European Production Efficiency Factor Research Articles

Impact of adding zeolite to broilers' diet and litter on growth, blood parameters, immunity, and ammonia emission

This work was designed to assess the impact of varying zeolite concentrations in diet and litter to enhance broiler's growth performance, immunity, and litter quality. A complete random arrangement was used for distributing 525 unsexed "Cobb 500" broiler chicks into seven treatments (75 chick / treatment), each treatment divided into 3 replicates (25 chicks / replicate). The 1st group (control one) received the recommended basal diet. Zeolite has been introduced to the basal diet (ZD) of the second, third, and fourth groups at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 g/kg, respectively. The 5th, 6th and 7th groups used zeolite mixed with litter (ZL) at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 kg/m2 of litter, respectively. Due to the obtained results, adding zeolite with levels 15 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1 m2 of litter, a significant improvement occurred in live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Also, transaminase enzymes (ALT and AST), creatinine, white blood cells (WBCs) and different Immunoglobulins were significantly increased with different zeolite levels, except urea concentrations which showed reduced due to different zeolite treatments. In addition, spleen relative weight hasn't been affected by zeolite treatments, even though thymus and bursa relative weights had been affected significantly. Moreover, the antibodies' production to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Avian influenza virus (AIV) had increased significantly with adding zeolite with levels 10 g/kg of diet and 1.5 kg/1m2 of litter. Litter quality traits (NH3 concentration, pH values, and Moisture content) were improved with zeolite addition. So, zeolite could be employed in both feed and litter of broilers to maximize their production, immunity and improve farm's climate.

Supplementation of dietary nano zinc phytogenic on growth performance and carcass traits of the growing Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan chickens

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate productive performance during the growing period in Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan (KUB) chickens fed on low- and high-nutrient diets containing different levels of dietary nano zinc phytogenic (NZP). The experiment followed a randomized 2 × 6 factorial design, with nutritional content of the diet (high vs low), and dietary NZP (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 150 mg Zn/kg) as factors. Each treatment was repeated six times. The feeding trial was carried out until ten weeks of age. Productive performance (feed consumption, FC; body weight gain, BWG; body weight, BW; mortality, feed conversion ratio, FCR; zinc consumption, ZnC; dressing percentage, carcass cut weight; visceral organ weight; and European production efficiency factor, EPEF) was measured. Up to the age of four weeks, dietary NZF dosage impacted BW, BWG, FC, and ZnC. NZP dosage had no effect on mortality. Combination of a high-nutrient diet with 90 mg Zn/kg NZP resulted in the best FCR and EPEF. Up to six weeks, dietary NZP dosage affected BW, BWG, and EPEF. Up to ten weeks of age, addition of NZP (from 30 mg Zn/kg) improved BW, FC, and EPEF. NZP at 30 mg Zn/kg resulted in the best FCR and EPEF. Dietary NZP increased production performance (BW, FC) and economic index (EPEF) in growing KUB chickens fed low- and high-nutrient diets. The recommended use is a high-nutrient diet and 90 mg Zn/kg of NZP.

Postbiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of aqueous microbial lysozyme in broiler chickens

Lysozymes, efficient alternative supplements to antibiotics, have several benefits in poultry production. In the present study, 120, one–day–old, Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed sex, were allocated into 2 equal groups, lysozyme treated group (LTG) and lysozyme free group (LFG), to evaluate the efficacy of lysozyme (Lysonir®) usage via both drinking water (thrice) and spray (once). LTG had better (p = 0.042) FCR, and higher European production efficiency factor compared to LFG (p = 0.042). The intestinal integrity score of LTG was decreased (p = 0.242) compared to that of LFG; 0.2 vs. 0.7. Higher (p ≤ 0.001) intestinal Lactobacillus counts were detected in chickens of LTG. Decreased (p ≤ 0.001) IL-1β and CXCL8 values were reported in LTG. The cellular immune modulation showed higher (p ≤ 0.001) opsonic activity (MΦ and phagocytic index) in LTG vs. LFG at 25 and 35 days. Also, higher (p ≤ 0.001) local, IgA, and humoral, HI titers, for both Newcastle, and avian influenza H5 viruses were found in LTG compared to LFG. In conclusion, microbial lysozyme could improve feed efficiency, intestinal integrity, Lactobacillus counts, anti-inflammatory, and immune responses in broiler chickens.

Dietary lysozyme and avilamycin modulate gut health, immunity, and growth rate in broilers

BackgroundAttempts to use dietary lysozyme (LYZ) as an alternative to antibiotics in broilers have been successful, but further research is needed for effective use. Here, we compared the differences between LYZ and avilamycin (AVI) feed additives for growth performance, gut health and immunity of broilers. One-day old, one hundred and twenty broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into three groups consisting forty birds in each group. Standard diet without supplementation was applied as the control group (I), while the chicks of the other groups were supplemented with 100 mg of AVI per kg diet (AVI, group II), and 90 mg LYZ per kg diet (LYZ, group III) for five consecutive weeks.ResultsBody weight, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, and European production efficiency factor were markedly (p < 0.05) increased in both AVI and LYZ groups in relation to CON group, but the feed intake and protein efficiency ratio were not affected. Both AVI and LYZ significantly (p < 0.001) upregulated the mRNA expression of ileal interleukin-18 (IL-18), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) genes compared to CON group. However, IL-2, IL-10, IL-18, and GSH-PX genes were markedly (p < 0.01) upregulated in LYZ compared to the AVI group. LYZ treated group had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serological haemagglutination inhibition titers of H5N1 vaccination and a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in coliform counts compared to control and AVI groups, but all growth parameters were nearly similar between AVI and LYZ groups. The VH and VH/CD were markedly higher in LYZ than AVI and control groups.ConclusionExogenous dietary lysozyme supplementation by a dose of 90 mg/kg broilers’ diet induced better effects on intestinal integrity, fecal bacterial counts, immune response, and growth performance which were comparable to avilamycin. Therefore, dietary lysozyme could safely replace avilamycin in the broiler chickens’ diet. However, further experimental studies regarding the use of lysozyme in commercial broilers, both in vitro and in vivo, targeting more communities of intestinal microbiome and explaining more details about its beneficial effects need to be conducted.

Effects of feeding silage of beet pulp or maize on the growth performance, meat quality, and production economics of broiler ducks

The present study aimed to compare the growth, meat quality, and production economics of Cherry Valley broiler ducks fed with a commercial diet along with silage from beet pulp or maize. In this study, 180 male Cherry Valley ducks were reared for 49 d. The control group (group C) was fed a commercial diet ad libitum. The experimental groups were fed a restricted amount of commercial diet and ad libitum beet pulp silage (group B) or maize silage (group M). For all groups, the growth performance and meat quality were analyzed, and their production costs were estimated. The beneficial effects of feeding maize silage on the growth rate were observed on d 29 to 49 in group M; moreover, both experimental groups showed lower feed intake than group C (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in the first rearing stage and during the entire experimental period in groups B and M than that in group C. Group M showed a higher European Production Efficiency Factor and European Broiler Index than group C (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was higher in group C than that in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Group M showed a higher L* value of leg muscles than group C (P < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was higher in leg muscles from ducks fed with silages (P < 0.05). The experimental groups had lower costs of commercial diets. Higher costs were observed for maize silage than for beet pulp silage. Carcass sales yielded the highest profit for group M and the lowest one for group C. Compared with the control group, the silage-fed groups showed a higher estimated profit by PLN 7.94 to 10.68 per duck (P < 0.05). Based on the beneficial production results, notably lower feed conversion ratio, no negative effects on carcass characteristics, and lower production costs, especially maize or even beet pulp silage in broiler duck rearing, could be recommended.

Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P < 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P < 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 μm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P < 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Dietary encapsulated fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil supplementation improves performance, modifies the intestinal microflora, morphology, and transcriptome profile of broiler chickens.

Global antimicrobial resistance has led to a ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry farming, encouraging the use of natural phytogenic feed additives that provide similar effects to AGPs without causing resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the addition of encapsulated fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil (FEO) into the diets on the performance, intestinal microflora, morphology, and transcriptomic profiling of broiler chickens. In the study, 400 one-d-old male chicks of the Ross-308 genotype were randomly distributed into five groups, each with 16 replicates of five birds. The experiment included a control group fed on basal diets without the addition of FEO and treatment groups supplemented with 50 (FEO50), 100 (FEO100), 200 (FEO200), or 400 (FEO400) mg of encapsulated FEO/kg. Body weight and the European Production Efficiency Factor values were higher in the FEO100, FEO200, and FEO400 groups (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio significantly improved at all FEO levels (P < 0.05). FEO supplementation improved duodenum, jejunum, and ileum morphologies. It enhanced mucosal layer thickness in the duodenum and jejunum, and muscular layer thickness in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). It also increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). According to the transcriptome profile obtained from the microarray analysis of samples taken from small intestine tissues, the mRNA expression levels of 261 genes in the FEO50 group (206 upregulated and 55 downregulated), 302 genes in the FEO100 group (218 upregulated and 84 downregulated), 292 genes in the FEO200 group (231 upregulated and 61 downregulated), and 348 genes in the FEO400 group (268 upregulated and 80 downregulated) changed compared to the control group. Most upregulated genes were associated with catalytic activity, binding, transcription regulators and transcription factors, anatomical structure and cellular development, and protein binding activity modulators. The downregulated genes mostly belonged to the transporter, carrier, and protein-modifying enzyme classes. Besides, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene (4.41-fold) increased significantly in the FEO100 group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FEO improved the performance of broiler chickens by regulating biological processes such as performance and intestinal health, with the 100mg FEO/kg supplementation being the most prominent.

Effects of the Addition of Crude Fibre Concentrate on Performance, Welfare and Selected Caecal Bacteria of Broilers.

The study evaluated the effects of crude fibre concentrate supplementation on final body weight, mortality, feed conversion ratio, European Production Efficiency Factor, European Broiler Index, welfare parameters, colony-forming units of selected caecal bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria) and pH of broiler faeces and litter. The study comprised 990 Ross 308 male chicks divided into three groups, a control and two experimental groups, which were given crude fibre concentrate as a feed supplement. On the thirty-fifth day of rearing, the birds' welfare scores were evaluated, and 2 g of cecum was collected post-mortem from six chickens in each group. Subsequently, a series of ten-fold dilutions of the material was prepared, followed by cultures and measurement of pH in the faeces and litter. The inclusion of crude fibre concentrate resulted in a beneficial impact on the ultimate body mass (p ≤ 0.001), welfare standard (p ≤ 0.001), and quantity of colony-forming units of lactic acid bacteria (p ≤ 0.05) within the cecum. Furthermore, it had a positive influence on lowering the pH levels of both faeces and litter (p ≤ 0.05).

Effects of a novel, non-invasive pre-hatch application of probiotic for broilers on development of cecum microbiota and production performance

BackgroundProbiotics are used in the broiler industry to increase production performance. Most often a probiotic is applied by mixing it in the feed, but studies have shown that earlier application may be advantageous. Therefore, in ovo application where the probiotic is administrated into the egg before hatch has been investigated as an alternative application method. However, in ovo application may impact hatchability negatively and may not be feasible at all hatcheries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel non-invasive method for mass application before hatch. The probiotic (E. faecium 669) was applied as a single dose by spray on the unhatched eggs and production performance and development of the cecal microbiota until slaughter was compared with a control flock. Through 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal samples from 25 broilers at day 7, 21 and 37 we compared the microbiota composition and richness for each group. The study was repeated for additional recording of production performance and re-isolation of the probiotic E. faecium from the intestine.ResultsIn both trials the probiotic E. faecium could be re-isolated from the yolk sac and intestine at hatch and at day 7. Broilers in the probiotic treated groups had a higher performance in terms of bodyweight at day 34 and European production efficiency factor. Finally, a significant reduction of first-week and overall mortality was observed in the probiotic group in the first trial. Based on 16S rRNA profiling, significant differences in alpha diversity were found exclusively at day 37. Estimation of beta diversities, however, identified significant differences in microbiota composition between the control and probiotic group at day 7, 21 and 37.ConclusionThe probiotic E. faecium strain successfully colonized broilers before/during hatch after a single spray application at day 18 of incubation. Positive effects of the probiotic were observed in multiple production parameters, including reduced mortality in trial 1, and microbiota analyses indicate significantly different microbiota compositions throughout the experimental phase. Taken together, the novel low-tech mass administration of E. faecium (669) may be considered a feasible strategy for improvements of production parameters in broiler production.

Effect of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase supplementation to low-energy diets on performance, blood constituents, nutrient digestibility, and gene expressions related growth of broiler chickens.

The presence of soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) was reported to reduce nutrient utilisation, and adversely impact the broilers' growth performance; accordingly, NSP-degrading enzymes are essential supplements to cereal-based diets. Therefore, the current trial was conducted to characterise the impacts of supplemental xylanase (Xyl) to diets with low-ME levels on performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, nutrient digestibility and some genes expressions in broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 10 replications of 10 birds each per group in a completely randomised design. The 6 treatments were as follow: (1) basal diets with balanced ME content served as control (positive control, PC), (2) low-energy diet (negative control 1 [NC1]; ME content reduced by 70 kcal/kg compared with PC), (3) low-energy diet (negative control 2 [NC2]; ME content reduced by 140 kcal/kg compared with PC), (4) NC1 + 100 g/ton xylanase (NC1 + 100Xyl), (5) NC2 + 100 g/ton xylanase (NC2 + 100Xyl), and (6) NC1 + 50 g/ton xylanase (NC1 + 50Xyl). At the end of the experiment (35 days of age), the reduction of energy in the NC diets yielded lower live body weight (BW) and total body weight gain (BWG) (p ˂ 0.001); however, it significantly increased feed intake (p ˂ 0.05), leading to worst feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) (p ˂ 0.01) than PC. There was non-significant variation in final BW, BWG, FCR, or EPEF between the PC group and the NC groups supplemented with Xyl. Carcass yield, gizzard, liver and, muscle relative weights were not influenced by dietary treatments; while broilers fed diet with low-energy diets with or without Xyl addition had lower abdominal fat (p ˂ 0.01) than PC. Furthermore, broilers fed on low-ME diets supplemented with Xyl showed a reduction in plasma total cholesterol (p ˂ 0.05) and low density lipoprotein (p ˂ 0.01) levels. Greater antibody titre against Newcastle disease (p ˂ 0.05) was recorded in the NC1 + 100Xyl and NC2 + 100Xyl groups. The addition of Xyl to low-energy diets significantly improved (p ˂ 0.05) fibre digestibility compared to the PC group. Moreover, enzyme supplementation increased muscle total lipids content and decreased muscle thiobarbituric acid retroactive substance content. In addition, enzyme supplementation increased gene expression related to growth and gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis. It was concluded that a low-ME diet might diminish broiler performance, whereas Xyl supplementation to low-ME diets beneficially affected growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, nutrient digestibility and immunity for broilers, and gene expressions related to growth and fatty acid synthesis in broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative methods for controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens: a field trial

Abstract Currently, coccidiostats are the primary and standard method of combating coccidiosis in poultry farms. However, consumer organizations still point to the need to phase out all chemotherapeutic substances from animal nutrition to protect human health. The research material consisted of 720 cocks of the Cobb 500 hybrid, which were divided into three groups (C – coccidiostat/control, V – vaccine, and H – herbals). The following parameters were analyzed: body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, foot pad dermatitis (FPD), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and the number of oocysts per 1g of feces (OPG). On day 42, the BW of the C group was higher compared with the V and H groups. The C group was also characterized by the best FCR and the highest EPEF. In the V group, oocysts were noted in feces from the 14th day of rearing, and the highest oocysts content was observed on the 21st day of life. In the C and H groups, the highest number of oocysts was recorded in the feces on the 28th day. The investigated alternative methods to coccidiostats showed good antiparasitic potential. Therefore, combining a couple of anticoccidiosis methods in preventive programs may be the best solution in broiler chickens production.

Plant-Derived Quorum Sensing Inhibitors (Quercetin, Vanillin and Umbelliferon) Modulate Cecal Microbiome, Reduces Inflammation and Affect Production Efficiency in Broiler Chickens.

Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) are an attractive alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in farmed animal nutrition. The goal of the study was the diet supplementation of Arbor Acres chickens with quercetin (QC), vanillin (VN), and umbelliferon (UF), which are plant-derived QSIs preliminarily showing cumulative bioactivity. Chick cecal microbiomes were analyzed by 16s rRNA sequencing, inflammation status was assessed by blood sample analyses, and zootechnical data were summarized in the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF). When compared to the basal diet control group, a significant increase in the Bacillota:Bacteroidota ratio in the cecal microbiome was found in all experimental subgroups, with the highest expression > 10 at VN + UV supplementation. Bacterial community structure in all experimental subgroups was enriched with Lactobacillaceae genera and also changed in the abundance of some clostridial genera. Indices of richness, alpha diversity, and evenness of the chick microbiomes tended to increase after dietary supplementation. The peripheral blood leukocyte content decreased by 27.9-45.1% in all experimental subgroups, likely due to inflammatory response reduction following beneficial changes in the cecal microbiome. The EPEF calculation showed increased values in VN, QC + UF, and, especially, VN + UF subgroups because of effective feed conversion, low mortality, and broiler weight daily gain.

Influence of solid state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis 67 strain on the nutritional value of rapeseed meal and its effects on performance and meat quality of broiler chickens

The study aimed to evaluate the influence of solid-state fermentation on the nutritional value and enzymatic activity of rapeseed meal and its effects on the performance of broiler chickens and meat quality, including physicochemical properties (proximate analysis, pH, water holding capacity), antioxidant capabilities, dipeptide composition of the meat and sensory traits. Three dietary treatments were evaluated using broiler chickens: a control without incorporation of rapeseed meal; a second treatment with the incorporation of 3% unfermented rapeseed meal; and a third with the incorporation of 3% rapeseed meal fermented with Bacillus subtilis 67. The study showed that fermented compared to unfermented rapeseed meal was characterized by a significantly higher content of dry matter, crude ash, crude fat and metabolic energy (P < 0.05), and a significantly lower content of crude fiber and glucosinolates (P < 0.05). The B. subtilis 67 strain shows cellulolytic and xylulolytic activity. Fermented rapeseed meal has a positive effect on body weight of birds, daily gain, and European Production Efficiency Factor (P < 0.05). Both rapeseed meal treatments significantly reduced the pH of leg muscles and the water-holding capacity of breast muscles (P < 0.05). The fermented meal had a negative impact on some sensory parameters of poultry meat. There was no significant influence of fermented rapeseed meal on the composition of dipeptides in poultry meat and its antioxidant status.

Augmenting broiler diets with essential oils affects growth, intestinal microbiota and morphology, and meat quality

The health and productivity of broiler chickens are related to their intestinal microbiota, which may be influenced by supplemented feed components. This trial intended to evaluate the effects of a dietary mixture of essential oils from oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum), sage (Salvia triloba L.), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) on broiler chicken growth performance, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and meat chemical composition and oxidative stability. A total of 288 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicate pens (12 chicks per pen). The chicks of the control treatment were fed typical commercial maize and soybean meal rations in mash form. The rations of the other three treatments were supplemented with a mixture of essential oils at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the trial (day 42), tissue samples were collected for analysis. Major bioactive components of the three essential oils were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Essential oil supplementation increased the radical scavenging capacity and the total phenolic content of the feeds. Performance parameters (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, European production efficiency factor) were not affected significantly by the supplementation. Intestinal microflora populations (determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) were modified significantly in both the cecum and the jejunum. Breast and thigh meat oxidative stability under refrigerated storage was improved significantly. Additional research is required to elucidate the potential synergistic effects of dietary mixtures of essential oils.

Effect of Basil, Thyme and Sage Essential Oils as Phytogenic Feed Additives on Production Performances, Meat Quality and Intestinal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

As the use of antibiotics has been banned or reduced in certain countries in animal industries, the search for new alternatives to antibiotics has been and will continue to be a research subject in poultry for several years. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of basil, thyme and sage essential oils (EO) in broiler chickens’ diets. A total of 120 Cobb 500 broiler chickens aged 12 days were distributed into four homogeneous groups of thirty chickens with six replicates of five broilers each, raised until 42 days of age. For the diets, corn, soybean meal, corn gluten and wheat were used as the main ingredients for the control diet (CON), and three experimental diets were formulated as follows: a diet containing 0.05% essential oil from basil (EOB), a diet containing 0.05% essential oil from thyme (EOT), and a diet containing 0.05% essential oil from sage (EOS). The results showed that production performances, European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), European Broiler Index (EBI) and carcass weight were improved (p &lt; 0.05) in the experimental groups compared with the control; however, no significant effect in anatomical parts development was observed. Lightness (L *) and hue angle (H *) colorimetric meat parameters were (p &lt; 0.05) altered but without an effect on meat texture. The antioxidant capacity and total polyphenols content in the thigh meat and total n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in the experimental samples compared with the control. The intestinal microbiota was also significantly altered with a lowering of Escherichia coli, Coliforms and staphylococci in the small intestine and caecum and an increased lactobacilli count in the experimental groups compared with the control. Overall, all EO-supplemented diets showed the potential to improve meat quality; however, EOS was more effective in altering the chicken microbiota in the small intestine and caecum.

Drug-independent control strategy of clostridial infection in broiler chickens using anti-toxin environmentally friendly multienzymes

The study investigated the effect of enzymes as a toxin detoxifier (DETOXIZYME) dietary supplementation on performance during growth, blood chemistry, and immunity under clostridia infection in chickens. A total of 480, day-old male chicks were randomly distributed to four groups, with six replicates of 20 birds each. The first control negative treatment (A) fed the basal formula as commercial feed prepared following the strain's needs, the second control positive group (B) fed the basal formula challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type A, the third group (C) fed the basal formula with 100 g DETOXIZYME/ton of feed and challenged with clostridia, and the fourth group (D) fed the control basal formula with 100 g DETOXIZYME/ton of feed. DETOXIZYME dietary supplementation significantly boosted body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) and improved the feed conversion rate (FCR) of the broilers. The dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME significantly increased carcass trait and spleen. However, liver and abdominal fat weight significantly decreased compared with clostridia-challenged groups. The values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid, creatinine, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. While calcium, phosphate, zinc, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were improved in birds that took basal formulas fortified with DETOXIZYME contrary to the other treatment groups during 35 days of age. Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values were reduced versus the other treatment groups. Dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME increased total protein, albumin, globulin, and Newcastle Disease (ND) immunity titer levels in the overall period compared to other groups. Dietary DETOXIZYME supplementation decreased clostridia and E. coli bacteria counts and improved gut morphometry. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DETOXIZYME had a positive impact on performance, blood biochemistry, immunity, and bacterial counts and improved the gut morphology in broilers under clostridia infection.

Impact of Prebiotic Supplementation on Productive Performance, Carcass Traits, and Physiological Parameters of Broiler Chickens under High Stocking Density Condition

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of increasing stocking density, prebiotic supplementation, and the interactions on broiler chicken performance and some physiological parameters. A total of 912 one-day-old chickens were used in this study, and they were randomly divided into six groups with 4 replicates each. The experiment included three levels of stocking densities (10, 13, and 15 broiler chicken/m2) in 6 groups. Groups 1, 3, and 5 were maintained without prebiotic supplementation, while groups 2, 4, and 6 received a diet supplemented with prebiotics in water (1cm/liter). Reducing stocking densities and adding prebiotics improved body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity), and European production efficiency factor, while decreasing malondialdehyde levels. On the other hand, stocking density and prebiotic supplementation did not affect dressing percentage, the relative weight of giblet parts, hind part, front part, and lymphoid organs (thymus and bursa of Fabricius). In conclusion, adding prebiotics at 1 cm/liter (Mannan-oligo saccharide and B-Glucan) can partially mitigate the negative effects of high stocking density on production performance, physiological and oxidative stress parameters, and European production efficiency factor. Keywords: Antioxidant biomarkers, Broiler chicken, β-glucan, Mannan oligosaccharide, Oxidant, Prebiotic, Stocking density

Influence of dietary Bacillus coagulans and/or Bacillus licheniformis-based probiotics on performance, gut health, gene expression, and litter quality of broiler chickens

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that are potentially important non-antibiotic alternatives. This study aimed to compare novel multi-strain and single-strain Bacillus probiotics and their respective influences on broiler chickens’ performance, gut health, litter quality, immune response, and NBN and TLR gene expression. A total of 1200 Arbor-Acres 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into three treatments (T1 was a control, T2 was supplemented with a combined Bacillus coagulans (2 × 109 cfu/g) and Bacillus licheniformis (8 × 109 cfu/g) probiotic strains (0.2 kg/ton of feed), and T3 was supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis (3.2 × 109 cfu/g) probiotic (0.5 kg/ton of feed) with eight replicas of each. Supplementing the broiler diet with either the single-strain (T3) or the multi-strain (T2) Bacillus-based probiotic raised the overall birds’ body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and European production efficiency factor compared to the control (T1), with a significant enhancement achieved by the multi-strain Bacillus product (P = 0.005). T2 and T3 exhibited significantly improved cholesterol, Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels than the control (P ≤ 0.05). The transcript levels of both NBN and TLR genes were upregulated in the liver in the T2 and T3 groups. The T2 group experienced significant reductions in gut bacterial counts, especially for Clostridia, and recorded the lowest litter moisture and nitrogen. In conclusion, supplementing broiler diets with probiotics of multiple Bacillus strains increased production profitability by promoting bird growth, improving feed intake, enhancing gut mucosa and immune organs, and upregulating genes responsible for immunity. All these inhibit the overgrowth of enteric pathogens and sustain litter quality.

Safety assessment of the functional feed additive phenylcapsaicin in a commercial broiler diet

Introduction: Intestinal colonisation of Salmonella is a major concern in the poultry industry, and a low dose of the high-purity synthetic capsaicin analogue phenylcapsaicin (PheCap) has the potential to be a phytobiotic alternative to antibiotics in reducing floor Salmonella in commercial broiler chicken houses. In this study we present the first safety assessment of PheCap at doses relevant for the poultry industry. Methods: In a completely randomized block design, Ross 308 male broilers were offered feed containing 0, 10, 15, or 150 mg PheCap/kg. Growth rates, mortality, haematology, clinical chemistry, foot pad lesions, litter quality and gross pathological examination of organs and tissues were evaluated for signs of toxicity over a two-phase, 35-day growth period. Results: No differences in feed intake and broiler growth were found, with broilers in the control group having the highest mortality. There was a statistically significant increase in the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) for the 10 (p = 0.02) and 15 mg PheCap/kg feed (p = 0.003) treatment doses. No dose dependent adverse effects were found for any of the treatment doses. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of PheCap is probably higher than that of the highest weekly averaged daily intake of 36.3 mg/kg BW/day observed in the present study. Conclusions: The inclusion of PheCap in broiler feed at doses relevant for the commercial poultry industry is assumed not have any negative effects on broiler health.

Impact of different levels of probiotic on productive performance, nutrient retention of broiler chickens fed low protein diets.

This research assesses whether probiotics could enhance growth performance and improve nutrient digestibility in birds fed with low-protein diets. A total of 250 1-day-old ROSS chicks were used in a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatments with 5 replicates and 10 birds for each replicate. The experimental diets were as follows: basal diet containing 100% crude protein (CP) according to Nutrition Research Council recommendation (control diet); basal diet containing CP 10% less than the control diet low protein (LP); LP with addition of probiotic by 50 mg/kg diet (LP + P1); LP with addition of probiotics by 100 mg/kg diet (LP + P2); LP with an addition of probiotics by 150 mg/kg diet (LP + P3). Broilers fed with the control, LP + P2, and LP + P3 diets had greater body weight and weight gain than broilers fed with the LP during starter, finisher, and total periods (p < 0.01). The feed conversion ratio was the best (p < 0.01) in the control and LP + P3 treatments compared with the LP and LP + P1 treatments throughout the experiment. The European production efficiency factor was the lowest in the LP treatment compared with other treatments from 1 to 42 days. Protein efficiency ratio and protein retention were both higher in birds fed with the LP + P2 and LP + P3 diets compared to birds given the control and LP diets (p < 0.01). Adding probiotics to the diet remarkably improved the productive performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler-fed low-protein diets.