Broiler Performance Research Articles

Effects of Isalo scorpion cytotoxic peptide on growth, immune performance, and intestinal flora of yellow-feathered broilers

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Isalo scorpion cytotoxic peptide (IsCT) on the growth performance, immune function, and gut microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers.MethodsThe experiment involved supplementing a corn-soybean meal-based diet with various dietary levels of IsCT. The experiment adopted a completely randomized design. A total of 240 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (CON), a chlortetracycline group (CTC), and four groups receiving a basal diet with 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg/ kg IsCT (IsCT50, IsCT100, IsCT150, and IsCT200). The trial period lasted 60 days.ResultsThe results showed that the average final body weight and average daily weight gain of the IsCT150 and IsCT200 groups were significantly higher than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CTC group, the average daily feed intake in group III was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratios of the IsCT150 and IsCT200 groups were significantly lower than those of the IsCT50 and CON groups (p < 0.05). Albumin levels in the CTC and IsCT150 groups were significantly higher than those in the CON, IsCT100, and IsCT50 groups. Alanine transaminase levels in the IsCT150 group were significantly lower than those in the IsCT50, IsCT200, CON, and CTC groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference compared with the IsCT100 group (p < 0.05). IgA levels in the IsCT150, IsCT200, and CTC groups were significantly higher than those in the IsCT50 group (p < 0.05). IgG levels in the CTC, IsCT100, IsCT150, and IsCT200 groups were significantly higher than those in the IsCT50 and CON groups (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing indicated significant differences in the caecal microbiota between the IsCT and CON groups (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased, whereas that of Firmicutes decreased in the IsCT groups; however, the difference was not significant (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Actinobacteriota and Patescibacteria were significantly different in the IsCT100 group (p < 0.05).DiscussionIn conclusion, supplementing the basal diet with IsCT improved growth performance, immune function, and gut microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers at an optimal supplementation level of 150 mg/kg.

Guanidinoacetic acid supplementation and stocking density effects on broiler performance: behavior, biochemistry, immunity, and small intestinal histomorphology

BackgroundRearing poultry under stressful high stocking density (HSD) conditions is a common commercial practice to increase profitability, despite its negative effects on broiler physiology and welfare. Many feed additives are used to alleviate the negative impact of such practices. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, ingestive behavior, immune response, antioxidant status, stress indicators, and intestinal histomorphometry of broilers subjected to HSD. A total of 364 male broilers were randomly allocated into four treatments with 7 replicates each in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two stocking densities (SD) (10 and 16 birds/m2) and two GAA levels (0 and 0.6 g/kg feed).ResultsBody weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency factor, dressing yield, and ingestive behavior were negatively affected by HSD, whereas the mortality rate was unaffected (P > 0.05). GAA improved the overall growth performance and dressing percentage (P < 0.05). In the HSD group, the immune response decreased at d 21 (P < 0.05). Creatine kinase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase, catalase, triglycerides, and villus length and width (ileum) were reduced, whereas corticosterone (CORT) was increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, GAA increased the hemagglutination-inhibition titer at 21 days and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, GPX, and catalase and decreased the levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, nitrite, triglycerides, and CORT (P < 0.05). SD and GAA did not affect malondialdehyde or other biochemical parameters (P > 0.05).ConclusionsDietary GAA supplementation can improve productivity and antioxidant status and reduce stress in broilers reared in a HSD environment.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis KG109 on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality, Serum Indicators, Intestinal Morphology, and Digestive Enzymes in Broilers

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate how different doses of Bacillus subtilis KG109 powder affect the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemical indexes, serum antioxidant and immunological index, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity of broilers. Four hundred chicks of a similar weight (1 day old) are randomly assigned to four groups of five replicates of 20 chicks each (half males and half females). The control group is fed a basal ration, and the experimental groups T1, T2, and T3 are supplemented with 6.0 × 108 CFU/kg, 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg, and 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg of Bacillus subtilis KG109 bacterial powder, respectively, in the basal ration. The feeding cycle is 52 d. Compared with the control group, Bacillus subtilis KG109 powder (1) increases the broiler feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p &lt; 0.05), (2) improves the carcass quality (slaughter rate, cooking loss, L* and b* values) (p &lt; 0.05), (3) enhances the serum biochemical indexes (alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB), and triglycerides (TG)) (p &lt; 0.05), (4) improves the serum antioxidant capacity (total an-tioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)) and immunoglobulins (lg A, lg G, lg M) (p &lt; 0.05), (5) improves the intestinal morphology (villus height and villus height to crypt depth (VCR)) (p &lt; 0.05), and (6) increases the intestinal digestive enzyme activities (amylase, protease, and lipase) (p &lt; 0.05). In summary, adding Bacillus subtilis KG109 to broiler diets can result in a significant decrease in broilers’ FCR, an increase in their slaughtering rate, a decrease in their serum ALT, ALP, and AST activities, an increase in their serum TG content, an improvement of their immune and antioxidant capacity, an improvement of their intestinal morphology, and an improvement of their intestinal digestive enzyme activity. It is recommended to add 1.8 × 109 CFU/kg of bacteria.

Effect of encapsulated Tahongai (Kleinhovia hospita l.) leaf extract on growth performance, intestinal condition and antioxidative status of broilers raised in high stocking density pens

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Kleinhovia hospita L. extract (KE) on growth performance, intestinal condition and antioxidative status of broilers raised in high stocking density pens. A total of 370-day-old broiler chicks were randomly grouped into five groups with five replicates. The groups were T0 (chicks raised in normal density, 10 birds/m2; as a negative control), KE0 (chicks raised in high density, 16 birds/m2, without KE supplementation; as a positive control), KE0.25, KE0.5 and KE1 (chicks raised in high density with KE supplementation of 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg, respectively). Based on the completely randomized design, the data were treated. Results showed that KE1 chicks had the highest (p&lt;0.05) body weight (BW) at day 21 and 28. The T0, KE0 and KE2.5 chicks consumed more (p&lt;0.05) feed than the other treatment groups. The KE0.25, KE0.5 and KE1 showed lower (p&lt;0.05) FCR than the KE0 group. The KE0 chicks showed lower (p&lt;0.05) carcass yield than the other groups. The KE0 had the highest (p&lt;0.05) heart relative weight of all groups. The KE1 had the highest (p&lt;0.05) small intestinal weight, cecum, colon and abdominal fat of any treatment group. Among the groups, crypt depth of the duodenum in KE0 was the lowest (p&lt;0.05). There was no substantial effect of the treatments on the counts of coliform and lactic acid bacteria in the ileum of broilers. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in KE0.5 and KE1 were higher (p&lt;0.05) than those in T0, KE0 and KE0.25 groups. In conclusion, stocking in high density pens negatively af-fected the carcass yield of broiler chickens. Dietary KE supplementation was beneficial in improving FCR and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

Storage causes protein oxidation of soybean meal and affects antioxidant status, digestive performance and meat quality of broilers.

This study investigated the protein oxidation of soybean meal (SBM) stored in a warehouse and the effects of SBM on growth performance, antioxidant status, digestive performance, intestinal morphology, and breast muscle quality of broilers. In total, 160 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers (half male and half female) were randomly divided into two groups with ten replicates of eight birds each: The control group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored at -20°C (FSBM), and the experimental group was served with a basal diet including SBM stored in a warehouse at room temperature for 45 days (RSBM). Compared with FSBM, the protein carbonyl level in RSBM was increased, the free and total thiol levels and in vitro digestibility of protein were decreased. The RSBM decreased the serum glutathione (GSH) level and the hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Further, RSBM reduced the duodenal T-SOD activity, jejunal catalase (CAT), and T-SOD activities at day 21, and decreased the duodenal CAT and T-SOD activities, jejunal T-SOD activity, and ileal GSH level and T-SOD activity at days 21 and 42 when compared with FSBM. Besides, the trypsin activity and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in small intestines of broilers at days 21 and 42 were reduced when fed with a RSBM-contained diet. Compared with FSBM, the 24-h drip loss, shear force, and 24- and 48-h cooking loss of breast muscle were increased of RSBM group, the opposite result was observed for muscle lightness at 48 h. Room temperature storage for 45 days led a protein oxidation and decreased in vitro digestibility in SBM, and fed RSBM impaired growth performance, antioxidant status, and meat quality, reduced trypsin activity, and affected the small intestine morphology in broilers.

Dietary sanguinarine supplementation improves the growth performance and intestinal immunity of broilers

Dietary sanguinarine (SAN) can enhance the growth performance of poultry and livestock, but the regulatory mechanism of the SAN monomer on intestinal homeostasis and how it promotes growth performance has not yet been clarified. In this study, 200 chickens were divided into four groups and fed different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.75, 2.25mg/kg) for transcriptome and microbiota analysis. The data showed that different doses of SAN supplementation increased the feed conversion rate (FCR) of 22 to 42 d old and 1 to 42 d old broilers (P < 0.01), and 0.225 mg/kg SAN reduced the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CREA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum (P < 0.01). Dietary SAN increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratio in the ileum (P < 0.01). The levels of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, occludin and claudin-1) were up-regulated in the ileum and cecum (P < 0.01) and the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, IgG, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-γ were up-regulated in the serum and ileum (P < 0.01). RNA-seq analysis revealed 385 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2 fold change| ≥ 1, FDR < 0.05) between the SAN group and CON group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed 15 pathways mostly associated with the immune system. Additionally, the reverse transcription-PCR results showed that the relative mRNA expression of β-defensin and mucin 2 were up-regulated (P < 0.01) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR 4 mRNA were down-regulated by SAN (P < 0.01), which was consistent with the transcriptomic analysis. Western blot analysis also showed that SAN reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins such as TLR4, nuclear factor-kappa B and IL-1β in the ileum (P < 0.01). In addition, at the genus level, SAN significantly increased the relative abundance of bacteria (Bacteroides, unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus and Romboutsia) involved in acetate and butyrate production in the cecum, which are associated with enhanced intestinal immune function and maintaining intestinal health. In conclusion, SAN ameliorates the growth performance of broilers, enhances intestinal immune function, regulates the structure of microbiota and maintains intestinal health.

Impacts of dietary different levels of thyme leave powder as a natural growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood indices of broilers

The objective of the present study was to ascertain the influence of thyme leaf powder (TLP) on growth rate, carcass features, and blood indicators in broiler diets as a natural antioxidant and antibiotic substitute. A fully randomized design experiment divided 264-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) into 4 experimental groups. Six replicates of each group, each containing 11 unsexed chicks, were created. The following were the therapies: control group without additive (basal diet); TLP1, TLP2 and TLP3: basal diet + 1, 2 and 3 g thyme leaves powder/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that TLP added at 2 or 3 g/kg of feed significantly enhanced body weight gain (except for the period from 16 to 30 d of life), feed intake (except for the period from 1 to 15 d of life), and feed conversion ratio throughout study period. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with different TLP levels, particularly at a 3 g TLP/kg diet. Compared with the control group, the birds' 2 g TLP/kg diet included the highest levels of albumin and total protein and A/G (albumin/globulin) ratio. Furthermore, the birds fed 1 g TLP/kg feed had the lowest concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC). Moreover, chicks fed all treatment diets containing TLP had higher IgY concentrations than the control group. Nevertheless, the group that was fed a diet including 2 g TLP/kg had the highest IgM levels. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) levels were highest in the birds fed a 1g TLP/kg diet and minimum in the birds fed the control diet. Notably, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were maximum in birds fed a control meal and lowest in birds with a diet containing 1 g of TLP/kg. We may conclude that using TLP in broiler diets increases the birds' immunity, productivity, and overall health, especially at level 2 g of TLP/kg diet.

Protective effects of carnosic acid on growth performance, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under lipopolysaccharide challenge

Protective effects of carnosic acid on growth performance, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under lipopolysaccharide challenge

Dietary supplementation of isochlorogenic acid improved growth performance and intestinal health of broilers

Dietary supplementation of isochlorogenic acid improved growth performance and intestinal health of broilers

Effect of oregano essential oils and probiotics supplementation on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant status, intestinal microbiota, and gene expression in broilers experimentally infected with Eimeria.

The poultry industry has several disease challenges; coccidiosis is considered one of the most dangerous parasitic diseases. Six-hundred Ross 308 male broiler chicks (average initial body weight 41.5 g) were allocated to six groups: negative control uninfected (NCO); positive control infected with Eimeria (PCO); or positive control supplemented with diclazuril (0.2 g/kg diet, DIC); two-strains probiotic (2 g/ kg diet, PRO); oregano essential oil (300 mg/ kg diet, OEO); a combination of 2 g probiotic and 300 mg oregano essential oil (POE). At day 15, all groups except NCO were inoculated via oral gavage with oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. Our results indicated that the infected chickens with mixed Eimeria (PCO) exhibited lower growth performance, higher mortality rate, and increased oocyst shedding (P < 0.05), in addition to deterioration of immune-oxidative status in broilers on 35 d. On the contrary, Eimeria-infected chickens fed on a diet supplemented with DIC, PRO, OEO, and POE showed improved growth performance (P < 0.05) and decreased mortality and oocyst shedding. Moreover, feeding chickens on POE enhanced body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, crude protein digestibility, and dressing. Furthermore, POE supplements supported immunity and antioxidant status by increasing IgA, IgG, IL-10, and SOD levels (P < 0.05) and reducing IL-6 and MDA levels. Additionally, adding POE altered the gut microbiota structure via an increasing Lactobacillus count and decreasing C. perfringens, E. coli, and Coliforms count. Notably, POE supplements also reduced oocyst shedding and lesion scores. Moreover, the up-regulated nutrient transporters, including the expressions of cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) and mucin-2 (MUC-2) were up-regulated (P<0.05) in the POE group compared to other groups. Therefore, our study concluded that a combination of probiotics and oregano essential oils was preferred as an effective choice for protecting broilers against coccidiosis.

A dual strain probiotic administered via the waterline beneficially modulates the ileal and cecal microbiome, sIgA and acute phase protein levels, and growth performance of broilers during a dysbacteriosis challenge

Intestinal dysbacteriosis is increasing in broilers due to the reduced use of antibiotics in feed. This study tested the effect of daily waterline administration of a dual-strain probiotic comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus AG01 and Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis AG02, on growth performance and intestinal health during a 3-step microbial challenge. In total, 900 Ross 308 males were assigned to 36 floor pens (25 birds/pen, 12 pens/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Birds were fed a corn, wheat and soybean-meal based diet. Diets were formulated in 3 phases (starter: 1 to 10; grower: 11 to 24; finisher: 25 to 42 d of age). Treatments comprised a non-challenged control (NC), challenged control (CC), and the CC supplemented with 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/bird/day of the probiotic (CC+Probiotic). The challenge comprised 1 × 108 CFU/bird of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli on d 7, 4,000 oocysts/bird of Eimeria on d 15 and 1 × 109 CFU/bird of C. perfringens on d 18, 19 and 20. Growth performance was monitored over 42 d, blood samples, and digesta were collected and intestinal dysbacteriosis scoring was performed. Compared to NC birds, CC birds exhibited reduced BW (all phases), reduced feed intake (starter and grower phase), increased FCR (grower phase and overall; P < 0.05), reduced ileal lactic acid bacteria concentrations (d 24 and 42), and increased cecal E. coli (d 24; P < 0.05). Compared to CC birds, CC+Probiotic birds exhibited increased BW, BW gain and feed intake during grower phase (P < 0.05), increased ileal lactic acid bacteria at d 24 and 42 and reduced ileal C. perfringens at d 24, increased mucosal secretory IgA and reduced serum alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein at d 42. The overall growth performance of CC+Probiotic birds was equivalent to NC birds. These results confirm the efficacy of the dual strain probiotic for mitigating the negative effects of a multi-microbial challenge, improving gut health and growth performance in commercial broilers under dysbacteriosis challenge.

Effect of Supplementation Vitamin E and Selenium to Diet Contains Fats in Productive and Carcass Performance of Broiler

Effect of Supplementation Vitamin E and Selenium to Diet Contains Fats in Productive and Carcass Performance of Broiler

Optimizing broiler performance, carcass traits, and health: evaluating thyme and/or garlic powders as natural growth promoters in antibiotic-free diets

Optimizing broiler performance, carcass traits, and health: evaluating thyme and/or garlic powders as natural growth promoters in antibiotic-free diets

The Effect of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract on Broilers Raised in High-Density Environments (Impact on Performance, Blood Profile and Gut Microbes)

Background: High-density farming systems can lead to oxidative stress and negatively impact broiler performance. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) were used to improve broiler performance under stress conditions. However, long-term use of AGPs can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans as consumers. Therefore, the use of AGPs is now banned in broiler production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of butterfly pea flower extract on the performance, blood profile and gut microbes of broilers raised in high-density environments. Methods: After 15 days of rearing, 370 unsexed Lohmann broiler chicks were assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design, consisting of CONT+, CONT-, BPE0.5, BPE1.0 and BPE1.5. Sampling was conducted on day 35. Result: The results indicated that the inclusion of butterfly pea flower extract in the diet of broilers raised at a high density (16 birds/m²) significantly (p less than 0.05) improved performance, lowered the pH in the ileum and cecum, increased lactic acid bacteria and reduced coliform bacteria in both the ileum and cecum. There was no significant effect (p greater than 0.05) on the blood profile of broilers.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Neem Leaf Powder (Azadirachta Indica) on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with neem leaf powder (NLP) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum biochemical parameters of broilers. A total of 225 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were used in a 35-day experiment using a completely randomized design. The birds were divided into 5 dietary base treatments with 3 replicates of 15 birds per pen. The treatments consisted of supplementation of 0, 2, 2.5, 3, and 3.5 g/kg of NLP to a basal diet. The experiment included an evaluation of the following characteristics: performance, internal organs, and serum biochemical parameters. The results showed that the addition of different levels of NLP to the diet had no significant effect on the growth performance of broilers at different ages. Broilers fed with 2-3.5 g/kg NLP had a smaller breast size compared to the control group, while thigh weight increased linearly. The gizzard's weight showed a linear increase. Other organ weights did not differ significantly. The addition of 3.5 g/kg NLP to the broiler diet increased total protein and albumin levels. ALT, AST, and MDA levels decreased significantly with increasing NLP levels, while SOD and CAT levels increased. Broilers fed 2.5–3.5 g/kg NLP had higher HDL and lower LDL levels compared to the control group. No significant effect was observed on TG, total cholesterol, or VLDL levels. In summary, NLP supplementation in the broiler diet led to smaller breast sizes, increased thigh weight, an improved lipid profile, and enhanced liver health.

The effect of thymus vulgaris extract and probiotic on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and litter quality of broiler chickens fed low-protein diets

This study investigated the effects of Thymus vulgaris extract (TVE) and probiotic (Protexin) on Arian broiler chickens fed low protein diets over 42 days. The 2 × 3 factorial experiment involved two dietary crude protein (CP) levels and three supplementations, each with five replicates of 10 birds. The CP levels included a control group and a low-CP group with 5% reduced CP content. The supplementations were: no additive, probiotic at 0.1 g/kg diet, and TVE at 1 ml/L drinking water. GC-MS analysis of TVE identified linalool (28.54%), carvacrol (20.22%), and thymol (7.07%) as key bioactive compounds. Low-CP diets increased feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the grower period (P > 0.05). Additives boosted FI and body weight gain (BWG) during the starter period, with probiotics having a stronger effect (P < 0.05). TVE improved protein efficiency ratio (PER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER), while both TVE and probiotics enhanced European production efficiency factor (EPEF) to levels like normal-CP diets (P < 0.05). Intestinal morphology was unaffected by treatments (P > 0.05). Low-CP diets reduced serum albumin levels (P < 0.05). TVE lowered serum cholesterol and triglycerides, while probiotic reduced triglycerides (P < 0.05). TVE also decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and probiotics reduced alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to control (P < 0.05). Cholesterol levels decreased with the normal diet combined with TVE, while TG levels were reduced with the diets combined with TVE and probiotics (P < 0.05). ALP and ALT levels dropped with low-CP × TVE and normal diet × probiotic, respectively (P < 0.05). Low-CP diets and TVE groups showed reduced litter nitrogen (P < 0.05). These results suggest that probiotics and TVE can alleviate the negative effects of low-CP diets on broiler performance. Additionally, probiotics and TVE improve blood biochemistry and litter quality in broiler chickens.

Early-life cold stress and broiler breeder age: effects on metabolism and performance in broiler chicks

Context Understanding the interaction between breeder age and environmental stressors, such as cold, is crucial for poultry production. Previous research has highlighted the impact of these factors on chick development, but there is limited information on how breeder age specifically influences stress resilience and growth performance in broilers, particularly under suboptimal conditions. Aims The study aimed to assess the impact of broiler breeder age and 8-h exposure to cold stress on chicks during the first 7 days of rearing. Methods A total of 600 male chicks from two Cobb flocks were divided into groups based on breeder age (29 or 42 weeks) and rearing temperature (thermoneutral or cold-stressed for 8 h/day during the first week). Key results Chicks from 42-week-old breeders exhibited faster yolk sac absorption under thermal comfort conditions (P &lt; 0.05). Corticosterone levels were higher in chicks from 29-week-old breeders exposed to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Cold-exposed birds showed elevated heterophil/lymphocyte ratios regardless of breeders’ age (P &lt; 0.05). Feed intake and weight gain were superior in birds from 42-week-old breeders up to 35 days, whereas cold stress negatively impacted the feed conversion ratio (P &lt; 0.05). Viability was lower in chicks from 29-week-old breeders and those subjected to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Although cold stress did not affect weight gain at 35 days, it impaired the feed conversion ratio. Moreover, chicks from 29-week-old breeders were more susceptible to cold stress during the first week of life compared with those from 42-week-old breeders. Implications The study reveals that breeder age significantly influences chick resilience to cold stress, with older breeders (42-week-old) producing more robust offspring. The findings suggest that optimizing the management of thermal conditions is critical for enhancing feed efficiency, growth performance and overall viability in broiler production.

Optimization of solid-state fermented corn distillers dried grains with solubles: effects on growth performance and tissue morphology in broiler chickens

In recent years, the use of corn DDGS has alleviated the problem of protein feed shortages to a certain extent; however, its high mycotoxin content seriously restricts its application in feedstuffs. In this study, the conditions of solid-state fermented corn DDGS were optimized to investigate changes in the nutrient composition of solid-state fermented corn DDGS and their effects on the growth performance and histological section of yellow-feathered broilers. The optimal strain ratio for solid-state fermentation was determined by orthogonal testing as 1:1:2 for B. desmois JA3:B. subtilis ANSB01G: and B. subtilis ANSB060, and the response value was the score of the degradation rate of Deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) weighted by 4:4:2. Optimal conditions for the solid-state fermentation of maize DDGS were determined by B-Behnken response surface design: the inoculum amount was 1%, the feed to liquid ratio was 1:1.25, the fermentation temperature was 37°C, and the fermentation time was 29.5 h. The optimal conditions for solid-state fermentation of maize DDGS were as follows: the inoculum amount was 1%, the material-liquid ratio was 1:1.25, the fermentation temperature was 37°C, the fermentation time was 29.5h, and the degradation rates of DON, ZEN, and AFB1 in the fermented maize DDGS were 81.6%, 55.18%, and 41.14%, respectively. Moreover, solid-state fermentation significantly improved the nutrient content, in which the amounts of amino acids, crude ash, and crude fat were significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and the content of crude fiber was significantly decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The in vitro digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05); in addition, compared with the control group, the addition of fermented maize DDGS significantly increased the daily calorific intake of broiler chickens, the daily weight gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05); heart, liver and intestinal tissues underwent no obvious pathological changes.

The Supply and Quality of Feeds used by Small-to-Medium Scale Broiler Farmers in Tanzania

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the supply and quality of feeds to small-to-medium (SM)-scale broiler farmers in the Morogoro, Pwani, and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. A total of 108 SM-scale farmers from the three regions were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results indicated that broiler chicken farming is dominated by women (&gt;58.3%) in that age-bracket 40 to 59 years. Most were involved in other income generating activities, including mixed farming and formal employment. The most common challenges to SM-scale broiler production were listed as the high feed costs, diseases and marketing the birds. The average flock size per batch was largest in Dar es Salaam (551.1±70.4) and smallest in Pwani (430.5±3.2), with the number of batches per producer per annum ranging between 6.6±3.2 (Morogoro) and 9.8±6.5 (Dar es Salaam). Feeds were mainly bought from retail shops. The most commonly used feed ingredients by farmers were soybean, maize bran, rice, cotton, fish, di-calcium phosphate (DCP), and premixes and were mainly brought from retail shops. Approximately half of the respondents were satisfied with feed quality, a few (&lt;5.7%) were very satisfied with the remainder either dissatisfied or undecided. Birds were sold as live or dressed carcasses, with major outlets reported to be farm gates, restaurants, and supermarkets. Most farmers sold their chickens between 5±0.6 and 6±0.8 weeks of age, weighed between 1.4±0.3 and 1.6±0.3 kg. The profit margin per bird was about TZS 1,089.9±493 in Morogoro, TZS 780±267 in Pwani and TZS 849.7±358 (US$ 1=TZS 2,298.20) in Dar es Salaam. The study findings reveal that poor broiler performance of broiler chickens in the SM-scale sector is mainly attributable to feed costs, price fluctuations and feed quality, among others.

Evaluation of black Cumin (Bunium persicum), Ajwain (Carum copticum) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) dietary supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, ileal digestibility, bone strength and in broilers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of herbal plants (HP) consisting of black Cumin (Bunium persicum), Ajwain (Carum copticum) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on broiler performance and health. A total of 360 broilers were allocated into four groups consisting of control diet (A) or supplemented with a mixture of Ajwain, Fenugreek and black Cumin seeds at the rate of 1.5 (B), 3 (C) and 4.5 g/kg (D). Results showed that feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group-C during the 6th week. Weight gain in Group-C was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 6th weeks compared to other groups. FCR was significantly (P < 0.05) improved in Group-C at week 6. The apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and fat was highest in Group-C, showing significant (P < 0.05) improvements. Blood analysis revealed lower total cholesterol and LDL levels in Group-B and -C, while HDL was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group-C. Bone quality assessments indicated that the tibiotarsal index was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Group-C, suggesting enhanced bone strength. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PFAs, particularly at 3 g/kg, significantly improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and bone quality in broilers.