Experimental Broiler Research Articles

The Grain Replacement Value of Processed Cassava in Broiler Finisher Rations

EIGHT hundred Starbrow day-old broiler chicks were raised on deep litter on a commercial broiler starter ration. At the end of seven weeks the chicks were randomly and equally alloted to five experimental broiler finisher rations in which maize and gari constituted the main carbohydrate source in the proportions 58:0, 39:16, 29:24.5, 19:33 and 0.49% of ration, respectively. The protein source, groundnut cake, was varied accordingly such that the five rations were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. All other ingredients were mixed in the same amounts for all five rations which were balanced for essential nutrients. All chicks received ad libitum intake of feed and water from the eight week to the thirteenth week when the experiment was concluded. Feed consumption, growth rate, feed efficiency, dressed carcass percentage, liver Weight and abdominal fat percentage were used as parameters to evaluate the relative efficacy of the five ration treatments. 
 Birds on gari rations consumed 3.2% less feed on the average, than those on the Control maize ration, for nearly identical gains. Feed/gain ratio was, therefore, slightly lower for the gari treatments, the lowest value coming from the ration in which maize/gari ratio was 29%:24.5%. Average body weights, rate of gain and feed gain ratio were not significantly different. Variations in carcass and organoleptic measurements indicated no significant differences from dressed carcass percentage, liver weight percentage, tenderness, juiciness, colour or general acceptability. However, abdominal fat percentage was significantly [P<0.001] larger in the gari rations than the control maize ration. This value was highest in the ration that contained only gari as the major carbohydrate source. There was no significant difference in the iodine number of the abdominal fat of the five treatments. 
 The results of this study suggest that gari can replace all the maize in broiler finisher rations or constitute up to 49% of the whole ration, without any decrease in growth rate or carcass quality of broilers, provided such a ration is balanced for protein and amino acids. The best substitution level from this study appears to be at 50%, or 29% of the whole ration.

MAIZE /SORGHUM - BASED DRIED BREWERS' GRAINS IN BROILER FINISHER DIETS

A 4- - day feeding trial was conducted to dermine the optianal substitution level of maize/sorghum - hased dried brewers' grains (MSDBG) for maize in broiler finisher diets. Six experimental broiler finisher diets were formulated such that 25%, 50% and 75% of the maize in diet 1 (the control) were replaced with MSDBG in diets 2, 3, and 4, respectively while diets 5 and 6 were like 3 and 4, respectievly but fortified with 4% palm oil,. Each diet was fed to a group of 48 broiler chicks for 40 days (week 4 to week 10 of age). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences among the groups in growth rate (43,95, 45,52, 45,11, 43,01, 45,80 and 43,92g/day, respectively). At replacement levels of 50% and 75% with or without palm oil, the birds consumed significantly (P < 0.05) more feed than the group on the control diet (140.0, 151.4, 177.3, 174. 6, 174.2, 167.1 g/day, respectively). feed conversion ratio of the MSDRG groups was consequently sigificantly (P < 0.05) inferior to the control. Addition of palm oil did not produce any notiocable effect on te performance of the birds. Feed cost for production of a kilogram of brioler was markedly reduced at the 75% replacement level.

Meat chicken productivity when vitamin-selenium-containing preparations in combination with enzymes use in diets

The article presents the research results on the vitaminselenium-containing preparation (1.0 l / t) using effectiveness in the broiler chickens diet in combination with enzyme preparations “CelloLux-F” (100 g/t, experimental group I), “Protosubtilin G3x” (60 g/t, experimental group II) and “Amylosubtilin G3x” (200 g/t, experimental group III). It was found that the broilers of the experimental groups exceeded the average live weight by 2.74-4.95%; dry matter digestibility - by 0.89-1.58%, protein - by 1.41-2.71%, fat - by 1.16-2.03%, fiber - by 0.82-1.69 and nitrogen-free extractive substances - 0.74-1.43%, nitrogen use - by 1.35-2.99%; drawn bird weight - by 2.93-5.89%, edible carcass parts - by 3.33-6.47%, pectoral muscles - by 3.53-7.83%. In the experimental groups broiler chickens, the meat quality indicators are improved: dry matter content in the pectoral muscles - by 0.30; 0.12 and 0.07%, protein - by 0.41 (P <0.001); 0.16 (P <0.01) and 0.13% (P <0.05). The experimental broilers groups slightly exceeded the control group in terms of the biological value and the pectoral muscles meat culinary and technological properties. Redox and metabolic processes were more intensive in young animals of the experimental groups than in the control one. Among the experimental groups, the meat productivity and quality highest indicators were noted in broiler chickens of the I-st experimental group, they received the preparation “Carcesel” in combination with the enzyme preparation “CelloLux-F”.

Experimental results on pancreatic juice parenteral application in broiler growing

The paper presents the results of the use of pancreatic enzymes in the form of intramuscular injection of pure pancreatic juice obtained from fistulated chickens to broiler chickens. At 7 days of age during the formation of groups, the differences between the control and experimental chickens were 17.9% (p<0.05) in favor of the former. It was found that after the injection of the drug 1 time in 7 days, there was a stimulation of metabolism in the experimental group broilers. By 14 days of age, the differences between the groups were 17.4% (p<0.05), to 21 days of age - 9.1% (p<0.05), to 28 days of age - 5.3%, to 35 - day-old age - 4.9%. Consequently, as the chickens were raised by 28 days of age, the chickens of the experimental group caught up with the live weight of the control ones, and, considering the increase in live weight, even exceeded this indicator (50.1 g/day versus 42.7). The use of parenteral pancreatic juice of chickens at a dose of 0.1ml/kg of live weight of broiler chickens allows to conclude that the drug has a stimulating effect on poultry metabolism, manifested by an increase in live weight gain, an increase in the content of lymphocytes, as an indicator of immunity, activation of protein and mineral metabolism in the body when using an enzyme preparation.

Effects of supplementation of probiotics instead of antibiotics to broiler diet on growth performance, nutrient retention, and cecal microbiology.

Objectives:The research was carried out on broilers to determine the efficacy of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces boulardii combined) supplementation on growth performances, nutrient retention (metabolizable energy, dry matter, and crude protein), and cecal microbiology (Bifidobacteria spp., Clostridium spp., and coliforms).Materials and Methods:A total of 160 broiler chicks (day-old) were selected and differentiated randomly into 4 groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) (40 × 4) comprising 40 birds in every single group. The control group (T0) was fed commercial broiler feed only and the other three groups, referred to as treatment groups (T1, T2, and T3), were treated with 1 gm ciprofloxacin, 1 gm probiotic, and 1 gm probiotic plus 0.5 gm enzyme, respectively, in per liter of fresh dietary water 8 h daily for 7 days in each phase. Experimental trials were divided into 2 phases, the starter phase from day 0 to 21 and the finisher phase from day 22 to 35.Results:Bodyweight gain and nutrient retention in experimental broiler birds in treatment groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Overall body weight gain and nutrient retention of broiler chicks in treatment groups T2 and T3 were better than T1. From day 22 to 35, cecal Clostridium and coliform bacterial load counts were significantly lower p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively, in T1, T2, and T3 treatments than T0. Overall, Clostridium and coliform bacterial counts in the birds of treatment group T2 were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than T0.Conclusion:The probiotics, in addition to enzyme supplementation, had suitable influence effects on growth performance of broilers, birds retention of nutrient, and microfloral count in birds’ cecum.

Effect of different combination levels of palm kernel cake, yam peel and plantain peel meals as partial replacement for maize in broiler starter diets.

Ninety six unsexed day old Marshall broiler chickens were divided into 4 groups of 3 replicates each on weight equalization basis (42.87 – 43.24g). The chicks were used to determine the effect of partial replacement of maize with combinations of palm kernel cake (PKC), yam peel meal (YPM) and plantain peel meal (PPM) in broiler starter diets. Four broiler starter diets were formulated such that diet T1 (control) contained 54% maize. Diets T2, T3 and T4 contained PKC, YPM and PPM in the ratios, 1:1:2, 1: 2:1 and 1: 1: 2 replacing 50% of maize. The chick groups were each randomly assigned to one of the experimental broiler starter diets in a completely randomised design (CRD) experiment. The feed and water were offered ad libitum. Results indicated that birds on diet T4 recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher (861.63g) body weight gain than those on other diets. Feed intake followed similar trend with birds on diet T1 recording significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower (1564.63g) value than other groups. Feed conversion ratio was comparable (p&gt;0.05) for all groups while feed cost savings relative to the control diet ranged from 23.51 – 24.51%. Birds on diets T4 recorded the lowest feed cost per kg body weight gain. It is concluded that combinations of PKC, YPM and PPM could safely replace 50% of maize in broiler starter diet with 1: 1: 2 combination ratio producing a superior performance.

Effect of addition of multi-enzyme and varying levels of toasted African yam bean seed meal on carcass characteristics and internal organs of broiler starter

African yam bean seed is one of the underutilized legumes and a prospective feed ingredient in poultry diet. This study was carried out to examine carcass characteristics and internal organs of broiler starter fed partial replacement of toasted African yam bean seed meal supplemented with multi-enzyme (TAYBSM+E). There were five treatments: treatment one (T1) served as control without TAYBSM+E while T2, T3, T4 and T5 contained 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% TAYBSM+E, respectively and supplied experimental broiler birds for four weeks. Each treatment was randomly assigned to one of the five experimental diets in a completely randomized designed. Two hundred birds were allotted to five treatments replicated four times with 10 birds per replicate. At four weeks of age, experimental birds were starved for 12 hours; one bird was sacrificed per replicate (four per treatments), defeathered and cut into different parts. Carcass cuts and vital organs were carefully collected and weighed with sensitive scale. All parameters in the carcass cuts and internal organs weight examined were not statistically (P&gt;0.05) influenced except intestine, lungs and thigh that significantly (P&lt;0.05) different. It is concluded that toasted African yam bean seed meal supplemented with multi-enzyme is a good source of protein that can be used in broiler feeds safely up to 80% inclusion level to give satisfactory results.&#x0D;

Blood constituents of broiler chickens as affected by biscuit waste based diets

An eight week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of substituting maize with biscuit waste meal on the blood constituents of 144- day old Anak 2000 broiler chickens. Four experimental broiler starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 serving as control to contain 0% Biscuit Waste Meal, while diets 2, 3 and 4 were formulated to contain BWM at 25, 50 and 75% inclusion levels for maize. The chicks were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets (1, 2, 3 and 4) in a completely randomized designed (CRD) and each treatment group contained three replicates with twelve chickens per replicate. Results on the blood constituents of broiler chickens fed treatment diets revealed that there is no significant (P&gt;0.05) variation in the haematological indices assayed in this study. However, serum chemistry showed that total protein (3.13), albumin (1.30), and globulin (1.83x10mg/100ml) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in birds fed 75% BWM. Total bilirubin was highest (P&lt;0.05) in birds fed diet 20.39x10mg/dl and least in control diet0.30x10mg/dl. Serum aspartate transaminase was higher (P&lt;0.05) in birds that ate 25% BWM (76.67iu/g) though had values to 74.33 and 70.00iu/g in birds placed on diets 1 and 4, respectively. Serum alkaline phosphate 185.67 iu/g was also higher (P&lt;0.05) in birds fed the control diet and least (182.33 iu/g) in birds placed on diet 4. From the overall results it is concluded that the inclusion of BWM in the diet of broiler chickens up to 50% improved the blood quality of broiler chickens.

Curcumin protects against Aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury in broilers via the modulation of long non-coding RNA expression

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent hepatotoxic and carcinogenic agent. Curcumin possesses potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective effects. However, the role of LncRNAs in the protective mechanisms of curcumin against AFB1-induced liver damage is still elusive. Experimental broilers were randomly divided into 1) control group, 2) AFB1 group (1 mg/kg feed), 3) cur + AFB1 group (1 mg/kg AFB1 plus 300 mg/kg curcumin diet) and 4) curcumin group (300 mg/kg curcumin diet). Liver transcriptome analyses and qPCR were performed to identify shifts in genes expression. In addition, histopathological assessment and oxidant status were determined. Dietary AFB1 caused hepatic morphological injury, significantly increased the production of ROS, decreased liver antioxidant enzymes activities and induced inflammation and apoptosis. However, dietary curcumin partially attenuated the abnormal morphological changes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in liver tissues. Transcriptional profiling results showed that 34 LncRNAs and 717 mRNAs were differentially expressed with AFB1 and curcumin co-treatment in livers of broilers. Analysis of the LncRNA-mRNA network, GO and KEGG enrichment data suggested that oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis pathway were crucial in curcumin’s alleviating AFB1-induced liver damage. In conclusion, curcumin prevented AFB1-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis through LncRNAs. These results provide new insights for unveiling the protective mechanisms of curcumin against AFB1-induced liver damage.

Effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium supplementation on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a complete randomized design experiment was used to study the effect of dietary PQQ·Na2 (0 or 1 mg/kg) on broiler chickens with or without a challenge with LPS. A total of two hundred eighty-eight 1-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replicate cages of 12 birds per cage. All experimental broilers were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mg/kg body weight of either Escherichia coli LPS or sterile saline at 16, 18, and 20 d of age. Results showed that injecting LPS significantly increased the concentrations of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in serum of birds on day 20 and day 21. Meanwhile, LPS injection increased (P < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the duodenal mucosa of broilers on day 21. However, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of IL-6 in serum of birds on day 20 and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum of broiler chickens on day 21. Besides, supplementation of PQQ·Na2 within diet decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-10 in the duodenal mucosa of birds on day 20. Relative to saline injection, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver were found to be lower (P < 0.05) in broilers after LPS challenge on day 21. However, birds fed with PQQ·Na2 showed higher (P < 0.05) GSH-Px activity in serum and higher (P < 0.05) T-SOD activities in liver on day 21 and day 42. Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium also significantly attenuated the LPS-induced decreases in villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum of broilers. In conclusion, dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation significantly exerted protective effects on inflammation damage and oxidant stress of broilers under LPS challenge by regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, T-SOD, and CAT). Moreover, dietary PQQ·Na2 supplementation significantly ameliorated the LPS-impaired intestinal morphology in broilers. Therefore, it has been considered that PQQ·Na2 can be used as a potential feed additive in broiler production.

In vivo efficacy of carvacrol on Campylobacter jejuni prevalence in broiler chickens during an entire fattening period

Carvacrol, a primary constituent of plant essential oils (EOs), and its antimicrobial activity have been the subject of many in vitro studies. Due to an increasing demand for alternative antimicrobials and an emerging number of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the use of essential oils has played a major role in many recent approaches to reduce Campylobacter colonization in poultry before slaughter age. For that purpose, the reducing effect of carvacrol on Campylobacter jejuni prevalence in broilers was determined in vivo in an experimental broiler chicken model during an entire fattening period. Carvacrol was added to the feed in a concentration of 120 mg/kg feed four days post hatch until the end of the trial. In this study, we demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of C. jejuni counts by 1.17 decadic logarithm (log10) most probable number (MPN)/g in cloacal swabs during starter and grower periods (corresponding to a broilers age between 1 and 28 days). Similar results were observed for colon enumeration at the end of the trial where C. jejuni counts were significantly reduced by 1.25 log10 MPN/g. However, carvacrol did not successfully reduce Campylobacter cecal colonization in 33-day-old broilers.

A Machine Vision-Based Method for Monitoring Broiler Chicken Floor Distribution.

The proper spatial distribution of chickens is an indication of a healthy flock. Routine inspections of broiler chicken floor distribution are done manually in commercial grow-out houses every day, which is labor intensive and time consuming. This task requires an efficient and automatic system that can monitor the chicken’s floor distributions. In the current study, a machine vision-based method was developed and tested in an experimental broiler house. For the new method to recognize bird distribution in the images, the pen floor was virtually defined/divided into drinking, feeding, and rest/exercise zones. As broiler chickens grew, the images collected each day were analyzed separately to avoid biases caused by changes of body weight/size over time. About 7000 chicken areas/profiles were extracted from images collected from 18 to 35 days of age to build a BP neural network model for floor distribution analysis, and another 200 images were used to validate the model. The results showed that the identification accuracies of bird distribution in the drinking and feeding zones were 0.9419 and 0.9544, respectively. The correlation coefficient (R), mean square error (MSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) of the BP model were 0.996, 0.038, and 0.178, respectively, in our analysis of broiler distribution. Missed detections were mainly caused by interference with the equipment (e.g., the feeder hanging chain and water line); studies are ongoing to address these issues. This study provides the basis for devising a real-time evaluation tool to detect broiler chicken floor distribution and behavior in commercial facilities.

Effects of a slatted floor on bacteria and physical parameters in litter in broiler houses

In this study, a new housing system for broiler was tested. This system consisted of a slatted floor area and a littered area with the aim of improving litter quality. Two experimental broiler houses were provided. In house 1, a slatted floor was installed below the drinker and feedlines. Littered areas flanked the slatted floor. Broiler house 2 reflected conditions in commercial systems, consisting of a full littered area. Litter samples were taken at day 11 and at day 32 of the fattening period. Manure samples were taken at day 32. The total bacteria count (TBC), coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and ESBL-producing bacteria were determined. Furthermore, physical parameters (dry matter, water activity, pH) of litter and manure were measured. For statistical analyzes, a generalized linear mixed model (GLIMMIX procedure) was calculated. The floor did not show any significant effect on the bacteria content of the litter. Regarding TBC in litter, the floor showed a tendency for an effect (F = 5.42, p<0.1) with lower contents in house 1. Regarding the manure under the slatted floor, a tendency for a difference between house 1 and house 2 was found for the content of E. coli (F = 5.55, p<0.1) with higher contents in house 1. The floor did not show any significant effect on the physical parameters of litter and manure. The results of this experimental study showed no positive effects on the selected litter parameters, but further studies, especially on-farm experiments are necessary to confirm these results.

The effectiveness of using the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 in feeding of broiler chickens

The development of the poultry industry signifi cantly solves the problem of food for the population and is one of the important tasks of the any state. The use of modern technologies and the use of meat crosses with high productivity is the basis for effi cient production of broiler meat. The purpose of the work was the expediency and effi ciency of enriching compound feed with the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 to increase meat productivity and quality of broiler chickens. In order to study the feasibility and eff ectiveness of feeding the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 in compound feed for broiler chickens under the environments of LLC “Akashevskaya poultry Farm” in the Republic of Mari El, a scientifi c and economic experiment has been carried out. The object of research was broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross. Comprehensive studies have been conducted to study the eff ect of diff erent doses of the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 in the technology of feeding broiler chickens. The eff ect of the additive on meat productivity and quality of meat, morphological and biochemical parameters of blood of broiler chickens, and economic eff ectiveness has been studied. Recipes for compound feed with diff erent doses of the feed additive Biostrong 510 have been developed. The absolute gain in live weight in experimental broiler chickens for the accounting period of all experimental groups was greater in comparison with the control group and amounted to 2148,2; 2233,1; 2221,5 g, respectively, for the experimental groups, compared to 2058,5 g in the control group. It has been found that the use of the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 increases the economic eff ectiveness of broiler meat production. The best results have been obtained when this additive was added to the compound feed of broiler chickens of the 2nd experimental group in the amount of 150 g per 1 ton of compound feed.

Effect of supplementation of broiler diets with essential oils on growth performance, antioxidant status, and general health

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of essential oils (EOs) of thyme, clove, and cinnamon to broiler chickens on growth performance, serum metabolites, and tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidants enzyme activities. Design: Randomized controlled study Animals: One hundred-eighty, one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups (3 replicates, 15 chicks each). Broilers were reared in deep litter system - pens for 6 weeks of age. Procedures: The control group was fed on corn-soybean basal control diets (starter, grower and finisher) without EOs supplementation. In addition to the basal- control diets, the 3 experimental broiler groups were supplemented with thyme oil (2nd group), clove oil (3rd group) or cinnamon oil (4th group) at 100 mg/kg. Blood, liver and muscle (breast) samples were collected from 3 broilers of each replicate at 40 days of age for measurement of serum metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Results: The broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg cinnamon oil had significantly higher body weight, body weight gain and feed intake, followed by broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg thyme and 100 mg/kg clove oils in comparison with control group, which was showed the lowest growth performance. Supplementation with EOs significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), with increased liver CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activities, as well as serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in comparison with control group, also, it induced a significant decrease in serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as both liver and muscle tissue lipid peroxidation (MDA). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of EOs (thyme, clove, and cinnamon) at 100 mg/kg resulted in significantly higher body weight, body weight gain, improved FCR, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Also, reduced lipid peroxidation in liver and muscle, and improved antioxidants status of broiler chickens.

Effect of supplementation of broiler diets with essential oils on growth performance, antioxidant status, and general health

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of essential oils (EOs) of thyme, clove, and cinnamon to broiler chickens on growth performance, serum metabolites, and tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidants enzyme activities. Design: Randomized controlled study Animals: One hundred-eighty, one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 4 treatment groups (3 replicates, 15 chicks each). Broilers were reared in deep litter system - pens for 6 weeks of age. Procedures: The control group was fed on corn-soybean basal control diets (starter, grower and finisher) without EOs supplementation. In addition to the basal- control diets, the 3 experimental broiler groups were supplemented with thyme oil (2nd group), clove oil (3rd group) or cinnamon oil (4th group) at 100 mg/kg. Blood, liver and muscle (breast) samples were collected from 3 broilers of each replicate at 40 days of age for measurement of serum metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Results: The broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg cinnamon oil had significantly higher body weight, body weight gain and feed intake, followed by broiler chickens fed on the diets supplemented with 100 mg/kg thyme and 100 mg/kg clove oils in comparison with control group, which was showed the lowest growth performance. Supplementation with EOs significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), with increased liver CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activities, as well as serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in comparison with control group, also, it induced a significant decrease in serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as both liver and muscle tissue lipid peroxidation (MDA). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of EOs (thyme, clove, and cinnamon) at 100 mg/kg resulted in significantly higher body weight, body weight gain, improved FCR, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Also, reduced lipid peroxidation in liver and muscle, and improved antioxidants status of broiler chickens.

Effect of Using Different Levels of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers

The Present study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on performance and caracas characteristics of broiler chicks. Two hundred day-old unsexed Ross chicks were allotted randomly to four treatments in a 4x5x10 arrangement. Four experimental broiler rations, (NRC, 1994), semi-isocaloric semi- isonitrogenous were formulated with ascending levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal, (MOLM), replacing performed total protein content of the diet percentagewise as 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% and designated as A, B, C and D respectively with ration A serving as control. Rations were allotted randomly to the four treatments. Experimental feeding was continued for 45 days on ad libitum basis, allowing for an initial adaptation feeding period on the control diet for one week. First three days of the adaptation week utilized the pre-starter ration. Experimental diets were then fed each to its respective group till the end of the experiment feeding period.&#x0D; Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded on weekly basis. At the end of the experiment, 10 birds from each group were selected randomly and slaughtered for carcass characteristics and dressing percentage.&#x0D; Live weight, weight gain, FCR, weight after cleaning and dressing percentage all showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) except (p&gt;0.05) for the daily and total voluntary feed intake and protein intake. In all carcass cuts, no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were found except (p&lt;0.05) in the left side and neck.&#x0D; The present study indicated that supplementation of MOLM to broiler diets had positive effects on body weight gain, dressing percentage and carcass cuts when used up to 7.5% of the ration.

Haematology and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed varying levels of indomie waste meal based diet

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting maize with indomie waste meal on the haematology and serum biochemical indices of 90-dayold Anak 2000 broiler chickens. Three experimental broiler starter and finisher diets were formulated with diet 1 serving as control containing 0% Indomie waste meal (IWM), while diets 2 and 3 contained IWM at 50 and 100% inclusion levels for maize. The chicks were randomly assigned to the three treatment diets (1, 2 and 3) in a completely randomized design and each treatment group contained three replicates with ten chickens per replicate. The result on the haematological indices revealed that MCV values were significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) by the treatment diets with highest value of (135.50±0.21fl) among birds fed 50% IWM. MCH also significantly varied(p&lt;0.05) among birds fed the treatment diets with highest (42.77±0.31pg) recorded among birds maintained on the control diet. Serum biochemical indices revealed that phosphorus value were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed the control diet with the mean value of 3.63±0.09mg/100ml. Total cholesterol was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in birds fed 100% IWM. The overall results from this study conclusively suggest that the inclusion of indomie waste meal in the diet of broilers up to 100% did not have any detrimental effect on the blood profile of the birds. But precaution had to be taken in the incorporation of IWM at this level because of the increase effect on the cholesterol level of the blood.Mr. Omoikhoje, B. (Laboratory Technologist)

The efficiency of the use of “Biostrong 510” additive in the technology of broiler chicken meat production

Growing chickens for meat is the main link in the technological chain of broiler production. Broilers – the final hybrid obtained as a result of interbreeding of different chicken breeds lines (meat parent forms), tested for compatibility. Because of this, the bird has an intense growth rate, high taste of meat. Consumer demand for broiler meat has been increasing steadily in recent decades. Biostrong 510 (BIOSTRONG 510) herbal feed supplement to improve palatability and increase consumption or feed for farm poultry. The mechanism of action is based on the joint action of several plant substances, in which there are active substances, which, when combined, affect a certain category of animals. Four groups of broiler chickens (1 control and 3 experimental) of the Cobb 500 cross at the daily age of 50 heads each were formed to conduct the experiment by the method of analogues. The experiments were carried out with the daily up to 40 days of age. Expenses of feeds in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group by 0.07, 0.13, 0.12 kg, respectively. The purpose of this work was to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of enrichment of animal feed with vegetable feed additive "Biostrong 510" used in the production of meat broiler chickens. Assessing the results of scientific and economic experience, we can safely say that in all the experimental groups in which "Biostrong 510" was used as an additive, the gain in the live weight of broiler chickens was increased compared to the control group. In total, 4020 g of compound feed was spent for the period of an experiment for each experimental group of broiler chickens. Due to the improved taste of feed, the palatability in the experimental groups was higher than in the control group by 0.3 %; 0.9 %; 0.8 %. The cost of feed in the experimental groups was lower than in the control group. For example, in the control – 1, 87 kg per 1 kg of body weight gain. In experimental – below 0.07; 0.13; 0,12 kg, respectively. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the viability of experimental broiler chickens was almost 100%. The natural loss of livestock was only due to technological injuries. The obtained data on the productivity of broiler chickens indicate a favorable effect of plant feed additive on the live weight of broiler chickens. Based on the results of the research, we recommend to introduce a plant feed additive based on essential oils and plant substances "Biostrong 510" in the composition of complete feed in the amount of 150 g/t to increase live weight, growth intensity, preservation, meat productivity, reduce feed costs per unit of broiler chickens of the cross "Cobb 500".

Relationships between broiler final weights and microbiota of certain segments of the intestine

Only healthy animals can expect good production results. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health is of particular importance in broilers. GIT health has been protected by antibiotics as growth promoters for years. Since their use is forbidden, alternatives are required. One alternative is the use of medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) in broiler nutrition, in order to ensure the health of digestive tract, that is, prevent the activity of pathogenic bacteria, coccidias and viruses. Today, commercial MCFA supplement is used on the market in nutrition of broilers and piglets. Previous experiences of using MCFA in nutrition of broilers suggest that MCFA can be used as a substitute for antibiotics. In the duodenum of experimental broilers (a group of birds fed with added MCFA), the numbers of Enterococcus spp. and E. coli were significantly correlated with bird weight, but this was not the case in other intestinal segments (ileum or caecum).