Chicken Feed Research Articles

Single-step batch fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices with a 3D printer and their applications in nanoenzyme-enhanced visual detection of dopamine.

Wax printing is the most widely used method for fabricating microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), but it still suffers from disadvantages like discontinuation of wax printers and need for additional equipment for heating treatment. To address these issues, this work initially describes a new class of wax printing approach for high-precision, batch fabrication of μPADs using a household 3D printer. It only involves a one patterning step of printing polyethylene wax into rice paper body. Under optimized parameters, a fabrication resolution, namely the minimum hydrophilic channel width, down to ~189 ± 30 μm could be achieved. In addition, the analytical applicability of such polyethylene wax-patterned μPADs was demonstrated well with enhanced colorimetric detection of dopamine as a model analyte by combining metal-organic framework (MOF) based nanoenzymes (ZIF-67) with a smartphone (for portable quantitative readout). The developed nanosensor could linearly detect dopamine over a concentration range from 10 to 1000 μM, with a detection limit of ca. 2.75 μM (3σ). The recovery results for analyzing several real samples (i.e., pig feed, chicken feed, pork and human serum) were between 91.82 and 102.79%, further validating its good detection accuracy for potential practical applications in food safety and medical diagnosis.

Nanosilver-based materials as feed additives: Evaluation of their transformations along in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in pigs and chickens by using an ICP-MS based analytical platform

The use of a new nanomaterial in the feed chain requires a risk assessment that involves in vitro gastrointestinal digestions to predict its degradation and oral exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, a nanosilver-based material was incorporated into pig and chicken feed as a growth-promoting additive and subjected to the corresponding in vitro gastrointestinal digestions. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analytical platform was used to obtain information about the silver released in the different digestion phases. It included conventional ICP-MS for total silver determination, but also single particle ICP-MS and coupling to hydrodynamic chromatography for detection of dissolved and particulate silver. The bioaccessible fraction in the intestinal phase accounted for 8–13% of the total silver, mainly in the form of dissolved Ag(I) species, with less than 0.1% as silver-containing particles. Despite the additive behaving differently in pig and chicken digestions, the feed matrix played a relevant role in the fate of the silver.

Emerging mycotoxin occurrence in chicken feed and eggs from Algeria

Poultry farming has developed into one of Algeria’s most productive industrial farming because of the growing demand for sources of protein among Algerian society. Laying hen feed consists mainly of cereals, which can be contaminated with molds and subsequently with their secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. These later can pose a serious danger to the production and quality of eggs in the commercial layer industry. This work focuses on the detection of emerging mycotoxins, mainly enniatins (ENNs) and beauvericin (BEA), in poultry feed and eggs from different locations in Algeria. Two different QuEChERS-based extractions were established to extract ENNs and BEA from chicken feed and eggs. The determination of mycotoxin occurrence was achieved by a UHPLC-MS/MS method using 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and MeOH as mobile phase, an ESI interface operating in positive mode, and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in MRM for the detection. Matrix-matched calibration curves were carried out for both matrices, obtaining good linearity (R2 > 0.99). The method performance was assessed in terms of extraction recovery (from 87 to 107%), matrix effect (from − 47 to − 86%), precision (RSD < 15%), and limits of quantitation (≤ 1.1 µg/kg for feed and ≤ 0.8 µg/kg for eggs). The analysis of 10 chicken feed samples and 35 egg samples composed of a 10-egg pool each showed that ENN B1 was the most common mycotoxin (i.e., found in 9 feed samples) with contamination levels ranging from 3.6 to 41.5 µg/kg, while BEA was detected only in one feed sample (12 µg/kg). However, eggs were not found to be contaminated with any mycotoxin at the detection limit levels. Our findings indicate that the searched mycotoxins are present in traces in feed and absent in eggs. This can be explained by the application of a mycotoxin binder. However, this does not put a stop on the conduction of additional research and ultimately setting regulations to prevent the occurrence of emerging mycotoxins.

Microwave-Enabled Fast Preparation of a Metal-Organic Framework Hybrid Membrane for Filtration-Enhanced Simultaneous Separation and Detection of Aflatoxin B1.

Mycotoxin contamination in food and the environment seriously harms human health. Sensitive and timely detection of mycotoxins is crucial. Here, we report a dual-functional hybrid membrane with absorptivity and responsiveness for fluorescent-quantitative detection of mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A biomineralization-inspired and microwave-accelerated fabrication method was established to prepare a hybrid membrane with a metal-organic framework (MOF) loaded in high density. The MOF presented high efficiency in capturing AFB1 and showed fluorescence intensity alteration simultaneously, enabling a dual adsorption-response mode. Deriving from the inherent porous structure of the hybrid membrane and the absorptive/responsive ability of the loaded MOF, a filtration-enhanced detection mode was elaborated to provide a 1.67-fold signal increase compared with the conventional soaking method. Therefore, the hybrid membrane exhibited a rapid response time of 10 min and a low detection limit of 0.757 ng mL-1, superior to most analogues in rapidity and sensitivity. The hybrid membrane also presented superior specificity, reproducibility, and anti-interference ability and even performed well in extreme environments such as strong acid or alkaline, satisfying the practical requirements for facile and in-field detection. Therefore, the membrane had strong applicability in chicken feed samples, with a detection recovery between 70.6% and 101%. The hybrid membrane should have significant prospects in the rapid and in-field inspection of mycotoxins for agriculture and food.

Safety of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-β-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reeseiCBS 143953), subtilisin (produced with Bacillus subtilisCBS 143946) and α-amylase (produced with Bacillus amyloliquefaciensCBS 143954) (Avizyme® 1505) for all poultry species (Danisco (UK) Ltd.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-β-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei CBS 143953), subtilisin (produced with Bacillus subtilis CBS 143946) and α-amylase (produced with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CBS 143954) (Avizyme® 1505) as a zootechnical feed additive for all poultry species. The additive is authorised in feed for chickens and turkeys for fattening, ducks and laying hens. In 2020, the FEEDAP Panel issued an opinion for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for the species/categories for which there is an authorisation, a reduction of the minimum recommended level in turkeys for fattening and the extension of use to all poultry species. In that assessment, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive due to uncertainties on the characterisation of the production strains and the possible presence of their viable cells and DNA in the final product. Moreover, limitations were identified in the xylanase specifications and xylanase method of analysis. The applicant submitted information to address the limitations previously identified. The Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the target species under the proposed conditions of use. The use of Avizyme® 1505 in animal nutrition is considered safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive is a mild irritant to skin and eyes; it is not a dermal sensitiser but should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive is efficacious in ducks at 75 U endo-1,4-β-xylanase, 1000 U subtilisin and 100 U α-amylase/kg of complete feed. In other poultry species for fattening (including turkeys), reared for breeding and reared for laying, the additive is efficacious at 187.5 U endo-1,4-β-xylanase, 2500 U subtilisin and 250 U α-amylase per kg of complete feed and at 300 U endo-1,4-β-xylanase, 4000 U subtilisin and 400 U α-amylase per kg of complete feed for all poultry species for laying (except for ducks).

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 1.86%, which contains on average 0.454% phenolic acids and flavonoids (of which 0.280% was gallic acid), 0.0030% 1,8-cineole and 0.00012% methyleugenol. In the absence of analytical data on the occurrence of mono- or diformylated adducts of acylphloroglucinols with terpenes in the tincture and in the absence of toxicity data, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the use of eucalyptus tincture for long-living and reproductive animals. For short-living animals (species for fattening), the additive was considered of no concern at 4 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening, 5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 6 mg/kg for piglets and rabbits for meat production, 7 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 16 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 14 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses for fattening, and 15 mg/kg for salmonids. These levels were extrapolated to physiologically related minor species. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of eucalyptus tincture up to the levels in feed considered of no concern. Eucalyptus tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of eucalyptus tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the leaves of E. globulus and their preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

The effectiveness of using maggot (Hermetia illucens) as a super native chicken feed ingredient

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using maggots as a feed ingredient for super-native chickens. The parameters used include feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, carcass weight, and abdominal fat. The ingredients used include 30 super native chickens with an age of 12 weeks, feed ingredients in the form of corn, bran, soybean flour, maggot, Gamal leaves, minerals, and premixes. The study used a complete randomized design with 3 treatments repeated 5 times, the treatment included P0 as control without using maggot flour (0%); P1: Maggot flour concentration 10%; and P2: 20% maggot flour concentration. The stages in the study include preparation of ration formulas, maintenance for 4 weeks, and data analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed the highest protein content at 20% treatment at 17.76%, feed consumption, and feed conversion showed non-significant results, but the highest consumption value at P2 was 219.66 gr/week, and the best conversion at P2 was 0.92. Body weight gain, carcass weight, and abdominal fat showed a significant effect, the best value at P2, for weight gain 242 g / 4 weeks, carcass weight 82%, abdominal fat 0.42.

Impact of the inclusion of calcium soap in feed on intestinal histology and blood lipid profile of native chickens

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the inclusion of calcium soap in feed on the intestinal histology and blood lipid profile of native chickens. This study used 192 native chickens aged 6 weeks with homogeneous body weight which were randomized into 4 types of treatment and 6 replications and each replication used 48 chickens with homogeneous body weight. The four types of treatment were: Group of chickens fed without the addition of Ca-PFAD as a control (chicken Group A); chicken feed with the addition of 2% Ca-PFAD (chicken Group B); chicken feed with the addition of 4% Ca-PFAD (chicken Group C); and chicken feed with the addition of 6% Ca-PFAD (chicken Group D). The results showed that the height of the jejunal villi in chicken groups C and D was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than the control (chicken group A). Likewise, the depth of the jejunum crypts of Group C and D chickens was significantly (P&lt;0.05) deeper than that of Group A chickens. The inclusion of 2-6% Ca-PFAD in the feed significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved the blood lipid profile of native chickens. It was concluded that administration of calcium soap (Ca-PFAD) in feed can increase the height of the villi and the depth of the crypts of the intestinal jejunum. On the other hand, at the 4% level, giving calcium soap in feed can reduce cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels, as well as increase triglyceride and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels in native chicken.

Metabolic performance and feed efficiency of black soldier fly larvae.

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is used in entomoremediation processes because its larvae can use a variety of organic residues with high efficiency. However, feed efficiencies are variable and characterized by uncertainties. Recently developed growth and metabolic performance models have predicted across different studies that BSF larvae have used 53%-58% of the feed components they have assimilated, in terms of carbon equivalents, for growth throughout their lifetime when reared on chicken feed. This is termed their average net growth efficiency. The remainder of the carbon has been lost as CO2. However, mass balances made under similar conditions show that the weight gained by BSF larvae corresponds to only 14%-48% of the feed substrates removed, indicating substrate conversion efficiency. Both performance indicators show even greater variability if more feed substrates are considered. Feed assimilation and growth rates, costs of growth, maintenance, and larval lifespan have been shown to affect how efficiently BSF larvae convert feed into growth. The differences between average net growth efficiencies and substrate conversion efficiencies further indicate that feed is often not used optimally in entomoremediation processes and that the overall yield of such processes is not determined by larval performance alone but is the result of processes and interactions between larvae, substrates, microbes, and their physical environment. The purpose of this study is to illustrate how quantification of the metabolic performance of BSF larvae can help improve our understanding of the role of the larvae in entomoremediation processes.

Effects of feeding chicken egg yolk antibodies on intestinal cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and microbial flora of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) infected with Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcosis, the most common bacterial disease of fish in recent years, is highly infectious and lethal, and has become an important factor hindering the healthy and sustainable development of aquaculture. Chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) has the advantages of high antigen specificity, inexpensive and easy to obtain, simple preparation, no toxic side effects, and in line with animal welfare, which is a green and safe alternative to antibiotics. In this study, the potential of specific IgY in the treatment of gastrointestinal pathogens was explored by observing the effects of specific IgY on intestinal flora, pathological tissue, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response of tilapia. We used the specific IgY prepared in the early stage to feed tilapia for 10 days, and then the tilapia was challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae. The results showed that feeding IgY before challenge had a small effect on the intestinal flora, and after challenge specific IgY decreased the proportion of Streptococcus and increased the diversity of the intestinal flora; in histopathology, specific IgY decreased tissue damage and maintained the integrity of tissue structure.Further study found that specific IgY can reduce intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and reduce caspase activity; at the same time, the content of MDA was decreased, and the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GR were increased. In addition, specific IgY can down-regulate the expression levels of IL-8 and TNF-α genes and up-regulate the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The results of this study showed that specific IgY could improve the intestinal flora of tilapia infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, reduce intestinal cell apoptosis, oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response, thereby reducing tissue damage and protecting the health of tilapia. Overall, specific IgY can be further explored as a potential antibiotic alternative for gastrointestinal pathogen infections.

Evaluating the Efficiency of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae in Converting Mackerel Head Waste into Valuable Resources.

The seafood processing industry generates significant waste, including mackerel heads (MH), constituting 20-32% of total waste. This study explored the potential of utilizing MH as a feed source for black soldier fly larvae (BSF larvae). BSF larvae are known for their ability to efficiently convert organic materials into nutrient-rich biomass. Five concentrations of MH (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% in chicken feed) were fed to BSF larvae for eight days. After harvesting, their growth, MH conversion efficiency, nutritional content, and heavy metals reduction potential were measured. BSF larvae showed optimal growth when fed with a feed containing 20% MH, resulting in a 14.36-fold increase in weight compared to the control group, as determined by the Fisher's Least Significant Difference Test. BSF larvae maintained a survival rate of 99.33%. With the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 2.09 at 20% MH, feed efficiency was improved by up to 65.15%, and feed reduction up to 73.53%. MH enhanced lipid and protein content in BSF larvae. Furthermore, BSF larvae in this study showed higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as other amino acids which are required for breeding animals. The current study highlights the potential of MH as a feed source for BSF larvae, improving nutritional biomass. It also suggests BSF larvae as an eco-friendly option for handling seafood processing waste and as an alternative feed source for animals.

Production Elasticity of Layer Farming During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Blitar District

The livestock sub-sector, an integral part of the agricultural sector, is the animal protein producing sub-sector which plays an important role in meeting people's nutritional needs. The development of the laying hen farming business has enormous potential, this is because purebred chicken eggs contribute quite a lot to animal protein self-sufficiency. The research aims to analyze the input factors of the production that affect the production of layer farming businesses and to assess the production elasticity of these businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Blitar District. Data collection took place between July and August 2020 in the Blitar Distrcit. Utilizing a sample random sampling method. The study involved 64 farmers as representative. The research variables used in this study were the population of laying hens, the price of chicken eggs, feed costs, vaccines and medicines expenses, seed prices, mortality, electricity costs, the price of culled chickens, Hen Day Production (HDP) and the number of workers. Quantitative analysis was employed to analyze production costs, revenues, and income, while qualitative analysis was used to analyze production elasticity through Cobb-Douglas regression analysis. The research data were processed using SPSS version 24. The results of the study indicate that 1) the population of laying hens and HDP significantly affected the production of layer farming businesses, along with the cost of vaccines and medications in the Blitar District. 2) The population of layers, mortality rates, electricity costs, HDP, and total labor demonstrated elasticity with respect to the production of layer farms. Conversely, egg prices, feed costs, vaccination and medication expenses, day-old chick (DOC) costs, and final chicken prices exhibited inelasticity concerning the production of layer farms in Blitar district.

Identification of molds producing aflatoxin from raw materials of free-range chicken feed in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Identification of molds producing aflatoxin from raw materials of free-range chicken feed in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Anticoccidial activity of essential oils containing eugenol against Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens

The development of alternative therapies to treat chicken coccidiosis has become a hot topic because of the widespread use of conventional medicines. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of eugenol in treating Eimeria tenella infection in broilers. Broiers, at the age of 14 d, were orally infected with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts, and then, eugenol essential oil was added to chicken feed at three different dosages (0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 g/kg). The anticoccidial effects of eugenol essential oil were assessed using the anticoccidial index (ACI). As a result, eugenol exhibited a moderate anticoccidial effect, with an ACI of 167.37 at 0.2 g/kg. After eugenol treatment, the expression of occludin in the epithelial cells of the chicken cecum was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than that in the epithelial cells of the nontreated control (IC) group. The proportion of intestinal Lactobacillus_agilli increased. Eugenol therapy dramatically increased the activity of superoxide dismutase. After high-dose treatment, the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased, while the expression of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ significantly increased. The safety of eugenol essential oil was evaluated at the 1, 3 or 6 recommended doses. Overall, no significant differences were detected in the blood tests or serum biochemistry of the chickens between the treatment groups and the control group. As a result, eugenol essential oil can cure chicken coccidiosis by improving the intestinal microbial structure in the chicken cecum and decreasing the cecum's inflammatory reactions, thus strengthening immune function and eventually demonstrating anticoccidial properties.

Use of lupine with bischofite in feeding of broiler chickens

Currently, feed and mineral substances of non-traditional origin are widely used in feeding animals and poultry. The effectiveness of using new mineral complexes and non-traditional feed ingredients is constantly being studied. In this regard, the study of mineral additives and non-traditional feeds, as well as the eff ectiveness of their use in feeding animals and poultry is an urgent problem. The purpose of the work was to study the use of lupine together with bischofite in feeding of broiler chickens. In order to achieve the purpose of research two scientific and economic experiments were carried out on broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308 to study the infl uence of an alternative feed protein (lupine variety Deco) and a natural mineral additive (bischofi te) on the quality of the resulting products. The duration of each scientific and economic experiment was 37 days. It was found in the results of the first scientific and economic experiment that the use of lupine of the variety Deco and the natural mineral additive bischofite in the diets of broiler chickens in the feed composition made it possible to obtain additional profi t in the amount of 197,64–1345,38 rubles per 120 heads of broilers. The level of profi tability in the 1st experimental group of broiler chickens was higher by 1,01 abs.%, in the 2nd experimental group by 6,72 abs.% and in the 3rd experimental group by 4,03 abs.% compared to the control group. In the control group this figure was 19,77 %. It was established in the results of the second scientific and economic experiment that the use of variety lupine Deco and the natural mineral additive bischofi te in the diets of broiler chickens contributed to additional profi t in the amount of 1171,51 rubles per on 120 heads of broilers. The level of profitability in the experimental group was higher by 5,56 abs.% compared to the control group.

Assessment of heavy metals level in chicken with indeterminate analysis in localities of Lahore, Pakistan.

The poultry industry is a significant source of animal protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly through the consumption of chicken meat. In order to conduct the study, 100 samples of liver, chicken feed, and drinking water were collected in nearby areas of Lahore. The investigation aims to detect the presence of specific heavy metals in the collected samples. For this purpose, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to detect heavy metals after proper preparation of the samples. The experimentally observed data were analyzed through a novel statistical approach known as neutrosophic statistics. It was observed that copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were the most prominent metals detected with contamination above the safe limits (for chicken drinking water (Zn = 23.09±13.67 mg/L, Cu = 3.84±3.04 mg/L, Cd = 0.805±0.645 mg/L, Pb = 0.275±0.095 mg/L, As = 0.982±0.978 mg/L), for chicken feed (Zn = 2.705±0.715 mg/kg, Cu = 1.85±0.53 mg/kg, Cd = 3.065±1.185 mg/kg, Pb = 0.215±0.175 mg/kg, As = 0.68±0.22 mg/kg), and chicken's liver (Zn = 3.93±0.66 mg/kg, Cu = 1.2±0.52 mg/kg, Cd = 0.07±0.05 mg/kg, Pb = 0.805±0.775 mg/kg, As = 1.05±0.8 mg/kg)). Similarly, the statistical analysis leads that the findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and mitigating heavy metal contamination in the poultry industry to ensure the safety and quality of poultry products.

Quantitative identification and sensor sensitivity analysis in detection of odor volatile compounds emitted by scaly grain mites, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans.

In Thailand, the scaly grain mite, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans, impacts the feed industry by emitting a lemongrass-like odor in contaminated feed, reducing its palatability. This study focused on identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with this odor in contaminated chicken feeds and ground maize, as well as individual mites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We explored the relationship between VOC concentration and mite population size in chicken feed cultures, aiming to detect minimal mite presence through regression models. Additionally, we tested the sensitivity of nine electronic odor sensors in detecting these VOCs. Our results showed Z-citral and E-citral present in mite-contaminated ground maize, chicken feeds, but absent in uncontaminated samples. Mite populations in chicken feed followed a normal distribution, increasing rapidly, peaking, and then declining, a pattern mirrored in the concentrations of Z-citral and E-citral. Simple linear regression models confirmed a positive correlation between mite density and citral concentrations. Polynomial regression models indicated Z-citral is detectable at mite densities over 67 individuals per gram and E-citral over 3.89 individuals per gram. Odor sensors showed varying readings across different citral concentrations, uncontaminated, and mite-infested chicken feeds. Our study confirms that S. pontifica are responsible for the lemongrass-like odor in infested samples, due to Z-citral and E-citral. The citral concentrations increase with mite population growth and are detectable at low mite densities, suggesting their effectiveness as biomarkers for early mite infestation detection. Additionally, MQ series odor sensors detected these VOCs, indicating their potential for monitoring mite infestations in storage environments. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Supplementation of Chicken Feed with Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) Extract and Lactobacillus Plantarum Improves Broiler Chicken Performance

This study aimed to assess the synbiotic effect of nutmeg flesh extract and Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance and serum enzyme concentrations of broiler chickens raised at high stocking density (HSD). A total of 410 broiler chickens with an average body weight of 142 ± 4.71 g were randomly divided into five treatments. Data on feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), body weight gain, and serum enzymes, e.g., aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, were collected. Body weight and weight gain were lower (P &lt; 0.05) at CONT+ as compared with CONT–, SNP0.5, SNP1.0, and SNP1.5. The birds in SNP1.0 had higher FCR (P &lt; 0.05) as compared with those in CONT–, CONT+, and SNP0.5 treatments. Similarly, the cumulative feed consumption was higher in SNP1.0 and SNP1.5 (P &gt; 0.05) than in CONT–, CONT+, and SNP0.5. The levels of total serum protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in broiler chickens were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by HSD or synbiotic administration of nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum. In conclusion, the use of synbiotics from nutmeg flesh extract and L. plantarum as much as 1.5 ml/kg of feed can improve the performance of broiler chicken while not interfering with enzyme serum metabolites.

The incorporation of Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) in the chicken diet promotes the enrichment of meat with n-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA

Chia seeds, an ancestral food produced in South America, have been utilized to supplement the diet of chickens with the objective of increasing the meat content of n-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are notably rich in α-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid comprising 62% of the total fatty acids in chia. The expectation was that feeding chickens with such a level of α-linolenic acid would promote its conversion to EPA, DPA, and primarily DHA, considering the favorable impact of these fatty acids on consumer health. To achieve this goal, 96 male Ross chickens were provided ad libitum diets supplemented with 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of chia seeds. At 49 days of age, the animals were slaughtered, and the Gastrocnemius, Iliotibialis lateralis, and Pectoralis major muscles were analyzed. The results indicated that chia seeds did not have a negative impact on the productive parameters. Regarding meat color, the inclusion of chia in the feed appeared to lower the redness of meat, especially in Pectoralis major, without apparent effects on the pHu neither for the drip loss of the meat. Chia seeds led to an increased deposition of C18:3n3, EPA, DPA, and DHA into the muscles. The DHA levels detected in the muscles in our study could be considered relatively high when compared to the findings of other investigations using chia seeds in chickens, especially given the extent of chia seed incorporation in the feed. On the other hand, meat indices such as total n-3 fatty acids, n-6/n-3 ratio, AI (atherogenicity), TI (thrombogenicity), and h/H (hypocholesterolemic effect) are favorable for consumers' health when chia seeds are included in the feed of chickens, except for AI and h/H when chia is included at 10% in the feed.

Utilization of Various Wastes in Maggot Cultivation AsLivestock Feed in Kamang Magek District, Agam Regency

Kamang Magek District is one of the sub-districts located in the eastern part of Agam Regency. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are developing in Kamang Magek District, several UKM and farmer groups produce various by-products of organic waste which often become environmental problems. In addition to MSME waste, there is also household waste and market waste which often cause environmental pollution. These wastes can be used as feed for maggot development. Maggot cultivation apart from being a solution to environmental pollution is also a good source of protein for poultry feed which can increase livestock productivity. The community problems encountered in Kamang Magek District are the large amount of organic waste that pollutes the environment, the low productivity of livestock and the income of farmer groups. Community service is carried out through lectures, discussions, socialization of science and technology and demonstrations of how and how to apply maggot as animal feed. The Community Service was held in the BPP Hall of Kamang Magek District attended by 15 duck breeders, chicken breeders and catfish breeders selected by BPP Kamang Magek District. Based on the discussion results, more than 75% of breeders only provide feed in the form of rice bran and household waste residue and only 15% of breeders provide feed in the form of self-formulated feed using corn, bran and concentrate purchased at the poultry shop and 10% of breeders provide concentrate feed that has become the result of a feed factory formulation. Of all the breeders, there are no breeders who use maggot as feed for their livestock, this is because there are no breeders who have succeeded in cultivating maggot even though they have tried several times but failed. Based on the results of discussions with participants, breeders are interested in developing maggot cultivation because of the large amount of waste used as maggot feed as a cost-efficient solution for duck or chicken feed.