Broiler Starter Diets Research Articles

Evaluation of Bread Waste Fortified with Moringa Leaf Meal on Performance and Health Status of Broiler Chickens

Aim: This study is to evaluate the effects of using bread waste fortified with moringa leaf meal on broiler chickens.
 Methodology: Bread wastes were sun-dried and moringa leaves air-dried. The two dried products were milled separately. Thereafter, the meals were mixed in ratio 9:1 (9 kg Bread Waste + 1 kg Moringa Leaf) to produced fortified bread wastes. Four broiler starter diets and four finisher diets were formulated using fortified bread waste at graded levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% and designated diets I, II, III and IV, respectively. Two hundred chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments of five replicates and ten chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Diets and water were fed to the broilers ad libitum from 0 - 28 days as starter phase and 29 - 56 days as finisher phase.
 Results: Highest final weight gain and total weight gain (2.12 kg/bird and 2.07 kg/bird) and least feed conversion ratio (2.32) were observed in bird fed Diet I. The dressed weight, eviscerated weight, head, chest, drumstick, wing, thigh, back and shank were influenced significantly (P˂0.05) by the dietary treatments. Highest dressed weight (92.64%), eviscerated weight (79.52%), head (25.34 g/kg body weight), chest (206.53 g/kg body weight) and wing (83.10g/kg body weight) were recorded in bird fed Diet I. Only lymphocyte was influenced (P < .05) by the dietary treatments. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate varies: 2.33 - 3.33 mm/hour, packed cell volume: 26.67 - 28.67%, haemoglobin concentration: 9.23 - 9.88 g/100 ml and mean cell haemoglobin concentration: 34.41 - 34.61%. Cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase were influenced (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The cholesterol: 22.57 - 32.78 mg/dl and alkaline phosphatase: 144.17-150.98 IU/I.
 Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that increasing levels of fortified bread wastes in broiler chicken diets up till 5% inclusion level can be practiced.

Effect of age and dietary crude protein content on the apparent ileal calcium digestibility of limestone in broiler chickens

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of age on the apparent ileal calcium (Ca) digestibility of limestone for broiler chickens. Six treatment groups of different ages, namely days 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35 and 36–42, were utilised. A maize-based diet (crude protein, 79 g/kg) containing limestone as the sole Ca source and, supplying 9.0 g/kg Ca, was fed to six replicate cages of broilers during each of the six periods. The birds were fed a commercial broiler starter diet until the introduction of the assay diet, except the day 1–7 age group. Ileal digesta were collected on day 7 (twelve birds per cage), 14 (ten birds per cage), 21 (eight birds per cage), 28 (six birds per cage), 35 (six birds per cage) or 42 (six birds per cage). A secondary objective was to examine the influence of dietary protein content on Ca digestibility. An additional diet containing a crude protein content of 153 g/kg was developed and fed to six replicate cages (eight birds per cage) from day 15 to 21 post-hatch. The birds in the age group of 15–21 days and fed the 79 g/kg crude protein diet served as the control treatment. Titanium dioxide (5 g/kg) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker for apparent ileal digestibility measurements. Total tract Ca retention, pH of gizzard digesta and relative weights of gizzard and gizzard digesta were also measured. Apparent ileal Ca digestibility coefficients declined linearly (P < 0.001) with advancing age, from 0.51 at day 7 to 0.27 at day 42. Ca retention coefficients declined quadratically (P < 0.01) with advancing age, from 0.56 at day 7 to 0.30 at day 28 and then plateaued. Age quadratically (P < 0.01) affected the gizzard pH where the pH declined from day 7 to 21 and then increased. Relative weights of gizzard and gizzard digesta were quadratically decreased (P < 0.001) with advancing age. Increasing the dietary protein content had no effect (P > 0.05) on the apparent ileal digestibility and retention of Ca. Increasing dietary protein had no effect (P > 0.05) on the relative weights of gizzard and gizzard digesta. In conclusion, the present results showed that the Ca digestibility of limestone in broilers, fed a maize-based diet with limestone supplying 9 g/kg Ca, declined with advancing age.

Comparison of Dietary Kudzu Leaf Meal (Pueraria montana Var. lobata) and Alfalfa Meal Supplementation Effect on Broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Organ Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe increase in demand for poultry products has directly influenced an increase in poultry production. This increase has placed a strain on the accessibility of high protein feed resources (e.g., soybean meal). High demands for these protein resources from large poultry production industries have left small-scale poultry producers with minimal access to these feed ingredients. In response to this demand, many small-scale poultry producers are utilizing plant leaf based ingredients (i.e., leaf meals) as a protein substitute. Leaf meals offer poultry producers a feed resource that is inexpensive and high in protein. Kudzu is a rapid growing invasive plant species that can engulf and destroy many environments. Kudzu contains a high concentration of nutrients, making it a potentially viable protein substitute in poultry production. In the present study, meat chickens (broilers) were fed a diet containing kudzu leaf meal to assess effects on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and organ parameters during a 3 week growing period. The results indicated that broilers fed kudzu performed at a relatively high level. Utilizing kudzu leaf meal as a protein substitute could benefit poultry producers in tropical countries/regions where kudzu is highly accessible and other protein sources are not.This research study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of kudzu leaf meal (KLM) and alfalfa meal (AM) on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and organ parameters. Kudzu leaf meal and AM were added at rates of 6% and 7.3%, respectively, to a complete broiler starter diet. Three treatments (control (complete broiler starter diet), KLM supplementation; and AM supplementation) with four replicates were fed to 217 male broilers over a 21 d battery cage grow out. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with battery cage representing the experimental unit. Birds on KLM and AM had a lower average body weight, lower cumulative feed consumption, and a higher adjusted feed conversion than control (p < 0.05). Additionally, there were observed treatment effects on whole breast weight (p = 0.0010), with control being higher than both treated diets. Minimal treatment effects were observed for organ parameters. Furthermore, there were no observed treatment differences for mortality (p > 0.05). Although broilers on KLM did not perform as well as those in the control group, these results are indicative that kudzu is safe to use in poultry production and has a high potential as a protein supplement in tropical regions with a low availability of commercial protein feedstuffs.

Effect of Fat Sources and Emulsifier Supplementation in Broiler Starter, Grower and Finisher Diets on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Carcass Parameters

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fat sources and emulsifier supplementation in different phases on growth performance of broilers. Treatments were; (T1) basal ration (BR) which contained soy oil (SO) and had inclusion of emulsifier for whole life, (T2) BR which contained poultry fat (PO) and had inclusion of emulsifier for whole life, (T3) BR which contained oxidized oil (OO) and had inclusion of emulsifier for whole life, (T4) BR which contained SO and had inclusion of emulsifier during starter phase (T5) BR which contained PO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the starter phase, (T6) BR which contained OO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the starter phase, (T7) BR which contained SO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the starter phase (T8) BR which contained PO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the grower phase, (T9) BR which contained OO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the grower phase, (T10) BR which contained SO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the finisher phase, (T11) BR which contained PO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the finisher phase (T12) BR which contained OO and had inclusion of emulsifier during the finisher phase. The Basal ration which contained SO and supplemented emulsifier during the grower phase and throughout life increased the body weight gain. The supplementation of emulsifier in the finisher phase and throughout life in a diet which contained SO had better feed conversion ratio. The supplementation of emulsifier in the finisher phase and throughout life in SO based diet increased the dry matter and crude fat digestibility. We recommend emulsifier supplementation in the finisher phase for the economic point of view.

Whole pearl millet feeding does not impair performance and nutrient digestibility in 28-day-old broiler chickens.

The effects of varying inclusion levels of whole grain millet in millet-soya bean-based diets on growth performance, gizzard development, digesta characteristics and nutrient digestion in broiler chicken were investigated. Starter (0-14days) and grower (15-28days) broiler chicken diets containing pearl millet at 500 and 540g/kg diet, respectively, were formulated. The diets comprised of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of millet incorporated as whole grain. One-day-old unsexed Arbor Acres Plus chicks (n=540) were allotted to the experimental diets in a completely randomized design with the diets and water provided ad libitum for 28days. Each treatment was replicated seven times, and each replicate had 12 chicks. Results showed that daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio of chickens on the whole millet grain diets compared favourably with chicken on the control in both starter and grower phases, while feed intake reduced quadratically (p<.05) with increased whole grain millet levels in the starter phase. Morphological and structural characteristics of the gizzard and small intestine and intestinal digesta pH and viscosity were also unaffected (p>.05) by whole grain millet inclusion levels. However, the weight of intact millet grain in gizzard increased linearly (p<.001) with whole grain millet inclusion in the diets. Dietary whole grain millet inclusion also consistently lowered (p<.05) jejunal and ileal maltase and sucrase activities, but did not influence (p>.05) pancreatic amylase activity. Ileal crude protein and starch digestibility increased, while ileal energy digestibility decreased significantly (p<.05) with whole grain millet inclusion. Whole grain millet inclusion in broiler starter and grower diets up to 500-540g/kg did not negatively impact on broiler chicken performance.

Haematology and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed varying levels of indomie waste meal based diet

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting maize with indomie waste meal on the haematology and serum biochemical indices of 90-dayold Anak 2000 broiler chickens. Three experimental broiler starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 serving as control containing 0% Indomie waste meal (IWM), while diets 2 and 3 contained IWM at 50 and 100% inclusion levels for maize. The chicks were randomly assigned to the three treatment diets (1, 2 and 3) in a completely randomized design and each treatment group contained three replicates with ten chickens per replicate. The result on the haematological indices revealed that MCV values were significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) by the treatment diets with highest value of (135.50±0.21fl) among birds fed 50% IWM. MCH also significantly varied(p&lt;0.05) among birds fed the treatment diets with highest (42.77±0.31pg) recorded among birds maintained on the control diet. Serum biochemical indices revealed that phosphorus value were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed the control diet with the mean value of 3.63±0.09mg/100ml. Total cholesterol was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed 100% IWM. The overall results from this study conclusively suggest that the inclusion of indomie waste meal in the diet of broilers up to 100% did not have any detrimental effect on the blood profile of the birds. But precaution had to be taken in the incorporation of IWM at this level because of the increase effect on the cholesterol level of the blood.Mr. Omoikhoje, B. (Laboratory Technologist)

Investigation of the Effect of Maize Substitution with Fermented Cashew Apple Residue on Broiler Chicken Growth

In this study, the effect of substitution of maize with fermented cashew apple residue (CAR) on the growth of broiler chicken was investigated. Cashew apple residue was subjected to fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum, and then used to formulate broiler starter diet by substituting/mixing it with maize in the ratios 0:100, 50:50 and 100:0 for maize and CAR respectively. The diet was fed to four groups of day old broilers for six weeks during which feed intake and weight gained were monitored. The bacterial count increased from 5.6 × 106 at the beginning of the fermentation to 31.5 × 106 cfu/g at 72 hr. Also, the pH of the CAR was reduced gradually over the 72 hours period of fermentation coupled with increase in the total titratable acidity. The nutritional composition analyses of the compounded diets showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) between the crude protein content of the formulated feed (21.02±0.15 - 21.12±0.15%) and the commercially available feed (21.50±0.00). However, the crude fibre content of the control (3.10±0.00) was lower than the content of the formulated diets. After feeding the chicks for two weeks, there was no significant difference in the average weight gained by the chicks fed the control diet and those fed with fermented CAR-based feeds. The cumulative feed consumption in the groups ranged from 2.57 kg (diet C) to 2.91 kg (diet A). These results suggest that fermented CAR may be used as alternative to maize in broiler feed formulation

Energy values of solvent-extracted canola meal and expeller-derived canola meal for broiler chickens and growing pigs determined using the regression method1.

The energy values of solvent-extracted canola meal (SECM) and expeller-derived canola meal (EDCM) for broiler chickens and growing pigs were determined in 2 experiments using the regression method. Corn-soybean meal reference diet (RF) and 4 test diets were prepared. The test diets consisted of SECM or EDCM that partly replaced the energy sources in the RF at 100 or 200 g/kg, respectively. The ratios of all energy ingredients were kept similar across all experimental diets. In Exp. 1, a total of 300 birds were fed standard broiler starter diet from days 0 to 19 posthatching. On day 19, 240 birds (776 ± 79.3 g initial BW) were assigned into 5 experimental diets in a randomized complex block design with BW as a blocking factor. Excreta were collected from days 23 to 25 and ileal digesta were collected after birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation on day 26. In Exp. 2, 40 barrows (28.4 ± 1.6 kg initial BW) were allotted to 5 experimental diets according to the randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. After 5-d adaption period, the feces and urine samples were collected for 5 d by total collection method. The ileal digestible energy (IDE), apparent ME (AME), and nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) in Exp. 1 and the DE, AME, and AMEn in Exp. 2 for experimental diets and canola meals were determined. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of canola meals to RF linearly decreased the IDE, AME, and AMEn for birds fed SECM diets (P < 0.01) and the AME and AMEn for birds fed EDCM diets (P < 0.01). Furthermore, quadratic effects were also found in the IDE, AME, and AMEn by the inclusion of EDCM to RF (P < 0.05). The IDE were 2,194 and 3,514 kcal/kg DM for SECM and EDCM in broiler chickens, respectively. The respective ME and MEn values were 1,919 and 1,695 kcal/kg DM for SECM and 3,134 and 2,937 kcal/kg DM for EDCM. In Exp. 2, the SECM or EDCM addition to RF linearly decreased the AME and AMEn for pigs (P < 0.01). The DE content was also decreased linearly with the increasing level of SECM (P < 0.01). The DE, ME, and MEn of SECM for pigs were 3,109, 2,891, and 2,655 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The EDCM contained 3,850 kcal of DE, 3,581 kcal of ME, and 3,491 kcal of MEn/kg DM for pigs. In conclusion, the energy values of EDCM are greater than those of SECM for broiler chickens and pigs, and pigs utilize more of the GE in SECM and EDCM than broiler chickens.

Standardized ileal digestible amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy content in defatted black soldier fly larvae meal fed to broiler chickens

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) in defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) were determined in broiler chicks. A total of 180-d-old male broiler chicks (Ross 708) were fed a commercial broiler starter diet to day 13 of age. On day 14, birds were weighed and placed in cages (10 birds per cage; n = 6) and allocated one of two semi-purified cornstarch-based diets. The diets were nitrogen-free diet (NFD) for estimating endogenous AA losses and 20% crude protein test diet with BSFLM as the sole source of AA. All diets had 0.5% titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an indigestible marker and the ratio of cornstarch to sucrose and soy oil in the test diet was identical to NFD to calculate AMEn by difference method. Birds were given feed and water ad libitum. Excreta samples were collected on days 17–20 and ileal digesta on day 21. The SID of lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine, isoleucine, and valine was 86.3%, 88.7%, 72.8%, 85.5%, 89.6%, and 88.6%, respectively. Apparent retention of gross energy in BSFLM was 64.5% ± 2.27% and AMEn was 2902 ± 101 kcal kg−1 dry matter. The data will aid in accurate incorporation of BSFLM in poultry feeding programs.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND BLOOD INDICES OF FINISHING BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF PRE-GELATINIZED CASSAVA GRITS AS A REPLACEMENT FOR MAIZE

Pre gelatinized cassava grit (PGCG) is a new cassava product produced mechanically and commercially for poultry feeding. Five dietary treatments were formulated with PGCG replacing maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % in broiler starter (0-4 weeks) and finisher (4-8 weeks) diets. Two hundred (200) day-old broiler chickens were allotted to the five dietary treatments in a completely random design. Each treatment was replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate and 40 birds per treatment. At the end of week 4 and 8 of the experiment, data were collected on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematological and serum biochemical indices. Final weight and weight gain were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) highest in broilers fed 25 % PGCG diet, followed by those fed control diet. While, (P &lt; 0.05) similar and lower values were obtained from broilers fed other PGCG diets. Feed intake decreased (P &lt; 0.05) with PGCG in the diets at the starting and finishing phases. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility was (P &lt; 0.05) highest in starting broilers fed 25 % PGCG diet, while digestibility (P &lt; 0.05) declined with higher levels of PGCG. At the finishing phase, digestibility of all nutrients was similar (P &lt; 0.05). Apparent metabolizable energy was (P &lt; 0.05) higher in birds fed PGCG diets in the starting and finishing phases. Haematological and serum biochemical indices showed no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference in the broiler chickens fed varying levels of PGCG in the diets. Broiler chickens fed PGCG above 25% in the diet had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher proventriculus values when compared with those fed the control diet and 25% PGCG diet. The study revealed that substituting maize with 25 % PGCG in broiler diets improved growth and nutrient digestibility. Reduction in weight gain and non significant increased thiocyanate at higher PGCG inclusion should be improved for effective utilization of pre gelatinized cassava grit in broiler diets.&#x0D;

Influence of feeding whole maize, differing in endosperm hardness, on the performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract development of broiler starters

SummaryUse of whole wheat, along with compounded feeds, for poultry feeding is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, studies investigating the use of other grains are limited. In the present study, the influence of including whole maize, with differing hardness, in broiler diets on the performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract development was examined. The experimental design was a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, evaluating maize hardness (hard, semi-hard or soft) with diets based on ground maize or 115 g/kg whole maize replacing ground maize. The three maize cultivars were ground in a hammer mill to pass through a 4 mm sieve and six diets were developed based on one of the three cultivars. Following mixing, all diets were cold pelleted through a 3 mm die. Each of the six diets was fed to six replicate cages (eight birds per cage) from day 1 to 21 post-hatch. Maize hardness and whole maize inclusion had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on weight gain. Maize hardness influenced (P&lt;0.05) feed intake and feed per gain, while these two parameters were unaffected (P&gt;0.05) by the inclusion of whole maize. The apparent metabolisable energy (AME) was unaffected (P&gt;0.05) by maize hardness and whole maize inclusion. Maize hardness increased the ileal digestibility of nitrogen (P&lt;0.05) and starch (P=0.06). The relative weight of the gizzard was greater (P&lt;0.05) in birds fed hard and semi-hard maize compared to soft maize, and was greater (P&lt;0.05) when whole maize was included. These results indicated that 115 g/kg of ground maize can be replaced by whole maize in broiler starter diets with no adverse effects on growth performance and thus can reduce the cost of feed manufacture.

Impact of Extended Heat Treatment on the Amino Acid Digestibility and TMEn Content of a Formaldehyde-Treated Diet

SUMMARY Eliminating the contamination of broiler carcasses by pathogens such as Salmonella that can cause human illness continues to be a tremendous challenge and concern for the poultry industry and government regulatory agencies. One source for the introduction of these pathogens in poultry production can be the feed. Extended heat conditioning of diets prior to pelleting combined with the addition of preservatives such as formaldehyde has proven effective in reducing the risk of Salmonella in poultry diets. However, there has been a concern that the addition of some forms of formaldehyde to diets subjected to extended heat treatment could decrease the metabolizable energy and amino acid availability of the diet. To partially address this question, the TMEn and digestible amino acid coefficients of a broiler starter diet treated with 0 (control) or 0.3% formaldehyde solution prior to heat treatment at 82°C for 4.5 min were determined. Cecectomized and intact adult Single Comb White Leghorn roosters were used for determining amino acid digestibility and TMEn, respectively. The addition of the formaldehyde compound did not affect either the TMEn or the digestible amino acid content of the diet, except for a marginal (less than 1%) decrease in arginine digestibility. These results indicate that the supplementation of poultry diets with formaldehyde solution prior to extended heat treatment to eliminate Salmonella contamination did not impact the nutritional value of these diets for poultry.

True ileal digestibility of calcium in limestone and dicalcium phosphate are additive in diets of broiler chickens

The experiment was conducted to test if the true ileal digestibility (TID) of Ca in limestone and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) are additive in mixed diets for Ross 708 broiler chickens from day 22 to 27 post-hatching. The birds were fed a standard broiler starter diet from day 1 to 22 post-hatching. A total of 504 birds were grouped by BW into 8 blocks of 9 cages with 7 birds per cage and assigned to 9 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of 3 Ca sources including limestone, DCP, and their mixture at a ratio of 1:1, and 3 dietary Ca concentrations at 3.3, 4.3, and 5.3g/kg. Potassium phosphate was added to adjust the dietary P concentration and maintain a 1.1:1 total Ca:non-phytate P ratio. The results showed that the Ca intake, ileal Ca digested, and Ca retained linearly increased as the Ca concentration increased (P < 0.001). No Ca concentration effect was observed on apparent ileal digestibility of Ca (P = 0.13). By regressing digested Ca per bird against Ca intake per bird, the TID of Ca was determined at 63.7, 67.1, and 67.8% for limestone, DCP, and their mixture, respectively. The expected TID for Ca in limestone and DCP mixture was predicted to be 65.1% based upon the Ca contribution coefficient calculated to be 0.59 for limestone and 0.41 for DCP. The predicted TID of Ca (65.1%) in the mixture was not different (P = 0.63) from the determined TID of Ca (67.8%). In conclusion, the TID of Ca in limestone and DCP are additive in semi-purified diets for chickens.

Influence of feed ingredients with pellet-binding properties on physical pellet quality, growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient retention in broiler chickens

The influence of inclusion of pellet binder on physical pellet quality, growth performance, carcass characteristics and total tract apparent retention of nutrients was examined. Broiler starter (Days 1–21, pellet diameter: 2.5 mm) and finisher (Days 22–42, pellet diameter: 4 mm) diets were formulated and then allocated to one of the seven treatments including control diet, and diets including sodium bentonite (10 and 20 g/kg), wheat gluten (10 and 20 g/kg) and wheat (100 and 200 g/kg). All ingredients used as a pellet binder significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increased the pellet-durability index compared with control diet. Wheat gluten and wheat at both inclusion rates were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) more efficient than was sodium bentonite in improving pellet hardness. From Day 1 to Day 42, chickens fed 10 g/kg wheat gluten and 100 and 200 g/kg wheat gained significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) more weight than did control. During starters, birds fed 200 g/kg wheat showed the highest feed intake (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On Day 42, all the pellet binders resulted in a heavier heart weight than in the control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At Day 21, the length of ileum was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in birds fed 10 and 20 g/kg sodium bentonite, 10 g/kg wheat gluten and 200 g/kg wheat, but at Day 42, it was greater in birds fed 20 g/kg wheat gluten and 200 g/kg wheat than in those fed the control diet. Inclusion of wheat gluten (10 and 20 g/kg) and wheat (100 and 200 g/kg) increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fat apparent retention. Birds fed 20 g/kg wheat gluten had a significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher total tract apparent retention of crude fibre, also calcium apparent retention improved by wheat gluten inclusion at concentrations of 10 and 20 g/kg compared with control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, inclusion of 10 g/kg wheat gluten, and 100 and 200 g/kg of wheat improved physical pellet quality and weight gain in broilers.

Relative bioavailability determination of highly concentrated cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) sources employing a broiler chick bioassay

SUMMARY Cholecalciferol (D3) deficiency in animals and humans is associated with skeletal deformities and retarded growth. Hence, the evaluation of D3 sources is useful to ensure adequate biological activity. For this experiment, two sources of D3 were used to compare both biological activities using a chick bioassay. Newly hatched broiler chickens were caged in 2 battery brooders for a 17-day trial period. Experimental treatments were created from a common basal D3-deficient corn-soy broiler starter diet. The basal diet was supplemented with 0 (NC), 62.5, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 IU D3/kg of feed. All birds were fed the basal diet devoid of D3 (NC) over the first 9 d to deplete the maternal D3, followed by a 12-hour fasting period. On d 10, the test diets were offered ad libitum for 7 days. Feed consumption, body weight (BW), and mortality were recorded to evaluate weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency (FE). Additionally, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), percent fat-free dried tibia ash (TBA), and tibia breaking strength (TBS) were used to evaluate bone mineralization. Relative bioavailability (RBV) of D3 was determined by the slope-ratio method using the powdered D3 as the reference standard source. Estimated RBV of the D3 beadlets source was 0.74, 0.75, 0.79, 0.80, 0.65, and 0.63 when BW, WG, TBA, TBS, BMC, and BMD were used as response criteria, respectively. In conclusion, this protocol was able to detect differences between highly concentrated D3 sources and may be employed to evaluate D3 biological activity.

The effect of drying method temperature, collection method, and marker type on apparent ileal amino acid digestibility in 21-day-old broilers fed corn-soybean meal-barley based diet.

For accurate estimation of nutrient digestibility, an ideal drying and sampling method is required to preserve the quality of the digesta. A standard corn-soybean meal (corn-SBM) broiler starter diet was fed from d 0 to 10 before birds were placed on the experimental diets until d 21. One hundred and sixty-eight male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effect of two drying methods (freeze-dryer vs. forced air-oven) and two drying temperatures (40vs. 55°C) (Exp 1), while ninety-six chicks were used to evaluate the effect of flushing and squeezing as well as marker types (titanium vs. chromium) on apparent ileal DM, N, Ca, P, and AA digestibility (Exp 2). There were seven (Exp 1) or eight (Exp 2) replicate cages per treatment with 6 birds/cage. Digesta from the distal two thirds of the ileum was obtained from birds following euthanasia on d 21 by squeezing (Exp 1) and squeezing or flushing (Exp 2). Samples collected were stored in the freezer at -20°C until they were either freeze-dried (FD) or oven-dried (OD) at 40 or 55°C. There were no interactions between the drying methods and drying temperatures (Exp 1) on apparent ileal DM, N, and AA digestibility. Met had the highest (92.3%) while Cys had the lowest (73.8%) digestibility value. In Exp 2, no interaction between sampling methods and marker types was observed. The effect of sampling methods was not significant except for Arg and Met where squeezing resulted in higher (P < 0.05) digestibility values. Furthermore, apparent ileal His, Ile, Cys, Ser, and Tyr digestibility tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in squeezed digesta compared to the flushed digesta. Results from these studies showed that OD ileal digesta at 40 or 55°C had no negative effect on apparent ileal AA digestibility. Likewise, marker type did not influence apparent ileal AA digestibility values.

Using different levels of glycerine, glucose, or sucrose in broiler starter diets to overcome negative effects of delayed feed access on growth performance

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the inclusion of glycerine, glucose, or sucrose in broiler starter diets to overcome negative effects of delayed feed access. In trial 1, 2160 newly hatched chicks (mixed sexed) were randomly assigned to two feeding programs (immediate vs. 36 h delayed feed access). Nine starter diets prepared with crude glycerine, glucose, or sucrose fed at 0%, 4%, or 8% levels were fed during the first 14 d post hatch (PH). In trial 2, 720 male and 720 female newly hatched chicks were randomly assigned to two feeding programs (immediate vs. 48 h delayed feed access). Starter diets fed during the first 14 d of feed access, consisted of a control, 8% glycerine, or 8% glucose. In both trials, a common grower and finisher diet were fed during days 14–24 and 25–35, respectively. Body weight and feed consumed were measured on 7, 14, 24, and 35 d. In trial 1, all 8% diet-fed birds were heavier compared with the control on day 35 PH (2259 vs. 2198 g, P &lt; 0.01). Birds fed glycerine starter diets had improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 22–35 d (P &lt; 0.01). In trial 2, glycerine diet resulted in heavier birds after 35 d of feed access, compared with birds fed control and glucose diets immediately after hatch (2373 vs. 2276 g, P &lt; 0.01). Dietary inclusion of 8% glycerine can assist newly hatched broiler chicks to overcome delayed feed access induced growth suppression.

Performance, slaughter and serum biochemical variables of Vanaraja chicks in intensive farming system fed under different nutrient regimes

An experiment was conducted to study the performance of Vanaraja under intensive farming system with different nutrient regimes, i.e. Vanaraja standard (VSD), layer chick (LCD), layer grower (LGD) and broiler starter diet (BSD) up to 12 weeks of age. Dietary nutrient regimes significantly influenced the body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) up to 6 weeks of age. The BWG was significantly higher in groups fed BSD and LCD compared to those fed LGD during the initial 6 weeks of age. The BWG was significantly higher in Vanaraja birds fed BSD and LCD compared to other two groups at 7th week. The growth of birds fed VSD was significantly higher than those fed LGD. At the end of 12 weeks of age, BWG of birds was not affected due to dietary regimens. There was no significant variation in serum biological variables (total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol and triglycerides) at 6th and 12th week among the groups fed different dietary regimens. Relative weights of ready to cook yield, liver, abdominal fat and giblet were not affected with variation in nutrient regimen in diet. The Vanaraja birds gained uniform body weight without affecting slaughter variables at 12 weeks of age on diets containing diversified nutrient regime. The study concluded that Vanaraja birds can perform optimally with low nutrient diets resulting in reduced feed cost per unit weight gain.

Regression method-derived energy value of dried egg albumen for broiler chickens

The energy value of dried egg albumen (DEA) for broiler chickens was determined with male Ross 708 broilers. Birds were fed a common broiler starter diet from day 0 to 17 and experimental diets from day 17 to 22 post hatching. A total of 192 birds was allotted to 3 diets in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages per diet and 8 birds per cage. The experiment used a corn-soybean meal reference diet and 2 test diets which the DEA was added at 50 or 100 g/kg to partially replace the energy source in the reference diet. The analyzed DM of DEA was 934 g/kg, and the respective analyzed gross energy and CP were 5,310 kcal and 894 g/kg DM. Addition of DEA to the reference diet linearly increased (P < 0.01) ileal DM digestibility, ileal energy digestibility, and ileal digestible energy (IDE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (MEn), whereas the effect on N retention was quadratic (P < 0.05). The IDE, ME, MEn of DEA values determined by the regression method were 4,777, 4,966, and 4,750 kcal/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that between 89 and 94% of the gross energy in dried egg albumen is utilized by broiler chickens.

True ileal phosphorus digestibility of monocalcium phosphate, monodicalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate for broiler chickens

This study was conducted to determine the true ileal phosphorus (P) digestibility of monocalcium phosphate (MCP), monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) and dicalcium phosphate from bones (DCP) for broiler chickens using the regression method. A corn-soy basal diet was formulated to contain 2.5 g/kg total P. Each test ingredient was then included at three levels to the basal diet to achieve graded concentrations of total P (3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 g/kg, respectively). The calcium (Ca):P ratio was maintained at 1.35–1.40:1 by the addition of limestone. Titanium dioxide (3 g/kg) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker. Day-old male broiler chicks were fed a commercial broiler starter diet from 1 to 20 days of age. On day 21, birds were individually weighed and assigned to 60 cages (6 birds/cage) and the 10 experimental diets (basal diet and 9 diets with 3 inclusion levels of each test ingredient) were then randomly allocated to 6 replicate cages each. The birds were fed the experimental diets ad libitum for 8 days. On day 29, all birds were euthanized and ileal digesta were collected from the posterior half of the ileum. True P digestibility of MCP, MDCP and DCP were calculated by the linear regression analysis. True P digestibility of MCP, MDCP and DCP were determined to be 64.6, 60.2 and 69.3%, respectively. The present results suggest that the P digestibility from two inorganic sources (MCP and MDCP) and one organic source (DCP from bones) were lower than the values of available P currently assumed in poultry feed formulations.