Cumulative Feed Research Articles

Plasma and radiation mediated green synthesis of gold Nanoparticles-immobilized bio-template based catalytic reactor ‘AuNICaR’: Mechanistic insights, catalytic performance and reusability analysis

The present work reports a green, non-thermal plasma-based approach for efficient synthesis of a gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) Immobilized Catalytic Reactor “AuNICaR” via a novel, efficient, indigenously developed process termed “Plasma Assisted Synthesis and Simultaneous Immobilization (PASSI)”, using isopropanol to enhance the reducing plasma environment. Au NPs were synthesized and simultaneously immobilized onto a cellulose based bio-template pre-functionalized via radiation induced grafting of 2,3-epoxypropylmethacrylate (EPMA) onto a nonwoven cellulose (NWC) substrate. The process entails minimal wastage of expensive gold precursor and eliminates use of external chemicals (reducing and stabilizing agents). Samples were characterized by 13C NMR, FTIR, XPS, TGA, DSC, SEM-EDS, BET, and EDXRF analysis. Catalytic activity was assessed by spectrophotometrically monitoring the reduction of p-nitroaniline (PNA) in presence of NaBH4. DFT calculations established the interaction between Au NPs and EPMA groups of the bio-template to be occurring in ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, with 1:1 being more stable. ANN modelling was also invoked to investigate the effect of simultaneous variation of plasma process parameters on the catalytic performance. AuNICaR was demonstrated for catalytic reduction of pollutants: PNA, p-nitrophenol (PNP) and methyl orange (MO) azo dye in both batch and continuous flow mode. Over 25000 mL of cumulative pollutant feed with concentrations ranging from 0.06 mM − 2 mM was treated at a flow rate of 540 mL.h−1, using a single catalyst batch after intermittent washing with water. With excellent storage stability of > 12 months and > 92 % retention in catalytic activity post multiple cycles, AuNICaR certifies as a potentially inexhaustible catalytic system for cost-effective pollutant treatment.

High-performance simulation of disease outbreaks in growing-finishing pig herds raised by the precision feeding method

Perturbations always affect livestock during the breeding process, including harmful diseases. Researching the impact of disease outbreaks on pig herds is extremely important so that disease control measures can be applied early. However, conducting practical experiments on disease outbreaks is extremely expensive. Precision feeding systems (PFS) for pigs use data on the animal’s own feed intake to calculate the appropriate amount of feed for each individual. This helps increase productivity and product quality while contributing to reducing waste generation in the environment. Daily feed intake (DFI) and cumulative feed intake (CFI) data can be automatically collected and estimated from the PFS, which can help detect or predict disease outbreaks. In this article, we introduce an advanced simulation model of the PFS for pigs and the integration of disease outbreak models into this system. A disease outbreak simulation application within the pig herd raised by the precision feeding method is also developed for running high-performance experimental simulations. The results of the simulation scenarios are analyzed and compared with data from a real-world experiment to assess the accuracy of the application. The correlation coefficient values of DFI in all scenarios fall within the range of 0.25 to 0.5, suggesting almost no correlation between simulated DFI and actual DFI. The overall average correlation coefficient of CFI for all scenarios is 0.764, falling within the strong correlation range. It can be concluded that the simulation accurately represents CFI values compared to reality.

Optimizing nutrient utilization, hydraulic loading rate, and feed conversion ratios through freshwater IMTA-aquaponic and hydroponic systems as an environmentally sustainable aquaculture concept

Water quality in land-based fish production can be controlled through either instantaneous water exchange or costly wastewater treatment followed by recirculation. Agricultural-aquaculture integration is an excellent alternative technique for reducing nutrient discharge levels, boosting profitability, and converting fish culture wastewater into valuable products. The current study employed a solar energy system to power two separate IMTA-aquaponics systems (Nutrient Film Technique, NFT, and Floating Raft Systems, FRS) for the cultivation of Nile tilapia, African catfish, thin-lipped grey mullet, freshwater crayfish, freshwater mussels, and a variety of vegetables. Tilapia and catfish were fed exclusively on diets under the IMTA system. All wastewater from tilapia and catfish ponds, both dissolved and solid, flows sequentially to ponds containing other cultivated species. The water then flows through the IMTA system's terminal point to the NFT and FRS systems before returning to the tilapia and catfish ponds, allowing complete control of the nutrient flow throughout this entire circular system. Two 147-day production cycles were concluded. The results from the second production cycle are reported. Total biomass gain for aquatic species in the IMTA system was 736.46 kg, compared to 145.49 kg in the tilapia and 271.01 kg in the catfish monoculture systems. The current IMTA system had a cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 0.90, while the FCRs for tilapia and catfish were 1.28 and 1.42, respectively. Nile tilapia and catfish consumed 571.90 kg of feed containing 25.70 kg of nitrogen (N) and 9.70 kg of phosphorus (P), reflecting, and gaining 11.41 and 3.93 kg of dietary N and P, representing 44.40 and 40.46% dietary N and P retention, respectively. In the IMTA system, the addition of mullet and prawn as detrivores aquatic animals improves dietary N and P utilization efficiency to 59.06 and 51.19%, respectively, while the addition of mussels as herbivore animals improves dietary N and P utilization efficiency to 65.61 and 54.67%, respectively. Finally, using FRS and NFT as hydroponic systems increased dietary N and P efficiency to 83.51% N and 96.82% P, respectively. This study shows that the IMTA-Aquaponic system, as a bio-integrated food production system, can convert the majority of fish-fed residues into valuable products suitable for desert, rural, and urban areas in impoverished and developing countries.

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 < 0.05) at CONT+ as compared with CONT–, SNP0.5, SNP1.0, and SNP1.5. The birds in SNP1.0 had higher FCR (P < 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 > 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 > 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.

Dietary guanidinoacetate reduces spaghetti meat myopathy risk in the breast muscle of broiler chickens

The global demand for white chicken meat along with the increase in the occurrence of growth-related breast muscle myopathies (BMMs) [namely white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM)] highlights the need for solutions that will improve meat quality while maintaining the high productivity of modern broilers. Guanidinoacetate (GAA), a precursor of creatine, is used as a feed additive and has previously shown the potential to affect the quality of breast meat. This study investigated growth performance, meat quality and the risk ratio for the development of BMMs in broilers assigned to two dietary treatments: control (CON) group, fed a commercial basal diet, and supplemented GAA (sGAA) group, receiving the control diet supplemented on top with 0.06% GAA. Growth performance indicators such as BW, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and cumulative feed conversion ratio were recorded on a pen basis. As a trait affecting animal welfare, the occurrence of foot pad dermatitis was also evaluated. At day 43, birds were processed, and breasts were scored for the incidence and severity of BMMs (n = 166 and 165 in CON and sGAA groups, respectively). Quality traits (ultimate pH, colour) and technological properties (i.e., drip and cooking losses, marinade uptake, shear force, and oxidation levels of the lipid and the protein fractions) of breast meat were assessed in both treatments on samples not showing any macroscopic sign of BMMs (n = 20 breast fillets per group). Data of myopathy risk ratio were analysed as the risk for each group to develop WS, WB, and SM myopathies. Our results show that while sGAA and control groups did not differ significantly in growth performance, a remarkably beneficial effect of GAA was observed on the incidence of BMMs with significantly reduced risk of sGAA group to develop SM myopathy. The risk of sGAA group to develop SM was 30% lower compared to CON (P = 0.028). Finally, a significantly lower drip loss was observed in sGAA in comparison with CON (1.78 vs 2.48%, P = 0.020). Together, our results show that the inclusion of 0.06% GAA in feed can improve the water-holding capacity of meat and reduce the risk to develop SM myopathy without compromising the performance of broilers.

Validation and genetic parameters of the X-ray method for phenotyping individual feed intake in Atlantic salmon

Feed efficiency is a highly desirable breeding goal trait as it can potentially reduce the relative economic cost of feed and concurrently reduce the environmental footprint of fish production. However, recording feed intake is a bottleneck in Atlantic salmon production. We recorded feed intake in 700 Atlantic salmon parr from 34 full sibling families using the X-ray method, where fish were fed feed containing radio-opaque beads and subsequently X-ray imaged one time after a full meal corresponding to the daily ration. In parallel, we cultured siblings from the same 35 families in duplicate family tanks of 25 individuals per tank and recorded the daily feed intake of each family at the tank level, which is known as the gold standard tank-based method. The heritability estimate for daily feed intake in Atlantic salmon using the X-ray method was significantly different from zero (0.19 ± 0.06) and was genetically correlated to growth-related traits (rg = 0.48–0.81). Daily feed intake at the family level with the X-ray method was highly genetically correlated to the daily feed intake traits using the tank-based feeding method at 0.78–0.82, depending on whether the comparison was made at a common time, common weight, or cumulative feed intake for the entire period. Whilst the X-ray method holds promise for research on the genetic background of feed intake and feed efficiency, more studies are needed to investigate the feasibility during the sea phase of Atlantic salmon production.

Identification and characterization of unknown disturbances in a structured population using high-throughput phenotyping data and measurement of robustness: application to growing pigs.

Improving the robustness of animals has become a priority in breeding due to climate change, new societal demands, and the agroecological transition. Components of animal robustness can be extracted from the analysis of the adaptive response of an animal to disturbance using longitudinal data. Nonetheless, this response is a function of animal robustness as well as of disturbance characteristics (intensity and duration). To correctly assess an animal's robustness potential, it is therefore useful to know the characteristics of the disturbances it faces. The UpDown method, which detects and characterizes unknown disturbances at different levels of organization of the population (e.g., individual, pen, and batch disturbances), has been proposed for this purpose. Furthermore, using the outputs of the method, it is possible to extract proxies of the robustness of animals. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the performances of the UpDown method to detect and characterize disturbances and quantify the robustness of animals in a genetic framework using different sets of simulations, and to apply this method to real pig longitudinal data recorded during the fattening period (body weight, cumulative feed intake, and feeding rate). Based on the simulations, the specificity of the UpDown method was high (>0.95). Its sensitivity increased with the level of organization exposed (from 0.23 to 0.32 for individual disturbances, from 0.45 to 0.59 for pen disturbances, and from 0.77 to 0.88 for batch disturbances). The UpDown method also showed a good ability to characterize detected disturbances. The average time interval between the estimated and true start date or duration of the disturbance was lower than 3d. The correlation between the true and estimated intensity of the disturbance increased with the hierarchical level of organization (on average, 0.41, 0.78, and 0.83 for individual, pen, and batch disturbance, respectively). The accuracy of the estimated breeding values of the proxies for robustness extracted from the analysis of individual trajectories over time were moderate (lower than 0.33). Applied to real data, the UpDown method detected different disturbances depending on the phenotype analyzed. The heritability of the proxies of robustness were low to moderate (ranging from 0.11 to 0.20).

Effect of dietary supplementation of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) powder on cumulative feed consumption of broilers

Effect of dietary supplementation of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) powder on cumulative feed consumption of broilers

Exploring the efficacy of a novel prebiotic-like growth promoter on broiler chicken production performance

This study attempts to isolate a candidate growth promoter from the ovine paunch waste and scrutinize its effects on the production performance of broiler chickens as compared to mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), a prebiotic, and lincomycin, an antibiotic growth promoter (AB). The paunch waste collected from slaughtered sheep was processed to remove particulate matter. The clarified liquid was then added to an excess of ethanol (1:9 ratio), and the resultant precipitate {(novel growth-promoting paunch extract (NGPE)} was collected, dried, and stored. In vitro increase in cell density for probiotic bacteria viz. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Enterococcus faecalis (Log10 CFU/ml) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in NGPE supplemented media (2.78 ± 0.11 and 2.77 ± 0.10) as compared to that on MOS (1.28 ± 0.05 and 2.49 ± 0.09) and glucose (1.09 ± 0.04 and 1.12 ± 0.04) supplemented media. In the in-vivo trial of six weeks duration with broiler chickens (Cobb-400), NGPE supplementation resulted in significantly higher growth in weeks IV (P < 0.05) and VI (P < 0.01) of age in comparison to MOS and AGP supplemented groups, a lower (P < 0.01) cumulative feed conversion ratio in comparison to MOS supplemented groups, and a higher (P < 0.01) cumulative protein efficiency ratio compared to MOS and AGP supplementation. NGPE supplementation also lowered lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01), increased reduced glutathione activity (P < 0.01) in chicken erythrocytes, and boosted the lactic acid bacteria count in the cecal contents (P < 0.01). This is the first report of the isolation of a paunch waste extract that increased the in vitro growth of probiotic bacteria and improved the production performance of broiler chickens.

Impact of Glycetin Injection on Productive Traits in local Iraqi Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing Glycetin by injection on the productive features of local Iraqi chickens. 100 female hens and 20 roosters from a local Iraqi chicken population, at age 26 weeks. The sample was divided into three groups, in addition to a control group. Each experimental group had 25 female hens, with the same procedure being performed for each individual hen, and 20 roosters, which were reared separately for the purpose of artificial insemination. The avian specimens were housed in separate enclosures, and the experimental conditions were allocated as follows: the initial condition (Control Group) did not receive any injections, whereas conditions T2, T3, and T4 were administered with varying doses of Glycetin at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, respectively. The results showed improve significant (P<0.05) many aspects such as egg production rate, cumulative egg count, egg mass, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio.

Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Meal (MOLM) Supplement in Combating Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens Fed Maize Soya Bean Diet

A growth experiment was conducted for 56 days to study productive performance, carcass characteristics and some blood parameters of broiler chicks fed corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with Moringa Oleifera leaves meals (MOLM) under heat stress condition. Three hundred a day old chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 supplemented with MOLM (0, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5%) respectively. The results did not show body weight gain, feed intake and final weight increased with increased inclusion levels of MOLM, so also was the feed conversion ratio. The cumulative feed conversion ratio was better in T2. The levels of MOLM had no significant effect on carcass relative weight, Haemoglobin (HB), white blood cells (WBC), albumin and total plasma protein increased with increasing levels of MOLM. Mortality rates decreased with increasing levels of MOLM. The best result however, was obtained in T2 (5%) inclusion level. It could be concluded that addition of Moringa Oleifera leaves improved broiler performance, physiological parameters and enhanced the ability to resist heat stress conditions of broilers fed corn-soybean meal diet

Use of Zinc Nanoparticles and/or Prodigiosin to Mitigate Heat Stress in Rabbits

Abstract Heat stress (HS) is an environmental challenge affecting animals’ health, productivity and welfare. This work aimed to inspect the protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and/or prodigiosin (PRG) against inflammation, immune dysfunction, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggered by HS in growing rabbits. Growing weaned rabbits (one hundred males, 35 days of age) were randomly assigned into four groups. The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were fed diets containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs, 50 mg/kg diet), prodigiosin (PRG, 100 mg/kg diet) or their mixture (ZnPRG) under HS conditions for eight successive weeks. The dietary inclusion with ZnNPs and/or PRG significantly boosted FBW (final body weight), CBWG (cumulative body weight gain), and FCR (feed conversion ratio) and had no substantial impacts on the CFI (cumulative feed intake) as compared with those in HS one. All supplemented treatments significantly unveiled an increase in the values of RBCs, hemoglobin, and platelets and significant decreases in WBCs, basophils and monocytes with non-statistical effects on hematocrit, MCV, MCHC, neutrophils and eosinophils. Compared with the HS group, all supplemental groups showed a significant reduction in TNFα, IL4, IFN-γ, TLR-4 and amyloid A levels and DNA damage markers (OHdG) and significant increases in the levels of NO and lysosome activity. Rabbits in the ZnPRG group had significantly higher IgG and IgM levels compared to other groups. The highest value of CAT and GSH levels were found in rabbits that received the mixture of ZnNPs (50 mg) and prg (100 mg) in their diets under elevated temperatures. Additionally, both treatments, PRG and ZnNPS, significantly (P&lt;0.001) reduced the values of MDA and MYO, while all treated groups had significantly reduced PC contents compared with the HS group. Co-supplement with ZnPRG showed a considerable restoration in the higher immune expression of reticulum oxidative stress such as GRP78 and IRE1 in hepatic tissues induced by hs conditions. The mixture of ZnNPS and prg presented more robust effects in mitigating the adverse impacts of hs in rabbits compared with the individual treatments. Collectively, ZnNps and/or PRG alleviated oxidative stress and dna damage. In addition, it enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune function, and downregulated ER stress such as GRP78 and IRE1 signaling in the hepatic tissues of stressed rabbits.

The effects of neuropeptide W on food consumption and feeding behavior in neonatal meat-type chicks: Role of CRF1/CRF2 and NPY1 receptors

In several studies, the regulatory role of the neuropeptide W (NPW) system in food intake has been demonstrated. Considering the lack of avian studies in this field, the current research was conducted to evaluate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of NPW and its interferences with corticotropin, melanocortin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors on meal consumption and feeding behaviors of broilers. In the first experiment, birds were injected with NPW (0.75, 1.5, and 3 nmol) in addition to saline. In the second experiment, saline, CRF1 receptor antagonist (NBI35965, 30 μg), NPW (3 nmol), and simultaneous injections of NBI35965 and NPW were performed. Experiments 3–8 were identical to experiment 2, except that CRF2 receptor antagonist (K41498, 30 μg), MC3/MC4 receptor antagonist (SHU9119, 0.5 nmol), MC4 receptor antagonist (HS024, 0.5 nmol), NPY1 receptor antagonist (BMS193885, 1.25 nmol), NPY2 receptor antagonist (CYM9484, 1.25 nmol), and NPY5 receptor (antagonist L-152,804, 1.25 nmol) were administrated instead of NBI35965. After that, cumulative feed intake and feeding behavior were monitored for 2 h and 30 min after injections, respectively. Following the infusion of NPW (1.5 and 3 nmol), there was a significant stimulation of meal consumption in chickens (P < 0.05). Concomitant injection of NBI35965 and K41498 with NPW enhanced the appetite-increasing effect of NPW (P < 0.05); while BMS193885 suppressed this effect of NPW (P < 0.05). Injection of SHU9119, HS024, CYM9484, and L-152804 with NPW at the same time, had no significant effect on NPW-induced hyperphagia (P > 0.05). NPW also significantly decreased the standing period and the number of jumps, steps, and exploratory pecks, and led to an increase in sitting period and feeding pecks (P < 0.05). Based on the observations, it seems that NPW-induced hyperphagia could be mediated through CRF1, CRF2, and NPY1 receptors in neonatal broilers.

Dietary influence of de-oiled lecithin on broiler growth, Blood parameters, Antioxidant status, Thyroid hormones and immunoglobulins: An analysis across two distinct strains of broilers

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of adding an emulsifier, de-oiled soybean lecithin (DOL) in diet, on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant potential, thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), and serum immunoglobulins in two distinct strains of commercially raised broilers, Ross 308 (S1) and Evian 48 (S2). A total of 800 one-day-old broiler chicks from both strains (N = 400 each) were assigned to a control group (T0) and three dietary treatments, each with five replicates of 20 birds. Experimental treatments included a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of de-oiled lecithin (DOL): T1 = 0.5 g/kg, T2 = 1 g/kg, and T3 = 1.5 g/kg. The study used a 2 × 4 factorial design, which allows for the examination of the effects of two factors (in this case, strains and dietary treatments) on the outcome variables. Following 35 days, the broilers of strain S1 and those fed the T3 supplemented diet exhibited superior body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), cumulative feed intake (CFI), cumulative feed conversion ratio (CFCR), performance index (PI%), and lower mortality rate (Mr %) (P < 0.05) compared to those of strain S2 and those fed other dietary levels. A significant disparity (P < 0.05) was observed between the two strains regarding the plasma concentrations of ALB, GLB, A/G ratio, CHO, HDL, AST, and ALT, with strain S1 showing better levels. Similarly, the broiler chicks in group T3, along with the interaction between groups S1 × T3 and S2 × T3, demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in blood biochemical parameters. Broilers of strain S1 and those on the T3 supplemented diet, along with the interactions between the groups S1 × T3 and S2 × T3, demonstrated substantial improvements (P < 0.05) across assessed parameters of antioxidant status and thyroid hormones, when compared to other dietary treatments and the control group. In conclusion, the addition of DOL as a supplement improved growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, thyroid hormones (T3 & T4), and serum immunoglobulins in both broiler strains.

Effect of Spirulina and Probiotic on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail

The aim of current project is to fortify the quail feeds with various types of supplements such as spirulina, Used as a substitute for Prob. &amp; study the growth performance to recognize the best formula of spirulina for best production. untreated was feed on standard diet, Spirulina group was feed with Spirulina , Probiotics complex group was feed with probiotics complex, Mix Spirulina with probiotic complex group was feed with above Spirulina &amp; probiotic. complex. BW, BWG, FI &amp; FCE were daily recoded. Results noted at highest significant increase (P≤0.05) for the addition of spirulina occurred in the average body weight of Japanese quail compared to the control and other treated groups. The highest significant increase (P≤0.05) occurred in the BWG rates of birds treated with the addition of spirulina for weeks (1 and 4) and the cumulative (1-6) weeks. the highest rate (p≤0.05) of feed consumption was recorded in the group of birds treated with spirulina for weeks (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). and the cumulative feed consumption rate from (1-6) weeks compared with the other treatments and the control group. Rresults showed FCE rates recorded a significant improvement in adding spirulina during (1,2,3,4,6) weeks and the cumulative feed conversion efficiency average (1-6) weeks for birds. From this research, we concluded that adding spirulina to quail diets improved productive traits.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Growth and Production Indicators of Broiler Chickens

In response to the 2006 EU ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, researchers have sought alternatives, leading to a focus on the beneficial effects of probiotics on chickens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic mixture containing Lactobacillus (L.) farciminis CNCM-I-3699 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 on the growth, production indicators, and edible organs of broiler chickens. Three trials were conducted, each consisting of 260 newly hatched Ross 308 broiler chicks (males and females) from a commercial hatchery, randomly allocated into control (n = 130) and probiotic-supplemented groups (n = 130). The dietary treatments were basal diet for the control group and basal diet + the mixture of L. farciminis CNCM-I-3699 (2.1010 GU/g) and L. rhamnosus CNCM-I-3698 (2.1010 GU/g) at a rate of 4g/10kg of diet for the probiotic supplemented group. Broilers were raised until day 35 of age, and their body weight and feed intake were recorded on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. All broiler chickens were weighed on the first day. The investigated parameters included average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, cumulative feed intake, and the European Broiler Index. Daily mortality was recorded. The average organ’s relative weight was calculated for each group on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Although both groups yielded positive results regarding growth and production indicators, no significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting that probiotics may not provide expected outcomes when appropriate conditions and age-related requirements are met. The probiotic-supplemented group exhibited significantly accelerated growth in the heart and liver. However, relative organ weights did not differ significantly between the groups.

Adding Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract to the diet as an antioxidant and studying its effect on the productive performance of Ross 308 broilers.

The experiment was carried out in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture/the University of Diyala during the period from 4/9/2021 to 15/10/2021 to study the effect of adding ginkgo leaf extract to broiler diets as an antioxidant and study its impact on the productive performance of birds. This experiment used 225 unsexed hybrid broiler chicks (age: one day). The average weight of the chick was (43.62 g.). Firstly, The chicks were randomly distributed by using five experimental treatments. Each treatment has three replicates (15 birds/repeat). Experimental transactions are as follows. T1 = (control treatment) A standard diet without addition is provided, T2 = standard ratio to which 1 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, T3 = Standard diet to which 2 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, T4 = a standard diet to which 3 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added, and T5 = standard ration to which 4 g/kg of Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract is added. The results of the experiment were as follows. The experiment results indicated a significant effect (P≤0.05) when adding different levels of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract to the diets of 308 Ross broilers for 1-42 days. The fourth treatment was superior to the average live body weight during the sixth week and the cumulative weight gain compared to the control. There is a significant superiority (P≤0.05) in the rate of cumulative feed consumption, cumulative feed conversion, efficiency and production index value, where all the addition treatments (1,2,3,4)g/kg feed excelled compared to the control. Keywords: Ginkgo biloba leaves Broiler, Growth performance, Antioxidant activity.

A Meta-analysis of Optimum Level of Dietary Nanoselenium on Performances, Blood Constituents, Antioxidant Activity, Carcass, and Giblet Weight of Broiler Chickens.

Contradictory reports regarding the effects of nanoselenium (NanoSe) on the performance of broiler chickens may occur. Therefore, the optimum supplementation of NanoSe doses needs to be determined. The current meta-analysis study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and the optimum doses of NanoSe supplementation in broiler diets on performance, blood constituents, carcass, and giblet weight by considering breed and sex. The database was obtained from online scientific publications by searching through search engines such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed by entering the keywords nanoselenium, performance, antioxidants, and broiler. A total of 25 articles were included in the meta-analysis database. The study group was treated as a random effect while NanoSe dose, breed, and sex were treated as fixed effects. Daily body weight gain, carcass weight, and breast weight increased quadratically (P < 0.05), and FCR decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) in the starter and cumulativeperiods with increasing NanoSe supplementation. NanoSe supplementation tended to decrease cumulative feed intake linearly (P < 0.1) and decreased (P < 0.05) abdominal fat, albumin, red blood cells, ALT, and MDA levels. In contrast, levels of total protein, globulin, glucose, AST, white blood cells, cholesterol, triglyceride, and the weight of the liver, heart, gizzard, bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen were not affected by NanoSe supplementation. Increasing the dose of NanoSe increased (P < 0.05) the GSHPx enzyme and Se concentration in breast muscle and liver and tended to enhance (P < 0.01) the CAT enzyme. It is concluded that a proper dose of NanoSe supplementation in a broiler diet improves body weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass, and breast weight without adverse effects on giblets. Dietary NanoSe elevates Se concentration in the breast muscle and liver and antioxidant activity. The current meta-analysis shows that the optimum dose for body weight gain and FCR is 1 to 1.5mg/kg.

The Effect of Drinking Water Temperature and Stocking Density on Broiler Performance, Meat Quality and Some Behavioral Traits at High Ambient Temperature

The present study examined the effect of drinking water temperature and stocking density on performance (cumulative body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio), meat quality, and behaviour traits (eating, drinking, lying, standing, and dust bathing) in broilers. A total of 360 broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups, in a 2x3 factorial arrangement of drinking water temperature (10°C or 31°C), with stocking density (12, 15 or 18 birds/m2), each consisting of 4 replicate pens. Meat quality traits (pH15, L*, CL, and WHC), lying and standing behaviours were affected by water temperature. The stocking density significantly affected the cumulative body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, color of breast meat [lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*)] of broiler chickens. In conclusion, management practices such as stocking density and drinking water temperature in broilers could reduce the detrimental effects of high ambient temperature on growth performance, meat quality traits, and behaviour.

Production performance of four lines of Japanese quail reared under tropical climatic conditions of Tamil Nadu, India.

This research investigated the growth and other production traits of four distinct lines (L1, L2, L3, and L4) of Japanese quail (Cortunix japanoica) kept in the tropical climate of Tamil Nadu, India. The traits related to body weight at different weeks and weight gain were measured in 180 birds (90 males and 90 females) per line up to the fifth week of age, and then 90 birds (females only) from the sixth to the 16th week of age, with egg production and feed efficiency parameters measured in 10 observations per line. The traits were analysed using the General Linear Model procedure, and Tukey's HSD was used to test for statistical differences (p < 0.05) between the means for subclasses under a specific effect. The results revealed a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) in body weight from hatch to fifth week of age. At 5th week of age, the L3 and L2 did not differ (p > 0.05) based on Tukey test; therefore, both presented the highest values and were statistically significant (p < 0.01) with L4 with a lowest value of 203.62g. The cumulative fifth week feed conversion ratio showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at first and second week, and highly significant difference (p < 0.01) from third to fifth week of age. The age at 50 per cent egg production was 60.2 (L4), 61.4 (L2), 65.1 (L3) and 66.0 (L1) days and the L1 egg production differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L4 line. The highest bodyweight (g) during the laying period (at 15weeks of age) was observed in L2 (327.08) and L3 (326.54) and differed significantly (p < 0.01) from L1 (309.24) as well as L4 (288.69) lines. The mean egg weight (g) of different lines showed non-significant difference (p > 0.05) at all weeks, except at 11th week of age (p < 0.01). The mean feed consumption (g)/bird/day differed significantly (p < 0.01) from 6th to 16th week of age, except at sixth and eighth week of age, where it was non-significant (p > 0.05). The overall feed efficiency/dozen of eggs (from 6th to 16th weeks) ranged from 1.33 (L1) to 1.98 (L3). The livability from 6 to 16weeks of age was 100 per cent in all the lines. In order to boost Japanese quail production in the tropics, L3 and L4 may be selected for body weight and egg production, respectively.