Body Weight Of Broilers Research Articles

Effects of enhancing vitamin D status by 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation, alone or in combination with calcium and phosphorus, on sternum mineralisation and breast meat quality in broilers

ABSTRACT1. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of improving vitamin D status in broiler diets by supplementary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), alone or in combination with calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP), on live performance, sternum mineralisation and breast meat quality in broilers.2. A total of 936 1-d-old Ross 308 broilers were used in the study. After gender determination at the hatchery, chicks from each sex were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments. The following dietary treatments were used in the experiment from hatch to 38 d: (1) A control diet formulated to meet all of the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks according to the management guide; (2) The control diet supplemented with 18.7–15.0 µg/kg of 25OHD3; and (3) The control diet supplemented with 18.7–15.0 µg/kg of 25OHD3 plus Ca + aP.3. Improvement in vitamin D status by 25OHD3 supplementation, alone or in combination with Ca and aP, had no effect on body weight and feed conversion ratio of broilers.4. The serum 25OHD3 concentration significantly increased with 25OHD3 and 25OHD3 plus Ca + aP supplementation (P < 0.05), whereas the ionised Ca and Mg concentrations remained unchanged.5. Sternum absolute weight, ash content and the concentrations of Ca and P significantly increased (P < 0.01) with supplementation of 25OHD3, alone or in combination with Ca + aP.6. Supplemental 25OHD3, alone or in combination with Ca + aP, slightly increased pH24 (P = 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.01) squeezable water loss in breast meat, whereas it had no significant effect on lightness, yellowness and sarcoplasmic protein solubility.7. In conclusion, the results suggested that enhancing vitamin D status by 25OHD3 supplementation alone or in combination with Ca + aP may improve sternum structure and mineral accretion. Furthermore, supplemental 25OHD3, even in a nutritionally complete diet, may offer an effective way to improve protein solubility in female broilers.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicken Fed Graded Levels of Sun-Dried Irish Potato Peel Meal

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting different levels of sun-dried Irish potato peel meal (SPPM) for maize in diets of broiler chickens. Five diets in which SPPM was replaced with 0 (0SPPM), 25 (25SPPM), 50 (50SPPM), 75 (75SPPM) and 100% (100SPPM) of maize in starter and finisher diets for a 8 week period using broiler chickens were examined. A total of 300 two weeks old broilers chicks Anak 2000 were randomly allotted to five experimental diets with six pen per treatment and 10 birds chicks per pen. Body weight and feed intake of broilers, and feed conversion ratio were determined at the beginning and 56th day of the experiment respectively. On day 56, four broilers from each pen were selected and slaughtered to determine some carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry. The result of growth performance showed that 100SPPM decreased daily weight gain of chickens when compared to other SPPM levels (P

Relationship Between Broiler Body Weights, Eimeria maxima Gross Lesion Scores, and Microscores in Three Anticoccidial Sensitivity Tests.

Anticoccidial sensitivity tests (ASTs) serve to determine the efficacy of anticoccidial drugs against Eimeria field isolates in a controlled laboratory setting. The most commonly measured parameters are body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, gross intestinal lesion scores, and mortality. Due to the difficulty in reliably scoring gross lesion scores of Eimeria maxima , microscopic analysis of intestinal scrapings (microscores) can be used in the field to indicate the presence of this particular Eimeria. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between E. maxima microscores and broiler body weights and gross E. maxima lesion scores in three ASTs. Day-old broiler chicks were raised for 12 days on a standard corn-soy diet. On Day 12, chicks were placed in Petersime batteries and treatment diets were provided. There were six birds per pen, four pens per treatment, and 12 treatments, for a total of 288 chicks per AST. The treatments were as follows: 1) nonmedicated, noninfected; 2) nonmedicated, infected; 3) lasalocid, infected; 4) salinomycin, infected; 5) diclazuril, infected; 6) monensin, infected; 7) decoquinate, infected; 8) narasin + nicarbazin, infected; 9) narasin, infected; 10) nicarbazin, infected; 11) robenidine, infected; and 12) zoalene, infected. On Day 14, chicks were challenged with an Eimeria field isolate by oral gavage. On Day 20, broilers were weighed, and gross lesion scores and microscores were classified from 0 to 4 depending on the severity of the gross lesion scores and E. maxima microscores. Data from three trials using different field isolates were statistically analyzed using a logarithmic regression model. There was no relationship (P = 0.1224) between microscores and body weight gain. There was a positive relationship between microscores and gross lesion scores (P = 0.004). However, there was also an interaction between isolate and treatment (P < 0.0001). Lastly, the interaction between isolate and gross lesion scores (P = 0.0041) demonstrates that the significance of the relationship between microscores and gross lesion scores may be dependent on pathogenicity of the challenge Eimeria or the amount of E. maxima in the inoculum.

Association of growth rate with hormone levels and myogenic gene expression profile in broilers

BackgroundThe growth rate often varies among individual broilers of the same breed under a common management condition. To investigate whether a variation in the growth rate is associated with a difference in hormone levels and myogenic gene expression profile in broilers, a feeding trial was conducted with 10,000 newly hatched Ross 308 chicks in a commercial production facility under standard management. At 38 d of age, 30 fast-, 30 medium-, and 30 slow-growing broilers were selected among 600 healthy male individuals. The levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and growth hormone in the serum or breast muscle were assayed by ELISA or RIA kits, and the expression levels of several representative pro- and anti-myogenic genes in the breast muscle were also measured by real-time PCR.ResultsResults showed that both absolute and relative weights of the breast muscle were in linear positive correlations with the body weight of broilers (P < 0.001). Fast-growing broilers had higher concentrations of IGF-1 than slow-growing broilers (P < 0.05) in both the serum and breast muscle. The serum concentration of T3 was significantly higher in fast-growing birds than in slow-growing birds (P < 0.05). However, no difference was observed in growth hormone or T4 concentration among three groups of birds. Additionally, a decreased expression of an anti-myogenic gene (myostatin) and increased expressions of pro-myogenic genes such as myogenic differentiation factor 1, myogenin, muscle regulatory factor 4, myogenic factor 5, IGF-1, and myocyte enhancer factor 2B, C, and D were observed in fast-growing broilers (P < 0.05), relative to slow-growing broilers.ConclusionsCollectively, these findings suggested that the growth rate is linked to the hormone and myogenic gene expression levels in broiler chickens. Some of these parameters such as serum concentrations of IGF-1 and T3 could be employed to breed for enhanced growth.

EFFECT OF SOAKED AND FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN (Parkia biglobosa) SEED MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

&lt;p&gt;African locust bean (&lt;em&gt;Parkia biglobosa&lt;/em&gt;) seed is rich in protein and has recently found its way into the feed industry. This research was conducted to determine the growth performance, haematological profile and nutrient digestibility by broiler chickens fed diets containing soaked and fermented African locust bean &lt;strong&gt;(&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Parkia biglobosa&lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;) &lt;/strong&gt;seed meal (SFALBSM). Five diets were formulated in which SFALSBM was included at graded levels of 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Two hundred and twenty five (225) day old broiler chickens (Marshall Strain) were fed these diets in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times with 15 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 8 weeks (4week starter phase and 4week finisher phase). The results of performance of broiler chicks at starter phase showed there were differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) in final body weight (734.25 - 937.81 g) and total weight gain of birds (679.13 -898.31 g). T3 had the highest body gain compared to other treatments. Similarly, final body weight of broilers at finisher revealed that birds fed T3 and T4 (2786.14 g and 2686.14 g) were higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) than those fed other diets. Birds fed T5 had the lowest value (2312.73g). There were differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) in the feed conversion ratio (3.26 - 4.55) and feed cost per kilogram gain (222.33 - 316.70 &lt;span style="text-decoration: line-through;"&gt;N&lt;/span&gt;/kg gain). The best feed conversion ratio was observed on birds fed T3 diet. The results of blood analysis showed that there were differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the packed cell volume (23.33 - 27.67 %), total glucose (129.22 - 161.01 mmol/l), and red blood cell (3.30 - 4.29 X10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt;/l). There were no effect (P &amp;gt;0.05) on digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ash. The crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract digestibility were affected by treatments (P&amp;lt;0.05). Birds fed T3 had highest crude fibre digestibility value (P&amp;lt;0.05). It was concluded that soaked and fermented African locust bean seed meal can be included in broiler chickens diets up to 15% dietary level at the starter phase and 22.5% at the finisher phase without any adverse effect on performance, haematological profile and nutrient digestibility.&lt;/p&gt;

Growth and physiological responses of broiler chickens to diets containing raw, full-fat soybean and supplemented with a high-impact microbial protease.

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the change and function of the pancreas, and small intestine in relation to growth performance of broilers on diets supplemented with raw soybean meal (RSBM) and protease. Samples of test ingredients and diets, after mixing and prior to being used were also assessed on contents of anti-nutritional factors.MethodsA 3×3 factorial study was used, with three levels of RSBM (commercial soybean meal [SBM] was replaced by RSBM at 0, 10%, or 20%) and protease (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 g/kg). Each treatment was replicated six times with nine birds per replicate. Birds were housed in cages, in climate-controlled room and fed starter, grower and finisher diets.ResultsLevels of trypsin inhibitors in the diets, containing varying levels of RSBM ranged between 1,730.5 and 9,913.2 trypsin inhibitor units/g DM. Neither RSBM nor protease supplementation in diets significantly affected (p>0.05) the body weight of broilers in the entire periods (0 to 35-d). Increasing the level of RSBM in diets increased the weight of the pancreas at d 10 (p<0.000), d 24 (p<0.001), and d 35 (p<0.05). Increasing levels of RSBM in the diets reduced the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein (CP), and amino acid (AA) at d 24. Increasing level of RSBM in the diets decreased (p<0.01) pancreatic protein content, but this was increased (p<0.05) when protease was added to the diets (0 to 10-d). Increasing the level of protease improved the pancreatic digestive enzymes, including trypsin (p<0.05), chymotrypsin (p<0.01), and general proteolytic enzymes (p<0.05).ConclusionThe commercial SBM could be replaced at up to 20% by RSBM for broilers. Although protease supplementation slightly improved the digestive enzymes, and the ileal digestibilities of CP and AA, the CP and AA were negatively affected by increasing RSBM.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN MINYAK KELAPA MURNI (VIRGIN COCONUT OIL/VCO) TERHADAP PENAMPILAN PRODUKSI AYAM BROILER FASE FINISHER

This study concerns the Effect of Addition of virgin coconut oil on Production performance at the Boiler Finisher Phase. The study was conducted on March 10 to April 5, 2017, at Kampung Kaliharapan Nabire District, Papua Province. This research was designed using Randomized Complete Design with four treatments and each treatment got 5 repetitions so that 20 units of the experiment were obtained, each the experiment unit consisted of 3 (three) chickens. The tested treatment is giving of various doses of pure coconut oil mixed with drinking water that is: Without pure coconut oil as control, 5cc / 100 dose chicken, Dosage 10 cc / 100 chicken, and Dosage 15 cc / 100 head/ chicken. The observed variable is Weight gain (gr / head / day), feed consumption (gr / head / day) and Feed conversion (FCR). The data were analyzed experimentally if there was any difference it would be carried out the further test with Duncan Multiple Test. The results of the study showed that all treatments treated with VCO could increase the body weight of chicken broiler, ie, increase significantly occurred from week V to VII, more efficient in consuming feed and the higher the doses given the lower the feed conversion rate. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of VCO has a significant effect on the increase of body weight and the decrease of the feed conversion rate at broiler Finisher phase. The higher given dose tends to increase body weight and decrease the feed conversion rate. The best or more efficient VCO dosage for finisher phase of broiler chicken is 15 cc / 100.

Genetic parameters of body weight and ascites in broilers: effect of different incidence rates of ascites syndrome

ABSTRACT1. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of incidence rate (5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50%) of ascites syndrome on the expression of genetic characteristics for body weight at 5 weeks of age (BW5) and AS and to compare different methods of genetic parameter estimation for these traits.2. Based on stochastic simulation, a population with discrete generations was created in which random mating was used for 10 generations. Two methods of restricted maximum likelihood and Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling were used for the estimation of genetic parameters. A bivariate model including maternal effects was used. The root mean square error for direct heritabilities was also calculated.3. The results showed that when incidence rates of ascites increased from 5% to 30%, the heritability of AS increased from 0.013 and 0.005 to 0.110 and 0.162 for linear and threshold models, respectively.4. Maternal effects were significant for both BW5 and AS. Genetic correlations were decreased by increasing incidence rates of ascites in the population from 0.678 and 0.587 at 5% level of ascites to 0.393 and −0.260 at 50% occurrence for linear and threshold models, respectively.5. The RMSE of direct heritability from true values for BW5 was greater based on a linear-threshold model compared with the linear model of analysis (0.0092 vs. 0.0015). The RMSE of direct heritability from true values for AS was greater based on a linear-linear model (1.21 vs. 1.14).6. In order to rank birds for ascites incidence, it is recommended to use a threshold model because it resulted in higher heritability estimates compared with the linear model and that BW5 could be one of the main components of selection goals.

Evaluation of humoral immune response, body weight and blood constituents of broilers supplemented with phytase on infectious bursal disease vaccination

AbstractPhytase inclusion in phosphorus (P) deficient diet increases the bioavailability of nutrients and plays, indirectly, a role in biological function of many metabolic processes. The possibility of using phytase in diet might influence immune, growth and blood performances of animals. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of local bacterial phytase on humoral immunity in association with weight and blood characteristics of infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccinated broilers. Male-day-old Cobb-broilers were assigned into four groups based on phytase treatments (0, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 fitase units per kg of diet) with 12 cages comprising three replicates per treatment, each treatment containing 15 birds. They were vaccinated with an IBD vaccine (IBD UPM93) and were fed formulating P (0.19%) deficient diet from 1 to 42 day of age. Results indicated that although serum IBD antibody, IgM, and IgG were not increased, mucosal IgA contents were increased with increasing phytase doses. Data on ...

Evaluation of Humic Acid as an Aflatoxin Binder in Broiler Chickens

Abstract The efficacy of humic acid (HA) as an aflatoxin (AF) binder in broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin- contaminated feed from 1 to 42 days of age was assessed. A total of 200 birds were assigned to 20 pens, with 10 birds per pen. The following treatments (T) were applied: T1: basal diet (B); T2: B + AFB1 (100 μg/kg); T3: B + AFB1 (100 μg/kg) + HA (0.1%); T4: B +AFB1 (100 μg/kg) + HA (0.2%); T5: B + AFB1 (100 μg/kg) + HA (0.3%). Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates. Oxihumate was effective in diminishing the adverse effects caused by aflatoxin on body weight (BW) of broilers (P&lt;0.05). Humic acid also showed protective effects against liver damage and some of the hematological and serum biochemical changes associated with aflatoxin toxicity (P&lt;0.05). The supplementation of HA also enhanced the humoral immunity by counteracting the aflatoxin contamination. Results indicated that HA could alleviate some of the toxic effects of aflatoxin in growing broilers. Humic acid (0.1 to 0.3%) might, therefore, prove to be beneficial in the management of aflatoxin-contaminated feedstuffs for poultry when used in combination with other mycotoxin management practices.

Influence of Breed and Route of Hot Pepper Supplementation on Productive Performance, Carcass traits and Immune Response of Two Breeds of Broilers

Total of 120 Cobb 500 chicks and 120 Ross 308 chicks were allotted randomly into three treatments; hot pepper in ration 2%, hot pepper in water 1% and control group (40 bird per group) from 2 to 6 weeks consecutively to investigate the effect of hot pepper supplementation in ration or water on productive performance, carcass traits and immune response of different broiler breeds. The obtained results revealed that hot pepper supplementation in water 1% or ration 2% improved body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers compared to control group at the early ages (21 day) with significant (P˂0.05) increment in body weight for 1% hot pepper water supplemented group compared to control. Moreover, immune response to NDV improved by hot pepper supplementation in water or diet enhanced while, immune response to IBD improved only by water supplementation by hot pepper. Water supplementation with hot pepper 1% significantly (P˂0.05) increased dressing percentage compared to other groups although hot pepper supplementation had no effect on carcass traits or internal organs weight. Ross 308 had significant higher body weight and weight gain (P˂0.01) compared to Cobb 500. Feed conversion ratio and water intake did not affected by breeds or addition of hot pepper. Mortality % was higher in Cobb 500 than Ross 308, also Ross 308 responded better to hot pepper water 1% during early ages however Cobb 500 response was better during late ages. It could be concluded that water supplementation with hot pepper 1% achieved better effects on productive performance, mortality % and immune response to NDV and IBD of broiler than hot pepper ration supplementation 2%, also use of hot pepper at early ages better than whole growth period.

Comparative analysis of body weight and serum biochemistry in broilers supplemented with some selected probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters

Objective: The present work was conducted on Cobb-500 broilers fed with either probiotics (Yogurt, Promax ® ) or antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox ® , Renamycin ® ) to assess the effects on body weight and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods : A total of 30 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and acclimatized for 7 days in the experimental shed. After initial acclimatization, the broilers were allotted into five equal groups (n=6). Group A was considered as control and was fed commercial ration and fresh drinking water. Groups B and C were fed commercial ration and probiotics (Yogurt, Promax ® ) respectively mixed in water. Groups D and E received commercial ration and antibiotic growth promoters (Ciproflox ® , Renamycin ® ) respectively with water. Body weight of each bird was recorded on day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. At the end of trial period, the birds were sacrificed to collect blood in order to prepare serum samples for biochemical analyses considering total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipids (HDL), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results: Body weight in all treatment groups (B, C, D and E) was significantly ( P <0.05) higher as compared to control (A) group. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly ( P <0.05) decreased in probiotics treated groups as compared to control and antibiotic growth promoters treated groups. AST and ALT values increased significantly ( P <0.05) in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to control whereas, these values decreased in probiotics treated groups. Creatinine levels were significantly ( P <0.05) higher in antibiotic growth promoters treated groups as compared to all others groups. Conclusion: Significantly increased body weight is observed in probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters supplemented broilers. Probiotics also improve the lipid profile and other biochemical parameters as compared to growth promoter. Probiotics (like Yogurt and Promax ® ) seem to be better choice than antibiotic growth promoters as feed supplements. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d226

Effects of dietary probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on broiler growth performance and intestinal histomorphology

The effects of Paenibacillus xylanexedens, alone or in combination with inulin and lactulose were evaluated on growth performance and intestinal histomorphology of male broilers. A total of 168 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups as follows: C, basal diet (control; without supplementation); P, 1×109 cfu/kg-feed P. xylanexedens; IN, 1×109 cfu/kg-feed P. xylanexedens and 1% inulin; LAC, 1×109 cfu/kg-feed P. xylanexedens and 0.5% lactulose. Addition of P. xylanexedens and synbiotics significantly increased broiler body weight gain (P<0.001) and feed conversion ratio (P=0.023) from 1 to 21 day of age. Moreover, a significant increase in body weight gain was observed when birds were fed with synbiotic supplemented diets during the overall experimental period (P=0.013). The addition of probiotic and synbiotics increased (P=0.047) villus height in ileum on day 42. Our results indicate that P. xylanexedens can be used as a probiotic feed additive in broiler diets and can improve broiler performance and intestinal histomorphology

고온 스트레스 하에 타우린 첨가가 육계 간의 Heat Shock Protein 70 및 In Vitro의 단백질 합성에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 고온 스트레스 하에 타우린 첨가가 육계의 간에서 heat shock protein 70(hsp 70) 및 cell free system 상태에서 단백질 합성에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 공시동물은 1일령 육계 120수를 2주간 사육 후, 대조(CO, <TEX>$24^{\circ}C$</TEX>)와 고온스트레스 처리(<TEX>$34^{\circ}C$</TEX>)에서 타우린을 공급하지 않은 처리구(HO)와 타우린 0.1%를 공급한 처리구(HT)로 나누어 3처리 4반복, 반복 당 10수씩 배치하였다. 고온 스트레스는 3, 6, 9, 12일간 진행하였다. 최종 체중과 간 무게는 HO와 HT가 CO보다 유의적으로 낮았다(P<0.05). 그러나 타우린을 첨가한 HT은 HO보다 유의적으로 높았다(P<0.05). 육계 간에서 hsp70 발현은 HO가 CO와 HT보다 유의적으로 높았으나(P<0.05), CO와 HT는 유의적인 차이가 없었다. In vitro 실험에서 고온 및 타우린은 21일령 육계 간의 총 단백질 합성률에 영향을 미치지 않았다. 따라서 타우린 섭취가 in vivo 육계의 성장에서 고온 스트레스를 완화시키지만, 생체 내의 단백질 합성에 직접적인 영향을 미치지 않는 것을 보이며, 이러한 결과는 타우린이 다양한 생리학적 기전을 통해 단백질 turnover 대사에 간접적으로 영향을 미칠 수 있다는 것으로 사료된다. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of taurine supplementation on heat shock protein 70 and in vitro protein turnover in broiler chicks under chronic heat stress. Chicks were allocated into 3 groups of 10 birds per group; the control group was maintained at a temperature of <TEX>$24^{\circ}C$</TEX> without taurine (CO group), the heat-stressed group maintained at a temperature of <TEX>$34^{\circ}C$</TEX> without taurine (HO group), and heat-stressed group maintained at a temperature of <TEX>$34^{\circ}C$</TEX> with taurine (HT group). The final body and liver weights of broilers in the HO and HT groups were significantly lower than those of broilers in the CO group (P<0.05). However, these parameters of the broilers in the HT group were significantly higher than those of broilers in the HO group (P<0.05). The heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) concentration in the liver of broilers in the HO group was significantly higher than that of broilers in the CO and HT groups, but the hsp70 concentration in the liver of broilers in the HT group was not different from that of broilers in the CO group. Liver homogenates of 21 day-old broilers were incubated at temperatures of <TEX>$37^{\circ}C$</TEX> and <TEX>$45^{\circ}C$</TEX> to prove the effect of high temperature and taurine on total protein syntheses. Neither high temperature nor taurine supplementation affected protein syntheses in liver homogenates of the broilers. However, the more the temperature increased, the more the degradation rates of cytoplasmic protein in liver homogenates increased; however, taurine supplementation had no effects on the protein syntheses in the liver of the broiler. It is possible that taurine indirectly affected protein turnover via various physiological mechanisms.

The effect of volatile oil mixtures on the performance and ilio-caecal microflora of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effects of rosemary, oregano and fennel volatile oil (FVO) supplementation on the performance and ilio-caecal bacteriological flora of broiler chickens.A total of 800 male Ross-308 broiler chickens were divided equally into 8 groups; each contained 100 chickens. The study included a control treatment (NC) with no dietary additives that was supplemented with oils according to the following 7 treatments: 200 mg α-tocopherol acetate/kg (PC), 100 mg oregano volatile oil (OVO)/kg, 100 mg rosemary volatile oil (RVO)/kg, 100 mg FVO/kg and an equal mixture of oregano+rosemary+fennel VO (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, VOM-1, VOM-2 and VOM-3, respectively). The experiment lasted for 6 weeks.At the end of the experiment, dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol, oregano, rosemary and FVO and two different volatile oil mixtures (VOMs) (VOM-2; VOM-3) significantly increased the body weights (BWs) of broilers at 7, 14 and 21 d of age compared to the negative control (NC) (−) and VOM-1 groups. At 0–42 d, birds fed on VOM-3 were considerably heavier and also gained more weight than NC (−) and VOM-1 groups.The blend of VOs at 400 mg/kg significantly increased Lactobacillus spp. in faeces. The blends of oregano, rosemary and FVOs (VOM-3) at 400 mg/kg concentration and also VOM-3 group exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against coliform bacteria compared to the NC (−) group.In conclusion, the blend of oregano, rosemary and fennel VOs at higher concentrations (400 mg/kg concentration) in diets can be used to stimulate the growth and can improve the intestinal microbial balance (including a reduction of coliform bacteria and an increase in Lactobacillus spp. counts) of broiler chickens.

Influence of drinking water containing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel on growth performance, intestinal microflora, and humoral immune responses of broilers.

Aim:The risk of bacteria resistance to specific antibiotics possibly by continuous subtherapeutical administration of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry feed led to a ban on the use of AGP in poultry production. As a result of this ban, alternative substances for poultry growth promotion and disease prevention are being investigated, among which phytogenic and herbal products have received increased attention as natural additives because they have been accepted by consumers as natural additives. The effect of water supplementation of Aloe vera (AV) as an AGP substitute on performance, intestinal microflora, and immune responses of broilers.Materials and Methods:The five experimental treatments were allocated to four replicates. The following treatments were applied (1) a basal broiler diet (C) and normal drinking water, (2) 0.5% AV gel in drinking water, (3) 0.75% AV gel in drinking water, (4) 1% AV gel in drinking water, and (5) diet C supplemented with flavophospholipol at 4.5 mg/kg and drinking normal water. Vaccines against influenza disease and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) were administrated to immunological stimuli. The populations of Lactobacilli spp. and coliforms were enumerated in ileum.Results:Body weight of broilers supplemented with different levels of AV increased compared with control group (p<0.05). Birds supplemented with antibiotic had the best feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) in different periods. Supplementation of 0.5% and 0.75% AV improved F: G entire experimental period compared with control group (p<0.05). Coliform bacteria were reduced in broilers supplemented with different levels of AV or antibiotic (p<0.05). The Lactobacilli spp. population in birds supplemented with 0.75%, 1% AV or antibiotic significantly was higher than other groups (p<0.05). Supplementation with 1% AV led to greater antibody titers against SRBC compared with other groups (p<0.05).Conclusion:These findings demonstrated a possibility of supplementing broiler drinking water with 1% AV gel as an alternative for AGP substitution.

Response of Heat-Stressed Commercial Broilers To Dietary Supplementation of Organic Chromium

The responses of broilers to organic chromium (Cr) fed under heat stress were investigated. About 256 day old Cobb 500 broilers were divided into four dietary groups and fed iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets containing 0, 0.005, 0.010 and 0.015% organic Cr (yeast fermented) up to 35 days. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. Blood samples were collected at 22 and 34 days of age to determine serum parameters. On 35 days, 2 broilers from each replicate were slaughtered to determine carcass traits. Body weight and weight gain of broilers fed Cr were significantly increased at 21 and 35 days (P<0.01). Feed intake was not affected up to 21 days but increased in Cr groups (P<0.05) from 22 to 35 days. The lowest FCR was recorded for 0.010% Cr (P<0.01). A significant decrease (P<0.01) in abdominal fat were observed in Cr group. Antibody titer against Newcastle virus was increased (P<0.01) in both 0.005 and 0.010% Cr at 22 days. Heterophyl to lymphocyte ratio was decreased (P<0.01) in 0.010 and 0.015% Cr. It was therefore concluded that 0.010% dietary organic Cr supplementation may be used to improve productive performance and immune status with a reduction in abdominal fat content of broilers under heat stress condition.

Correction: Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Regulation of Gene Expression for Lipid Catabolism in Young Broilers by Butyrate Glycerides

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160751.].

Effects of dynamic segmentation of nutrient supply on growth performance and intestinal development of broilers.

This experiment was to investigate the effects of dynamic segmentation of interval nutrient supply phase feeding on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune organs indexes and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 320 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 4 feeding treatments, which included 4 interval nutrient supply phases as follows. Treatment A: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 14 d. Treatment B: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 7 d. Treatment C: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 3.5 d except that one nutrient supply standard was used for d 1 to 7. Treatment D: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 3.5 d including d 1 to 7. Each treatment was represented by 8 replicates with 10 broilers per replicate. The trial lasted for 42 days. Throughout the 42 d trial period, treatment A showed significantly higher average daily gain than treatments B and C (P < 0.05). The feed:gain ratio of treatment A was significantly lower than those of treatments C and D (P < 0.05). On d 28 and 42, body weight of broilers in treatment A was much higher than those of treatments B and C (P < 0.05). The slaughter rate of treatment A was significantly higher than that of treatment B (P < 0.05). Eviscerated percentage of treatment A was significantly higher than those of treatment B and D (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among 4 treatments in immune organs indexes (P > 0.05). The crypt depth of duodenum was significantly greater in treatments A and B than in treatment C on day 42 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V:C ratio) of treatment D was significantly higher than that of treatment A (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between treatments C and D in growth performance, carcass performance, immune organs indexes and intestinal structure (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed that the growth and carcass performance of broilers is the best for 14 days segmentation phase feeding, and 3.5 days segmentation interval phase feeding can promote small intestinal development of broilers. Dynamic segmentation of dietary supply fails to affect the immune function of broilers.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Regulation of Gene Expression for Lipid Catabolism in Young Broilers by Butyrate Glycerides.

Background & AimsButyrate has been shown to potently regulate energy expenditure and lipid metabolism in animals, yet the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of butyrate (in the form of butyrate glycerides, BG)-induced lipid metabolism at the level of gene expression in the jejunum and liver of broilers.Methodology/Principal FindingsTwo animal experiments were included in this study. In Experiment 1, two hundred and forty male broiler chickens were equally allocated into two groups: 1) basal diet (BD), 2) BG diets (BD + BG). Growth performance was compared between treatments for the 41-day trial. In Experiment 2, forty male broiler chickens were equally allocated into two groups. The general experimental design, group and management were the same as described in Experiment 1 except for reduced bird numbers and 21-day duration of the trial. Growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, serum lipid profiles as well as serum and tissue concentrations of key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism were compared between treatments. RNA-seq was employed to identify both differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and treatment specifically expressed genes (TSEGs). Functional clustering of DEGs and TSEGs and signaling pathways associated with lipid metabolism were identified using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) and DAVID Bioinformatics Resources 6.7 (DAVID-BR). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were subsequently conducted to further examine the expression of genes in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway identified by DAVID-BR. Dietary BG intervention significantly reduced abdominal fat ratio (abdominal fat weight/final body weight) in broilers. The decreased fat deposition in BG-fed chickens was in accordance with serum lipid profiles as well as the level of lipid metabolism-related enzymes in the serum, abdominal adipose, jejunum and liver. RNA-seq analysis indicated that dietary BG intervention induced 79 and 205 characterized DEGs in the jejunum and liver, respectively. In addition, 255 and 165 TSEGs were detected in the liver and jejunum of BG-fed group, while 162 and 211 TSEGs genes were observed in the liver and jejunum of BD-fed birds, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis with both IPA and DAVID-BR further revealed a significant enrichment of DEGs and TSEGs in the biological processes for reducing the synthesis, storage, transportation and secretion of lipids in the jejunum, while those in the liver were for enhancing the oxidation of ingested lipids and fatty acids. In particular, transcriptional regulators of THRSP and EGR-1 as well as several DEGs involved in the PPAR-α signaling pathway were significantly induced by dietary BG intervention for lipid catabolism.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that BG reduces body fat deposition via regulation of gene expression, which is involved in the biological events relating to the reduction of synthesis, storage, transportation and secretion, and improvement of oxidation of lipids and fatty acids.