Deep Litter System Research Articles

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production Effect of generational differences, housing systems and seasonal variations on the reproductive performance of rabbits raised in humid tropics

Reproductive data from 24 does (Chinchilla X New Zealand White) of twenty weeks, were analyzed to determine the effect of generation, housing systems and season on the reproductive performance of rabbits raised in the humid tropics. The experiment was carried out during four seasons namely: early dry season (EDS-September to November), late dry season (LDS-December to February), early rainy season (ERS-March to May) and late rainy season (LRS-June to August). The study was repeated in the second generation and the data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2x2x4 factorial arrangement. Factors considered were generations, housing systems, and seasons respectively. Highest breeding efficiency of 83.33% was obtained in the first generation and maximum litter size at birth (35) and weaning (28) were observed in caged-does that kindled in EDS of first and second generations respectively, while does housed on deep litter system produced the smallest litter size at birth (24) and weaning (18) in the ERS of the second generation. Highest (12) and least (4) pre-weaning losses were recorded in caged-does that kindled in ERS of the first and second generation respectively, whereas highest average birth weight (120.58g) was observed in litters of deep litter-does that kindled in EDS of the second generation. These results indicated that the production of rabbits for breeding purposes is better achieved during early dry season (September-November) and also revealed that deep litter system allows satisfactory performance and has comparative advantage over wooden cage system considering the reduction in housing cost and can be used to improve the nutritional status of the family and also to obtain some supplementary income.

Evaluation of three-way cross ‘jharsim’ variety of chicken under different system of management

The present research work was conducted on 600 day old Jharsim chicks to evaluate the performance of Jharsim poultry under different system of management. The average value of day old Jharsim birds was 31.27 g. Significant effect of body weight and body weight gain at various stages of growth was observed under different condition of management. The overall average body weight in deep litter system of management was 1547.55±8.69 g at 20 weeks of age. The corresponding values for semi-intensive and backyard system were 1462.95±3.86 and 1207±10.42 g respectively. The average monthly body weight gain under deep litter system was 605.60±7.25 at 16th- 20th weeks of age. The corresponding values for semi-intensive and backyard system of management were 406.6±5.80 g and 280±4.67 g respectively. Feed consumption was observed to be significantly higher in deep litter system than semiintensive system of management. Significant effect of different carcass traits was observed under different systems of management.

Effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from two production systems on dry matter yield, and nutritive value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum)

The experiment was conducted at screen house of Centre for Dry land Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, in the year 2016. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from battery cage and deep litter systems on dry matter yield, morphological characteristics and forage quality of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum). Sorghum almum seeds were sown in 32 plastic containers (dimensions 26 cm height, 28 cm top width and 20cm base width) perforated at the bottom containing 12 kg mixture of sandy and loamy soil in ratio of 1:3. The treatments consisted of poultry manure from two production systems (Battery cage and Deep litter) and nitrogen rates (50, 60, 70 and 80kgN/ha) in a 2×4 factorial combined in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured were dry matter yield, number of tillers and stem diameter at the late boot stage of Sorghum almum, in addition, forage quality parameters (CP, ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter (DDM) dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight (DMI) and relative feed value (RFV)) were also evaluated. The results revealed no significant (p>0.05) difference between battery cage and deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum but deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum had numerically higher dry matter yield (5062.30 kg/ha) than battery cage (4400.40 kg/ha) Number of tillers and stem diameter were found to be significantly greater (p<0.05) in Deep litter (2.56 and 5.70mm respectively) compared to Battery cage (1.13 and 5.08mm respectively). Both dry matter yield and stem diameter of Sorghum almum were significantly (p<0.05) highest at 80 kg N/ha. Crude protein was observed to be significant (p<0.05) in Sorghum almum fertilized with poultry manure from deep litter (11.35 %) compared with battery cage (10.05 %). The CP value was observed to increase with increased nitrogen rate with the highest value recorded at 80 kg N/ha (11.11 %). Dry matter intake (as a percentage of body weight) was equally greater (p<0.05) in Sorghum almum fertilized with deep litter (2.63%) compared to battery cage (2.49%). The value for NDF was significantly higher in sorghum almum fertilized with battery cage, while that of ADF was greater in deep litter. it can be concluded that, Sorghum almum fertilized with manure from deep litter system produced better yield and nutritive value.

The effects of plastic slatted floor and a deep- litter system on the growth performance of hybrid Pekin ducks.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of plastic slatted floors and a deep-litter system using wood shavings on the growth performance of current commercial hybrid Pekin ducks. A total of 96 Pekin ducks (Star 53) were reared for 42 d. Live weight, live-weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, water consumption, and water feed consumption ratio were investigated as the performance criteria. With the use of plastic slatted floors, the feed conversion rate dropped and the water feed consumption ratio showed an incline (). This is a very favourable result for the poultry industry and growers. The remaining parameters did not change by altering the ground system (). Generally, it can be stated that plastic slatted floor use has advantages concerning the performance criteria of the feed consumption ratio and the water feed consumption ratio in comparison to the deep-litter system. Furthermore, improvement in the feed conversion ratio is known to benefit the overall performance of poultry as well as having a positive economic impact. It should also be noted that as the birds grew, they were visually less stained, which is another important factor determining feather quality. However, this should be further investigated in future research.

The efficiency of natural-ecofriendly clay filters on water purification for improving performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background:Innovative water treatments and purification processes have become a point of interest to provide solutions and meet the basic water requirements and demands. Clay plays a key role in environmental protection from pollutants through ion exchange and/or adsorption.Aim:The study evaluated the adsorption and antimicrobial efficiency of clay in purifying polluted water, as well as the influence of clay-purified water on performance, immunity, and microbial counts.Methods:The experimented 280 one-day-old Hubbard broilers were divided into seven groups on a deep litter system. Polluted water (lead nitrate; 500 mg/l, calcium sulfate; 80 mg/l, yeast extract 5%; 5 mg/l, diazinon; 2.5 ml/l, Salmonella Typhimurium; 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml, and Eimeria tenella; 1 × 105 OPG/ml) was filtered using plastic basins of 1 m3 supplied with 60 cm layer of clay. Broiler groups (G1 to G6) were supplied with clay-filtered and G7 with control tape water. A total of 2,182 samples, including 54 water samples, 266 sera, 266 duodenal swabs, 266 breast muscles, 266 fecal samples, and 1,064 organs including liver, spleen, heart, and bursa of Fabricius were collected.Results:Weight gains, performance indices, water intakes, water/feed intake ratios, live body weights, carcasses weights, edible and immune organs’ weights, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Meanwhile, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, cortisol hormone, total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts, total Salmonella counts, and E. tenella counts revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) declines in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group.Conclusion:Clay filters provided high filtration, adsorption, and antimicrobial efficiency against polluted water, enhanced water quality, and improved performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Growth, feed conversion ratio and nutrient Metabolizability of broiler chicks fed on inorganic, organic and nano zinc supplemented diets

The present study was planned to investigate the possible effects on the growth, feed conversion ratio and nutrient metabolizability of broiler chickens when supplemented with different sources of zinc. One hundred and sixty day-old broiler birds were equally and randomly distributed into four treatment (T1, T2, T3 and T4) groups which subdivided into four replicates containing ten birds in each, reared on deep litter system up to 6 weeks of age. T1 group was kept as control and offered maize-soybean meal based diet without any source of zinc in mineral mixture. Treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with inorganic zinc, organic zinc and nano zinc, respectively. Nano zinc oxide fed groups had significantly (P< 0.05) higher average feed intake as compared with control group. Average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in T4 group were significantly (P

The Effect of Quantitative Feed Restriction Duration on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

The growth productivity of broilers is influenced by improving growth performance through improving body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion rate. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction duration on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks were reared in a deep litter system until slaughter at 42 days. Chicks were randomly allocated to three treatments which were replicated three times with 16 birds per replicate. The three treatments were the control (T1), one week of feed restriction (T2), and two weeks of feed restriction (T3). Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. Carcass weight and internal organs weights were measured. The body weight gained by the birds in T1 was similar to the birds that were restricted for a week. The treatments had a significant effect on the average daily gain in weeks 4, 5, and 6. The ADG for T2 was higher (P ad libitum at week 4 at the start of the treatment. There was no significant effect on the relative weights of heart weights, liver, gizzard, feet, and heads among the treatment groups except for intestine weight which was lower (P

Performance, nutrient digestibility and cost evaluation of raw and roasted Afzelia africana seed meal fed finisher broiler chicks

Ninety-nine, 28 day-old broilers were used to investigate the effect of raw and roasted Afzelia Africana seed meal (AASM) on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention and cost of broiler production under deep litter system of management for 35 days in the finisher phase. The birds were allotted to three treatments with 33 birds. Each treatment was replicated three times (11 birds per replicate). The data collected were feed intake and body weight gain. Protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and apparent nutrient digestibility were also calculated. The results obtained revealed that chicks fed control (A) diet were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in weight gain and feed intake than others. Superior (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), daily feed cost and feed cost per kg weight gain were obtained in roasted dehulled AASM(C) diet when compared to the control and raw AASM diets. The apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, nitrogen free extract and nitrogen retention of roasted diet compared favourably with that of the control diet. The row AASM (B) diet depressed performance and nutrient retention values. The cost per kg diet and cost per live weight gain reduced significantly (P&lt;P.05) in AASM based diets when compared to the control diet. However, the control diet significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the revenue generated and gross profit when compared to AASM based diets. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that higher levels of roasted AASM may have some benefits.

Haematology and serum profile of rabbits due to generation interval, housing systems and sex

A total of ninety-six (96) weaner rabbits (Chinchilla and New Zealand White crossbred) were use for this study and were divided into forty-eight (48) per generation. These fortyeight weaner rabbits were further divided into three replicates of four males (12) and four females each (12) housed in cage (24) and deep litter system (24).This experiment was carried out for two generations to determine the effect of generation interval, housing systems and sex on the haematological and serum profile of rabbits. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance test in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. The study showed that Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin (HB) were not significant in both generations while higher significant(p&lt;0.05) values of albumin were observed in first generation and white blood cells (WBC), globulin, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were significantly higher in the second generation. Sex had no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect on most of the biochemical parameters studied except for RBC and glucose which had 4.12 x1012/L and 69.23 mg/dl, for males and 3. 8 x1012/L and 78.78mg/dl for females, respectively in the second generation. In addition, the AST and ALT values were also higher in the females than in the males in the first generation but with no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference. Housing system result showed that WBC (6.29 x109/L) and glucose (78.35 mg/dl) of rabbits were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased in the cage and deep litter system, respectively in the first generation while total serum protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in rabbits housed in the deep litter system in the second generation. Higher values were recorded for AST and ALT in the deep litter system than the cage system in both generations except that the values of ALT were within the same range for both housing systems in the second generation. This study clearly indicated that both housing systems support rabbit production without any negative influence on the immune status of the rabbit.

Serbest Dolaşımlı (Free Range) ve Derin Altlık Barındırma Sisteminin Yavaş ve Hızlı Gelişen Etlik Piliçlerde Büyüme Performansı ve Ekonomik Verimlilik Üzerine Etkisi

Bu çalışma, serbest dolaşımlı (free-range) barındırma sisteminin yavaş ve hızlı gelişen etlik piliçlerde büyüme performansı ve ekonomik verimlilik üzerine etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada yavaş ve hızlı gelişen iki ayrı etlik piliç genotipi ile serbest dolaşımlı (free range) ve geleneksel derin altlık zemin sistemi olmak üzere dört ana grup yer almış (2x2) ve her ana grup 5 tekrarlı gruptan oluşmuştur. Her tekrarlı grupta 10 adet civciv olmak üzere çalışmada toplamda 200 adet günlük yaşta erkek civciv kullanılmış, gruplarda canlı ağırlık, yem tüketimi ve ölenler kaydedilmiş, değişken giderler ve bu giderlerin toplam içindeki payları belirlenmiş, brüt kar ve karlılık oranı hesaplanmıştır. Araştırma sonu (56 günlük yaş) canlı ağırlık (P

Effect of sex, polydactylism and rearing system on carcass parameters of Fulani- ecotype chickens in Southwestern Nigeria

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of sex, Polydactylism and rearing system on carcass parameters of Fulani-ecotype chickens. Thirty chickens (15 males and 15 females) were randomly selected at 16 weeks old for carcass evaluation from population of the intensively (deep litter and cage system of management) kept Fulani eco-type chicken and were used for determining carcass characteristics such as Live weight, dressed weight, eviscerated weight, breast weight, Proventriculus weight, gizzard weight, liver weight, lung weight, spleen weight, bile weight, pancreas weight, heart weight, wing weight, shank weight, drumstick weight, thigh weight, head weight, neck weight, back weight. Data generated from the carcass parameters were subjected to least squares means using SAS 9.2 version 2008. Result showed that sex and polydactyly were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) on all the carcass parameters measured except the organs. Birds kept in deep litter system had higher least squares means values than ones in cage system of management. This study revealed the effect of sex, polydactylism and rearing system on various carcass characteristics of Fulani ecotype chickens.

Effect of feed supplementation through turmeric and Tulsi leaves on growth of broiler chicks in deep litter system

The experiment was conducted at the livestock production and management unit, faculty of agriculture. MGCGV Chitrakoot – Satna ( M.P.). To complete the research work following steps were followed. Day old 75 broiler chicks (DOC) of same hatch were produced and reared in of Deep litter system. The chicks were weighed, leg banded and distributed randomly into five groups of 15 chicks each as treatment. Chicks of each treatment were further divided into three sub groups of five chicks in each in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Chicks of each sub group were accommodated comfortably in deep letter system providing 1 sq. ft./ chick. Chicks were fed standard starter ration upto 3 weeks age (1 to 21 days) and then broiler finisher ration upto 3-4 weeks (22-28 days). An experiment was conducted with DOC to 75 broilers chicks divided into five groups T0, T1,T2 and T4 which were supplemented with turmeric and Tulsi leaves powder @ 1.0g, 2.0g, 3.0g and 4.0g/kg of broiler ration, respectively. Weekly observations were recorded for live body weight, weekly gain in weight, weekly feed consumption and feed conversion of broiler for four weeks. Based on the results of the experiment, it may be concluded that feed supplementation with turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder influenced the body weight, gain in body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency of broiler chicks. Based on the result of the experiment, it may be concluded that feed supplementation with turmeric + Tulsi leaves powder influenced body weight, gain in body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency of broiler chicks. Based on feed intake and feed efficiency, the best performance of broilers was obtained with feed supplementation of 3g turmeric + 3g Tulsi powder per kg of standard ration (T3), followed by 4g turmeric + 4g Tulsi leaf powder (T4). Treatment T3 was economically superior over all other treatments and control.

EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH CASSAVA LEAF SIEVATE MEAL ON GROWTH, HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM INDICES OF BROILER CHICKS

The study was carried out to examine effect of replacing maize with cassava leaf sievate meal on growth, haematological and serum indices of broiler chicks. In the study, 288 day old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to experimental diets (starter and finisher) cassava sievate-leaf meal (CSLM) based diets with the CSLM as replacement for maize. The trial lasted eight (8) weeks; and also four (4) diets each were compounded for starter and finisher phases in which CSLM replaced maize (0, 15, 30 and 45%). The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous based on the age birds. The chicks were raised on deep litter system with stand health and management practices to evaluate growth performance, haemotogical and serum indices. Test feed stuffs, diets and blood samples and all data collected were also analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The proximate composition of feed stuffs revealed that cassava sievate meal (CSM) had 2.34% crude protein (CP), while the values for cassava leaf meal CLM and CSLM were 19.45% and 8.50, respectively; and the highest nitrogen free extract (NFE) (87.09%) was recorded for CSM. The starter and finisher diets had recommended levels of energy (2800 Kcal/kg -3000 Kcal/kg) and crude protein (19-22%). Daily feed intake compared (P≤0.05) in T1 – T4­­, the best daily weight gain (38.569) was recorded for T1 and compared with T­2. Utilization of feeds reduced with increased level of CSLM; and highest pack cell value (PCV) 24.34% was recorded for T4 while other haemotological factors were significantly (P≤0.05) varied. Serum creatinine and Cholestrol were elevated at T4. The study concluded that CSLM can be utilized by broiler chicks up to 45% as replacement for maize without any adverse effect. It was therefore, recommended that poultry farmers should adopt 30% CLSM inclusion in the diet of growing broiler for efficient growth and good body health.

Genotypic and 20-week body weight effects on full sexual maturity traits of parent stock layers raised in commercial deep-litter system

Abstract The influence of genotype (GTY) and 20-week body weight (PW20) on full-sexual maturity (FSM) productivity and hatching traits were investigated on two parent-stock layers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were obtained on twenty-two batches of BOVAN NERA (BN) and ISA BROWN layers (IB) each, between 2009-2019, from a breeding company in Ibadan. These were grouped based on strain and 20-week body weight. Experimental design was randomized block design (RBD). Data were subjected to general linear model (GLM) factorial and Tukey’s HSD, α=0.05, procedures of Statistical Analytical Systems® (SAS, 2002) software. BN had better pullet weight (P&lt;0.05, ds=0.88), while IB possessed higher hen-day egg production, persistency of egg production and pullet day-old chicks hatched (P&lt;0.05, ds=-0.86 to -1.44) at FSM. The 20-week low weight birds required intensive skillful management for compensatory weight-gain to FSM, while egg weight was higher in 20-week high weight class at full maturity (P&lt;0.05, ds=0.06 to -1.19). Genotype by 20-week pullet-weight interaction revealed better genetics of BN genotype on compensatory growth between 20th week and FSM, and on PFM (P&lt;0.05, ds=0.24 to 1.62). The better HDF and P80 (P&lt;0.05, ds= -1.73, -1.61) of medium weight IB genotype signals its genetic ability for higher percent day-old chicks production (P&gt;0.05, ds= -0.72 to -1.11).

Investigation into the Effects of Watering Device on Micro-Climate and Some Performance Parameters of Broilers Raised On Deep Litter System

Investigation into the Effects of Watering Device on Micro-Climate and Some Performance Parameters of Broilers Raised On Deep Litter System

Growth performance, haematological and biochemical parameters in broilers fed diets with varying levels of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal

Abstract Growing concern about the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal diets and their health effects on consumers of poultry products has made it necessary to search for suitable alternative growth-promoting agents, in particular medicinal plants. Aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on haematological and biochemical parameters and growth performance of broilers chickens. Four hundred and eighty (480) day-old Cobb chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatment diets: a basal diet (V0) (control group with 0% of VALM); basal diets with 1 (V1), 2 (V2) and 3% VALM (V3) having 4 replicates of 30 birds each in a completely randomised design. Birds were managed conventionally on a deep litter system for a period of 6 weeks. Data on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and blood parameters were collected. In birds of the V2 and V3 groups feed intake was significantly lower (PÂ =Â 0.012) than in group V0. In chickens of the groups V0 and V1 the feed conversion ratio was similar but significantly higher than in groups V2 and V3. Final body weights and weight gain were significantly (PÂ =Â 0.008) higher in the birds of the V2 group compared with chickens of the other treatment groups. Also, the weights in groups V0 and V1 were lower than in group V3. Except for packed cell volume and white blood cells, the results showed no differences between the groups in the other haematological parameters measured. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were lower in the birds offered VALM than in the control group. However, there was no difference in total protein but the values of albumin were higher (PÂ =Â 0.002) with VALM application, especially in birds of the V2 group. It can be concluded that supplementation with VALM at a dose of 2% improved growth performance and haematological and biochemical parameters in broilers.

Growth Performance, Caeca Microbial Population and Immune Response of Starter Broiler Chicks Fed Aqueous Extract of Balanites Aegyptiaca and Alchornea Cordifolia Stem Bark Mixture

A total of Two hundred and fifty (250), 1-day old (Cobb) broiler chicks with mixed sex were used to evaluate the the growth performance, caeca microbial population and immune response of starter broiler chicks fed aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca and Alchornea cordifolia stem bark mixture (BACM). Birds were reared on a deep litter system and randomly divided into five treatment with five replicates consisting of 10 birds each in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 (T1) were given basal diet + 0 % BACM, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were fed 20, 40, 60 and 80 ml/liter BACM respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 during which clean feed and water were offered ad libitum. The results obtained revealed that the average weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were influenced by the dietary treatments (P&lt;0.05). Birds in T5 had the highest AWG and FCR (1159.3 g, 1.57) followed by T4 (1070.2 g, 1.70), T3 (1047.4 g, 1.74), T2 (981.1 g, 1.86) and T1 (850.7 g, 2.14) respectively. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) ,malonyldialdehyde (MLA) and antibody titres against Newcastle and gumboro disease were significantly affected by BACM (P&lt;0.05). Caeca microbial population of Escherichia coli and Lactobacilli were significantly different among the treatments (P&lt;0.05). E. coli count in T1 were higher compared to other treatments (P&lt;0.05), Lactobacilli population increased in T2, T3, T4 and T5 compared to T1. It was concluded that BACM can be fed to broiler chicks at 80 ml/litre without any negetive effect on the performance and immune response of birds.

Response of Black and White Plumage Strains of Commercial Cocks to Feed Restriction at Different Ages raised on Deep Litter System

Response of Black and White Plumage Strains of Commercial Cocks to Feed Restriction at Different Ages raised on Deep Litter System

Effect of multienzymes + probiotic supplementation in fermented shea butter cake based diets on the carcass traits and the biochemistry of broiler chickens

Abstract. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multienzyme+probiotic (MEP) supplementation on carcass characteristics and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens fed fermented shea butter cake meal (FSBCM) based diets. A total of two hundred and sixty (260), 28-day-old broiler chicks were distributed into four treatments, with five replicates of 13 birds each using a completely randomized design and reared on deep litter system from 28 to 56 days of age. The four treatments were: positive control – T1 (corn-soybean based diet); negative control – T2 (20% FSBCM replacement for corn in T1); diet 3 – T3 (T2 diet + 0.05% MEP) and diet 4 – T4 (T2 diet + 0.10% MEP). On day 56, two birds per each pen were selected for carcass and organ evaluation and other two birds per replicate were selected for serum biochemical analysis. The results indicated that addition of MEP to FSBCM diet caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in live weight, dressing percentage and breast meat yield than FSBCM diet without MEP and did not differ from the T1 diet. The abdominal fat in birds fed MEP treated diets were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower than those groups fed PC and FSBCM diets. Serum glucose was similar (p&gt;0.05) between birds fed PC and MEP treated diets but significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than those on FSBCM diet, whereas serum cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05) in groups fed MEP supplemented FSBCM diets. All other parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected by the MEP supplementation. Therefore, MEP supplementation in FSBCM based diet improved live weights and carcass attributes without any detrimental effect on blood composition of the broiler chickens.

Complex toxin binder mycotox® ng influence on the hepatotoxic effect of aflatoxin B1 in experimental treated goslings

Abstarct. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin B1 and Mycotox NG applied either independently or together, on blood total protein, albumin, blood glucose, total bilirubin, triglycerides, cholesterol, enzyme activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and changes in liver morphology. At the same time, the potential of supplementation of feed with a mycosorbent (Mycotox NG) was evaluated. Experiments were carried out with 40 1-day-old Toulouse geese from mixed sexes divided into one control and three treatment groups (n=10). Groups were as followed: Group I – control (0 mg/kg AFB1 not supplemented with Mycotox NG); Group II (0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG), Group III (0.5 mg/kg AFB1) and Group IV (0.5 mg/kg AFB1 and 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG). In this study, commercially available geese of Toulouse strain were reared from day one to forty two days in the deep litter system of management and the birds were divided into four groups. Normal feed tested free of aflatoxin (AFB1), was given to the control (Group – 1). 0.5 g/kg Mycotox was supplemented with the feed to Group 2, Aflatoxin (0.5 mg/kg feed) was supplemented with the feed to Group 3 and Mycotox Ng (0.5 g/kg feed) + 0.5 mg/kg feed AFB1 was supplemented with the feed to Group 4. The duration of the experiments was 42 days. The monitored blood chemical parameters were analysed on post treatment days 21 and 42. In birds treated only with AFB1, (group III) increased blood activities of studied enzymes. At the same time, blood total protein, albumin, cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides were reduced as compared to controls. The observed histopathological changes in the liver consisted in various extent of dystrophy (congestion, vacuolar and granular dystrophy, round cell proliferation, necrobiotic changes, hyperplasia of gallbladder epithelium). The addition of mycosorbent (Mycotox NG) to the feed of Groups IV reduced substantially the changes in blood chemistry and the severity and frequency of liver histological lesions. The addition of mycosorbent (Mycotox NG) to the feed of Groups IV reduced substantially the changes in blood chemistry and the severity and frequency of liver histological lesions.