Body Weight Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effects of a yeast-derived product on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of broilers

Yeast culture plus enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast cell wall (YC-EHY) contains crude protein, mannan-oligosaccharide, β-glucan and yeast culture. This study was carried out to explore the effects of dietary YC-EHY at different levels on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of broiler chickens. A total of 320 one-day-age male broiler chicks were allocated into 4 groups and were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg (the control group), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg YC-EHY for 42 d. Dietary YC-EHY improved average daily gain and feed efficiency during the starter, grower, and overall periods as well as average body weight of broiler chickens on 42 d (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed with YC-EHY quadratically increased jejunal sucrase activity on 21 d (quadratic, P < 0.05), and linearly and quadratically enhanced maltase activity on 21 and 42 d (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Supplementing YC-EHY linearly and quadratically enhanced jejunal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity on 21 and 42 d and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity on 42 d whereas decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) concentration on 42 d (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Consistently, the jejunal genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and SOD1 on 21 and 42 d, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and GPX1 on 42 d were enhanced by YC-EHY supplementation (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). The concentrations of jejunal immunoglobulin G (IgG) on 21 and 42 d and secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) on 42 d were linearly and quadratically elevated by supplementing YC-EHY (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Dietary YC-EHY quadratically increased jejunal IgG and IgM genes expression on 21 d (quadratic, P < 0.05), and linearly and quadratically enhanced the genes expression of IgG and IgM on 42 d (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05). Overall, this study indicated that supplementing YC-EHY could exert beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal antioxidant capacity and immune function in broiler chickens.

Optical Characterization of Alternaria spp. Contaminated Wheat Grain and Its Influence in Early Broilers Nutrition on Oxidative Stress

The aim of this research was the visual characterization and investigating the effects of Alternaria spp. contaminated wheat grains in the starter stage of broilers nutrition on productive parameters and oxidative stress. The research was divided into two phases. Bunches of wheat in post-harvest period of year 2020 was collected from a various locality in Serbia and Albania. In the first phase, collected samples were visual characterized by Alternaria spp. presence by color measurement methods. Gained results are conferred in the range of the color properties of grain color properties of Alternaria toxins. Wheat grain samples were significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) in terms of all measured color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Classification of field fungi in analyzed wheat grain samples showed that the significant field fungi were Rhizopus spp., followed by Alternaria spp., and Fusarium spp. In the second phase, biological tests with chickens were carried out during the broiler chickens’ dietary starter period in the first 14th days of age. At the beginning of the experiment, a total of 180-day-old Ross 308 strain broilers were equally distributed into three dietary treatments, with four replicates each. Dietary treatments in the experiments were as follows: basal diet without visual contamination of Alternaria spp. with 25% wheat (A1), a basal diet with visual contamination of Alternaria spp. with 25% wheat from Serbia (A2), basal diet with visual contamination of Alternaria spp. with 25% wheat from Albania (A3). The trial with chickens lasted for 14 days. After the first experimental week, wheat infected with Alternaria spp. in treatment A2 and A3 expressed adverse effects. The highest body weight of chickens of 140.40 g was recorded in broilers on control treatment A1 with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) compared to treatments A2 (137.32 g) and A3 (135.35 g). At the end of the second week of test period, a statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference in body weight of broiler chickens could be noticed. The highest body weight of 352.68 g was recorded in control treatment A1, with statistically significant differences compared to other Alternaria spp. treatments. The lowest body weight of chickens was recorded in treatment A3 (335.93 g). Results of feed consumption and feed conversion ratio showed some numerical differences between treatments but without any statistically significant differences (p &gt; 0.05). Alternaria spp. contaminated diet increased glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and decreased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) serum levels, respectively. Built on the achieved results, it can be concluded that the wheat contaminated with Alternaria spp. in broilers nutrition negatively affected growth, decreased oxidative protection and interrupted chicken welfare in the first period of life.

Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. Improved Performance of Broiler Chicken: A Review

Probiotic Lactobacillus sp. is considered a potential resource for improving the performance of broiler chicken in Indonesia. Administration of Lactobacillus sp. Probiotics could increase the Average Daily Gain (ADG) and body weight of broiler chickens by increasing intestinal villi permeability, so that nutrient absorption could be optimal. Use of Lactobacillus sp. in the ration is often combined with other probiotics, prebiotics, phytoadditives, and organic acids to support the feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Lactobacillus sp. also able to produce various bioactive compounds such as the enzyme manase which could be in symbiosis with mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) to increase the bodyweight of broiler chickens and bacteriocins that against pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Probiotic metabolic activity of Lactobacillus sp. could suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria by creating an acid digestive environment. In addition, immunity and hematological conditions such as erythrocytes, hematocrit, leukocytes, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were maintained well by Lactobacillus sp. supplementation in the ration. This review aims to highlight the potential of probiotic Lactobacillus sp to modulate broiler microbiome and metabolic status to enhance performance and health.

Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance, carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens

BackgroundThe objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals (HTM) on growth performance, carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals (STM). In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment. Four different treatments were tested according to a 2 × 2 factorial study design, where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high (80 mg/kg Zn) or low Zn dosage (20 mg/kg Zn). In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn. Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0, 10, 27 and 34, while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study (day 34). In addition, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome (day 34).ResultsThe results showed an improved (P < 0.05) body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM, regardless of Zn level, on day 27, while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency (P = 0.0542). In the overall study period, birds fed HTM had a higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM. The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics, however, feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher (P = 0.0171) breast meat yield, regardless of source. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds. Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum, specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM. This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta. Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn, the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae, Streptococcus, Clostridia, Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group.ConclusionsHTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens; and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.

Prediction of body weight with morphometric traits in some broiler chicken strains

Morphometric traits also called linear body measurements or conformation traits are important parameters in predicting body weight especially in commercial breeders and producers. Thus, the study was carried out to predict body weight of broiler using linear body measurement. In this study, a total of 270 day old broiler chicks comprising of 90 chicks each of Abor Acre, Ross and Marshal Strains were used. Data were collected on body weight using body measurements to include breast length (BRL), thigh width (TW), shank length (SL), keel length (KL), wing length and drumstick length (DL). The regression analysis was simple linear regression. The values of the coefficient of determination (R2) in Abor Acre, Ross and Marshall strains ranged from 89.8 – 99.8; 88.4 – 98.9; and 80.8 – 99.5 respectively with thigh width showing the highest % R2 value of 99.8% in week 2; 66.5 – 97.9; 60.3 – 80.4 and 28.6 – 72.3 respectively with breast length (97.9%) having the highest % R2 value. This showed that breast length was the best predictor of the body weight of the broiler in week 4; 38.5 – 100; 88.0 – 98.6; 17.0 – 94.8 with shank length (100%) showing a 100% R2 value. This showed that breast length was the best predictor of the body weight of the broiler in week 4; 38.5 – 100; 88.0 – 98.6; 17.0 – 94.8 with shank length (100%) showing a 100% R2 value in week 6; 76.9 – 96.3, 72.2 – 88.8 and 58.1 – 97.6 respectively with wing length recording the highest % R2 value in week 6; 76.9 – 96.3, 72.2 – 88.8 and 58.1 – 97.6 respectively with wing length recording the highest value (97.9%) week 8. The different strains had different coefficient of determination (R2) values above 50% with different linear body parameter at different ages of the birds, indicating that any of the linear body parameter could be used to predict body weight of broiler chicken although, accuracy of prediction increased with increasing R2 value. Amongst all the linear body parameters evaluated, the shank length of Abor Acres strain had highest R2 value (100%) in week 6. Thus shank length was the best linear body parameter with 100% accuracy of prediction, and may be useful criterion in estimation of growth and prediction of body weight.

Relationship between body weight and linear body measurements in the Cobb broiler chicken

The study was carried out at the poultry section of the Department of Animal Science farm, University of Education Winneba (Mampong - Ashanti campus, Ghana) from July, 2018 to September, 2018. Data were collected from fifty randomly selected and tagged birds. The data were collected weekly for eight weeks., Head length (HL), Beak length (BL), Body length (BL), Wing length (WL), shank length (SL), shank circumference(SC) and height(H) were taken randomly on five birds in each replicate at a day in every two weeks using tape measure and Vernier calipers. The data collected were analyzed using simple linear regression analysis. The results from the study indicated that, all linear body measurements were significantly (P&lt;0.01) effected for the model, intercepts and slopes of the regression lines with linear response with the best predictor of body weight indicated for shank circumference. It was concluded from the study that; linear body measurements could be used to predict the body weight of broiler chickens. It is recommended that in areas, especially rural areas, where weighing balance or scale may not be readily available, a tailor’s tape can be used to measure linear body parameters and thereafter used to estimate body weight of chickens from the predictive equation.

The Effect of Natural Additives On Microbiota and Body Weight On Broiler Chicken

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of natural additives (synbiotics) made from Lactobacillus casei and dahlia tuber extracts (LDT) and synbiotics made from Lactobacillus casei and garlic tuber extract (LGT) on the number of lactic acid bacteria and coliform in the small intestine and body weight of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty 1-day-old broilers were randomly placed in 20 experimental units for 3 weeks. The study used a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replications, each experimental unit consisted of 8 birds. The treatments tested were level of additives, T0 (control), T1 = LDT 1%, T2 = LDT 2%, T3 = LGT 1% and T4 = LGT 2%. The parameters observed were the amount of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and coliform in the small intestine and the body weight of the starter phase of broiler chickens. The collected data were analyzed for variance and if there was a significant effect, then continued by Duncan multiple region test. The results showed that used of LDT1% and LDT 2% no significantly affected on lactic acid bacteria, coliform and body weight of broiler chickens. Giving LGT 1% and LGT 2% significantly increased the amount of LAB in the small intestine and increased body weight, while the number of coliform was significantly lower than the control. The conclusion was that the natural additives LGT 1% and 2% could increase LAB, reduce colliform and improve the performance of broiler chickens.

PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS CHICKEN DUE TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF RAW PROPOLIS

The use of antibiotics as an Antimicrobial Growth Promoter (AGP) for livestock has been banned because antibiotic residues in livestock meat can trigger antibiotic resistance in consumers. Propolis is a natural source that has benefits like antioxidants, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the addition of feed from the optimal composition of raw propolis to increasing broiler chickens' body weight of broiler chickens. This study used broiler chickens as experimental animals. The chicken were grouped into six groups consisting of two control groups and four treatment groups with different level concentrations of propolis (2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg feed). After treatment for four weeks, supplementation of raw propolis in the feed had not been able to provide a positive effect on growth performance and protein levels that were not significantly different from controls. Group chickens with propolis additions 6 g/kg feed showed the best results compared to other treatment groups. The group had final weight values, food conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass weight in 1970.67 gram, 1.52, and 1349.83 gram, respectively. The highest percentage of the carcass was shown by group chicken with propolis additions 2 g/kg feed, which is equal to 74.46%. Raw propolis can reduce feed consumption but increase feed conversion ratio.

Effects of licorice extract, probiotic, toxin binder and poultry litter biochar on performance, immune function, blood indices and liver histopathology of broilers exposed to aflatoxin-B1

Probiotics, toxin binders, and plant extracts improve health and immunity of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin. The effects of licorice extract (LE), Protexin probiotic, toxin binder (Agrabound), and poultry litter biochar (PLB) in experimental aflatoxicosis were evaluated. In a completely randomized design, 504 broiler chickens were allotted to 7 treatments and 6 replicates with 12 broiler chickens in each. The experimental groups were as follows: T1) basal diet (B) without any feed additive or aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); T2) B + 0.5 mg AFB1/kg; T3) T2 + 3 g LE/kg; T4) T2 + 6 g LE/kg; T5) T2 + 0.5 g Protexin/kg; T6) T2 + 1 g toxin binder/kg, and T7) T2 + 5 g/kg PLB. Broiler chickens fed AFB diet (T2) had lower body weight gain at the end of grower period and higher feed conversion ratio at the end of the finisher period, whereas inclusion of LE, probiotic, toxin binder, or PLB restores body weight of broiler chickens to that of the control group. Aflatoxicosis decreased total protein, TG, albumin, Ca, and P concentrations and greater uric acid concentration in broiler chickens as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). As compared with the T2 group, inclusion of 3 mg LE/kg increased serum total protein; inclusion of 3 mg LE/kg, probiotic, and toxin binder increased TG; inclusion of 3 and 6 mg LE/kg, probiotic, and PLB increased serum albumin; and the whole additive decreased serum uric acid of broiler chickens comparing with the control group. Lymphocyte percentage, avian influenza antibody titer, thymus relative weight, and immune response to phytohemagglutinin were decreased in the T2 group, whereas heterophil percentage and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were increased (P < 0.05). Aflatoxicosis increased breast meat malondialdehyde concentration, liver enzymes activities, and number of fat vacuoles (P < 0.05). As compared with the T2 group, all of the additives lowered alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase activities, breast meat malondialdehyde concentration, and liver pathological damages (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that all of the additives are capable to decrease the negative impact of AFB1 on broiler chickens' performance, blood indices, and immunity.

Effect of indoor light on quail meat productivity

We investigated the effect of LED lamps and incandescent lamp bulbs on the productivity and slaughter quality of Pharaoh breed meat quaility. LED lamps had power output of 16 W, luminous flux of 1400 Lm, and color temperature of 4200 K. Incandescent lamp bulbs had power output of 40 W, luminous flux of 500 Lm, and color temperature of 2300-2900 K. From the 6th day of rearing the light, the intensity was 10-15 Lk within the level of live weight. We established a positive influence of LED lamps on quail slaughter qualities. The quails of experimental group (with LED lamps) had the advantages in terms of live weight (it was higher by 21.5 g or 8.23%, P> 0.999), the gains, feed conversion ratio (higher by 0.2 kg, or 5, 08%), quail liveability (higher by 4%). According to the results of the control slaughter, we admited a striking privilege in the level of slaughter weight and the eviscerated carcass of the poultry of the experimental group. The difference between groups is significant (P> 0.95…0.999). The advantages of the quails from experimental group towards the output of thigh muscles (higher by 0.02%), the drumstick muscles (0.12%), and the liver (by 1.02%) were obvious. The anatomical indices confirmed the influence of indoor lighting source on quali slaughter quality, i.e. the index of carcass food part and leg meat from experimental group were higher, the same was true with the indices of muscle and muscle breast of the quail of the control group with incandescent lamp bulbs. Keywords: Quails; LED lamps; Rearing; Productivity; Slaughter features References Cahaner, A. (1990). Genotype by environment interactions in poultry. Poultry Science, 81 (10), 1454-1462. Chu, T.T., Bastiaansen, J.W.M., Berg, P., Rome, H., Marois, D., Henshall, J. & Jensen. J. (2019). Use of genomic information to exploit genotype-by-environment interactions for body weight of broiler chicken in bio-secure and production environments. Genetics Selection Evolution, 51(50). Guidelines for the anatomical cutting of carcasses and organoleptic assessment of the quality of meat and eggs of poultry and egg morphology (2004). Sergiev Posad: VNITIP (in Russian) Kochish, I., Fedkina, T., Kovinko, V. (2010). Genotype, environment and productivity of broiler. Animal husbandry of Russia, 9, 11-12 (in Russian) Lewis, P.D., Morris, T.R. (1998). Responses of domestic poultry to various light sources. World's Poultry Science Journal, 54, 7-25. Lukanov, H. (2019). Domestic quail (Coturnix japonica domestica), is there such farm animal? World's Poultry Science Journal, 75 (4), 547-558. Manser, C.E. (1996). Effects of lighting on the welfare of domestic poultry: a review. Animal Welfare, 5, 341-360. Melnyk, V.O. (2015). Modern science on the effects of light on birds. Melnyk, V.V., Prokopenko, N.P., Bazyvolyak, S.M. (2019). Poultry farming in Ukraine: poultry and egg and meat production in 2018. Modern poultry, 3-4, 2-8 (in Ukrainian) Melnyk, Yu.F., Kovalenko, V.P., Uhnivenko, A.M. (2008). Selection of farm animals. Kyiv: Intas (in Ukrainian) Minvielle, F. (2004). The future of Japanese quail for research and production. World's Poultry Science Journal, 60 (4), 500-507. Mohov B.P., Krasota, V.F. (1998). Ecological and genetic assessment of the livestock system. Zootechniya, 1, 20-22 (in Russian) Nelson, J.R., Bray, J.L., Delabbio, J., Archer G.S. (2020). Light emitting diode (LED) color and broiler growth: effect of supplementing blue/green LED to white LED light on broiler growth, stress, and welfare. Poultry Science, 99 (7), 3519-3524. Olanrewaju, H.A. , Miller, W.W., Maslin, W.R., Collier, S.D., Purswell, J.L., Branton, S.L. (2018). Influence of light sources and photoperiod on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and health indices of broilers grown to heavy weights. Poultry Science, 97, 1109-1116. Shanawany, M. M. (1994). Quail Production Systems: A Review. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Sultana, S., Hassan, M.R., Chow, H.S., Ryu K.S. (2013). Impact of different monochromatic LED light colours and bird age on the behavioural output and fear response in ducks. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 12 (2013), e94, 573-579. Vakulenko, Yu. (2014). Influence of different light sources on the quality of products of laying hens. Animal husbandry of Ukraine, 8-9, 15-18 (in Ukrainian).

Feeding combination of Lactobacillus casei and extracts of dahlia tuber or garlic on intestinal bacteria, nutrients digestibility and performance of broiler chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of 2% synbiotic ( Lactobacillus casei + dahlia tuber extract/LEDT or Lactobacillus casei + garlic extract/LEGT) on intestinal bacteria, nutrient digestibility, and growth of broiler chickens. A total of 150 birds of one-day-old male Cobb broiler were randomly assigned into three groups of treatment with five replications (10 birds each). Dietary treatments applied were T0 = basal ration, T1 = basal ration + 2% LEDT, T2 = basal ration + 2% LEGT. Synbiotics were given to starter chicken (from 2 to 3 weeks old). Parameters observed were intestinal bacteria (total lactic acid bacteria/LAB and coliform counts), nutrients digestibility, and body weight. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and followed by Duncan test. The results showed that the population of intestinal LAB in synbiotic-treated birds significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased while coliform decreased as compared to control group. Protein and crude fiber digestibilities, and growth of broiler chickens given dietary inclusion of synbiotic either LEDT or LEGT were also significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than those fed control diet. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2% synbiotic LEDT increase body weight of broiler chickens through the improved balance of intestinal microbiota and nutrients digestibility.

Effect of Environmental Enrichment on the Body Weight in Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT The present study had the objective of analysing the impact of the use of environmental enrichment (music and light stimuli), broiler sex, and age in broiler chickens’ weight during growth. The observational study was carried out on a commercial farm. The environmental enrichment consisted of broilers’ stimulation by sound and light, and a house was kept without stimulus (control). The music stimuli consisted of different music styles and was played during the experiment to promote motivation for the birds. The light stimuli came from a coloured (red and green) LED strobe projector. Both stimuli were applied once a day for about 6 minutes, for five weeks. The broilers were weighed at the end of each week of growth. Throughout the growth period, broiler behaviours were analysed weekly through videos, and the leg disorders of the birds were put into score evaluations. The effects of the environmental enrichment type, gender, and age, and the probable interactions of these variables, on the weight of the broiler chickens were analysed by the comparative analysis of means, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey test of multiple comparisons. 7, 14, and 21 day old broiler chickens did not differ on body weight when compared with age, gender, and environmental enrichment (broiler house) (p>0.05). Males from 21 days of age had an increase in body weight when compared with females. Light enrichment presented the lowest body weight when compared with all studied houses, while the absence of enrichment presented the highest broiler weight.

Use of genomic information to exploit genotype-by-environment interactions for body weight of broiler chicken in bio-secure and production environments

BackgroundThe increase in accuracy of prediction by using genomic information has been well-documented. However, benefits of the use of genomic information and methodology for genetic evaluations are missing when genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) exist between bio-secure breeding (B) environments and commercial production (C) environments. In this study, we explored (1) G × E interactions for broiler body weight (BW) at weeks 5 and 6, and (2) the benefits of using genomic information for prediction of BW traits when selection candidates were raised and tested in a B environment and close relatives were tested in a C environment.MethodsA pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) multivariate model was used to estimate variance components and predict breeding values (EBV) of BW traits at weeks 5 and 6 measured in B and C environments. A single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) model that combined pedigree and genomic information was used to predict EBV. Cross-validations were based on correlation, mean difference and regression slope statistics for EBV that were estimated from full and reduced datasets. These statistics are indicators of population accuracy, bias and dispersion of prediction for EBV of traits measured in B and C environments. Validation animals were genotyped and non-genotyped birds in the B environment only.ResultsSeveral indications of G × E interactions due to environmental differences were found for BW traits including significant re-ranking, heterogeneous variances and different heritabilities for BW measured in environments B and C. The genetic correlations between BW traits measured in environments B and C ranged from 0.48 to 0.54. The use of combined pedigree and genomic information increased population accuracy of EBV, and reduced bias of EBV prediction for genotyped birds compared to the use of pedigree information only. A slight increase in accuracy of EBV was also observed for non-genotyped birds, but the bias of EBV prediction increased for non-genotyped birds.ConclusionsThe G × E interaction was strong for BW traits of broilers measured in environments B and C. The use of combined pedigree and genomic information increased population accuracy of EBV substantially for genotyped birds in the B environment compared to the use of pedigree information only.

Estimating the purebred-crossbred genetic correlation of body weight in broiler chickens with pedigree or genomic relationships

BackgroundIn pig and poultry breeding programs, the breeding goal is to improve crossbred (CB) performance, whereas selection in the purebred (PB) lines is often based on PB performance. Thus, response to selection may be suboptimal, because the genetic correlation between PB and CB performance (r_{pc}) is generally lower than 1. Accurate estimates of the r_{pc} are needed, so that breeders can decide if they should collect data from CB animals. r_{pc} can be estimated either from pedigree or genomic relationships, which may produce different results. With genomic relationships, the r_{pc} estimate could be improved when relationships between purebred and crossbred animals are based only on the alleles that originate from the PB line of interest. This work presents the first comparison of estimated r_{pc} and variance components of body weight in broilers, using pedigree-based or genotype-based models, where the breed-of-origin of alleles was either ignored or considered. We used genotypes and body weight measurements of PB and CB animals that have a common sire line.ResultsOur results showed that the r_{pc} estimates depended on the relationship matrix used. Estimates were 5 to 25% larger with genotype-based models than with pedigree-based models. Moreover, r_{pc} estimates were similar (max. 7% difference) regardless of whether the model considered breed-of-origin of alleles or not. Standard errors of r_{pc} estimates were smaller with genotype-based than with pedigree-based methods, and smaller with models that ignored breed-of-origin than with models that considered breed-of-origin.ConclusionsWe conclude that genotype-based models can be useful for estimating r_{pc}, even when the PB and CB animals that have phenotypes are closely related. Considering breed-of-origin of alleles did not yield different estimates of r_{pc}, probably because the parental breeds of the CB animals were distantly related.

Combination of a &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lactobacillus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;-Based Probiotic and Organic Acids Decrease Egg to Chick Weight Loss and Reduce &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Salmonella&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; spp. Counts in the Litter of Commercial Broiler Breeders

The effects of supplementing a blend of organic acids (OA) and a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based-probiotic on egg to chick weight loss (%) and Salmonella spp. recovery counts in the litter of commercial broiler breeders were examined in three independent trials during the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. In each trial, ten thousand birds were divided into two groups of 5000 birds (4500 females and 500 males in each group): Control non-treated group, receiving regular water or treated group, receiving OA and probiotic in the drinking water from 25 to 35 weeks of age. During the ten weeks of evaluation, one thousand fertile eggs or hatched chickens in each trial respectively, were evaluated to obtained, hatching set weight, transferred egg weight, and hatching chick weight, to estimate the difference between egg to chick weight loss (%). Besides, in trial 2 (2014) and trial 3 (2015), litter samples were collected to evaluate Salmonella spp. counts. The supplementation of OA and probiotic during ten consecutive weeks significantly decreased the egg to chick weight loss (%) when compared with the control non-treated groups in all three trials evaluated. Interestingly, at the end of the trials 2 and 3, no counts of Salmonella spp. in the litter were detected. In contrast, control-non treated groups resulted in 4.30 and 4.24 Log10 of Salmonella spp. in trials two and three respectively. The results of the present study suggest that supplementation of OA and a LAB-probiotic for ten consecutive weeks decrease the egg to chick weight loss (%) and reduce Salmonella spp. counts in the litter of commercial broiler breeders. Higher initial body weight in broiler chickens and reduction of Salmonella spp., clearly justify the use of the combination of these products, as alternatives to antibiotics.

Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E, zinc, and chromium supplementation on growth performance and hematological characteristics of broiler chickens

The study investigated the effect of supplementation of Vitamin E, Zn and Cr on growth performance and hematological characteristics of broiler chickens. The 240 day old Cobb 400 chicks were randomly distributed in eight groups consisting of 30 chicks in each. These chicks were kept on deep litter houses comprising of wood shavings. The supplementation of Vitamin E, zinc and chromium either individually or in combination improved the feed conversion ratio and body weight gain in broiler chicks. The body weight of broiler chickens at different age from day old to the 6th week were significantly different among treatments. The highest body weight was recorded in T8 groups. Heamoglobin, red blood corpuscles and white blood cells levels increased whereas heterophil: lymphocyte ratio statistically decreased with vitamin E, zinc or chromium supplemented groups either individually or in combinations.

Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on productive performance, carcass characteristics and organs of broiler chickens

In this work we aimed to determine the effect of different levels of green tea in powder form to feed on productive performance, carcass parameters and organs in broiler chickens. Totally 240 day-old broiler chickens Ross 308 were divided to four dietary groups (n = 60) namely control and three experimental groups with supplementation of green tea to feed mixture in levels 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Broiler chickens were feeding with commercial feed mixtures and feed and drinking water were provided ad libittum. The feeding period lasted 42 days. Individual body weight of broiler chickens was determined at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 day, feed sonsumption and mortality per group were determined at 42 day of fattening period. Carcass quality and organs weight of broiler chickens were determined at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that supplementation of different levels of green tea statistically significant decreased body weight gain and we recorded lower body weight in 21 days of age compared with control group. However, in second period of fattening, broiler chickens in experimental groups growing faster and in 42 days of age we found statistically no significantly differences among control and experimental groups. Feed consumption did not differ among the dietary groups at 42 days of fattening. Mortality no affected by supplementation of green tea to broiler chickens diets in comparison with control group. From the carcass parameters addition of green tea significantly decreased percentage of abdominal fat between control and 1.5% green tea level, in other parameters (percentage of breast, percentage of drumstick, carcass yield) were different among control and experimental groups not statistically significant. The caecum and small intestine weights was significantly (p ≤0.05) decreased in chickens fed diets containing 0.5% green tea supplement compared to 1% and 1.5%. For neck, crop, heart, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, kidneys, small intestine, caecum and large intestine weights among control and experimental groups we recorded no statistical differences (p ˃0.05).

Effect of Supplemental Trace Minerals on Hsp-70 mRNA Expression in Commercial Broiler Chicken

ABSTRACTThe effects of supplementing the organic forms of selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) on Hsp-70 mRNA expression and body weight in broiler chickens were evaluated. 200 chicks were equally distributed into stainless steel battery brooders at the rate of 5 birds per pen and reared under heat stress condition up to 42nd day. The chicks were fed with three experimental diets supplemented with organic forms of Se (0.30 mg/kg), Cr (2 mg/kg), and Zn (40 mg/kg) during the starter and finisher phases and a control diet without any supplementation. On the 21st and 42nd day, 20 birds from each period were sacrificed and samples were collected for analysis. Organic Se, Cr, and Zn supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the expression of Hsp-70 mRNA levels. The Hsp-70 mRNA expression levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the tissues studied with spleen having the lowest expression level. Hsp-70 mRNA expression level was not affected by age of the birds. The study concluded that organic trace mineral (oTM) supplementation resulted in low Hsp-70 mRNA expression, indicating reduced heat stress in broilers.

Broiler weight estimation based on machine vision and artificial neural network

ABSTRACT1. Machine vision and artificial neural network (ANN) procedures were used to estimate live body weight of broiler chickens in 30 1-d-old broiler chickens reared for 42 d.2. Imaging was performed two times daily. To localise chickens within the pen, an ellipse fitting algorithm was used and the chickens’ head and tail removed using the Chan–Vese method.3. The correlations between the body weight and 6 physical extracted features indicated that there were strong correlations between body weight and the 5 features including area, perimeter, convex area, major and minor axis length.5. According to statistical analysis there was no significant difference between morning and afternoon data over 42 d.6. In an attempt to improve the accuracy of live weight approximation different ANN techniques, including Bayesian regulation, Levenberg–Marquardt, Scaled conjugate gradient and gradient descent were used. Bayesian regulation with R2 value of 0.98 was the best network for prediction of broiler weight.7. The accuracy of the machine vision technique was examined and most errors were less than 50 g.

Body Conformation and Internal Organs Characteristics of Different Commercial Broiler Lines

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to determine body weight and dimensions, body conformation, length of the esophagus, length of intestine and its segments, as well as weight of internal organs and their proportions relative the body weight of broiler chickens from three commercial lines - Ross 308, Hubbard Flex and Hubbard F15. At the age of 42 days, Ross 308 chickens had significantly (p≤0.05) shorter trunk, but greater chest circumference and compactness index, as well as shorter esophagus and longer large intestine compared with Hubbard F15. The longest large and total intestine was found in Ross 308 broilers. Chicken genotype had no significant effect on the percentage of the main internal organs, i.e. liver, heart, proventriculus, gizzard, and spleen. In the analyzed broilers, the coefficients of correlation between body weight and dimensions and the length of the esophagus, small intestine, caeca and large intestine were low and not significant. This study provides information relevant to breeding practice, including that the development of internal organs in broiler chickens raised under intensive conditions has an effect on their meat characteristics.