Poultry Feed Additives Research Articles

Microalgae as feed additives in poultry: A review on the health-promoting effects

This review explores the effects of the inclusion of microalgal biomass in feed on the health of poultry (broilers and laying hens). Microalgae have emerged as a promising feed additive, valued not only for their rich nutritional profile, but also for their bioactive substances. Bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, oligosaccharides and carotenoids, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral functions, which hold promise for promoting poultry health. With the ban on prophylactic antibiotic use in feed, microalgal biomass emerges as an innovative feed additive to enhance growth performance and prevent health issues in poultry. This review extensively explains the critical health parameters of poultry, including histology of the intestinal tract, intestinal permeability, immunity, antioxidant status and prebiotic effects on the intestinal microbiome. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the inclusion of microalgae in poultry feed, promoting these health parameters. It concludes with suggestions for further research and practical recommendations on how to improve poultry health using microalgal biomass.

Effect of feed supplementation with Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale spices on the zootechnical, biochemical, and microbiological parameters of broiler chickens

In recent years, there has been a significant trend to improve poultry zootechnical performances by biological methods to avoid the unwanted chemical growth factor's introduction into breeding process. Medicinal plants and their derivatives are good candidates to achieve this goal. Thus, this work aimed at evaluating the effect of poultry feed supplementation with the spices Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale on the zootechnical performance, serological, and microbiological parameters of Ross 308 chicken. To achieve this purpose, 180 chicks divided into five groups and reared for 12 days. The experimental groups consisted of a control group receiving a conventional feed without antibiotics and four groups receiving a conventional feed with 0.5 and 1% turmeric and ginger doses, respectively. Results of the experiment revealed that supplementing the feed with 0.5% turmeric powder increased live weight, and average daily gain and decreased feed conversion compared to the other groups. Turmeric powder supplement (0.5 and 1%) affected blood serum parameters by decreasing triglyceride and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations. In comparison, the incorporation of 0.5% ginger in the diet decreased triglyceride concentrations, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferases (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferases (ALAT). Cecum bacteriological analysis showed a total absence of coliforms, Salmonella sp., Clostridium sp., and lactic acid bacteria in the chick groups supplemented with different doses of turmeric and ginger (0.5 and 1%, respectively). Within this study’s limits, using these two studied spices as additives in poultry feed allowed us to conclude that supplementing with 0.5% turmeric powder positively impacted the evaluated parameters.

Combining widely targeted metabolomics and RNA-sequencing to reveal the function analysis of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. Juice-induced poultry macrophages

This study explored the functional effects of cultivated and wild Phyllanthus emblica Linn juice (PEJ) in HD11 poultry macrophage lines, with the aim of potentially developing cultivated PE and its fruit residue as poultry feed additives. RNA-Seq was used to evaluate the functional differences between cultivated and wild PEJ induced HD11 cells. Both cultivated and wild PEJ could regulate cell replication by histone H1/H2 family genes and host immune response by Toll-like receptor 7 regulation. Wild PEJ inhibited M1-type polarization of host macrophages, while cultivated PEJ promoted M2-type polarization. Metabolites of cultivated and wild PE were identified by widely targeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Of the 911 metabolites, 238 differed functionally between cultivated and wild PE. The data provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of PE as a functional feed additive in poultry.

Determination and evaluation of canthaxanthin and β-apo-8’-carotenoid ethyl ester in chicken eggs and meat in Tianjin

Canthaxanthin and β-apo-8’-carotenoid ethyl ester are widely used as feed additives in poultry feed for enhancing the color of poultry products. The excessive intake of the two colorants can cause health damage. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of canthaxanthin and β-apo-8’-carotenoid ethyl ester are 0.03 mg/kg·bw and 0.015 mg/kg·bw, respectively. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) was used to determine two colorants in chicken eggs and meat. A PRiME HLB solid-phase extraction cartridge was used to extract and clean-up the sample. BEH C18 column was used as the separation column, with water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05 mg/kg, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.1 mg/kg. The recoveries were between 90% and 104%. The daily intake of two colorants in chicken eggs and meat was evaluated based on the detection data, food consumption data and weight data of the population. The mean estimated daily intake (EDI) values of canthaxanthin through chicken eggs and meat were 1.09 µg/(kg·bw·d) and 0.013 µg/(kg·bw·d), respectively. The mean EDI value of β-apo-8’-carotenoid ethyl ester through eggs was 0.44 µg/(kg·bw·d). The results showed that eggs were the main contributor to the daily intake of two colorants. The mean hazard quotients (HQ) values of two colorants through chicken eggs and meat was within a safe range.

Modulation of Poultry Cecal Microbiota by a Phytogenic Blend and High Concentrations of Casein in a Validated In Vitro Cecal Chicken Alimentary Tract Model.

Phytogenic blends (PBs) consist of various bioactive plant-derived compounds that are used as growth promoters for farm animals. Feed additives based on PBs have beneficial effects on farm animals' production performance, health, and overall well-being, as well as positive modulating effects on gut microbiota. In this study, we used a validated in vitro cecal chicken alimentary tract model (CALIMERO-2) to evaluate the effects of a PB (a mix of components found in rosemary, cinnamon, curcuma, oregano oil, and red pepper), alone or in combination with casein (control), on poultry cecal microbiota. Supplementation with the PB significantly increased the abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism (Monoglobus) and growth performance in poultry (Lachnospiraceae UCG-010). The PB also decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia-Shigella) and, most importantly, did not promote other opportunistic pathogens, which indicates the safety of this blend for poultry. In conclusion, the results of this study show promising perspectives on using PBs as feed additives for poultry, although further in vivo studies need to prove these data.

Brominated Dioxins in Egg, Broiler, and Feed Additives: Significance of Bioassay-Directed Screening for Identification of Emerging Risks in Food.

Food authorities aim to safeguard our food. This requires sensitive analyses to guarantee detection of both banned and regulated substances at low concentrations. At the same time, broad screening methods are needed to identify new emerging risks. For this purpose, effect-based bioassays combined with mass spectrometric analyses offer an advantage. During the regular monitoring of dioxins in agricultural products, a discrepancy was observed between the results of the DR CALUX (Dioxin-Responsive Chemical Activated Luciferase gene Expression) bioassay and the confirmatory gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometric (GC-HRMS) analysis in egg and broiler fat samples. The response in the bioassay was high, suggesting a clear exceedance of the maximum limits of dioxins in these samples, yet regulated dioxins or dl-PCBs were not detected by GC/HRMS analysis. Ultimately, a broad screening analysis using GC-HRMS resulted in the identification of 2,3,7,8-tetrabromo-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TBDF) in both egg and broiler fat. To investigate the potential source of this brominated furan contaminant, different samples were analyzed: bedding material, poultry feed, feed additives (choline chloride and l-lysine), and seaweed. The poultry feed and feed additives all contained 2,3,7,8-TBDF. Using a feed-to-food transfer model, it became clear that the poultry feed was probably the source of 2,3,7,8-TBDF in broilers and eggs through a feed additive like L-lysine or choline chloride. This study underlines the importance of using a combination of effect-based screening assays with sensitive analytical methods to detect potential new and emerging risks.

Optimization of solvent and extraction time on secondary metabolite content of mangosteen leaf (Garcinia mangostana L.) as a feed additive candidate on poultry.

This research aimed to determine the optimum type of solvent and extraction time to produce secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants) from mangosteen leaves (Garcinia mangostana L.) as feed additive candidates for poultry. This research used a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial design with three replications. Factor A used two types of distilled water as a solvent (ordinary distilled water and distilled water heated at 100°C), while Factor B encompassed various extraction times (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min). The parameters assessed included total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and overall antioxidant activity. The TPC, TFC, TTC, and total antioxidant activity all showed a highly significant interaction (p < 0.01) with the type of solvent and extraction duration. The best solvent and time for mangosteen leaf extract to produce secondary metabolites, which can be candidates for feed additives in poultry, is ordinary distilled water for 45 min. In this research, the phenol content was 81.03%, flavonoids 11.07%, tannins 1.01%, and antioxidants 77.61%.

The liquid mineral- and probiotic-containing feed additives for poultry

In this study, we assessed the biocompatibility of five probiotic lactobacilli strains and characterized sapropel, bentonite, and zeolite from the deposits of Tatarstan Republic in terms of their chemical and mineral compositions, cation exchange capacities, sorption activity, and the structure of the ion exchange and sorption complexes. We also constructed a synbiotic preparation with sapropel, bentonite, and zeolite as carrier matrixes for probiotic lactobacilli and determined their viability in the preparation for two weeks. High ion-exchange and sorption properties of sapropel, bentonite, and zeolite and suitable bacterial survival rate during storage are among the main benefits of the developed poultry feed. The obtained data have a great potential for practical use in the construction of multi-strain liquid probiotics, in which probiotic lactobacilli are immobilized on mixtures of various mineral matrix carriers.

Cinnamon as a Potential Feed Additive: Beneficial Effects on Poultry Health and Production Performances – An Update

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, global poultry output increased from approximately 115 million tons in 2016 to around 136 million tons in 2023. Poultry production has increased significantly with the dramatic uptick in meat and egg demand. Feed accounts for between 65 and 70 percent of total production costs, making it the largest chicken industry expense. This is why it's important to maximize the transformation of poultry feed into feed with a high biological value while taking as many steps as possible to protect feed quality and reduce feed costs. The use of feed additives in poultry feed has recently gained popularity and has been essential to increase feed efficiency and growth rate, which typically leads to reduced costs. The meat's texture, consistency, and nutritional content are all improved, and its shelf life is lengthened as a bonus. Feed additives are a fantastic tool for boosting a poultry farm's bottom line. For example, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is often used as a traditional feed supplement. Rather than antibiotics, the poultry industry could benefit from using cinnamon as a natural antibiotic replacement, which would benefit animal welfare, consumer health, and the bottom line. The performance index, feed intake, FCE performance, and weight growth of poultry can all be improved by including cinnamon in the feed at varied concentrations. The digestive health and intestinal microbial population of hens are enhanced by a diet containing bioactive components of cinnamon. Cinnamon essential oils' popularity stems from their many valuable features, such as their ability to increase gastric enzyme synthesis and other biofunctional benefits. This review focuses on the possible advantages of cinnamon as a natural feed supplement for chickens, particularly about their intestinal microbiota, blood chemistry, nutrient absorption, gene expression, and immunology.

EVALUATING OF IRAQ AND POLISH FEED ADDITIVES IN POULTRY FEEDING

EVALUATING OF IRAQ AND POLISH FEED ADDITIVES IN POULTRY FEEDING

The influence of different selenium forms (selenite, biogenic nanoselenium) in a complex with a probiotic on the metabolic parameters of broiler chickens

Selenium, as an important trace element, is part of selenoproteins with growth-modulating properties and multifactorial mechanisms of action. The biological effects of Se depend on the dose and chemical form in which it enters the body. Selenium nanoparticles have unique characteristics, including small size, large surface area, solubility and multifunctionality. The inclusion of phytonutrient-functionalized nanoparticles in feed is expedient due to solubility, protection against oxidation and enzymatic degradation, increased residence time, and increased bioavailability. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles, obtained by "green" synthesis methods with the participation of microorganisms and plant extracts, are biocompatible and less toxic compared to inorganic selenium compounds. This study was aimed at studying the effect of different forms of selenium in a complex with a probiotic (L. plantarum) on metabolic processes in the body of broiler chickens in order to provide an experimental basis for the effective use of selenium-containing feed additives. A total of 200-day-old broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross were divided into four groups by the analog method: K (PC), sodium selenite (0.3 mg Se/kg feed) + probiotic (L. plantarum) (2nd group); biogenic nanoselenium (0.3 mg Se/kg feed + L. plantarum (3rdgroup); nanobioconjugate of selenium with flavonoids of onion peel (0.3 mg Se/kg feed + L. plantarum (group 4). Supplements of selenium and nanoselenium in a complex with a probiotic increased the content of protein in blood serum, in the 3rd and 4th groups this difference was significant (p&lt;0.05). Compared to the control, the activity of alkaline phosphatase increased in all experimental groups, but in broilers of the 4th group, the increase was probable (p&lt;0.05). The content of total lipids, uric acid and activity of aminotransaminases probably did not differ in the experimental groups. The content of creatinine in blood serum and TBC-active products in the liver of birds of the 3rd and 4th groups was lower (p&lt;0.05), but the amount of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver tissues was probably higher. It has been established that selenium nanoparticles synthesized with the participation of green technologies are non-toxic, biocompatible, have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. The obtained results are an important guideline for the use of nanoselenium conjugates synthesized by the innovative "green" method with flavonoids of onion peel in a complex with a probiotic strain of lactobacilli (L. Plantarum) as a functional feed additive to improve the metabolic processes of the broiler body and can be included in the composition feed additives for poultry. Key words: nanotechnology, selenium nanoparticles, "green" synthesis, quercetin, onion peel, broilers, blood, liver, biochemical indicators.

Additive Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Zeolite and Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane on Growth Performance and Interleukin Levels of Broiler Chickens.

Silicate minerals are common additives in poultry feed. To assess their effects, we added zeolite (ZEO) and methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) to broiler chicken diets. A total of 960 one-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into four dietary groups with six replicates. Each broiler was maintained until it reached 35 days of age. A completely randomized 2 × 2 experimental design was used, with two ZEO (0 and 1.0%) and two MSM (0 and 0.10%) levels. We observed an additive effect (P<0.05) on interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations in broiler bursa and serum when both ZEO and MSM were present. Both ZEO or MSM produced significant (P<0.05) increases in body weight, weight gain, and feed intake. Both increased IL-2 and IL-6 levels in the bursa and serum. Neither affected the serum concentrations of albumin, AST, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, glucose, total protein, or triglycerides. In summary, these results support supplementation with ZEO and MSM in broiler diets, both separately and in combination.

Potential Implication of in ovo Feeding of Phytogenics in Poultry Production.

Hatchery's goals include maximizing revenue by achieving high hatchability with day-old birds of excellent quality. The advancement of technology has benefited the poultry sector since breeding and genetics technology have increased the rates of meat maturation in developing birds in a short period of time. Excessive use of in-feed antibiotics has been shown in studies to increase the chance of resistance to human infections. Bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues in animal products raised concerns about using antibiotics as growth promoters, eventually leading to a prohibition on using in-feed antibiotics in most industrialized nations. In ovo technology is a novel method for delivering bioactive chemicals to developing avian embryos. In ovo feeding technologies may provide additional nutrients to the embryos before hatching. The introduction of bioactive compounds has the potential to assist in decreasing and eventually eliminating the problems associated with traditional antibiotic delivery in chicken production. Phytobiotics were advocated as an alternative by researchers and dietitians. So far, several studies have been conducted on the use of phytogenic feed additives in poultry and swine feeding. They have primarily demonstrated that phytobiotics possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-stimulating properties. The antioxidant effect of phytobiotics can improve the stability of animal feed and increase the quality and storage duration of animal products. In general, the existing documentation indicates that phytobiotics improve poultry performance. To effectively and efficiently use the in ovo technique in poultry production and advance research in this area, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its potential as a means of nutrient delivery during the critical stage of incubation, its effects on hatching events and posthatch performance, and the challenges associated with its use. Overall, this review suggests that in ovo feeding of phytobiotics has the potential to improve the antioxidant status and performance of chickens.

Use of agricultural production waste in relation to bio nano technology for the synthesis of functionalized selenium nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnological innovations to increase the effectiveness of the bioflavonoid quercetin is considered. The ability to functionalize with specific ligands that target specific organs or cells is very important because it is possible to increase the concentration of quercetin at the desired target level while reducing side effects. Quercetin, as a flavonoid antioxidant, is widely used to reduce oxidative stress and activate important signalling pathways in cells. However, poor solubility in water, intensive first-pass metabolism limits its use. A strategy for the development of nanocomposites is presented, which involves combining quercetin obtained from agricultural waste with selenium nanoparticles. In vitro results demonstrated that quercetin-nanoselenium has high water solubility compared to individual flavonoids. It has been proven that quercetin-nano-selenium nanoparticles are capable of reducing 1,1-dipheny l-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and are characterized by high antioxidant activity. The ability to functionalize nanoparticles with specific ligands that target the modulation of specific signaling pathways (Keap1/ Nrf2/ARE, Nf-kB, mTOR) in individual cells is very important, as it allows increasing the concentration of quercetin to the desired level while reducing side effects. Considering the beneficial effects of quercetin, a strategy has been developed that involves the use of selenium nanoparticles to deliver quercetin in a specific and controlled manner. Research in this direction is promising, as it will contribute to clarifying the expediency of using such nanosystems, which have not yet been widely used. The use of onion waste and its extracts in biotechnology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and the agro-industrial sector can be an optimal solution for reducing environmental damage. In addition, it will provide an economically determined alternative for the production of feed additives for animals and poultry. Compounds of quercetin with nanoselenium should take a worthy place in clinical medical practice, biology and agriculture. The beneficial effects of quercetin can be further enhanced with the help of nanotechnology, which will contribute to the effective use of this compound with such great biological potential. Key words: nanobiotechnologies, waste, onion peel, 1,1-dipheny l- 2-picrylhydrazyl, antiradical activity.

Physico-chemical properties of activated charcoal derived from a blend of agricultural waste material

The wide differences in the densities, nature of the agricultural wastes or precursor materials and their carbon content means that activated charcoal (AC) yield, and physico-chemical properties could vary considerably among activated charcoals produced from different agricultural residues necessitating the evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of activated charcoals produced from different feedstocks. The objective of the present study was therefore to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of activated charcoal produced from a blend of pig dung, palm kernel shell, and palm fruit fibre for possible use as feed additives in poultry feed. The physical properties of the produced activated charcoal were activated charcoal yield, moisture content, pH, bulk density, water-holding capacity, specific gravity, oil adsorption capacity and surface area with values as 71.0%, 5.37%, 7.67, 0.72, 77.46%, 0.73, 118.47% and 587cm2/g respectively. The chemical properties comprised of carbon content (79.43%), calcium (6185.11mg/kg), phosphorus (18603.29mg/kg), sodium (1722.47mg/kg), potassium (10275.48mg/kg), magnesium (3980.14mg/kg), manganese (721.00mg/kg), iron (996.35mg/kg), zinc (95.47mg/kg), copper (33.69mg/kg),arsenic (13.38mg/kg) and nitrogen (3008.04mg/kg). The values of the physical parameters obtained in this study were adjudged to be suitable for adsorption purposes in poultry and water treatment operations.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of plant species used in traditional poultry ethnomedicine in Zimbabwe: A first step to developing alternatives to antibiotic poultry feed additives

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGlobal interest in phytogenic feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics in feed has been spurred by the banning of antibiotic growth promoters by several countries. Suitable plant extracts for development of phytogenic feed additives should have therapeutic value and should also be safe. Aim of studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-lipoxygenase activities as well as cytotoxicity of selected plant species used in poultry ethnomedicine in Zimbabwe. MethodsAntibacterial activity was determined against three ATCC strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis) and two clinical strains isolated from chickens (Escherichia coli and Salmonella Gallinarum) using a two-fold serial microdilution assay. Qualitative antibacterial bioautography was also carried out using the ATCC strains. Antioxidant activities of crude acetone and methanol extracts were determined using free radical scavenging assays whilst anti-lipoxygenase activity was evaluated using a ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT assay) on Vero monkey kidney cells. ResultsErythrina abyssinica had the best antibacterial activity against both ATCC strains and clinical strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.02 to 0.156 mg/ml. Aloe greatheadii, Adenia gummifera (leaves), Senna singueana and Aloe chabaudii had moderate activity against the poultry pathogens. Bioautography showed that all ten plant species have antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms with E. abyssinica and S. singueana having prominent bands of inhibition against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The acetone extract of S. singueana and the methanol extract of Euphorbia matabelensis had the most powerful antioxidant activities with mean IC50 values of 1.43 μg/ml and 1.31 μg/ml respectively in the ABTS assay which were comparable with those of the positive controls (ascorbic acid and trolox). Bobgunnia madagascariensis, A. chabaudii, E. abyssinica and Tridactyle bicaudata extracts had reasonable antioxidant activity. The S. singueana extract had the most potent anti-lipoxygenase activity with a mean IC50 value of 1.72 μg/ml. The cytotoxicity results showed that only the acetone extracts of A. greatheadii and S. singueana were relatively safe at concentrations that were active against the tested microorganisms (selective index >1). Regarding anti-lipoxygenase activity, extracts of B. madagascariensis, S. singueana, T. bicaudata and E. matabelensis were more active than toxic (selective index >5) indicating anti-inflammatory potential. ConclusionsThis study showed that S. singueana had a cocktail of therapeutic activity and supports further investigation of this plant species for development of phytogenic poultry feed additives. Other plant species with noteworthy biological activities include B. madagascariensis, E. abyssinica, A. greatheadii, T. bicaudata and E. matabelensis.

Phytogenic Substances as Safe Growth Promoters in Poultry Nutrition

Antibiotics growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in poultry feed to improve gut health and growth performance for a long time. Increasing concerns about the negative impact of AGPs have led to research on the use of natural feed additives in poultry feed to ascertain better performance and safety in the food chain. Herbs and substances of plant origin (garlic, oregano, thyme, anise, rosemary, and cinnamon) are defined as phytogenics, phytobiotics or botanical natural feed additives. Numerous studies on such substances in poultry production have shown more beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, enhancing gut function, etc. These substances have several advantages over commonly used as growth promoters; they are residue-free and safe. Phytogenic substances gained much attention to be ideal growth promoters in poultry nutrition. However, evaluation methods of their effects and interactions with other medical treatments have to be improved. In general, phytogenic substances could be natural and safe growth promoters in animal and poultry feeds.

EDTA enhances the photodegradation of p-arsanilic acid in the presence of iron at near-neutral pH

The widespread used organic arsenic pesticides and veterinary drugs have drawn attention for decades. Its photochemical transformation in the surface water contributes to its degradation and the formation of products. The effect of co-existent components like anthropogenic reagents (e.g. ethylenediaminetetraacetatic acid, EDTA) on the photochemical transformation has still to be investigated in depth. Fe(III)-EDTA complex is a common and abundant complex in surface water. In this work, UVA light and simulated sunlight have been used as light sources to explore the effect of Fe(III)-EDTA on the photodegradation of p-arsanilic acid (ASA), used as an organic arsenic feed additive. Whereas ASA hardly absorbs UVA light and can only be directly photolyzed by simulated sunlight, the Fe(III)-EDTA complex is photoactive under either light source. At pH 6, the presence of Fe(III)-EDTA complex enhances the photodegradation efficiency of ASA from 0% to ca. 23% after 180 min reaction under UVA light irradiation, and from 30% to ca. 58% after 45 min reaction under simulated sunlight irradiation. Appropriate amount of EDTA enhances the photodegradation efficiency, whereas excessive EDTA suppresses the initial reaction rate. Mechanistic study has revealed contributions from direct photolysis and photochemical reactions of Fe(III)-EDTA and Fe(III)–OH complexes. Generated •OH has been confirmed as the important contribution. Photodegradation products include inorganic arsenic, organic arsenic, and other organic by-products, and the proportions of these products vary in different light-induced systems due to the diverse reaction pathways. The results of this work improve our understanding of the risks of residual ASA in the environment, allow prediction of its migration and transformation, and show how organic arsenic livestock and poultry feed additives might be removed.

Efectiveness of using of nettle extract in raising broiler chickens

Currently, agricultural specialists have a great interest in poultry feed additives that can become an alternative to antibiotics. Medicinal plants are a source of a wide range of biologically active compounds that have, among others, antimicrobial effects. The authors believe that a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of their use under production conditions should be carried out. This evaluation is necessary to obtain a fuller picture of the potential use of various forms of medicinal plants, in particular their extracts, in poultry production. The authors studied the effect of feeding different doses of water-ethanol extract of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) on growth, carcass quality, safety and chemical composition of meat of broiler chickens of ISA F15 cross from one day old to 40 days old. The experiment was conducted in an industrial poultry farm of Kuzbass, where a control group and five experimental groups of 35-day-old chickens were selected by the method of similar groups. Throughout the experiment, the chickens of the control group were fed complete feed according to the phases of rearing, and the birds of the experimental groups were fed additional nettle extract in different doses. Feeding broiler chickens with nettle extract at the doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight increased the intensity of their growth by 0,4-1,4% and reduced feed conversion by 0,6-2,3%. High survival was noted in the groups which received the extract at doses of 5, 10, 20 mg/kg body weight. When nettle extract is added to complete feed for broiler chickens, the tendency to increase the carcass slaughter yield by 0,3-0,75% in groups 2, 3, and 4 of experimental and the caloric content of poultry meat by 0,8-6,6% in all experimental groups is established. Based on the results of the poultry meat production efficiency index evaluation, the authors suggest including nettle extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight in the composition of complete feed when raising broiler chickens in order to increase the level of profitability.

Phytogenic feed additives in poultry with special reference to Urtica dioica- A Review

Phytogenic feed additives represent one of the most interesting and important class of current and future feed additives in poultry production. These additives show a wider range of beneficial activities than synthetic substances coupled with their easy availability, non-toxic and sustainable nature thereby making them an indispensable part of animal nutrition. Among such phytogenic additives, Urtica dioica commonly known as stinging nettle is a perennial plant belonging to the Urticaceae family which represents a plant with traditional utilisation in medicine and vegetable in many countries due to its wide range of nutritional worth and biological activities. These biological properties along with its ease of availability, together with simple processing technology can make it an excellent feed additive in broiler diets. This review provides botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological overview of the plant; analysis of published literature sources investigating the use of nettle in broiler nutrition, which provides sufficient data to confirm its high potential for dietary application in broiler industry.