Experimental Broiler Research Articles

The effect of complex application of symbiotic and biocidal preparations on the metabolic status of broiler chickens' blood

Using probiotic preparations and their complexes in poultry farming is an important step towards increasing poultry resistance and productivity, and thus producing environmentally friendly products. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the complex action of symbiotic drugs and biocidal agents by investigating the clinical and biochemical parameters of blood and mineral metabolism in the body of broiler chickens under the conditions of their use according to the developed scheme. Hematologic, biochemical and immunologic blood parameters were explored by conventional methods, micro- and macroelements by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Using the proposed complex of symbiotic and biocidal agents in the technology of rearing broiler chickens activates the processes of erythropoiesis, haemoglobin production, restoration of protein metabolism and normalisation of mineral status within physiological limits, which indicates the strengthening of the body's defences, increased resistance to stress factors and adverse environmental conditions, and will further have a positive effect on the growth and productivity of the target bird. The pronounced effect of the complex combination of drugs on the body of broiler chickens of experimental B is a better assimilation of many inorganic elements (by increasing the content of Calcium, Phosphorus, Cuprum, Ferrum and Selenium, Magnesium, Manganum); and, accordingly, causes the sustainable development of metabolic processes due to the prevalence of anabolic over catabolic processes (by increasing the level of total proteins against the background of a physiological increase in the number of globulin fractions; including the induction of the endogenous detoxification system – by reducing the level of production of toxic metabolites of purine metabolism: uric acid and creatinine; reduction of Chromium content; normalisation of transamination processes and deceleration of alkaline phosphatase activity) and immunobiological reactions (by enhancing erythropoiesis and haemoglobin production; induction of lysozyme, bactericidal and phagocytic activity), respectively. The proposed system of rearing young poultry using a complex of symbiotic preparations in combination with biocidal agents promotes the synergistic effect of the latter and their effective action on the body of experimental broiler chickens, which increases nonspecific resistance and restores metabolic reactions

The effect of the causative agent of listeriosis on the body of broiler chickens under experimental conditions

Ross Cobb 500 chickens (40) were divided into four groups of 10 animals. On the 15th day of life, Chickens from experimental groups were orally infected with a daily culture at a dose of 0.5 Mac Farland-1 ml (1.5×108 CFU/cm3) L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes). One group was a control group. At the time of slaughter, on the 38th day of the chickens' life, blood samples were taken for biochemical and hematological studies. At the end of the experiment, in the control group of chickens, all animals (10) were alive; in the L. innocua, L. ivanovii, and L. monocytogenes groups, 8, 9, and 7 birds remained, respectively. Infection of poultry with the causative agent of listeriosis did not affect the weight of experimental broiler chickens; the average weight of infected animals was almost at the same level as the control group: L. monocytogenes (2278.5 ± 169.6 g), L. ivanovii (2422.8 ± 63.4 g), L. innocua (2358.0 ± 68.9 g), control group (2320.0 ± 70.8 g). Among the biochemical indicators of the blood of broiler chickens, specific biochemical changes were found, which were characterized, first of all, by an increase in the level of creatinine and the ratio of Ca and P and a decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The established changes may indicate a violation of metabolic processes in bone and muscle tissue due to the action of Listeria. According to the results of hematological studies of the broilers of the control and experimental groups, it was established that heterophilia due to L. monocytogenes, eosinophilia, and lymphocytosis – due to L. ivanovii and L. innocua compared to the control.

The effect of the combined use of gammaoctalactone and chlortetracycline in the broiler diet: live weight, feed efficiency and the microbiome of the caecum

Relevance, materials and methods. The experimental scheme included the control group — the main diet (MD); group I (positive control) — MD + chlortetracycline (20%) 0.63 g per 1 kg of body weight for 20 days; group II — MD + gamma-octalactone at a dosage of 0.1 ml/kg of b.w./day; III group — MD + gammaoctalactone + chlortetracycline (20%).Results. In the course of research, the advantage of the live weight of experimental broilers over the control was established. The broilers that received gamma-octolactone + chlortetracycline with the main dietwere distinguished by the greatest live weight (16.5% more than in the control) . A similar situation was observed in terms of live weight gains. Broilers of the experimental groups ate more feed (by 3.23–8.47%), against the background of low feed consumption per 1 kg of live weight (by 6.38–10.6%) compared to the control. Broilers from group III had a higher content of erythrocytes (by 12.6–30.7%) and the weight of the spleen. The microbial profile of group III broilers (a combination of gamma-octalactone and chlortetracycline) was represented by microorganisms belonging to 4 phylum. The dominant phylum was Firmicutes (81.3%). Comparison with the control showed that the combination of substances reduced the number of bacteria of this phylum by 4.46%, against the background of an increase in the number of representatives of the Bacteroidetes phylum by 9.32% relative to the control. There was an increase in representatives of the genera Alistipes, Lactobacillus and unclassified genera of the family Clostridiales, while the number of representatives of unclassified genera of the family Ruminococcaceae decreased.

Cadmium and Thiram Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Broiler Chicken

Cadmium and Thiram Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Broiler Chicken

Effects of dietary Astragalus mongholicus, Astragalus polysaccharides and Lactobacillus on growth performance, immunity and antioxidant status in Qingjiaoma finishing broilers

Three hundred 21-day-old male Qingjiaoma broilers were randomly assigned to six groups to investigate the effect of dietary stems and leaves of Astragalus mongholicus (AMSLs), Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs), Lactobacillus (Lac) and their combinations on finishing broilers in a 42-day feeding experiment. Supplementary 1% AMSLs, 1 000 mg/kg APSs and 4.5 × 10<sup>10</sup> CFU/kg Lac improved significantly growth performance. Dietary AMSLs, APSs and Lac increased the serum concentrations of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and complements C3 and C4. Furthermore, AMSLs increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total antioxidation capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both serum and liver tissue. Compared with individual supplementation, the combination of Lac and AMSLs or APSs increased serum IgA, IgG, C3 and C4 concentrations. The combination of AMSLs and Lac increased serum GSH-Px activity and reduced the MDA content in the serum and liver tissue. These results suggested that AMSLs, APSs and Lac are beneficial feed additives, and the applications of combined Lac and AMSLs or APSs could synergistically improve immunity in broilers.

Effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid on the inflammatory responses and antioxidative capacity in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an intermediate in haem biosynthesis and has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 5-ALA on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory response of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with dietary 5-ALA (0 or 60 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 0.5 mg/kg BW) levels as treatments. A total of 240 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were distributed into four treatments consisting of six replicates of 10 birds. All the experimental broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS or sterile saline at 16, 18, and 20 days of age. Our results showed that dietary 5-ALA supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the feed to gain before broilers were stimulated with LPS (days 1–15). LPS challenge decreased (P < 0.05) the catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase activities and increased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of broiler chickens. However, 5-ALA supplementation had a tendency to increase (P = 0.08) the activity of CAT and decreased (P < 0.05) the content of MDA. LPS challenge showed higher (P < 0.05) interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations in the serum, whereas dietary 5-ALA supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Additionally, dietary 5-ALA supplementation significantly attenuated (P < 0.05) the upregulation of mRNA expression levels of hepatic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), IL-1β, and IL-2 induced by LPS challenge. Moreover, dietary 5-ALA supplementation also enhanced the mRNA expression of 5-aminolevulinate dehydratase, ferrochelatase, and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as compared to the unsupplemented groups. In conclusion, our results suggested that supplementation of 60 mg/kg 5-ALA exhibited LPS-induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by enhancing the HO-1 expression and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and garlic (Allium sativum) powder to protect broiler chicken receiving diet containing exogenous aflatoxin

Aflatoxin (AF), a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus species, is carcinogenic and mutagenic for chicken. Chickens are highly sensitive to the adverse effect of AF and it is causing economic loss in poultry industry. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric powder (TP) and garlic powder (GP) on broiler receiving diet containing exogenous AF. Randomly selected 14 days old cobb-500 broiler chicks (N=84) were equally divided into four treatments. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets were prepared viz; diet-A: 1.5 mg of AF; Diet-B: 1.5 mg of AF and 1g of TP; Diet-C: 1.5 mg of AF and 1 g of GP contained per kg feed and control diet had no AF, TP and GP. Each dietary treatment had 3 replications (having 7 birds in each) and respective feed was offered to the broilers according to the entire duration (35 days) of experiment. All experimental broilers were reared following same management practices. At 36 days of age all experimental broiler were slaughtered for examining the necroscopic changes in internal organs such as liver, kidney and spleen to estimate AF residues. Growth of the broiler chicken was monitored and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. The study demonstrated significant (P&lt;0.01) effect of turmeric and garlic powder on final body weight of birds and so also the FCR. Liver and kidney weight use showed significantly (P&lt;0.01) the highest in diet-A, followed by diet-B, diet-C and the control diet, respectively but, spleen weight did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) with the treatments. The residue of AF in different internal organs was also significantly (P&lt;0.05) different between the treatments; being higher in diet-A as compared to the rest of the dietary treatment groups. Evidently, the present study substantiated the potentiality of TP in broiler chicken to overcome the adverse effect of AF, a common mycotoxin. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2019-2021, 44-46: 89-95

Supplementation of Probiotics in Broiler Rations as an Alternative to Antibiotics

Routine use of antibiotics in poultry production leads to its residues in meats and eggs and multi-drug resistance develops in human gut due to consumption of contaminated products. The study was conducted with a view to investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation to the poultry ration as an alternative to antibiotics on the performance of broilers. The experimental broilers were divided in four groups according to the treatments as control (no antibiotics or probiotics supplementation), AS20 (antibiotics supplementation @20g 100kg-1 of feed), PS10 (probiotics supplementation @10g 100kg-1 of feed) and PS20 (probiotics supplementation @20g 100kg-1 of feed). The experiment was laid out at Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna by following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications for the treatments and 15 birds were included in each replication. The generic name of antibiotic used was oxytetracycline and trade name of probiotic was probiolac which contains a combination of several microorganisms of 32 billion CFU100g-1. Results revealed that the performances of broilers in terms of body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost and mortality rate varied insignificantly due to antibiotics and probiotics supplementation. Numerically, highest mortality was recorded in antibiotics supplemented group and no mortality observed in control and probiotic (@20g 100kg-1 of feed) fed group. Significant positive correlation was observed among feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio and growth rate of the chicks. It could be concluded that probiotic can be supplemented as an alternative to antibiotic in broiler ration. South Asian J. Agric., 8(1&amp;2): 45-50

Different periods of inclusion of acetic acid in broiler drinking water

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the benefits of acetic acid in different periods of inclusion in broiler drinking water on broiler performance, pH, and microbiota, especially the morphometry of the jejunum of broiler chickens. For this, 240 chickens of the Cobb500® lineage of 21 days of age were used and distributed in boxes in an experimental broiler house, considering a completely randomized design, with four treatments and four replications of 15 birds each (experimental unit). The treatments were: T1 - Control (chlorinated water at 3 ppm); T2 - chlorinated and acidified water with acetic acid in the period from 21 to 42 days of age; T3- chlorinated and acidified water with acetic acid in the period from 28 to 42 days of age; T4 - chlorinated and acidified water with acetic acid in the period from 35 to 42 days of age. The results were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, followed by Tukey's post-test, considering a significance level of 5%. No differences in performance were observed in the period from 21 to 42 days of age, pH, and Lactobacillus spp. counts of the crop at 42 days of age and height of villi and jejunum crypt depth in the same age. However, there was a reduction (P&lt;0.05) in the enterobacteria count in the crop at 42 days of age, which could contribute to the reduction of intestinal enterobacteria counts and, in turn, reduce the contamination of the carcass of broiler chickens.

Effects of transport time and feeding type on weight loss, meat quality and behavior of broilers.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the optimal time of transportation of floor-feed and scatter-feed broilers.MethodsEighty healthy Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (21-day-old, 624.4 g, male, standard error = 6.65) were selected and randomly divided into two experimental groups (floor-feed and scatter-feed), then fed for three weeks. The experiment comprised a 2×4 factorial design with 2 feed patterns (floor-feed and scatter-feed) and 4 transport periods (2, 3, 4, and 5 h), and 4 replicates of 5 broilers (54-day-old, 2243 g, standard error = 46.65) was used to compare weight loss, meat quality and behavior index of different groups.ResultsIt appeared that drip loss, meat color and resting behavior of experimental broilers changed as length of transportation (p<0.05), however, weight loss and pH were not significantly transformed (p>0.05). Compared with floor-feed group, broilers in scatter-feed group had lower pH at 24 hours (3 h) and different behavioral indicators (p<0.05). Especially indicators after 3 h transportation, there were obvious differences between the two feeding modes in the behavior reaction of stress events before slaughter with different transport duration (p<0.05). The fluctuation of data on resting behavior with scatter-feed was significantly higher than that of floor-feed broilers. There was no interaction between transport time and different feeding methods for index tested of our experiment (p>0.05).ConclusionComprehensive analysis showed that the maximum transport duration of floor-feed and scatter-feed broilers should not exceed 3 h, and scatter-feed broilers were more likely prone to fear.

Production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler treated with graded level of acetic acid

To investigate the effect of graded level of acetic acid on the production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler, present study was conducted for a period of 35 days in a controlled shed. A total of 240 Cobb 500 day old broiler chicks were divided into four dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3), each group with three replications and each replication having 20 birds. Control group (T0) birds were fed with the basal diet without any acetic acid. Birds of T1, T2 and T3 group were treated with 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% acetic acid in drinking water, respectively along with basal diets. Recorded data were analysed in SPSS software by using ANOVA and significance level was considered as 5%. Results showed that, acetic acid has significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved live weight, live weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and some meat characteristics (carcass weight, thigh weight and breast weight) of experimental broilers. However, there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed between control group and acetic acid treated groups of birds in terms of feed intake, dressing percentage, liver weight, heart weight and abdominal fat. Net profit was higher in birds treated with acetic acid than the control group and the best performances were observed in the birds treated with 0.3% acetic acid.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 311-319, December 2021

Dose and time-dependent effects of glucocorticoid: A morphologic and morphometric study in the broiler lung

Glucocorticoids (GCs) play a critical function in neonatal lung growth and maturation though the long-term dose-dependent effects of GCs on lungs are still ambiguous. The purpose of the present study is to explore the morphologic and morphometric changes in broiler lungs in reaction to dietary GC. Day-old chicks (DOCs) were purchased and divided into four groups at random i.e. one control group (C) and three experimental groups (E1, E2, and E3). Commercial broiler feed was provided to both the control and experimental groups where the feed of the experimental groups contained GC, dexamethasone (DEX) at the rate of 3, 5, and 7 mg/ kg in E1, E2, and E3 groups, respectively. Lung (left) samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. After recording the gross morphologic and morphometric data, the tissue samples were processed for histological investigation. In the gross morphological study, congested lung with reddish to blackish discoloration was seen in experimental broilers. The gross morphometric study revealed a significant decrease in weight, length, and width of the lung. In the histomorphologic study, the lung of experimental broilers revealed vascular and parabronchial lumen congestion. Mild to the severe edematous lesion was also found evident along with the absence of distinguishable inter parabronchial septa. Degeneration of lung parenchyma with the appearance of lipid droplets, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis was seen to some extent. The histomorphometric investigation revealed a significant decrease in the diameter of the parabronchus as well as the thickness of the parabronchial wall. The study results suggest that dexamethasone may adversely alter the gross and histological characteristics of broiler lungs.

Influence of Phytase with Or without Organic Acid (Sodium Di-Formate) Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Response, Protein and Mineral Digestibility in Starter Phase of Broilers

This experiment was planned to evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation with or without organic acid (OA) on performance, protein, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and sodium (Na) digestibility and carcass parameters in broiler chickens fed low Ca and low P diets in comparison to a high Ca and high P diet with standard specifications. For this purpose, two iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared in such a way that one diet had high Ca (9.80) and high P (4.50) and second diet had low Ca (8.50) and low P (2.40), respectively. Low Ca and low P diet was further supplemented with enzyme phytase @ 500 FTU/kg, and phytase @ 500 FTU/kg + organic acid (1 kg/ton). Rations were offered to seven replicates of ten birds each, from day 1 to 21. Results revealed that the experimental treatments had no effect on feed intake and growth performance of birds (p>0.05). Carcass parameter results showed highest thigh meat yield % and liver weight % in the birds fed diet with low Ca & P and supplemented with enzymes phytase (p<0.05). Fecal P and Na digestiblities were high (p<0.05) in experimental broilers fed low Ca low P with enzyme phytase supplementation as compared to the diet without phytase supplementation. It is concluded that phytase and OA supplementation in the starter diet with low Ca and low P level did not influence intake, growth and feed conversion of the broilers. However, thigh meat yield percent and mineral digestiblities (P and Na) increased in the broilers that received the diet with low Ca and low P level and supplemented with enzyme phytase.

Feeding a calcium-enriched fatty acid could ameliorate the growth performance of broilers under the chronic heat stress.

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of calcium-enriched fatty acid supplementation on the growth performance, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress. A total of 210 one-day-old broiler chicks (40.12 ± 0.25 g) were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments, to obtain six replicates per treatment. Broilers were subjected to chronic heat stress from day 21 to day 35, post-hatching, at 34°C for 9 h per day. The body weight (BW) and feed intake of the experimental broilers were recorded weekly, and the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated accordingly. Rectal temperature was measured to compare the basal body temperatures between individuals, and blood samples were collected on days 21 and 35 to evaluate basal body temperature, serum total cholesterol, and the triglyceride content of the broilers. On days 21 and 35, one broiler from each cage (n=6) was euthanized to measure carcass trait parameters, nutrient digestibility in digesta, and intestinal morphology. On days 14, 28, and 35, the broilers fed 2.0% calcium-enriched fatty acids had higher BW (p < 0.05) than those fed the other diets. However, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) between dietary treatments over the 35 experimental days. On the other hand, on day 21, post-hatching, the broilers fed the 2.0% calcium-enriched fatty acid diet had improved (p < 0.05) dietary feed efficiencies compared to the other treatments. On day 28, the broilers fed the 5.0% of calcium-enriched fatty acid diet also had higher (p < 0.05) dietary feed efficiencies than those fed with the other dietary treatments. No effects (p > 0.05) on carcass weight, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, or blood parameters were found between broilers fed with dietary treatments. This study demonstrated that the inclusion of an additive, containing 2.0% calcium-enriched fatty acid, to broiler diet could ameliorate the negative growth performance of broilers; and no interaction (p > 0.05) was observed between the calcium-enriched fatty acid and nutrient digestibility, digestive anatomy, blood metabolism, and carcass traits of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress conditions for 35 days post-hatching.

Comprehensive evaluation method of the poultry house indoor environment based on gray relation analysis and analytic hierarchy process

Due to the antagonism and synergy among environmental factors in the poultry house, the influence process becomes extremely complex. As a result, it is difficult to predict and evaluate the degree of such influence accurately. In this paper, we study the poultry house environment factor and its relationship with poultry production performance, using the gray relation analysis (GRA) to filtrate the main factors that influence the evaluation of the poultry house environment. Put forward using the gray relation degree (GRD) to improve the method for structuring the judgment matrix, and weights are more objective and reasonable. The evaluation index system and evaluation model are constructed through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). It is expected that the comprehensive evaluation of the indoor environment status of the poultry house can guide the optimization of the environmental control in the poultry house and obtain better production indicators of the poultry. In this study, the experimental broiler house was enclosed in autumn. Because of the ventilation system, the indoor environment is still affected by the outdoor environment. The top 3 in the calculation of weights were outdoor environment (0.4315), indoor temperature (0.2384), and indoor air quality (0.1687), which were consistent with experience. From October 24 to 27, the environmental evaluation values of the experimental broiler house were {2.4367, 2.8149, 2.3857, 2.5669}, that is, the evaluation results were {good, good, good, good}; consistent with the expert manual judgment. The correctness and practicability of the proposed method were verified. This paper provides a scientific basis for environmental evaluation and environmental control in the poultry house.

The Effect of Adding Herbal Extracts to Drinking Water on Body Temperature, Level of Thyroid Hormones and H:L Ratio in the Blood of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Elevated Ambient Temperature

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing drinking water with extracts from lemon balm, sage and nettle on body temperature, level of thyroid hormones and the heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio in the blood of broiler chickens exposed to elevated rearing temperature. One-day-old Ross 308 chicks were divided into four groups: group I (CON) and experimental groups II (LB), II (S) and IV (N), in which, from 22 to 42 days of rearing, drinkers were supplemented with lemon balm extract, sage extract or nettle extract (2 ml/l water), respectively. In addition, at 5 weeks of growth, all the groups were exposed to elevated ambient temperature (up to 30°C) for 5 days, after which the recommended thermal conditions were reinstated. During the study, mortality, rectal temperature and radiated temperature of the broilers were monitored. Blood was collected from 10 birds per group to determine the concentration of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and to make blood smears. The H:L ratio was determined based on the percentage of heterophils (H) and lymphocytes (L). The herbal extracts from lemon balm, sage and nettle, added to drinking water at 2 ml/l, reduced the blood level of the thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine) and rectal temperature in the experimental broilers during the initial period of thermal stress. Chickens receiving the nettle extract were also characterised by lower radiated temperature of the unfeathered body, a lower H:L ratio in the blood during the increase in ambient temperature, and the lowest mortality percentage. It can therefore be considered that the dietary supplementation of nettle, in the form and concentration used in this study, had the most favourable effect on the physiological status of the birds (body temperature, level of thyroid hormones and H:L ratio) exposed to elevated ambient temperatures (30°C), and thus on their welfare.

Meat productivity of Belarus agricultural poultry in the prevention of mycotoxicoses with zeolite-containing feed additives

The article presents our research results of the influence of various additives-sorbents on the broiler chickens meat productivity. Currently, the fight against mycotoxins in feed and the syndrome of sudden broilers death at the final stage of fattening is an urgent problem. In the conditions of a poultry farm in the northern region of the Republic of Belarus an enriched zeolite-containing component based on tripoli was introduced into the broiler chickens mixed feed. At the end of the technological period of growing the cross "Ross-308" broiler chickens the comparative effect of feed additives "Vami-Lactulose" and "Kiskad" on their meat productivity was studied. It was found that the feed additives introduction had a positive effect on the absorption of feed nutrients and their assimilation by the poultry body as well as the blocking and elimination of toxic components. In the end, the energy of the consumed feed contributed to the formation of broiler chickens high meat qualities. In the production conditions an increase of the 1st grade carcasses yield in the experimental groups by 2.2-3.7% was recorded which had a positive effect on the poultry meat production efficiency. During the anatomical cutting of carcasses an increase in the meat indices of broilers of the experimental groups was recorded compared with the control including offal output of the category 1, slaughter output, the output of the gutted carcass, edible parts, muscles as a whole and individual muscle groups. There were no significant differences in organoleptic indices in the samples of poultry meat of the control and experimental groups. The relative biological value of meat obtained from experimental broiler chickens was higher in the pectoral muscles by 6.2-6.9 %, femoral - by 7.0-8.6% and liver - by 7.4-8.8 %. Based on the conducted production tests on the introduction of mycotoxicosis prevention in the agro-industrial complex with new zeolite-containing feed additives it was established that the feed additives "Vami-Lactulosa" and "Kiskad" developed by us contribute to the stimulation of broiler chickens meat productivity and the production of environmentally friendly food. Meat of the experimental groups poultry is of good quality and meets the requirements of international standards (GOST and STB).

Altered relationship between gluconeogenesis and immunity in broilers exposed to heat stress for different durations

This study determined the relationship between inflammation and gluconeogenesis level in broilers in different durations of heat stress. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were offered control and heat stress temperature from 21 to 35 d post-hatch, each experimental group had 8 replications, and each replication obtained 15 broilers. The temperature in the control (Ctrl) group and heat stress group were maintained at 24 ± 1°C and 34 ± 1°C, respectively throughout the experimental period. Based on the duration of heat stress, the heat stress group was divided into 2 subgroups, like, 7-d heat stress (28-day-old broiler) designated ST group and 14-d heat stress (35-day-old broiler) designated the LT group. The ad libitum commercial feed and fresh water were provided to all experimental broilers during the experiment. The growth performance of experimental broilers was calculated at 35 d. However, the liver and blood samples were collected from the Ctrl group in 21 d, as well as these samples were collected from the heat stress ST and LT groups in 28-d and 35-d, respectively. Obvious gene expression of immunity, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and glycogenesis, as well as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphate was determined in the liver sample. The blood glucose concentration and histopathology of the liver was also examined in the different grouped broilers. Body weight, weight gain, and feed intake significantly decreased in the 35-d heat stress group than the Ctrl group. However, the feed conversion ratio increased at the 35-d heat stress group than the Ctrl group. The amount of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was significantly higher in ST and LT groups than Ctrl, whereas the blood glucose level was downregulated in the LT group. The amount of adenosine triphosphate was significantly decreased in the LT group than the Ctrl and ST groups. Heat stress acts as an impediment to the general relation between gluconeogenesis and immunity, as well as changes cellular structure. This experiment contributed to the establishment of a relationship between gluconeogenesis and immunity, which affects the growth performance of broilers during heat stress.

Effect of feeding of 10 % prefermented feed on fatty acid profile and oxidation changes in chicken breast meat

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of addition of 10 % fermented feed (FF) into commercial broiler feed on fatty acid profile, chemical composition and oxidative stability of chicken breast meat fat. FF was prepared by the process of fungal solid-state fermentation. Application of FF into the commercial feed mixtures resulted in increased content of gamma-linolenic and oleic acid in broiler breast meat (P &lt; 0.05). Oxidative stability of meat fat was significantly higher in experimental broilers group fed diet with the addition of 10% FF (P &lt; 0,05) after storage period of samples for seven days at temperature of 4 °C.

Avaliação dos índices de conforto térmico para as diferentes fases de produção de frangos de corte utilizando cartas de controle

A busca por melhores índices zootécnicos e econômicos, frente aos desafios gerados pelo ambiente onde as aves são criadas, tem estimulado pesquisas relacionadas a modificações na estrutura dos galpões e nas dietas, na tentativa de amenizar os prejuízos causados pelas altas temperaturas sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar os Índices de Conforto Térmico, sendo o ITU (Índice de Temperatura e Umidade) e o ITGU (Índice de Temperatura de Globo Negro e Umidade) de um galpão experimental de frangos de corte, localizado no município de São Cristóvão-SE. Foi utilizado um aparelho, desenvolvido e validado pelo Departamento de Engenharia Agrícola, para calcular e armazenar os índices de conforto térmico no período de sete semanas. Para analisar os valores dos índices de conforto térmico foram utilizadas cartas de controle, elaboradas utilizando o programa Minitab 19. De acordo com os resultados encontrados para ITGU, o Laboratório de Metabolismo de Aves (LBMA) apresentou as condições ambientais ideais para o desenvolvimento adequado de frangos de corte. Com relação ao ITU, os valores mostraram-se inconsistentes em relação aos sugeridos pela literatura.