Feed Conversion Index Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Sea Buckthorn Meal on Production Performance and Meat Chemical Composition in Broiler Chickens

The aim of the research was to highlight the effects of sea buckthorn meal on production and consumption indices and meat chemistry in broiler chickens. The research was carried out on 50 Ross-308 hybrid broiler chickens in two groups (25 heads/group): a control group and an experimental group (0.5% buckthorn meal) over a period of 28 days. During and at the end of the experiment, the following parameters were recorded and analysed: body mass development, daily growth gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and meat quality. The best results were recorded in the experimental group, with a body weight of 2683.24 g, an average daily gain of 79.48 g and a feed conversion index of 1.70. Meat quality was improved by increasing crude protein content in the experimental group. The addition of sea buckthorn meal had a favourable influence on the productive performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Substitution of human edible feeds with integrated use of reduced fat wheat distillers and high-quality forages in a diet for high production lactating dairy cows

This study has investigated the effect of the integration of wheat distillers, without solubles, after lipid extraction (RF-DDG) in a diet based on high-quality forages in partial substitution of human-edible feeds, i.e. corn and soybean meal (SBM), on milk production and quality, feed conversion efficiency and on the human-edible feed conversion efficiency of high producing dairy cows. The experiment was conducted on a commercial dairy farm for an 8-wk period, split into 2 periods, lasting 28 d each (2-wk adaptation and 2-wk experimental period with data collection) on 180 Holstein cows (averaging 130 DIM and 42.0 kg of milk/d at the start of the trial), randomly assigned to 4 pens (45 cows each). The cows, stratified by DIM, were split in two groups assigned two diets that differed according to the human edible feed inclusion: (1) a control diet (CON), based on alfalfa silage, grass silage, high moisture ear corn silage, and soybean meal (SBM) as a protein supplement, 2) a treatment diet (TREAT), in which the control diet was modified using RF-DDG at 13.0 % (dry matter basis) to totally replace soybean meal (SBM).The dry matter intake was similar across treatments, whereas the milk yield was 2.06 kg/d lower for the TREAT diet. The inclusion of wheat RF-DDG increased the milk fat concentrations (3.74 vs 3.54 %) and decreased the milk protein concentration (3.02 vs 3.18 %), milk protein yield (1.19 vs 1.31 kg/d), and milk urea nitrogen (3.63 vs 7.61 mg/dL). Cows fed the TREAT diet showed an increased aNDFom, ADF ADL, NDIN and ADIN intake compared with those fed the CON diet. The TREAT diet resulted in a reduced milk yield as well as a reduced milk protein concentration and yield, which were likely caused by a reduction in the apparent digestibility of the protein and by different essential AA and RDP contents in the TREAT diet compared to the control DIET. The TREAT diet also decreased serum glucose, albumin, as well as the urea nitrogen and total protein in the blood, compared with the CON diet. Furthermore, the TREAT diet led to a reduction in the milk production feed conversion efficiency (in terms of milk yield/DMI and FPCM/DMI) and in the nitrogen utilization of the milk production (28.3 vs 31.0 %). The inclusion of RF-DDG led to a substantial increase in the human-edible feed conversion index for the protein (1.19 vs. 0.74) and for energy (1.66 vs 1.39), thereby improving the net protein and energy food balance. It has been concluded that further research is needed to find an economical process to extract oil from DDG without causing any further thermal stress that could compromise the protein components and amino acid supply of RF-DDG.

Growth Performance and Immunity of Broilers Fed Sorghum-Soybean Meal Diets Supplemented with Phytases and Β-Mannanases.

Most grains and vegetable feedstuffs used in commercial poultry feed contain phytates and polysaccharides-non-starchy chemical structures that are not degraded by digestive tract enzymes. Exogenous enzymes optimize the use of dietary ingredients. This study aimed to determine whether combining β-mannanases (400 g/ton) and phytases in broiler sorghum-soybean diets could improve performance and immunity in broilers. Four diets were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two phytase levels (500 or 1500 FTU/kg) and β-mannanase supplementation (0-400 g/ton; 158 million units/kg minimum enzyme activity). Six replicate battery cages of 10 chicks were fed each diet ad libitum. To assess cellular and humoral immune responses, 10 birds per treatment were euthanized on day 21. Supplementation with β-mannanase enzymes led to increased body weight and a higher feed conversion index (FCI) (p < 0.05). The phytase factor improved the FCI at 1500 FTU/kg (p < 0.05). Supplementation with β-mannanases improved the immune response by increasing the IgA concentration in the duodenum (95%) and total serum immunoglobulins (p < 0.05). The morphometric index increased in all organs (p < 0.05), and the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio (HLR) decreased by 50% (p < 0.05). Supplementing broilers with β-mannanases in sorghum-soybean meal diets with phytases improved their performance and immunity.

Comportamiento productivo de lechones (Sus scrofa domesticus) alimentados con concentrados con una inclusión de seis saborizantes naturales y un saborizante sintético comercial

Natural additives can provide positive characteristics that help make animal feed more palatable, thereby increasing feed intake and improving productivity. In this study, 260 piglets from 14 to 56 days of age were monitored, with an initial weight of 4.34 ± 0.75 kilograms. There were 6 treatments with natural flavorings with pro-nutrients, plus 1 treatment with a commercial product, and 1 control without flavorings. The average daily feed consumption per piglet was between 408 and 525 g, the average final weights between 19.90 and 26.30 kg, the average daily weight gains between 0.367 and 0.517, and the average feed conversions were between 0.988 and 1.195. Feeding costs averaged between 0.78 and 0.94 dollars. It was observed that the best values for live weight gain and feed conversion index, and decreasing production costs, were for treatments that included natural flavorings. It is recommended to study the use of these aromas in the growth and fattening stages.

Effect of the Bio Optimize® prebiotic on animal welfare and production variables of broiler chickens

The objective was to evaluate the use of the BIO OPTIMIZE® prebiotic on indicator variables of well-being and production of Ross 308 hybrid broiler chickens. Three treatments were evaluated: 1.- Control without the inclusion of the prebiotic; 2.-Prebiotic applied in the litter from day 9 and from day 21 in the drinking water and 3.-Prebiotic only applied in the litter from day 9 of the birds' productive cycle. 144 chickens were used in a completely randomized design, with three treatments, six repetitions and the experimental unit consisting of eight chickens. The environmental temperature and relative humidity of the breeding units were monitored, in addition to the temperature of the bedding and drinking water. Body temperature, hyperventilation levels, ammonia levels in the litter, feed consumption and conversion, and weight gain of the chickens were quantified. The temperature and relative humidity were outside the comfort range; there was a direct relationship between the environmental temperature and the temperature of the drinking water, while the temperature of the bed increased during the evaluation period. The application of BioOptimize® to the litter from 28 days onwards reduced ammonia levels in the breeding units, reduced body temperature and increased hyperventilation levels in the chickens. The best feed conversion index was obtained in the treatment without prebiotic derived from an inverse behavior in feed consumption.

Microencapsulated Probiotics in Feed for Beef Cattle are Better Alternative to Monensin Sodium

The use of antibiotics and other growth-promoting agents in animal feed has been a common practice in the animal industry for many years. However, concerns about the potential risks associated with these agents have led to increased interest in alternative approaches, such as the use of probiotics. This research evaluated the potential benefits associated with the use of microencapsulated probiotics in feed salt for beef cattle compared to the commonly used ionophore antibiotic, monensin sodium. The results of the in vitro test showed that the microencapsulated probiotic treatment led to higher degradability of several dietary components, including dry matter (11% higher) and organic matter (8% higher). An in vivo test was performed on 270 animals on different farms, revealing a higher daily weight gain (115 g/day/animal) in animals fed the microencapsulated probiotics over the monensin sodium treatment. Significant differences in body weight gain among the diets were found using Monte Carlo simulation, which allows us to infer that the diets with a better feed conversion index offered a better gross margin. Overall, the use of microencapsulated probiotics in feed salt for beef cattle shows promise as a potential alternative to monensin sodium.

Thermal exchanges, physiological responses and productive performance of Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) subjected to different air temperatures.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal exchanges, physiological responses, productive performance and carcass yield of Guinea Fowl confined under thermoneutral conditions and under thermal stress. For the experiment, 96 animals were confined in 8 experimental boxes of 1 m2 of area, each, divided in equal numbers and placed inside two distinct climatic chambers, where the birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures of 26 and 32°C, respectively). For the collection of physiological responses and carcass yield 16 birds were evaluated and for the collection of data on feed and water consumption and productive responses, 48 birds per treatment were evaluated. The environmental variables (air temperature (AT), air relative humidity and wind speed), temperature and humidity index (THI), heat exchanges, physiological responses (respiratory rate, surface temperature, cloacal temperature and eyeball temperature), feed (FC) and water (WC) consumption and production responses (weight gain, feed conversion index and carcass yield) of the birds were evaluated. With the elevation of the AT, it could be noticed that the THI went from a thermal comfort condition to an emergency condition, where the birds lost part of their feathers, increased all physiological responses evaluated, and consequently, reduced by 53.5% the amount of heat dissipated in the sensible form and increased by 82.7% the heat losses in the latent form, increasing also the WC. ATs of up to 32°C did not significantly affect the productive performance and carcass yield of the guinea fowl.

Research Regarding Correlation between the Assured Health State for Laying Hens and Their Productivity

Predictions show the possibility of banning birds’ rearing in batteries. From this reason, we aimed to study the welfare conditions assured to birds accommodated in lofts in comparison with those reared in improved batteries. The research targeted ISA Brown hybrids monitored over a period of 25–55 weeks. The batches were represented by birds that were differently reared in halls provided with lofts compared to with improved batteries. The research was carried out in real production conditions. Biochemical indicators were determined, using a BA 400 analyzer produced by BioSystems, as well as quantitative ones using specific formulas based on productions, consumptions, and batch outputs. A cumulated production of 199.24 eggs/week/head was realized in the loft, versus 199.98 in the battery, at a mean laying intensity of 91.82% and 92.17%. Batch output was 4.14% (loft) and 2.98% (battery). Mean consumption registered a level of 122.20 g m.f./head/day for birds in the loft and 115.87 g for the ones from the battery, and feed conversion index was 133.09 g m.f./egg, compared to 125.69. The aviary system ensures optimal conditions to express the birds’ natural behaviors, with a positive impact on the metabolic functions, resulting in a good state of health and high productive levels, comparable to those of birds exploited in batteries.

Response of Fattening Pigs to Diets with Whole Beans Handmade Deactivated

The response of pigs receiving handmade deactivated soybean in isoenergetic and isonitrogenous corn-based diets was evaluated. Twenty-eight barrows between 40 and 105 kg live weight were assigned to four treatments varying supplemental protein: T1: soybean meal, T2: cooked soybean, T3: roasted soybean, T4: raw soybean. Daily intake (CD) and total intake (CT) of food, daily weight gain (GP), feed conversion index (IC), dressing percentage (R), carcass lenght (L), backfat thickness (GD) and lipid profile of the fat (PL) were evaluated. T4 animals had lower CD (P≤0.01) but no differences in CT. The GP was higher (P≤0.01) for T1, with no difference between T2 and T3, and less for T4. T1 had better IC than T4 (P≤0.01) and T2 and T3 (P≤ 0.05), while T4 was lower (P≤0.01). No differences were observed for R or GD; while L was higher (P≤0.01) for T1. Differences in PL, with higher content of PUFA and oleic, linoleic, linolenic in the treatments including whole soybean (P≤0.01) were observed. We concluded that the treatments used to deactive soybeans improved their nutritional value, although the results of the control diet were not achieved. Carcass from diets with whole soybeans have less industrial value, but better nutritional value for fresh consumption than those based on soybean meal.

The impact of genetic groups (Alentejano and F1 Landrace x Large White pigs) and body weight (90, 120 and 160kg) on blood metabolites

This research work was carried out with the goal of studying the impact of genetic groups-GG (Alentejano-AL, n = 30, and F1 Landrace*Large White-F1 pigs, n = 30) and body weight-BW (90, 120 and 160 kg) on plasma metabolites. Blood parameters were correlated with animal production traits, carcass measurements and meat quality. Individual records for feed conversion index (CI) and daily feed intake were recorded on a weekly basis, for a period of 15 weeks. Compared to the F1, AL pigs displayed (P <0.05) higher average levels of glucose, total cholesterol-TC, triglycerides-TG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL) and total protein (TP), by about 14.0, 21.0, 42.2, 18.2, 21.2 and 5.0%, respectively. AL pigs (120–160 kg) showed higher TG levels, when compared to the values at 90 kg (2.6 and 1.6 times higher). High TG levels occurred when animals exhibited high daily feed intake (0.450 and 1.810 kg, for AL and F1 pigs). In the AL high TG levels were correlated with high fat deposition, at 120 kg (r = 0.51). At 90 kg, however, high fat deposition was related to HDL (r = 0.59), a lipoprotein associated to cholesterol transport. A progressive increase in ALB was found in the F1, as expected, but AL pigs showed higher and similar ALB means at 90, 120 and 160 kg. As for meat color, AL pigs with high cholesterol were negatively associated to L*, while high TG levels were associated to low b*. Animals with high ALB produced more tender meats (low shear force). Pigs with higher levels of lipid metabolism showed Longissimus thoracis muscles with decreased luminosity and yellowness (meats of a less attractive appearance). However, these meats were tenderer.

PSIV-B-26 Effect of different intakes of sulfur amino acids on the productive response and egg quality of commercial laying hens

Abstract Modern laying hens have improved their productive response and persistence of egg production. However, in terms of productivity, egg quality and profitability, there are still several issues that need to be reevaluated and improved, among them the level and consumption of digestible sulfur amino acids (AASD). The objective is to determine the effect of different AASD consumptions on the productive response and egg quality of commercial laying hens. METHODS: 160 laying hens of the LOHMANN Brown genetic line, 90 weeks old, of uniform weight and size, were used. The laying hens were distributed in the study area, following the protocol of a Random Block Design (DBA). 4 AASD intakes (g / hen / day) were established as treatments: T-1 (730.11 mg), T-2 (677.20 mg), T-3 (607.09 mg) and T-4 (676.88 mg). Each of the treatments had 5 repetitions, giving a total of 20 experimental units. The variables of egg production, egg weight and mass, feed consumption, feed conversion index, energy efficiency, Haugh unit of the egg, shell color and percentage, egg yolk color and index, margin and economic reward were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that the different AASD consumptions did not significantly affect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) the productive response and egg quality of the hens and affected the margin and economic retribution. AASD intakes in the range of 607 to 730 mg / hen / day did not affect the productive response and egg quality. The metabolizable energy level of the diet influences the economic response to different intakes of digestible sulfur amino acids. The consumption of 676.88 mg / hen / day of AASD with a level of 2725 Kcal of metabolizable energy / Kg of feed achieved the highest gross margin and best economic return in 90-week-old LOHMANN Brown laying hens.

Dietary encapsulated Bifidobacterium animalis and Agave fructans improve growth performance, health parameters, and immune response in broiler chickens

ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium animalis, Agave fructans, and symbiotic of both encapsulated on growth performance, feed efficiency, blood parameters, and immune status in broiler chickens, and to compare these with diets including antibiotic growth promoters and without additives.MethodsA comparative experimental study was carried out with 135 male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Each trial was divided into 5 equal groups. Control group (CON) received a standard diet without growth promoter; GPA, a standard diet with colistin sulfate and zinc bacitracin (0.25 g/kg of feed); PRE, a standard diet with 1% Agave fructans; PRO, a standard diet with Bifidobacterium animalis (11.14±0.70 log CFU/g); SYM, a standard diet with B. animalis and Agave fructans.ResultsA significant decrease in food consumption was found for the GPA, PRE, and SYM, compared to the CON group. The results show a better feed conversion index in PRE and GPA with respect to the CON group with the highest conversion index. Interestingly, the weight of the gastrointestinal tract shows a statistically significant difference between GPA and PRE groups. Moreover, the length of the gastrointestinal tract of the GPA group was less than the PRE group. In the total leukocyte count, there was a statistically significant increase in the GPA group compared to the CON, PRE, and PRO groups, and the heterophiles-lymphocytes index was lower in PRO. Regarding the cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) decreased in PRO compared to CON and PRE, while IL-1β increased in the SYM group.ConclusionAlternative treatments were shown to achieve similar productive results as growth-promoting antibiotics and showed improvement over diet without additives; however, they have immunomodulatory properties and improved the development of the gastrointestinal tract compared to the treatment of growth-promoting antibiotics.

GROWTH OF &lt;i&gt;Geophagus brasiliensis&lt;/i&gt; REARED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AND FEEDING REGIMES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance of Geophagus brasiliensis rearedb under distinct temperatures (24.3 ± 0.9, 28.1 ± 1.0, and 31.7 ± 0.8°C) and feeding regimes (apparent satiety and a supply of 4% of the total biomass). About 500 wild-caught individuals were sorted and identified, to screen 180 fish to be used in the experiment (6.81 ± 1.15 g and 7.51 ± 0.47 cm). After a 55-day acclimatization period, the fish were distributed in experimental tanks, considering a double factorial randomized blocks scheme, composed of six treatments and three replicates. Growth performance parameters, somatic indexes and carcass yield were evaluated at the end of the experimental period (72 days). Fish fed to the point of apparent satiety presented higher (p &lt;0.05) final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and hepatosomatic index. The animals reared at a temperature of 24.3°C displayed higher (p &lt;0.05) final weight, weight gain, specific growth, hepatosomatic index, lower visceral fat, and feed conversion index. It was concluded that G. brasiliensis presents higher productive indexes when fed until apparent satiety and reared in temperatures close to 24.3°C.

Effect of dietary nucleotide supplementation on broiler performance and economic efficiency

A B S T R A C T A total number of two hundred forty-one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into four different treatment groups (A, B, C and D), of three replicates (20 chicks / replicate). The chicks in control group (A) were fed negative control diet, group B were fed diet containing (Nucleoforce®) (0.025%) in first 10 days of age, group B were fed diet containing (Nucleoforce®) (0.025%) in first 25 days of age. While group D was fed diet containing Nucleoforce® (0.025%) from zero day till slaughtering. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of nucleotide as an immunostimulant for broiler chicks in terms of chick performance and economic efficiency. Results showed that, groups fed diet supplemented with Nucleoforce recorded improvements in live body weight, body weight gain and relative growth rate with no significant difference in feed intake and feed conversion index than the control group. Economic efficiency showed non-significant difference between control group and other groups but group (D) recorded high value 0.94 more than control group (A) 0.84. It was concluded that, inclusion of nucleotide 0.025% in broiler diets had a positive role in improvement of final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency.

Substitution of soybean meal with dried distillery grains on performance and carcass quality of feedlot lambs

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of dried distillery grains (DDGS) as a replacement for soybean meal in the diet of lambs in feedlot and to evaluate the performance, yield characteristics, and meat quality. Three diets with different DDGS levels were provided: diet with soybean meal (control); diet with 50% replacement of soybean meal by DDGS; diet with 100% replacement of soybean meal with DDGS. The average feed intake of the animals and the difference between the leftovers showed no difference among the treatments. No differences of average daily weight gain, body score and feed conversion index were observed among treatments. The same was observed for biometric measurements. However, warm carcass weight and chest perimeter were higher without the use of DDGS. The final weight, muscle, bone, intermuscular, subcutaneous and total fat weight did not differ among treatments. No difference was also found for tissues color. The kilogram of the concentrate mixture that uses soybean meal as the main source of protein (control) was approximately 12% more expensive than the mixture using DDGS (100%). The use of DDGS as an alternative source in confined lamb feeding may be recommended in up to 24% replacement in dietary dry matter.

MODERN APPROACHES TO THE PREVENTION OF REO-VIRUS BIRD INFECTION

Currently, reo-virus infection causes significant economic damage to industrial poultry worldwide. Losses as a result of the disease consist of: 1) direct losses - death of chickens (5-30 %), increased culling due to lameness, low weight gain (up to 40 %), reduction of carcass categories, reduction of laying by 6-20 %; in breeding farms, a decrease in the sexual activity of poultry is observed, which is the reason for the decrease in fertilization - derivability; 2) indirect losses associated with the cost of eliminating the effects of primary losses, as well as the immune-suppressive effect of reo-viruses, which increase the risk of other infections and inhibit the formation of post-vaccine immunity. Reo-virus has an immune-suppressive effect on the sick bird, which may be the cause of such diseases as small absorption syndrome and syndrome of increased bird death. Small absorption syndrome, which can be caused by reo-virus, is characterized by slowing growth, low feed conversion index and damage to the bones of the bird, which becomes apparent until 2 weeks of age and later. The syndrome of absorption is characterized by an increase in glandular stomach, sometimes with necrosis and signs of catarrhal hemorrhagic enteritis. The incidence is on average 5 to 15 %, but can reach up to 40 %.&#x0D; In studying the pathogenesis of reo-virus infection, it was found that the intestine is the main target of the virus, regardless of the method of its introduction. After oral or aerogenic infection, the pathogen enters the bloodstream and, as a result of viremia, is rapidly spread to various organs and tissues. In particular, the virus can be isolated from the intestines, bursa of Fabricius, liver, pancreas, heart, kidneys, joints and tendons. When conducting serological studies in ELISA (test system company IDvet, France), the presence of antibodies in the blood of broilers to reo-virus level ranged from 40-52 days in the range from 1125 to 5138 indicates the circulation of the field virus of reo-virus infection. In the study of broiler sera for 2, 3, 7 days, the cultivation of specific antibodies to reo-virus was not detected. Starting from the 14th day, the mean titer of AO to reo-virus was 1989 and their levels ranged from 3478 to 4825 at 21, 28, 35 and 45 days. 2.3 times (35 days) and 45 days 2.4 times.&#x0D; These data indicate the circulation of a field strain of reo-virus infection. It was inserted that at completion of broiler fattening with reo-virus lesion, body weight was lower than the technological norm by 9.8%. When determining specific BP for reo-virus in sera from different age groups of broilers of 11 batches, including from poultry: 9 batches of non-vaccinated against reo-virus infection and 2 batches of vaccinated poultry have determined the number of BPs in serum among the 9 batches received from the unvaccinated parent stock, there is evidence of field strain circulation. The percentage of specific AOs in 2 batches received from parental herds vaccinated against reo-virus infection ranged from 87.5-100, indicating the effectiveness of the vaccination. To control reo-virus infection, serological monitoring in poultry farms should be carried out.

Effects of Beta vulgaris powder on growth and survival of common carp Cyprinus carpio

The use of plant material in a diet to increase the growth of fish may be beneficial and can reduce the production cost. This research was carried out at Behbahan University, Iran, in 2016 with a view to determining effects of Beta vulgaris powder on feeding, growth and survival of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 360 individuals (mean weight, 20 g; mean standard length, 9 cm) were randomly divided into 12 tanks for treatments. Fish were fed diets with 0% (control), 0.5% (T1), 1% (T2) and 2% (T3) of B. vulgaris powder for six weeks. The results showed that the addition of B. vulgaris to fish diets had a positive effect on survival index and feed conversion index of fish. The presence of B. vulgaris in the diet had increased specific growth rate, and hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices.

Digestible lysine requirement for European laying quail

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the productive performance of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) in the production phase, fed with diets containing different levels of digestible lysine. A total of 175 female quails, aged 65 days, were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment. The animals were housed in 25 metal cages, and each cage represented an experimental parcel, with seven birds per parcel. The birds were fed the experimental rations containing 1.177, 1.217, 1.317, 1.417, and 1.517% digestible lysine. The parameters evaluated were: laying rate, mass of eggs produced, feed intake in the period, lysine intake, feed conversion per dozen and per mass. Significant differences were observed for posture rate with quadratic behavior, which indicated higher production for the level of 1.23% of digestible lysine. There was an increasing linear behavior for the feed and lysine intake, and for conversion feed per dozen and by mass, we observed quadratic behaviors. This indicates better feed conversion index when the optimal inclusion level was 1.33% and 1.404% of digestible lysine in the diet, respectively. The requirement of digestible lysine in diets for European quails is 1.404%, which corresponds to a daily intake of 421.20 milligrams of digestible lysine.

RETRACTED: Ingestion of tannery effluent as a risk factor to the health of birds: A toxicological study using Coturnix coturnix japonica as a model system

Tannery industries generate large amounts of tannery effluents (TE), which have been considered highly toxic to various groups of animals. However, the identification and characterization of the impact of this mix of pollutants on birds is still highly incipient. So, our goal was to evaluate the possible biological changes of Coturnix coturnix japonica, exposed for 45 days, to different dilutions of TE (1.4%, 3.1% and 6.5%), using behavioural biomarkers, mutagenics and egg production. When submitted to the behavioural tests, quails that ingested TE presented behaviour compatible with an anxiolytic effect in the open field test; absence of emotional reactivity in the object recognition test; reduced rates of predation of Tenebrio molitor larvae (potential prey); as well as an anti-predatory defensive response deficit when confronted, especially with Felis catus males (potential predator). In addition, we observed increased biomass of the liver, increased feed conversion index and lower feed efficiency index; mutagenic effect of TE (inferred by the increase of nuclear erythrocyte abnormalities); reduced productive performance and egg quality, in addition to different staining patterns of the eggs produced by quails from the control group. Therefore, our study confirms the toxicity of TE in C. coturnix japonica, even in small dilutions. While behavioural changes demonstrate the neurotoxic potential of the pollutant, the other alterations suggest that the mechanisms of action of its chemical constituents are not selective, that is, they act systemically, acting synergistic, antagonistic or additively, causing harmful effects in animals.

CHLORELLA SUSPENSION AND ITS USAGE IN FINISHING PIGS’ RATIONS

The animal husbandry cannot develop successfully without complete balanced feed and optimal forage supply. This article deals with the chemical composition of chlorella suspension. The ration is balanced with seaweeds as well as premixes, vitamins and bio supplement for the last decades. These seaweeds include chlorella - a representative of green microscopic algae. The use of chlorella allows for multi-factor balancing of the diet in accordance with modern feeding standards, which increases the productive effect of feed and significantly increases the transformation of nutrients into livestock products. This is arelevant issue of modern animal husbandry. The chlorella suspension was material for scientific research. It was made on the farm “In Samvel”, Ovidiopol District. According to the result of researches that took place on the farm " In Samvel", Biliayevka District, Odessa Oblast and SERF "Yuzhnyi" OSAGES NAAS, new data concerning chemical composition, the positive influence of investigated chlorella suspension on the growth and development of finishing pigs as well as feed costs by 1 kg of growth were obtained. It has been established that the chemical composition of chlorella suspension takes a special place among all feed additives used in farm animals feeding. It has been established that the additional use of chlorella suspension in the ration of finishing pigs of Large White breeds contribute to the increase of average daily gains by 121.9% against the control group in which chlorella suspensions was not given. Feed conversion to obtain1 kg of pigs live weight gain in the control group was 5.1 kg, in the experimental group - 4.2 kg and feed conversion index in the experimental group was higher by 21.4%. Thus the results of researches indicate the positive effect of investigated chlorella suspension on the growth anddevelopment of finishing pigs. Due to the obtained results, we can state that the chemical composition of the suspension chlorella takes a special place among all feed additives used in farm animals feeding. Chlorella has higher indicators of chemical composition, the amount of protein, vitamins and minerals in comparison with plant fodder and crops of agricultural production.