Day-old Chicks Research Articles

Effect of Genotype and Holding Duration on Some Post-Hatch Traits of Day-Old Broiler Pure Line Chicks

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of varying holding durations on some post-hatching characteristics of broiler pure line chicks with different selection backgrounds. Fifty d-old chicks from each of 3 dam (A1, A2, A3) and 1 sire (B1) ANADOLU-T broiler pure lines were used. Ten chicks of each genotype were treated with holding durations of 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48-h after hatching. At the end of each holding duration, individual chick weight (g), weight loss (g, %), chick length (mm), wing feather length (mm), rectal temperature (°C), yolk sac weight and percentage (g, %) and yolk-free body mass (g) were determined. Hatching egg weights were similar in A1 (60.9 g), A2 (60.9 g) and B1 (61.1 g) lines, but higher than A3 (59.2 g) (P

Effect of Lincomycin and Butyrate Glycerides Supplementation on Performance, Blood Biochemical Constituents, Immune Response and Nutrient Absorption Related Gene Expression in Broilers

Abstract Over 35 days feeding trial, the effects of lincomycin (LM) and butyrate glycerides (BG) supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemical changes, immune response, and nutrient absorption related gene expression in broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 480 one- day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allotted into 6 groups (8 replicates/group with 10 birds/replicate). Experimental groups were arranged as follows; control group (A) fed the basal diet (BD); B, C, and D groups were fed the BD supplemented with 350, 500 and 1000 g BG/ton of feed respectively. While group E was fed the BD with 350 + 500 + 1000 g BG/ton of feed during starter, grower, and finisher periods, respectively, and finally group F which received lincomycin (LM) antibiotic (100 g/ton) in overall periods. Broilers that received BG in group E (birds supplemented with BG at 350 + 500 + 1000 g/ton feed) and LM (F) supplements both gained more body weight and weight growth (P<0.05). Lower feed intake and improved fcr were observed in all the experimental groups that received either BG or lm compared to control birds (P<0.05). Lower serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) (P<0.05) were recorded in the lm or BG supplemented birds compared to the control. Higher immune response represented by enhanced antibody titer against H9N1, and newcastle disease (ND) and lower hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) was obtained in groups D, E and F (P<0.05) compared to the other groups. Higher gene expression of GSH-Px, Glut 2, PepT1 and FAS was obtained in groups D, E and F (P<0.05) compared to the control. Supplemental BG or LM increased the unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids) while lowered the palmitic acid contents in breast muscle (P<0.05) compared to control. In conclusion, supplementing broilers’ diets with BG or lincomycin improved their growth performance, immune response and muscle fatty acid profile as well as modulatory role in lipid metabolism. Supplementing starter, grower, and finisher broiler diets with BG at 350 + 500 + 1000 g/ton each may be a useful substitute for lincomycin.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND OXIDATIVE STATUS OF BROILER CHICKS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH LYSOLECITHIN

Study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental lysolecithin at different levels on the growth performance of broiler chicks. One hundred and eighty (180) day-old broiler chicks were used for the study. The birds were randomly allotted to five treatment groups of 36 birds each, and assigned to five treatments using a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were as follows: Treatment 1,0g lysolecithin; Treatment 2, 100g lysolecithin/100kg of feed; Treatment 3, 200g lysolecithin/100kg of feed; Treatment 4, 300g lysolecithin/100kg of feed and Treatment 5, 400g lysolecithin/100kg of feed. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 12 birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided to the birds ad libitum. Results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) among the dietary treatments in final body weight, total weight gain and average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake, Feed Conversion Ratio FCR, Protein Efficiency Ratio PER and feed cost per kg gain values of the broiler chicks. Birds fed diets containing lysolecithin had significantly (p < 0.05) higher final body weight, total weight gain and daily weight gain values than those fed the control diet (diet containing 0% lysolecithin). Birds in treatment 2 (diet containing 100g of lysolecithin /100kg of diet) had the highest average daily feed intake value. Birds fed diets containing lysolecithin had similar FCR values and these were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the FCR value of birds fed the control diet. Birds fed diets containing lysolecithin had similar PER values and these were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the PER value of birds fed the control diet. Birds fed diets containing lysolecithin had similar feed cost per kg gain values and these were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the feed cost per kg gain value of birds fed the control diet. It was concluded that the inclusion of lysolecithin as a feed additive in the diet of starter broiler birds improved feed efficiency, growth performance and reduced feed cost per kg weight gain of birds.

Red chili powder dietary supplementation regularized the performance, hematobiochemical indices, oxidative status, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine of aflatoxin B1 exposed broiler chickens.

The effects of red chili powder dietary supplementation on the performance, hematobiochemical indices, oxidative status, and DNA damage in broiler chickens fed aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated diets were studied. Two hundred and forty Cobb 500 breed day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into control group (CONT), 0.5mg/kg AFB1-exposed group (AFTB), 0.5g/kg red chili pericarp powder supplementation alongside the 0.5mg/kg AFB1 exposed group (RCPA), and 0.5g/kg red chili seed powder supplementation alongside the 0.5mg/kg AFB1 exposed group (RCSA). The red chili supplementation, in both pericarp powder and seed powder, positively influenced broiler performance by improving (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, with a reduction in mortality rates compared to the AFTB group. Hematological indices showed that AFB1 exposure decreased (P < 0.05) the red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, but the red chili supplementation mitigated these reductions. Additionally, total white blood cell counts were maintained (P > 0.05) in red chili-supplemented groups compared to CONT. Red chili supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the total protein and globulin concentrations and reduced (P < 0.05) liver enzyme levels compared to the AFTB group. The oxidative enzyme levels in RCPA and RCSA were similar (P > 0.05) to CONT groups. The red chili supplementations counteracted DNA damage, as reflected by similar (P > 0.05) 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels recorded in RCPA, RCSA, and CONT groups levels. These findings suggest that 0.5g/kg red chili supplementation has the potential to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 exposure on broiler chickens, improving their performance and health.

Effect of the use of a probiotic Innoprovet on the growth parameters of broiler chickens (Uzbekistan)

The article was aimed at the effectiveness of using the local probiotic to improve the productivity of broiler chickens. Testing the effect of the drug was carried out on day-old broiler chickens of the cross Ross- 308. 0.5 and 1.5 million of probiotic microorganisms were given with drinking water during the observation period in the first experiment, 100 and 200 million microbic bodies – in the second. The following indicators were taken into account: the safety of the livestock, the live weight of the chickens. According to the results of the experiments, the positive effect of the probiotic (profit 121%) on the productivity of broiler chickens in relation to the chickens of the control group was determined. A priority method of supplying probiotic was established, as well as a possible daily dose of probiotic for broiler chickens (200 million microbial bodies). The safety of the livestock in the groups that received antibiotics and probiotics was 102%, in relation to the control group (1 dead). The probiotic “Innoprovet” prepared by us is effective for increasing the productivity of broiler chickens; it is safe for health and can be used instead of antibiotics in poultry for the prevention of infections.

The effects of improved water quality with zeolite addition and/or water magnetization on broiler performance, meat quality, and immunity

In this study, 120 male day-old Cobb broiler chickens from Kafrelsheikh, Egypt, were divided into four groups to assess the effects of different water treatments on their growth and health. The control group had access to conventional roof-top tank water, while the other groups received magnetic treated water, zeolite treated water, and a combination of both, with changes made every 72 hours based on manufacturer recommendations. This setup aimed to explore the potential benefits of magnetic and zeolite treatments on poultry development and welfare.The study investigates the impact of magnetic and zeolite-treated water on broiler chickens, showing significant physico-chemical and bacteriological changes. Magnetic water increased pH, Ca2+, and Na+ levels, while zeolite and combined treatments notably reduced hardness, ammonia, and turbidity. Magnetic water decreased total and fecal coliform counts, whereas zeolite water excelled in lowering ammonia levels but increased total bacterial counts. Zeolite treatment alone improved final weight and body weight gain in broilers without affecting feed intake or conversion. Carcass traits and meat quality were also influenced, with zeolite-treated groups showing better outcomes in carcass weight and gene expression related to nutrient absorption and growth, suggesting its potential to enhance broiler health and production efficiency.

Humoral, cellular immunity and efficacy of bioreactor propagated and inactivated Fowl adenovirus 8b adjuvanted with Montanide 71VG in broiler chickens

Objectives: The study aimed to inactivate the FAdV isolate (UPM11142P5B1) produced in a biore¬actor and assess the humoral and cellular immunity, efficacy, and virus shedding in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: The isolate was grown in a bioreactor, inactivated using binary ethylene¬imine, adjuvanted with Montanide 71VG, and injected into day-old broiler chickens either with or without booster groups. The following parameters were measured: T lymphocyte profile in the liver, spleen, and thymus; FAdV antibody titer; clinical symptoms; gross and histological alter¬ations in the liver, spleen, and thymus; virus copy number in the liver and cloacal shedding. Results: Compared to the unchallenged control group, booster (BG), and non-booster (NBG), the challenged control group (CCG) had a larger liver: body weight (BW) ratio, milder clinical signs, gross lesions, and histological alterations. They also had a lower BW. At 7, 21, 35, and 42 days post-inoculation (dpi), the NBG and BG exhibited higher antibody levels than the UCG. At 35 dpi, challenged BG and NBG produced more antibodies than CCG. In BG and NBG, T cells were stimu¬lated in the spleen, thymus, and liver. At 35 and 42 dpi, the challenged BG and NBG showed significantly decreased viral copy numbers in the liver and shedding, respectively, along with increased lymphocyte counts. Conclusion: The inactivated UPM11142P5B1 with Montanide 71VG could be a vaccine against FAdV 8b infections in chickens.

Oxidative stability in meat (pectoralis major) of broiler orally supplemented with essential oils of allium sativum, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Lipid oxidation is a normal process in living muscles, but is escalated postmortem due to the loss of inherent antioxidant defense, which causes quality deterioration of meat. This study investigates the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation to the drinking water of broiler chicken on physical properties, antioxidants, and lipid oxidation in Pectoralis major during frozen storage. Two hundred day-old chicks of arbo acre were allocated to five groups; control (T1) and the groups supplemented with: Allium sativum (T2), Curcuma longa (T3), Zingiber officinale (T4) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (T5) at the level of 300ml/L into drinking water throughout a 49-d study. Thereafter, birds were slaughtered and breast meat excised for assessments during a 28-d storage period at 4 °C using standard procedure. The results show that cooking loss of Pectoralis major from T1 birds was not significantly (P > 0.05) different from that of T4, and were significantly higher than those of T2, T3, and T5 birds. Meat from T5 birds showed the lowest drip loss. The results for total antioxidant activity are not similar among sampling days. In general, control group showed inferior values, but T2 and T4 had greater values on days 0 and 28. The rate of lipid peroxidation increased with time; however, EOs administration markedly reduced the peroxidation rates compared to controls. The catalase activity of breast meat was significantly declined from day 14, but was enhanced as an effect of EO consumption especially in group T5 at 21 and 28 d. Supplementation of garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon EOs to broiler chickens increased glutathione peroxidase in breast meat on days 21 and 28, while turmeric EO enhanced superoxide dismutase up to 7 d. In conclusion, EOs are valuable supplements for broiler chickens and potent in enhancing meat quality and prolonging the shelf life.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЛЕЦИТИНСОДЕРЖАЩЕЙ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ НА ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ И КАЧЕСТВО ИНКУБАЦИОННЫХ ЯИЦ ПЛЕМЕННЫХ КУР

The authors found that the inclusion of lecithin-containing feed additive in the diet of breeding hens of the Highsex Brown cross in the amount of 350–500 g/t of feed increases the intensity of egg production by 1.45–1.99%, increases the yield of incubation eggs by 2.21–2.74% and the output of day-old chickens by 1.22–1.65% due to improved metabolic processes, in particular It also strengthens the antioxidant status of birds.

The influence of morphological parameters of incubation eggs on the growth and development of repair young

The purpose of the research was to analyze the influence of morphometric parameters of eggs on the quality of day-old chickens, as well as the growth and development of repair young. The shape index of eggs weighing up to 55 g varied from 0.581 to 0.814, in eggs weighing - from 55g to 65 g from 0.687 to 0.805 units. All the eggs under study, having an optimal weight (55-65 g) in terms of suitability for incubation, were divided into 3 groups depending on the size of the shape index: group 1 – 0.687-0.725; group 2 – 0.726-0.764; group 3 – 0.765-0.805. The live weight of day-old chickens in the first group ranged from 31.81 g to 35.47 g, with a coefficient of variation of 3.5%, and in the second, third and fourth groups from 37.12 g to 42.81 g with a coefficient of variation of 3.8%, 4.1% and 6.2%. The weight of day-old chickens of the second group was significantly higher than in the third and fourth groups by 1.4% and 1.2%, respectively. At the age of 17 weeks, the difference in the live weight of the repair young between the second, third and fourth groups was not significant and ranged from 0.14% to 0.38%, and in average daily increments from 0.05% to 1.16%. The repair young of the first group were significantly inferior to their peers in terms of live weight by 207.48-213.94 g, and in terms of average daily gains - by 15.5-14.5%. The safety of livestock was: group 1 - 89.6%; group 2 - 98.7%; 3 - 97.3; group 4 - 97.5%. The uniformity of poultry by live weight in the groups was 80.2-85.7%.

THE EFFECT OF CHLOROGENIC ACID IN ROBUSTA LAMPUNG GREEN COFFEE EXTRACT (Coffee canephora var Robusta) AS AN ANTIOXIDANT IN LAYER CHICKEN INFECTED WITH Salmonella enteritidis BACTERIA

The poultry industry is crucial in meeting the population's nutritional needs worldwide. However, various bacterial infections have been reported in poultry chickens, decreasing their production rate. Farmers have been using synthetic antibiotic agents to manage these infections, which are costly and have several side effects. One of the most commonly reported bacterial pathogens is Salmonella enteritidis, which causes high mortality and low poultry production. Mortality and illness rates are associated with gastrointestinal diseases caused by suboptimal absorption. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) from robusta lampung green coffee extract on S. enteritidis infected chickens. ISA brown day-old layer chickens were used in this study. A total of sixty chickens were divided into five groups, with each group having 12 replications. The formulated groups were C+ (chicken infected by S. enteritidis 108 CFU/ml), C- (healthy chicken), T1 (chicken infected by S. enteritidis 108 CFU/ml and 500 mg/kg BW (bodyweight) coffee extract), T2 (chicken infected by S. enteritidis 108 CFU/ml and 1000 mg/kg BW coffee extract), T3 (chicken infected by S. enteritidis 108 CFU/ml and 1500 mg/kg BW coffee extract). The Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD levels were measured using BD cell quest ProT programmed through the flow cytometry method. Data of total cells were calculated for their average value and obtained data were statistically analyzed by One Way ANOVA (p&lt;0,5). The results of the study showed that giving coffee extract at a dosage of 500 mg/kg BW to S. enteritidis infected chickens increased the Nrf2 and SOD levels but decreased HO levels. This research showed that Lampung robusta coffee extract could potentially be an anti-inflammatory compound and antioxidant for poultry industries.

EFFECT OF ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

To evaluate the influence of xylanase, phytase, and their combination on broiler growth, nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, and gut morphology. A randomized complete block design was employed for this study. 400 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were dispensed to four treatment bunches with five reproduces per treatment. The birds were haphazardly disseminated among the medicines in light of starting body weight to guarantee homogeneity across gatherings. Broilers supplemented with xylanase and combining xylanase and phytase showed numerically higher average body weights compared to the control and phytase-only groups. However, statistical significance was observed only in the xylanase and combination groups (p &lt; 0.05). The combination of xylanase and phytase demonstrated the lowest FCR, indicating improved feed efficiency compared to other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Xylanase supplementation also resulted in significantly lower FCR than the control (p &lt; 0.05). It is concluded that enzyme supplementation, specifically the combination of xylanase and phytase, significantly enhanced broiler growth, nutrient utilization, and bone health.

Commercial hatchery practices have long-lasting effects on laying hens' spatial behaviour and health.

The commercial hatchery process is globally standardized and exposes billions of day-old layer chicks to stress every year. By alleviating this early stress, on-farm hatching is thought to improve animal welfare, yet little is known about its effects throughout production. This study compared welfare indicators and spatial behaviours during the laying period of hens hatched in an on-farm environment (OFH) to those hatched in a commercial hatchery and transferred at one day-old to a rearing barn (STAN). In particular, we assessed how OFH and TRAN hens differed in space-use and movement behaviours following the transfer to the laying barn at 17 weeks of age, a similar stressor encountered by STAN hens early in life, and determined whether effects aligned more with the 'silver-spoon' or 'environmental matching' hypothesis. We found that for the first three months post-transfer into the laying barn, OFH hens, on average, transitioned less between the aviary's tiers and spent less time on the littered floor. Because OFH hens became behaviourally more similar to STAN hens over time, these results suggest that OFH hens required a prolonged period to establish their daily behavioural patterns. Furthermore, OFH hens had more severe keel bone fractures throughout the laying period but similar feather damage and body mass to STAN hens. No differences were found in hen mortality or the number of eggs per live hen. These findings support the environmental matching hypothesis and suggest that early-life stressors may have prepared hens for later-life stressors, underscoring the importance of both early-life and adult environments in enhancing animal welfare throughout production.

Evaluating Longevity as a Farm Animal Welfare Indicator

In assessing the welfare of dairy cows and laying hens, longevity has recently been introduced as an indicator. This paper presents recent attempts to transfer the normative power of longevity to non-human animals and evaluates this choice systematically. It first shows that the normative power of longevity can be justified by utilitarianism but not by rights-based approaches. The case of the ban to kill day-old chicks in Germany is then used to show that public opinion leans neither to the utilitarian approach nor to the rights-based one but draws a firm line between killing animals before and after reaching an adult age. This may be not so much a desire for longevity among farmed animals but a first sign of empathy that may transform our relationship with farmed animals.

Kinds and Levels of Probiotics for Colored Chicken Breed

Health risk issues caused by antibiotics as growth promoters as well as a change in meat preference to chickens led the exploration for alternatives. The study determined the best kind and level of probiotics to colored chicken in terms of growth performance, carcass quality and economic analysis. One Hundred Sixty Five (165) day-old chicks were randomly distributed into eleven treatments replicated thrice employing RCBD. Comparable performance were observed on colored birds given different probiotics from 10 to 30% levels in terms of growth performance and carcass quality. However, giving the colored birds probiotics at 30% level resulted to a higher cost of feeds to produce a kilogram gain in weight.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Biosecurity Status in Commercial Chicken Farms Found in Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Biosecurity in the poultry refers to a set of practices and measures taken to limit, control, or prevent the introduction and dissemination of infectious diseases in the poultry premises and facilities. Material and Methods: A survey was employed from January 2020 to October 2020 to assess the knowledge and practices of the biosecurity status of 36 commercial chicken farms established in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, by interviewing farm owners using a structured questionnaire. The gathered data was summarized using frequency tables and analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square test and Fischer’s exact value using Stata 14 statistical software. Results and Discussion: From the assessed chicken farms, 25 (69.44%) had previous experience in rearing chickens. Among those owners, 9 (25%) refused to disclose their level of education, and 16 (44.44%) didn’t receive training on chicken farm management. Among the 36 Dire Dawa chicken farms, 24 (66.67%) were located within 0-50 m from the main road and 29 (80.56%) farms were established within 500 m from the nearest farm and 21 (58.33%) placed within 0-20 m from residential areas. (Table 3). 30 (83.33%) participants disclosed their employees didn’t receive training on biosecurity. From the chicken farms assessed, 26 (72.22%) had fences, 32(88.89%) had footbaths at the gate, 27 (75.00%) prohibited the entrance of visitors, 3 (8.33%) didn’t exchange equipment with other farms, each of the 36 (100%) farms didn’t used surface water for drinking or cleaning, 20 (55.56%) stay informed regarding disease outbreak in the area (Table 4). However, only 5 (13.89%) undertook a permanent rodent control strategy. Furthermore, 22 (61.11%) farms were easily accessed by wild birds, each of the 34 (94.44%) farms purchased day-old chicks, feed and shared trucks as well. Among the assessed farms, only 2 (5.56%) had signages to restrict people's access, 7 (19.44%) had isolation room for diseased chickens, 11 (30.56%) farm properly ......

INSTALLATION OF SOLAR-POWERED ELECTRIC WARMERS FOR DOC-BROODING IN BLITAR CHICKEN FARMERS

Community Service (PPM) is held in Sumberejo Village, Sanankulon District, Blitar Regency. Chicken farmers face several challenges related to heating their chicken coops, including restrictions on using subsidized fuel or LPG, which force them to seek other heating alternatives. Leaks in heating systems that use LPG, which pose a fire hazard. Poor air quality and low oxygen levels in coops that use conventional heating methods (firewood and LPG). These challenges can contribute to the decline in the quality of Day-Old Chicks (DOC). This activity aims to install an electric warmer system that produces a safe and comfortable temperature for Day-Old Chicks (DOC) and is easy to use for breeders. In addition, build an independent energy source to run the heat treatment system equipment in the DOC-Brooding area with a solar panel installation. The installed 600 Wp PLTS system consists of 4 solar panels with a capacity of 150 Wp each, an 850 VA hybrid inverter and 100 Ah VRLA battery. Electrical energy from PLTS can power a 200 W electric warmer. The solar panel installations can produce an average of 3.6 kWh of electrical energy/day. So that the electricity savings from PLN can reach IDR. 162000 per month.

Evaluation of performances and selection response of three indigenous chicken genotypes at seventh-generation

The present study was conducted to assessed the performances of three native chicken genotypes under intensive management. A total of 1042 day-old chicks comprising of 3 types of chicken, namely Naked Neck (NN-381), Hilly (HI-313), and Non-descript Deshi (ND-348), were Hatched for this study. The seventh generation, selection was practiced at 40 weeks of age according to 40-week body weight (BW), egg production (EP) up to 40-week, egg weight (EW) at 40 weeks, and age at maturity (ASM). The data were analyzed in a CRD. Day-old chick weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.001) highest in HI (32.52 ± 0.32 g). Significant (P &lt; 0.001) body weight differences among the genotypes were observed at the 12th week of age. Genotype had a significant effect on chick mortality. The average age at the first egg of ND 145.54days was 8.81 days earlier than that of HI 154.35days. Hatchability on fertile eggs differed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) among the genotypes. The percentage of dead germ was affected (P &lt; 0.001) by genotype. Feed consumption from 9 to 16 weeks showed a significant (P &lt; 0.001) variation in feed intake among the native chicken genotypes. EP of ND, HI, and NN birds were expected to increase by 0.875, 1.585, and 0.255 %, respectively. The EW of ND, HI, and NN birds were expected to increase by 0.205, 0.250, and 0.015g, respectively. Responses to selection for EP and EW for three genotypes (ND, HI, and NN) were expected to be positive (increase). It is concluded that the Hilly genotype may be chosen for meat production and the Non-descript Deshi genotype for egg production.

Physiological Responses in Broiler Chickens Administered Lycopene During the Hot-Dry Season

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of lycopene administration on body weight, mortality, cloacal temperature, and haematological responses, in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. 40 day-old broiler chicks were divided into control and lycopene groups, 20 chickens each. Each bird in the control group received olive oil (1 ml.kg−1), and lycopene at 10 mg.kg−1 mixed with olive oil was given to each bird in the lycopene group by oral gavage once daily for 28 days. The dry- and wet-bulb temperature of the broiler chickens’ pen was recorded three times daily from days 8 to 28. The body weights were measured weekly. The incidence of mortality was recorded. The cloacal temperatures were measured on days 14, 21 and 28. The blood samples were collected for haematological analyses, on day 28. The results indicated a high overall temperature-humidity index (31.24 ± 0.43 oC) of the thermal micro-environment of the broiler chickens. There was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in body weight. The percentage mortality in the control group was relatively higher compared to the lycopene group. Lycopene reduced the cloacal temperature responses and the daily fluctuations in broiler chickens. The decreased (P &lt; 0.05) heterophil:lymphocyte ratio and percentage erythrocytes haemolysis were recorded in the lycopene group. In conclusion, lycopene administration reduced mortality and improved cloacal temperature and haematological responses without exerting any significant beneficial or negative effects on the body weight in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress.

Effect of Dietary Fumaric Acid on Growth Performance and some Biochemical Parameters in Broiler

The aim of this research work is evaluate effect of supplementation different levels of fumaric acid at two different times on productive performance and several serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 360 (day-old) chicks were used for 35 days. Chicks were randomly distributed among five treatments, each treatment included three replicates (24 chicks /replicate). Experimental treatments included fumaric acid 0, 1, 1.5 g / kg feed, which was presented to the birds in two stages, the first at the age of 10 days, the second at the age of 20 days in the diet. The results showed that the treatments added to fumaric recorded a significant increase in body weight, weight gain, and the amount of feed ingested. And there were no significant differences in the feed conversion factor, and the biochemical parameters showed that fumaric intake reduces glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood of birds. It did not show an effect of the time of addition.