Broiler Feed Research Articles

The efficacy of prebiotic supplementation in mitigating heat stress and improving the survival of antibiotic-free broilers’ production in hot climates

BackgroundBangladesh is a hot tropical country, and various antibiotics have been included in broiler feed for many years to manage, prevent, and treat illnesses and improve production performance, like many other developing countries. This study mainly evaluates the efficacy of prebiotic supplementation in mitigating heat stress and improving the survival of antibiotic-free broiler production in hot climates.Materials and methodsA cocktail of banana peel, papaya peel, and watermelon rind was used as a prebiotic. A total of 350 one-day-old chicks (Ross-308) were allotted into five treatment groups each with 7 replicates: T1 (prebiotics, 15 ml/L), T2 (commercial probiotics Lactolase P, 1 g/L), T3 (synbiotics, 7.5 ml/L prebiotics + 0.5 g/L probiotics), T4 (freshwater), and T5 (antibiotics, 1 g/L). Besides other treatments, the aqueous extracts of banana peels, papaya peels, and watermelon rinds were prepared as prebiotics, and these were provided to the experimental birds through drinking water from 5 to 32 days of age.ResultsThe findings revealed nonsignificant (P > 0.05) variations in water intake, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing weight, dressing percentage, heart and gizzard weights, and thigh meat yield. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in body weight, body weight gain, and breast meat yield. It was observed that birds consumed five times more water than feed when the environmental temperature was above 38 °C. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in the survival rates of birds were observed among treatment groups. The highest rate of survival was obtained in T1 (100%), followed by T2 (93.3%), and T3 (90%), and the lowest percentage was recorded in T4 (66.6%) and T5 (73.3%).ConclusionPrepared prebiotics could mitigate heat stress, promote growth rate under hot climates, and be used as substitutes for antibiotics to safely produce broilers in hot climates.

Coated oregano essential oil and cinnamaldehyde compounds supplementation improves growth performance, enhances immune responses and inhibits cecal Escherichia coli proliferation of broilers.

Plant essential oils are unstable due to high volatility and easy oxidation, while microencapsulation provides a potentially effective strategy for increasing the stability of natural essential oils and preserving their function. This study examined the effects of feeding coated oregano essential oil and cinnamaldehyde (COEC) compounds on growth, immune organ development, intestinal morphology, mucosal immune function, and the cecal microbiota populations of broilers. Three hundred one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were organized into five groups: (1) negative control fed basal diet alone (NC), (2) positive control receiving basal diet plus 50mg/kg of chlortetracycline (CTC), (3) basal diet plus 150mg/kg COEC (COEC150), (4) plus 300mg/kg COEC (COEC300), and (5) plus 450mg/kg COEC (COEC450). The supplement trial was continued for 42 days. The results showed that CTC, COEC300 and COEC450 treatments decreased the feed conversion ratio of broilers both in the starter and whole experiment phases, increased the height of jejunal villi at 21 d and the number of goblet cells and IgA-producing cells at 21 or 42 d compared with NC group (P < 0.05). Members of the COEC300 treatment group had a higher thymus weight index and jejunum length index than birds of NC or CTC groups at 21 d (P < 0.05). CTC and all COEC treatments decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunal mucosa at 42 d (P < 0.05). The population of Escherichia coli in the cecal digesta at 21 d was lower in the CTC, COEC300 and COEC450 treatment groups compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the CTC group, COEC supplementation dose-dependently accelerated body weight gain, improved jejunal morphology, decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunal mucosa, increased numbers of jejunal goblet cells and IgA-producing cells, and decreased the Escherichia coli population in cecal digesta at 21 or 42 d (P < 0.05). Thus, we concluded that feeding broiler chickens with 300 or 450mg/kg in antibiotic-free diets can improve growth performance, enhance immune responses and inhibit the proliferation of cecal pathogenic bacteria.

Economic impact of inclusion of black soldier fly products in broiler diets: A comparison between conventional and higher animal welfare production systems in the Netherlands

The primary objectives of this study were to analyze economic feasibility of incorporating black soldier fly products in broiler feed and to compare the viability of alive (alive grown larvae (AGL)) or processed (defatted larvae meal (DLM) and insect oil) insect inclusion into the two Dutch broiler welfare systems: conventional and better life one star (BLS).An existing simulation model for insect production was adapted to build an economic model for the insect-fed broiler breast meat supply chain. Amounts, full costs, and breakeven prices of different production setups were compared and the impacts of specific input parameters were tested by sensitivity and breakeven analyses.Results indicated a hypothetical demand of 2.15 million tons wet matter of raw substrate to meet the total Dutch breast meat production (BLS broilers and 10% AGL inclusion). In case of 10% processed insect inclusion, the conventional broiler breast meat price increased from 3,947 to 6,069 €/t (53.7%) and the BLS breast meat price from 6,493 to 9,662 €/t (48.8%). Alive insect inclusion resulted in a smaller cost increase (42.2%) by skipping the costly processing step. To become price competitive, DLM or AGL must cost 618 or 801 €/ton dry matter (tDM), respectively, requiring a raw substrate mix price of −109 €/tDM.High input amounts and costs currently hinder the widespread adoption of insect products in Dutch mass poultry feed. However, in the long run, using negative value substrates or targeting niche markets for broiler welfare with low AGL inclusion levels could become viable business models.Research is needed on the impact of negative value substrates on insect production performance and contamination risks. Furthermore, the impact of varying AGL composition requires special attention.

Assessing the economic viability and factors affecting farmer adoption of black soldier fly larvae as broiler feed in Bangladesh: a comparative analysis

Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p < 0.01), years of schooling (p < 0.05), and years of broiler farming experience (p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a net return of BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 35,045.67 (USD 419.71), higher than those using traditional feed, which had a net return of BDT 29670.67 (USD 355.38). Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.16, compared to other farms with a BCR of 1.11. The study also found some problems causing slow growth in the adoption rate of BSFL in the study region, such as lack of training programs, extension campaigns, the uncertainty of input supply, and financial assistance. The study suggests making adequate measures to raise awareness about the profitability of BSFL as broiler feed, conducting training at the root level, and making inputs easily available to farmers.

Investigation of fungi contaminating broiler feed in some poultry farms in Syria

تعتبر الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن سبباً في انخفاض قيمتها الغذائية، وسبباً رئيسياً في حدوث الأمراض لدى الدواجن، كما أن المعلومات حول الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن غير متوفرة محلياً، ولذلك هدفت هذه الدراسة الى تقصي التلوث بالفطريات لكل من الأعلاف الخام والأعلاف المصنعة المستخدمة في ستّ مزارع مختلفة مخصصة لتربية الدواجن (الفروج) في محافظة طرطوس- سورية، خلال الفترة الممتدة من تشرين الأول 2023 وحتى كانون الثاني 2024؛ بزراعة عينات من تلك الأعلاف في المختبر على مستنبت آجار البطاطا Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA)، لتحديد الأجناس الفطرية الموجودة في تلك الأعلاف المدروسة. تم الحصول على 290 عزلة فطرية (169 عزلة من الأعلاف الخام، 121 عزلة من الأعلاف المصنعة) تنتمي الى خمس أجناس من الفطريات الخيطية والخمائر، تشمل الرشاشيات Aspergillus spp. (36.2%)، يليه الخميرة Yeast spp. (33.8%)، البنسليوم Penicillium spp. (4.8%)، فطر Mucor spp. (3.8%)، وفطر Trichoderma spp. (1%)، وتبين أن فطريات الرشاشيات التابعة للجنس Aspergillus spp. كانت الأكثر شيوعاً بنسبة (34.3%، 38.8%) في الأعلاف الخام والمصنعة على التوالي. وخلصت الدراسة إلى أن الكشف عن الفطريات الملوثة لأعلاف الدواجن له أهمية كبيرة، وذلك بسبب خطورتها على صحة الدواجن.

Fermented but Not Irradiated Cottonseed Meal Has the Potential to Partially Substitute Soybean Meal in Broiler Chickens.

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with untreated cottonseed meal (CSM), fermented CSM (FCSM), or electron beam-irradiated CSM (ICSM) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and excreta gas emission of broiler chickens. A total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, with eight replicates per diet and 12 birds per replicate, for six weeks. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on corn-SBM and three other diets in which 50% of the SBM (control) was substituted with CSM in its raw, irradiated, and fermented forms. The results showed that throughout the entire rearing period, feeding broiler chickens with ICSM significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) compared to the CSM diet (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% of SBM with FCSM led to a significant improvement in BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CSM and ICSM diets (p < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant differences in BW, ADG, or FCR were observed between birds fed FCSM and those on the control diet (p > 0.05). Birds fed FCSM diets exhibited the lowest pH value in the crop, ileum, and ceca. Substituting SBM with FCSM significantly reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. counts in the ceca, while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). The AID of protein and ether extract was higher in the FCSM group than in the CSM and ICSM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CSM diet, ICSM feeding improved protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens on the FCSM diet exhibited higher intestinal amylase and protease activity than those on the other diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding diets containing FCSM significantly reduced ammonia emissions compared to the other diets (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that microbial fermentation of CSM is a more effective approach than irradiation for enhancing the nutritional value of CSM. Therefore, FCSM is recommended as a viable alternative protein source that can safely replace up to 50% of SBM in broiler chicken diets, particularly during times of fluctuating SBM prices and availability issues.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL promotes gut health of broilers by the contribution of bacterial extracellular polysaccharides through its anti-inflammatory potential.

The focal point of probiotic efficacy and a crucial factor influencing poultry cultivation lies in the level of intestinal inflammation. In conventional farming processes, the reduction of intestinal inflammation generally proves advantageous for poultry growth. This study investigated the impact of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL (B.A.-TL) on inflammatory factor expression at both tissue and cellular levels, alongside an exploration of main active secondary metabolites. The results demonstrated that broiler feeding with a basal diet containing 4 × 109 CFU/kg B.A.-TL markedly enhanced chicken growth performance, concomitant with a significant decrease in the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines (e.g., CCL4, CCR5, XCL1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, LITAF, and LYZ) in jejunum and ileum tissues. The extracellular polysaccharides of B.A.-TL (EPS-TL) exhibited notable suppression of elevated inflammatory cytokine expression induced by Escherichia coli O55 lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in chicken macrophage-like cells (HD11) and primary chicken embryonic small intestinal epithelial cells (PCIECs). Moreover, EPS-TL demonstrated inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling pathway activation. These findings suggested that the metabolic product of B.A.-TL (i.e., EPS-TL) could partly mitigate the enhanced expression of inflammatory factors induced by LPS stimulation, indicating its potential as a key component contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of B.A.-TL.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder on the growth performance of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 250 -1-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into five treatments with five replicates and each replicate consists of ten birds. Prior to the arrival of birds, basal diet adequate in all nutrients was formulated according to the requirement of birds by Nutritional Research Council in 1994. Birds in treatment one was fed basal diet without Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder, those in treatment two, three, four and five were fed same diet with Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder at 100 g, 200 g, 300 g and 400 g respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days and birds had unrestricted access to clean water and feed. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted and all management practices was strictly adhered to. Result on the phytochemical content of Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder flavonoids (863.2 mg/g), phenols (511.8 mg/g) and terpenoids (102.3 mg/g) were the most prominent compounds followed by saponins (72.56 mg/g), tannins (62.34 mg/g), alkaloids (41.88 mg/g) and steroids (30.41 mg/g). Average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake values which varied from 41.24 – 51.37 g/b and 103.7 – 107.5 g/b were higher among birds fed Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder (treatment two, three, four and five) relative to treatment one (P&lt;0.05). Similarly, feed conversion ratio whose value ranged from 2.09 – 2.50 were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the treatment. In conclusion, feeding broilers Monotheca buxifolia leaf powder up to 400 g/kg diet does not pose any detrimental effect on the performance of birds.

Integrating GWAS and transcriptomics to identify candidate genes conferring relative growth rate trait in white-feathered broiler

Broilers are a globally significant resource for food production, and their relative growth rate (RGR) has attracted increasing attention for improving broiler monitoring, feed management and feed conversion. The main objectives of this study were to identify key candidate genes affecting the RGR in white-feathered broiler by integrating genomic and transcriptomic datasets. This study reports a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using three purebred lines (n = 3,727) and 5,841,467 input SNPs to understand the genetic control of the RGR. A total of 101 associated SNPs located on 6 chromosomes were identified, 16 of which were common in the GWASs and meta cohorts. Fine mapping of a significant peak with 7 linked SNPs (r2>0.94) located within the coding region of RAP2C revealed that chr4:3474286 (C>G) among these SNPs was a highly putative causal variant (PIP=19%) and explained 2.26% of the RGR variation. Further analyses indicated that the surface expression level of the RAP2C gene in the blood, macrophage, lung tissue, and cecum tissue of commercial broiler breed (Ross) was higher than in the corresponding tissues of other egg-laying hens and local breeds. In addition, there was a significant difference in the expression of the RAP2C gene between the high (H, n =5) and low (L, n = 4) RGR groups. A total of 301 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the RGR in white-feathered broiler were identified by transcriptome differential analysis between the H and L populations, among which NFKBIA, CSF1R and TLR2A were important hub genes. Furthermore, the candidate genes identified based on GWASs, meta-analysis and DEGs analysis were significantly enriched for gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways involved in the growth cone, integrated-mediated signaling pathway, and MAPK signalling pathway. Overall, the RAP2C, NFKBIA, CSF1R and TLR2A genes are considered the most important candidate genes influencing RGR trait in white-feathered broiler. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex system that regulates broiler growth.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF BROILER CHICKENS FED PEARL MILLET BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SYNTHETIC METHIONINE

The rising costs and inconsistent availability of conventional feed ingredients like maize in broiler chicken production have necessitated the exploration of alternative grains, such as pearl millet, which, when supplemented with synthetic methionine, could potentially enhance both performance and economic returns. This study which was conducted for a period of eight weeks assessed the effectiveness and economic viability of feeding broiler chickens diets containing pearl millet supplemented with synthetic methionine. Three hundred broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary groups for both the starter and finisher phases, with each group containing sixty birds. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, each containing twenty birds. The diets for each group contained varying levels of DL methionine: 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%, denoted as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. Although most performance metrics such as weight gain and feed intake did not exhibit significant differences among the groups, mortality rates showed a slight decrease with higher methionine inclusion. Economic analysis indicated that T1 had better Total Feed Cost (FC), and FC (₦/kg gain). The study concluded that pearl millet-based diets with synthetic methionine reduced mortality and proved cost-effective, offering a viable alternative for broiler chicken production.

PSVIII-18 Chemical composition of residual yolk in response to feeding broiler breeders hydroxychloride or organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese from 42 to 63 wk of age

Abstract The objective was to investigate the effects of feeding broiler breeders (BB) hydroxychloride (HC) or organic (OR) sources of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) from 42 to 63 wk of age (woa) on chemical composition of residual yolk (RY). A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in two rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of two diets in a completely randomized block design (n = 12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources ((Table 1 and 2). In total, 2,160 eggs (90 eggs from each pen replicate) were collected and labelled by BB pen at 46, 52 and 62 woa and incubated. For each incubation, embryos were euthanized at embryonic d (ED) 14 and 19 and at day of hatch (DOH) for the RY samples. On ED 14 and 19, six eggs per pen were individually weighed, and cracked open to dissect yolk sac and six hatchlings per pen (3 ♀ and 3 ♂) were individually weighed, and yolk sacs excised for DOH sampling. The RY weight (% of egg for ED or body weight for DOH), and dry matter and ash content were measured. The data at each sampling point was analyzed independently in a model with BB diet, age and associated interactions as fixed factors using PROC GLIMMIX procedures. There were no (P &amp;gt; 0.05) interactions between diet and BB age or main effects of trace mineral (TM) sources on any response criteria. The BB age effect was only observed for RY weight; in this context, the RY weight at ED 19 or DOH differed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) between BB age groups Table 3 and 4). Despite the lack of direct effects of TM sources on the measured criteria, these findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of RY composition in relation to BB age. Further research may explore additional factors influencing RY composition to optimize BB nutrition and subsequent offspring development.

The effect of feed Supplementation with Cannabis sativa on the Growth rate and Development of Broiler Chicks

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of broiler feed supplementation with dry powdered Cannabis sativa on the growth performance of broiler chicks. A total of 25 day-old broiler chicks of similar weight were randomly divided into five equal groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Each group having 5 chicks. Dry ground Cannabis sativa powder were added to the feed of groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 at the rate of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% respectively per kg of feed, while group 1 served as control. The studied parameters were body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). After an experimental period of 28 days, the data were analyzed statistically. It was revealed from the results that feed intake and body weight gain was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in group 5 compared to the control. FCR was significantly better in birds of group 5 compared to controls. Return per chick (in Naira) was lower in group 5 compared to group 2, 3 and 4 (P&lt;0.05) due to the high cost of Cannabis sativa. It was concluded from these results that feed supplementation with Cannabis sativa has a remarkable impact on the growth rate and development of broiler chicks but may not be the best of option due to its restriction and cost Keywords: Broilers, Cannabis sativa, Feed intake, Weight gain, FCR.

Prevalence and Quantification of Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Meat and Poultry Feed at Different Zones of Sindh, Pakistan

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and levels of aflatoxin B1 in broiler meat and feed samples from various zones of Sindh, Pakistan, conducted at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during 2022-2023. A total of 360 broiler meat and feed samples, with 120 from southern, central, and northern zones, were collected from retail shops and poultry farms. All samples were screened for aflatoxin B1 using the ELISA Bio-Shield Total Extra Sensitive Kit. Negative samples were spiked with 5 and 10g/kg aflatoxin B1 for validation. The southern zone had the highest contamination of aflatoxin B1 in broiler meat (58.33%; 36.50±2.08 µg/Kg) and feed (67.50%; 66.20±1.15 µg/Kg), followed by the central zone (40.00%; 32.60±1.64 µg/Kg) and the northern zone (25.00%; 20.90±2.82 µg/Kg). Contamination levels in feed samples were also higher in the southern zone compared to central (48.30%; 56.25±0.87µg/Kg) and northern (28.30%; 47.55±1.50 µg/Kg) zones. The aflatoxin B1 levels in both meat and feed samples exceeded the FDA-recommended limit of 20 µg/Kg, posing a significant risk to food safety. These findings highlight the urgent need for a monitoring plan to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in broiler meat, poultry products, and feedstuffs across Sindh, Pakistan, to ensure safer food production.

Moringa oleifera and Allium sativum in broiler nutrition: carcass traits, biochemical characterization, and economic analysis

To ensure the productivity and economic viability of broiler chicken, this study was designed to determine the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) and Allium sativum bulb powder (ABP) utilization on carcass trait, biochemical characterization and economic value of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (n = 240), 8-day-old (Cobb 500) broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 4 replicates (12 birds/replicate) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The birds were randomly allotted into five groups: T1: diet without MLP and ABP, T2: diet with MLP replaced soybean meal (SBM) at 1%, T3: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 3%, T4: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 1% + 0.1% ABP and T5: diet with MLP replaced SBM at 3% + 0.3% ABP respectively. Each formulated diet was fed ad libitum from the 2nd to 8th week of age. Tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and reducing sugar were present in MLP and ABP. The percentage dressed weight on the 27th day in T2 and T3 were (P < 0.05) higher than in T1, but comparable (P > 0.05) to those in T4 and T5. On the 56th day, the breast weight in T5 was (P < 0.05) higher than in T1 and the rest of the treatments. Most of the microbes that were mainly identified from the ceca of birds fed dietary treatments were Staphylococcus species, and Streptococcus species. Production cost was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in T3 (₦1, 843.76) than in T1 (₦1, 905.86) and the rest of the treatments. Therefore, it is economically wise to feed broiler chicken with MLP and ABP, but most economical when a fed diet with MLP replaces SBM at 1% and a diet with MLP replaces SBM at 3%.

Dietary Organic Zinc Supplementation Modifies the Oxidative Genes via RORγ and Epigenetic Regulations in the Ileum of Broiler Chickens Exposed to High-Temperature Stress.

Heat stress (HS) is a significant concern in broiler chickens, which is vital for global meat supply in the dynamic field of poultry farming. The impact of heat stress on the ileum and its influence on the redox homeostatic genes in chickens remains unclear. We hypothesized that adding zinc to the feed of heat-stressed broilers would improve their resilience to heat stress. However, this study aimed to explore the effects of organic zinc supplementation under HS conditions on broiler chickens' intestinal histology and regulation of HS index genes. In this study, 512 Xueshan chickens were divided into four groups: vehicle, HS, 60 mg/kg zinc, and HS + 60 mg/kg zinc groups. Findings revealed that zinc supply positively increased the VH and VH: CD in the ileum of the broilers compared to the HS group, while CD and VW decreased in Zn and HS+Zn supplemented broilers. Zn administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased the enzymatic activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the HS group. In addition, Zn administration significantly increased relative ATP, complex I, III, and V enzyme activity compared to the HS group. Furthermore, the expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), lactate transporter 3 (LPCAT3), peroxiredoxin (PRX), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) in the protein levels was extremely downregulated in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Zn supply significantly decreased the enrichment of RORγ, P300, and SRC1 at target loci of ACSL4, LPCAT3, and PRX compared to the HS group. The occupancies of histone active marks H3K9ac, H3K18ac, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K18bhb at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Moreover, H3K9la and H3K18la at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. This study emphasizes that organic Zn is a potential strategy for modulating the oxidative genes ACSL4, LPCAT3, PRX, and TFRC in the ileum of chickens via nuclear receptor RORγ regulation and histone modifications.

Cocoa Pod Husk Meal as a Feed Ingredient for Livestock

ABSTRACTCocoa pod husk (CPH) is a by‐product of cocoa. Whilst this by‐product is converted into animal feed in some countries, it is largely left to decompose and cause environmental issues in most South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. The husk represent 70%–80% of the whole fruit. Its use as animal feed is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors, of which, theobromine is the most prominent. Other antinutritional factors include tannin and phytate. Feeding value of the CPH is improved by reducing these antinutritional factors through broiling, alkaline, and microbial treatment. Exogenous feed enzymes are used to hydrolyze crude fiber. Up to 10% of this by‐product is included in broiler feed and 15% with supplementation of exogenous feed enzymes in layer feed. In pigs, up to 20% can be included into diets of both the sow and growing pig. In ruminants, up to 35% can be used in cattle diet if treated with urea, molasses and/or fermented. The by‐product is widely used as an ingredient and/or energy/protein sources in Africa and Asia. There is scanty literature on its use in the South Pacific countries. In this review, I compiled existing literature on its chemical composition, use in livestock and poultry diets, and existing strategies to improve feeding value. The aim of this review is to project cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as a potential feed ingredient as well as energy/protein sources for livestock and poultry in the South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu.

Occurrence of Ochratoxin in Complete Feed Mixtures for Monogastric Animals

Abstract Ochratoxin A is a foreign substance of natural origin. It can be found in a wide range of commodities, including animal feed. Ochratoxin A is a dangerous contaminant, which can have a negative effect on the health and production of animals. In this study, the incidence of ochratoxin A in a complete feed for broilers (n = 25) and pigs (n = 6) was determined. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample of pigs feed (16.67 %) and its concentration was 1.221 µg.kg−1. This mycotoxin was not detected in the broiler feed samples. These results indicate that the feed samples collected were safe and do not pose a risk of acute mycotoxicosis in animals.

Broiler feed proposal with vinasse

Considering previous studies on the potential use of vinasse in the agricultural sector, this study seeks to design a feed for broilers in three presentations according to the stages of the animal’s feeding program (start 1-14, growth 15-30 and end 31-42 days) that includes vinasse in the formulation. To this end, soybeans were considered as a source of protein, a diet with metabolizable energy between 12,351.06 and 14,025.78 kJ•kg-1. The granulometry was determined according to the broiler management manuals, and the feed manufacturing process was specified in a block diagram and a flow diagram; in the same way, a test protocol for the use of the feed formulated in a sample of broilers of the Cobb breed. This research suggests that using vinasse in feed formulations for broilers could provide significant benefits to the agricultural sector.

Study on estimating method of feed and water intake of broilers based on object detection by deep learning

Study on estimating method of feed and water intake of broilers based on object detection by deep learning

Intestinal Microbiome Profiles in Broiler Chickens Raised with Different Probiotic Strains.

The composition of the intestinal microbiota can influence the metabolism and overall functioning of avian organisms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different probiotics and an antibiotic on the microbiomes of 1.400 male Cobb® broiler raised for 42 days. The experiment was conducted with the following treatments: positive control diet (basal diet + antibiotic); negative control diet (basal diet without antibiotic and without probiotic); basal diet + Normal Avian Gut Flora (NAGF); basal diet + multiple colonizing strain probiotics (MCSPs); and basal diet + non-colonizing single strain probiotics (NCSSPs). The antibiotic (enramycin-antibiotic growth promoter) and probiotics were administered orally during all experiment (1 to 42 days), mixed with broiler feed. To determine the composition of the microbiota, five samples of ileal digesta were collected from 42-day-old chickens of each experimental group. The alpha and beta diversity of the ileal microbiota showed differences between the groups. MCSPs presented greater richness and uniformity compared to the positive control, negative control, and NCSSPs treatments, while the negative control exhibited greater homogeneity among samples than NCSSPs. MCSPs also showed a higher abundance of the genus Enterococcus. There were differences between the groups for low-abundance taxa (<0.5%), with NAGF showing higher levels of Delftia, Brevibacterium, and Bulleidia. In contrast, NCSSPs had a higher abundance of Ochrobactrum, Rhodoplanes, and Nitrospira. It was concluded that the treatments analyzed in this study induced modulations in the ileal microbiota of the chickens examined.