Daily Feed Consumption Research Articles

Performance of Broilers and Native Chickens Fed with Unfermented and Fermented Arenga Waste

The objectives of this research were to study the performances of broilers and native chicken given arenga waste (APAF) fermentation by Saccaromyces cerevisiae and arenga waste unfermentation (APA) in the ration. Sixty day-old chicks of broiler Arbor Acres strain and sixty native chicken were divided into four dietary treatments and three replications (10 birds/replicate). Design of this experiment was completely randomized design factorial 2x2, with factor A was feeding (A1 = arenga waste unfermentation, A2 = arenga waste fermentation), and factor B was chickens type (B1=native chicken, B2=broilers). The variables observed were: daily weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion. The results showed that the performances of the broiler given fed with unfermented and fermented arenga waste showing no significant differences between all treatments. The results showed that there is an interaction between feeding and chicken type was no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusion from this research of using fermented and unfermented arenga waste until level of 2.5% in ration showed no significant differences in the performance.

Bayesian estimation of direct and correlated responses to selection on linear or ratio expressions of feed efficiency in pigs

BackgroundThis study aimed at (1) deriving Bayesian methods to predict breeding values for ratio (i.e. feed conversion ratio; FCR) or linear (i.e. residual feed intake; RFI) traits; (2) estimating genetic parameters for average daily feed consumption (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), lean meat percentage (LMP) along with the derived traits of RFI and FCR; and (3) deriving Bayesian estimates of direct and correlated responses to selection on RFI, FCR, ADG, ADFI, and LMP. Response to selection was defined as the difference in additive genetic mean of the selected top individuals, expected to be parents of the next generation, and the total population after integrating genetic trends out of the posterior distribution of selection responses. Inferences were based on marginal posterior distributions obtained from the Bayesian method for integration over unknown population parameters and “fixed” environmental effects and for appropriate handling of ratio traits. Terminal line pigs (n = 3724) were used for a multi-variate model for ADFI, ADG, and LMP. RFI was estimated from the conditional distribution of ADFI given ADG and LMP, using either genetic (RFIG) or phenotypic (RFIP) partial regression coefficients. The posterior distribution of the FCR’s breeding values was derived from the posterior distribution of “fixed” environmental effects and additive genetic effects on ADFI and ADG.ResultsPosterior means of heritability were 0.32, 0.26, 0.56, 0.20, and 0.15 for ADFI, ADG, LMP, RFIP, and RFIG, respectively. Selection against RFIG showed a direct response of − 0.16 kg/d and correlated responses of − 0.16 kg/kg for FCR and − 0.15 kg/d for ADFI, with no effect on other production traits. Selection against FCR resulted in a direct response of − 0.17 kg/kg and correlated responses of − 0.14 kg/d for RFIG, − 0.18 kg/d for ADFI, and 0.98% for LMP.ConclusionsThe Bayesian methodology developed here enables prediction of breeding values for FCR and RFI from a single multi-variate model. In addition, we derived posterior distributions of direct and correlated responses to selection. Genetic parameter estimates indicated a genetic basis for the studied traits and that genetic improvement through selection was possible. Direct selection against FCR or RFIP resulted in unexpected responses in production traits.

203 Feedyard Performance Trends and Analysis.

Performance results were analyzed from 43,629 lots of cattle closed between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. The objectives of the work were to identify performance norms, including mean results and variation, and to identify sources of variation which are known at the time of placement. Lots were identified as steers (50.0% of lots, 54.2% of head), heifers (34.9%, 33.7%), mixed sex pens (8.9%, 5.2%), dairy breed steers (5.7%, 6.3%), cows and bulls. Participating feedyards were in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Mean performance of all lots was 354 kg placement weight, 619 kg end weight, 167 days on feed, 1.55 kg average daily gain, 9.97 kg average daily feed consumption (dry basis) and feed conversion of 6.52. Steer lots were heavier than heifers (placement weight of 372 kg compared to 344, end weight of 647 kg compared to 584). Compared to heifers, steers gained 10.7% faster, consumed 6.6% more feed per day and converted feed 3.5% more efficiently (all P<0.001). Heifers consumed more feed per unit of weight (2.08% of body weight per day compared to 2.02%). Weight at placement influenced performance results. In steers, increasing placement weight by 100 kg increased end weight by 38.1 kg, average daily gain by .16 kg, and daily feed consumption by 1.4 kg and decreased days on feed by 54.4. In heifers corresponding slopes were 48.2, .17, 1.5 and -51.5. Placement weight accounted for only 4% of the variation in feed conversion in steers and 5% in heifers. After adjusting for sex, placement weight and season, cattle which were fed flaked grain consumed less feed, gained faster and converted feed more efficiently than cattle fed predominately non-flaked grain. Regional differences in performance were influenced by grain processing method and season. Cattle fed to heavier weights were less efficient. Mean death loss was 1.83%. Steers, heifers or mixed sex lots with placement weight between 200 and 299 kg averaged 3.10% dead, with placement weight between 300 and 399 kg death loss was 1.59% and with placement weight between 400 and 499 kg death loss was 1.05%. In all weight classes, the most common death loss result was zero, with highest death loss exceeding 20% in individual lots. Population data like these can be used to develop prediction models or to assess normalcy of observed results.

Use of acetylsalicylic acid as an allostatic modulator in the diets of growing Japanese quails exposed to heat stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) supplementation on performance, carcasses and some blood metabolites of growing quails exposed to heat stress. Three hundred sixty mix sexed Japanese quail chicks at 2 wk of age with average initial body weight of 77.4 g were randomly allotted to six dietary groups in a 3 × 2 factorial design with three dietary ASA doses (0, 0.5 and 1 g ASA/kg diet) and two ambient temperatures (one normal at 23 ± 2 °C and other high at 33 ± 2 °C). Body weight, daily body weight gain and feed consumption reduced in quails exposed to heat stress (33 °C) during 2–4 wk of age, but not during 4–6 wk of age and during total period (2–6 wk of age). Growth rate and feed utilization were not influenced by ASA supplementation or interaction between ASA supplementation and house temperature at all ages (P > 0.05). All carcass parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by temperature or dietary ASA or their interactions except dressing percent was decreased (P = 0.025) by ASA. Plasma cholesterol and total lipid were affected by the interaction effect, which were elevated in birds exposed to high ambient temperature (P = 0.004 or 0.022) and ASA supplementation (P = 0.041 or P = 0.003). Glucose concentrations were also influenced by interaction effect, which increased due to ASA supplementation at normal temperature, but were not affected at high temperature. The effect of high ambient temperature or its interaction with ASA did not affect hepatic enzymes and thyroid hormones of growing quails. Diets supplemented with ASA (1000 mg/kg) decreased plasma contents of aspartate transaminase, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) compared with the control. It is concluded that applications of ASA in quail diets are not suitable in mitigating the disturbances induced by heat stress in the most studied parameters.

Increased bioavailability of tylosin phosphate as in-feed medication formulated for long-action pellets in broiler chickens

Circadian variation of serum concentrations of tylosin in broiler chickens after in-feed medication prompted a comparison study of the serum profiles of this drug after in-feed medication with standard tylosin phosphate (Tprf reference formulation group), and after in-feed medication with a sustained-release pellet formulation (Tpsr group), based on Patent No.MX/a/2012/013222 and PCT/MX2013/000137, in broiler chickens. Six hundred 4-week-old Ross broiler chickens were in-feed medicated with tylosin phosphate at an approximate dose of 25.2 mg/kg/d, based on daily feed consumption values and a final concentration of tylosin in feed of 200 mg/kg of feed. Approximately 2 to 3 mL of blood were obtained per 5 chickens every 2 h, avoiding the sampling of a bird more than once and during 72 h after making medicated feed available for the first time. Serum concentrations of tylosin were determined by HPLC. Gaussian multi-peak regressions were then fitted to serum concentration vs. time profiles. Day by d areas under the serum concentration vs. time profiles (AUC0–24), as well as overall AUC0–72, were statistically higher for the Tpsr group (P < 0.001). Also, maximum serum concentrations obtained and relative bioavailability for the Tpsr formulation were statistically higher (382.8%) as compared to the Tprf group (P < 0.01). Considering the referred improved values of AUC observed in the Tpsr formulation, as well as the fact that tylosin is a time-dependent antibacterial drug, better clinical responses are postulated with this pharmaceutical preparation intended for chickens. Tissue deposition studies for this new formulation of tylosin are required.

Effect of the dietary inclusion of the growth promoter avoparcin on the performance and carcass characteristics of growing goat kids

A trial was conducted with 32 indigenous goat kids (Capra prisca) 8,5 weeks old to examine the effectiveness of dietary avoparcin as growth promoting factor. The kids were randomly allocated into two groups (control- and avoparcin group with initial mean body weight of 11,61 ±1,16 kg and 11,57±1,47 kg, respectively) comprising of 16 kids (8 male and 8 female) each. For a period of 12 weeks, kids in the control group were given lucerne (alfalfa) hay (mean daily consumption 170 g/head) and an appropriate compound diet (given ad libitum), while kids in the avoparcin group were fed the same diet except that the compound diet was supplemented with avoparcin (20 mg/kg). Avoparcin supplementation significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved final mean body weight by 10.57% (19.24 ± 2.33 kg vs. 17.40 ± 2.30 kg), body weight gain (BWG) by 32.30% (7.66 ± 1.42 kg vs. 5.79 ± 1.74 kg), mean daily feed consumption in dry matter basis (DM) by 14.24% (551.80 ± 31.60 g DM vs. 483.02 ± 28.94 g DM), feed conversion ratio by 13.62% (6.09 ± 0.47 kg DM consumption/kg BWG vs. 7.05 ± 0.56 kg DM consumption/kg BWG) and carcass weight by 14.86% (11.44 ± 1.48 kg vs. 9.96 ± 1.76 kg). Moreover, no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) were noticed neither in carcass yield and carcass chemical composition nor in percentages of small intestine-, major omentum-, lung-,heart-, liver- and spleen weight in the body weight.

Evaluation of economic traits of White Leghorn layers under normal and controlled heat stress conditions

Based on the egg production of IWH line of WLH (n=254) during hot-dry (36–38°C and 40%RH) and hot-humid (32–34°C and 70% RH) environmental conditions, the high egg producer designated as high thermo tolerant (HT), low egg producer as low thermo- tolerant (LT) and average egg producer (control) birds were segregated. The production parameters of these birds during pre-summer were similar but the hen day egg production (HDEP) of HT group was better than LT during hot-dry summer and hot-humid summer seasons. When the HT and LT birds were placed in a psychrometric chamber and subjected to 37°C and 60% RH (THI-90) daily for 6 hours for a period of 14 days, the percent HDEP and daily feed consumption was higher in HT birds than the LT birds, however no difference was found in their daily water intake. Surface and rectal temperature was higher in HT birds than the LT birds. There was a reduction in feed intake and HDEP in LT birds than HT birds during the heat stress. After heat stress, H/L ratio and serum corticosterone levels increased in both the groups, but T3 cholesterol and protein level decreased. There was no difference in the egg weight and other egg quality parameters except the lower albumen and yolk index, higher percent yolk and total cholesterol level in HT than LT group. Based on the above study we can conclude that high thermo-tolerant birds performed better under heat stress environment.

Effect of Probiotic Administration on Productivity and Quality of Broiler Chicken Meat

The impact of a probiotic addition to feed and litter on production results in rearing of ROSS 308 broiler chickens and meat quality were assessed. The flock was divided into three testing variants of 60 birds each, namely, probiotic added to both feed and litter (PRO-FL); the control group with no probiotic (CON), and probiotic applied to litter alone (PRO-L). The rearing period of broiler chickens was 43 days. In the course of the study daily feed consumption, BW gains, culling and wastage of birds were recorded. Productive trait parameters indicated a positive effect of the applied bacterial cultures. The highest BW was obtained from chickens of PRO-FL, receiving probiotics in both feed and litter, which were, on an average, heavier by over 500g from control (CON) birds. Chickens from the pen where the probiotic was applied to the litter (PRO-L) were also heavier, on an average, by about 350g from the control birds. Feed consumption (kg/kg BW) in individual groups was the lowest (P<0.05) in the group receiving the feed and litter (PRO-FL; 1.55) vis-a-vis only litter (PRO-L; 1.83) and the control (CON; 2.20). The highest mortality (normal) was 4% in the group receiving the probiotic only in feed, and it was 1% in the remaining two groups. There were no differences (P<0.005) in percent of the share of breast muscles and in edible and inedible parts among the testing variants of chickens. The quality of the poultry meat, i.e. colour, texture and sensory evaluation were similar among the testing variants.

Effect of dietary protein levels on the growth of Carnatic carp Barbodes carnaticus (Jerdon, 1849) fingerlings

Fingerlings of Barbodes carnaticus (Jerdon 1849) (6.40±0.267 cm, 2.46±0.39 g) were reared in aerated plastic tubs (40 l) with five iso-energetic diets formulated to contain crude protein levels ranging from 25 to 45% using pure ingredients. Initially, the diet was fed at @5% of the biomass and gradually adjusted based on daily feed consumption. The fish were allowed to feed for 6 h and thereafter the unconsumed feeds were siphoned out. The following day, faecal matter was collected from each tank by filtering the water with a fine meshed nylon cloth (15 μm), dried, pooled and stored for proximate analysis. Water from eachtub was replaced with 50% freshwater every day after faecal matter collection. The feeding trial was conducted for a period of 60 days. Proximate composition of feed and faecal matter was analysed. Acid insoluble ash was used as the reference marker for dry matter, protein and fat digestibility determination. The growth parameters and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were higher (p&lt;0.05) in fish fed 35% protein diet compared to other diets. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p&lt;0.05) in 35, 40 and 45% protein diets compared to the lower protein diets. The carcass proximate composition revealed the lowest moisture (p&lt;0.05) and highest protein (p&gt;0.05) and fat content (p&lt;0.05) in fish fed 35% protein diet compared to other diets. The digestibility ofdry matter and nutrients was higher (p&lt;0.05) with 35% protein diet. The study revealed crude protein requirement of 35% by the fingerlings of B. carnaticus.

Growth Performance of Nile tilapia Immersed in 17α-methyltestosterone and rElGH, and Fed a Diet Enriched with rElGH

The aim of the present study was to investigate the growth performance of Nile tilapia immersed in 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) and recombinant giant grouper growth hormone (rElGH), and fed a rElGH-enriched diet. A total of 200 tilapia larvae aged 10 days and 14 days post hatching was immersed in 1 liter of 30 g/L saline water for 3 minutes, then in freshwater containing either MT, MT+rElGH, or rElGH for 4 hours. The MT dose was 2.0 mg/L and rElGH was 2.5 mg/L. As control was treatment without MT and rElGH. Fish were maintained in 250-L aquariums for 6 weeks and then moved to net cages for 8 weeks of rearing. The rElGH-enriched diet was fed to the 6-week-old fish for a month, and then fed a non-enriched diet. Each treatment was triplicates. The result showed that the daily growth rate (DGR), biomass gain (BM), survival (SR) and feed (artemia nauplii) consumption during maintenance in the aquariums in the rElGH and MT+rElGH treatments were higher (P&lt;0.05) than in the control. The higher DGR and BM at net cage rearing and lower feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.05) were also found in MT and MT+rElGH treatments. None of the treatments showed any difference in survival (P&gt;0.05). Profits estimation in the MT and MT+rElGH treatments were 63.38% and 57.91% higher than the control. The present study concluded that higher Nile tilapia farming performance could be obtanied by MT immersion in the larval phase and feeding juvenile on the rElGH-enriched diet.

What is good for small piglets might not be good for big piglets: The consequences of cross-fostering and creep feed provision on performance to slaughter.

Major improvements in sow prolificacy have resulted in larger litters but, at the same time, increased the proportion of piglets born light weight. Different management strategies aim to enhance the performance of, and limit light-weight piglet contribution to, BW variation within a batch; however, consequences on heavy-weight littermates are often neglected. This study investigated the effects of different litter compositions, created through cross-fostering, and the provision of creep feed on preweaning behavior and short- and long-term performance of piglets born either light weight (≤1.25 kg) or heavy weight (1.50-2.00 kg). Piglets were cross-fostered at birth to create litters with only similar-sized piglets (light weight or heavy weight; UNIFORM litters) and litters with equal numbers of light-weight and heavy-weight piglets (MIXED litters); half of the litters were offered creep feed and the remaining were not. Piglet behavior during a suckling bout and at the creep feeder was assessed; a green dye was used to discern between consumers and nonconsumers of creep feed. The interaction between litter composition and birth weight (BiW) class influenced piglet BW at weaning ( < 0.001): piglets born light weight were lighter at weaning in MIXED litters than those in UNIFORM litters (6.93 vs. 7.37 kg); however, piglets born heavy weight performed considerably better in MIXED litters (8.93 vs. 7.96 kg). Total litter gain to weaning was not affected ( = 0.565) by litter composition. Teat position affected heavy-weight piglet performance by d 10 ( < 0.001), with heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters being disadvantaged when suckling the middle and posterior teats. Creep feed provision did not affect BW at weaning ( > 0.05) for either BiW class. However, litter composition significantly affected daily creep feed consumption ( = 0.046) and fecal color ( = 0.022), with heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters consuming the highest amount of creep feed and having the greenest feces. In addition, a lower number of heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters were classified as nonconsumers ( = 0.002). The weight advantage heavy-weight and light-weight piglets had at weaning when reared in MIXED and UNIFORM litters, respectively, was sustained throughout the productive period. In conclusion, reducing BW variation within litter (UNIFORM litters) was beneficial for piglets born light weight but not for piglets born heavy weight; the latter were disadvantaged up to slaughter. Although heavy-weight piglets in UNIFORM litters consumed the greatest amount of creep feed, this was not able to overcome their growth disadvantage compared with heavy-weight piglets in MIXED litters.

Influence of swimming time in alleviating the deleterious effects of hot summer on growing Muscovy duck performance

This experiment was conducted to observe the effects of varying swimming times (ST) of Muscovy ducks, raised in an open-sided house, in alleviating the deleterious effects of high temperature in hotter times of the day in the summer season on growth performance (body weight, average daily gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio), carcass characteristics, body temperature, and some health aspects. We hypothesized that swimming times during the hottest periods of the day would show different performances. To test this hypothesis a total of 180 Muscovy ducklings were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups in a completely randomized design experiment. All groups were raised under similar housing conditions. Birds of the first group (C) were raised in the indoor system and had no access to a swimming pond. While all birds of the second, third, and fourth groups (T1, T2, and T3) had access to a swimming pond during 10:00 to 12:00 h, 12:00 to 14:00 h, and 14:00 to 16:00 h, respectively. The swimming pond (dimensions of 30 m length × 10 m width × 3 m depth with cement floor) was located in the front of the house. Vaccination and medical programs were undertaken according to the different ages under supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The obtained results indicated that swimming during 12:00 to 14:00 h improved (P < 0.05) growth performance, dressed carcass, meat tenderness, lymphocyte, heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, body temperature, and mortality rate of Muscovy ducks. However, bone measurement, plumage conditions, foot pad dermatitis, hock discoloration, breast blisters score, and blood hematocrit values were insignificantly better in the group with access to the swimming pond during 12:00 to 14:00 h. In conclusion, raising ducks during hot conditions in an open-sided house with access to a swimming pond at 12:00 to 14:00 h is highly recommended due to the high BW, better immunity, decreased mortality rate, and low body temperature of ducks which was positively reflected in the health condition.

Growth and Carcass Traits of Native Middle-Egypt Rabbits Fed Different Levels of Digestible Energy and Crude Protein Diets

No studies have been published concerning to digestible energy and crude protein requirements for Native Middle-Egypt rabbits. The main objective of the current study was to determine the digestible energy (DE) and crud protein (CP) requirements for Native Middle-Egypt rabbits (NMER) to find out the optimum growth performance and economic efficiency. A total number of 78 Native Middle-Egypt rabbits (NMER) at 5 weeks of age (at weaning) were divided randomly into 6 groups with three different crude protein levels; 13, 14.5 and 16% and two levels of digestible energy; 2500 and 2350 kcal/kg diet in 3 X 2 factorial experiments for eleven weeks. Rabbits were housed in individual cages and kept under the same managerial conditions. Feed and water were offered ad libitum throughout the experimental period (5 to 16 weeks of age). Live body weight, feed intake and number of dead rabbits were recorded. Daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were calculated. At 16 week four rabbits males were taken randomly from each treatment slaughtered to estimate some of carcass traits. Carcass parts were presented as a percent of live body weight. Data were statistically analyzed using the General linear Model Program of SAS. The differences between initial body weights (g) at 5 week of age in feeding groups were not significant. Two levels of digestible energy (DE) did not significant effects on all body weights expect at 8 week of age. Rabbits fed 14.5 protein % had body weight were heaviest in 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Daily feed consumption in rabbits fed 14.5 protein % was higher significantly in 5-8 and 8-12 periods. Feed conversion was not significantly influenced by varying crude protein levels. In effects interaction digestible energy and crude protein levels, rabbits fed diets contains 14.5 % CP with 2500 kcal DE /kg diet had body weight were heaviest significantly in 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Daily weight gain in rabbits fed 14.5 protein % and 2500 kcal DE /kg, were higher than other groups during 5-8, 8-12 and 5-16 periods.Only during 5-8 period daily feed consumption was significantly influenced by varying digestible energy and crude protein levels .Diets contains 2500 kcal DE /kg diet and 14.5 % CP lead to improve feed conversion ratio during the period from 5 to 12 weeks compared to the other treatment but was not significantly. No significant differences between digestible energy levels were observed in total edible parts (TEP), Fore-quarter, hind-quarter and trunk while the weight of edible giblets (WEG) was significant different. From the economical point of view, the highest economic efficiency was recorded with rabbits fed diet containing 14.5% CP and 2350 kcal DE /kg diet and followed by that fed 13 % CP and 2350 kcal. The mortality % was zero in rabbits group fed on fed 2500 kcal with 14.5 % CP. The highest value of mortality %was observed for those groups were fed 16% CP with 2500 kcal DE/ kg and 13% CP with 2350 kcal DE/ kg. We could recommend with the diet containing fed 2500 kcal with 14.5 % CP for native rabbit during the growing period; from 5 to 16 weeks of age which was the best in economical view, body weight and growth performance in native Middle-Egypt rabbits.

Use of yeast (Pichia kudriavzevii) as a novel feed additive to ameliorate the effects of aflatoxin B1 on broiler chicken performance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autochthonous Pichia kudriavzevii as a novel bioadsorbent for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The selection of this yeast was based on the AFB1 adsorption capacity previously demonstrated in vitro (Magnoli et al. 2016). One-day-old Cobb broilers (n=160) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (T1: basal diet (B); T2: B + 0.1% yeast; T3: B + AFB1, 100μg/kg; T4: B + 0.1% yeast + AFB1, 100μg/kg). Performance parameters (average daily weight gain body, average daily consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, and dead weight), biochemical parameters (albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin), liver pathological changes, and AFB1 residual levels in the liver and excreta were evaluated. Significant differences (P<0.05) in performance parameters were observed among treatments and controls: T3 group showed the lowest average daily body weight gain value while in T4 group, the value of this parameter increased significantly (P<0.05). T3 and T4 groups showed the lowest and highest values for average daily feed consumption, respectively. The feed conversion ratio (FC) showed no significant differences among treatments. T3 group showed the lowest dead weight and carcass weight compared with T1 group. The biochemical parameters showed no significant differences among treatments. T3 group showed macroscopic and microscopic liver changes compared to the control. Aflatoxin B1 levels (μg/g) were detected in broiler livers and showed significant differences among treatments (P<0.05). In conclusion, native P. kudriavzevii incorporation (0.1%) in broiler diets containing AFB1 was shown to be effective in ameliorating the adverse effects of AFB1 on production.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS AND SOME BLOOD PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKS AS AFFECTED BY HOUSING SYSTEM

This current investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of housing system (battery cages versus litter floor) on growth performance, some blood parameters and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total number of 224 unsexed one day old Evian broiler chicks were randomly distributed into two treatment groups (112 per each group). Chicks of the 1st group were raised in cages, while those of the second one were raised on litter floor. The results of the present work could be summarize as follows: broilers reared on litter floor exceeded (P≤0.05 and 0.01) those kept in battery cages in each of body weight, daily body weight gain and feed consumption in most of the studied intervals. Each of feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, some blood parameters and some immunity agents were not significantly changed between broilers kept in batteries and those reared on litter floor. The present work revealed a better performance and an increase in carcass yield of birds reared on floor system, which could be recommended to increase broilers performance under Sharkia Governorate conditions.

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MOLASES SEBAGAI SUMBER ENERGI PAKAN PENGUAT DALAM RANSUM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN TERNAK KELINCI

UTILIZATION EFFECT OF MOLASSES AS ENERGY SOURCE IN THE DIETS ON GROWING RABBIT PERFORMANCE. Molasses had been used previously in animal feeds. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of molasses utilization in the diets on growing rabbits. The study was conducted during five weeks at Department of Animal and Feed Science Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Sam Ratulangi, Manado. Twenty eight-weeks weaned female rabbits with an initial body weight of 600 -700 gr were used in this trial. Animals were allocated in an individual cage. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications was used for analysis of variance. Treatments were formulated as follow: R0 = 100% basal diet + 0% molasses; R1 = 98% basal diet + 2% molasses; R2 = 96% basal diet + 4% molasses; and R3 = 94% basal diet + 6% molasses. Variables measured were daily feed consumption, water consumption, daily gain, and feed conversion. Research results showed that average daily feed consumption in the present study ranged from 58.1 to 60.4 g; daily water consumption from 127.2 to 163.8 liters; daily gain from 20.1 to 20.9 g; and feed conversion ratio of about 3.57 to 3.80. Statistical analysis revealed that utilization of molasses replacing part of basal diets up to 6% gave no significant differences on daily feed consumption, water consumption, daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that molasses as an energy source can be utilized up to 6% in growing rabbit diets without any negative effects. Keywords: Molasses, diets, growing rabbits performance

THE EFFECTS OF SOME PREBIOTIC PRODUCTS (ACTIGEN, BIOTRONIC TOP3) ON THE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION INDICES IN BROILER CHICKENS

The prebiotics are natural or synthetic organic substances that favour the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastro-intestinal tract, thus maintaining the animals healthy and productive and subsequently increasing the production performances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic products (Actigen and Biotronic Top3) on the main production and consumption indices of broilers. The study was conducted on a 75 broiler chicken Ross-308 hybrids divided in three groups, over a period of 42 days. Group 1(E) received combined feeds with the Actigen prebiotic for 42 days as follows: 0.08% in the starter phase (1-14 days), 0.04% in the grower phase (14-35 days) and 0.02% in the finisher phase (35-42 days). The broilers in group 2(E) were administered feeds containing prebiotic Biotronic Top3 (0.1%) for the whole duration of the study. The broilers in the control group were fed the base feed only. The broilers from all groups were weighed at the beginning and every following week; their average body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. The use of the Actigen in experimental group 1(E) led to a body mass increase of 11.26%, to an 11.54% higher daily weight gain and to the reduction of the FCR by 2.31% compared to the control group. In Group 2(E) receiving Biotronic Top3, an increase was recorded for the body mass (9.25%) and daily weight gain (9.49%), the FCR being the same as the one recorded in the control group. These results confirm the favourable influence of prebiotics on the production performances of broiler chickens.

Inclusão do bagaço de licuri na alimentação de codornas de corte na fase inicial e de crescimento

Six hundred day-old quails were subjected to five treatments with diets containing increasing levels of inclusion of licuri expeller (0; 4; 8; 12 and 16%), aiming at assessing the use of such expeller in slaughter quails feeding during both newly hatched and growth stages of development. Daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. A fully randomized design was used, including five treatments and six repetitions, with 20 animals per experimental unit. Regression analysis and Tukey Test at 5% were used. Differences (p< 0.05) between the treatments for all the variables studied in the newly hatched stage were detected; in this very stage, as for daily feed consumption, the highest recorded value relates to the 12% level of inclusion, differing only from the treatment with a 16% level of inclusion. In both studied stages the quadratic effect of the inclusion level of the expeller were detected in all the variables analysed. During the growth stage (22 to 35 days), it was observed that the best value for the feed conversion variable concerns the 16% level of inclusion of the licuri expeller. As for daily weight income, the best result is related to the treatment with 12% inclusion level of the expeller; as for the daily feed consumption variable, the best result is related to 16% inclusion level of the licuri bran expeller.

Effect of Supplementation of Multi Enzymes on Production Performance and Egg Quality Traits in White Leghorn Layers

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Multi-enzymes with lysophospholipids on production performance of pure line White Leghorn layers. Body weights before and after the experiment did not differ significantly across the experimental diets. Irrespective of the dietary treatments, the birds gained 3.83 per cent of live weight relative to its initial body weight. Mean per cent Hen housed egg production was significantly (Pis less than 0.05) higher in diet supplemented with 0.10 MEC-L than other groups. Mean egg weight and average daily feed consumption during 25 to 35 weeks of age indicated no significant effect of enzyme supplementation. Average daily feed consumption per bird in control, 0.05 % and 0.1% multi-enzyme supplemented groups was 108.13, 105.66 and 107.67 g respectively and birds offered control diet recorded numerically more feed intake than enzyme supplemented groups. Comparatively low feed per egg was observed in 0.10 per cent group followed by 0.05 per cent group which offers economic benefits than control diets. However, the egg quality traits between different dietary enzyme supplementation groups showed no significant difference.

PENGGANTIAN SEBAGIAN PAKAN DENGAN TEPUNG LIMBAH SAWI PUTIH (Brassica pekinensia L) TERHADAP PERFORMANS BROILER

THE EFFECT OF PARTLY SUBSTITUTION OF DIET WITH WHITE CHINESE CABBAGE (Brasscia pekinensia L) WASTE PRODUCT ON BIOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKEN The present study was conducted to characterize the effect of white Chinese cabbage (Brasscia pekinensia L) waste product as an alternative feed source for broiler chicken. The experiment was conducted at Faculty of Animal Husbandry’s experimetal station for 21 days using 60 MB-202 broiler chicken. The experiment was started at 21 days of age and terminated at 42 days of age. Birds were allocated to 20 experimental battery cage, 3 birds in each cage. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications was employed to analyze experimental data. Treatment diets were formulated as follow: R0 = 100% basal diet and 0% white Chinese cabbage waste product; R1 = 95% basal diet and 5% white Chinese cabbage waste product; R2 = 90% basal diet and 10% white Chinese cabbage waste product; R3 = 85% basal diet and 15% white Chinese cabbage waste product; and R4 = 80% basal diet and 20% white Chinese cabbage waste product. Parameters measured were: 1) daily feed consumption; 2) daily gain; and 3) feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results of the study during which feed consumption (138,09-141,57g), weight gain (64,95-68,53g), and feed conversion (2,07-2,12). The results showed that partly substitution (up to 20%) of basal diet with white Chinese cabbage waste product gave non significant (P &gt; 0.05) effect on feed consumption, daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicken. It can be concluded that white Chinese cabbage waste product can be used up to 20% feed gives good results on broiler performance. Key Words: Substitution, white Chinese cabbage waste product, broiler performance