Broiler Finisher Research Articles

Haematological, Serum biochemical indices and lipid profile of finisher broiler chickens fed red and white sorghum based diets, supplemented with tannase enzyme

A 28 days study was carried out to investigate the effects of red sorghum (RS) and white sorghum (WS) based diets, with or without tannase supplementation on the haematological, serum biochemical indices and lipid profile of finisher broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) 4 weeks old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allotted to eight (8) dietary treatments, which consisted of 30 birds, having 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Diets were formulated to replace maize with red and white sorghum at 4 levels (0%, 100%RS, 100%WS and 50%RS:50%WS), with or without tannase enzyme to have a 4x2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. On 28th day, blood was collected for determination of haematological, serum biochemical and lipid profile. Birds fed 100% RS diet and those fed 50RS: 50WS had the highest (P<0.05) white blood cell count (WBC), while the least WBC value was recorded for birds fed maize-based diet. Haematological indices were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the interaction between the sorghum type and tannase supplementation. Birds fed the maize-based diet without tannase had the highest (P<0.05) level of albumin (4.87g/dl), while birds fed 100%WS diet without tannase had the lowest value (3.33g/dl). The lipid profile of boiler chickens was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by sorghum type, tannase supplementation and their interaction. It was concluded from the study that RS and WS, with or without tannase supplementation, can totally replace maize in the diet of finisher broilers without detrimental effect on the haematological, serumbiochemical indices and lipid profile.

FEEDING PROCESSED Vitamin A CASSAVA ROOT MEALS TO BROILER CHICKENS: PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS, BLOOD INDICES AND ANTIOXIDATIVE STATUS

The emerging effects of climate change and the increasing cost of grains have been a serious issue to animal nutritionist in the tropics. This study evaluates the performance of broiler finisher chickens fed different processed cassava UMUCASS 36 (vitamin A) root meals (PCRM) as substitute for maize in the diets of 108 Arbor Acre (starter) finisher chickens for 21days. Six diets were formulated and the test diet was supplemented to the birds as partial and whole. The birds were fed T1 as the control, T2 had 25% each of oven-dried and sun-dried cassava root meal, T3 had 25% maize and 25% oven-dried cassava root meal, T4 had 25% maize and 25% sun-dried cassava root meal, while T5 had only 50% oven-dried cassava root meal, and T6 also had only 50% sun-dried cassava root meal respectively. Data were collected on the performance characteristics, blood indices and serum antioxidant of the birds. Performance characteristics of the birds revealed that T4 recorded significant (p<0.05) values of 2722.32 g, 1559.62 g and 1.61 final weight, weight gain and FCR respectively in comparison to the other treatments. The test diets did not show any adverse effect on the haematology and serum biochemistry of the birds. However, on the serum antioxidant status, T5 and T6 showed better values on the Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine aminotransferase of the birds. The result on Superoxide dismutase and Malondialdehyde of the birds revealed that T4 and T6 recorded higher and lower values respectively. It was concluded that broiler finisher chickens could be fed up to 50% processed cassava root meal, inclusion using both techniques without detrimental effects.

Growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broilers fed Moringa oleifera leaf meal

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four (144) day-old were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments group of 3 birds per group each after 3 weeks brooding. Each replicate had 12 birds. The birds in T1 (control) group were offered a basal diet only; the T2 were given basal diet with 300g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T3 were given basal diet with 500g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T4 were given basal diet with 700g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed. The experiment lasted till the birds were 56 days of age. Significant differences were observed in the feed intake of the birds and body weight gain. The hematological parameters measured differ significantly. Alanine transaminase (ALT) differed among the dietary treatments. Significant differences were observed in the other serum biochemical indices measured. Cost incurred per kilogram weight gain was higher for birds on Moringa diets than birds on the control diet. The results of this study indicate that Moringa oleifera leaf meal significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth performance - weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, in the treated birds compared to the control group with the best result at level 700 g inclusion. Feeding the birds with Moringa oleifera leaf meal brought about changes in the serum biochemical parameters but without any deleterious effect on them and should be considered as a good source of protein in livestock nutrition.

Influence of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status of broiler birds

This study examined the effect of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematobiochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 300 21-day-old Chikun strain chicks were randomly allocated to 30 pens in which they were allotted to 5 dietary treatments as follows TI (0 g /100kg), T2 (100 g /100kg), T3 (200 g /100kg), T4 (300 g /100kg), T5 (400 g /100kg) of feed with 6 replicates pens of 10 during the finisher phase (28 days). Results showed that dietary supplementation with lysolecithin increased the final body weight (FBW) (quadratic P = 0.0178), body weight gain (BWG) (quadratic P = 0.0232), whilst it decreased the total feed intake (TFI) (linear P = 0.0104). Similarly, it linearly increased the retention of dry matter (P = 0.0324); crude protein (P = 0.0029), crude fibre (P = 0.0147), and crude fat (P = 0.0002). Furthermore, it increased the superoxide dismutase (linear P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (quadratic P < 0.001), glutathione (linear P < 0.001), whilst it decreased malondialdehyde (linear P = 0.003), without affecting (P > 0.05) the haematobiochemistry parameters. Therefore, dietary lysolecithin could be supplemented up to 400 g /100 kg without compromising performance, nutrient retention, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler diets.

PSVII-5 Heat shock protein 70 gene expression and association with morphometric and heat tolerance traits in three plumage colors of Noiler chicken exposed to acute heat stress

Abstract Heat stress is one of the most difficult climatic conditions chickens faces and is a direct result of climate change. It is important to research poultry thermotolerance because it may help find genetic lines resistant to heat stress. This study investigated the influence of plumage colors on heat shock protein 70 gene expression in Noiler chickens exposed to acute heat stress. Noiler is a dual-purpose breed developed for smallholder poultry production in Nigeria. A total of 150 birds of three plumage colors (black, brown and white) of mixed sexes were used for the experiment. The birds were raised in deep litter house separated into six groups of 25 birds each and fed with commercial broiler diets from 0-8 wk and broiler finisher diets from 8 to 12 wk old. The birds were shared into treatments in 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangements with 3 plumage colors (black, brown, white), two temperature regimens (Control/thermoneutral, Heat stress) and sex of birds (male, female). The heat stressed birds were exposed to 41oC for 8 h from 0600 h to 1400 h for 7 d while control group maintained a thermoneutral temperature range of 30 oC to 32 oC for the same period. At 13 wk old, two birds were selected per treatment, slaughtered and the spleen removed and stored in RNA later for heat shock protein (HSP) 70 gene expression. Data collected were analyzed with Microsoft excel code for fold expression of HSP70 gene while GLM procedure in SAS was used to determine difference in expression of gene. The relative expression of HSP70 brown plumage was greater, upregulated compared with black and white. White plumage birds in control/thermoneutral group were significantly greater in HSP70 expression than other plumage colors and heat stressed birds. Association of HSP70 delta threshold cycle (DCT) values with morphometric and heat tolerance traits were investigated (Figure 1). High negative correlations emerged between HSP70DCT expression and body weight (-0.65), body temperature (-0.73) with moderate positive correlation for rectal temperature (0.55) in black birds (Table 1). HSP70 DCT positively correlated with body weight (0.70), breast/leg circumferences but negatively with wing length, suggesting reduced surface area during heat stress and a supportive role in maintaining protein integrity (Figure 2). For white Noiler birds, HSP70DCT associated negatively with body weight (-0.94) and positively with rectal temperature during heat stress (Table 2). Thermoneutral birds were positively correlated with heat tolerance traits except temperature while heat stressed birds showed low positive correlation with respiratory and pulse rates and very low positive relationship with body and rectal temperatures (Table 4). Sex-based differences emerged, with potential compromise between HSP70-mediated growth/composition in males versus muscle maintenance in females, although leg length/circumference showed shared developmental regulation (Figure 3, Table 3). These findings highlight HSP70’s versatile roles in systemic heat tolerance mechanisms influenced by plumage color, temperature regime and sex.

Effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) powder on liver enzymes, lipid profiles and carcass traits of finisher broiler chickens

Thirty-two (32) three-week old Anak Acre unsexed broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effects of bitter leaf powder (BLP) on liver enzymes, lipid profile and carcass characteristics. The birds were acclimatized for one week and thereafter allocated to 4 treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (2.5g BLP/bird), T3 (5g BLP/bird), and T4 (7.5g BLP/bird) in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated twice, with each replicate containing 4 birds. The birds received BLP through drinking water (2ml drench) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, data obtained from serum parameters and carcass traits were subjected to analysis of variance and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that BLP supplements had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on liver enzyme markers and lipid profiles. The group treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird had lowest ALP and ALT liver enzymes and lowest lipid and highest good cholesterol (HDL). The carcass characteristics showed that T3 differed (P&lt;0.05) from other groups in live, slaughter, plucked, eviscerated and dressed weights and body parts including the thigh, breast, neck and the shank weights. The drumstick, back and the gizzard weights did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) across the groups. The control group outperformed (P &lt;0.05) other groups in intestinal and liver weights whereas the abdominal fat was numerically (P&gt;0.05) highest in the group treated with 2.5 g/bird. It can therefore be concluded that liver enzyme markers and lipid profile of broiler chickens were at their best in broilers treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird while the carcass characteristics showed superiority in broilers treated with BLP at 5 g/bird.

Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder as Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Carcass, Organ Characteristics and Nutrient Digestibility of Finisher Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of varying levels of fenugreek seed powder as feed additive on the growth performance, carcass, internal organ characteristics and nutrient digestibility coefficient of broiler finisher chickens. The experiment utilized a total of one hundred and sixty (160) broiler finisher chickens of Abor Arce breed. Four experimental diets were formulated, incorporating fenugreek seed powder at levels of 0, 100, 200, and 300g per kilogram of feed, labelled T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The birds were divided into four (4) groups of forty (40) birds each, and each group was assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Further division within each group resulted in four (4) replicates of ten (10) birds each. Feed and water were provided ad libitum, and the collected data underwent statistical analysis. The duration of the experiment was 28 days. The results indicated notable differences (p&lt;0.05) in final weight gain, body weight gain, and feed intake among the birds across the treatments. T4 demonstrated the highest significant (p&lt;0.05) values for feed intake, which increased with the higher levels of fenugreek seed powder in the diet. The feed conversion ratio of the birds remained unaffected by the diet, with T4 showing the lowest feed conversion ratio. Additionally, the live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, and primal cut-parts (thigh, drumstick, back, wing, and breast) were significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) by the diets, with T4 recording the highest values for these parameters. The internal organs of the birds were not impacted by the diet, while a significant reduction in abdominal fat was observed in T4. Furthermore, the nutrient digestibility coefficient of the broiler chickens was significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by the diet, with T4 exhibiting the highest significant nutrient digestibility coefficient value. Hence, it can be concluded that adding fenugreek seed powder to broiler diets at 300g/100kg feed as a feed additive enhances growth performance, carcass internal organ characteristics, and nutrient digestibility coefficient of the birds.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics and digestibility coefficient of finisher broiler chicken fed varying levels of Fennel seed powder

A 28-day trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different levels of fennel seed powder as a feed additive on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens. The study involved 200 finisher broiler chickens divided into four groups of 50 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated with fennel seed powder at 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The treatment groups were further subdivided into five replicates with 10 birds in each group. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results indicated significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in final weight gain (FWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups. Birds in T4 group showed the highest FWG and DWG values (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, T4 had the lowest FCR values (p&lt;0.05), significant differences in feed intake (p&lt;0.05) were similarly observed. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were recorded in dressed weight, live weight, dressing percentage, and various cut-parts for the birds, birds in T4 recorded superior values for all carcass traits. The internal organs were not affected by the feed (p&gt;0.05). However, the diet significantly influenced abdominal fat, with T4 showing the lowest values (p&lt;0.05). The nutrient digestibility coefficients were significantly affected by the diet, with T4 showing the highest values in all proximate composition parameters analyzed (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that adding fennel seed powder at 450g per 100kg of feed can enhance the growth performance, carcass quality, internal organ traits, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens.

Performance of Commercial Broilers under Separate Sex Rearing and Feeding during the Finisher Period

The performance of commercial broiler chicken was evaluated under separate sex rearing and feeding during the finisher stage (22-42 days age). A total of 210, (21 days-old) commercial broilers were randomly allocated to five groups, viz., A (male &amp; female mixed), B (male), C (male), D (female), and E (female) containing 42 birds in each group. The birds from groups A, C, and E were fed with a commercial broiler finisher diet containing 3250 kcal ME/kg, 19.5% CP, 1.00% Dig. Lysine (Dig. Lys) and 0.49% Dig. Methionine (Dig, Met). The males in group B were fed a special male diet containing 3000 kcal ME/kg, 18% Crude Protein (CP), and females from group D were fed a special female diet containing 3100 kcal ME/kg, 19.5 % CP. The Dig. Lys and Dig. Met levels in group B and D finisher diets were 2% higher than in group A. The results of the study concluded that the separate sex rearing of broilers may be followed by feeding special finisher diets to males (B) and females (D) to achieve similar body weight, weight gain, and feed efficiency to that of males (C) and females fed with a commercial finisher diet. Separate sex rearing of commercial broilers with special feeding is more economical than commercial diets fed to mixed and separate sex. Females fed on a special finisher diet had significantly (P &lt; .05) higher serum total protein, albumin, and A/G ratio than males fed on a special finisher diet.

Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine administration in drinking water of broilers exposed to heat stress on performances, intestinal integrity, and oxidative status

Supplementing the diet of broiler with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) has been shown to support small intestinal integrity, and as a precursor of L-cysteine, it may also support antioxidant functions. As heat-stressed chickens suffer from intestinal disturbances caused by oxidative stress and at the same time increase water consumption, it was hypothesised that NAC supplemented via the drinking water could reinforce finisher broiler productivity under heat stress. Hence, three hundred 15-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were assigned to three treatments until 39 days of age: thermoneutral (TN), heat-stressed (HS), or HS + NAC. NAC was administered to the drinking water at 1000 mg/L starting on day 20. At 22 days, a chronic cyclic heat stress model was initiated in the HS and HS + NAC groups. On day 39, birds were euthanized and sampled for physiological measurements. Heat stress significantly decreased weight gain and feed intake from 22 to 39 days but did not affect feed efficiency. Rectal temperature and respiration rate significantly increased in heat-stressed broilers on days 23, 30, and 38. Also, ileal mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma MDA levels were significantly higher in the HS group and the HS + NAC group, respectively, as compared to the TN group, whereas MDA levels in lung tissue were lower in both HS groups. Small intestinal villus height was significantly lower and serum FITC-d levels were significantly higher in the HS group compared to the TN group, without the effect of NAC supplementation. Furthermore, hepatic gene transcript of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit was upregulated under heat stress conditions which may reflect higher glutathione synthesis, whereas in HS + NAC birds cystathionine-beta synthase-like (CBSL) mRNA level was dramatically reduced, indicating decreased transsulfuration activity. In conclusion, the administration of 1000 mg/L NAC in drinking water did not alleviate the reduced performances of heat-stressed finisher broilers. Nevertheless, it resulted in the downregulation of CBSL expression, suggesting a potential methionine-sparing effect.

Incorporation of yeast treated Dialium bark meal on growth performance, blood indices and intestinal physiology of broilers

Incorporation of beneficial microbes to enhance the nutritive value of non-traditional feed additives is presently being promoted as a cost-effective way of increasing animal performance. Therefore, this trial investigated the impact of the incorporation of Dialium bark meal treated with yeast (TS) into broiler diets on intestinal histology, growth, and blood characteristics. One hundred and eighty days old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to three treatments with five replications of 12 birds in a complete randomized design. The treatments were designed as (TS0: control) which is the (starter and finisher) diets without TS additive; whereas the TS0.5 and TS1.0 diets have TS additive at 0.5 and 1.5 g kg−1, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days comprising (28 days each for starter and finisher phases). Feed intake, body weight gains (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at the end of the starter and finisher phases. Blood and intestinal histomorphological indices were determined at the end of the finisher phase. Results indicate that TS contains 8.15 % crude protein, 29.84 % crude fibre, and 11.61 % ash. In addition, starter broilers in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups gained less weight and had a higher feed intake than those in the TS0 group. Broilers (29–56 d) in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups recorded better (p < 0.05) final live weight (FLW), BWG, and FCR than those in the TS0 group. Feed intake responded linearly to increasing TS levels in the diet during the finisher production phase. Broilers in group TS1.0 tended (p < 0.05) to have higher haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration compared to those in group TS0. Conversely, there were no treatment effects (p > 0.05) on mean cell volume, white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, and serum biochemical variables. Broilers on TS diets had significantly improved histoarchitecture of the jejunum in broilers. In conclusion, results suggest that Dialium bark meal treated (TS) with dried active yeast is high in fibre and ash, and its addition at 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1 feed improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, aspects of the blood characteristics and intestinal histomorphology of the jejunum of broilers at the finisher production phase. It is recommended that TS can be added to broiler finisher diet up to 1.0 g kg−1 feed for best growth performance, intestinal histomorphological, and blood characteristics.

Effect of varying levels of processed Black plum Vitex doniana supplemented meals on growth performance of broiler chickens

The search for nonconventional feed supplements that can act as growth promoter with cost effectiveness for broiler chickens production and are capable of maximizing its growth performance will create increase supply of protein for the growing populace and growth in the investment of Nigerian poultry farmers. Therefore, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying levels of processed black plum meal on growth performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were used for the starter phase and one hundred and eighty four weeks old chicks were used for the finisher phase. Vitex doniana leaf meal had significant effects on final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broiler starter chicks. Birds fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar results in terms of the final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain compared to chicks fed the control diet. Results showed that broiler finisher chickens fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg weight gain. Birds fed the control had the least weight gain. In conclusion, processed black plum meal improved growth performance and reduced cost of feed to gain a kilogramme of meat at both the starter and finisher phases. Therefore, processed black plum meal as supplement in broiler chicken diets will increase efficiency for sustainable broiler chicken production.

Effects of Inclusion of Gongronema Latifolium Leaf Extract as a Supplementary Source of Vitamins and Minerals on the Growth Performance and Haematology of Broiler Finishers

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract (GLLE) as a supplementary source of vitamins and minerals on growth performance and haematology of broiler finishers. A total of 20 four (4) weeks old broilers were randomly selected and assigned to five treatment groups, namely water (control), water+ vitalyte, water+ 60ml GLLE, water+ 30ml GLLE and water+ 10mIGLLE. Results showed that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in weight gain but there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in Hb, PCV and RBC. The relative weights of gizzard, heart and liver of the broilers fed extract (except 30ml extract) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced compared with the broilers fed vitalyte. The group fed 30ml extract had the highest weight in gizzard. 30ml GLLE enhanced the growth performance of broilers without any adverse effect on their blood. GLLE can serve as a substitute to the commercially synthetic vitamins and minerals premixes in feeding poultry.

Effect of Different Levels of Extruded Coffee (Coffea arabica) Pulp Flour on the Productive Performance and Intestinal Morphometry of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens.

Coffee pulp is a by-product of the coffee industry. Due to conventional management techniques, it represents a severe environmental problem due to its negative impact on the soil (anaerobic fermentation and pH changes), water sources (the infiltration of pollutants into streams, acidification of water sources, and modification of microorganisms), and biodiversity (soil microbiology, fish, crustaceans, and other vertebrates). Therefore, it is essential to develop protocols for the treatment of this waste so that it can be used again in other productive activities under the circular economy approach. This means that all the waste from a production process can be reused, can generate value for the benefit of the producer, and, in turn, mitigate the environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of 5 levels of wheat bran (WB) with extruded coffee pulp flour (ECPF) as an alternative to a conventional fiber source in broiler finisher diets. A total of 300 Cobb 500 chickens in the finishing phase were assessed in the study, grouped in 5 treatments: T1, a conventional diet or control treatment (100% WB and 0% ECPF), T2 (75% WB and 25% ECPF), T3 (50% WB and 50% ECPF), T4 (25% WB and 75% ECPF), and T5 (0% WB and 100% ECPF). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and intestinal morphometry (villus length: VL, villus width: VW, crypt depth: CD, villus height/crypt depth ratio: V/C, and villus surface area: VSA) were evaluated at the level of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Feed intake decreased correspondingly as the ECPF in the diet was increased, with statistical differences (p < 0.01) between their averages; the most significant weight gain (834.61 g) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, this being statistically different (p < 0.01) from T4 and T5; similarly, the best FCR (1.58) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, followed by the control treatment T1 (with 1.64); however, they were not statistically different (p > 0.05). All treatment results were similar to the VL control samples in the three intestinal portions, except for the T5 in the jejunum, which showed statistical differences from the control. In VW, the treatment results were similar to the control samples of the jejunum and ileum; however, in the duodenum, the T5 results showed the highest value (172.18 μm), being statistically different (p < 0.05) from the other treatments being evaluated. For CD, it was only in the duodenum that the T2 and T3 treatments were similar to the control. Likewise, for V/C in the duodenum, only the T2 results were similar to the control. There was no significant difference in the VSA among the different treatment groups. T2 showed better production parameters without altering the intestinal villi. In conclusion, ECPF is a potential input for use to replace up to 25% of WB in the feed of broilers in the finishing phase.

Influence of Combination of Lemon Grass and Black Plum Leaf Meal on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broiler Finisher Birds

Influence of Combination of Lemon Grass and Black Plum Leaf Meal on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broiler Finisher Birds

Influence of in ovo administration of oyster mushroom extract on morphological and histological responses of intestines of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the influence of in ovo administration of oyster mushroom aqueous extract on intestinal development of broiler chickens. A total of 600 hatching eggs of Arbor acre strain of broiler chickens were used in this experiment. The eggs were divided into three treatments; T1: Control (non-injected eggs), T2: in ovo administration of 0.1 ml of oyster mushroom aqueous extract and T3: in ovo administration of 0.2 ml of oyster mushroom aqueous extract. In ovo injection of eggs was carried out on the 18th day of incubation and hatched chicks were brooded for 2 weeks and the experiment lasted for six weeks. At the starter and finisher (7th and 56th days of age) phases, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for intestinal evaluation. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using General Linear Model. Results from the starter phase showed jejunal villus height significantly (p&lt;0.05) ranged from 290.62 µm in birds in T1 to 415.60 µm in birds in the T3 group. Moreover, jejunal crypt depth ranged from 51.96 µm to 115.62 µm, while muscular wall thickness ranged from 53.94 µm to 139.23 µm with the highest recorded in the T2 birds. In finisher broilers, there was significant (p&lt;0.05) difference among treatments for duodenum length, muscular wall thickness of the ileum and colon length. Histological plates taken in the starter phase indicated no visible lesion in the villi across treatments with crypts appearing normal. However, finisher broilers in the T2 group had preeminent villi representation showing intact enterocytes and slightly high and more prominent crypts. Therefore, to improve jejunal morphology in the starter phase as well as increased intestinal length and superior duodenal histology in the finisher phase of broiler chickens, in ovo administration of 0.1 ml oyster mushroom aqueous extract is recommended.

Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing high-quality cassava peel

Performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit of broiler chickens fed diets containing high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) were investigated. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Abor Acre strain of broiler chicks were purchased and raised at the Teaching and Research Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Feeding trial were conducted to evaluate the effect of diets containing varying levels of high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) fine mash on broilers’ performance, carcass characteristics, and cost benefit. The birds were acclimatized for three weeks using commercial diets after which they were randomly assigned to four treatment groups; (Diet 1- 0 kg of HQCP, Diet 2- 10 kg of HQCP, Diet 3- 15 kg of HQCP and Diet 4- 20 kg of HQCP per ton of feed for 21 days. Each treatment was replicated into 3 with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Data on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding costs were collected and analyzed. The results showed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in final live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing percentage, total feed cost, and feed cost per weight gain across the treatments. Diet 3 and Diet 4 produced birds with the highest live weights of 1.53 and 1.46 kg, respectively. The dressing percentage ranged from 60.53% (Diet 3) - 69.51% (Diet 2). Diet 3 had the lowest total feed cost (N764.67 /kg) while Diet 4 had the lowest feed cost per body weight gain (N1017.79) with a saving cost of N378.35. It was concluded that the replacement of maize with 20 kg high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) in broiler finisher diets improved production performance and saved cost.

Histological examination and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken dosed varying levels of onion extract

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of onion extract on histological response and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers. Sixty day old chicks of Cobb 500 strain were used for this study which lasted for four weeks. The day old chicks were purchased from Ibadan, Nigeria. The chicks on arrival were brooded for four weeks using normal starter feed (New hope brand). At the expiration of four weeks brooding period the broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups with three replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The onion bulbs were purchased from Ogige market in Nsukka town, Enugu State, Nigeria. The aqueous onion extract were prepared by slicing, soaking and extracting the active ingredients from the onions. The extract was diluted at different concentrations such as; 0.5g/ml, 1.0g/ml and 1.5g/ml of clean water for T2, T3 and T4 respectively. T1 had no onion extract and as such served as control. The onion extracts were administered to the birds every 48 hours using dropper. Water and feed were given ad libitum to the birds. The result obtained showed normal hepatocytes with acinar-like arrangement and central vein with no abnormal changes in all the organs examined. In conclusion, it has been revealed that the dietary onion extract enhanced the histological features and carcass characteristics of finisher broilers without any detrimental effects on the organs. We therefore, recommend the use of T3(1.0g/ml) which had highest dressed carcass yield to farmers for optimum gain.

Impact of Combination of Phytogenic Plant Sources on Growth Performance and Cost Evaluation of Broiler Finisher Birds

Impact of Combination of Phytogenic Plant Sources on Growth Performance and Cost Evaluation of Broiler Finisher Birds

Effect of Black Plum Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance Characteristics, Cost Benefit Evaluation and Serum Biochemical Indices of Finisher Broiler Birds

Effect of Black Plum Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance Characteristics, Cost Benefit Evaluation and Serum Biochemical Indices of Finisher Broiler Birds