Dry Matter Metabolizability Research Articles

Production performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometry and serum biochemistry in dual purpose chicken fed diet incorporated withrice distillers grain with soluble

This study investigated the effects of rice distillers grains with solubles (rDDGS) on growth performance, production efficiency, carcass characteristics, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of dual purpose chicken (Kuroiler). Four diets were formulated with graded levels of rDDGS (0, 10, 14 and 18%). Each diet was allocated to 5 replicates with 10 birds in each at random. With the exception of 21 days, there was no difference in body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatment groups. The dietary levels of rDDGS had no effect on serum biochemical parameters. Dietary level of 14% rDDGS significantly increased dressing yield and thigh and drumstick percentage. The metabolizability of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract and organic matter was similar among the experimental groups. The addition of rDDGS had no negative effects on jejunum histo-morphometry. In the 18% rDDGS fed group, profit per kg live weight was comparatively higher. In conclusion, rDDGS may be added to dual-purpose chicken diets safely up to an 18% inclusion level as a substitute protein source for profitable production.

Effect of supplementation of Arjuna bark powder (Terminalia arjuna) as herbal feed additive on dry matter metabolizability, retention of nitrogen and comparative economics of broiler chicks in arid region of Rajasthan

Effect of supplementation of Arjuna bark powder (Terminalia arjuna) as herbal feed additive on dry matter metabolizability, retention of nitrogen and comparative economics of broiler chicks in arid region of Rajasthan

Efeito do tamanho de partícula da farinha de ostras e relações cálcio: fósforo em dietas para frangos de corte

ABSTRACT: The effects of Ca:P total ratio and particle size of oyster shell meal (OSM) were evaluated in broiler diets. In Experiment 1, 800 broilers (22-42 days old) were distributed in a 2×2 factorial design, with two Ca:P ratios (1.7 and 2.0:1) and two OSM particle sizes (coarse = 1,354 µm and fine = 428 µm), totaling four treatments with 10 repetitions with 20 broilers. Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. In Experiment 2, 1,280 broilers were distributed in a 2×2×2 factorial design (1.7 and 2.0:1 Ca:P ratios; coarse and fine OSM; male and female broilers), with eight treatments and 16 repetitions with 10 broilers. Apparent metabolizability of dry matter, Ca, P, and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), as well as bone resistance, bone weight, ash, Ca, and P content in the tibia were assessed. Growth performance was not affected (P > 0.05). Coarse OSM increased tibia Ca content in male broilers (P < 0.001), and higher Ca:P ratio improved bone ash and bone resistance in both sexes (P < 0.001), but reduced P content in male broilers (P < 0.05); male broilers displayed heavier bones with higher ash content than females (P < 0.05). Metabolizability of Ca was improved with coarse OSM (P < 0.05); whereas metabolizability of DM, P, and AME was not affected (P > 0.05). In conclusion, diets with a Ca:P total ratio of 2.0:1 containing coarser OSM improved bone mineral composition, particularly in male broilers, and coarse OSM improved the metabolizability of Ca in broilers regardless of the Ca:P total ratio or broiler sex.

The Impact of Bacillus subtilis PB6 and Chromium Propionate on the Performance, Egg Quality and Nutrient Metabolizability of Layer Breeders.

Simple SummaryEnvironmental conditions can generate heat stress in poultry production. Feed additives have been supplemented in diets for layers and broilers to improve their health status, immune system and nutrition, as well as productive performance. This paper shows the effects of probiotic Bacillus subtilis PB6 and chromium propionate diet supplementation on productive parameters, egg and eggshell quality, excreta moisture, cortisol and serum biochemistry of laying breeder hens. Diets supplemented with Bacillus subtilis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two resulted in improved egg production, feed conversion ratio, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability, without modifying the main serum biochemical parameters of hens from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Highlighted improvements in hen performance and eggshell quality were observed when hens were fed diets supplemented with a combination of the probiotic and chromium. This study expands our understanding concerning the combined supplementation of probiotics and organic chromium for poultry.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bacillus subtillis PB6, chromium propionate or a combination of the two on the performance, egg and eggshell quality, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of layer breeders. White Plymouth Rock and Red Rhodes Island breeder hens at 55 weeks of age were allocated in individual cages using a completely randomized block design with 16 replicates. Hens were fed control, control + probiotic (500 g/ton of Bacillus subtilis PB6), control + CrProp (50 g/ton of chromium propionate) and control + probiotic + CrProp diets from 55 to 70 weeks of age. Productive parameters and eggshell quality as well as cortisol and blood biochemistry were grouped each 28 d as well as for the overall period. The metabolizability of nutrients and energy was determined at 70 weeks of age. In the overall period, hens fed the control + probiotic or control + probiotic + CrProp diets had significantly higher egg production, egg mass, shell percentage, thickness and shell strength. The metabolizability of dry matter, nitrogen and energy increased in hens that were fed the control + probiotic + CrProp diet. In conclusion, diets supplemented with Bacillus subtillis PB6 and chromium propionate resulted in improved productive performance, eggshell quality and nutrient metabolizability of layer breeders, without modifying serum cortisol, albumin and triglycerides.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Protected Sodium Butyrate on the Digestibility and Intestinal Histomorphometry of Commercial Laying Hens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of protected sodium butyrate (PSB) on the intestinal development and feed nutrient metabolizability of commercial laying hens. The birds started to receive the treatment rations at 58 weeks of age. At 76 weeks of age the laying hens were distributed in a randomized block design to four treatments (0, 105, 210 and 300 g t-1/PSB), six replicates, and two birds/replicate. The nitrogen balance (NB), ether extract balance (EEB), dry matter metabolizability coefficient, nitrogen, ether extract, ash, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and AME corrected by nitrogen (AMEn) were evaluated. For assessment of intestinal development, we evaluated the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colorectal lengths, the relative intestine weight and villus height, crypt depth, and villus:crypt ratio of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. A decreasing linear effect was observed in the duodenum length, while an increasing linear effect was observed in the height of the duodenum and jejunum villi. A quadratic effect was found in the jejunum crypt depth. A linear increasing effect was found on the villus:crypt ratio of the duodenum and jejunum, and a quadratic effect was observed in the ileum. Quadratic and increasing linear effects were observed in the NB and EEB, respectively. Additionally, increasing linear effects were observed in the AME and AMEn. The dietary addition of 300 g t-1 of PSB improved intestinal development and energy metabolizability of the diet.

Effect of herbal lysine supplementation on performance of broiler chicken

To evaluate the effect of herbal lysine supplementation on performance of broiler chicken, a study was conducted on 200, one day-old commercial broiler chicks randomly distributed into 20 subgroups means five dietary treatments with four replicates per treatment and each replicate had ten birds. Feeding trial was conducted for 42 days. The control group (T1) was offered maize-soybean meal based diet without lysine while in second group (T2) basal diet was supplemented with 100% synthetic lysine. In T3 group basal diet was supplemented with 50% herbal + 50% synthetic lysine, while in T4 with 100% herbal lysine and in T5 with Herbal lysine at 50% Higher Level Than T4 group. Feed intake (g/bird), body weight gain (g/bird) significantly (P< 0.05) increased in T4 group as compared to the non supplemented group (T1). Feed conversion ratio was significantly better with herbal lysine supplementation as compared to synthetic lysine and the control. Dietary supplementation of herbal lysine resulted in slightly higher dry matter metabolizability, gross energy metabolizability and nitrogen retention as compared to control group. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of herbal lysine at 100% level was found to improve the growth performance in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient metabolizability and achieving profitable poultry production.

Effect of Conditioning Temperature on Pellet Quality, Diet Digestibility, and Broiler Performance

SUMMARY Pelleting is the most common heat processing method used in the poultry feed industry and the quality of feed processing directly impacts the efficiency of the utilization of feedstuffs by broilers, and consequently, their performance. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of conditioning temperature on pellet physical quality, and on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of dry matter (CIADDM), crude protein (CIADCP) and starch (CIADstarch), coefficient of apparent metabolizability of dry matter (CAMDM), and the apparent metabolizable energy content (AME) of the diets. The live performance of broilers (feed intake, FI; weight gain, WG; and feed conversion ratio, FCR) was evaluated. Treatments consisted of a mash diet and pelleted/crumbled corn-soybean meal based diets submitted to different conditioning temperatures (no conditioning or conditioned at 60, 70, 80, and 90°C). Feed was steam-conditioned for 15 s at a 1.5 kgf/cm2 for all pelleted treatments. Pellet quality was determined as a function of Pellet Durability Index (PDI), percentage of fines, and pellet hardness. Conditioning temperature linearly increased (P

Feeding value of rice distiller's dried grains with solubles as protein supplement in diet of laying hens.

A feeding trial of 10 weeks duration was undertaken on laying hens (n = 240) to evaluate feeding value of rice distiller's dried grains with soluble (rDDGS) with or without enzyme supplementation (α-amylase, β-glucanase, xylanase, carboxymethylcellulase, pectinase, proteinase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, lipase, and phytase), following 4 × 2 factorial design, on egg production, nutrient utilization, and cost economics of egg production. The birds were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments with 30 birds/treatment. The birds were housed individually in layer cages and each bird was taken as an experimental unit. Eight experimental diets were prepared by incorporating four levels (0, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg) of rDDGS with and without enzyme supplementation. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.01) increase of egg mass, feed intake, egg production, and body weight gain in dietary treatments with up to 75 g rDDGS though the values were statistically similar to the hens fed 100 g rDDGS. Enzyme supplementation resulted in significant (P < 0.01) improvement of egg mass, egg production, feed conversion ratio (FCR) per dozen eggs, FCR per kilogramme egg mass, and net FCR. The significantly (P < 0.01) higher yolk index was observed at 100 g rDDGS level, while shell thickness improved significantly (P < 0.01) up to 75 g rDDGS level. No significant effect of rDDGS inclusion was observed on shape index, albumin index, and Haugh unit. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved the shell thickness and yolk colour of eggs. Nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus retention and dry matter metabolizability did not show any significant treatment effects. There was significant (P < 0.01) reduction in feed-cost per kilogramme egg mass or per dozen eggs with the increased DDGS levels and dietary enzyme supplementation. It was concluded that rDDGS can be used up to 100 g/kg diet of laying hens along with enzyme supplementation for better productivity of layer hens.

Diet density during the first week of life: Effects on growth performance, digestive organ weight, and nutrient digestion of broiler chickens.

The current study aimed to investigate whether diet density affects growth performance and nutrient digestion during the first wk after hatch and digestive organ weight at 7 d of age. Effects were studied using a dose-response design consisting of 5 dietary fat levels (3.5, 7.0, 10.5, 14.0, and 17.5%). The dietary fat level was increased through soybean oil inclusion. Amino acids, minerals, and the premix were increased at the same ratio as dietary fat. Consequently, diets were kept neither isocaloric nor isonitrogenous. Broiler chickens were weighed on d 0 and d 7 after hatch, whereas feed intake was measured daily. Excreta produced from d 0 to d 7 was collected at d 7. Dietary dry matter and nitrogen metabolizability, as well as fat digestibility were calculated as an average over 7 days. Broiler chickens were sampled at d 7 to determine carcass yield, breast meat yield, and organ weights. Average daily gain (P = 0.047) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.001) decreased linearly as diet density increased, while gain to feed ratio increased linearly (P < 0.001). An increased diet density resulted in a linear decrease of crop, liver, and pancreas weight relative to body weight (BW; P < 0.05). Duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum length (expressed as cm/kg of BW) and empty weight (as % of BW) increased linearly with increased diet density (P < 0.05). Dietary dry matter metabolizability decreased linearly as diet density increased (P < 0.001), whereas fat digestibility and nitrogen metabolizability were not affected (P > 0.05). In conclusion, one-week-old broiler chickens respond to increased diet densities by increasing intestinal weight and length, while decreasing liver and pancreas weight. This may be an adaptive response to cope with an increased nutrient concentration in the diet.

Effect of Supplementation of Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit Powder on Growth Performance during Different Growth Phases of Broiler Chicken

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of phytogenic feed additives as an alternative to antibiotic on growth performance of broiler chicken. A total of 300 commercial broiler chicks were randomly distributed into six treatments having five replicates consisting of ten birds each. The chicks fed with standard basal diet in two different growth phase i.e. starter(0-28d) and finisher (29–42 d) The first group was kept as control (T1) and given basal diet without antibiotic while in second group (T2) basal diet was supplemented with antibiotic, third (T3), fourth (T4), fifth (T5) and sixth (T6) groups were supplemented with amla fruit powder @0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1%, respectively. Over all feed intake ranged 3860.4 (g) (T6) to 4059.0 (g) (T1) and significantly lower feed intake was found in 0.75% and 1% amla fruit powder supplemented group as compared to control. The lower feed consumption in higher levels of amla fruit powder supplemented group might be due to better utilization of nutrients. Over all weight gain at the end of growth period ranged 2105.8 (T1) to 2240.4 (T5) and significant higher body weight gain was found in 0.75% (T5) and 1% (T6) amla supplemented group results in significantly improved FCR as compared to control. Dry Matter metabolizability and Nitrogen metabolizability was significantly higher in 0.75% (T5) and 1% (T6) amla fruit powder supplemented group as compared to control group. Higher gross energy metabolizability was recorded in all amla supplemented and antibiotic supplemented group as compared to control group.

Interaction between xylanase and phytase on the digestibility of corn and a corn/soy diet for broiler chickens

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the digestibility and metabolizability of corn and a corn/soy-based diet with the inclusion or not of xylanase and/or phytase in broilers. In the trial, 1,120 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design, consisting of 16 treatments, with 10 replicates of 7 birds each. Treatments were evaluated following a factorial arrangement (4 × 2 × 2), with 4 xylanase levels (zero, 50, 100, or 150 fungal β-xylanase units/kg; FXU), 2 phytase levels (zero or 1,000 phytase units/kg; FTU), and 2 diets (corn/soy or pure corn). The same basal diets were fed from one to 14 d post hatch for all birds, after which the experimental diets were provided until d 25. All birds were euthanized on d 25 for collection of ileal contents. Samples of feed, excreta, and ileal digesta were analyzed for determination of apparent ileal digestibility. The effect of xylanase on the coefficient of apparent dry matter metabolizability and apparent metabolizable energy was increased by the presence of phytase in the complete diet but not in the diet based on pure corn resulting in a diet* phytase* xylanase interaction (P < 0.01; P < 0.001, respectivaly). Equivalent effects were observed for the apparent coefficient of ileal protein digestibility in which xylanase effects were potentiated by the presence of phytase only in the complete diet, resulting in a significant 3-way interaction. In corn there was a limitation in improving digestibility when we added increasing levels of xylanase with phytase. Otherwise in the corn/soy-based diets, the enzymes were potencialized when they were added together. The fact that the effect of xylanase was enhanced by the presence of phytase in complete diets but not in pure corn may be associated with differences in substrate (arabinoxylan and/or phytate) concentration and presentation, diet nutrient balance, or other factors. It can be concluded that the interactive effects of xylanase and phytase can be substantial but may depend on the characteristics of the diet fed.

Effect of sun dried whole bulb garlic powder on nutrient utilization, blood parameters, duodenum morphology and faecal microbial load in broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of sun dried whole bulb garlic powder (GP) as phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broilers. Day-old broiler chicks (210) were distributed to five treatments with three replicates. Dietary treatments comprised of basal diet as control (C), antibiotic group receiving 0.1g/kg oxytetracycline (AB), 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% of garlic powder (GP) added to basal diet as GPL (low), GPM (medium) and GPH (high). A metabolism trail was conducted at the end of fifth week to study nutrient utilization pattern. Blood sample of one bird/replicate on 35th day was collected from jugular vein. Small representative pieces of duodenum were collected from each sacrificed bird to study structural changes in the duodenum morphology. Fresh faecal material was collected and same was used to study viable bacterial cell counting. Results revealed that inclusion of GP did not significantly effected the dry matter metabolizability, ether extract digestibility, per cent nitrogen and phosphorus retention. Higher level of garlic supplementation significantly lowered the serum glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol level. Largest villus height in duodenum and improved villus height/crypt depth ratio were observed in 1.5% GP supplemented group. Total bacterial count in 1.5 and 2.0% GP supplemented groups and E. coli count in all the garlic supplemented treatments were statistically comparable with antibiotic fed group. It can be concluded that 1.5% sun dried GP can be used as alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broilers as well as for producing designer chicken for the consumers.

Replacing corn with sorghum in the dietalters intestinal microbiota without altering chicken performance.

Sorghum grain can be used to replace corn in broiler diets. However, the effects related to an abrupt change between these grains are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and intestinal health of broilers fed diets containing corn and/or sorghum during different periods of rearing. To accomplish this aim, 2100 male chicks were fed the following experimental diets: C100% (corn-based diet); S100% (sorghum-based diet); C:S50% (diet based on corn and sorghum 1:1); PC-S (corn-based diet in the pre-starter phase and sorghum-based diet in subsequent phases); and PS-C (sorghum-based diet in the pre-starter phase and corn-based diet in subsequent phases). The study was conducted with two simultaneous trials in a randomized block design as follows: a performance trial up to 40days occurred in floor pens (n=8), and the metabolism trial occurred in cages (n=10). Performance, jejunal morphometry, number of goblet cells, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) and the coefficient of apparent metabolizability of dry matter (CMDM) of the diets, and the intestinal microbiota of small intestine and caeca at 10 and 21days of age (16S gene sequencing) were evaluated. The different experimental diets did not affect performance, jejunal epithelium, AME, AMEn or CMDM. However, the experimental diets altered the percentages of the genera Clostridium, Weissella, Bacillus and Alkaliphilus in the small intestine. In addition, the genera Lactobacillus and Desulfotomaculum in the caeca were altered. The age also affected the microbiota of the intestinal segments. In conclusion, feeding sorghum in place of corn as well as the grain change after the pre-starter phase does not alter broiler performance. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microbiota, resulting in a lower percentage of Clostridium and a higher percentage of Lactobacillus in the small intestine and caeca, respectively.

Nutritional evaluation of passion fruit seed meal for meat quails

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and the metabolizability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of passion fruit seed meal (PFM) for quails. One hundred meat quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with 21 days old, allotted in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, five replicates and four animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of different levels PFM (4.0, 8.0, 12.0 and 16.0%) that replaced the basal diet (w/w). Metabolizable values were determined by fitting linear equations the PFM can be characterized as an alternative feedstuff for meat quails and the main chemical compounds are gross energy (5,569 kcal kg-1), CP (11.34%), EE (18.84%) and NDF (50.22%), as fed basis. Linear equations were fitted as follow: AME = 2,976 x + 5.877 (r2 = 0.94) and AMEn = 2,939 x + 4.864 (r2 = 0.95), thus AME and AMEn were estimated at 2,976 and 2,939 kcal kg-1, respectively. Additionaly, equations were adjusted for CP, EE, NFD and DM, respectively resulting in a metabolization of 6.35, 17.9, 12.48 and 45.66%. It is concluded that main components of the passion fruit seed meal are gross energy, crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber and its AME and AMEn for meat quails are 2,976 and 2,939 kcal kg-1, respectively.

Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Haemato-biochemical Profile in Ven-cobb Broiler Chicken as Influenced by Dietary Supplementation of Crude Soy Lecithin

Day old Ven cobb broiler chicks (n= 288) were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups (T1-T6) with 4 replicates of 12 chicks in each. The starter (0–14 d), grower (14–28 d) and finisher (28–42 d) diets contained 23, 21.5 and 20% CP and 2900, 3025 and 3100 kcal ME/kg, respectively. Group T1 was control, T2-T6 contained graded levels (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% of diet, respectively) of crude soy lecithin (CSL). The average body weight at 6 week was higher in birds fed diet containing 3% CSL. Birds of all the treatment groups consumed less feed as compared to control, however, there was no significant effect on the feed conversion ratio. The Dry matter metabolizability was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the birds of group T6 as compared to T1, T2 and T3. The apparent metabolizable energy as percent of GE was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T6 as compared to other treatment groups. Birds in all the groups were in positive N, Ca and P balance. Inclusion of different levels of CSL did not influence the Hb and PCV concentration and also the activity of liver enzymes viz. alkaline phosphatase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase at 35 d amongst the birds of different groups. The serum cholesterol concentration was low in T6 as compared to control and there was increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration in the groups T4, T5 and T6 as compared to control. The total lipid in breast and thigh muscle was not affected. The cholesterol content of thigh and breast muscles decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the groups fed CSL at 2% level or above as compared to control. It is concluded that crude soy lecithin at a level of 3% of the diet was found beneficial with higher body weight and better FCR.

Effect of dietary soy acid oil on growth performance, nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical parameters in Ven cobb broiler chicken

Day-old Ven cobb broiler chicks (360) were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 15 chicks in each to see the effect of different levels of soy acid oil on growth performance, nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical parameters of them. The starter (0-14 d), grower (14-28 d) and finisher (28-42 d) diets contained 23, 21.5 and 20% CP and 2,900, 3,025 and 3,100 kcal ME/kg, respectively. Group T1 was control, T2-T6 contained graded level (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% of diet, respectively) of soy acid oil (SAO). Body weight and feed intake at 6 week were significantly higher in birds fed diet with 2.5 and 3% SAO. The FCR was significantly better in group T5. The level of SAO in the diet of broiler chickens did not influence the per cent metabolizability of dry matter, however the apparent metabolizable energy value was significantly higher in the birds fed diet with higher level of SAO. Incorporation of SAO did not influence the nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The inclusion of SAO at different levels did not significantly influence the haemoglobin and PCV values amongst the birds of different groups. The increase in the level of SAO resulted into non significant increase in the activity of ALP and SGPT and serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentration. It is concluded that soy acid oil can be incorporated in the diet of broiler chicken without affecting the performance.

Inclusion of an emulsifier to the diets containing different sources of fats on performances of Khaki Campbell ducks.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of an emulsifier (glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate: GPGR) and different sources of fat on the performance of Khaki Campbell ducks. Ducks were assigned into five groups with three replicates (10 ducks/ replicate) in each group. Treatments were a control diet (C1: without added oil and emulsifier), control diet added with 2% soybean oil (C2). For the other three groups, maize was replaced with rice bran and added with 2% soybean oil plus emulsifier (T1), 2% palm oil plus emulsifier (T2), and 2% lard plus emulsifier (T3). Feed intakes were not affected (P>0.1) by any dietary treatment. There were also no effects (P>0.1) of dietary treatment on body weight gain and feed efficiency except for T3 group, where body weight gain was lower compared with other treatments, and feed efficiency was lower than C2, T1, and T2. The metabolizability of dry matter tended (P=0.08) to decrease in T1, T2 and T3 groups than in C1 and C2 groups. Apparent metabolizable energy contents were significantly greater (P<0.05) in the C2 group than in the C1 group, but were similar among C1, T1, T2 and T3 groups. The metabolizability of fat and other nutrients were not affected (P>0.10) by dietary treatments. Major carcass traits were unaffected (P>0.10) among the treatments. In conclusion, soybean oil and palm oil with GPGR as emulsifier could be added in the diets containing high amount of rice bran without affecting the performance; whereas lard may adversely affect the performance of ducks.

Effect of Acidified Sodium Chlorite Treatment of Feedstuffs on Nitrogen and Amino Acid Digestibility in Poultry

The present study was conducted to study the effect of Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) treatment on nitrogen utilization and amino acid digestibility in caecectomised white leghorn cockerels. Feed ingredients viz. soybean meal, meat cum bone meal and sunflower meal were treated with 80 ppm of ASC either in dry or wet form and 30 g of these ingredients were forced fed to caecectomised white leghorn cockerels, maintained in individual cages. Fecal material was collected (up to 24 h) and analyzed for dry matter, nitrogen, uric acid and amino acid content. Results revealed that ASC treatment of feedstuffs numerically improved their dry matter metabolizability without any appreciable variation in nitrogen and amino acids bioavailability. Thus it may be concluded that ASC treatment (80 ppm) of feedstuffs has no apparent effect on nitrogen and amino acid digestibility in poultry.

&lt;b&gt;Whole scrapings of cassava root in diets for broilers from 1 to 21 days of age

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of including whole cassava root scrapings (WCS) in diets of broilers on performance and the metabolizability of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy and on nitrogenous balance. Four hundred female and 100 male broilers from Ross strain were used in the performance and metabolism studies, respectively. In both studies, broilers were allotted in completely randomized block design with five treatments and four replicates. The experimental unit was represented for twenty birds per box for performance study and five birds per metabolic cage for metabolism study. The treatments consisted of diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% WCS inclusion. Up to 5.1% WCS can be included in the diet of broilers from 1 to 21 without compromising feed conversion and productive efficiency index. Dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy metabolizability and the nitrogen balance of the diets are not influenced by the inclusion of whole cassava root scrapings up to 20% in diets of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age.

Effect of dietary supplementation of humic acids on performance of broilers

An experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of humic acid (HA) based product as a substitute for antibiotic in broilers. Two basal diets, viz. moderate (BIS 1992) and low nutrient density diets (3.5% lesser ME and CP than BIS 1992 specification) were formulated. Low and moderate nutrient density basal diets without antibiotic were served negative controls and with added antibiotic became positive controls. Further, moderate and low nutrient density diets were supplemented with 0.5, 0.75 or 1g HA based product per kg of feed to result in 6 test diets. Each of such diets prepared for starter (0–14 days), grower (15–28 days) and finisher (29–42 days) phases were offered to duplicate groups of 14 chicks each. The results revealed significantly higher body weight gains in moderate density diet with 0.1% HA during starter phase, more feed consumption in low nutrient density diet with 0.075% HA during finisher stage and better feed efficiency in moderate density diet with 0.075% HA. However, the cumulative body weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficiency including net returns were comparable among different treatments during 42–day trial. Metabolizability of dry matter and crude protein was significantly high in groups fed moderate nutrient density diet than low nutrient density diets however, no definite trend was observed with HA supplementation. At the termination of 42–day-trial, no significant differences were observed in dressing percentage, breast-meat yield, abdominal fat pad, relative weights of liver, heart, gizzard, spleen and bursa among different treatments. On 10-day post-vaccination, the ND titer values were statistically similar among different treatments while improved IBD titer values of birds were observed in HA supplanted groups. It was concluded that the addition of HA up to 0.1% particularly in the low nutrient density antibiotic free diets can improve the performance and immune status of broilers without affecting their carcass characteristics.