Carcass Characteristics Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Performance, haematology and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens given water from different sources

n eight week study was conducted to assess the performance, carcass characteristics and haematological indices of broiler chickens provided water from different sources. One hundred and fifty day - old broiler chicks (Arbor acre) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups (rain, stream, pipe borne water, well and borehole water respectively) in a completely randomized experimental design. The borehole water was obtained from a residential building, about 500 m to the experimental site (Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, Nigeria). Rainwater was harvested when it rained and was stored in plastic containers before it was used. It was not stored for more than three days before use. Stream water was obtained from a stream that flowed close to the students' residential area of FECA. It is sometimes drunk and is typical of streams that flow in a typical village community. Well water was obtained from a well sunk within the premises of the FECA. It was a well from where people fetched water for domestic use and was provided to the birds without prior treatment. Pipe borne water was obtained from the Water Corporation Mains that supplies FECA and Ijapo Estate, Akure. Results from the experiment revealed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatments in terms of water intake, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, relative weight of some organs, muscle dimensions and haematological parameters. Pipe borne water had the highest numerical values (P>0.05) for most of the performance and carcass characteristic indices measured, such as daily water intake (181.53±14.6), cumulative water intake (8.90±.71), daily feed intake (106.27±4.15), cumulative feed intake (5.21±0.20), daily weight gain (38.53±2.38), total weight gain (1.89±0.12), final weight gain (1.98±0.12), percent dressed weight (97.11±0.16%), percent eviscerated weight (81.86±3.26%), relative weights of drumstick (99.37±5.43g/kg), wings (89.10±9.69g/kg), chest (170.08±6.59g/kg) and back (159.40±18.90g/kg live weight) respectively. Water from different sources (rain, well, pipe borne water, borehole and stream) had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the performance indices, considered in the study for broiler chickens. This implies that the aforementioned water sources can be used to raise broiler chickens provided such water is free from any contaminants that could impair the health of the birds.

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction Duration on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The growth productivity of broilers is influenced by improving growth performance through improving body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction duration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks were reared in a deep litter system until slaughter at 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments which were replicated three times with 16 birds per replicate. The three treatments were the control (T1), one week of feed restriction (T2), and two weeks of feed restriction (T3). Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. Carcass weight and internal organs weights were measured. The body weight gained by the birds in T1 was similar to the birds that were restricted for a week. The treatments had a significant effect on the average daily gain in weeks 4, 5, and 6. The ADG for T2 was higher (P ad libitum at week 4 at the start of the treatment. There was no significant effect on the relative weights of heart weights, liver, gizzard, feet, and heads among the treatment groups except for intestine weight which was lower (P

Effects of Turmeric Oil as a Dietary Supplements on the Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of turmeric oil as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood profile of broiler chickens. Two hundred one-day-old commercial broiler chicks (Arbo acre) were reared in a deep litter poultry house and divided into five groups of forty (40) birds each. The groups were assigned to five dietary treatments each of the treatments had four replicates consisting of 10 birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Basal diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirement of birds according to NRC (1994). Treatment 1 (T1) contained basal diet with 0 % turmeric oil (TOL), while T2, T3, T4 and T5 were fed diet supplemented with TOL at 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 % and 0.4 % respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks during and the data obtained were used to evaluate the average daily weight gain (ADWG), average total feed intake (AFTI), mortality and relative organ /carcass weights. Significant differences (Pl0.05) were recorded in the ADWG, ADFI and feed conversion ratio among the treatments. The relative weights of the organs and dressing percentage were significantly (Pl0.05) influenced across the treatments. It was concluded that turmeric oil contains several bioactive chemicals which confers it the ability to perform multiple biological functions and its supplementation at 0.4 % does not have any deleterious effect on the general performance of the animal.

Effect of replacing maize with sorghum, millet or 'acha' on the growth and carcass characteristics of broiler

Maize,which suppliesmost of the energy in poultry feeds, has low yields inNigeria and there is competition for the limited harvest of maize between industrial, livestock and human needs. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects on the growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens of replacing the high inputs grain,maize,with a low inputs grain, 'acha', or medium inputs grains, sorghum and millet. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets for both the starter and finisher phases were formulated with maize, sorghum, millet and 'acha' as the main source of energy and were used as treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.Marshall broiler birds were brooded up to 2 weeks before the treatments were introduced that lasted six weeks.Up to 8 weeks of age, body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were recorded weekly. The results of the study show no significant differences (P>0.05) between the four treatments in final body weight and average daily gain but birds on treatment 4 ('acha') had significantly lower feed intake and superior feed conversion ratio than the other experimental diets. Itwas concluded thatmaize can be replaced with sorghum, millet and 'acha' without adverse effects on the performance of broiler chickens.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed raw and differently processed roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seed meal

One hundred and fifty (150)day-old Abor acre broiler chicks were used for this experiment toassess growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed processed roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal were investigated. The birds were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with three replicates (ten chicks per replicate)each in a completely randomized design (CRD). In the feeding trial, raw roselle seed meal (R RSM), roasted roselle seed meal (R RSM), boiled roselle seed meal (BRSM) and soaked roselle seed meal (SRSM) were incorporated as part replacement for groundnut cake at 50% level of inclusion.Proximate composition of the processed test ingredients and the results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatment means. Raw roselle seed meal (RaRSM) gave the least crude protein while the highest was recorded in boiled roselle seed meal (BRSM). Birds fed diet without roselle seed meal inclusion (control diet) had the best final body weight and feed conversion ratio but not significantly (P>0.05) different from other treatments.Birds in treatments 2 and 4 (RaRSMand BRSM) had the least survival rate (96.67%)while the rest treatments had 100%. Cut-up parts showed no significant (P>0.05) differences exceptfor the wings of the bird fed roasted roselle seedmeal was significantly (P<0.05) different and higher than those fed control, raw, boiled and soaked roselle seed meal (10.87, 7.52, 9.85 and 9.46%, respectively). Results from visceral organs showed no significant (P>0.05) differencesexceptproventriculus which exhibited significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatment means. Proventriculus of bird fed roasted roselle seedmeal (R RSM)was highest (0.80%)while those fed raw roselle seedmeal (R RSM) gave the least (0.50%). This study however, revealed that using processed (roasted, boiled and soaked) roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal as part replacement for groundnut cake has no deleterious effects onthe broilerchickens.

Haematological, serum and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed `graded levels of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) used as phytobiotic

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) used as phytobiotic or herbal natural additives on biochemical and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Five diets with different levels of inclusion of the kola were fed to a total of 150 Marshal day- old broilers. There were three replicates of ten birds per replicate. The five diets were made of control diet; diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm and 2000ppm of G. Kola respectively. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using completely randomized design. The results of haematological parameters examined show that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the haematological indices measured, the values however, did not follow any particular pattern. Highest haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cells (RBC) values were recorded for birds on 1500ppm compared to other birds with values ranging between 8.40-10.00, 25.00-29.50 and 2.47- 2.77 for Hb, PCV and RBC respectively. The least haemoglobin and PCV values were recorded in diet containing 2000ppm. Dietary supplementation of G. kola revealed significant (P<0.05) effects in the values of albumin and serum aspartate aminotransferase (SAST) with fluctuating values. The albumin level increased from 0ppm to 1500ppm G. kola inclusion levels and later dropped at 2000ppm inclusion level. Birds fed bitter kola had higher values SAST than the control group. Results of carcass analysis study revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in the values obtained for live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Birds fed with 0ppm of Garcinia kola had the highest live weight (2066.70g) while those on 1500ppm had the lowest. The same trend was observed in the mean values obtained for dressed weight. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) for all the organ weights observed except kidney which was found to show improvement with increased bitter kola level. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of broiler chicken with bitter kola produced haematological and carcass results that did not follow any definite pattern.

Effect of graded levels of differently processed Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens


 The study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of differently processed Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty (150), 28-day old birds were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments of 3 replicates of thirty birds each. Each replicate had 10 birds. The treatments were: T1 - control diet with 0% inclusion level of Roselle Seed Meal (RSM) while the four other diets had 50% of raw (T2: rRSM), soaked (T3: sRSM), boiled (T4: bRSM) and fermented (T5: fRSM) Roselle Seed Meal in a complete randomized design. At the end of the 28thday of the feeding (week 8), parameters measured were on performance and carcass characteristics. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA of SAS with the means, where significant, were separated using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were highest in birds on T5. Birds on T5 had the least feed conversion ratio (FCR) value (2.62). Feed intake and percent mortality did not differ significantly among birds on the different dietary treatments. Birds on T5 had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for live weight (LW), thigh weight (TW) and neck weight (NW). Percentage eviscerated weight, breast weight, drumstick weight, shank weight, wing weight and back weight did not differ significantly among the birds on the different treatments. The gizzard (G), liver (L) and spleen (S) had the highest values in birds on T3 (G: 2.53%), T1 (L: 2.34%), T5 (S: 0.18) being significantly (p<0.05) different from T
 5 (G: 2.04% and L: 1.87%), T2 (S: 0.08%), T3 (S: 0.08%) and T4 (S: 0.09%) respectively. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences observed among the treatments for percentage heart weight. It can be concluded that processing methods enhanced the utilization of Roselle seed meal with the best being the fermentation method as revealed by its feed conversion ratio, live weight and some carcass parameters when Roselle Seed Meal was substituted for 50% of soybean meal in the broiler finisher diets.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Effect of dietary copper and probiotic supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary copper and probiotic supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler Chickens. A total of 180-day old marshal broiler chicks of mixed sex were randomly allotted to six treatment groups of 30 birds each. The Treatments were divided into three replicates of ten birds each; starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of fifty-six days. The dietary treatments were subjected to completely randomized design experimental layout which was made up of probiotic (0 and 500ppm) and copper (0, 125 and 250mg).The chicks were fed the broiler starter diet for the first 28 days and broiler finisher for the last 28 days. Treatment effect on broiler body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were determined on a weekly basis. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and, Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to separate significant means. Dietary supplementation of copper and probiotic had no significant (P> 0.05) effect on final weight (FW), daily weight gain (DWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the starter phase of the experiment. However, at finisher phase, inclusion of probiotic resulted in higher significant (P < 0.05) values for FW (2214.12g/b) DWG (60.22g/b/d), FI (159.02g/b/d), and FCR (2.64). The carcass yields of the broilers were significantly (P< 0.05) influenced by copper and probiotic supplementations. However, lower value (1.07%) was obtained for abdominal fat in broilers fed 250mg Cu/kg supplemented diet. The study concluded that supplementation of copper and probiotics resulted in improved growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur

The major challenges of cassava supplementation in poultry diets are high cyanide and low protein content. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of maize-cassava diets supplemented with methionine and inorganic sulphur for broiler chickens. Atotal of 270 one day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups of 30 birds with 10 birds per replicate. Starter and finisher diets were formulated and fed for a period of 56 days. Dietary treatments were subjected to completely randomized design. The birds were fed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250 mg/kg DL-methionine and 0, 125, 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur from Cu4SO .There was a linear increase in final weight (FW) and total weight gain (TWG) with supplementation of 125mg/kg DL-methionine across dietary sulphur levels at the starter phase. Birds fed diets supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed higher (p<0.05values of 463.23g, 424.66g and 2.66 for FW, TWG and feed conversion ratio respectively. The finisher phase followed a similar trend. Carcass yield showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in dress weight, cut part and organ weight in birds fed diets supplemented with 125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur. The findings revealed that birds with diets supplemented with125 mg/kg DL-methionine and 250 mg/kg inorganic sulphur showed improved growth performance and carcass yield. In conclusion from this study supplementation of DL-methionine and inorganic sulphur in diets for broiler chickens resulted in improved growth performance and carcass yield.

Nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed different sources of animal protein

One of the most important aspects of animal nutrition is digestibility of ingested materials which has a direct relationship with the health status of an animal. The effect of different fish meal alternatives (maggot, termite, grasshopper and lizard meals) on nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens was investigated in this 56 days feeding trial. One hundred and fifty broiler chicks (Marshal breed) were used for the study. Birds were assigned into five dietary groups of 30 chicks each and further divided into three replicates of 10 chicks each. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain 5% fish meal, maggot meal, termite meal, grasshopper meal and lizard meal in treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (tagged T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 ) respectively in starter phase, while fish meal was replaced with 2.5% maggot, termite, grasshopper and lizard meals in treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively in finisher phase. The chicks were allocated into the four diets in a completely randomized design and housed in a deep litter pen with feed and water served without restriction. Results from dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, ether extract and nitrogen free extract digestibility showed significant (P<0.05) differences in the test ingredients on birds. Dry matter digestibility ranged from 88.35% in birds fed T3 to 91.86% in birds fed T5 . Crude fibre followed the same trend with the lowest (70.80%) in T3 and the highest (84.83%) in T5 , but ether extract digestibility was at the opposite trend where birds fed T3 had the highest (87.14%), and those on T5 gave the lowest (80.86%). Crude protein showed significant decrease across the treatments from 86.10% in T1 to 80.88% in T5 . Ash digestibility ranged from 68.84% in T2 to 77.05% in T1 . Results on cut-up parts showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) influence on all the parameters considered except in live weight, dressed weight and breast muscle weights where there were significant (P<0.05) differences. Internal organ proportions of the broiler birds showed no significant (P>0.05) effect of the test ingredients on all the parameters considered except in abdominal fat. It can be concluded that crude protein digestibility, live weight, dressed weight and breast muscle values in birds fed T2 (maggot meal) were higher than birds fed other test ingredients and as such recommended as an alternative to fish meal.

Nutritional utilization of baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaf meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in Sudan savannah of Nigeria


 
 
 
 This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary utilization of baobab leaf meal (BLM) on performance, carcass characteristics and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty-five (225), one day old broiler chickens (Marshall Breed) were used for the study. Five diets were formulated containing baobab leaf meal (BLM) at dietary levels of 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Chicks were randomly allotted to treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three times consisting of 45 broiler chickens with 15 chicks per replication. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Sample of BLM, experimental diet and faeces were analyzed for proximate compositions. Similarly, levels of anti-nutritional factors in BLM were also evaluated. The results at starter phase showed that the final body weight, daily weight gain and total weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 7.5% BLM diet compared to other treatments. The feed conversion ratio (3.30) and feed cost in naira per Kg gain (N257) were significantly (P< 0.05) better at 7.5% BLM diet compared to others. The same trend was observed at finisher phase in the final body weight (2147.80g) and daily weight gain (52.39g). Similarly, feed conversion ratio (3.14) and feed cost in naira per Kg gain (N289.89) were significantly (P< 0.05) better at 7.5% BLM diet compared to other treatments. The results for carcass analysis showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in final live weight (2.15 Kg) as broiler chickens fed 7.5% BLM diet had significantly (P< 0.05) highest values of carcass weight (1.52 Kg) and dressing percentage (72.04%). There were significant differences (P<0.05) in thigh muscle, back and small intestinal weights in which 7.5% BLM diet had the highest values across the treatments. Most of the organs weights were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by BLM inclusion with exception of crop and proventriculus. Therefore, it was concluded that BLM can be incorporated in the diet of broiler chickens up to 7.5% level without any adverse effect on the performance, carcass yield with concomitant reduction in the cost of production
 
 
 

Effect of Alum-treated Groundnut (<I>Arachis hypogea</I>) Shell Meal on Blood Chemistry and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Effect of alum-treated groundnut (Arachis hypogea) shell (ATGNS) meal was studied on the blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty (240) day-old broiler chicks of Anak strain were used for the study in a completely randomized design for eight weeks. The chicks were allotted into six groups of forty chicks each and further divided into four replicates of ten chicks each.Groundnut shell (GNS) was processed by soaking it in water containing alum in ratio 1kg of groundnut shell: 15 litre of water: 600g of alum for three, four, five and six days. Wheat offal was included at 10% in T1 as positive control, 4% wheat offal and 6% untreated groundnut shell (GNS) in T2 as negative control, and 4% wheat offal with 6% treated GNS in treatments 3, 4, 5 and 6 at three days, four day, five days and six days of processing respectively. Results on haematological parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different except mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). Birds in T5 performed better than others in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) with highestvalues of 123.83% and 41.93pg respectively, while birds in T3 had the lowest values of 115.28% and 39.05pg in the two parameters respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in serum total protein, albumin and globulin, while other parameters measured showed no significant (p>0.05) differences in serum biochemical studies. Birds fed treatment 1 (T1) had the highest values of 3.95 and 2.72g/dl in total protein and globulin respectively, while the lowest values 2.55 and 0.97g/dl were obtained from birds in T6 respectively. Cut-up parts showed significant (p<0.05) differences in head, neck, back and thigh across treatment means with the exception of other parameters considered. The live weights of birdson processed groundnut shell meal, although not significantly (p>0.05) different, were better (p<0.05) than those on untreated groundnut shell meal (T2). Birds in T6 had the highest values (2.95, 4.60 and 12.53%) in head, neck and thigh respectively. The highest weight (18.02%) of back was recorded in T1. Birds in T4 had the highest values of 19.60 and 4.20% in breast muscle and shank respectively, while those in T3 recorded the lowest (14.65%) in breast muscle, and those in T2 had the lowest (3.56%) in shank. The results in conclusion, showed that alum-treated groundnut shell(ATGNS) could replace wheat offal at 6% level of inclusion by improving carcass yield as well as maintainingblood profile of broiler chickens.
 Keywords: Groundnut shell, alum, blood chemistry, carcass, broiler

Effects of Strain and Skip-a-day Feed Restriction on Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens at Finisher Stage

Effects of Strain and Skip-a-day Feed Restriction on Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens at Finisher Stage

In ovo injection with glycerol and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I): hatchability, intestinal morphometry, performance, and carcass characteristics of broilers

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection with glycerol (GLY) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on hatchability, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphometry, performance, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 400 fertilised eggs were distributed into five experimental groups. The treatments were arranged as non-injected (control), saline solution injected (0.9% NaCl solution), GLY solution injected (10 nmol/ml), IGF-I solution injected (100 ng/ml), and GLY + IGF-I solution injected. At 17.5 d of incubation, 0.5 ml of each solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of each egg of the injected groups. The injection of different solutions did not influence the hatchability and incubation time of the eggs. Compared to intact eggs, IGF-I and IGF-I+ GLY increased (p < 0.01) the blood IGF-I at hatching. Higher hepatic glycogen was observed (p < 0.05) with GLY or IGF-I. The tested substances decreased (p = 0.02) the fructose 1,6-biphosfate phosphatase activity but did not affect glycaemia. No difference in performance was observed in the first week. Higher feed intake and weight gain with lower feed conversion ratio was obtained ( p < 0.05) with IGF-I at 14 d. At 21 d, higher weight gain was obtained (p = 0.05) with IGF-I, GLY, IGF-I, and GLY + IGF-I, resulting (p < 0.01) in birds with greater weight gain at 35 and 42 d of age. GLY provided higher villus height in the ileum at hatching and at 7 d of age. The tested solutions increased the relative weight of the liver at hatching. At 42 d of age, no carcass characteristics were influenced. It is concluded that GLY and IGF-I, together or separately, can be used in the in ovo feeding to improve the post-hatch performance of broilers, without affecting hatchability and carcass composition.

Dalgalı Aydınlatma Programının Etlik Piliçlerin Verim ve Karkas Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi

Bu araştırma etlik piliçlerde dalgalı aydınlatma programının verim ve karkas özellikleri üzerine etkininin belirlenmesi amacıyla 42 günlük bir yetiştirme süresince yürütülmüştür. Bu amaçla, özel sektörden temin edilen 300 adet Ross 308 etlik civciv kullanılmıştır. Civcivler normal aydınlatma ve dalgalı aydınlatma programı olmak üzere 2 gruba ayrılmış ve her grup 50‘şer adetlik 3 tekerrürden oluşturulmuştur. Aydınlatma, günlük 23 saat aydınlık 1 saat karanlık dönem olarak düzenlenmiştir. Kontrol grubuna 0-21 günler arasında 20 lüx/m2, 22-42 günler arasında 5 lüx/m2 şiddetinde sabit aydınlatma yapılmıştır. Dalgalı aydınlatma programında ise saatlik periyotlar halinde 45 dakika süreyle 5 lüx/m2 ve kalan 15 dakikalık sürede ise ilave 20 lüx/m2 şiddetinde aydınlatma yapmak suretiyle dalgalı bir aydınlatma uygulanmıştır. Her iki aydınlatma yönteminde üzerinden durulan verim özelliklerinden dönem sonu canlı ağırlık, haftalık canlı ağırlık artışı, kümülatif yem tüketimi, kümülatif yemden yararlanma oranı, yaşama gücü, ayak ve bacak kusurları oranı, sıcak karkas, soğuk karkas, but, göğüs, kanat, sırt, karaciğer ve kalp ağırlıkları bakımından farklılık bulunmadığı, ancak, taşlık ve abdominal yağ ağırlıkları arasındaki farklılığın önemli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak dalgalı aydınlatma yönteminde yetiştirilen piliçlerin taşlık ve abdominal yağ ağırlıklarının normal aydınlatmadan daha düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Özellikle etlik piliçlerde önemli bir problem olan abdominal yağ miktarının düşürülmesinde dalgalı aydınlatmanın bir yöntem olarak kullanılabileceği kanaatine varılmıştır.

Dietary addition of lysophospholipids and vitamin C affects growth performance, serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens reared under low ambient temperature

Context Evaluating performance of broilers fed diet included feed additives in stress conditions. Aims This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding lysophospholipids (LPLs) and vitamin C (VC) to diet on growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant capacity and carcass traits in broiler chickens reared under low ambient temperature Methods A total of 288 male chicks (Ross 308) were allotted to four treatments with six replicates (n = 12) when they were 1-day-old. Based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, four diets including dietary LPLs (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and VC (0 or 500 mg/kg) were formulated. According to the catalogue of LPL product, 100000 kcal/Kg metabolisable energy was considered for LPLs. The house temperature was 32°C during the first week and 30°C for a second week. To induce cold stress, house temperature was decreased to 14°C by the step-down temperature program during the third week and maintained between 12 and 14°C for the rest of the study. Key results Increased feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in chickens fed the LPL-supplemented diet during the first 2 weeks, but there was no significant difference in growth performance between the birds fed LPL-supplemented diet with control during cold stress condition. Decreased feed intake and bodyweight gain were observed in chickens fed VC-supplemented diet compared with control in cold stress condition. Dietary VC decreased blood concentration of triglyceride (TG) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in breast muscle was observed in chickens fed VC-supplemented diet. A significant interaction between dietary LPLs and VC on relative weight and length of jejunum and ileum were detected. Comparable effects of LPLs and VC on inhibiting lipid peroxidation were observed. The free radical scavenging assay showed higher antioxidant activity of VC compared with LPLs. Conclusions Overall, dietary LPL supplementation did not improve broiler performance in cold stress condition, while the utilisation of 500 mg/kg VC in the ration reduced performance of broilers in low ambient temperature. Implications In low ambient temperature, adding 500 mg/kg VC to diet of broilers can be an effective to reduce blood concentration of TG and VLDL, with no adverse effect on FCR.

Evaluation of Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens (Cobb 500) Feed on Different Level of Organic Acids Inclusion in Diet at Parwanipur

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different level of organic acids on productive traits, carcass yields and body parts (Thigh, Back, Neck, wings and Breast) of broiler chicken. This experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara for 41 days to test the effect of organic acids inclusion in broiler feed and its effect on growth performance and carcass study. Altogether 225 day old Cobb-500 broiler birds were procured from Shivam Hatchery, Birgung and divided into 5 treatments with 3 replications (15 birds in each replication) by using completely randomized design. Concentrate feed was purchased from Posak Feed industry, Birgung. Control group (T1) was feed without organic acid inclusion and whereas T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups were fed concentrate mixture mixed with different combination of organic acids @ 400ml/ per 100 kg feed, respectively. Experimental birds were provided adlib amount of grower feed (B1) for 21 days and that after finisher feed (B3) for 20 days and had easily access to drinking water. Feed intake was recorded daily and body weight gain was measured in 7 days interval. Experiment revealed that highest weight gain was observed in T2 (2.6 kg) followed by T3 (2.5) where combination of organic acids were formic acid 65% + propionic acid 35% and formic acid 65% and citric acid 35%, respectively, however, it was not significant among diet groups. From every treatment group each birds were selected for carcass and body parts study. The study showed significant difference (P&lt;0.5) in carcass quantity and body parts of the birds between the treatment groups. The dressing percentage of T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 68.96%, 67.87%, 70.38%, 69.88% and 69.67% respectively. Experiment suggested that further study should be carried out to precise the appropriate level of organic acids inclusion and higher cost benefit ratio.

Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Various Components of Candlenut Kernel

One-hundred male broiler chickens (Cobb500) were assigned randomly in a completely randomized design (CRD) into four dietary treatment groups to determine the effects of various components (whole kernel, kernel oil, kernel defatted) of candlenut (Aleurites moluccana) kernel on growth performance, carcass yield, and proximate and fatty acid composition in meat during the grower-finisher stage. Each treatment consisted of 5 replicates with 5 birds for each replications. From 21 to 42 days of age, the birds were offered either one of the following dietary treatments namely; Basal diet containing no candlenut kernel (T1), Basal diet containing 2.5% whole candlenut kernel (T2), Basal diet containing 2.5% candlenut kernel oil (T3), and Basal diet containing 2.5% candlenut kernel defatted (T4). The significant difference was determined when the probability level was p<0.05. Birds fed the experimental diets showed no significant difference on growth performance, carcass yield, and proximate and fatty acid compositions in meat. However, birds fed diets containing various components of candlenut had small effect on reducing feed intake, decreasing crude protein and crude fat contents in meat, and increasing total C18:2n-6 and n-6 PUFA. In conclusion, supplementation of various components of candlenut kernel in broiler diet did not improve growth performance, carcass yield, and proximate and fatty acid compositions in meat.

Effect of yeast supplementation in diets with early feed restriction on nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

Present study aimed to determine the influence of yeast supplementation in diets with or without early feed restriction on nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Three dietary treatments each consisting of three replicates namely 1) control (commercial diet); 2) 0.3% yeast supplement; and 3) 0.3% yeast and early feed restriction at 7 to 14 days of age. Faeces were collected from five days before the end of experiment and later analysed for crude protein, fibre, and fat. At the end of the experiment (day-42), two broilers from each replicate were slaughtered. The present study found that crude protein and crude fat increased at 92.00 ± 1.46% and 96.33 ± 0.42%, respectively (P<0.05), over broilers fed commercial pellet only at 84.50 ± 0.56% and 94.17 ± 0.48%, respectively. However, when employing feed restriction on broilers fed on diets with 0.3% yeast, no further improvement (P>0.05) on nutrients digestibility was observed after yeast supplementation in diets. Dressing and abdominal fat of broiler chickens fed a diet with yeast supplement were different (P<0.05) with control. This study concludes that yeast supplementation improved digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, and dressing and abdominal fat but no improvement when early feed restriction imposed.

Growth Performance, Haematological Parameters, Intestinal Microbiology, and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Two-Stage Fermented Cassava Pulp during Finishing Phase

This study aimed to investigate the effect of two-stage fermented cassava pulp (FCP) on growth, blood parameters, intestinal microbiology and carcass characteristics of broilers. Two hundreds Lohmann broiler chicks were used from days 22 to 38 and allotted to CONT (maize-soybean-meal-based finisher diet), FCP-10 (finisher diet containing 10% FCP), FCP-15 (15% FCP) and FCP-20 (20% FCP). FCP was included into finisher diet at the expense of maize. On day 38, one bird per replicate was blood sampled and slaughtered. Ileal and caecal digesta and duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments were obtained for intestinal microbiology and villi height measurements. Breast muscle was obtained for meat colour determination. FCP-10 had a higher (p≤0.05) body weight gain than CONT. Feed intake was highest (p≤0.05) in FCP-15 and the lowest (p≤0.05) in CONT. Feed conversion ratio was lowest and highest in FCP-10 and FCP-15, respectively (p≤0.05). FCP-20 had a lower (p≤0.05) abdominal fat than CONT and FCP-10. CONT had lower (p≤0.05) serum total triglycerides than FCP-15 and FCP-20. Duodenal villi height for FCP-20 was higher (p≤0.05) than that for CONT and FCP-15. The ileal villi height for FCP-20 was lower (p≤0.05) than that for CONT and FCP-15. The wings relative weight was higher (p≤0.05) in FCP-20 than in FCP-10 and FCP-15. FCP-15 and FCP-20 had higher (p≤0.05) L* (lightness) values than CONT. In conclusion, feeding two-stage FCP up to 20% had no deleterious effect on growth, haematological parameters, intestinal microbiology and carcass characteristics. Feeding two-stage FCP at a level of 20% reduced the abdominal fat content and increased duodenal villi height of broilers.