Broiler Feed Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Broilers with Three Different Regimens on Performance and Carcass Characteristics

This study aims to compare three programs of feeding broiler conducted on 120 Ross 308 chicks at one day of age distributed to three treatments of 4 replicates by 10 birds each. T1 given 3 phase (starter, grower, finisher) rations during (1-14,15-28, 29-42) days respectively, T2 given a 2 phase (starter ration from 1-28 days and finisher ration from 29-42 days), T3 given a (1 phase) grower ration from 1-42 day. Feed and water have been given ad libitum. All chicks were reared in a semi-open house in pens with a dimension of 1.25 × 1.25 m. The results showed that there was an insignificant difference between treatments in live body weight, total and daily weight gain, Total and daily feed intake except 3-4, 5-6, 0-6 weeks, T3 was significantly less than T2 during the total period, protein intake was significantly different except at 1-2, 4-5 weeks, T3 was significantly higher than T1 in total period 0-6 week. There was an insignificant difference in feed or protein conversion ratio at all studying periods. There was an insignificant difference between treatments in all carcass traits. The difference between treatments in relative growth rate was less than 1%. The second treatment showed a small improvement in economic efficiency by about 2%.

Effect of Adding Annatto Seed Powder (Bixa orellana) and Astaxanthin to the Diet in the Productive Performance of Broilers(Ross-308)

Researchers from the Al-Anwar Poultry Company conducted the aforementioned study in the Babil Governorate between february 15 and March 22, 2022. The goal of the study was to ascertain the effect of feeding broiler chickens a diet containing annatto seed powder (Bixa orellana) and astaxanthin on their performance and health. The researchers used 225 sexed Ross-308 chickens that were only one day old The chickens were placed in one of 15 different cages, each of which contained one of five different treatments (for a total of 450 birds). There were three duplicates of each treatment, with a total of 15 birds in each replicate for a total of 45 birds in each replication. The following is how the research was conducted: The results showed a highly significant difference at the level of (p 0.01) for the treatments add T2, T3, T4, and T5 regarding final body weight average, with T1 serving as the control treatment and the standard diet not containing any additions. T2 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 0.5 grams per kilogram of feed, T3 including powdered annatto seeds at a rate of 1 gram per kilogram of feed, T4 including astaxanthin at At the level of significance (p0.05), Treatments T2, T3, and T5 performed significantly better than the control treatment T1 in terms of the growth in weight, the amount of feed consumed, and the total feed conversion factor.

Dietary Fiber Level Improve Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Immune and Intestinal Morphology of Broilers from Day 22 to 42

There are few systematic studies on the dietary fiber requirements of broilers in the late feeding stage, and there are not enough data to support this hypothesis. This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of dietary fiber level on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune function and intestinal morphology of broilers from day 22 to 42. A total of 480 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers with half male and half female were randomly allocated into four groups, with eight replicates in each group and fifteen chickens in each replicate. The experimental period was 42 days. All broilers were fed a basal diet from 1 to 21 days. During the 22-42 day period, the four experimental groups were fed diets with soybean hulls as the fiber source, and crude fiber (CF) levels were 2%, 5%, 8% and 11%, respectively. The results showed that during the 29-42 day period, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers was higher in the 5% CF and 8% CF groups (p < 0.05), and during the 29-35 day period, the average daily gain (ADG) of broilers was higher and the ratio of feed and gain (F/G) of broilers was lower in the 5% CF and 8% CF groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), CF, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was higher in broilers of the 8% CF group (p < 0.05). The immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content of the plasma of broilers was higher in the 8% CF group (p < 0.05). The villus height (VH) of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of broilers was higher, and the crypt depth (CD) was lower in the 8% CF group than that in the 2% CF group (p < 0.05). The ratio of VH and CD (V/C) of the duodenum and jejunum of broilers in the 8% CF group was higher than that in the 2% CF group (p < 0.05). The quadratic regression analysis showed that the optimum dietary CF level was 7-9%. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, a diet of 7-9% CF may promote growth performance by improving the nutrient digestibility, immunity and intestinal morphology of broilers from day 22 to 42.

Effect of cashew meal (Anacardium occidental) on organ yields and organoleptic characteristics of broiler meat in Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of this study is to valorise cashew oilcake in broiler feed. Cashew oilcake is used in the formulation of five (5) feed rations: F0 (with 0% cashew meal and 100% soybean meal); F100 (with 100% cashew meal and 0% soybean meal); F75 (with 75% cashew meal and 25% soybean meal); F50 (with 50% cashew meal and 50% soybean meal); F25 (with 25% cashew meal and 75% soybean meal) for broiler chickens Five (5) batches of 60 chicks (Cobb 500) of 5 days of age and not sexed were fed the 5 diets (F0, F100, F75, F50 and F25) for 6 weeks. Five (5) chickens per batch were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics, organ weights and organoleptic evaluation. The incorporation of cashew oilcake in the poultry diet significantly (P&lt;0.05) modified the carcass yield of the broilers. Lot F25 showed the best yield with 86.66%, followed by the control lot F0 (84.01%), then lot F50 (78.65%), lot F75 (77.03%) and finally lot F100 (73.43%). In contrast, organ yields (liver, gizzard, heart, lung and intestine) and abdominal fat of the experimental chickens did not differ significantly from the controls. The formulated experimental rations had no depressive effects on organ development with a very low mortality rate (1.67-3.33%). Organoleptically, the colour of the meat of batches F50 and F25 was judged to be white in agreement with the control batch F0, in contrast to batches F75 and F100, which were judged by the panelists to be neither red nor white and red respectively. Secondly, the meat of the chickens fed with the F100, F75 and F25 rations was judged more succulent respectively with a score of 4/5; 3.9/5 and 3.74/5 by the panel compared to the F0 control (3.19/5). In addition, the panel judged the meat from batches F100 and F75 to be less tender with scores of 2.77/5 and 3.35/5 respectively, and those from batches F50 (3.97/5) and F25 (4.48/5) to be more tender compared to the control batch F0 (3.81/5). Overall, the meat from the five (5) lots was judged good by all consumers. However, the meat from the batches of poultry that consumed cashew cake-based rations was much more appreciated by the panelists, especially batch F25. In sum, cashew oil cakes can be used in broiler feed.

Feeding broilers with wheat germ, hops and grape seed extract mixture improves growth performance.

In the study, Wheat germ, Hops and Grape seed extracts were made into a mixture (BX). The BX was supplemented in AA + broilers diets to investigate the effects of BX on broiler growth performance, blood indicators, microbiota, and noxious gas emissions in faeces. Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old AA + male broilers with an average initial body weight (44.82 ± 0.26) were randomly divided into four dietary treatments of six replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The experimental groups consisted of a group fed a basal diet and groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% BX. The trail was 42days. The results showed that supplementing the dietary with graded levels of BX linearly increased ADG and ADFI from days 22-42 and 1-42. When dietarys supplemented with 0.2% BX significantly increased ADG and ADFI on days 22-42 and 1-42 (p < 0.05). The addition of BX reduced H2S and NH3 emissions in the faeces; the levels of E. coli and Salmonella in the faeces were significantly reduced and the levels of Lactobacillus were increased (p < 0.05). In this trial, when the diet was supplemented with 0.2% BX, faecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella were consistently at their lowest levels and Lactobacillus were at their highest. At the same time, NH3 and H2S emissions from broiler faecal also had been at their lowest levels. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.2% BX could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced faecal H2S and NH3 emissions, as well as faecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella, and increased levels of Lactobacillus. Thus, BX made by Wheat germ, Hops and Grape seed extract is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.2%.

Assessment of the Nutritional Quality and Fungal Contamination of Commercial Poultry Feed and Raw Materials Available in Gazipur and Mymensingh District of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient content and fungal contamination of commercial poultry feeds and raw materials available in Gazipur and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. A total of 67 commercial poultry feed (broiler and layer) and raw materials were collected from different poultry farms, dealers and shops. They feed samples and raw materials were then analyzed in terms of DM (Dry matter), CP (crude protein), EE (ether extract), ash and calcium concentration. Crude protein is the main constituent and is found in the range of 20-22.5% and 15.3-19.5% for broiler and layer feeds, respectively. Moisture content ranged between 9.7-11.2% in both broiler and layer feed indicating good storage condition. Other nutrients such as crude fat and crude fiber content in broiler and layer feed were 3.6-6.9% and 3.0-5.8%, respectively. Layer feed contains a higher amount of calcium (3.1-4.6%) and total ash (8.3-13.3%) than the broiler feed. The moisture percentage of raw materials was below the recommended value. About 40-60% crude protein was found in protein-rich feed ingredients and other nutrients such as crude fat (17.2-19.1%) and crude fiber (9.9-13.1%) were higher in energy-rich ingredients. On the other hand, fungal contamination in broiler and layer feed, and raw materials was found in about 28.5%, 30.0% and 46.0%, respectively. The proximate composition and fungal contamination of poultry feed and raw materials were varied due to environment, processing method, storage condition and adulteration, etc. In conclusion, findings of the nutrient content and fungal contamination of commercial poultry feed and raw materials will help the feed mill owners and commercial poultry farmers to prepare quality feed and to formulate quality poultry ration.

Mycotoxins and Heavy Metals of Poultry Feeds from the Centre, Littoral, and Western Regions of Cameroon

Heavy metals are a group of elements that could be found in poultry feeds and influence poultry production. Poultry feed generally consists of agricultural products, such as maize, groundnuts, and wheat, which may also be contaminated by mycotoxins. The use of mycotoxins and heavy metals contaminated feed in the poultry sector might represent a potential source of cross-contamination for humans. This study aimed to analyze total aflatoxins (AFs), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in poultry feed from the Centre, Littoral, and Western regions of Cameroon. In this order, six local broiler feeds, six local layer feeds, and three imported layer feeds were randomly collected from each region and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry for heavy metals and competitive indirect ELISA for mycotoxins. The results indicated that all feed samples contained the analyzed mycotoxins and heavy metals. The ranges for the mean concentrations of mycotoxins were 3.5-19.7, 2.7-19.3, 0.8-1.1 µg/kg for AFs, AFB1, and OTA, respectively. They were globally below the established regulated limits (20 µg/kg for AFs, 10 µg/kg for AFB1 and 5 µg/kg for OTA). The bulk layer feed from the Littoral region had the highest lead (995.8 ± 0.4 µg/kg) and cadmium (3.3 ± 0.0 µg/kg) concentrations. The average concentration of lead was above the permissible limit (10 µg/kg). Bulk broiler feed from the Littoral region scored the highest concentration of arsenic (2819.4 ± 0.1 µg/kg) above the permissible limit (500 µg/kg). Bulk broiler feed from the Centre region showed the highest concentration of mercury (5.6 ± 0.0 µg/kg) although lower than the permissible limit of 100 µg/kg. This study demonstrates that there are potential safety issues associated to poultry feeds used in some regions of Cameroon. It suggests a possible low productivity of poultry and health issues for consumers. Keywords: Aflatoxin, feed, Contamination, Heavy metals, Ochratoxin A, Poultry

Double-Fermented Soybean Meal Totally Replaces Soybean Meal in Broiler Rations with Favorable Impact on Performance, Digestibility, Amino Acids Transporters and Meat Nutritional Value

Inclusion of microbial fermented soybean meal in broiler feed has induced advantageous outcomes for their performance and gastrointestinal health via exhibiting probiotic effects. In this study, soybean meal (SBM) was subjected to double-stage microbial fermentation utilizing functional metabolites of fungi and bacteria. In broiler diet, DFSBM replaced SBM by 0, 25, 50 and 100%. DFSBM was reported to have higher protein content and total essential, nonessential and free amino acids (increased by 3.67%, 12.81%, 10.10% and 5.88-fold, respectively, compared to SBM). Notably, phytase activity and lactic acid bacteria increased, while fiber, lipid and trypsin inhibitor contents were decreased by 14.05%, 38.24% and 72.80%, respectively, in a diet containing 100% DFSBM, compared to SBM. Improved growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility, including phosphorus and calcium, and pancreatic digestive enzyme activities were observed in groups fed higher DFSBM levels. In addition, higher inclusion levels of DFSBM increased blood immune response (IgG, IgM, nitric oxide and lysozyme levels) and liver antioxidant status. Jejunal amino acids- and peptide transporter-encoding genes (LAT1, CAT-1, CAT-2, PepT-1 and PepT-2) were upregulated with increasing levels of DFSBM in the ration. Breast muscle crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention were increased, especially at higher inclusion levels of DFSBM. Coliform bacteria load was significantly reduced, while lactic acid bacteria count in broiler intestines was increased with higher dietary levels of DFSBM. In conclusion, replacement of SBM with DFSBM positively impacted broiler chicken feed utilization and boosted chickens' amino acid transportation, in addition to improving the nutritional value of their breast meat.

Analysis of Aflatoxin Levels in Broiler Chicken Feed from Selected Farms in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Aflatoxin levels in animal feed should be observed from the farm to the table to ensure the safety of the feed to animals and humans. The contamination of cereals and other agricultural supplies used in animal feed production could happen in the farm in the pre-harvest phase or in the post-harvest phase. The study sought to determine Aflatoxin levels in broiler feed from selected farms in Nairobi City County. A total of 42 feed samples were collected. Samples were analyzed using the LCMS/MS technique. Results from the study show that Aflatoxin levels in broiler starter were; B1(17.26±3.07 ppb), B2 (2.44±0.84 ppb), G1 (8.87±2.41 ppb), G2 (0.9±0.44 ppb) and Total AF (29.47±6.13 ppb). Aflatoxin levels in broiler finisher were B1 (17.17±3.09 ppb), B2 (2.68±1.18 ppb), G1 (9.25±2.7 ppb), G2 (1±0.45 ppb) and Total AF (30.1±6.88 ppb). Results from analysis of feed samples showed that AFB1 levels in both broiler starter and broiler finisher were above the KEBS limit but were below the EAC, EU and WHO/FAO limit. Total Aflatoxin levels were above the KEBS limit but below the EAC limit. There is need to enhance the capacity of feed surveillance and monitoring in the country through various laboratory analysis techniques among various agencies in the feed value chain to ensure feed safety.

Feeding broiler chickens with arginine above recommended levels: effects on growth performance, metabolism, and intestinal microbiota

BackgroundArginine is an essential amino acid for chickens and feeding diets with arginine beyond the recommended levels has been shown to influence the growth performance of broiler chickens in a positive way. Nonetheless, further research is required to understand how arginine supplementation above the widely adopted dosages affects metabolism and intestinal health of broilers. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the effects of arginine supplementation (i.e., total arginine to total lysine ratio of 1.20 instead of 1.06–1.08 recommended by the breeding company) on growth performance of broiler chickens and to explore its impacts on the hepatic and blood metabolic profiles, as well as on the intestinal microbiota. For this purpose, 630 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 2 treatments (7 replicates each) fed a control diet or a crystalline L-arginine-supplemented diet for 49 d.ResultsCompared to control birds, those supplemented with arginine performed significantly better exhibiting greater final body weight at D49 (3778 vs. 3937 g; P < 0.001), higher growth rate (76.15 vs. 79.46 g of body weight gained daily; P < 0.001), and lower cumulative feed conversion ratio (1.808 vs. 1.732; P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of arginine, betaine, histidine, and creatine were greater in supplemented birds than in their control counterparts, as were those of creatine, leucine and other essential amino acids at the hepatic level. In contrast, leucine concentration was lower in the caecal content of supplemented birds. Reduced alpha diversity and relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria (specifically Escherichia coli), as well as increased abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus salivarius were found in the caecal content of supplemented birds.ConclusionsThe improvement in growth performance corroborates the advantages of supplementing arginine in broiler nutrition. It can be hypothesized that the performance enhancement found in this study is associated with the increased availability of arginine, betaine, histidine, and creatine in plasma and the liver, as well as to the ability of extra dietary arginine to potentially ameliorate intestinal conditions and microbiota of supplemented birds. However, the latter promising property, along with other research questions raised by this study, deserve further investigations.

Reduced-particle size wheat bran and endoxylanase supplementation in broiler feed affect arabinoxylan hydrolysis and fermentation with broiler age differently.

Since the caecal microbiota of young broilers are not yet able to ferment the dietary fibre (DF) fraction of the feed to a large extent, increasing the accessibility of DF substrates along the gastrointestinal tract is crucial to benefit from the health stimulating metabolic end-products (e.g. butyric acid) generated upon microbial DF fermentation. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of reduced-particle size wheat bran (RPS-WB) and endoxylanases as feed additives to stimulate arabinoxylan (AX) hydrolysis and fermentation along the hindgut of young broilers. To this end, RPS-WB and endoxylanase supplementation were evaluated in a 2×2 factorial design using a total of 256 male 1-d-old chicks (Ross 308). Broilers were assigned to 4 dietary treatments: a basal wheat-based diet with (1) no feed additives (control, CTRL), (2) an endoxylanase (XYL; Econase XT 25at 0.10g/kg diet), (3) 1% wheat bran with an average reduced particle size of 297μm (RPS-WB) and (4) an endoxylanase and 1% RPS-WB (RPS-WB+XYL). Each dietary treatment was replicated 8 times and on d 10 and 28, respectively, 24 and 16 broilers per treatment group were euthanised to analyse AX degradation, short-chain fatty acid production and digesta viscosity in the ileum and caecum. Broilers receiving XYL in their diet showed increased AX solubilisation and fermentation at both d 10 and 28 compared to the CTRL group (P<0.05). Adding RPS-WB to the diet stimulated wheat AX utilisation by the primary AX degraders in the caecum at 10d of age compared to the CTRL group, as observed by the high AX digestibility coefficient for the RPS-WB supplemented group at this young age (P<0.05). At 28d, RPS-WB supplementation lowered body-weight gains but increased butyric acid concentrations compared to the XYL and CTRL group (P<0.05). Although no synergistic effect for RPS-WB+XYL broilers was observed for AX hydrolysis and fermentation, these findings suggest that both additives can raise a dual benefit to the broiler as a butyrogenic effect and improved AX fermentation along the ileum and caecum were observed throughout the broiler's life.

Optimization of Sago Dregs as Pellet Feed of Broiler in Tanjung Meranti Islands Village

Tanjung Kepulauan Meranti Village, Riau has production large sago plants so that the waste is used as animal feed with pellet technology. The purpose of this service to utilize sago pulp that has not been used as feed of broiler. The service method uses PAR, which is a method of involving community groups as whole in research activities so that positive social change occurs. The results show that community groups are very enthusiastic about participating in community service activities with indicators the ease with which community groups understand the material provided. Some of the material conveyed that sago pulp can be fermented to increase nutritional value, especially protein and reduce crude fiber, then fermented sago pulp can be used as broiler feed pellets. In conclusion, sago pulp can be used as a pellet product at a low price as an alternative to commercial pellet feed to reduce costs in broiler farming

Use of corn distillers dried grain with solubles in broilers feed

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of distiller's dried grains with soluble (DDGS) of corn in the broiler diet on growth performance, carcass and viscera yield, and biometrics of the gastrointestinal tract. In total, 700 male Cobb 500 broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, seven replicates, and 20 chicks per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a control and four levels of inclusion of DDGS (4, 8, 12, and 16%) in the diet. The inclusion of the DDGS did not influence the performance in the periods of 1 to 7 and 36 to 42 days of age. For broilers 8 to 35 days old, the feed intake was not altered by the treatments, but the average weight gain and feed conversion (p&lt;0.05) had a quadratic polynomial effect. There was a reduction in carcass and breast weight of broilers slaughtered at 42 days of age fed with 12 and 16% DDGS. The DDGS in diets can be considered an alternative ingredient in diets for broilers up to 12% inclusion.

Conversion of energy and protein rich food waste as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler feed formulation.

A series of experiments were performed to find out the impact of food waste on growth attributes and performance of broilers in a tropical climate. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly separated into 5 groups, where each group comprised 50 animals. The broilers were fed with five different dietary treatments. Treatment 1 (T1), the diet consisted of food waste ingredients such as sprat heads, fish offal (protein), scraped coconut, and swill cooked rice as energy supplements; dietary treatment II (T2) diet was formulated with protein rich food waste; treatment III (T3) diet formulated with energy-rich food waste; treatment IV (T4) without any food waste materials, but a diet formulated with commercially available feed ingredients; and treatment V (T5), a 100% commercially-available broiler diet. Total feed intake per week and total weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the commercial diet (T5) contrary to the formulated diets. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in T3. The average dressing percentage was not significantly different (p > 0.05) in T1, T3, and T5. Average DM % in litter and DM % in feces were higher in T5, but average nitrogen % in droppings were lower in T4 and T5 compared to other diets. The study shows the potential application of food waste as an alternative feed in the broiler industry and its abundance and easy collection makes it a promising feeding regime in urban and suburban areas.

Effects of dietary supplementation of soybean lecithin on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and serum profiles of broilers fed fried soybean oil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean lecithin in broiler diets formulated with either fried or non-fried soybean oils (as an energy source), on growth performance, digestibility, and some serum parameters. A total of 600 broilers (50% male) were assigned to 4 experimental groups (with 10 replicates of 15 birds each): (i) group (S) fed with soybean oil only, (ii) group (SL) fed with soybean oil + lecithin (0.035% in feed), (iii) group (F) fed with fried soybean oil only, and iv) group (FL) fed with fried soybean oil + lecithin (0.035% in feed). Broilers that received lecithin with fried soybean oil (group FL) exhibited significantly higher body weights (1.228 vs. 1.210 kg, p < 0.05 and 1.935 vs. 1.917 kg, p < 0.05) than group F in the last two experimental periods (22–28 and 29–35 days), respectively. On the contrary, the addition of soybean lecithin to diets formulated with either fried or non-fried soybean oil resulted in a significant increase in weight of some carcase cuts (thigh, breast) and a significant decrease in some visceral organs (intestine, liver, viscera), without affecting the digestibility parameters here assessed. Our findings revealed that the addition of soybean lecithin to standard soybean oil (group SL) significantly decreased serum triglycerides (77.16 vs. 83.46 mg/dL, p < 0.05) compared to group S. In conclusion, it was possible to use recovered frying soybean oil in broiler diets without a negative impact on growth performance and serum triglyceride level, while these parameters were improved by the addition of soybean lecithin. HIGHLIGHTS By-products obtained from oil/food processing represent an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional fat sources for broiler feeding. Fried soybean oil used in broiler feed had the same effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility as the non-fried oil. The use of soybean lecithin in broiler feed led to improved growth performance, cuts up yield and serum triglyceride level.

Mitigation of Imidacloprid Toxicity in Poultry Chicken by Selenium Nanoparticles: Growth Performance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Blood Traits

Imidacloprid is an insecticide that protects against insects in the agriculture, animal, and poultry production sectors. Since the accumulation of imidacloprid induces adverse impacts on general health status and quality of the food chain, this study tested the impacts on broilers. Besides, selenium nanoparticles were fed to birds to relieve the negative impacts on growth performance and health status. Birds (1-day age, initial weight 46.05 ± 1.0 g) divided into four groups (triplicates) where 15 chicks of each replicate (45 for each group). The first group (control) was fed the basal diet without either selenium or imidacloprid toxicity. The second group was fed selenium nano form at 3 mg/kg. The third group was fed selenium and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). The fourth group was fed selenium nano form (3 mg/kg) and exposed to imidacloprid at 1/10 LT50 (3 mg/kg body weight). All groups were kept under the same conditions for 35 days. The final weight and weight gain of birds fed selenium nano form showed marked improvement compared to the imidacloprid-exposed group, while the feed intake and feed conversion ratio markedly reduced. The red blood cells showed higher values in birds fed selenium nano than the control and those exposed to imidacloprid. Interestingly, the hemoglobulin and hematocrit increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. Furthermore, the white blood cells increased in birds fed selenium nano form with or without imidacloprid exposure. The total protein, albumin, and globulin were higher in birds fed selenium nanoparticles than those exposed to imidacloprid with or without selenium feeding. Birds in the control and imidacloprid groups had higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and malondialdehyde levels than the remaining groups. Accordingly, dietary selenium nanoparticles are suggested in broiler feed to cope with the adverse effects of imidacloprid toxicity.

Grape seed extract improves intestinal barrier integrity and performance: Evidence from in vitro, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster experiments and a study with growing broilers

Grape seed extract (GSE) is an interesting source for polyphenols and other phytochemicals with high antioxidant potential. Here, we report on a comprehensive study investigating GSE in various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Obtained results indicate that GSE improves parameters related to intestinal barrier integrity in cell culture, C. elegans and D. melanogaster. Faster wound healing was observed in a scratch assay using intestinal IPEC-J2 cells when pre-treated with GSE. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species were found to be significantly decreased in cell culture and C. elegans experiments. In C. elegans, qPCR gene expression analysis revealed significant modulations after 24 h of GSE treatment. Finally, a 42-day broiler feeding study revealed a dose dependant effect on growth performance in the GSE supplemented groups. In conclusion, GSE was found to provide promising properties including wound closure, intestinal integrity, and antioxidant activity.

Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model for Insect Vector Transmission of the Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study

There is growing pressure to find a way to eradicate or reduce the levels of foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter in broiler chickens, whilst limiting the use of antimicrobials. For Campylobacter, there is currently no vaccine and on-farm biosecurity alone is insufficient to prevent colonization of broiler chicken flocks. Dipteran flies are proven carriers of Campylobacter and their entry into broiler houses may contribute to its transmission to broiler chickens. As there is currently no experimental vector transmission model for Campylobacter and chickens, we decided to examine experimentally whether Galleria mellonella could be used as vector to transmit Campylobacter to broiler chickens. More recently, the use of live insect feed has been proposed both for its nutritional qualities and improving bird welfare through the encouragement of natural foraging behaviours and it is unclear any risk this poses in terms of pathogen transmission. In this study, day-old chicks (n = 29) were obtained from a commercial hatchery. At three weeks of age, birds were split into 4 This groups; Group 1 was infected via oral gavage with 106 cells of C. jejuni-M1, Group 2 was fed Galleria mellonella infected with 106 cells of C. jejuni-M1, Group 3 was fed uninfected Galleria mellonella, whilst the remaining group was unchallenged. Cloacal swabs were taken at 2, 4, and 6 days post-infection (dpi) to follow transmission and at 8 dpi birds culled and C. jejuni load quantified in the caeca and liver. At 8 dpi, all birds in both the Campylobacter gavage group and those in the group fed the Campylobacter infected Galleria mellonella were Campylobacter positive, whereas those fed uninfected Galleria mellonella and the control group were all Campylobacter negative. The mean caecal Campylobacter load in the Campylobacter gavage group was 1.7 × 1010 per gram compared with 8.6 × 109 in the group fed the Campylobacter-infected Galleria mellonella. No liver positives were found in any of the groups. Our findings indicate that feeding broiler chickens with the vector Galleria mellonella infected with C. jejuni-M1 is sufficient to establish colonisation with C. jejuni. We propose that Galleria can be used as an easy and flexible model for vector transmission of foodborne pathogens in chicken.

Influence of Wormwood Seeds on Enzymatic and Non–enzymatic Activity in Blood of Broilers with Coccidiosis

Wormwood plants have been of great botanical and pharmaceutical interest and are employed in folk medicine for a long time. Wormwood has been used successfully for many years as a remedy against malaria and has been reported to exhibit antiprotozoal potential. Having in mind that, this study aimed to investigate the effects of wormwood seeds on enzymatic activity and non–enzymatic activity in broilers infected with coccidiosis. A biological experiment with broiler chickens was performed on a total of 360 Ross 308 broiler chickens. Chickens were divided into three experimental treatments with six replication each, respectively. Treatment I (WW1) was uninfected with coccidia oocyst and untreated, treatment II (WW2) was infected with coccidia oocyst and was kept untreated, while treatment III (WW3) was infected with coccidia oocyst and received wormwood seeds in feed in the quantity of 1.5%. Blood was collected for the evaluation of antioxidant status. Results of bloody diarrhea intensity of chickens have ranged from 0% (WW1; day 26th) to 99% (WW2; day 28th), respectively. Regarding the influence of dietary wormwood seeds on fecal oocyst counts obtained results showed the highest oocyst in treatment WW2 on the 30th day of the experiment (45115.7 oocyst number/g), which was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) when compared to treatments WW3 (623.3 oocyst number/g), and WW1 (0 oocyst number/g) on the same experimental day. Our results indicate a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in non-enzymatic activity and higher catalytic enzymatic activity in blood hemolysates of infected broilers. Based on our research it can be concluded that wormwood seeds can be used in feed for broilers as a prophylactic feed additive to prevent coccidia oocyst development.

Effects of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa) and Coconut Meals (Cocos nucifera) on Broiler Performance and Cecal Microbiota.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed meal (BCSM) and coconut meal (CM) on the performance and cecal microbiota of Cobb 500 hybrid broilers. The study was conducted on 600 chicks on the first day of hatching; the chicks were randomly distributed equally into 12 equal-sized floor pens. Four dietary treatments (C, T1, T2 and T3) were replicated three times (50 chicks/replicate): C was the control group; T1 was supplemented with 10% BCSM; T2 was supplemented with 10% CM; T3 was supplemented with 5% BCSM and 5% CM. At slaughter age on day 35, our findings showed that treatment T2 increased significantly body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to C, T1 and T3. In addition, the hot carcass dressing percentages in treatments T1, T2, and T3 were significantly higher than that of the C group. The results of relative normalized comparative gene expression of Clostridioides difficile, Roseburia and Streptococcus were not significantly changed in all treatments (p > 0.05). Treatment T1 resulted in a significant decrease in gene expression of the entire microbiota, while treatment T2 resulted in a significant increase in gene expression of all microbes, leading to an enriched and diverse microbial community. It can be concluded that supplementation with 10% BCSM is beneficial in inhibiting pathogenic microbes during early post-hatch days. In contrast, CM may promote and enhance the diversity of microbial communities during broiler growth. The inclusion of non-conventional feed ingredients in poultry diets may improve growth performance and may reduce the cost of broiler feed.