Carcass Characteristics Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets with Different Protein, Energy Levels, and Essential Oils During the Warm Season in Dry Tropics

This study evaluated the productive performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens during the warm season in dry tropical conditions. Two hundred, 1-day-old chicks were used. Birds were fed on reduced (RED) and standard (STD) diets, and two essential oils (EOs) levels, 0 and 200 ppm. The RED diets were formulated with 10% less energy and 10% less protein than STD diets. In the starter phase, weight gain was greater (p < 0.01) in birds fed STD than birds fed RED. In the starter phase, productive variables were not affected (p ≥ 0.14) by EOs. In the finisher phase, greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p = 0.04) were observed in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.97) for STD and RED. Throughout this study (1–42 d), greater feed intake (p = 0.02) and higher weight gain (p < 0.01) were found in chickens on STD. Feed conversion ratio was similar (p = 0.51) for STD and RED. Broiler chickens on EO-supplemented diets had better feed conversion (p ≥ 0.08). Hot carcass weight was greater (p < 0.01) in birds on STD. Greater yields of leg-thigh (p = 0.01), back (p = 0.01), and wings (p < 0.01) were observed in RED. Carcass yields, breast yield, pH, and meat temperature were not influenced (p ≥ 0.14) by nutrient concentrations in the diet. Carcass evaluations were not affected (p ≥ 0.11) by EOs. Body temperature was lower (p = 0.03) in birds receiving RED, however EOs had no effect (p ≥ 0.22) on body temperature. For the length of the study, at 20:00 h, broiler chickens fed on RED diets showed lower (p = 0.04) body temperatures. In conclusion, broiler chickens were under heat stress during the study, and body temperatures were reduced in chickens fed on RED diets or with EOs. Diet modification or EO-supplementation may improve feed conversion, though RED diets may have a negative effect on weight gain or carcass values.

Synergistic Effects of Hydroxychloride and Organic Zinc on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Liver and Tibia Mineral Profiles of Broiler Chickens

AbstractThis study investigated the potential synergism between hydroxychloride and organic zinc (Zn) at different levels on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. There were seven experimental diets including a negative control diet without any supplemental Zn, and six diets with 80 mg/kg added Zn in the forms of ZnSO4, hydroxychloride Zn (HCZ) and organic Zn (ORZ), and a combination of HCZ and ORZ at 40 mg/kg HCZ + 40 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ40-ORZ40), 55 mg/kg HCZ + 25 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ55-ORZ25), and 70 mg/kg HCZ + 10 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ70-ORZ10). Each diet was replicated eight times with 17 chicks per replicate. On day 35, HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 diets resulted in the highest body weights (P < 0.05). Throughout the entire production period (1–35 days), all HCZ and ORZ diets significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to PC (P < 0.05), with HCZ40-ORZ40 showing the lowest FCR. Breast meat yield was lower in NC-fed birds, while HCZ80 and HCZ70-ORZ10 groups had the lowest abdominal fat weight (P < 0.05). Liver and gizzard weight, tibia breaking strength, and ash percentage, footpad dermatitis, and hock burns were not affected. Tibia Zn content was higher in HCZ or ORZ-supplemented birds compared to NC (P < 0.05), whereas other minerals in tibia and liver were unaffected. In summary, the absence of supplemental Zn negatively affects growth and carcass characteristics, whereas replacing ZnSO4 with HCZ, ORZ, or their combinations improves bodyweight and FCR. HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 were identified as optimal combinations for maximizing feed efficiency.

Effects of dietary Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The seeds of lesser-known tropical legume trees are currently being promoted as a cost-effective method of increasing broiler productivity, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Several feeding trials have evaluated the effects of baobab seed meal (BSM) on broiler chicken productivity. However, due to differences in experimental conditions among feeding trials, drawing broad conclusions using this large volume of data appears difficult. Thus, the meta-analytic effect of BSM on growth performance [i.e., feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and body weight gain (BWG)] and carcass characteristics of broilers were investigated using 14 peer-reviewed published articles. These articles were retrieved via a systematic search conducted on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Elicit.com, and PubMed databases. The effect size was calculated via a random effect model, and results were expressed as standardised mean differences (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals. The pooled results showed that broilers fed BSM had significantly lower BWG (SMD = −0.77; −0.19, −0.30; p < 0.001), dressed carcass weight (SMD = −0.84; −1.44, −0.23; p = 0.007), and higher FCR (SMD = 0.55; 0.19, 0.91; p < 0.001) than those fed control diets. However, feed intake, dressing percentage, and weights of breast, thigh, and drumstick were not significantly affected. Subgroup analyses showed that the Marshall strain-fed BSM-based diets had significantly heavier BWG (p < 0.001) than the Hubbard, Ross, and Anak strains. Similarly, results revealed that broilers fed soaked and roasted BSM had significantly better FCR and BWG than broilers fed sundried and fermented BSM. Broilers fed BSM-based diets from days 29–56 (SMD = 0.17; −0.51, 0.84; p = 0.622) and days 1−56 (SMD = −0.89; −1.41, −0.36; p < 0.001) had significantly improved FCR compared to those offered BSM-based diets from days 1–21 (SMD = 2.58; 1.65, 3.51; p < 0.001), days 1–28 (SMD = 0.85; 0.35, 1.34; p < 0.001), and days 22–42 (SMD = 1.82; 1.02, 2.62; p < 0.001). Similarly, broilers fed BSM-based diets from days 29–56 (SMD = 0.21; −0.38, 0.79; p = 0.484) and days 1−56 (SMD = 0.92; 0.16, 1.69; p = 0.018) had significantly higher BWG than those offered BSM-based diets from days 1–21 (SMD = −3.39; −4.41, −2.37; p < 0.001), days 1–28 (SMD = −1.32; −1.91, −0.72; p < 0.001), and days 22–42 (SMD = −2.24; −2.75, 1.73; p < 0.001). Meta-regression revealed a low to moderate effect of processing methods, broiler strains, inclusion level, and feeding duration as covariates, explaining most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, broilers fed 1–10% of soaked, and roasted BSM from days 1 to 56 had improved growth performance parameters when compared to those on the control.

Effect of Different Levels of Aqueous Suspension of Bentonite Nanoparticles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effect of Different Levels of Aqueous Suspension of Bentonite Nanoparticles on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Soybean Bioactive Peptides and Vitamin E on Productive Performance and Some Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed at evaluating productive performance and some carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed feeds containing different levels of soybean bioactive peptide (SBP), and vitamin E. 180 Ross-308 broiler chicks were divided equally into five treatments, each replicated three times, and twelve unsexed chicks were placed in each replicate in a completely randomized design. For a 35-day trial period, the basal diet was either supplied without supplements (control group), or it was supplemented with SBP at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg diet, or with vitamin E at 250 mg/kg feed. Results indicated that body weights at different ages were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in SBP groups during 2nd week (except 2.5 g/kg SBP), 3rd week, 4th week, and 5th week as compared with control and vitamin E groups. Gain in total body weight, ratio of feed conversion, and production index were improved significantly (P≤0.05) in SBP compared to other groups. The economic efficiency improved in the SBP and the vitamin E group than in control group. Feed intake, mortality rate, carcass yield, total giblets, total edible parts, liver, and heart yield were similar among groups. The highest (P≤0.05) carcass weight and breast yield were observed in the SBP than in other groups, while the gizzard relative weight in the vitamin E group achieved the highest significant value (3.22 %) as compared with SBP and control groups. Significant effect among treatment was observed in thigh yield. In compared to the control, 5 (g/kg) SBP showed the lowest (P≤0.05) abdominal fat percentage. The current findings suggested that the supplementation of broiler diets with SBP improved productive performance and some carcass traits.

Effect of fringed rue ( Ruta chalepensis ) leaf as feed additives on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Effect of fringed rue ( <i>Ruta chalepensis</i> ) leaf as feed additives on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Dietary Replacement of Maize with Graded Levels of Culled Composite Sweet Orange Fruit Meal on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Dietary Replacement of Maize with Graded Levels of Culled Composite Sweet Orange Fruit Meal on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Improving the productive performance of broiler chickens fed on diets containing the mixture "Toxbond Forte

The study is conducted in Kosar's company experimental fields / Erbil to study the improvement of the carcass characteristics of broiler chickens, specifically those feeding on diets including "Toxbond Forte". The experiment lasted for 35 days and used 120 unsexed one day old chicks from Rose 308 type with an average of 42 ± 3 g per chick. The chicks were randomly classified into five treatments with three replications; each treatment had eight birds / replicate). The first treatment (T1) is called the control treatment in which the feed was without any addition, the second treatment (T2) included the addition of the compound with an average of 0.5 g / kg of feed, the third treatment (T3) included the addition of the mixture with a percentage higher than the second one, i.e. with a rate of 1 g / kg of feed, the fourth treatment (T4) included the rate of 1.5 g / kg of feed, and last treatment (T5) had the percentage of 2 g / kg of feed addition to the mixture. Results have shown that there are no big differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the relative weight of the main segments (chest and thigh piece), while the relative weight of the drumstick is significantly higher than the other treatments. Moreover, no differences have been seen for the secondary cuts, internal viscera and empty carcass weight, (p ≤ 0.05). Finally, the study has noted a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the percentage of the net weight.

Effect of fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis) leaf as feed additives on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Effect of fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis) leaf as feed additives on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Effect of Citric Acid on Carcass Characteristics and Physico Chemical Attributes of Broiler Chickens

With the removal of antibiotics, the poultry industry is challenged with identifying a valid alternative to antibiotics with similar capabilities. Organic acids like citric acid are agents with the capability to reduce pathogenic bacteria and increase nutrient digestibility through their effect on the pH in the gastrointestinal tract. Citric acid improves animal welfare and economic concerns in the poultry industry by reducing body weight loss and improving meat quality attributes. Citric acid supplementation in feeds diminishes microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract and consequently enhances feed intake and digestion, with positive effects on growth rate and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE (published articles) to determine the effect of citric acid supplementation on carcass characteristics, physico chemical attributes and sensory attributes of broiler chickens. Findings indicated that organic acids such as citric acid may improve animal welfare and economic problems in the chicken business by lowering body weight loss and enhancing meat quality qualities. At the same time, citric acid supplementation had an antibacterial effect on the growth of microorganisms. This shows that citric acid can be used in broiler chickens to improve performance and meat quality. The current review evaluates the effect of various citric acid level supplementation on carcass characteristics, physico chemical attributes and sensory attributes of broiler chickens.

Effect of Different Levels of Origanum Majorana Leaves Powder on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The prohibition uses of antibiotics and coccidiosis opens the door for research into the natural alternatives to be used to enhance animal performance. Origanum Majorana (OM) is a native plant in the Middle East which have many secondary nutritional components that affect broiler performance. Three hundred and seventy-five, one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chickens were distributed to five treatments with three replicates per treatment. Treatment T1 was the positive control which had fed with a coccidiostat. T2 was the negative control, feeding without coccidiostat. T3, T4, and T5 had the same feed as T2 with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of added OM leaf powder. The rearing period was extended to 35 days. Performance parameters were measured weekly. Four birds from each pen were slaughtered and carcass cuts were weighed. Breast and thigh meat samples were stored at 5Cο for 7 days, and meat color and pH were measured at days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of slaughtering. Feeding OM at a level of 0.5% showed a significant (P&lt;0.05), increase in total feed intake and final body weight (3920 g, 2630.15g) compared to other groups. The lowest significant FCR was obtained in T4 on weeks 3, 4, and 5 (1.34, 1.33, and 1.51, respectively). There were no significant differences between treatments on thigh and breast L*, a*, b*, and meat pH. The L* value (59.19) for breast tends to be improved (P=0.0873) due to the use of 0.5% of OM In all treatments means the values of a*, b*, and meat pH increased significantly during the storage period while the value of L* was significantly reduced. Using OM will enhance the performance of broiler chickens and may improve the meat quality when it is used as a natural component substitute for coccidiostat and antibiotics.

Effect of supplementation of different levels of phytogenic mixture on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Effect of supplementation of different levels of phytogenic mixture on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

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.

Effects of bee pollen inclusion on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of bee pollen (BP) inclusion on performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 4 treatments (BP inclusion levels of 0, 4, 8, or 12 g/kg DM feed) in a randomized complete block design with sex as a block having 3 replicates with 10 chickens per replicate. After 21 d, the chickens remained in their treatment groups and fed standard grower diet. The results of the current study revealed that BP inclusion had positively improved (P < 0.05) average weekly feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in both sexes. However, the apparent nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and nutrient digestibility were not affected by the dietary BP. Furthermore, carcass yield in both sexes was improved (P < 0.05) by BP inclusion levels. In contrast, meat pH, shear force, and sensory evaluation in both sexes were not affected (P > 0.05). The results suggest that the broiler chicks can utilize bioactive compounds in BP when supplemented in the starter diets and subsequently improve their growth parameters throughout the growing period as well as carcass yield at slaughter age. These positive improvements could be due to high quality amino acids, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals of BP. Therefore, it is concluded that BP inclusion level of 12 g/kg or more in the starter diets could have positive effects on growth performance and carcass yield at slaughter age without causing adverse effects on meat physico-chemical properties and sensory evaluation in both male and female broiler chickens.

Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Birds as Affected by Sex and Genotype

Abstract:The objective of this study is to determine the effect of sex and genotype on carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 150 day-old chicks of three commercial broiler strains comprising of 50 chicks per strain (Marshall, Arbor Acre and Cobb) were used. Each strain was identified with wing tag and was kept in separate pen in an environmentally controlled brooder house. A total number of 20 males and 30 females per strain was further separated and kept in separate pen. Carcass weights such as wing, drumstick, thigh, shank, neck, head, breast and back, while internal organs like proventriculus, heart, gizzard, liver, spleen, kidney, intestinal offal, abdominal fat, crop and lungs were recorded. Overall, genotype has significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on all carcass and internal organs traits except abdominal fat. Arbor Acre recorded the highest weights in shank, thigh, breast, back heart, liver, spleen, intestinal offal, crop and lungs, while Cobb recorded highest weights in wings, drumstick, head, proventriculus and kidney while Marshall recorded the highest weight in neck and gizzard. Also, sex significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected the carcass and internal organs traits, males recorded heavier weight in shank, thigh, breast, back, neck, heart, gizzard, liver, kidney, abdominal fat, crop, lungs while female were heavier in wings, drumstick, head, proventriculus, spleen and intestinal offal. Genotype x sex significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced all carcass and internal organs traits. Keywords: Genotype: Sex: Broiler chicken: Carcass Characteristics

EFFECT OF GARLIC (Allium sativum) SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILER CHICKENS

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of garlic supplementation on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks of mixed sexes were randomly allotted into four treatment groups, thirty birds per treatment and were replicated three times with ten birds per replicate in a complete randomized design. Four test diets were formulated and designated as T1 for control, while T 2, 3, and 4 with inclusion levels of garlic powder at 0g/kg, 20g/kg, 15g/kg and 10g/kg respectively. The study lasted for eight weeks. The parameters investigated were growth performance (initial weight, final weight, weekly body weight gain, percent dressed weight, feed intake (kg), feed conversion ratio, and mortality) and carcass characteristics. Cut-up parts of broiler chickens (head, neck, wings, drumsticks, thigh chest, back, shank) and visceral organs ( heart liver, kidney, spleen , pancreas, gizzard, abdominal fat, proventriculus and intestine). Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences were separated using Least Significant Difference. The results of growth performance showed that there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences in the parameters measured, except percentage dressed weight that showed significant difference with T1 having a higher value of (64.33%) which was closely followed by T4 with 62.60 %, T2 with 61.10 % and the least value was T3 with 54.53 %. The result of the study showed that garlic powder had no significant effect on body weight gain, carcass characteristics and feed conversion ratio.

Effects of light intensity on growth performance, blood components, carcass characteristics, and welfare of broilers.

This study investigated the effects of light intensity on growth performance, blood components, eye condition, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three hundred and fifty-two 1-day-old male chicks were assigned to one of four treatments (four repetitions per treatment, 22 birds per repetition) and reared in a floor pen for 5 weeks. From the second week, chicks were reared under four different levels of light intensity (5, 20, 35, and 50 lx) and the lighting duration was maintained at 18-hours light : 6-hours dark (18L : 6D). The feed intake and body weight were measured weekly. At 35 days of age, 12 birds per treatment were randomly selected for blood sampling, eye measurement, and carcass analysis. There were no significant differences in body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio among treatments. Triglyceride levels in the serum were significantly higher in the 5 lx treatment, and creatinine was significantly lower in the 5 lx treatment (p < 0.05). The heterophil : lymphocyte ratios decreased significantly as light intensity increased (p < 0.05); however, other blood cell compositions were not affected by light intensity. Interleukin-6 content was significantly higher in the 5 lx treatment than in other treatments (p < 0.05), but the content of tumor necrosis factor-α was not significantly different among treatments. Serum corticosterone concentration was significantly higher at 5 lx than at 20, 35, and 50 lx (p < 0.05). The corneal diameter was the highest in 5 lx treatment (p < 0.05), and tended to increase as the light intensity decreased. Other eye parameters were not significantly different among treatments, but displayed a tendency to increase as the light intensity decreased. Carcass yield and part yields were not affected by light intensity. Meat quality parameters (pH, color, cooking loss, and water-holding capacity) did not show significant difference among the treatments. The results indicate that a light intensity of 5 lx may increase physiological stress or have a negative effect on broiler welfare, even if the performance and carcass characteristics are not affected. Therefore, a light intensity of 20 lx or above is recommended considering both the growth performance and welfare of broilers.

Nutritional Intervention with Bacillus subtilis strain PB6 in Early Days, enhances Performance without affecting Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The objective of the study was to evaluate the combinational effect of Bacillus subtilis strain PB6 along with vitamins (V), minerals (M), and amino acids (A) on performance, growth, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens during the early days and compare with commercially available combinations of V+A, and M+A without probiotics. An in vivo trial was conducted for a period of 35 days with day 1 Cobb 430 broiler chicks, randomly allotted to one control and four treatment groups namely T1 (PB6+VMA-1 g/L), T2 (PB6+VMA-2 g/L), T3 (V+A-1 mL/L) and T4 (M+A-2 mL/L) using a completely randomized design. Each group had 7 replicates and 12 birds per replicate. The performance parameters such as body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored throughout the trial. At the end of 7 days, BW was significantly higher for T2 (174.71 g) in comparison with T1 (173.99 g), T3 (174.41 g), T4 (173.39 g), and control (173.35 g, p &lt; 0.05). However, no difference in FCR was observed (p &gt; 0.05). Similarly, at the end of 35 days, T2 (1842.15 g) showed the highest BW compared to control (1818.36 g), T1 (1839.39 g), T3 (1833.20 g), and T4 (1816.73 g) and significantly least FCR (1.53, p &lt; 0.05) in comparison with control (1.55), T1 (1.54), T3 (1.57) and T4 (1.56). At the end of 35 days, carcass characteristics such as carcass, breast meat, and organ yield were evaluated and no significant difference between the groups was observed (p &gt; 0.05). The gut health of the birds was assessed by evaluating the dysbacteriosis and total mean lesion score at the end of 35 days and a score of less than one was observed for all the groups. Furthermore, return on investment (ROI) was analyzed and T1 showed an ROI of 2.21:1, followed by T2 which showed an ROI of 1.72:1, and no ROI was seen for T3 and T4. The results from this study suggest that supplementation of PB6 along with essential nutrients has a positive impact on the performance of broiler chickens, without affecting gut health and helps poultry producers for profitable farming.

Impacts of Increasing Additions of Choline Chloride on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Reared to 66 Days of Age.

Simple SummaryRecommendations for choline intake in broiler chickens are potentially outdated and do not include work investigating the entire grow-out period. Broilers were fed increasing concentrations of additional choline chloride above what was provided by a basal corn- and soybean meal-based diet ingredients, reared for 66 days, and then processed. Supplemental choline had no impact on broiler growth performance or breast myopathy incidence, but it altered carcass part yields. These results suggest that feeding additional choline may not be beneficial for broilers grown to heavier market weights in the absence of environmental and dietary stress.The most recent research cited by the NRC Nutrition Requirements of Poultry to establish choline recommendations was published in 1987, so choline guidelines for modern broilers are outdated and may be insufficient to optimize growth. The objective was to determine the effect of additional dietary choline chloride supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of modern broilers reared for 66 days. As-hatched Ross 708 × Yield Plus broiler chicks (n = 2160; 30 birds per pen) were randomly allotted to one of six experimental corn and soybean meal-based diets formulated to contain an additional 0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, or 2000 mg of choline chloride above the choline content of the basal diet ingredients. Diets were fed in four phases, and birds were processed at day 66 of age. Growth performance and breast myopathy incidence was not impacted by added choline. While there were differences in breast, wing, thigh, and drum yields, the effects of added choline were not linear. Supplemental choline chloride was not beneficial for growth performance but did impact the carcass characteristics of modern, large frame broilers reared for 66 days.

The effects of in ovo injection with sulfur amino acids and folic acid on the gene expression, relative organ weights, hematologic parameters, performance, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in ovo injection of folic acid (FA) and sulfur amino acids (SAAs) on the mitotic activity of myocytes, performance, relative organ weight, hematological values, and characteristics of broiler chicken carcasses. A total of 1200 fertile eggs from 42-week-old Ross AP© breeders were inoculated in the albumen on the first day of incubation in a completely randomized design with one of the treatments: C—intact eggs; SS: inoculation with 0.5 mL of saline solution; FA: 0.150 mg of FA; SAA: 5.90 mg of L-methionine and 3.40 mg of L-cysteine; or FA/SAA: FA + SAA. The inoculation of SAA did not influence (p > 0.05) the post-hatching characteristics of the chickens. FA inoculation increased (p < 0.05) the expression of the PAX7 and MYF genes in the pectoralis muscle of hatched chicks and reduced (p < 0.05) feed conversion at 42 days of age. The combination of SAA + FA increased (p < 0.05) the depth of the ileal crypt on the 1st day after hatching and the relative weight of the spleen and thymus on the 21st day of life. In conclusion, the inoculation of FA on the 1st day of incubation increases gene expression and improves the performance of broilers.