Broiler Feed Research Articles

Unconventional Composite Feed Ingredients on Storage and Sensory Attributes of Chicken Meat

Aim: The present study investigated the effect of unconventional (Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta leaf and Brassica oleracea var. capitata leaves) Composite Feed Ingredients on storage and sensory attributes of chicken meat.
 Study Design: Quasi Experimental
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Production and Health Technology, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo-Ohaji, June 2020-April, 2021.
 Methodology: Arbor Acres broiler reared with unconventional composite feed ingredients, consisting of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% proportions of Homogenized Vegetable Meal (HVM) was used. After six weeks, the broilers were slaughtered, cleaned and stored in the freezer at the temperature of 30C. Nutrient Agar (NA), Mac Conkey Agar (MCA) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) were the media used for the determination of bacterial and fungi growth on chicken meats during storage. Sensory evaluation of chicken meats was determined after 14 days of storage.
 Results: The result revealed low (3.4x 105-8x105) microbial and fungi (2.1 x105-7 x105) growth on the chicken meat samples. There was no significant difference (P=0.05) in the sensory attributes (taste, colour, aroma and general acceptability) tested. The chicken meats were generally (7.6 -7.8) acceptable by the taste panel members after 14 days of storage.
 Conclusion: The inclusion of unconventional (leave) ingredients in broiler feed did not affect the storage of chicken meat, rather some sensory attributes (aroma and colour) of chicken meat were improved.

Modeling thermal inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium in mash broiler feed

Feed hygienics is of increasing concern for poultry producers. This project included 2 studies to investigate kinetic parameters for inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium in mash broiler feed heated at various temperatures. In study one, 2- and 5-g feed samples, contained in a sample bag, were inoculated with S. Typhimurium and submerged in a water bath heated to 90°C until internal temperatures of 75°, 80°, and 85°C were reached. In study two, 2-g of sample were inoculated with S. Typhimurium and submerged into a water bath set at 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, and 95°C heated for 0 to 180 s. Feed sample and water bath temperature were monitored by thermocouples. Thermocouple data demonstrated 2- and 5-g samples achieved a 5-log reduction of S. Typhimurium when internal temperature of feed reached 80°C and 85°C, respectively. D-values for linear and Weibull models were calculated for the 5 temperatures. D-values of the linear model were 6.70, 8.83, 12.05, 13.91, and 24.40 s, and D-values for the Weibull model were 2.27, 3.67, 3.95, 4.68, and 7.63 s when heated to 95°, 90°, 85°, 80°, and 75°C. Individual temperature datasets were further analyzed using GinaFit software. As heating temperature decreased, Double-Weibull and Biphasic models fit all the thermal data, indicating that Salmonella could have generated 2 subpopulations with different thermoresistance. Similar to other thermal inactivation models, this study demonstrates that linear, Weibull, Double-Weibull, and Biphasic models could be used to predict thermal inactivation of Salmonella in mash broiler feed. These data may contribute to establishing feed mill microbiological safety standards and reducing Salmonella contamination in broiler feed.

Optimization of compound feed for broiler chickens

Today, in the context of increasing demand for high quality agricultural products, it is very important to increase the productivity of poultry through the use of environmentally friendly feed products. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of active coal feed additive (AUCD) when applied in a dosage of 0.1% by weight of compound feed on gains in live weight and basic biochemical parameters of blood serum of broiler chickens of the Cobb-500 cross. (corrected some inaccuracy in the wording) AUKD was first used for feeding broiler chickens of the “Cobb-500” cross in the Krasnodar Territory in the summer. Setting up and conducting the experiment was carried out according to the methodology of scientific and industrial research on feeding poultry. The live weight of broiler chickens that consumed 0.1% of active coal feed additive by weight of compound feed significantly increased by 4.2% (p <0.01). As a result of the study, it was found that feeding AUCD to broiler chickens does not have a negative effect on the biochemical composition of blood serum.

Вплив різних джерел купруму в комбікормах на продуктивність курчат-бройлерів

Aimed to study the effective use of different doses of cuprum proteinate in the diet of broiler chickens, three groups of animals were formed with 50 chicks in each. Chickens from the 1st control group received cuprum sulphate as a part of compound feed, and animals from the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups received cuprum proteinate. The concentration of Cuprum in the feed in the 1st and 2nd groups was identical, and in the 3rd experimental group the amount of Cuprum was reduced by 25% compared to the control. During scientific and economic experiment, it was found that the replacement of cuprum sulphate with its proteinate with the same concentration in the feed has a positive effect on the average daily gain of broiler chickens, and therefore a live weight. Thus, the animals from the 2nd experimental group exceeded control analogues by 7.5% in average daily gain and by 9.4% in body mass at the end of the experiment. Reducing the concentration of Cuprum in the feed of chickens from the 3rd experimental group by 25% (the source of the microelement is cuprum proteinate) compared to the control also had a positive effect on the productivity of these animals. They exceeded control analogues in terms of average daily weight gain by 3.8%, and in terms of live weight by 5.8%. At the same time the direct correlation between animal productivity and quantity of the consumed feed was noted. Thus, broilers from the 2nd experimental group consumed more feed by 3.3% compared to control peers. The chickens from the 3rd experimental group exceeded controls by 1.5% in this index. Thus, cuprum proteinate is a more efficient source of Cuprum for broiler feed. The concentration of this microelement in the feed of these animals aged 5-21 days should be 18.2 g/t, 22–35 days - 16.8 g/t, 36–42 days - 12 g/t or 16.5 g/t on average during the experiment.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Serum Indices and Meat Quality Properties of Broilers FED with Acanthophyllum Bracteatum

Background: The present study investigated the effects of different levels of Acanthophyllum bracteatum powder (ABP) on growth performance, carcass parts yield, blood serum indices, and meat quality in Ross 308 broilers. Methods: A total of 240 one-day-old male broilers were allocated into six dietary treatments, with 4 replicate pens and 10 birds per each pen. Six levels of supplemental ABP, at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg of the basal diet, were randomly combined to different experimental units, randomly. Results: The findings indicated that the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were affected by supplementation of ABP at 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg (p &lt; 0.05) in the whole experimental periods. However, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not affected by the dietary treatments (p &gt; 0.05). It was also observed that the relative weight of abdominal fat decreased significantly by 2.0 g/kg ABP as compared to the control group (p = 0.038). Supplementation of ABP at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg decreased the total blood serum cholesterol (CHOL) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), as compared to the control group, significantly (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that incorporation of ABP into the diet, as a medicinal plant source, at 2.0 or 2.5 g/kg, might have some desirable effects on the productive performance, ileal microbiota, CHOL concentration and relative weight of the abdominal fat of broiler chickens. Keywords: Broiler chicken; Acanthophyllum bracteatum; growth performance; carcass yield; blood serum

Short communication: Pelleting increases the metabolizable energy of de-hulled sunflower seed meal for broilers

The study examined the effects of two methods of processing de-hulled sunflower seed meal (SFM) from the same batch of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seed meal was fed to broilers as meal (MSFM) or after it had been pelleted (PSFM) at 75 °C and 360 kPa pressure to pass through a 3 mm mesh. Three diets were prepared, namely a balancer feed (BF) and two diets containing 200 g/kg MSFM or 200 g/kg PSFM. They were fed to 30 pens (two birds each) with male Ross 308 broilers, from 8 to 21 days old, following randomization. Data were analysed by ANOVA. Two pre-planned orthogonal contrast tests were performed to compare overall differences between the diets containing SFM and BF and between diets containing the MSFM and PSFM. The BF had a very different nutrient composition from the complete feeds containing SFM so, as expected, there were differences in growth performance and nutrient retention. The diet containing PSFM had greater apparent metabolizable energy corrected for N retention (AMEn) and dry matter retention (DMR) than that containing MSFM. The use of the substitution method showed the PSFM had AMEn that was 18% greater than the MSFM (8.79 vs 7.47 MJ/kg DM). Under the conditions of the current study, incorporating PSFM in a mash broiler feed increased dietary AMEn compared with the same feed containing MSFM. Further studies are needed to identify whether the benefits of pre-pelleting SFM remain after this product has been incorporated in complete pelleted broiler feeds.

Protective effects of silymarin in broiler feed contaminated by mycotoxins: growth performance, meat antioxidant status, and fatty acid profiles.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of silymarin in broiler feed was able to mitigate the adverse effects of mycotoxin on growth performance, health status, liver oxidative stress, and meat fatty acid profiles. A completely randomized design with four treatments, four repetitions, and 15 chicks per repetition was used, with the following groups: (a) feed without additives (NoMyc-NoSil), (b) feed supplemented with silymarin (NoMyc-Sil), (c) feed contaminated with mycotoxin (Myc-NoSil), and (d) feed contaminated with mycotoxin and supplemented with silymarin (Myc-Sil). Growth performance, intestinal and liver health, and meat quality were assessed. The consumption of feed contaminated with mycotoxin delayed weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio; however, the addition of silymarin prevented these adverse effects on the chicken industry. Serum ALT activity was higher in Myc-NoSil broilers than in other groups. Intake of silymarin in healthy birds increased serum globulin concentration and reduced albumin concentration and ALT and AST serum activities compared to the Myc-NoSil group. The NoMyc-Sil birds had greater villus heights and crypt depths. Luminosity and water loss by cooking were affected by mycotoxin ingestion, changes that did not occur in the meat of birds that were supplemented with silymarin. The sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the meat did not change among treatments, unlike the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids higher in the meat of birds that consumed silymarin. We conclude that silymarin is a potential additive in broiler feed; it reduces impairment of growth performance at the end of the productive cycle, prevents oxidative stress, improves meat quality, and increases polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Starter and carryover effects of feeding varied feed form (FF) and feed quality (FQ) from 0–18 d on performance and processing for two broiler strains

Previous research in our laboratory demonstrated that feeding broiler chicks crumbles of 2,200 to 3,736 µm improved starter performance, suggesting chicks may be able to consume larger particles, even pellets, earlier than perceived. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of 0 to 18 d variations in feed form (FF; crumble or intact pellets [IP]) and feed quality (FQ; low, medium, high) on starter performance utilizing 2 different genetic strains (GS; high yielding [HY] or fast growing [FG]). Starter FF and FQ carryover effects were also examined by feeding common pelleted diets for the remainder of the grow-out phases and measuring d 62 performance and d 63 processing. Day 0 to 18 FF and FQ interacted, whereas birds fed crumbles had the highest BW and BWG, regardless of crumble FQ; birds fed IP achieved increased weights when FQ was highest, similar to birds fed crumbles. Examining the carryover effects, 0 to 32 d FCR was improved by providing high FQ crumbles (3,388 µm). Overall data (d 0–62) demonstrated no significant differences for measured performance variables. Interactive differences were found for d 63 breast yield (BY), dependent on the FF and FQ presented from d 0 to 18 for each GS. In particular, HY strains demonstrated improved BY if fed low FQ crumbles or high FQ IP, whereas FG broilers demonstrated similar yields, regardless of FF and FQ. These data suggest that the length of the grow out is important when determining which FQ and FF to present in the starter growth phase.

​Effect of Feeding Corn Gluten Meal in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Commercial Broiler Chicken

Background: The productivity and profitability of commercial broiler largely depend on nutrition and growth performance and, therefore, this industry requires high quality protein sources, such as Corn Gluten meal (CGM). Many studies have been conducted on protein quality changes and other nutritional characteristics of CGM in several countries Corn gluten meal contains around 60% CP and is a byproduct of wet milling of corn, most of which is used for manufacture of high fructose corn syrup and corn flour. Being high in crude protein, it is often compared to animal protein ingredients during feed formulation. Thus, this study was intended to evaluate the effect of feeding corn gluten meal in feed ration on growth performance of commercial broiler chicken. Methods: A feeding trial was conducted in the year 2018 with an objective to assess the effect of feeding corn gluten meals (CGM) in broiler chicken. Six hundred broiler chickens (day old) were randomly allotted to three groups, comprising of fifty broiler chickens in each treatment group with four replicates. The group-I (T1) Broiler chicken were fed with composite diet containing 5% Corn Gluten meal where as Group-II (T2) received composite diets comprising of CGM 10%. The Group-III (T3) served as control group with normal broiler diet. The experimental period lasted for six weeks. Weekly body weight and feed consumption were measured in each group. Result: Diet composite of 10% of corn gluten meal had significantly (P≤0.05) higher weight gain, lower feed intake and improved FCR than T1 and T3 group. CGM supplementation can be ideally improved broiler weight gain, feed consumption and FCR.

Cassava by-products as an alternative feed for broilers

Cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) is a plant originally from South America, mainly from the Amazon region, which has been cultivated in several countries due to its wide adaptation. The industries concerned with the processing of cassava for the manufacture of flour and starch, located mainly in the south and southeast of Brazil, generate solid and liquid residues with a high polluting capacity, which has resulted in a great impact on the environment. Currently, animal production suffers from the high cost of food, mainly due to the fluctuation of grain prices in the market. As a way of reducing environmental pollution and animal production costs, there is the use of residues from cassava processing in animal feed. This bibliographic review aims to highlight the use of the main by-products of the cassava processing industry, as a substitute for corn, in the broiler feed.

The effect of herbal supplements on development of internal organs and chemical composition of broilers muscles

The present article presents data on effectiveness of adding a phytobiotic feed additive into the diet of broiler chickens, either additionally or replacing the feed antibiotic in the chicken fodder. It has been established that the introduction of a phytobiotic feed additive into the broilers’ diet, both additionally and by replacing the feed antibiotic, provided positive effect on poultry meat quality and gave no negative effect on development of internal organs. By the end of fattening the relative weight of heart, lungs, kidneys, gizzard and intestines in broilers, which consumed the antibiotics-free diet with addition of researched preparation, was higher than in the control group and in the 1st experimental group. At the same time the length of the intestine in researched group significantly exceeded the control group parameters. These changes ranged within the physiological norm, which may indicate the best detoxification capabilities of the chicken body and the activation of enhanced intestinal absorption function. Additional use of the experimental feed additive in formulation of feed for broiler chickens was accompanied by a decrease in total amount of amino acids in broilers’ pectoral and leg muscles within acceptable physiological limits. At the same time, a significant decrease, compared with the control parameters, was noted in relation to content of histidine and isoleucine in pectoral muscles, and content of proline in leg muscles. The use of the researched additive as a substitute for a feed antibiotic in composition of mixed feed for broilers decreased the total amount of amino acids in broilers’ breast muscle, compared with the control group, and increased level of amino acids in leg muscles. The significant decrease in content of histidine and arginine in the pectoral muscles and proline in the leg muscles was noted. The observed changes varied within acceptable physiological norm. In the experimental groups the energy value of meat was increased.

The Productivity of Non-AGP Broiler Small-Holder Businesses Based on Production, Economy and Social Demography

The study investigated the productivity of smallholder broiler farming with and without AGP to identify the difference between the utilization and absence of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) incorporated into the broiler feed based on production (feed efficiency and cumulative performance index), economy (farming capacity and income), and socio-demography (farmers’ education background, age, farming experience, and farming motivation) in Central Java Province. The study was conducted through a survey of broiler farmers in one partnership company. The data analysis included analysis of variance based on a stratified GLM (general linear model) and correlation analysis. The result did not identify significant differences in the production aspects in either AGP or non-AGP farming, among different regencies, and farm size. In 2018, when farms stop using the AGP, the farm production is better than in 2017 when the AGP was used. Based on the economic aspect, the AGP and non-AGP administration did not affect farming capacity and income. The socio-demographic aspect showed that education significantly affected the success of broiler farming, while farmers’ age, farming experience, and farming motivation did not affect the production of broiler farming. The result of correlation analysis showed that education background contributed to feeding efficiency and cumulative performance index. The conclusions are (1) broilers fed with either AGP or non-AGP containing feed showed relatively similar performance, (2) the government policy on the prohibition of AGP does not contribute to the decrease of farmers’ income and (3) the demographic aspect affecting the success of the broiler farming business is the farmers’ education level.

Pengaruh Probiotik Bakteri Asam Laktat dalam Air Minum Terhadap Konversi Pakan Ayam Broiler

This study aimed to determine the effect of probiotics of lactic acid bacteria in drinking water on feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens. This research is an experimental research. The experimental animals used in this study were 28 male broiler chickens strain Cobb 700 aged 20 days. P0 was not given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, P1 was given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus in 1ml/liter drinking water, P2 was given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei in drinking water 1ml/liter, P3 was given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum in drinking water 1ml/liter, P4 was given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum in drinking water 1ml/liter, P5 was given the addition of probiotic lactic acid bacteria Pediococcus in drinking water 1ml/liter, P6 was given the addition of probiotic mix lactic acid bacteria in drinking water 1ml /liter. Collecting data for the last 1 week by weighing the remaining consumption of feed given and weight gain of broiler chickens. The data obtained were analyzed using the Analysis of Variant (ANOVA) statistical method and continued with Duncan. Based on the results of the calculation of the amount of feed consumption and weight gain in broiler chickens, it showed that the administration of probiotic lactic acid bacteria 1ml/liter of water in broiler chickens could increase body weight gain, reduce feed conversion rates but did not reduce broiler feed consumption (p&lt;0.05).

Assessing the potential use of a feed additive based on biochar on broilers feeding upon productive performance, pH of digestive organs, cecum fermentation and bacterial community

This study was conducted to assess the influence of supplementing broiler diets with a commercial biochar on productive performance, pH of digestive organs, cecum short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile and bacterial community. 720 one day-old male Ross 308 broilers were fed with the following diets at starter (1–21 days) and grower-finisher period (22–42 days): control diet (0 g/kg of inclusion on diet of biochar, CTR) or 30 g/kg of inclusion of biochar. Regarding performance results, at the starter period animals fed a diet with biochar showed lower daily weight gain (DWG, P = 0.045) and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR, P = 0.034) but similar feed intake (FI, P = 0.928) compared to CTR. At the grower-finisher period, feeding broilers with biochar promoted an increase on DWG (P < 0.001) and a reduction on FCR (P < 0.001) with similar FI (P = 0.579) compared to CTR. For the entire period of feeding, animals fed with biochar showed an increased DWG (P < 0.001), body weight (P < 0.001) and European production efficiency factor (P < 0.001), a reduced FCR (P < 0.001) and a similar FI (P = 0.577) compared to CTR. Regarding digesta pH of digestive organs the pH of digesta of crop (P = 0.834), proventriculus (P = 0.846), gizzard (P = 0.850), ileum (P = 0.750) or cecum (P = 0.467) were not affected by biochar. Animals fed with biochar showed increased acetic (P = 0.011) and caproic (P = 0.003) contents, and similar propionic (P = 0.724), butyric (P = 0.568), isobutyric (P = 0.436), valeric (P = 0.898) and isovaleric (P = 884) contents compared to CTR. Biochar did not influence cecal bacterial species richness and diversity but altered community structure by increasing relative abundance of [Ruminococcus], Ruminococcus, Blautia and undefined genera (family Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Erysipelotrichaceae) and decreasing Lactobacillus, Coprococcus, Desulfotomaculum, Oscillospira, Clostridium (family Clostridiaceae) and undefined genera (families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae). In conclusion although the inclusion on diet of 30 g/kg biochar reduced the productive performance during the starter phase, an enhanced growth of animals during the grower-finisher period was observed, resulting in a greater performance and efficiency of production for the entire cycle without affecting the pH of digestive organs and increasing acetate contents in the caecum. The greater performance could be explained by minor microbiota shifts observed at OTU (Operational Taxonomic Unit) level without disturbing the native beneficial intestinal bacteria as expressed by the retained richness and diversity of the broilers caecal microbiota.

Application of Apparent Metabolizable Energy versus Nitrogen-Corrected Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Poultry Feed Formulations: A Continuing Conundrum

Simple SummaryDespite some limitations, the metabolizable energy system has been extensively used for describing the available energy in ingredients and for formulating complete poultry feeds. Three methods, namely direct, difference (substitution), and regression, or modifications thereof, have been employed to measure the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of feeds and ingredients for poultry. The AME of feed ingredients are often corrected for zero nitrogen (N) retention to estimate the N-corrected AME (AMEn). Although the need for N-retention corrections has been intensely debated and challenged ever since the advent of the AME system, no definitive conclusion has been reached and the majority of poultry diets today are formulated to meet the requirements for AMEn rather than AME. There is limited information on the effect of zero N-retention correction on the energy value of major protein sources. The aim of this investigation was to understand the consequences of correction to zero N retention to the energy values of samples of several protein sources differing in protein quality. Based on the data presented herein, correcting AME values to zero N retention for modern fast-growing broilers penalizes the energy value of all major protein sources and is of higher magnitude for ingredients with higher protein quality.In the present investigation, N retention, AME, and AMEn data from six energy evaluation assays, involving four protein sources (soybean meal, full-fat soybean, rapeseed meal and maize distiller’s dried grains with solubles [DDGS]), are reported. The correction for zero N retention, reduced the AME value of soybean meal samples from different origins from 9.9 to 17.8% with increasing N retention. The magnitude of AME penalization in full-fat soybean samples, imposed by zero N correction, increased from 1.90 to 9.64% with increasing N retention. The Δ AME (AME minus AMEn) in rapeseed meal samples increased from 0.70 to 1.09 MJ/kg as N-retention increased. In maize DDGS samples, the correction for zero N retention increased the magnitude of AME penalization from 5.44 to 8.21% with increasing N retention. For all protein sources, positive correlations (p < 0.001; r = 0.831 to 0.991) were observed between the N retention and Δ AME. The present data confirms that correcting AME values to zero N retention for modern broilers penalizes the energy value of protein sources and is of higher magnitude for ingredients with higher protein quality. Feed formulation based on uncorrected AME values could benefit least cost broiler feed formulations and merits further investigation.

Broiler feed formulated with phosphorus, calcium, and energy deficiencies supplemented with exogenous enzymes

Three experiments were carried out to verify the effects of the enzyme phytase, alone or combined with an enzyme complex, in diets deficient in available phosphorus (AP), calcium (Ca), and metabolizable energy (ME) on broiler performance, ME, and dietary amino acid digestibility. A total of 1,538 male Cobb 500 broilers were allocated to the three experiments, each of which consisted of five treatments: positive control (PC; basal ration); negative control 1 (NC1; PC minus 0.15% of AP, 0.16% of Ca, and 68 kcal kg-1 ME); negative control 2 (NC2; PC minus 0.15% of AP, 0.16% of Ca, and 101 kcal kg-1 of ME); NC1 plus phytase; and NC2 plus phytase plus enzymatic complex. Body weight gain (WG) and feed intake were measured from 1-21 days and from 1-42 days, and the corrected feed conversion rate (FCR) for mortality was calculated. In the second and third experiments, the apparent ME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and standardized digestibility of amino acids, respectively, were determined, for the diets supplemented with phytase and the enzymatic complex. In the first experiment, enzyme supplementation increased (p &lt; 0.05) WG at 21 days and 42 days relative to the negative controls. Phytase inclusion improved (p &lt; 0.05) FCR at the initial phase compared to the NC1 diet. In the second experiment, enzyme supplementation did not affect (p &gt; 0.05) AMEn. In the third experiment, both enzyme treatments improved (p &lt; 0.05) the digestibility of amino acids in the supplemented diets compared to the deficient diets. Supplementation with phytase and carbohydrases preserves the performance of broilers fed diets deficient in AP, Ca, and ME and improves amino acid digestibility.

A New Approach to Protein Requirements in Broiler Feeding: Insects

Ülkemiz hayvancılığının gelişmesinde etkili olan sektörlerden biri de kanatlı sektörüdür. Sektörde ilerleyebilmek için yüksek verimli ırkların kullanılması yanında hayvanların besin madde ihtiyaçları yönünden yeterli ve dengeli diyetlerle beslenme zorunluluğu vardır. Bu zorunluluk kanatlı hayvanların sindirim sistemi fizyolojik yapısından kaynaklanmakta ve sindirimi daha kolay ve esansiyel besin maddelerince zengin ham maddelerin kullanımını gerekli kılmaktadır. Kanatlıların tüketimine sunulan karma yem tüm besin maddelerini içeren ham maddelerin toplamından oluşmaktadır. Bu nedenle karma yemlerinin hazırlanmasında gereksinim duyulan enerji ve protein kaynaklarının sürdürülebilir şekilde diyete ilave edilmesi oldukça önemlidir. Ülkemiz, değerli protein kaynakları açısından kendi kendine yetebilen bir ülke konumunda olmadığından bu kaynakları dışarıdan almak zorundadır. Kanatlı diyetlerinin protein açığının kapatılmasında, diyetin temelini oluşturan bitkisel ve hayvansal protein kaynaklarına alternatif yeni ham madde arayışı devam etmektedir. Bu alternatif kaynaklardan birisi de böceklerdir.

PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF BROILER CHICKENS AND THEIR PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF NATURAL CAROTENOIDS AND PHOSPHATASE ENZYMES

The study found that poultry production efficiency increases and product quality improves under the influence of in-house feed mixture with the addition of bioactive substances, namely complete enzyme biocatalyst complex PKB PLUS with paprika extract as a natural carotene-containing component in broiler feed. As a result, we get environmentally friendly products by giving up feed containing antibiotics and growth hormones. Key words: bioactive substances, enzymes, dressed broiler chickens, carotenoids, conversion, feed.

Effects of fully or partially slatted flooring designs on the performance, welfare and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fully (FSF) or partially (PSF) flooring designs on animal-based welfare indicators in a fast-growing broiler genotype. Growth performance and carcass characteristics were assessed. 2. One-d-old male chicks were randomly assigned to three groups: fully slatted flooring (100% slatted floor), partially slatted flooring (50% litter floor and 50% slatted floor) and conventional floor pens with litter (control, 100% deep litter) with 5 replicates of 14 male chicks. The litter was rice hull, as is usual in practice. 3. Measurements of live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality and performance index were collected before depopulation at 42 d old. Welfare assessments were done by individual ante- and post-mortem carcass inspection during depopulation and after slaughter. 4. Broiler live body weight (P < 0.03) and feed intake (P < 0.003) and ante-mortem welfare indicators (P < 0.001) were positively affected by FSF and PSF compared to the conventional deep litter system. Post-mortem lesion scores on wings and shoulder were similar in all floor types but there were significant differences for the lesions on breast (P < 0.003) and pygostyle (P < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, FSF and PSF resulted in higher body weights, while reducing incidence of foot pad and hock joint deformations in live animals.

Impacts of Supplementing Broiler Diets with Biological Curcumin, Zinc Nanoparticles and Bacillus licheniformis on Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Indices, Meat Quality and Cecal Microbial Load.

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) as well as Bacillus licheniformis (Bl) supplementation on broiler growth, chemical blood indices, and cecal microbes. The results showed considerable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi with ZnNPs and CurNPs supplementations. At the same time, ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl improved broiler performance, carcass traits, meat quality traits, and some blood indices. Therefore, the inclusion of ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl is recommended for broiler feeding regimens to improve the performance and health status.The current study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs), and Bacillus licheniformis (Bl) on the growth, carcass, blood metabolites, and the count of some cecal microorganisms of Indian River (IR) broilers. Chicks were allotted into seven experimental groups: control group, 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups were given diets enriched with ZnNPs, CurNPs and Bl (3.0, 5.0 and 2.0 cm3/kg diet, respectively). The 4th, 5th and 6th groups were given diets supplemented with ZnNPs (3.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZP); ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) (ZC) and ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZCP) cm3/kg diet, respectively. The results revealed that ZnNPs and CurNPs exhibited a considerable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. They also inhibited the growth of microbes in a range of 50–95 µg/mL. The diet supplemented with ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl increased the body weight compared to the control after five weeks of age. Additionally, values of daily feed intake increased in these groups; however, the feed conversion ratio decreased. All values of carcass traits were better than that of the control. The treatments led to decreased abdominal lipids compared to the control. The activity of liver enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased in the treated groups. In a converse trend, the levels of oxidative enzymes, amylase, protease, lipase and immunoglobulin were higher than that of the control. Meat quality properties were improved and cecal microbial counts were decreased. In conclusion, the ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl improved the broiler’s weights, carcass traits, meat quality traits, as well as some blood indices and cecal microbial load. Therefore, the inclusion of ZnNPs, CurNPs, or Bl is recommended for broiler feeding regimens to improve the performance and health status.