Broiler Feed Research Articles

Effect of Vitamin C and Probiotics on Broilers Performance and Claudin-2 (CLDN-2) Expression Under Heat Stress [RESEARCH NOTE

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin C and probiotic which consists of five species of beneficial bacteria and two species of fungi on performance, blood parameters, and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression of broilers during heat stress (HS). A total of 400 broilers were randomly divided into five groups, each of which received a different treatment. The first group was considered a negative control and did not experience any HS (C-); the second group was considered a positive control (C+) and was exposed to HS; the third group received only vitamin C (250 mg/L in drinking water); the fourth group received only the recommended dose of probiotics; and the fifth group received a combination of both vitamin C and probiotics (250 mg/L in drinking water and recommended dose, respectively). The broiler’s performance, blood parameters, and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression were assessed. The results showed that the administration of probiotics and vitamin C increased the broiler's feed intake and decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Heat stress increased the broiler's blood total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and liver enzyme concentration (p < 0.05). While the supplementation of vitamin C and probiotics decreased these parameters during HS (p < 0.05). Vitamin C administration reduced the intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression in broilers, during HS (p < 0.05). Heat stress negatively affected the broiler's performance and increased the mortality rate and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression, whereas, the supplementation of vitamin C decreased the deleterious effect of HS in broilers.

Incidence of Trichothecenes Deoxynivalenol and T-2 Toxin in Poultry Feed Mixtures

Abstract Trichothecenes are among the most important fusariotoxins. According to their chemical structure, they are divided into 4 groups (A – D). In terms of agriculture, trichothecenes of groups A and B are of greatest importance. In this study, the incidence of trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin) in mixed feed for broilers and turkeys were determined. Deoxynivalenol was detected in all analysed samples of feed mixture for broilers and turkeys (100 %) at an average concentration of 1.776 ppm; 0.675 ppm, respectively. T-2 toxin was present in 93.8 % of mixed feed for broilers at an average concentration of 36.625 ppb and in all of the tested samples (100 %) of turkey mixed feed (average level 25.899 ppb). The trichothecenes deoxynivalenol and T-2 toxin in feed samples for poultry did not exceed concentrations recommended by legislation.

Guar gum as galactomannan source induces dysbiosis and reduces performance in broiler chickens and dietary β-mannanase restores the gut homeostasis

Galactomannans are abundant nonstarch polysaccharides in broiler feed ingredients. In broilers, diets with high levels of galactomannans have been associated with innate immune response stimulation, poor zootechnical performance, nutrient and lipid absorption, and excessive digesta viscosity. However, data about its effects on the gut microbiome are scarce. β-Mannanases are enzymes that can hydrolyze β-mannans, resulting in better nutrient utilization. In the current study, we have evaluated the effect of guar gum, a source of galactomannans, supplemented to broiler diets, either with or without β-mannanase supplementation, on the microbiota composition, in an attempt to describe the potential role of the intestinal microbiota in β-mannanase-induced gut health and performance improvements. One-day-old broiler chickens (n=756) were randomly divided into 3 treatments: control diet, guar gum-supplemented diet (1.7%), or guar gum-supplemented diet+β-mannanase (Hemicell 330 g/ton). The zootechnical performance, gut morphometry, ileal and cecal microbiome, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were evaluated at different time points. The guar gum supplementation decreased the zootechnical performance, and the β-mannanase supplementation restored performance to control levels. The mannan-rich diet-induced dysbiosis, with marked effects on the cecal microbiota composition. The guar gum-supplemented diet increased the cecal abundance of the genera Lactobacillus, Roseburia, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, and Escherichia-Shigella, and decreased Intestinimonas, Alistipes, Butyricicoccus, and Faecalibacterium. In general, dietary β-mannanase supplementation restored the main microbial shifts induced by guar gum to levels of the control group. In addition, the β-mannanase supplementation reduced cecal isobutyric, isovaleric, valeric acid, and branched-chain fatty acid concentrations as compared to the guar gum-supplemented diet group, suggesting improved protein digestion and reduced cecal protein fermentation. In conclusion, a galactomannan-rich diet impairs zootechnical performance in broilers and results in a diet-induced dysbiosis. β-Mannanase supplementation restored the gut microbiota composition and zootechnical performance to control levels.

Negative consequences of reduced protein diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids for performance, intestinal barrier function, and caecal microbiota composition of broiler chickens

The consequences of feeding broiler chickens with reduced protein (RP) diets for gut health and barrier function are not well understood. This study was performed to elucidate the effect of reducing dietary protein and source of protein on gut health and performance parameters. Four experimental diets included 2 control diets with standard protein levels either containing meat and bone meal (CMBM) or an all-vegetable diet (CVEG), a medium RP diet (17.5% in growers and 16.5% in finisher), and a severe RP diet (15.6% in grower and 14.6% in finisher). Off-sex Ross 308 birds were assigned to each of the 4 diets and performance measurements were taken from d 7 to 42 post-hatch. Each diet was replicated 8 times (10 birds per replicate). A challenge study was conducted on additional 96 broilers (24 birds per diet) from d 13 to 21. Half of the birds in each dietary treatment were challenged by dexamethasone (DEX) to induce a leaky gut. Feeding birds with RP diets decreased weight gain (P < 0.0001) and increased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) from d 7 to 42 compared with control diets. There was no difference between CVEG and CMBM control diets for any parameter. The diet containing 15.6% protein increased (P < 0.05) intestinal permeability independent of the DEX challenge. Gene expression of claudin-3 was downregulated (P < 0.05) in birds fed 15.6% protein. There was a significant interaction between diet and DEX (P < 0.05) and both RP diets (17.5% and 15.6%) downregulated claudin-2 expression in DEX-challenged birds. The overall composition of the caecal microbiota was affected in birds fed 15.6% protein having a significantly lower richness of microbiota in both sham and DEX-injected birds. Proteobacteria was the main phylum driving the differences in birds fed 15.6% protein. At the family level, Bifidobacteriaceae, Unclassified Bifidobacteriales, Enterococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were the main taxa in birds fed 15.6% protein. Despite supplementation of synthetic amino acids, severe reduction of dietary protein compromised performance and intestinal health parameters in broilers, evidenced by differential mRNA expression of tight junction proteins, higher permeability, and changes in caecal microbiota composition.

Improving Profit for Small-scale Broiler Enterprise Using Self Formulated Diet in Sokoto State

This study was undertaken to assess the role of self formulated diet in reducing broiler feed cost in Sokoto State. To source for data, the experiment was conducted at the research farm of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto. Three diets containing nutrient levels recommended by literature were self formulated using local ingredients. Ultima brand of commercial feed was used as a control. One hundred and eighty strains of Ross chicks were procured and divided into four groups of forty-five birds per diet and 15 per replicate in a completely randomized design. Diets were coded as Local Diet 1 (LDI), Local Diet 2 (LD2), Local Diet 3 (LD3) and CR (Commercial diet). Feed and water were fed ad libitum; the experiment lasted 49 days. Farm budgetary tools were used to calculate profitability and economic efficiency for each enterprise. The results of the study showed that birds fed commercial diet were more profitable to keep.

Dietary Lactobacillus reuteri SL001 Improves Growth Performance, Health-Related Parameters, Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota of Broiler Chickens.

It was assumed that dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus reuteri SL001 isolated from the gastric contents of rabbits could act as an alternative to feed antibiotics to improve the growth performance of broiler chickens. We randomly assigned 360 one-day-old AA white-feathered chicks in three treatments: basal diet (control), basal diet plus zinc bacitracin (antibiotic), and basal diet plus L. reuteri SL001 (SL001) treatment. The results showed the total BW gain and average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in SL001 treatment increased significantly (p < 0.05, respectively) compared with the control group from day 0 to 42. Moreover, we observed higher levels of immune globulins in both the SL001 group and the antibiotic group. Total antioxidant capacity and levels of antioxidant factors were also significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05, respectively) in the SL001 treatment group, while the interleukin 6, interleukin 4, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL and malondialdehyde were remarkably decreased (p < 0.05, respectively). In the ileum of SL001 treatment broilers, the height of villi and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the crypt depth reduced (p < 0.01) and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) in the jejunum compared to the control. The abundance of microbiota increased in the gut of broilers supplemented with SL001. Dietary SL001 significantly increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in the cecal contents of broilers (p < 0.01) at the phylum level. In conclusion, L. reuteri SL001 supplementation promotes the growth performance of broiler chickens and exhibits the potential application value in the industry of broiler feeding.

Plant-Derived Quorum Sensing Inhibitors (Quercetin, Vanillin and Umbelliferon) Modulate Cecal Microbiome, Reduces Inflammation and Affect Production Efficiency in Broiler Chickens.

Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) are an attractive alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in farmed animal nutrition. The goal of the study was the diet supplementation of Arbor Acres chickens with quercetin (QC), vanillin (VN), and umbelliferon (UF), which are plant-derived QSIs preliminarily showing cumulative bioactivity. Chick cecal microbiomes were analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing, inflammation status was assessed by blood sample analyses, and zootechnical data were summarized in the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF). When compared to the basal diet control group, a significant increase in the Bacillota:Bacteroidota ratio in the cecal microbiome was found in all experimental subgroups, with the highest expression > 10 at VN + UV supplementation. Bacterial community structure in all experimental subgroups was enriched with Lactobacillaceae genera and also changed in the abundance of some clostridial genera. Indices of richness, alpha diversity, and evenness of the chick microbiomes tended to increase after dietary supplementation. The peripheral blood leukocyte content decreased by 27.9-45.1% in all experimental subgroups, likely due to inflammatory response reduction following beneficial changes in the cecal microbiome. The EPEF calculation showed increased values in VN, QC + UF, and, especially, VN + UF subgroups because of effective feed conversion, low mortality, and broiler weight daily gain.

Detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the common ingredients of poultry and broiler feed under different seasons

Detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the common ingredients of poultry and broiler feed under different seasons

Exploring the association between fat-related traits in chickens and the RGS16 gene: insights from polymorphism and functional validation analysis.

Excessive fat deposition in chickens can lead to reduced feed utilization and meat quality, resulting in significant economic losses for the broiler industry. Therefore, reducing fat deposition has become an important breeding objective in addition to achieving high broiler weight, growth rate, and feed conversion efficiency. In our previous studies, we observed high expression of Regulators of G Protein Signaling 16 Gene (RGS16) in high-fat individuals. This led us to speculate that RGS16 might be involved in the process of fat deposition in chickens. Thus, we conducted a polymorphism and functional analysis of the RGS16 gene to investigate its association with fat-related phenotypic traits in chickens. Using a mixed linear model (MLM), this study explored the relationship between RGS16 gene polymorphisms and fat-related traits for the first time. We identified 30 SNPs of RGS16 in a population of Wens Sanhuang chickens, among which 8 SNPs were significantly associated with fat-related traits, including sebum thickness (ST), abdominal fat weight (AFW), and abdominal fat weight (AFR). Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that AFW, AFR, and ST showed significant associations with at least two or more out of the eight identified SNPs of RGS16. We also validated the role of RGS16 in ICP-1 cells through various experimental methods, including RT-qPCR, CCK- 8, EdU assays, and oil red O staining. Our functional validation experiments showed that RGS16 was highly expressed in the abdominal adipose tissue of high-fat chickens and played a critical role in the regulation of fat deposition by promoting preadipocyte differentiation and inhibiting their proliferation. Taken together, our findings suggest that RGS16 polymorphisms are associated with fat-related traits in chickens. Moreover, the ectopic expression of RGS16 could inhibit preadipocyte proliferation but promote preadipocyte differentiation. Based on our current findings, we propose that the RGS16 gene could serve as a powerful genetic marker for marker-assisted breeding of chicken fat-related traits.

Calcium Nutrition of Broilers: Current Perspectives and Challenges.

Calcium (Ca) plays an essential role in poultry nutrition as 99% of Ca is located in birds' skeletal system. However, oversupply of Ca rather than deficiency of Ca is the current concern in commercial broiler diets. Calcium is an inexpensive dietary nutrient due to the cheap and abundant availability of limestone, the major Ca source; therefore, little attention was given to the oversupply of Ca in the past. The recent shift in the use of digestible P in broiler feed formulations has necessitated a closer look at digestible Ca, as Ca and P are interrelated in their absorption and postabsorptive utilisation. In this context, data on ileal digestibility of Ca and P in ingredients has been determined. Preliminary data on the digestible Ca and digestible P requirements for the different growth stages of broilers have also recently become available. The present review focusses on these recent advances in Ca nutrition. In addition, aspects of homeostatic control mechanisms, different Ca sources and factors influencing Ca digestibility in poultry are covered.

The Effectiveness of Azolla microphylla Flour Supplementation in Rations on Body Weight, Total Blood Plasma Protein and Total Microbial Contamination of Broiler Carcasses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Azolla microphylla flour supplementation in broiler feed rations on body weight, total blood plasma protein and total broiler carcass microbial contamination. The study was conducted for 6 months (May-October 2022) in the broiler cage unit at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. This experimental study used four treatments and five replications. Each replicate consisted of five Cobb CP 707broiler strains, bringing a total of 100 broilers. Giving Azolla microphylla flour as a supplement is added to the feed ration with different doses according to broiler body weight, namely P0: ration without Azolla microphylla flour supplementation (control); P1: ration supplemented with 2.5% Azolla microphylla flour; P2 5%; P3 7.5%. Sampling of carcasses and blood serum of 29-day-old broilers was 1 broiler per replication with a total of 20 samples. Samples were sent to the Lampung Veterinary Center to be analyzed for total meat microbial contamination (total plate count) and total plasma protein in blood serum. Data from the test results are arranged in a simple tabular form to be analyzed descriptively. The conclusion of this study wassupplementation with 5% Azolla microphyllaflour in rations were effective to increase body weight gain, maintain total blood plasma protein within the normal range, and maintain total broiler carcass microbial contamination within safe limits for consumption.

Effect of exogenus protease on performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphometric, meat quality characteristics, carcass yield in broilers fed low protein diets

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of protease on broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. A total of 1290 Ross AP broilers were used, distributed among five treatments: positive control diet, negative control diet (NC), NC + 50 ppm of protease, NC + 100 ppm of protease, and NC + 200 ppm of protease. Each treatment contained six replicates of 43 animals each. The inclusion of proteases in the diet had effects (P < 0.05) on body weight, feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion in the 12 to 21 day period; body weight, weight gain, and feed intake in the 29 to 42 day period; nutrient digestibility (energy metabolizability coefficient and crude protein at 28 days); and intestinal parameters (crypt and muscle width of jejunum and ileum at 28 days and villus length, crypt length, and jejunum thickness muscle layer at 42 days). These results indicate that the inclusion of protease in broiler feed can improve production parameters when the amount of crude protein in the diet is reduced.

Comparative efficacy of synthetic and herbal emulsifiers in broiler chicken fed energy-restricted diet

The digestive system of young birds is very poor and inefficient in digestion and absorption of fat due to less lipase production and low rate of bile formation, which can be overcome by the use of exogenous emulsifier. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of exogenous herbal and synthetic emulsifiers on growth performance, nutrients utilization, haemato-biochemical profile, and carcass quality in broiler chickens fed energy restricted diet during a 35-days feeding trial. 180 one day-old Cobb400Y chicks were assigned into four treatment groups, each with three replicates. T0(control) received a basal diet without emulsifier, group T1 received a basal diet with 3% less metabolizable energy, group T2 received a basal diet with 3% less metabolizable energy + synthetic emulsifier @250 g/tonne of feed and group T3 received a basal diet with 3% less metabolizable energy + herbal emulsifier @ 250 g/tonne of feed. Supplementation of exogenous emulsifier enhanced growth performance and economics of broiler chicken. These was no significant effect of exogenous emulsifiers on dry matter, crude protein, calcium and phosphorus retention in broiler chickens, however, retention of ether extract improved significantly. Haematological parameters, carcass characteristics and overall acceptability of meat of broiler chicken fed diets supplemented with emulsifiers in energy restricted diets didn`t differ. Emulsifier supplementation didn’t change villi length and crypt depth. It was concluded that decrease in 3% metabolizable energy of broiler chicken diet depressed growth performance and economics of broiler chicken whereas, dietary supplementation of emulsifier @ 250 g/ tonne of energy restricted based broiler feed improved the growth performance, ether extract utilization, intestinal morphology and economics without affecting haemato-biochemical profile, and carcass quality of broiler chickens.

Effect of peanut meal degraded by enzymolysis and fermentation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune function of yellow-feathered broilers

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of peanut meal in vitro degraded with protease, Lactobacillus plantarum ( L. plantarum) or both on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune function of broilers. Diets contained 20% of raw peanut meal (control, CON) or degraded with protease (PPM), L. plantarum (LPM) or both (BPM), matching 4 groups of yellow-feather broiler chicks (6 replicates of 20 chicks each) from 1 to 63 d of age. Results showed that PPM, LPM and BPM increased (P < 0.001) the contents of peptides, acid-soluble protein and organic acids, but decreased (P < 0.001) nitrogen-free extract and phytate phosphorus. The PPM, LPM and BPM increased (P ≤ 0.003) feed intake, body weight gain, the digestibility of dry matter, energy, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and blood profiles of IgA, IgG and B lymphocytes. The BPM showed more pronounced (P < 0.05) effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune parameters than CON and LPM. It is concluded that peanut meal in vitro degraded by enzymolysis and fermentation can improve the nutritional properties and the application as feed for broilers.

An evaluation of gallic acid supplementation to corn-soybean-gluten meal-based diet in broilers

Gallic acid (GA) is an endogenous plant polyphenol found in fruits, nuts, and plants that has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and growth-promoting effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of graded doses of dietary supplemented GA on growth performance, nutrient retention, fecal score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks with an average initial body weight of 41 ± 0.5 g were used in a 32 d feeding trial. Broilers were sorted into 4 treatments, 8 replications per treatment, and 18 birds per cage. Dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean-gluten meal-based basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06% of GA. Feeding broilers with a graded doses of GA increased body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.05) and feed intake (P < 0.05) linearly on phase 2 (d 9-21). Additionally, the nutrient digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.05) and energy (P < 0.05) was increased linearly by including a rising level of GA in the broiler diet. However, the excreta score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash, and meat quality presented no significant effect (P > 0.05) except meat color of yellowness. Adding GA at increasing doses to broiler diets increased growth efficiency and nutritional absorption without affecting excreta score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash, and meat quality. In conclusion, the inclusion of graded levels of GA to corn-soybean-gluten meal-based diet presented dose-dependent improvement in growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers.

Effect of Glutamate Supplementation in Broiler Chicken Feed to The Quality of Carcass

: Glutamate is an alternative feed additive that is safe and environmentally friendly in improving the quality of broiler chicken carcass. This study aims to determine the effect of glutamate produced by Lactobacilus plantarum MV on the quality of broiler chicken carcass. The aim of this research was to get the optimum doses of glutamate in feed broiler for increasing the quality of carcass. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with 6 treatments and 4 replications. This study used 240 broiler chicken strain MB 202 from PT Charoen Phokphand Indonesia, 1 day old and the treatment started at 7 days of age with 5 weeks of treatment. Each experimental unit consisted of 10 chickens. The Glutamate doses in groups were, A (0.4% commercial glutamate; B (0% glutamate); C (0.2% glutamate); D (0.4% glutamate); E (0.6% glutamate); F (0.8% glutamate). The results indicated that glutamate up to 0.8% had significant effects on carcass quality, consisting of reducing abdominal fat (0,64%) and cholesterol (0,64%), as well as increasing meat protein (73,09%) and cooking losses (26.69%). It can be concluded that 0,8% glutamate in broiler feed was increasing the quality of carcass.

Analisa Nutrisi Pakan Ayam Kampung Berbahan Baku Jagung dan Dedak

Local breed chicken is a type of chicken that is widely raised by rural communities. Local breed chicken feed is still limited to household food waste or left free to find food independently. Some are given additional feed in the form of corn or bran but without proper nutritional calculations. The right calculation on feeding will increase growth and the productivity of chickens. The additional feeds commonly used for the manufacture of local breed chicken feed are corn and rice bran which are available quite a lot and the prices are relatively cheap. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate native chicken feed formulation. Five chicken feed formulations were made with the basic ingredients of corn and morning bran. The method used in this study was descriptive exploratory, the results of the feed formulation obtained from the research results were compared with SNI for broiler feed (SNI 01-3931-2006) and laying hens (SNI 01-3929-2006) because there was no standard feed for local breed chickens. village. The formulation results were tested for nutritional content including moisture, ash, protein, fat, and also crude fiber content. Based on the test results, it was found that the formulation of free-range chicken feed according to the SNI standards for broiler and layer chicken feed was the P2 formulation, with a ratio of 30 grams of corn and 24 grams of rice bran.

Feeding of mint leaf as an alternative to antibiotics on performance of broiler

The investigation was carried out through an experiment to examine how various quantities of mint leaves affect the production performance, carcass characteristics, immune parameters, and caecal microbial load of commercial broiler. A total of 225 one-day-old chicks of “Lohman Meat (Indian River)” strain having 43.00±0.66 g average body weight was divided into five investigational groups with three replications of 15 chicks each. The treatments were T0= control (basal feed), T1=basal feed + antibiotic, T2=basal feed + 1.0% mint leaf, T3=basal feed + 1.5% mint leaf and T4=basal feed + 2.0% mint leaf. Weekly body weight, feed intake and FCR were recorded during the investigation stage and carcass characteristics, immune parameters and caecal microbial count were also studied after. The average live weight and body weight gain were notably increased in the 2.0% mint leaf treated group than the other groups. Significant improved FCR was perceived in birds fed with 2.0% mint leaf with basal diet. The results showed that, broilers feeding with 2.0% mint leaf have significant effects (P&lt;0.05) on the thigh, wing, back, liver, neck, heart, gizzard intestine, spleen and bursa while it appeared insignificant (P&gt;0.05) on dressing percentage, breast and drumstick. Significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was observed for immune parameters (WBC, lymphocyte, granulocyte) in mint leaf treated groups than in the control which signifies better immunity in mint leaf treated groups. Addition of 2.0% mint leaf in the broiler diet results in a significant (P&gt;0.05) lower amount of Escherichia coli and Salmonella counts than in the control group. This study concluded that, the addition of mint leaf resulted in improved growth performance, carcass yields, immunity and lower pathogenic microbes in broiler chickens. Therefore, the use of 2.0% of mint leaf in the diets of broilers has affirmative effects on their production performance and as an antibiotic alternative in broiler production can be recommended. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2023, 7 (1), 10-19

Analysis of Photochemical and Antibacterial Activity of Gooseberry Leaf Extract (Phyllanthus acidus L. Skeels) for Formulation of Fortified Broiler Feed

The aim of the research was to assess the phytochemical composition, total flavonoid content and antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus acidus leaf extract (PALE). The study utilized the disc diffusion method to test the in vitro antibacterial properties of the extract against Escherichia coli and Lactic Acid Bacteria. The data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance and significant differences were further analyzed using Duncan's multiple range test. The results of the study showed that PALE contains bio-active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and steroids. The total flavonoid content was 663.92 µg/ml QE. PALE exhibited statistically significant inhibition zone against both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species compared to the standard antibiotic zinc bacitracin. The extract at 2% concentration produced the highest inhibition zone compared to the 1.5% and 1% concentrations, but its effect was significantly lower than that of the control antibiotic zinc bacitracin. Based on these findings, it was concluded that PALE has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial feed additive in broilers. However, further research is necessary to investigate its efficacy in vivo and to determine its safety and potential side effects.

Meta-analysis of the effect of black soldier fly larvae meal in diet on broiler performance and prediction of its metabolisable energy value

The aims of the present work were to determine by meta-analysis the responses of broiler performance to increasing dietary levels of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) and to develop prediction models of the apparent metabolisable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) of BSFLM. Eighteen studies from 12 countries that sum up to 20 experiments and involved a total of 63 treatments with 468 replicates and 4229 birds fulfilled the requirements for the meta-analysis. Four papers from three countries that investigated eight different samples of BSFLM were selected for development of AMEn prediction by means of regression analysis or artificial neural network (ANN) modelling. Growth performance results were not affected (p > .05) by the presence of BSFLM at levels of 5.7 ± 2.3 and 15.5 ± 6.0% in the diet. Multiple linear regression and ANN models showed high precision and accuracy, were unbiased and performed almost identically in the evaluation dataset (R2 = 0.856 and 0.858 and root mean square error of prediction as percentage of the observed mean = 5.216 and 5.241%). Feeding broilers with diets containing 15% BSFLM is not expected to have negative effects on growth performance. The following regression model could be useful for the estimation of AMEn in BSFLM: AMEn = 4.08 (± 0.330) + 0.295 (± 0.0158) × GE + 0.186 (± 0.0021) × EE; where AMEn and gross energy (GE) are MJ/kg dry matter and crude fat (EE) is % dry matter.