Performance Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Enhancing effects of Aloe vera gel extracts on the humoral and cellular immune response and growth performance in broiler chickens.

The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens. 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water. The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity. This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance.

Effect of in ovo feeding of different level of vitamin B complex (B1, B2 and B12 ) on Hatchability, Production Performance, Carcass Characteristic, Blood Biochemical and Muscle Antioxidant of Broiler Chickens

Effect of in ovo feeding of different level of vitamin B complex (B1, B2 and B12 ) on Hatchability, Production Performance, Carcass Characteristic, Blood Biochemical and Muscle Antioxidant of Broiler Chickens

Utilization of Shea Caterpillar (Cirina butyrospermi) Larvae Meal as Organic Feed Resource for Broiler Chickens

Aims: The increasing feed cost of poultry production makes a search for suitable alternatives essential. A five-week study was conducted to determine the outcome of dietary shea caterpillar larvae meal (SCM) on growth performance, haematological and blood biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens. Study Design: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the experiment. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science Education (Poultry Section of the Animal farm) of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development, Asante Mampong, Ghana. The study lasted for five weeks. Methodology: Ninety 4-week-old sexed Cobb 500 broiler chickens were assigned to five dietary treatments with three replicates. Each treatment had 18 birds with 6 birds per replicate in a male to female ratio of 4:2. Five dietary treatments were formulated to replace anchovy at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with shea caterpillar larvae meal and designated as SCM0% (The Control), SCM25%, SCM50%, SCM75%, and SCM100% respectively. Data collected included proximate and amino acid analysis of shea caterpillar meal, growth performance, blood profile and cost benefit analysis. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance with General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS for windows, version 7). Results: The proximate and amino acids results showed that shea caterpillar meal contains 60.42 % crude protein, a crude fibre of 7.90 %, and 3306.76 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy as well as fifteen amino. There was a significant difference (P=0.05) among all the treatment means for daily feed and water intake, final body weight and total weight gain. For mean daily feed intake, SCM0% was similar to SCM25%, but statistically different from SCM50%, SCM75% and SCM100%. Birds fed dietary SCM25% (5134 g/bird) consumed more feed while the least was recorded from birds fed SCM75% (4615g/bird). Similar trend was observed for total water intake. Mean Final weight and total weight gain, birds fed SCM0%, SCM25% and SCM50% were similar, but statistically better than SCM75% and SCM100%. It was noticed that final weight and total weight gain decreases as the inclusion levels of shea caterpillar meal increases. The haematological and biochemical attributes were not significant except for red cell distribution width coefficient of variation and globulin respectively. The red cell distribution width coefficient of variation values of birds on all the treatments was similar and more than twice the value obtained for the control treatment SCM0%. The globulin values of the birds fed the control, were similar to SCM25% and SCM50% but were significantly different from birds fed SCM75% and SCM100%. Conclusion: It was concluded that the substitution of SCM for fish meal at a level not exceeding 50% had no detrimental effect but improved growth performance.

Impact of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), garlic (Allium sativum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on zootechnical performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broilers chickens

The study investigated the impact of incorporating a specific herbal blend comprising coriander, garlic, and fenugreek (CGF) at various levels on the zootechnical performance, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. The 42-day experiment involved 360 broilers (Cobb 500), organized into four distinct treatment groups. The dietary interventions included a control group consisting of a basal diet and the same diet was supplemented with CGF at rates of 1, 2, and 3%. Broilers receiving a 1% phytogenic mixture exhibited significantly increased live weight and carcass weight. Moreover, the digestibility of crude protein and crude fat significantly improved in broilers supplemented with a 1% phytogenic mixture. On the other hand, the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus showed a notable increase in broilers fed with a 3% phytogenic mixture. Regarding serum metabolites, the 1% phytogenic mixture group displayed significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The supplementation of the broiler diet with a herbal mixture of coriander, fenugreek, and garlic at a 1% rate resulted in improved growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestion, and lipid profile.

Effect of administering lactic acid bacteria (lactobacillus bulgaricus) as growth promoter on performance of broiler chickens at starter phase

The experiment was carried out at the poultry unit of the teachings and research farm, department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna to determine the effect of administering Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) as growth promoter to check the performance of broiler chickens at starter phase. 210 day old broiler chicks were used. The birds were randomly allotted to five treatment groups. Each treatment having three replicate with 16 birds. T was the control 1 with no LAB administered, T had LAB administered weekly, T had the probiotic 2 3 administered at one-week interval, T had LAB administered at week 1 and 4. While in T LAB 4 5 was given only once. The birds were fed locally formulated diet irrespective of treatment 6 while the LAB was administered through their drinking water at a concentration of 10 cfu/ml diluted into 4 litres of chlorine-free water at different intervals. At the end of the study, final weight and total weight gain were found to have significant (P&lt;0.05) difference at the starter phase, with T showing much performance. At the end of the study, it was deduced that lactic 4 acid bacteria can conveniently be used to improve performance of broiler chicken at the 6 starter phase when administered at concentration of 10 cfu/ml diluted into 4 litres of chlorine-free water. L'expérience a été réalisée dans l'unité avicole de la ferme d'enseignement et de recherche, département de production animale, école d'agriculture et de technologie agricole, Université fédérale de technologie de Minna, pour déterminer l'effet de l'administration de bactéries lactiques (LAB) comme promoteur de croissance sur vérifier les performances des poulets de chair lors de la phase de démarrage. Des poussins de chair âgés de 210 jours ont été utilisés. Les oiseaux ont été répartis au hasard dans cinq groupes de traitement. Chaque traitement comporte trois répétitions avec 16 oiseaux. T était le contrôle sans LAB 1 administré, T avait LAB administré chaque semaine, T avait administré le probiotique à 2 3 une semaine d'intervalle, T avait LAB administré aux semaines 1 et 4. Alors qu'en T LAB n'avait été administré qu'une seule fois. Les oiseaux ont été nourris avec un régime formulé localement quel que soit le traitement, tandis que le LAB a été administré dans leur eau de boisson à une concentration de 106 ufc/ml diluée dans 4 litres d'eau sans chlore à différents intervalles. À la fin de l'étude, il a été constaté que le poids final et le gain de poids total présentaient une différence significative (P &lt; 0,05) lors de la phase de démarrage, le T4 montrant de grandes performances. À la fin de l'étude, il a été déduit que les bactéries lactiques peuvent être utilisées de manière pratique pour améliorer les performances des poulets de chair lors de la phase de démarrage lorsqu'elles sont administrées à une concentration de 106 ufc/ml diluées dans 4 litres d'eau sans chlore.

Dietary supplementation of prebiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall promotes growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of yeast (S accharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall (YCW) supplementation on the growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biomarkers, liver function, ileal histology and microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). 2. In a 35-d trial, 240 chicks aged 1-d-old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with 10 replicates: control (CON) with no challenge or additives, challenged with C. perfringens (CHAL), CHAL and supplemented with YCW at either 0.25 g/kg (YCW0.25) or 0.5 g/kg (YCW0.5). 3. In comparison to CON, the CHAL birds had reduced growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), glucose (GLU), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), as well as a decreased Lactobacillus population (P < 0.01). Additionally, this group showed elevated levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and C. perfringens count (P < 0.01). Compared to CHAL, the YCW0.25 or YCW0.5 groups had improved growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of TP, GLO, GLU, and T-AOC, as well as the activities of T-SOD, GOT, and GPT, villus height, villus surface area, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the populations of both Lactobacillus and C. perfringens; (P < 0.01). 4. The data suggested that YCW supplementation at either 0.25 or 0.50 g/kg can restore the growth performance of broiler chickens during a C. perfringens challenge.

Changes in the bioactive compounds of sun-dried ginger rhizome and their effects on growth performance, blood profile, carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens

Changes in the bioactive compounds of sun-dried ginger rhizome and their effects on growth performance, blood profile, carcass and meat quality of broiler chickens

Influence of some cereal by-products on performance, carcass characteristics and blood profile of broiler chickens

An 8 week research was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood profile of broiler chickens fed sorghum offal, rice bran and cowpea shell as sources of fibre. Diet 1 contained wheat offal as the control, diet 2 contained sorghum offal, and diet 3 contained rice bran while diet 4 contained cowpea shell. The final weight of the birds fed the test ingredients showed that there was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference between birds fed T1 and T4. However, those fed T4 had the highest value (2.12kg) and the least final weight gain (1.49kg) was recorded among birds fed rice bran(T3). Similarly, no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference was observed in most of the cut-up parts parameters except for the back where there was with birds fed with cowpea shell (T4) having the highest treatment mean and T2 having the lowest treatment mean. There were no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences in packed cell volume, white blood cell and mean corpuscular haemoglobin of the birds. Significant (p&lt;0.05) differences were however observed in haemoglobin, red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume. There were also significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the total protein, albumin and globulin contents of the birds fed wheat offal (T1) having the highest value (6.20g/dl) while those fed cowpea shell (T4) recorded the lowest mean value for total protein. The same trend occurs in globulin where birds in T1 had the highest value for globulin and those in T4 had the least. Birds in T4 had the highest mean value while those in T2 had the lowest for Albumin. Therefore, birds fed T4 (cowpea shell) performed as good and in some instance even better than those fed wheat offal (control diet) (wheat offal) and as such recommended. Une recherche de 8 semaines a été menée pour évaluer les performances de croissance, les caractéristiques des carcasses et le profil sanguin de poulets de chair nourris avec des abats de sorgho, du son de riz et des coques de niébé comme sources de fibres. Le régime 1 contenait des abats de blé commetémoin, le régime 2 contenait des abats de sorgho et le régime 3 contenait du son de riz tandis que le régime 4 contenait des coquilles de niébé. Le poids final des oiseaux nourris avec les ingrédients testés a montré qu'il n'y avait pas de différence significative (p &gt; 0,05) entre les oiseaux nourris avec T1 et T4. Cependant, ceux nourris avec du T4 avaient la valeur la plus élevée (2,12 kg) et le gain de poids final le plus faible (1,49 kg) a été enregistré parmi les oiseaux nourris avec du son de riz (T3). De même, aucune différence significative (p&gt;0,05) n'a été observée dans la plupart des paramètres des parties découpées sauf pour le dos où il y en avait avec des oiseaux nourris avec des coques de niébé (T4) ayant la moyenne de traitement la plus élevée et T2 ayant la moyenne de traitement la plus faible. Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives (p &gt; 0,05) dans l'hématocrite, les globules blancs et l'hémoglobine corpusculaire moyenne des oiseaux. Des différences significatives (p &lt; 0,05) ont cependant été observées au niveau de l'hémoglobine, des globules rouges, de l'hémoglobine corpusculaire moyenne et du volume corpusculaire moyen. Il y avait également des différences significatives (p &lt; 0,05) dans les teneurs totales en protéines, albumine et globuline des oiseaux nourris avec des abats de blé (T1) ayant la valeur la plus élevée (6,20 g/dl) tandis que ceux nourris avec des coques de niébé (T4) enregistraient la moyenne la plus faible valeur pour les protéines totales. La même tendance se produit pour la globuline, où les oiseaux en T1 avaient la valeur de globuline la plus élevée et ceux en T4 en avaient le moins. Les oiseaux en T4 avaient la valeur moyenne la plus élevée tandis que ceux en T2 avaient la valeur moyenne la plus faible pour l'albumine. Par conséquent, les oiseaux nourris avec du T4 (coquille de niébé) ont eu des résultats aussi bons, voire meilleurs dans certains cas, que ceux nourris avec des abats de blé (régime témoin) (abats de blé) et sont donc recommandés.

Growth and gross margin of broiler starter chicks fed graded levels of watermelon peel meal as a substitute for wheat offal

The performance of broiler chicks fed graded levels of watermelon peel meals as a substitute for wheat offal was investigated using ninety-six 1-day old Amo broiler chicks. They were allotted to four dietary treatments with each having three replicates and 8 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment diets contained 0.0, 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75% dried watermelon and coded as DWMP0.0, DWMP1.25, DWMP2.5 and DWMP3.75. Ninety-six (96) two-weeks old chicks were randomly assigned into four (4) dietary treatments, each having twenty-four (24) birds, and replicated three (3) times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experimental diets contained 0.0, 1.25, 2.5 and 3.75% dried watermelon peels meal and coded as DWMP0.0, DWMP1.25, DWMP2.5 and DWMP3.75. Results obtained shows no significance (P&gt;0.05) difference in all the growth and economic parameters evaluated. Feed intake and weight gain which are indicators of growth were better in birds fed diets containing 2.5 and 3.75% watermelon peels. Gross margin analysis reveals that it is more economical to feed starter broilers with up to 3.75% DWMP. In conclusion, starter broiler chicks can be conveniently fed DWMP up to 3.75% for better growth and cost effective broiler production.

Growth performance, meat quality and hematological parameters of broiler chickens fed safflower seed.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of safflower seed (SS) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler birds along with the physicochemical, textural and sensory attributes of chicken meat. A total of 200 male chickens (7-days-old) were distributed into 5 groups (40 chickens in each) with 5 replicates of 8 chicks in a 42-day experiment. Each group was allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% SS. The experimental diets were formulated for starter (7 to 21 days) and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases. Inclusion of SS in the diet improved growth performances in treatment groups between 7 and 42 days. The highest and lowest body weights were observed at the 5% SS and 0% SS levels, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of breast and thigh meat were found (P > 0.05) except for crude fat. The crude fat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The inclusion of SS in the diet did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force of breast and thigh meat. There was no significant difference in the sensory parameters of cooked chicken meat with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in hematological parameters in the blood samples of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with various levels of SS for five weeks. These findings suggest that, SS may be used as an oil seed for broiler chicken feed.

Bone characteristics, pre-caecal phytate degradation, mineral digestibility and tissue expression were marginally affected by zinc level and source in phytase-supplemented diets in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study determined the effect of dietary Zn concentration and source in phytase-supplemented diets on bone mineralisation, gastrointestinal phytate breakdown, mRNA-level gene expression (in jejunum, liver and Pectoralis major muscle) and growth performance in broiler chickens. 2. Male Cobb 500 broilers were housed in floor pens (d 0-d 21) to test seven treatments with six replicate pens (12 birds per pen). Diets were arranged in a 2 × 3 + 1-factorial arrangement. The experimental factors were Zn source (Zn-oxide (ZnO) or Zn-glycinate (ZnGly) and Zn supplementation level (10, 30 or 50 mg/kg of diet). A maize-soybean meal-based diet without supplementation and formulated to contain 28 mg Zn/kg (analysed to be 35 mg Zn/kg), served as a control. 3. Zinc source and level did not influence (p > 0.05) bone ash concentration and quantity or mineral concentrations in bone ash. Tibia thickness was greater in the treatment ZnO10 than in the treatments ZnO30 and ZnGly50 (Zn level × Zn source: p = 0.036), but width and breaking strength were not affected. 4. Pre-caecal P digestibility and concentrations of phytate breakdown products in the ileum, except for InsP5, were not affected by Zn source or level. Only the expression of EIF4EBP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) and FBXO32 (F-box only protein 32) in Pectoralis major muscle was affected by source, where expression was increased in ZnO compared to ZnGly diets (p < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, Zn level and source did not affect gastrointestinal phytate degradation and bone mineralisation in phytase-supplemented diets. The intrinsic Zn concentration appeared to be sufficient for maximum bone Zn deposition under the conditions of the present study but requires validation in longer-term trials.

Lysolecithins improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant ability in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with lysolecithins (LPC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, immunity, and liver health in broiler chickens. A cohort of 240 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers of comparable weight was divided into four treatment groups, each comprising six replicates of 10 birds. The groups were defined as follows: positive control with recommended metabolizable energy (PC+ME), negative control with 90 kcal/kg reduced ME (NC+ME), PC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (PC+LPC), and NC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (NC+LPC). LPC supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio (P = 0.05) and a decrease in the proportion of abdominal fat and the liver (P<0.05). Digestibility of dry matter was also enhanced (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde concentrations in the liver were significantly reduced by LPC (P<0.01), with a noteworthy interaction between energy levels and LPC affecting this reduction (P<0.05). Serum levels of interleukin-6 were reduced on day 21, and both endotoxin and interleukin-6 levels were lower on day 42. Notably, a significant interaction was observed between the energy levels and LPC on relative liver weight and endotoxin concentrations in the serum (P<0.05). The study concluded that LPC positively affects growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and antioxidative capacity in broiler chickens, affirming its value as a beneficial feed additive in poultry nutrition.

MicroRNA expression and oxidative stress markers in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with phytobiotics composition

Phytobiotic compositions are commercially used in broiler production, mostly to improve general health and the production parameters. Moreover, some of their active substances may change the expression of miRNA in different tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the phytobiotic composition (PBC) containing white mustard, calamus, turmeric, and common ivy on production parameters, oxidative stress markers and expression of selected miRNAs in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on broiler chickens fed the control diet (without PBC), and a diet supplemented with 60 or 100 mg/kg of PBC for 35 days. After the experiment, samples (blood and muscle) were collected for analyses. The analyzed production parameters included: feed conversion ratio, feed intake and body weight. There was no effect on growth performance of broiler chickens but feeding diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased the expression of miR-30a-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-206, and decreased that of miR-99a-5p, miR-133a-5p, miR-142-5p, and miR-222 in pectoral muscle of chickens. The addition of 100 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased miR-99a-5p and miR-181a-5p expression, and caused down-regulation of the expression of miR-26a-5p and miR-30a-5p. Chickens fed diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg PBC had lower level of lipid peroxidation products in blood, while in the muscle tissue it was higher in birds fed a diet with the addition of 60 mg/kg as compared to the control group. The results suggest that this unique composition of phytobiotics does not affect productive traits but can change expression of miRNAs that are crucial for muscle physiology and pathology in broiler chickens. This additive may also protect against the oxidative stress but the effect is dose dependent.

Effect of inclusion of zinc-glycine chelate and zinc sulphate on live performance, immunity and lipid peroxidation in broilers

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) is a biologically significant trace mineral, serving as a cofactor in various metabolic functions. This study aimed to assess the relative effectiveness of organic and inorganic Zn on the growth performance, lipid peroxidation and humoral immune response in broiler chickens (Ross 308). A total of 450 d-old broilers were divided into five groups: the control group, a group receiving a basal diet with 50 mg/kg organic Zn (T1), another with 60 mg/kg organic Zn (T2), and two groups with basal diets supplemented with inorganic Zn at rates of 50 and 60 mg/kg zinc sulfate for the fourth (T3) and fifth (T4) groups, respectively. The experiment spanned 35 days. Results indicated that zootechnical characteristics such as weekly weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to both the control and the inorganic Zn supplementation groups. Additionally, the antibody titre against Newcastle disease was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 compared to the control and the inorganic Zn supplementation groups. In conclusion, broilers supplemented with 50 mg/kg organic Zn exhibited significantly improved growth performance, reduced MDA levels, and enhanced humoral immune response.

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis model may have a greater impact than dietary anti-interleukin-10 on broiler chicken systemic immunometabolic responses

Dietary egg yolk-derived anti-interleukin (IL)-10 may preserve broiler chicken performance during coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. infection while effects on secondary Clostridium perfringens (necrotic enteritis) are unknown. Some necrotic enteritis models implement Salmonella Typhimurium to improve repeatability; however, Salmonella upregulation of IL-10 may be a confounder when evaluating anti-IL-10. The study objective was to investigate anti-IL-10 effects on systemic cytokine concentrations and immunometabolism during E. maxima ± C. perfringens challenge in models ± S. Typhimurium. Three 25 d replicate studies using Ross 308 chicks were conducted in wire-floor cages (32 cages/ replicate) with chicks assigned to diets ± 0.03% anti-IL-10. 640 chicks (20/ cage; replicates 1 and 2) were inoculated with sterile saline ± 1×108 colony forming units (CFU) S. Typhimurium while 480 chicks (15/ cage) were placed in replicate 3. In all replicates, blood samples were collected on d 14 (6 chicks/treatment) before administering 15,000 sporulated E. maxima M6 oocysts to S. Typhimurium-inoculated (replicates 1 and 2) or challenge-designated chicks (replicate 3). Half the E. maxima-challenged chicks received 1×108 CFU C. perfringens on d 18 and 19. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 7, and 11 d post-inoculation (dpi) with E. maxima and 1, 3, and 7 dpi with secondary C. perfringens. Plasma cytokines were determined by ELISA while immunometabolic assays evaluated peripheral blood mononuclear cell ATP production and glycolytic rate responses. Data were analyzed with diet and challenge fixed effects plus associated interactions (SAS 9.4; P ≤ 0.05). Replicates 1 and 2 showed few immunometabolic responses within 3 dpi with E. maxima, but 25 to 31% increased ATP production and 32% increased compensatory glycolysis at 1 dpi with C. perfringens in challenged vs. unchallenged chicks (P ≤ 0.04). In replicate 3, total ATP production and compensatory glycolysis were increased 25 and 40%, respectively, by the E. maxima main effect at 1dpi (P ≤ 0.05) with unobserved responsiveness to C. perfringens. These outcomes indicate that model type had greater impacts on systemic immunity than anti-IL-10.

Fermented bamboo powder activates gut odorant receptors, and promotes intestinal health and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens

The present study investigated the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FPB) on gut odorant receptors (OR), intestinal health, and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens. Six hundred (600) healthy 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 2 groups, with 10 replicates consisting of 30 chicks each. The control group was fed a basal diet. In contrast, the experimental group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg FBP for 4 different phases, namely phase I (1-22 d), phase II (23-45 d), phase III (46-60 d), and phase IV (61-77 d), respectively. The first 2 phases were considered pretreatment (0-45 d), and the remaining were experimental (46-77 d) periods. The tissue samples were collected from phase IV. The chickens in the FBP supplementation group exhibited a significant increment in body weight gain, evisceration yield, breast, thigh, and liver weight, while also experiencing a decrease in the FCR (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the villus height, crypt depth, and villus area exhibited significant increases in the FBP group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the secretion levels of gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine were significantly elevated in the serum, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum tissues in the FBP group (P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR indicated that ORs had responsive expression in the gizzard, proventriculus, and small intestine of chickens when fed with the FBP diet (P < 0.05). Notably, the expression of the COR1, COR2, COR4, COR6, COR8, COR9, OR52R1, OR51M1, OR1F2P, OR5AP2, and OR14J1L112 genes was stronger in the small intestines compared to the gizzard and proventriculus. In conclusion, these results suggest that the FPB plays a crucial role in growth performance, activation of ORs, and gut health and development.

The Effectiveness of Utilizing Certain Ingredients that Enhance the Characteristics of the Old and Used Litter on the Productive Performance of Broilers

Research aims to determine if certain modifications can improve the quality of litter and the growth and health of broiler chickens. The trial used various litterimprovement agents selected for their antibacterial properties, moisture absorption, and ability to create a favorable environment for broilers. The study found that broilers raised on treated and reused litter performed considerably better than those raised on untreated litter. These additives reduced microbiological contamination and increased litter absorption, creating a cleaner environment for the broilers. Improved litter conditions also improved broiler development, feed efficiency, and health. Adding specific components to recycled litter may enhance broiler productivity. This benefits the poultry industry by providing a cost-effective and ecologically friendly way to maximize the use of aged and utilized litter and improve broiler performance. The research indicates that litter control is crucial for sustainable poultry production and the health and performance of broiler chickens.

Bromelain can reduce the negative effects of a subclinical necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of a bromelain-based supplementation coded ANR-pf on growth performance and intestinal lesion of broiler chickens under necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. A total of 540 Ross 308 day-old male chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments of 6 replicates. The bromelain formulation was delivered to chickens through gavaging and/or in drinking water method twice, on d 8 and 13. Non-challenged groups included (1) without or (2) with the specific bromelain formulation gavaged at 0.8 mL/kg. NE-challenged groups included (3) without the specific bromelain formulation; (4) gavaged with 0.4 mL/kg; (5) gavaged with 0.8 mL/kg and (6) supplemented with 0.8 mL/kg via drinking water. Birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens (NE-18 strain) on d 14 and 15. On d 14 and 19, fresh faecal contents were collected for the determination of oocyst counts. Intestinal lesion scores were determined on d16. Performance and mortality were recorded throughout the entire experiment. Among challenged groups, birds received additive via drinking water had higher weight gain (WG) compared to the remaining groups (P < 0.001) in the grower phase and had lower FCR compared to 0.4 mL/kg inoculated group in the grower and finisher phases (P < 0.001). Bromelain supplementation via drinking water improved the WG of challenged birds, similar to that of the non-challenged birds (P < 0.001), and lowered FCR compared to other challenged groups (P < 0.001). Non-challenged birds and birds that received bromelain formulation in drinking water did not have lesions throughout the small intestine whereas challenged birds, either un-supplemented or supplemented with bromelain via inoculation route recorded similar lesion score levels in the jejunum. At d19, birds received bromelain in drinking water had lower faecal oocyst numbers compared to challenged birds without additive (P < 0.001). In conclusion, bromelain administration via drinking water could ameliorate the negative impacts of NE-infection in broilers by improving performance, lowering the oocyst numbers and lesion scores.

Effects of dietary digestible amino acids and a novel exogenous sfericase protease on growth performance of broilers

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel exogenous sfericase protease on growth performance and ileal digestibility of broiler chickens until day 35 of age. In Exp. 1, 1350 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens and fed one of the three dietary treatments, with 18 replicates of 25 birds each in a completely randomized design. Diets consisted of positive control [PC; commercially relevant ME and balanced amino acids (AA)]; negative control (NC; with reduction of 6% dig. Lys and proportional reductions for adjacent AA compared to the PC), and NC supplemented with sfericase protease [30,000 New Feed Protease units (NFP)/kg]. On day 35, ileal digesta was collected to determine apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (N). In Exp. 2, 1620 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens having three treatments and 18 replicates of 30 birds each in a completely randomized design from day 1–35. Broilers were fed a control basal diet (Control); Control supplemented with sfericase at 30,000 NFP/kg and at 60,000 NFP/kg. In Exp. 1, from day 1–35, body weight gain (BW gain) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers improved 3.4 and 2.5% when diets were supplemented with sfericase, respectively, whereas the digestibility of N increased by 2.7% compared to the NC. In Exp. 2, diets with usual protein and AA levels and supplemented with 30,000 NFP/kg had 2.3 and 1.75% improved BW gain and FCR from day 1–35, respectively. When diets were supplemented with 60,000 NFP/kg, BW gain and FCR were enhanced by 3.9 and 3.2%, respectively compared to the Control. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the novel sfericase protease could be successfully used in corn-soy diets with protein and AA reductions or in feed formulations with usual digestible AA levels to enhance growth performance of broilers.

Investigating the effect of sesame meal replacement for soybean meal in diets with different levels of calcium and phytase enzyme in broiler chickens.

As a major part of the cost of broiler farms is related to their feed, breeders are looking for diets at a reasonable price. One of these affordable ingredients is sesame meal (SM), which can be used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in diets. This study aims to investigate the effect of replacing SBM with SM in diets with different levels of calcium (Ca) and phytase (Phy) during the grower (11-24 days), finisher (25-42 days) and whole phases (11-42 days) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood serum parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks were randomly dispensed to 12 dietary treatments with five replicates (10 birds per replicate) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 3×2×2 with 3 levels of SM (0%, 10% and 20%), 2 levels of Ca (standard (0.87% and 0.79% for grower and finisher phases, respectively) and 0.2% higher than the standard amount) and 2 levels of Phy (0 and 700FTU/kg diet). During the study, the significant effects of SM, Ca and Phy on the daily average body weight gain (DAWG) and daily feed intake (DFI) were observed, whereas for the feed conversion ratio, only the effect of SM was significant (p<0.05). During the finisher and whole phases, the SM and Ca levels influenced the DAWG and DFI, whereas the interaction between Phy and Ca was also significant for DAWG (p<0.05). The main effects of SM and Ca on the relative weights of breast, heart and liver were significant (p<0.05). Application of 20% of SM significantly reduced serum Ca concentration (p<0.05). Generally, the inclusion of more than 10% of SM in the broilers diet is not recommended. In addition, the use of Phy and Ca levels 0.2% higher than standard in broilers diet could improve the birds' performance.