Broiler Starter Diets Research Articles

THE EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH HIGH QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL ON STARTER PHASE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with High Quality Cassava Peel (HQCP) on the starter phase growth performance of broiler chicken. The experiment took place at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, and it lasted 21 days. A total of 150 day old chicks (Arbor acre strain) were brooded for a week before being randomly allotted to five experimental treatments in a completely randomized design, such that treatment (T1) served as control with 100% maize, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 had 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% HQCP replacement of maize. Each experimental treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds each. Parameters measured included the daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), final body weight (FBW) and mortality. The results showed significant (P<0.05) difference on the FBW, DWG and FCR. T1, T2 and T3- had the highest FBW, DWG and FCR, which are statistically similar and statistically difference from T4 and T5. The least FBW, DWG and FCR were recorded from T5 as 745.51g, 14.7g and 3.18 respectively. It was concluded that replacement of maize up to 50% with high quality cassava peel (HQCP) in broiler starter diets improved growth performance.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS FED VARYING LEVELS OF RUMEN FILTRATE-FERMENTED EARTH BALL (ICACINIA MANNI) MEAL DIETS

The research was designed to evaluate the feeding value of rumen filtrate fermented Icacinia manni (earth ball) meal on broiler chicks. The rumen filtrate was prepared by submerging fresh rumen digesta obtained from the rumen of cattle, immediately after slaughtering in water on capped plastic container at the rate of 1kg of digesta /litre of water. The mixture was centrifuged vigorously using a metal rod for 5 minutes, residue filtered and the filtrate incubated for 72 hours under room temperature (24°C; The incubated filtrate was used to ferment the peeled earth ball for 48hours. The fermented sample was drained and sundried prior to proximate analysis and feed formulation. Five broiler starter diets were formulated with Diet I designated as control, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had maize in the control diet replaced with I. manni meal. A total of one hundred and fifty (150), day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups of 30 chicks per group, with each group assigned to one of the experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). The proximate composition showed that I. manni meal was inferior to maize in its crude protein content but better than maize and cassava meal in ash and ether extract composition. The weights of birds decreased significantly with the increasing levels of the I. manni in the diets. Birds fed control diet recorded the highest average daily feed intake. The cost per kg of feed reduced with increase in dietary level of the rumen filtrate fermented I. manni meal. Birds fed control diet had the highest cost of feed consumed; while birds on 60% processed I. manni meal had the least cost/kg. It was concluded that rumen filtrate fermented I. manni can replace up to 30% of maize in broiler starter's diet.

EFFECT OF DIETS FORMULATED ON THE BASIS OF CRITICAL ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS AT EACH LEVEL OF CRUDE PROTEIN ON BROILER CHICKS REARED UNDER TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of diets formulated on the basis of essential amino acid at varying levels of crude protein on blood parameters and blood serum biochemical indices of broiler chicks. Four broiler starter diets containing different levels of crude protein (20, 21, 22 and 23%) were formulated. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and met or exceeded the NRC (1994) nutrient requirements for all the essential amino acids. One hundred and ninety two day old unsexed Abor Acres broiler chicks were assigned to the four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design of three replicates each and 16 chicks per replicate. Haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCH, MCV and MCHC) and blood serum (albumin, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino- transferase, alkalin phosphatase and creatine kinase) indices were measured at 28d. PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, uric acid, glucose, ALT, ALP and cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. It was generally observed that most of the values for the haematological and blood serum parameters fell within the normal values except for WBC which was extremely high. It can be concluded from this study that even up to the lowest level of crude protein tested the haematological parameters and blood serum indices were not adversely affected.

EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND FECAL BACTERIAL COUNT IN BROILER CHICKS

Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPS) have been an integral part of the poultry industry for more than sixty years. The AGPs were however suspected to cause cross and multiple antibiotic resistances, leading to a ban on their use in broiler nutrition. Phytogenic additives in animal nutrition have thus attracted attention for their potential role as alternatives to AGPS. Moringa oleifera is known to possess important medicinal properties including antibacterial and antifungal activities. This experiment, which was carried out in a rural part of Kogi State of Nigeria, was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal (MOLM) on the growth performance and fecal bacterial count of broiler chicks. A total of 48 day-old Abor acre commercial broiler chickens were used. They were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized design experiment, each treatment consisting of three replicates, with four birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were maize-based commercial starter ration supplemented with MOLM at levels of 0% (T1 = control), 2.5% (T2), 5% (T3) and 7.5% (T4) respectively. Inclusion of MOLM in broiler starter diets resulted in a non-significant but steady improvement in feed intake of birds with increase in the inclusion level of MOLM. There was also a non-significant improvement in the final weight, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of starter birds placed on diets enriched with MOLM, with the control group having the highest FCR and feed cost per gram of meat produced. There was however no noticeable effect of MOLM on fecal bacterial count of the chicks. Moringa oleiferaLeaf Meal can therefore be added to broiler diets particularly at 5% level for the purpose of improving the feed conversion efficiency of the chicks which may also result in reduced feed cost.

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CEREAL GRAINS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER STARTER CHICKENS

This study was designed to compare the effects of different cereal grains on growth performance of broiler starter chickens. In a completely randomized design, 225 ten-day-old Marshall broiler chicks were allotted 5 dietary treatments containing Yellow maize (YM), White maize (WM), Guinea corn (GC), Millet (ML) and Cereal Processing Offal's (CPO) as the main energy contributors. Each treatment comprised of 45 birds made up of 3 replicates of 15 birds. The study lasted for 18 days. Results showed that average daily feed intake (83.54, 79.50, 81.35, 74.82, 62.03g/day), average daily weight gains (38.95, 34.84, 34.89, 27.06, 26.09g/day), feed conversion ratio (2.14, 2.28, 2.33, 2.77, and 2.38) and feed cost per kilogram gain (₦ 237.54, 243.23, 270.97, 241.46 and 183.12) in that order respectively differed significantly (P<0.05) between dietary treatments. Birds fed diets containing maize as major source of energy were better than the birds fed the other treatments in growth performance. However, the birds fed diets containing cereal processing offal's were significantly (P<0.05) cheaper to raise compared to the other treatments. Therefore, cereal processing offal’s may be used solely or in combination with maize as major energy source in broiler starter diets for cost effective feeding.

Applied Research Note: The impact of retention time during the conditioning process of a broiler starter diet on performance, apparent metabolizable energy, and apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients

Applied Research Note: The impact of retention time during the conditioning process of a broiler starter diet on performance, apparent metabolizable energy, and apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients

Influence of graded levels of maize distillers dried grains with solubles (mDDGS) on the performance, digestive tract development and carcass characteristics of broilers

Abstract The present study investigated the feeding value of maize distillers dried grains with solubles (mDDGS) for broiler chickens. As the first step, the nutrient composition, apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of mDDGS were determined. These values were used to formulate iso-nutrient and isocaloric diets to evaluate the influence of graded levels of mDDGS on broiler performance, digestive tract development and carcass characteristics. Five maize-soybean based diets containing 0 or 5, 10, 15 and 20% of mDDGS, were formulated and cold-pelleted at 65 °C. Each diet was offered ad libitum to six replicates (eight birds per replicate cage) during starter (day 1–21) and finisher (day 22–35) phases. The mDDGS was analysed to contain (% dry matter (DM) basis): CP, 27.8; total non-starch polysaccharides, 28.6 and soluble non-starch polysaccharides, 5.6. The AME was determined to be 10.23 MJ/kg DM. The average ileal digestibility coefficient of indispensable AA was 0.826. The Inclusion of 20% mDDGS resulted in poorer (P < 0.05) feed per gain (quadratic effect, P < 0.05) during the starter period, but no negative effects (P > 0.05) were observed finisher period and the overall production period (day 1–35). Feed intake and feed per gain (linear effect, P < 0.05) decreased with increasing inclusions of mDDGS during finisher period and overall period. A tendency (P = 0.06) for linear improvement in excreta quality was observed with increasing inclusion levels of mDDGS. Relative digestive tract weights and carcass and breast meat yields were not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. A linear (P < 0.05) decrease was observed for the relative lengths of jejunum, ileum and the small intestine. The results indicated that, when balanced for metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, mDDGS can be incorporated into broiler starter and finisher diets up to 15 and 20%, respectively, with no adverse effects on live performance, carcass characteristics or excreta quality.

Influence of partial replacement of ground barley with whole barley and exogenous enzyme supplementation in pelleted diets on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and foregut development in broiler starters

A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, evaluating three inclusion levels of whole barley (WB; 0, 141, 282 g/kg) in a barley-based diet and two levels of carbohydrase (Carb; 0 and 0.15 g/kg of feed), was used. The AMEn and standardised digestible amino acid contents of the test barley were used in formulating the basal diet. Whole barley was added to the diet at the expense of ground barley (GB; 3.0 mm sieve size). The diets contained 5.0 g/kg titanium dioxide as an inert marker. Each of the six experimental diets was pelleted and offered ad libitum to six replicate cages (eight birds/cage). Body weights and feed intake were recorded weekly throughout the 21-d trial. The AMEn was determined using the classical total excreta collection method (17–20 d). On d-21, ileal digesta were collected from the terminal ileum to determine the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. Jejunal digesta were collected for the determination of intestinal digesta viscosity. There was no significant (P > 0.05) interaction between WB and Carb for any measured parameter. Compared to the birds fed GB diets, those fed WB at 141 g/kg had a higher (P < 0.05) weight gain by 36 g/bird, with no effect on the feed intake or feed efficiency. The inclusion of WB tended (P = 0.058) to enhance N digestibility from 0.741 in GB diets to 0.775 in diets with 282 g/kg WB. Irrespective of Carb supplementation, compared to the GB diet, WB inclusion at 141 and 282 g/kg improved (P < 0.001) starch digestibility (by 3.6 % and 5.7 %, respectively) and AMEn (by 1.85 % and 2.89 %, respectively). These improvements were not associated with any impact (P > 0.05) on gizzard development. Jejunal digesta viscosity was not influenced (P > 0.05) by WB inclusion. Adding Carb increased starch digestibility and energy utilisation by 2.24 % and 0.12 MJ/kg, respectively, possibly due to 0.35 cP reduction in jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.05) by the supplemental Carb. Overall, WB could be included in barley-based broiler starter diets up to 282 g/kg of diet with no adverse effects on performance.

Impact of phase-feeding programs on performance of broiler chickens in Nigeria

Phase-feeding is the feeding of several diets for a relatively short period of time to specifically meet an animal’s nutrient requirements. The study evaluated the effect of different phase feeding methods on growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old chicks of the FIDAN strain were assigned to four dietary treatments of 30 birds each, 15 birds per replicate. Birds were fed at different phases: Phase 1 were fed broiler starter diet alone for 8 weeks; Phase 2 birds were fed starter diet from 0-4 weeks and 1st finisher diet from 5-8 weeks. Phase 3 birds were fed starter diet from 0-3 weeks, 1st finisher diet from 4-6 weeks and 2nd finisher diet from 6-8 weeks. Phase 4 birds were fed starter diet from 0-2 weeks, 1st finisher diet from 2-4 weeks, 2nd finisher diet from 4-6 weeks and 3rd finisher diet from 6-8 weeks of age. Result no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) between the groups in body weight gain (2.91–2.47 kg/bird) and feed conversion ratio (2.03–2.34). Total feed intake was highest in phase 1 (6.70 kg/bird) followed by phase 2 birds (6.41 kg). Dressed weight in Phase 1 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than others, followed by Phase 2. Dressing percentage did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) between the groups. Feed cost between treatments was however significantly (p&lt;0.05) different, Phase 1 diet being costliest. Phase-feeding using phase 4 regime elicited reduced dietary cost without compromising optimal performance of the birds.

The Effect of Biodegradation on Sweet Orange Peel and its Feed Value in Starter Broiler Chick's Diet

A twenty-eight-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate maize replacement value of rumen filtrate biodegraded sweet orange peel (SOP) in the starter broiler chick’s diet. Sweet orange fruit peels were collected from retailers of peeled sweet orange fruits. Fresh rumen content was collected from a government abattoir, mixed with water at the ratio of 1 kg: 1 liter, and the mixture sieved to obtain rumen filtrate (RF). Rumen filtrate was mixed with sweet orange peels at the ratio of 1 liter: 2.5 kg, poured into polythene bags, tied at the open end, and allowed a 48-hour for biodegradation. The fermented sweet orange peels were sun-dried to about 10% moisture, milled and incorporated into each of five broiler starter diets as a replacement for maize at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% to give diets T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Biodegraded SOP contained 8.80% crude protein, 13.25% crude fibre, 8.65% ether extract, 9.90% ash, and 59.40% NFE, and metabolizable energy of 3720.67 Kcal/kg. The experimental diets had significant effect (P0.05) among other performance indices measured across the dietary treatments. Dietary incorporation of SOP meal as a replacement for maize did not support the growth of starter broiler chicks, and further studies are necessary to investigate other processing methods that can further reduce its fibre content, to enhance its feed value as a replacement for maize in the diets of broiler chicks.

Effect of replacing full-fat soybean meal with undefatted cashew reject kernel meal on the growth response, blood parameters, organ weight and abdominal fat weight of broiler chicks

This preliminary feeding trial examined the effects of replacing full-fat soybean meal with undefatted cashew reject kernel meal on the growth response, blood parameters, organ weight and abdominal fat of broiler chicks. Three hundred 1-day-old unsexed Arbor-acre strain broiler chicks stochastically assigned in a completely randomized design to five dietary class of sixty birds each replicated six times in a 21-day feeding trial. The control diet (T1) was a maize- full-fat soybean meal (SBM) based diet. Undefatted cashew reject kernel meal (UCRKM) was used to replace 12.50 %, 25.00 %, 37.50 % and 50.00 % full-fat SBM in the control diet, and were referred to as diets T2, T3, T4 and T5 correspondingly. The chemical composition revealed that UCRKM contained 26.56 % crude protein, 3.30 % crude fibre, 2.99 % ash, 35.05 % ether extract, 23.07 % nitrogen-free extract and 4285.76 kcal kg-1 metabolizable energy. Significant disparities (P ≤ 0.05) were noticed in growth parameters with feed conversion ratio similar to those on T1 up to 50 % substitution. The red blood cell count, mean corpusculars, platelet count, alanine amino transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, internal organ weights were influenced (P ≤ 0.05) except the liver and abdominal fat. UCRKM is therefore recommended as a replacement for up to 50.00 % full-fat SBM in broiler starter diets.

Performance of Broilers on Dietary Supplementation of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed During Monsoon Season

The present research work was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of black cumin seed feeding on the growth, feed efficiency, blood profile and economics of broiler production during summer season. For this, a total of 120 Cobb-400 strains of broilers were selected and subjected to four dietary treatments with 30 birds each having five replications per treatment. The birds of control group were offered standard broiler starter diet till 21 days and thereafter standard finisher diet up to 42 days. The birds of other groups were also offered the same diet as in control group along with black cumin seed powder supplementation at the rate of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% of the diet. In monsoon season, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in 2% and the poorest in 1% black cumin supplemented group. Black cumin seed had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on WBC, RBC, PCV and HDL.The haematological and biochemical parameters were found to have positive effect in the treatment groups as compared to control group. However, the control group had the highest net profit return as compared to the treatment groups at which positive effect of black cumin seed was not achieved in terms of economics. Hence, it was concluded that using of black cumin seed as herbal feed additive helps in the improvement of health condition of the birds.

Dietary Addition of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seed on the Performance of Broiler Chicken during Summer Season

A experiment was conducted with a total number of 120 Cobb-400 strains of broilers were selected and subjected to four dietary treatments with 30 birds each having five replications per treatment. The birds of control group 1were offered standard broiler starter diet till 21 days and thereafter standard finisher diet up to 42 days. The birds of other groups were also offered the same diet as in group 1 along with black cumin seed powder supplementation at the rate of 1.0 (Group 2), 2.0 (Group 3) and 3.0 (Group 4) % of the diet. The values for average body weight, gain in weight, feed consumption,feed conversion efficiency, performance index and carcass weight per bird during the summer season had not shown any impact irrespective of treatments but it had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on haemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and Cholesterol. There was no mortality and hence liveability percentage was 100 % in all groups. The dressing percentage, carcass yield and organ weight was found to be best in treatment groups than control. The haematological and biochemical parameters were found to have positive effect in the treatment groups than control. However, the control group had the highest net profit return than treatment groups. Hence, it was concluded that using of black cumin seed as herbal feed additive helps in the improvement of health condition of the birds.

Influence of Varying Dietary Kudzu Leaf Meal Particle Size on Performance, Breast Weight, and Organ Weight of Broiler Chickens from 1 to 21 Days of Age

This research evaluated the influence of kudzu leaf meal particle size on body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion, breast weight, and organ weights of broilers. Treatments (4) included a control and kudzu leaf meal added to replace 2.5% soybean meal in a broiler starter diet at three particle sizes (1.00, 2.00, and 3.35 mm). Dietary treatments were fed to 240 male broilers over a 21 day grow out. Overall, there were no significant treatment effects for body weight, feed consumption, breast weight, or organ weights. There were no treatment effects for day 1 to 7 feed conversion (p &gt; 0.05). There tended to be treatment differences for day 1 to 14 feed conversion (p = 0.052) and a significant effect between day 1 to 21 (p = 0.002). Feed conversion between day 1 to 21 was depressed at the 1.00 mm kudzu particle size. Based on this study, kudzu remains a viable protein source for inclusion in broiler diets and a particle size of 2 to 3 mm would be recommended.

Energy value of hydrolyzed feather meal and flash-dried poultry protein for broiler chickens and pigs.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the metabolizable energy (ME) and nitrogen-corrected ME (MEn) contents of hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) and flash-dried poultry protein (FDPP) for broiler chickens and to determine their digestible energy (DE) and ME for pigs. The energy-yielding ingredients in a reference diet (RD) were replaced at 0, 75, or 150g/kg by HFM in experiment (Exp.) 1; at 0, 75, or 150g/kg by FDPP in Exp. 2; and at 0, 150g/kg HFM, or 150g/kg FDPP in Exp. 3. Birds were fed a standard broiler starter diet from hatch to days 18 and 17 for respective Exp. 1 and 2, following which 144 birds (8 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage) were assigned to the three experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as the blocking factor. Experimental diets were fed for 5 d, and excreta were collected during the last 3 d. Twenty-four 20-kg barrows, individually housed in metabolic crates equipped with a feeder and drinker, were used in Exp. 3. The barrows were assigned to the three experimental diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. Following a 5-d adaptation period, feces and urine were collected for 5 d in a total collection method. Data were used to determine the regression-derived ME and MEn of HFM and FDPP for broiler chickens in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. The DE and ME of HFM and FDPP for pigs in Exp. 3 were determined using the difference procedure. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of HFM linearly increased (P < 0.05) ME from 3,231 to 3,368 kcal/kg DM for 0 to 150g/kg replacement of RD. The total tract retention of DM and metabolizability of energy linearly increased (P < 0.05) as replacement of RD with FDPP increased from 0 to 150g/kg in Exp. 2. Inclusion of FDPP linearly increased (P < 0.01) ME from 3,425 to 3,591 kcal/kg DM. In Exp. 3, the diets containing 150g/kg HFM or FDPP induced greater (P < 0.05) fecal DM and energy losses than the RD; however, the digestibility of energy across the three experimental diets was not different. The respective regression-derived ME and MEn of hydrolyzed feather meal for broiler chickens in the current study were 4,250 and 3,745 kcal/kg DM with corresponding values of 4,710 and 4,081 kcal/kg DM for flash-dried poultry protein. In pigs, 4,783 and 4,405 kcal/kg DM were the respective DE and ME of hydrolyzed feather meal, and 4,553 and 4,320 kcal/kg DM were the corresponding estimates for flash-dried poultry protein.

Beneficial impact of dietary methyl methionine sulfonium chloride and/or L-carnitine supplementation on growth performance, feed efficiency, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chicken: role of IGF-1 and MSTN genes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC), and L-carnitine (L-CAR) alone or in combination on the growth performance of broilers through their impact on the expression of IGF-1 and MSTN genes associated with growth in broilers. One-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated into four groups, each of which received a broiler starter diet and water daily ad libitum. The control group (group 1) was given drinking water without any additives. Group 2 received 0.25g L-carnitine per liter of drinking water, group 3 received 0.25g MMSC per liter of drinking water, and group 4 received 0.25g of both L-carnitine and MMSC per liter of drinking water. Birds were given a starter diet to 21days after which they received a broiler grower diet to 35days when the experiment ended. There were five replicate groups of 12 birds per treatment. Body weights and feed intake were recorded weekly. Compared to the control group of birds, supplementation with MMSC either alone or in combination with L-carnitine resulted in an increase in growth rate or feed utilization efficiency; L-carnitine by itself had no effect. MMSC supplementation, again either alone or in combination with L-carnitine, increased jejunal and ileal villi height, increased serum total proteins and globulins, downregulated myostatin (MSTN) mRNA, and upregulated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression. Supplementation with L-carnitine alone showed none of these effects. We conclude that MMSC supplementation improved growth performance through the upregulation of IGF-1 mRNA expression and downregulation of MSTN mRNA expression.

Effect of phyto-components of Allium sativum and Syzyginum aromaticum on the performance and biochemical indices in grower broiler chickens

The potentials of Allium sativum and Syzyginum aromaticum on the performance and immunocompetence of grower broiler chickens was focused in this study. A total of one hundred and five (105) day old broiler chicks(Anak breed) were used in the study. Broiler starter diet was used to managed the birds until they attained five weeks of age. Thereafter, they were randomly allotted to seven treatments of 15 birds of three replicate each. To the treatments T1- T5: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 g Kg-1 garlic-clove blend was supplemented, while 5g Kg-1 garlic alone (T6) and 2g Kg-1 clove alone (T7) were supplemented to the diets. Water, and supplemented feed were offered ad libitum. The duration of the experiment lasted to five weeks. Phytochemical analysis of the two spices revealed the presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, phenols, terpenoids, anthraquinones and tannins, while, quantitative phytochemical screening showed high amount of Alkaloids (7.20 ± 0.05mg/100g), tannins (4.80 ± 0.03mg/100g), saponins (4.30 ± 0.02 mg/100g), flavonoids (2.18 ± 0.03), and anthraquinones (1.40 ± 0.03 mg/100g). The proximate analysis of Syzyginum aromaticum also revealed high amount of Carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) (52.2 ± 0.02), fibre (20.00 ± 0.1), fats (12.1 ± 0.45) and ash (5.2 ± 0.01). The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in all the treatments was comparable to the control and better in T2, T5, T6 and T7. There was no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the serum Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum Glutamate Oxalate Transaminase (SGOT) between the treatments and the control group. The serum total protein and the serum albumin in the treated groups were not significantly different ((P≤ 0.05) while the serum globulin differ (P≤ 0.05) between the treatments and the control groups. The performance characteristics and serum biochemical indices displayed by the experimental birds clearly showed the potency of these spices in improving the immuno-competence of the experimental birds.

Potential of Soy Gum Emulsification in Starter Diets for Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the viability of using soy gum (residue from soy processing to obtain degummed oil) as an emulsifier in starter diets for broilers (1 to 21 days). For this, 600 1-day-old male broilers (Cobb® 500) were randomly assigned in a factorial arrangement (3 x 4), with three levels of gum inclusion (0, 1.25, and 2.5%) and four levels of soybean oil (0,1.3, 2.6, and 3.9%), with 5 replicates of 10 birds each. At 7, 14, and 21 days of age, we analyzed the performance parameters, pancreatic lipase activity and digestibility coefficients. Inclusion of soy gum improved (p<0.05) the performance and the digestibility coefficient of the ether extract, increased (p<0.05) the levels of AME and AMEn. The higher inclusion of gum (2.5%) as an emulsifier resulted in improved performance, showing the best values of feed conversion, with increased ether extract digestibility, increased AME content of the diets, and a lower requirement for pancreatic lipase in micelle formation.

Effect of Feed Form, Corn Particle Size, and Extrusion of Corn on Broiler Performance

The pelleting and extrusion processes use both thermal and mechanical energies to alter the crystalline structure of the starch granule, which makes it more digestible than raw starch. The particle size of the ground corn particle in the diet also affects the rate at which gelatinization occurs in the extrusion process. There is limited research on broiler performance when feeding diets that contain different particle sizes of corn prior to extrusion. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed form, corn particle size and the extrusion of corn on growth performance of 21-d-old broiler chicks. To determine the effect of corn type on growth performance, treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial of corn type (raw corn and extruded corn) and corn particle size (400, 800, and 1200 μm). There was no interaction (P > 0.742) between corn type and corn particle size on d 21 BW, ADFI, or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Broilers fed the raw corn diet had greater (P < 0.001) d 21 BW and ADFI compared to those fed the extruded corn diets. There was no evidence of difference (P > 0.081) in d 21 BW and ADFI in broilers fed the three different corn particle sizes. Broilers fed diets with increasing corn particle size had increased (linear, P = 0.015) FCR. There was an interaction (P < 0.039) between corn type and corn particle size on both the relative gizzard and pancreas weights of broilers. To determine the effects of feed form on growth performance and relative gizzard and pancreas weight, treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial of feed form (mash and crumble feed) and corn particle size (400 and 800 μm). There was no evidence of interaction (P > 0.180) between feed form and corn particle size on growth performance or relative gizzard and pancreas weight. Broilers fed the crumble extruded corn diet had increased (P = 0.001) d 21 BW and ADFI compared to those fed the mash extruded corn diets. There was no evidence of difference (P > 0.189) in d 21 BW, ADFI, and FCR between broilers fed extruded diets containing 400 μm corn and 800 μm corn regardless of feed form. Broilers fed the mash extruded corn diet had greater (P < 0.001) relative gizzard and pancreas weights as compared to those fed the crumbled extruded corn diets. In addition, broiler relative gizzard weight was greater (P = 0.002) for those fed the extruded corn diet containing 800 μm versus 400 μm corn, while there was no evidence of difference in relative pancreas weight. Therefore, increasing the amount of gelatinized starch in the feed by replacing ground corn with extruded corn in a broiler starter diet did not improve growth performance. Increasing corn particle size led to improved gizzard development.

Effect of supplementing feed grade L-methionine in plant sourced diet on the performance of broiler chicken

The study was conducted to investigate the productivity and profitability of broiler on L-methionine supplemented diet. A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) was randomly distributed to four dietary supplements, D0 (Control), D1 (0.30 % L-Met), D2 (0.35 % L- Met) and D3 (0.40 % L- Met). Each treatment was replicated five times with 8 birds per cage. The chicks were reared in the battery cages while they were fed with broiler starter diet (crumble) until Day14 of age. The birds with fed with L-Met supplemented diets starting from Day15 until Day35 of age All the diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous.. Results revealed that the L-Met supplementations were in favor of higher live weight (LW) and better (p&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio without affecting the feed intake (FI). The D3 diet resulted higher (p&lt;0.01) LW in the birds than all others on Day35 of age. The livability (%) was unaffected (p&gt;0.05) by the dietary supplements. No significant (p&gt;0.05) difference was observed in the relative weights of visceral organs (small intestine, proventriculus, gizzard, liver and heart) except for the spleen. Relatively increased (p&lt;0.05) spleen weight (%) was observed in the D3 diet. The breast weight (%) was increased marginally (p&lt;0.07) in the D3 group, while the other carcass parts; breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, shank weight, drumstick weight, neck weight, and abdominal fat content were found to be similar (p&gt;0.05) in the dietary groups. Higher profit (p&lt;0.01) and lower production cost (p&lt;0.05) were observed in the D3 group than that of the others. It can be inferred that 0.40% L-Met supplementation in the broiler diet is better for growth performance and profitability. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&amp;2), 2020: P. 1-14