Cobb Broiler Chicks Research Articles

Pretreatment of Palm Kernel Cake by Enzyme-Bacteria and Its Effects on Growth Performance in Broilers.

This study aimed to improve palm kernel cake by reducing anti-nutritional factors with enzymes and enhancing its nutritional value through microbial fermentation. It also examined the effects of these treatments on palm kernel cake in broiler chicken diets. Palm kernel cake was hydrolyzed using xylanase and mannanase under various conditions. Co-fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum QZSL and Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701 was assessed under different parameters. In the animal experiment, 350 male Cobb broiler chicks were divided into seven groups: a control group provided a corn-soybean meal diet, and groups provided diets containing 10% and 20% palm kernel cake, enzyme-hydrolyzed palm kernel cake, and bacteria-enzyme co-fermented palm kernel cake. Optimal conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of palm kernel cake are 55 °C, pH 3.0, and a 1:2.5 feed-to-water ratio. Adding 0.1 g xylanase and 1.0 g mannanase to 10 g palm kernel cake for 12 h increased reduced sugar content to 139.33 mg/g and reduced neutral detergent fiber to 43.92%. For solid-state fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum QZSL and Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701, optimal conditions are 37 °C, 5% inoculation, 20% moisture, 3 days fermentation, and a 7:3 bacterial ratio. Animal experiments showed significant improvements in broilers' growth, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal health. Enzyme-bacteria co-fermentation of palm kernel cake boosts its nutritional value and enhances broiler intestinal health.

Use of Seed Meal from the ICP7035 Variety of Cajanus cajan in Broiler Rearing in the Republic of Congo

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of gradual incorporation of Cajanus cajan ICP7035 seed meal on broiler growth, carcass and internal organ development. The study was based on 48 two-week-old Cobb500 broiler chicks. The chicks were randomly divided into 04 homogeneous batches of 12 chicks each, and fed 04 diets of identical composition but differentiated by the substitution rate of soybean meal by Cajanus cajan ICP7035 seed meal containing 0, 7, 14 and 21% of Cajanus cajan ICP7035 sheath meal respectively. Each batch was divided into two sub-batches of 6 subjects each. The results obtained showed that subjects fed rations of 0, 7 and 14% Cajanus cajan ICP7035 seeds performed satisfactorily compared with those fed 21%. On the other hand, it had no significant adverse effect on the weight of the liver, intestines, spleen and gizzard taken individually of subjects fed Cajanus cajan ICP7035 seed meal compared with control subjects, nor on the weight of all these organs. Thus, the incorporation of Cajanus cajan ICP7035 seed meal should be at rates of up to 14% to reduce soybean meal loads in broiler rations.

Quality Assessment of Meat via Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Waste-Enriched Chicken Feed

This study aimed to assess the impact of dietary supplementation with pomegranate seed powder (PSP) on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens while exploring its potential as an environmentally friendly feed additive. A total of 120 Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: PSP0 (Control, 0% PSP), PSP1 (0.5% PSP), PSP2 (1% PSP), and PSP3 (1.5% PSP), with five replicates of eight birds per group. PSP supplementation was administered during weeks 4 and 5 of the growth period, and growth performance, carcass quality, and meat attributes were evaluated. The results showed that in week 4, PSP3 increased average weekly feed intake (AWFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), while in week 5, PSP2 improved live bird weight (LBW) compared to the control. However, body weight gain (BWG) and organ weights of various carcass components, including breast, heart, liver, drumstick, thigh, and neck, remained non-significant across all groups. Meat quality analysis revealed no significant effects of PSP on fat content, pH, moisture, ash, or instrumental color parameters (brightness, redness, and yellowness). Organoleptic assessment found that raw PSP3 samples were harder, while cooked samples exhibited greater hardness but reduced springiness and juiciness compared to raw meat. In conclusion, incorporating PSP into chicken diets offers a sustainable solution for reducing environmental waste without adversely affecting growth performance, organ weights, or meat quality. This approach underscores the potential of agricultural by-products in animal nutrition.

Effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on growth, protein digestibility and health of broilers

The study investigated the effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on performance, protein digestibility, and health of broilers. A total of 200 Cobb broiler chicks were divided into five treatments with four repetitions, including T0 (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T2 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T3 (basal diet + 600 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), and T4 (basal diet + 800 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract). Sample collection was conducted on day 35 of age. Results showed that increased encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract levels in feed linearly increased (P<0.05) body weight, body weight gain, intestinal lactic acid bacteria counts, protein digestibility and serum superoxide dismutase levels, while linearly decreasing (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio, intestinal Escherichia coli counts, small intestinal pH values and serum malondialdehyde levels. In conclusion, encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract improved growth performance, protein digestibility intestinal health and antioxidant status of broilers. The encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract at a level of 600 mg/kg exerted the best performance and health of broilers.

Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken.

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize-soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)-fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Analyzing the morphology and avian β-defensins genes (AvβD) expression in the small intestine of Cobb500 broiler chicks fed with sodium butyrate

BackgroundSodium butyrate is a potential antibiotic growth promoter and has had advantageous effects on the poultry industry.MethodsEvaluating the effect of sodium butyrate on the intestinal villi and the humoral part of innate immunity of the male Cobb 500 broiler using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR analysis, the control group and treated group of Cobb 500 with SB supplemented received water containing 0.98 mg sodium butyrate.ResultsThe administration of sodium butyrate changed the villi characters, as the shape changed from tongue to long tongue. They were mainly parallel to each other and long finger-like at the duodenum. The tips of the villi in the control group appeared thin-slight curved with a prominent center in the duodenum, thin rectangular in the jejunum, and ileum in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group, they changed to thick rectangular in the duodenum and ileum zigzag shape in the jejunum. The epithelium lining of the duodenal villi showed a dome shape, the jejunal villi showed a polygonal shape, and the ileal villi appeared scales-like. The epithelium lining showed irregular microfolds and many different-sized pores, and the treatment group showed islands of long microvilli in the duodenum and solitary long microvilli in the ileum. Real-time PCR of AvBD 1, 2, 10, and 12 significantly (P < 0.01). The better expression of AvBD 1, 2, and 12 was determined in the duodenum, while AvBD 10 was in the jejunum.ConclusionSodium butyrate enhanced the chicks’ growth and small intestine parameters, modified the morphology of the intestinal villi, and improved the humoral part of innate immunity.

Dietary effects of multi-strain probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood profiling and meat quality of broilers

The growing issue of antibiotic resistance, particularly driven by the overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming in developing countries, presents serious public health threats. This situation highlights the urgent need for alternatives that benefit both poultry and human health. Probiotics, as live microorganisms administered in proper amounts, are a promising substitute, enhancing host health without harmful residues. This study evaluated the effects of lyophilized probiotic-based starter feed versus antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and meat quality of broiler chicks. As experimental feed additives, ciprofloxacin, often used in the poultry industry of developing nations, and lyophilized multi-strain probiotics (2.8×109 CFU/g) isolated from chicken intestines, included Bacillus tropicus strain MCCC 1A01406, Bacillus tequilensis strain 10b, Staphylococcus gallinarum strain VIII, Lactobacillus salivarius strain HO 66, and Staphylococcus hominis strain DM 122 were utilized. A total of 300 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with three replicates of 25 chicks, in a completely randomized design: (1) control (basal diet), (2) basal diet + 500 mg ciprofloxacin/kg feed (T1), (3) basal diet + 250 mg probiotics/kg feed (T2), and (4) basal diet + 500 mg probiotics/kg feed (T3). Growth performance was measured manually, serum biochemicals via avian diagnostic kits, and meat composition through Kjeldahl (protein) and Soxhlet (lipid) methods. After three weeks, probiotic-fed chicks showed significant increases (P&lt;0.05) in body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio compared to control and antibiotic groups. Serum analysis revealed increased (P&lt;0.05) protein, calcium, and RBC levels and reduced cholesterol and uric acid. Meat from probiotic-fed groups had better (P&lt;0.05) antioxidant properties, higher protein, and fiber, and lower fat, ash, and nitrogen-free extract levels, suggesting probiotics as a sustainable antibiotic alternative for poultry farming and public health improvement.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Angelica gigas Nakai root extract on the Growth Performance, Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root extract on growth performance, hematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 320 straight-run Cobb broiler chicks from a commercial hatchery were distributed among four treatment groups: Basal diet (BD) as the Control; Treatment 1 (T1): BD + 2 g/kg AGN; Treatment 2 (T2): BD + 4 g/kg AGN; and Treatment 3 (T3): BD + 8 g/kg AGN), each comprising eight replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The supplementation of AGN resulted in dose-dependent improvements (P &lt; 0.05) in body weight, gain, and feed efficiency. On both day 21 and day 35, increasing AGN dosage in the diet led to a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) values of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV). By day 21, AGN supplementation dose-dependently decreased (P &lt; 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels. Meanwhile, AGN dose escalation correlated with a notable increase (P &lt; 0.05) in serum total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin levels. On day 35, increasing AGN levels led to a significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05) in serum AST and ALT activity, along with lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels. In conclusion, AGN supplementation enhanced growth performance and positively influenced hematological indices and serum biochemistry profiles in broiler chickens. The study confirms the safe and effective utilization of AGN at an 8 g/kg (0.8 %) feed additive dosage to optimize broiler performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of AGN in poultry nutrition.

Physiological responses and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens treated with encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract and chitosan.

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters adversely affects the physiological condition and health of poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract, chitosan, or a combination of both on the physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens. A total of 280 Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups: Basal feed without additives (CNTL), basal feed with 0.01% encapsulated A. australis leaf extract (EALE), 0.01% chitosan (CHIT), and 0.01% EALE and 0.01% chitosan (EACH). Sample collection and data measurement were conducted on day 36. There was a tendency (p = 0.08) for EACH bird to have a higher body weight than the other groups. Feed consumption was higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in EALE and CHIT. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE, CHIT, and EACH than in CNTL. Erythrocyte numbers were lower (p < 0.05) in EALE than in CNTL and EACH. Hematocrit was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE and CHIT groups than in the other two groups. There was a tendency (p = 0.09) for heterophils to be higher in EACH than in CNTL. Thrombocyte counts were lower (p < 0.05) in EACH group than in the other groups. Serum globulin levels were higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in CNTL and CHIT. The albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher (p < 0.05) in CNTL than in EALE and EACH. Coliform bacteria tended to be lower (p = 0.05) in the cecum of EACH broilers than that of other broilers. Similarly, the ratio of Lactic acid bacteria to coliforms tended to be higher (p = 0.08) in the cecum of EACH group than that in the other groups. Treatments did not influence the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens (p > 0.05). A combination of EALE and chitosan as feed additives enhanced the final body weight and feed efficiency (FCR) of broilers. These additives also increased the levels of heterophils, serum globulin, the ratio of LAB to coliforms, and reduced thrombocytes, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and cecal coliform bacteria. Hence, EALE and chitosan blend improved the growth performance, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Low-Protein Diets Differentially Regulate Energy Balance during Thermoneutral and Heat Stress in Cobb Broiler Chicken (Gallus domesticus).

The objective was to assess whether low-protein (LP) diets regulate food intake (FI) and thermogenesis differently during thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions. Two-hundred-day-old male broiler chicks were weight-matched and assigned to 36 pens with 5-6 chicks/pen. After 2 weeks of acclimation, birds were subjected into four groups (9 pens/group) including (1) a normal-protein diet under TN (ambient temperature), (2) an LP diet under TN, (3) a normal-protein diet under HS (35 °C for 7 h/day), and (4) an LP diet under HS, for 4 weeks. During HS, but not TN, LP tended to decrease FI, which might be associated with a lower mRNA abundance of duodenal ghrelin and higher GIP during HS. The LP group had a higher thermal radiation than NP under TN, but during HS, the LP group had a lower thermal radiation than NP. This was linked with higher a transcript of muscle β1AR and AMPKα1 during TN, but not HS. Further, LP increased the gene expression of COX IV during TN but reduced COX IV and the sirtuin 1 abundance during HS. The dietary protein content differentially impacted plasma metabolome during TN and HS with divergent changes in amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan. Compared to NP, LP had increased abundances of p_Tenericutes, c_Mollicutes, c_Mollicutes_RF9, and f_tachnospiraceae under HS. Overall, LP diets may mitigate the negative outcome of heat stress on the survivability of birds by reducing FI and heat production. The differential effect of an LP diet on energy balance during TN and HS is likely regulated by gut and skeletal muscle and alterations in plasma metabolites and cecal microbiota.

Effects of astragalus extract, levamisole and ascorbic acid on humoral immunity in chickens vaccinated with newcastle disease vaccines

This study was designed to assess the effects of Astragalus extract, levamisole and ascorbic acid on the humoral immune response of chickens vaccinated with live and inactivated Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccines. Sixty day-old Cobb500 broiler chicks were used for the study. At day old, the maternally derived antibodies (MDA) to ND virus was determined and the chicks were then housed in a bio-secured pen with water and feed given ad-lib. On the sixth day, the MDA decay was determined thereafter, the chicks were shared into 4 treatment groups. Group A (Astragalus extract); Group B (levamisole); Group C (ascorbic acid) and Group D (Control) of 15 chicks each. Response to ND vaccinations was determined through bleeding to obtain sera for haemagglutination inhibition test at 7 and 14 days except for the second booster with inactivated Komarov vaccine where it was done at 7, 14 and 21 days post vaccination respectively. Antibody titres in the chicks 7 days post first dose of vaccination with La Sota was high in all the treatment groups above the control with 100 % of the chicks having protective antibody titre of ≥4 log2 until day 30 when the antibody titres in all the groups dropped drastically following the second dose of live La Sota vaccination as the first booster vaccine. However, following the second booster with inactivated Komarov the antibody titres increased in all the treatment groups in comparison to the control especially in groups B and C with GMTs of 5.8 ± 0.19 log2 and 6.1 ± 0.27 log2 respectively. We observed that ascorbic acid and Levamisole may have humoral immuno-stimulating effects on vaccinated chickens through yet to be fully explored mechanism. It is recommended that ascorbic acid or levamisole could be used during vaccinations as immuno-stimulating agents to enhance humoral antibody response in vaccinated flocks.

The Impact Of Partial Substitution Of Date Palm Kernel Powder As An Alternative Energy Source For Grains In The Diet On The Productive Performance Of Broiler Chickens.

In this study, 160 unsexed day-old Cobb broiler chicks were utilized to investigate the impact of incorporating various levels of date palm kernel powder into broiler chicken diets on productive performance. The chicks were raised in a closed poultry barn in Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya, from September 10, 2022, to October 23, 2022, using a floor-rearing system. The study comprised four different dietary treatments, in addition to a control treatment, with chicks randomly and replicatively distributed. Each treatment consisted of four replications, and each replication included ten chicks. Date palm kernel powder was added at levels of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% to the first (control), second, third, and fourth treatments, respectively, during the starter and grower phases. The experimental treatments were uniform in nitrogen (23%) and caloric content (3200 kcal/kg). A free-choice feeding system was implemented, providing feed and water to the chicks throughout the six-week study period, with temperature monitoring. The chicks were raised under consistent environmental conditions, including lighting, ventilation, bedding, labor, and a comprehensive therapeutic, preventive, and vaccination program throughout the experimental period. The study also encompassed evaluating average weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate for 42-day-old birds. Results demonstrated a significant (P≤0.05) effect of adding date palm kernel powder to broiler chicken diets on weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Sequential addition of date palm kernel powder at levels of 3%, 5%, and 7% led to improvements in weight gain and feed efficiency. Additionally, higher levels of addition resulted in enhanced weight gain and feed efficiency, with the optimal weight gain observed at the 7% addition level, followed by the 5% addition level, and then the 3% addition level, in comparison to the control treatment (0%). Conversely, the best feed efficiency was recorded for the fourth (7%) and third (5%) treatments, respectively, compared to the control treatment (0%). No statistically significant differences were noted in feed consumption and mortality rate among all treatments, as mean values were similar. Based on the results, utilizing date palm kernel as an alternative energy source to grains could be significant, especially in regions where palm trees are cultivated, providing essential grains for human consumption. Keywords: Date kernel, productive performance, broiler, weight gain, feed efficiency.

Effect of Strains and Clove Supplemented Diet on Adaptability and Meat Quality Traits of Meat Type of Broiler Chickens under Heat Stress Condition

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of clove administration on the behavioural and meat quality traits of two broiler strains of chickens. A total of ninety-six (96) day old forty-six (46) Arbor Acre and forty-six (46) Cobb 500 of broiler chickens were used for this study. Arbor Acre and Cobb 500 were given feed supplemented with clove (400mg/kg diet) under heat stress of an average temperature of 44 ºC. Their control was fed a diet free from clove. Data were collected on behavioural changes, organoleptic tests, drip loss, cooking loss, pH, and mortality rate. Our results revealed that irrespective of strains, the clove-treated chickens revealed acceptable meat organoleptic evaluation better than the non-clove chickens. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) effect of strains on cooking loss, where Arbor acre revealed lover cooking loss than Cobb broiler chicken. No significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of treatments on drip loss was obtained. There was a significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of treatments on pH. Normal behavioural dispositions were observed in the clove-treated chickens. Reduced mortality was recorded in the chicken-fed clove. Clove improved the heat tolerant capacity of the Arbor acre and Cobb broiler strains. Therefore, it is concluded that strains and clove affected the meat quality traits of the chicken. Clove on the other hand could be used to improve broiler behavioural disposition, meat quality traits, and adaptability to heat stress conditions of strains of broiler chicken.

Bioefficacy of dietary inclusion of Nannochloropsis oculata on Eimeria spp. challenged chicks: clinical approaches, meat quality, and molecular docking

ABSTRACT Although anticoccidial drugs have been used to treat avian coccidiosis for nearly a century, resistance, bird harm, and food residues have caused health concerns. Thus, Nannochloropsis oculata was investigated as a possible coccidiosis treatment for broilers. A total of 150 1-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were treated as follows: G1-Ng: fed a basal diet; G2-Ps: challenged with Eimeria spp. oocysts and fed basal diet; G3-Clo: challenged and fed basal diet with clopidol; G4-NOa: challenged and fed 0.1% N. oculata in diet, and G5-NOb: challenged and fed 0.2% N. oculata. Compared to G2-Ps, N. oculata in the diet significantly (P < 0.05) decreased dropping scores, lesion scores, and oocyst shedding. Without affecting breast meat colour metrics, N. oculata improved meat quality characters. At 28 days of age, birds received 0.2% N. oculata had significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum levels of MDA, T-SOD, HDL, and LDL cholesterol compared to G2-Ps. Serum AST, ALT, and urea levels were all decreased when N. oculata (0.2%) was used as opposed to G2-Ps. Histopathological alterations and the number of developmental and degenerative stages of Eimeria spp. in the intestinal epithelium were dramatically reduced by 0.2% N. oculata compared to G2-Ps. Molecular docking revealed a higher binding affinity of N. oculata for E. tenella aldolase, EtAMA1, and EtMIC3, which hindered glucose metabolism, host cell adhesion, and invasion of Eimeria. Finally, N. oculata (0.2%) can be used in broiler diets to mitigate the deleterious effects of coccidiosis.

Two intestinal microbiota-derived metabolites, deoxycholic acid and butyrate, synergize to enhance host defense peptide synthesis and alleviate necrotic enteritis

BackgroundNecrotic enteritis (NE) is a major enteric disease in poultry, yet effective mitigation strategies remain elusive. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) and butyrate, two major metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota, have independently been shown to induce host defense peptide (HDP) synthesis. However, the potential synergy between these two compounds remains unexplored.MethodsTo investigate the possible synergistic effect between DCA and butyrate in regulating HDP synthesis and barrier function, we treated chicken HD11 macrophage cells and jejunal explants with DCA and sodium butyrate (NaB), either individually or in combination, for 24 h. Subsequently, we performed RNA isolation and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR to analyze HDP genes as well as the major genes associated with barrier function. To further determine the synergy between DCA and NaB in enhancing NE resistance, we conducted two independent trials with Cobb broiler chicks. In each trial, the diet was supplemented with DCA or NaB on the day-of-hatch, followed by NE induction through sequential challenges with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens on d 10 and 14, respectively. We recorded animal mortality after infection and assessed intestinal lesions on d 17. The impact of DCA and NaB on the microbiota in the ileum and cecum was evaluated through bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsWe found that the combination of DCA and NaB synergistically induced multiple HDP genes in both chicken HD11 cells and jejunal explants. Additionally, the gene for claudin-1, a major tight junction protein, also exhibited synergistic induction in response to DCA and NaB. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with a combination of 0.75 g/kg DCA and 1 g/kg NaB led to a significant improvement in animal survival and a reduction in intestinal lesions compared to either compound alone in a chicken model of NE. Notably, the cecal microbiota of NE-infected chickens showed a marked decrease in SCFA-producing bacteria such as Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Cuneatibacter, with lactobacilli becoming the most dominant species. However, supplementation with DCA and NaB largely restored the intestinal microbiota to healthy levels.ConclusionsDCA synergizes with NaB to induce HDP and claudin-1 expression and enhance NE resistance, with potential for further development as cost-effective antibiotic alternatives.

Juglans kernel powder and jacobinia leaf powder supplementation influenced growth, meat, brain, immune system and dna biomarker of broiler chickens fed aflatoxin-b1 contaminated diets

This study investigates the impact of Juglans kernel powder (JKP) and Jacobinia leaf powder (JLP) supplementation on Aflatoxin-B1 (AF) exposed broiler chickens. 200 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were grouped to four treatment: CONT: No supplement; AFNS: 0.5 mg/kg AF; AFJK: 0.5 mg/kg AF+ 350 mg/kg JKP; AFJL: 0.5 mg/kg AF+350 mg/kg JLP. On day 42, the broiler chicken’s relative growth rate, and dressed percentage were lowest in AFNS compared to the rest treatments. Meat cholesterol was lower in AFNS, AFJK, and AFJL, compared to CONT. Meat catalase in AFNS was lower than those in CONT, AFJK, and AFJL. Meat glutathione peroxidase levels of birds in AFNS are similar to AFJL but were lower than those in CONT, and AFJK. Lipid oxidation, and protein oxidation activities of broiler chickens in AFNS were higher than those in the rest of the treatments. Brain catalase, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione peroxidase activities of birds in AFNS were lower than CONT, AFJK, and AFJL. Expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in AFNS were higher compared to other treatments. The immunoglobulins A, E and G of broiler chickens in AFNS were lower than CONT, AFJK, and AFJL. 350 mg/kg JKP or JLP ameliorate the effects of AF contamination on broiler chickens.

Effect of Dietary Amino Acids Levels on Growth Performance and Water/Feed Ratio in Cobb Broiler Chickens under Heat Stress

Effect of Dietary Amino Acids Levels on Growth Performance and Water/Feed Ratio in Cobb Broiler Chickens under Heat Stress

Impact of Bacillus subtilis Probiotic on Growth Performance, Bone Health, Intestinal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Cobb Broiler Chicks

Impact of Bacillus subtilis Probiotic on Growth Performance, Bone Health, Intestinal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Cobb Broiler Chicks

The protective effect of Lactopluse-keragen Longlife® in Mitigating the Adverse Effects of Aflatoxin in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of growth promoter, namely "chelated minerals," on aflatoxin-induced clinical signs, post-mortem lesions, growth performance, mortality rates, hematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations in broiler chicks. A total of 150 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were divided into three groups and subjected to different dietary treatments for 39 days. Control group fed on basal diet without any medication. Aflatoxin premedicated group received basal diets with 10 ppb aflatoxins. Group 3 was fed 10 ppb aflatoxins with Lactopluse-keragen Longlife® (1g/kg).Growth performance. Hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and histopathological lesions were evaluated. The results revealed that aflatoxin supplementation had detrimental effects on growth performance, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and histopathological lesions in various body organs. It also resulted in increased mortality rates. However, the concurrent administration of Lactopluse-keragen Longlife® supplements successfully alleviated the hazardous effects of aflatoxin. This growth promoter improved growth rates, as demonstrated by weight gain in the treated groups. In conclusion, the concomitant oral administration of Lactopluse-keragen Longlife® proved to be an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of aflatoxin in chickens. This intervention improved growth performance and ameliorated the detrimental effects of aflatoxin exposure. Continued research in this area is essential to enhance our understanding and develop optimal preventive measures against aflatoxin contamination in poultry production.

Immunological studies on the effects of toltrazuril and neem extract in broiler chickens suffering from coccidiosis.

The prevalence of avian coccidiosis in the poultry industry has grown, resulting in substantial financial losses from high mortality, stunted growth, reduced productivity, and expensive medical expenses. The purpose of the current study was to assess the immunological effects of neem leaf extract and toltrazuril on broilers that had contracted coccidiosis. In this investigation, 100 one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks without sexes were employed. The chicks were divided into five equal groups, with 20 birds in each. On the 14th day of life, the birds in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received an oral inoculation with 1 × 105 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) (field isolate). The first group (Gp), which consists of 20 healthy broilers, served as a negative control. Gp (2) contains experimentally infected broilers and nontreated (served as a positive control). Gp (3) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with toltrazuril (1 ml/l drinking water) for two consecutive days. Gp (4) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with neem leaf extract 4% (50 ml/l drinking water) for 5 successive days, and Gp (5) contains experimentally infected broilers treated with toltrazuril (1 ml/l drinking water) and a half dose of neem leaves extract 4% (25 ml/l drinking water) for 5 successive days. For the purpose of estimating body weight growth and feed conversion ratio, each broiler was weighed separately at the start of the trial and again on the 1st and 10th day after treatment. In addition to obtaining intestinal samples for immunohistochemistry, blood samples were also obtained for immunological examination. As compared to the negative control group, the experimentally infested broilers with E. tenella showed significant decreases in serum nitric oxide, lysosome, phagocytic percent, and phagocytic index, along with significant increases in white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocyte, heterophilis, eosinophilis, basophilis, monocyte, serum total protein, γ globulin, fibrinogen, and haptoglobin. When compared to the control positive group, experimentally infested broilers treated with either neem or toltrazuril alone or in combination demonstrated significant increases in serum total protein, nitric oxide, lysozyme, phagocytic percent, and phagocytic index, but significant decreases in WBCs, lymphocytes, heterophile, eosinophile, basophile, and monocyte. The intestinal peroxidase stain of broilers infected with E. tenella exhibited a significant positive expression for CD4, but the infected broilers treated with toltrazuril and half a dosage of neem displayed a negative expression for CD4, identical to the negative control. The broiler chickens infested with E. tenella may have a variety of negative impacts on their immune systems and immunohistopathological findings. Nonetheless, toltrazuril and neem extract, either separately or in combination, function as anticoccidial medications that may enhance the broiler chicks' immune state.