European Production Efficiency Factor Research Articles

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 < 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 < 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.

Effectiveness of extracts of medicinal plants included in poultry diet

A large number of papers have explored the use of phytobiotics in the diet of farm animals and poultry in recent years. This study area is much addressed, since vegetable feed additives can be an alternative to feed antibiotics. They have a pronounced growth-stimulating and immune-modulating effect on the body of young birds, and are essential for manufacturing organic products of animal origin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of water-ethanol extracts of sarepta mustard on chicken meat performance, and the effect of mountain ash extracts on egg performance of laying hens. A scientific and economic experiment was performed, where broilers from the experimental groups received the sarepta mustard extract at doses of 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 mg/kg of feed, and laying hens received the mountain ash extract at doses of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mg/kg of body weight. It was found that the optimal dose of the sarepta mustard extract for broiler chickens was 70 mg/kg of feed. The average daily weight gain exceeded the control indicators by 3.0%, and the European production efficiency factor and the Russian production efficiency factor for chicken meat by 33.2 and 7.2 units, respectively. For laying hens, the optimal dose of the mountain ash extract attained 70 mg/kg of body weight. It increased the egg production rates for the hen housed and middle hen by 12.2 and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the control, and exceeded that of the European egg production index and the Russian egg production factor for laying hens by 1.53 and 10.34 units, respectively.

Effect of multi-enzyme complex and feed form on growth performance, slaughter characteristic, total tract nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of exogenous multi-enzyme complex and feed form on growth performance, slaughter characteristics, nutrient digestibility, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) utilization in broilers fed corn–soybean meal diets. A total of 312 male one day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 6 dietary treatment groups with 13 replicates (4 birds each) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized design, which includes mash (M) or pellet (P) diets supplemented with three levels of a multi-enzyme complex (0, 125, or 175 mg/kg) for 42 days. The results indicated that the addition of 175 mg/kg multi-enzyme complex to pelleted feeds (P175) significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) the body weight and feed intake of the broilers during the grower period. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved (p&lt;0.05) by adding the multi-enzyme complex to the pelleted feeds. The feed form * multi-enzyme interaction was significant on d0-21 for BW and FI and all three periods in FCR (p&lt;0.05). Mash feed decreased the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) ratio compared to that of the pelleted feed, and it was observed that EPEF increased (p&lt;0.05) linearly with an increase in the multi-enzyme complex added to both the mash and pelleted feeds. Although there was no difference among the groups regarding the carcass yield and relative organ weights, the gizzard weight increased significantly in chickens fed with mash feeds (p&lt;0.05). In addition, the difference between treatment groups in terms of total tract nutrient digestibility does not differ (p&gt;0.05) significantly, while the highest (p&lt;0.05) AMEn utilization was found in the P175 group. As a result, the pelleted feed form and the increased level of multi-enzyme supplementation improved the performance and efficiency of broiler production.

Effects of dietary melatonin on broiler chicken exposed to continuous lighting during the first two weeks of life

Intensive broiler chicken production involves different lighting regimes, which affects a natural cycle of secretion of melatonin, a hormone included in multiple physiological processes in a bird's body. This research aimed to determine the effects of dietary melatonin supplementation during the first two weeks of broiler chickens' life, bred under constant 24 h lighting, on their health and some hematological, biochemical, and production parameters. The study lasted 6 weeks. Three hundred and twenty 1-day chickens were divided into two groups (control - C and experimental - M), with four replications and 40 chickens in each replica. In the first two weeks (the first phase of the study), a continuous lighting mode 24L: 0D was applied. Group M was receiving a diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg synthetic melatonin only during the first phase. Group C had a diet without melatonin supplementation throughout the whole study. Melatonin addition had a statistically significant effect (P&amp;lt;0.01) on the mean values of body weight and daily weight gain at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th week. The chickens of the experimental group have had a significantly higher value of the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) (P&amp;lt;0.05). The results presented in this paper indicate a direct benefit in stress relief in broilers and a value of the organism's antioxidant system promotion, manifested by improved production performance and fattening efficiency.

Performance traits and selected blood constituents of broiler chicks as influenced by early access to feed post-hatch

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of early access to feed and water post-hatch on broiler chicks’ performance. One hundred and twenty chicks were transferred from the hatchery to the rearing house and randomly divided into two groups. The first group: chicks were immediately access to feed and water (F-time 0). The second group: was held without feed and water for 24 h (F-time 24). Then, feed and water were provided ad-libitum, for both groups until 35 days of age. Results indicated that F-time 0 increased body weight and body weight gain throughout the experimental period. It increased feed intake during all experimental periods except from (22–28 days). Additionally, the F-time 0 enhanced the European production efficiency factor index. The F-time 24, increased red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (HGB), and packed cell volume (PCV) percentage after 24 h. However, the F-time 0 had a higher RBCs count, HGB, and PCV at 35 days of age. F-time 24 increased total plasma protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides, after 24 h. In conclusion, early access to feed and water post-hatch enhances broiler chicks’ performance and productivity and increases producers’ revenue.

Influence of prebiotic yeast cell wall extracts on growth performance, carcase attributes, biochemical metabolites, and intestinal morphology and bacteriology of broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium perfringens

The current experiment was conducted to examine the efficacy of yeast cell wall (YCW) supplementation on growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biochemistry, ileum histological structure, and caecum bacterial populations of broilers subjected to Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) challenges from 11 to 35 d of age. A total of 360 mixed-sex Ross 308 broilers were randomly distributed to 5 treatments with 12 replications of 6 birds each as follows: control with no additive or challenge; S. typhimurium challenge; C. perfringens challenge; S. typhimurium + YCW; C. perfringens + YCW. The YCW was supplemented at a level of 0.5 g/kg. Compared to the control group, the unsupplemented challenged groups had deteriorated average daily gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) during all experimental periods (p < .001) and reduced dressing percentage, glucose (GLU) concentration (p < .001), and Lactobacillus population (p < .01). Moreover, the S. typhimurium-challenged group had reduced total protein (TP) level and elevated S. typhimurium count (p < .001), while the C. perfringens-challenged group showed decreased liveability (p < .001) and crypt depth (p < .05) and increased C. perfringens count (p < .01) than the control group. Supplementation of YCW under S. typhimurium challenge improved FCR and EPEF during all experimental periods (p < .001), levels of TP, GLU (p < .001), and globulin (p < .05), villus height (VH) (p < .001), and villus surface area (p < .01) and reduced S. typhimurium count (p < .001). Broilers fed YCW and challenged with C. perfringens exhibited improved FCR during grower and overall periods, EPEF during all experimental periods, liveability, GLU level, and VH (p < .001). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of YCW could ameliorate the harmful impacts of disease challenges on the growth efficiency of broilers. Highlights Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-derived prebiotics have been experimented and utilised as a potential alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets. Challenge with Salmonella typhimurium or Clostridium perfringens diminished growth efficiency and compromised intestinal health in broiler chickens. The dietary supplementation of yeast cell wall could reduce the negative effects of pathogens on broiler performance.

Meta-analysis of the effects of mycotoxins and yeast cell wall extract supplementation on the performance, livability, and environmental sustainability of broiler production

The effect of mycotoxins (MT) on broiler performance without or with the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb, Alltech, Inc., KY) was evaluated in a random-effects meta-analysis. Data was extracted from 25 research experiments with a total of 10,307 broilers. Broilers fed MT had lower (P < 0.001) body weight gain (BWG, −217 g), reduced feed intake (FI, −264 g), increased feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.12), and greater mortality by 2.01%. Inclusion of YCWE improved (P < 0.001) BWG (59 g) and FI (65 g), lowered FCR (−0.05), and reduced mortality by 1.74%. Additionally, change in European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was assessed. Feeding MT lowered (P < 0.001) EPEF while YCWE increased (P < 0.001) EPEF. Finally, the carbon footprint of production was evaluated. Control fed birds produced an estimated 1.93 kg CO2-equivalent/kg liveweight (LW), while MT fed broilers produced 2.13 kg CO2-equivalent/kg LW and YCWE inclusion lowered this to 2.03 kg CO2-equivalent/kg LW which resulted in −25 tonnes less CO2-equivalent output per 100,000 birds with YCWE. In conclusion, mycotoxins can play a role in reducing broiler performance and farm production output, as well as increase the carbon footprint. Inclusion of YCWE in feed under a mycotoxin challenge can improve broiler performance and output, as well as lower carbon footprint, which could play a role in farm efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability.

Comparative efficacy of postbiotic, probiotic, and antibiotic against necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Prevention of necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), is one of the most important goals to improve the profitability of broiler chickens. This work aimed to compare the efficacy of 2 antibiotic alternatives including a postbiotic (dry feed additive and aqueous nonviable Lactobacillus (L.) species fermentation) and a probiotic (dry feed additive and aqueous Bacillus (B.) subtilis and B. lischeniformis mixture) with an antibiotic (amoxicillin in water) against NE. Four hundred, day-old broiler chicks were divided into 8 equal groups (Gs), n = 50 each (5 replicates; 10 each). Chickens of G1 (postbiotic dry-feed additive), G2 (postbiotic and antibiotic in drinking water), G3 (postbiotic dry and aqueous), G4 (probiotic dry-feed additive), G5 (probiotic and antibiotic in drinking water), G6 (probiotic dry and aqueous), and G7 (nontreated) were orally inoculated with a toxigenic C. perfringens type A on the d 19 to 21 of age and predisposed with 3X coccidial vaccine for induction of NE. However, chickens of G8 were kept nontreated or challenged. The severity of NE signs was markedly decreased in G3 in comparison with other challenged treatment groups, and the mortality rates were 22%, 10%, 16%, 22%, 12%, 20%, and 36% in Gs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The best significant (P ≤ 0.05) feed conversion ratio was detected in G3 (1.51), G6 (1.54), and G2 and G8 (1.61). In addition, the European production efficiency factor was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved in G3 (279.33) and G2 (266.67), but it was decreased in G7 (177.33) when compared with G8 (339.33). An improvement in intestinal and hepatic pathology and liver function tests, as well as a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in bacterial counts were observed in Gs 2, 5, 3, 6, 1, and 4, respectively in comparison with G7. Immunologically, the highest significant (P ≤ 0.05) hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers for Newcastle disease virus vaccine were in Gs 1 and 3 (6.4 log2). In conclusion, the combined feed and water postbiotic treatment demonstrated promising results in ameliorating the severity of NE and improving the hepatic and the immune status of broiler chickens when compared with the commonly used probiotic and antibiotic.

Performance, carcass and meat quality of broilers raised at a high stocking density and supplemented with encapsulated Cosmos caudatus K. leaf extract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation of encapsulated Cosmos cau-datus K. leaf extract (ECLE) on performance, carcass and meat quality of broilers at high density pens. Three hundred and seventy broiler chicks were divided into 5 treatments and 5 replications. The treat-ment was conducted on days 15 to 42 in T0 group (10 chicks/m2 + basal feed), T1 (16 chicks/m2 + ba-sal feed), T2 (16 chicks/m2 + basal feed containing ECLE 0.5 g/kg feed), T3 (16 chicks/m2 + ECLE 1.0 g/kg feed), and T4 (16 head/m2 + ECLE 1.5 g/kg feed). ECLE reduced feed consumption, increased body weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), increased the European Production Efficien-cy Factor (EPEF) and European Broiler Index (EBI) in T2 and T3 (P&lt;0.05). Carcass weight and per-centage were increased in T3 and T4 (P&lt;0.05). Breast percentage was higher (P&lt;0.05) in T0, T1 and T2; wing and thigh percentages were higher (P&lt;0.05) in T3 and T4; drumstick and giblet percentages were lower (P&lt;0.05) in T3. Drumstick’s pH were higher (P&lt;0.05) in T2, T3 and T4. Thigh fat de-creased (P&lt;0.05) at T4. The redness (a*) in T3 and T4 were significantly better. Overall, at high densi-ty pens, ECLE at 0.5 g/kg feed enhanced broiler performance, carcass percentage, and breast meat quality.

Effects of varying group sizes on performance, body defects, and productivity in broiler chickens

This study aimed to determine the changes in the performance, welfare, and productivity level of broiler chickens reared at various group sizes (GS3000, GS4000, GS6000, and GS20 000) under intensive field conditions. The study was carried out according to a randomized block design with four different group sizes (GS) in three trials. Weekly body weights (BWs) were determined randomly in 150 individuals from each GS group. Feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) were determined for each GS treatment. Body defects (footpad dermatitis, FPD, hock burn, HB, and the breast burn, BB) were measured randomly in 150 chickens (75 male and 75 female) from each group using a visual scoring system with a 0–3 scale. At 1 and 2 weeks of age, GS3000 broilers had similar BW to GS6000 and higher than GS4000 and GS20 000. However, this situation changed at 6 weeks of age and the male chickens in GS6000 became heavier than in GS3000, GS4000 and GS20 000 ( 0.007). No differences in mean values of temperature, humidity, air velocity and litter moisture levels were observed among GS treatments. GS3000 and GS4000 chickens had significantly lower levels of FPD, HB, and BB than chickens reared in GS6000 and GS20 000 ( 0.001). The EPEF values from highest to lowest were 425.8, 404.5, 358.8, and 354.0 in the GS6000 GS3000, GS4000, and GS20 000 groups, respectively. In conclusion, our study results showed that rearing in groups of 6000 broilers had both better performance and higher overall productivity than other groups but tended to show more severe body defects.

Impact of a Natural Fusarial Multi-Mycotoxin Challenge on Broiler Chickens and Mitigation Properties Provided by a Yeast Cell Wall Extract and a Postbiotic Yeast Cell Wall-Based Blend.

Yeast cell wall-based preparations have shown efficacy against Aspergillus-based toxins but have lower impact against type-B trichothecenes. Presently, we investigated a combination of deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin (T2) and zearalenone (ZEA), and the effect of a yeast cell wall extract (YCWE) and a post-biotic yeast cell wall-based blend (PYCW) with the objectives of preventing mycotoxins’ negative effects in commercial broilers. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cobb broilers were randomly allocated to: (1) control diet, (aflatoxins 6 µg/kg; cyclopiazonic acid 15 µg/kg; fusaric acid 25 µg/kg; fumonisin B1 310 µg/kg); (2) Diet1 + 0.2% YCWE; (3) Diet1 + 0.2% PYCW; (4) Contaminated diet (3.0 mg/kg DON; 2.17 mg/kg 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol; 104 g/kg T2; 79 g/kg ZEA); (5) Diet4 + 0.2% YCWE; and (6) Diet4 + 0.2% PYCW. Naturally contaminated diets adversely affected performance, serum biochemistry, liver function, immune response, altered cecal SCFA goblet cell count and architecture of intestinal villi. These adverse effects were reduced in birds fed PYCW and to a lesser extent YCWE, indicating protection against toxic assault. PYCW yielded better production performance and stimulated liver function, with higher response to NDV and IBV vaccination. Furthermore, mycotoxins were found to affect production outputs when evaluated with the European poultry production efficiency factor compared to control or YCWE and PYCW supplemented treatments. Taken together, YCWE, when complemented with nutritional add-ons (PYCW), could potentiate the remediation of the negative effects from a multi mycotoxins dietary challenge in broiler birds.

Insight into dominant intestinal microbiota and the fatty acids profile of turkeys following the administration of synbiotic preparations.

Probiotics and prebiotics are widely used as natural feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals, including poultry. The using of this type of preparation has a positive effect on animal welfare, human health and the environment. High potential is attributed to preparations combining probiotics and prebiotics, called synbiotics. The aim of the research was to confirm the beneficial effects of synbiotics on the performance of turkeys and the number of dominant intestinal microbiota. In addition, we also investigated the concentration of organic acids (lactic acid, short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids) in the excreta of turkeys. The synbiotic supplementation of turkeys caused statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in body weight of animals and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) compared to control group after 15 weeks of rearing. Administration of the synbiotics resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the count of potential pathogens (Clostridium spp., Clostridium coccoides and Escherichia coli) but a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the count of beneficial microorganisms (lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium spp.) in the excreta of turkeys. Results of synbiotic supplementation showed that the short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the concentration of branched-chain fatty acids was decreased. The results showed a beneficial influence of the synbiotics on the animals' performance, dominant intestinal microbiota and fatty acid profile in the excreta of turkeys. The developed synbiotics can be effectively used in nutrition of turkeys. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of dietary vitamin E and selenium supplementation on broilers subjected to heat stress, Part I: Growth performance, body composition and intestinal nutrient transporters

High ambient temperature is one of the most common stressors in modern poultry production, resulting in reduced feed intake, weight gain, and increased mortality. This study evaluated the effects of vitamin E (Vit E) and organic selenium (Se) supplementation on performance, body composition, core body temperatures, and mRNA abundance of nutrient transporters in the jejunum of broilers exposed to daily 4-h elevated temperature during d 28 to 35. A total of 640 Cobb male birds were randomly allocated to 32 floor pens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement that included ambient temperature (thermoneutral, [TN]; or heat stress, [HS]) and dietary treatments (basal diet or Vit E + Se). Four rooms were used (2 TN and 2 HS) each housing half of the 8 replicate pens per group. Vit E and organic Se were added to the basal diet at the rate of 250 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg diet, respectively. Data were subjected to a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure of JMP (SAS). During the HS period, birds fed the Vit E/Se diet had significantly lower mortality compared to nonsupplemented group (1.92% vs. 7.01%). Moreover, dietary Vit E/Se supplementation had a significant effect on performance by increasing BWG, FI, and European production efficiency factor (EPEF) during the entire experimental period (d 0–35). Dietary Vit E and Se supplementation significantly increased carcass, tissue, lean, and fat weights as well as bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) on d 35. Birds fed Vit E/Se supplemented diet had significantly lower (P = 0.010) core body temperature compared to birds fed the basal diet on d 30. Dietary treatment did not influence mRNA abundance of PepT1, SGLT1, or NaPi-IIb on d 28 or d 35. However, HS significantly upregulated levels of PepT1 and NaPi-IIb (P < 0.001) and downregulated that of SGLT1 (P = 0.017) on d 28. In conclusion, dietary Vit E and Se supplementation significantly improved broiler growth performance and carcass composition, and reduced heat-related mortality and core body temperature (on d 30) without influencing the mRNA abundance of intestinal nutrient transporters.

The effect of partial replacement of milled finisher feed with wheat grains on the production efficiency and meat quality in broiler chickens

The study's aim was to assess the production efficiency, evaluate the carcass and meat quality of chickens fed with wheat grains. 200 Ross 308 chickens were divided into 4 groups (5 replicates with 10 birds in each): control (C) and experimental groups, including W50, where the finisher feed was diluted with wheat grain in 50%, W25–25%, and W10–10%. The production efficiency and chemical composition of the feed were analyzed. After 42 d of rearing, 10 birds from each group were selected, and the tissue composition, pH, color, water-holding capacity, drip loss, the chemical composition of meat, and the apparent protein digestibility, bone, and jejunum strength were investigated. It was proved that ground feed had an unfavorable effect on the body weight (BW) in all groups. Wheat decreased the protein level (P < 0.001) and digestibility (P < 0.001). The body weight gain (BWG) in group W50 was lower than in groups C and W10 (P = 0.009), however, this had no effect on the final feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.146). Finisher feed costs were reduced in groups W50, W25 compared to group C (P < 0.001). The European Production Efficiency Factor and the European Broiler Index in groups W10 and W25 were similar to group C, whereas in W50 they were reduced (P = 0.035; 0.034). No negative effect on carcass traits was shown in groups W10 and W25, however, 50% feed replacement was unbeneficial compared to group C. Pectoral muscles from the experimental groups were characterized by higher lightness (P < 0.001). In group W10 femur bones' strength and in group W25 tibia bones' strength was higher than in group W50 (P = 0.014; 0.006). Jejunum tensile strength was higher in group W25 than in W10 (P = 0.002). The nutritional strategies based on the dilution of the feed with wheat grain could be applied at the level of 10/25%, but 50% had a negative effect.