drinking water + 80% carrot juice (W3) with the feed intake ratio of 1.608 g, body weight gain value of 775.63 ± 301 g, and the FCR of 2.1 ± 0.06. However, the consumption ratio did not differ among treatments. The addition of carrot waste juice, as much as 80%, in the drinking water of native chickens showed an increase in body weight compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the current study showed that treatment of carrot waste juice has a significant effect on body weight in 8 weeks of maintenance. Meanwhile, the feed intake ratio of carrot waste juice treatment has no real effect. There was no dead chicken (0%) in the present study. The carrot waste juice can be used in chicken drinks 40–80% by paying attention to the balance of energy content and feed proteins used to grow chickens.

ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY BASED ON TOLTRAZURIL, TINIDAZOLE AND LEVAMISOLA

As a result of the studies, it was found that the proposed drug based on toltrazuril, tinidazole and levamisole hydrochloride according to the average lethal oral dose in accordance with GOST 12.1.007–76 belongs to the fourth hazard class - low-hazard substances. To assess the acute toxicity of the drug, experimental and control groups of whites were formed. Wistar rats weighing 190.2±5.92 grams. To study the acute toxicity of the drug based on toltrazuril, tinidazole and levamisole hydrochloride, a suspension was prepared using the Polysorbate 80 emulsifier. The prepared suspension in different dosages was administered through an intragastric tube to experimental animals and an equal volume of physiological saline was administered to the control group of white rats. With the introduction of a drug based on toltrazuril, tinidazole and levamisole hydrochloride at a dose of 3745 mg/kg, the death of two rats was recorded, which is 20% of the experimental group No. 5. With the introduction of the drug at a dose of 5350 mg/kg, 5 dead animals or 50% of experimental group No. 8 were registered, and with the introduction of 6420 mg/kg - 10 dead laboratory animals, i.e. all animals of the experimental group No. 10. When registering the body weight of white rats of the experimental and control groups, no statistically significant differences were found in the indicators for the entire observation period. At the same time, it should be noted that in the groups of experimental laboratory animals in which the drug was tested at a dose of 3745 mg/kg to 5885 mg/kg, lower values of body weight gain were established in comparison with the control. The minimum tolerated dose was found to be 3210.0 mg/kg, LD16 - 3679.7 mg/kg, LD50 - 5029.0 mg/kg, LD84 - 6121.5 mg/kg, LD100 - 6420.0 mg/kg and SLD50 - ±406. The data obtained allow us to proceed to the study of subchronic toxicity and irritant action of the developed drug.

Dietary high-protein distiller’s dried grains with solubles can fully replace soybean meal in diets for meat quails without affecting growth performance

ABSTRACT 1. The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolisable energy of high-protein distiller’s dried grains with solubles (HP-DDGS) for meat quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix; Experiment I) and evaluate the effects of dietary levels of HP-DDGS on animal performance, carcase characteristics, meat quality, and organ weights (Experiment II). 2. In Experiment 1, 96 meat quail were distributed in a completely randomised design with two treatments (reference or test diet) and six replicates of eight birds. The experimental period consisted of 5 d adaptation, followed by 5 d total excreta collection. The experimental diets consisted of a reference (control) and a test diet formulated with 800 g/kg reference diet and 200 g/kg HP-DDGS. 3. In Experiment 2, 612 meat quail were distributed in a completely randomised design fed one of six dietary levels of HP-DDGS (0, 85, 170, 255, 340, or 425 g/kg) as a replacement for soybean meal. At 42 d of age, birds were slaughtered and evaluated for carcase yield, organ weights, and meat quality. 4. Apparent metabolisable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of HP-DDGS were 12.5 and 12.3 MJ/kg for males and females, respectively. 5. In the starter phase (1–21 d of age), increasing dietary HP-DDGS levels had a quadratic effect on body weight (BW) (P = 0.020) and body weight gain (BWG) (P = 0.019). The maximum BW and BWG values were estimated to be achieved with 296.0 and 296.2 g/kg dietary HP-DDGS, respectively. Overall (1–42 d of age), increasing dietary HP-DDGS levels in replacement of soybean meal did not affect animal performance, carcase yield, meat quality or organ weight in meat quail. 6. It was concluded that dietary HP-DDGS can fully replace soybean meal in meat quail diets without affecting growth performance, carcase yield, meat quality or organ weight.

Influence of Calcium and Nonphytate Phosphorus (NPP) on Meat-Type Quail’s Growth, Carcass Features, and Tibia Indices

This study aimed to evaluate the role of increasing dietary calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) supplementation on the growth, carcass, edible portions, and tibia indicators of growing quail. The current study was conducted in a 3×3 factorial design, for this, 360 1-wk-old quails were haphazardly assigned to nine groups, each group is with three gradual levels of Ca (0.60, 0.90, and 1.20 %) and NPP (0.20, 0.40 and 0.60 %). Each group was divided into five replicates with eight-quail each. Results of the study suggested that except at 2 and 6 weeks of age, dietary Ca level did not exhibit any significant (P > 0.05) impact on body weight. Similarly, in the case of NPP, apart from the live weight at 2 and 3 weeks of age, NPP did not have a significant impact on live body weight. Further, in comparison to the low Ca level, the moderate or high Ca levels have higher values of body weight gain. During all the experiments, dietary Ca, NPP, or their mixtures had no significant (P > 0.05) impact on feed consumption. Similarly, feed conversion rate and carcass metrics were also not affected by the individual or combined application of Ca or NPP supplementation Similarly, dietary intakes of Ca or P did not have any significant effect on the various tibia indicators (P > 0.05). Results of the study can be concluded that the effect of the Ca and NPP levels in Japanese quail diets is lowered and it does not much affect the growth rate, feed utilization, carcass yields, edible components, or tibia indices.

Identification of blood immune and metabolic indicators explaining the variability of growth of pigs under contrasted sanitary conditions

BackgroundHealth and growth of pigs are affected by the hygiene of housing. Lower growth performance observed in poor hygiene of housing conditions is explained by reduced feed intake and metabolic changes caused by the activation of body defences. In a previous experiment, we reported contrasted average values of body weight gain, concentrations of circulating metabolites, redox and immune indicators in blood of pigs housed in good or poor hygiene conditions during the growing period. This study addressed inter-individual variability in these responses to determine whether a particular blood profile explains average daily gain (ADG) of the pig.ResultsThe data originated from 160 growing pigs, half of which subjected to a hygiene challenge for 6 weeks (W0 to W6) and the others housed in good hygiene conditions. Pigs originated from two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake (RFI). Individual body weights were recorded during this period, and relative ADG (rADGW0-W6) was calculated as the ADG corrected by the initial body weight measured at W0. Blood samples were taken before (W0) and 3 weeks (W3) after the beginning of the challenge. The analysed dataset consisted of 51 metabolites and indicators of immune and inflammatory responses measured on 136 pigs having no missing value for any variables, when calculated as the differences W3 minus W0 in circulating concentrations. An algorithm tested all possible linear regression models and then selected the best ones to explain rADGW0-W6. Six variables were identified across the best models and correlated with rADGW0-W6 with a goodness of fit (adjusted R2) of about 67%. They were changes in haptoglobin, global antioxidant capacity of plasma (Biological Antioxidant Power or BAP), free fatty acids, and 3 amino acids: leucine, tryptophan, and 1-methylhistidine. The effects of housing conditions and RFI lines were comprised in the variables of the selected models and none of these conditions improved accuracy of the predictive models, leading to genericity of the pinpointed metabolic changes in relation to variability of ADG.ConclusionsThis approach allows us to identify blood variables, whose changes in blood concentrations correlated to ADG under contrasted sanitary conditions.

Effect of honey-flavoured diets on the performance and relative organ weights of finisher broiler chickens

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of honey-flavoured diets on performance, nutrient retention, organ weights and economy of production. 0ne hundred and twenty 4-weeks old 'Anak 2000' broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatments, replicated three times with 10 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four diets were formulated such that diet 1(0%) contained no honey and served as the control, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% honey-flavour, respectively. The results showed that diet 4 containing 1.5% honey flavour significantly (P < 0.05) improved the final body weight (1977g), weight gain (1327g), daily weight gain (47.29), feed/gain (2.18) and protein efficiency ratio (2.16) than broiler fed other diets including the control. Broilers on the control diet had the least values of body weight gain (1754g), weight gain (1104g), daily weight gain (39.43g), worst feed/gain (2.59) and protein efficiency ratio (1.80). Broilers fed diet 4 had the highest (P<0.05) nutrient retention of protein (83.80 %), ether extract (86.80 %) and crude fibre (70.50%) while broilers on the control diet had the lowest retention values of protein (65.20%), crude fibre (63.30%) and ether extract (73.70%). The dry matter retentions were similar across the treatments with highest numerical values of 82.80% recorded by birds on diet 4 and least value of 78.80% on diet 1(control). The liver, heart, lungs, kidney and caecum weights did not differ significantly (P>0.05) across the treatments but were numerically higher with increased in the honey-flavoured diets. The gizzard and caecum weights were significantly (P<0.05) increased with increase in honey flavoured diets. Cost per kg feed increased as the level of honey-flavoured inclusion in the diets increased 1.5 % with value of ? 58.00/kg compared to the control diet with ? 47.01/kg while the revenue generated showed that birds fed diet 4 (1.5% honey) were the most economical to produce with value of ? 597.15/bird compared with those on the control (₦ 496.80/bird). Addition of honey at 1.5% demonstrated superiority in this study with no adverse effect on bird's performance and organ.

Effects of dietary lipid levels on the growth, fatty acid profile and fecundity in the oriental river prawn,Macrobrachium nipponense

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, fatty acid profile and fecundity in the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. Five isonitrogenous experimental diets were formulated with graded lipid levels [A (5.02%), B (5.98%), C (6.91%), D (7.91%) and E (8.89%) respectively]. The results indicated that the values of body weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention presented a similar trend of increasing first and then decreased with increasing dietary lipid levels. Furthermore, prawns fed diets containing 6.91% lipid showed the best values on these parameters among all the treatments. EPA, DHA and n-3/n-6PUFA contents showed associated increasing with the increase in lipid deposition of prawn muscle. The activities of hepatopancreatic amylase, protease and lipase were also significantly (p < .05) improved by dietary 6.91% lipid. Increasing dietary lipid levels could not suppress early maturation with no differences detected in berried females throughout the feeding trial. Significant lower relative fecundity may contribute to describing the dietary moderate lipid level (6.91%) could promote the growth of spawners and decrease spawning quantity. The recommendation dietary lipid requirement, estimated by the broken-line model based on specific growth rate against dietary lipid levels, was 7.19% of the dry matter for M. nipponense.

Study the Effect of Different Levels of Zucchini (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cucurbita pepo&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) on the Biological Indicators for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Rats Fed High-Fat Diets

The effects of fresh zucchini on nutritional status, and biological indicators for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in rats fed high-fat diets investigated in this study. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two main groups the first, negative control group Co (-) (n = 6), fed basal diet, The second group (n = 24) fed high-fat diet (containing basal diet + 5% tallow + 1% cholesterol + 0.02% bile salt). This group was divided into four subgroups each group 6 rats: group positive control co (+) fed high-fat diet only, group 1 (G (1)) fed high-fat diet plus 10% zucchini, group 2 (G (2) fed high-fat diet plus 15% zucchini and group 3 (G (3)) fed high-fat diet plus 20% zucchini. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured after eight wk. of experimental treatment. The pathologic changes of the heart, spleen and kidney were evaluated. SPSS, one way ANOVA was used to analyze the results. The results indicated that the mean values of body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FIR) in G (2) and G (3) showed significant decrease compared to co (-), co (+) and G 1. The results showed that in groups (G1, G2 and G3) the relative weight of heart had significant increase when compared with control negative group. But liver and spleen weight had no significant difference when compared with control negative and positive group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased in co (+) (P %, 15% and 20%) had significant decrease in TC and LDL-C compared with co (+), also G2 and G3 had improve significant in HDL-C when compared with co. (+). The groups fed on zucchini give results similar to group co. (-). The best treatment was zucchini (15% and 20%) which had lowest values of total lipid cholesterol and LDL-C, and the best values of HDL-C, HDL-C/TC % for all groups fed on high fat diet and zucchini increased non significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the HDL-C/TC % index compared to group co. (+). while, G2 and G3 gave significant decrease in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio compared to group co. (+). Morphologic changes of heart, spleen and kidney revealed that groups G2 and G3 had a similar preventive effect against CHD in this experimental model. In conclusion, results showed that zucchini had similar potential to attenuate CHD-related parameters in a mild oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats.

Use of Whey Protein Concentrates in Broiler Diets

In this study, we investigated the response of broiler chickens to dietary whey protein concentrate (WPC) as a prebiotic supplement (0, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%) on performance, carcass criteria, blood metabolites, oxidative status of meat and liver, and meat quality traits. A total of 200, one-wk-old, unsexed chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment. Results revealed that supplementing broiler diets with WPC did not affect live body weight and body weight gain values in comparison with control during the overall period (1–6 wk of age). A reduction in daily feed intake was observed in WPC-treated groups compared to that in the control. However, improvements (P < 0.05) in the feed conversion ratio in all WPC groups were recorded compared to that in the control, throughout the experimental period. The WPC group had the best values of dressing and breast percentages. A gradual reduction in serum creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde as well as increasing levels of the antioxidative enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were recorded with increasing WPC levels. Dietary WPC supplementation improved (P < 0.05) most of the meat quality traits. Thus, WPC supplementation can enhance broiler performance and meat quality without biohazards. In addition, WPC has several health benefits, which may reflect positively on human health as consumers of broiler meat.

Effects of Feeding Time Restriction During the Whole Rearing Period on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Background and Objective: Feeding time restriction is an alternative lower-intensity feed restriction practice and could be less stressful than higher-intensity feed restriction practices. Feeding time restriction is more likely to provide the beneficial effects of feed restriction without adverse effects on growth. This study aimed to determine the effects of feeding time restriction on the growth performance of broiler chickens during the 35 days production period. Materials and Methods: Three hundred 1-day-old unsexed broiler chickens of the Lohmann commercial strain were used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 5 replications.The treatments were as follows: broilers were fed ad libitum as a control group (P-0); broilers had free access to feed for 8 h day from 1 -21 days of age and then were fed ad libitum from 22-35 days of age (P-1); broilers had free access to feed for 8 h day from 1-21 days of age and then for 12 h day from 22-35 days of age (P-2); broilers had free access to feed for 12 h day from 1-21 days of age and then were fed ad libitum from 22-35 days of age (P-3); and broilers had free access to feed for 12 h day from 1-35 days of age (P-4). Body weight and feed intake values were recorded weekly and body weight gains and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Two broiler chickens from each pen were used to measure the size of the carcass, abdominal fat pad and internal organs at 35 days of age. Results: At 21 day of age, the body weight and body weight gain values of the broilers that had feeding time restrictions (P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4) were significantly lower than those of the broilers fed ad libitum (P-0). No significant effects of the feeding time restriction treatments on body weight gains were found during the growing period from 22-35 days of age but at 35 day of age, the P-3 broilers had no significant differences in body weight compared to the weight of the broilers fed ad libitum (P-0). At 21 day of age, feed intake values and feed conversion ratios in the feeding time restriction treatments were significantly lower than those in P-0. However, the P-2 and P-4 broilers had lower feed intake values and feed conversion ratios during the growing period at 35 day of age. There were no differences among the treatments in the weights of the carcass, abdominal fat pad and gizzard; however, the weights of the internal organs, such as the liver, small intestine and pancreas, were significantly increased in broilers that experienced smaller feeding time restrictions. Conclusion: Program for restricting feed for 12 h day from 1-21 days of age could be applied as a useful rearing management technique, resulting in a lower feed intake and no detrimental effects on the performance of broiler chickens.

EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUN DRIED MORINGA OLIEFERA LEAVES As A SOURCE OF PROTEIN IN EARLY WEANING RABBITS RATION ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTION COEFFICIENTS AND SOME BLOOD CONSTITUENTS

A total number of one hundred early weaning New Zealand white rabbits (EWNZWR) were used at 25 days of age with an average of 580.5 g. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups (25 rabbits each). Four substitution levels of sun dried Moringa oeliefera leaves (SDMOL) were used (zero%, 25%, 50% and 75%) instead of sunflower meal. Chemical analysis of Sun dried Moringa oliefera Leaves was higher in CP, NFE, EE, and ash than sunflower meal. Most nutrients digestibility were improved (P<0.05) with replacing sunflower meal by Sun dried Moringa oliefera leaves at level 25, 50 or 75%. Also, using Sun-dried Moringa oliefera leaves in early weaning New Zealand white rabbits significantly (P<0.05) increased final body weight and daily body weight gain values. The tested diets have decreased significantly (P<0.05) meat content of DM (25.96, 25.80 and 24.86 vs 26.20), CP (20.74,20.89 and 21.02 vs 20.59) and EE (9.65,9.00,and8.73 vs10.15). Adding SDMOL to rabbit diets (P<0.05) decreased serum cholesterol and total lipids concentrate. Substitution of SDMOL improved the economic efficiency. It could be concluded that replacement up to 75% of sunflower meal in the early weaning New Zealand white rabbit’s diet by Sun dried Moringa oliefera leaves could be recommended to improve rabbit growth performance parameters, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics, meat content of DM, CP ,EE and decreased serum cholesterol, total lipids concentrates.

NUTRITIONAL AND ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF USING SUPER STARTER DIETS IN FEEDING BROILER CHICKENS

n experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding recommended (23%, Diet1) or high (25%, super starter, Diet2) crude protein in starter diets on productive performance, carcass characteristics and economicalefficiency of Hubbard broiler chickens. A total of 225, day old Hubbard broiler male chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatments at (1-35) days of age, each with three replicates of 15 birds each. The five treatments were: T1) Control group, chicks fed (Diet1) ad-libitum the other treatments from T2 till T5, chicks were fed (Diet2)at different quantities being 125g, 250g, 375g and 500g/chick, respectively followed by (Diet1) to the end of starter period (14 days of age). During grower and finisher periods, all chicks were fed recommended diets at these phases. At the end of experiment at 35 days of age, 4 broilers chicken per treatment were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass traits. The results indicate that: Body weight, body weight gain and feed intake were linearly increased, whereas feed conversion ratio decreased as super starter diet increased, during overall period (1-35 days of age). The best values of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein and energy conversion ratio were observed for chickens fed 500g super starter diet compared with other dietary treatments. In most cases differences between treatments were significant (P≤0.01). Carcass characteristics of chicks fed super starter diet, added at different levels had no effects on carcass characteristics. The best economical efficiency value were demonstrated when broiler chickens fed (500g Diet2/chick) super starter diet and the values was 33.09% more when compared to that of chicks fed control diets. In conclusion, feeding broiler chickens super starter diet at level of (500g/chick) support and enhance productive performance and economical efficiency.

Use of yeast (Pichia kudriavzevii) as a novel feed additive to ameliorate the effects of aflatoxin B1 on broiler chicken performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autochthonous Pichia kudriavzevii as a novel bioadsorbent for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The selection of this yeast was based on the AFB1 adsorption capacity previously demonstrated in vitro (Magnoli et al. 2016). One-day-old Cobb broilers (n=160) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T1: basal diet (B); T2: B + 0.1% yeast; T3: B + AFB1, 100μg/kg; T4: B + 0.1% yeast + AFB1, 100μg/kg). Performance parameters (average daily weight gain body, average daily consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, and dead weight), biochemical parameters (albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin), liver pathological changes, and AFB1 residual levels in the liver and excreta were evaluated. Significant differences (P<0.05) in performance parameters were observed among treatments and controls: T3 group showed the lowest average daily body weight gain value while in T4 group, the value of this parameter increased significantly (P<0.05). T3 and T4 groups showed the lowest and highest values for average daily feed consumption, respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FC) showed no significant differences among treatments. T3 group showed the lowest dead weight and carcass weight compared with T1 group. The biochemical parameters showed no significant differences among treatments. T3 group showed macroscopic and microscopic liver changes compared to the control. Aflatoxin B1 levels (μg/g) were detected in broiler livers and showed significant differences among treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, native P. kudriavzevii incorporation (0.1%) in broiler diets containing AFB1 was shown to be effective in ameliorating the adverse effects of AFB1 on production.

Sorghum and wheat differentially affect caecal microbiota and associated performance characteristics of meat chickens.

This study compared the effects of wheat- and sorghum-based diets on broiler chickens. The growth performance and caecal microbial community of chickens were measured and correlations between productivity and specific gut microbes were observed. Cobb broilers 15 days of age were individually caged and two dietary treatments were used, one with a wheat-based diet (n = 48) and another one with a sorghum-based diet (n = 48). Growth performance measurements were taken over a 10 day period and samples for microbiota analysis were taken at the end of that period. Caecal microbiota was characterised by sequencing of 16S bacterial rRNA gene amplicons. Overall, the results indicated that a sorghum-based diet produced higher apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and body-weight gain (BWG) values in chickens, compared to a wheat-based diet. Nevertheless, sorghum-fed birds had higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) values than wheat-fed birds, possibly because of some anti-nutritional factors in sorghum. Further analyses showed that caecal microbial community was significantly associated with AME values, but microbiota composition differed between dietary treatments. A number of bacteria were individually correlated with growth performance measurements. Numerous OTUs assigned to strains of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lachnospiraceae, which were prevalent in sorghum-fed chickens, were correlated with high AME and BWG values, respectively. Additionally, a number of OTUs assigned to Clostridiales that were prevalent in wheat-fed chickens were correlated with low FCR values. Overall, these results suggest that between-diet variations in growth performance were partly associated with changes in the caecal microbiota.

Risk assessment for changes in the metabolic profile and body weights of pre-pubertal gilts during long-term monotonic exposure to low doses of zearalenone (ZEN)

The aim of the study was to examine whether the process of exposure to low doses of ZEN generates changes in the hematological and biochemical image of blood serum. During the experiment, pre-pubertal gilts (up to 25kg) were administered per os ZEN at a dose of 40μg/kg BW (Group E, n=18) or placebo (Group C, n=21) on a daily basis for 42days. Blood samples for investigation were collected seven times at intervals of one week. In the experimental groups, slight but statistically significant changes in the values of selected biochemical blood indices such as glucose, ALT, Pin, total protein and Fe, or in hematological indices such as RBC, MCV, PLT, WBC, basophils, eosinophils and monocytes were observed. Based on statistical analysis between the groups, differences in the values of WBC, basophils, peroxidase negative cells, Hb, Ht, MCV, HDW, glucose, ALT, AP, total protein, iron or potassium were found. In Group E, decreasing trends in the values of PLT and glucose, and increasing trends in the values of total protein, Pin, Na and Cl were found. The described situations occurred during the last three weeks of exposure. Low levels of exposure to ZEN lead to completely different changes in the metabolic profile than those resulting from higher doses of the toxin. The stimulatory effect of mycotoxins, observed in initial stages of exposure, is eliminated when the compensatory response and adaptive mechanisms are triggered, and due to excessive loss of energy, which may point to more efficient feed utilization and/or detoxification processes. The values of body weight gain obtained in Group E were monotonically higher in four out of the six investigated weeks of exposure. The above changes were accompanied by a decrease in glucose concentrations and higher total protein levels (a rising tendency), which could have affected the rate of body weight gain.

Effect of the addition of β-mannanase on the performance, metabolizable energy, amino acid digestibility coefficients, and immune functions of broilers fed different nutritional levels

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of β-mannanase (BM) supplementation on the performance, metabolizable energy, amino acid digestibility, and immune function of broilers. A total of 1,600 broilers were randomly distributed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (4 nutritional levels × 0 or 500 g/ton BM), with 10 replicates and 20 broilers per pen. The same design was used in the energy and digestibility experiments with 8 and 6 replicates, respectively, and 6 broilers per pen. The nutritional levels (NL) were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of broilers (NL1); reductions of 100 kcal metabolizable energy (NL2); 3% of the total amino acids (NL3); and 100 kcal metabolizable energy and 3% total amino acids (NL4) from NL1. The serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration was determined in two broilers per pen, and these broilers were slaughtered to determine the relative weight of spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius. Throughout the experiment, the lower nutritional levels reduced (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and increased (P < 0.05) feed conversion (FCR) for the NL4 treatment. The BM increased (P < 0.05) the BWG values and improved (P < 0.05) the FCR of the broilers. The apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values were reduced (P < 0.05) for NL2 and NL3. The BM increased (P < 0.05) the AMEn values and reduced (P < 0.05) the excreted nitrogen. NL3 and NL4 reduced (P < 0.05) the true ileal digestibility coefficients (TIDc) of the amino acids cystine and glycine, and BM increased (P < 0.05) the TIDc for all amino acids. The addition of BM reduced (P < 0.05) the relative weights of the spleen and bursa. NL2 increased (P < 0.05) the Ig values, whereas BM reduced (P < 0.05) the serum IgA, IgG, and IgM values of the broilers. This study indicates that using suboptimal nutrient levels leads to losses in production parameters, whereas BM-supplemented diets were effective in improving performance, energy values, and TIDc levels of amino acids and immune response of broilers.

Effects of &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; seed oil supplemented diet on performance of two genotypes of broiler chickens

One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and Ross 308) were fed to graded levels (0%, 4.5%, 5% and 5.5%) of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSO) to investigate its effect on their performance. The experiment was conducted for 35 days and the chickens were fed ad libitum. Data collected were analyzed using a 2x4 factorial design. Supplementation of the chickens diet with graded level of MOSO showed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in the feed intake observable within each genotype from weeks 1- 5 with the values decreasing as the level of MOSO inclusion increased. Analysis of the interaction between diets and genotype showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) effect of both factors at week 1, 3 and 5 with Arbor acre showing a reduced feed intake when diet containing 5.5% MOSO at week 1 and 3, while reduction in feed intake by Ross 308 fed the same diet was at week 5. Interaction of both factors had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on body weight gain values. However, both genotypes had better body weight gain (10.04%) at 4.5% MOSO inclusion level. The interaction of both factors (Diet and Genotype) showed best result for FCR in diet 1 and 3 at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Ross 308 strain, while Arbor Acre had the best FCR value at week 3 when fed diet containing 5.5% MOSO. The results showed that 4.5% MOSO inclusion contributed significantly to body weight gain in the two broiler genotype, and there are variations in their response to MOSO supplemented diet.Keywords: Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Broiler, Genotype, Performance

Potential protective effect of arginine against 4-nitrophenol-induced ovarian damage in rats.

4-nitrophenol (PNP) is generally regarded as a diesel exhaust particle (DEP). Arginine plays an important role as a new feed additive, possessing highly efficient antioxidant activities. Here we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with arginine against ovarian damage induced by PNP in rats. A total of thirty-two female rats postnatal day 28 (PND 28) were randomly divided into four groups. Two groups were fed with basal diet or 13 g/kg arginine in diet for 4 weeks, respectively; the other two groups were given PNP (100 mg/kg b.w.) daily by subcutaneous injection for 2 weeks following pretreatment with either basal diet or arginine diet for 2 weeks. The values of body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG) and percentage weight gain (PWG) upon PNP treatment were significantly reduced than those in other groups. The relative liver weight in the PNP group was significantly decreased compared with the control group. Treatment with PNP significant reduced the number of corpora lutea, although serum 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were unchanged. The morphology of the ovaries in PNP-treated rats displayed necrosis, follicular deformation and granulosa cells irregular arrangement. Moreover, exposure to PNP enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and decreased the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the co-administration of arginine can attenuate the oxidative stress caused by PNP. These results suggest that arginine may have a protective effect against ovarian damage induced by PNP owing to its antioxidant capacity effect.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF NEW ZEALAND WHITE GROWING RABBITS FED ON DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TREATED CASTOR MEAL

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing two levels (20 or 40%) of chemically or biologically treated castor meal (CTCM or BTCM) of the control diet soybean meal on growing rabbits performance. One hundred New Zealand White rabbits, six weeks old with an average live body weight ranging from 733 to 777g were randomly divided into five groups and each group was divided into 5 replicated (4 rabbits/replicate). The growing period lasted 8 weeks. Diets were offered ad-libtium and fresh water was available all times. Results indicated that chemical and biological treatments were somewhat affect chemical composition in which mainly CP content was markedly increased but CF was decreased by biological treatment. Nutrients digestibility data indicated that insignificant differences among dietary treatments in respect of DM and OM digestibilities. Digestibility of CF, EE, NFE and CP were significantly decreased by using diet containing 40% BTCM in comparison with control. The values of DCP and TDN were significant lower with 40% BTCM diet than those of control one, while the other tested diets mostly didn’t differ significantly than control regarding these parameters. Nitrogen balance values were insignificant decreased for diets containing CTCM and BTCM at levels 20 and 40% compared with control diet. Final body weight and body weight gain values were insignificant decreased for rabbits fed all diets except for those fed on 40% BTCM diet that they values were decreased significantly compared with those of control one. Feed intake recorded the lowest value with rabbits fed 20% CTCM diet, while the highest value was occurred with those fed on 40% CTCM diet. Based on control diet most tested diets didn’t affect significantly feed intake. The best FCR was occurred with 20% CTCM sit, while worst one was associated with 40% CTCM diet and difference among most treatments non-significant. There were no significant differences among treatments regarding the most blood constituents and all values were in the normal range. Diets contained CTCM or BTCM at 20% level were achieved the highest economic efficiency followed by control diet or 40% BTCM diet and the least one was associated with 40% CTCM diet. Generally, it could be recommended to use the CTCM or BTCM in growing rabbit’s diets at 20% instead of soybean meal without any adverse effects on their growth performance and health condition.