Feed Conversion Ratio Of Broilers Research Articles

The effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the basal diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological response of broilers.

Aim:The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the broiler chicken diets on their growth performance, hematological parameters, and carcass traits.Materials and Methods:Two hundred and eighty-eight Lohmann 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four groups, i.e., control (without additional supplementation) and three experimental treatments where basal diet was enriched by 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals, respectively. Blood sampling was conducted on day 28, while the selected organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on day 42.Results:Dietary supplementation did not affect (p>0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Supplementation by 0.1% and 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals reduced (p≤0.05) heart relative weight of broilers. Dietary supplementation tended (p=0.07) to increase the relative weight of ileum and pancreas of broilers. Supplemented birds had lower (p≤0.05) numbers of leukocytes and eosinophils compared to unsupplemented birds. There were tendencies that supplementation of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p=0.07) counts of lymphocytes and heterophils when compared with no supplementation. Supplementation by 0.5% of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p≤0.05) serum concentration of uric acid when compared with control. There was no significant effect of dietary supplementation on carcass traits, pH, and drip loss of broiler breast muscles.Conclusion:Dietary supplementation of commercial broiler feeds with 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was potential to improve digestive functions and physiological status of broiler chickens.

Effects of palm kernel meal level on live performance and gut morphology of broilers

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding different levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) on the live performance and gut morphology of broilers. In total, 600 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were divided into two groups. Each group consisted of six replications with 50 birds (25 males and 25 females) each. The diets were: 1) corn-soybean meal basal diet with low PKM levels (5% and 7.5% in starter and grower diets, respectively) and 2) corn-soybean basal diet with high PKM levels (10% and 15% in starter and grower diets, respectively). The experiment was conducted from 1 to 35 days of age (DOA). All birds were raised in an evaporative cooling house with pellet feed and water provided ad libitum. During 1–17 DOA, feeding diets with different levels of PKM had no effect on broiler performance (p > 0.05). During 18–35 DOA, feeding high levels of PKM had no significant effect on body weight gain, feed intake and mortality of broilers. However, birds fed high PKM diets had a significantly higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the low PKM group (P = 0.0495). Throughout the experimental period (1–35 DOA), feeding high levels of PKM had no effect on body weight gain but feed intake tended to increase with high PKM levels (P = 0.0873). This led to a significant lower feed conversion ratio of broilers (P = 0.0505). No significant effect of PKM level was observed on the ileum morphology and litter quality of broilers. It was concluded that feeding high levels of PKM had a negative effect on the feed efficiency but not on the gut health and litter quality of broilers.

Effect of decocted turmeric on performance, hematological parameters and carcass traits of broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effect of decocted turmeric on performance, haematological parameters and carcass traits of broilers. Broiler chicks at 11 days of age were allotted to five groups, including T0 (birds drinking 100% water), T1 (25% decocted turmeric + 75% water), T2 (50% decocted turmeric + 50% water), T3 (75% decocted turmeric + 25% water) and T4 (100% decocted turmeric). The study was arranged based on a completely randomized design (CRD), parameters investigated was performance and blood chemistry (leukocyte, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, glucose). The data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability. Decocted turmeric did not affect weight gain, feed and water consumption and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Lymphocytes proportion was higher (P<0.05) in T1, T2 and T4 than in T0 and T3 birds. The heterophils to lymphocytes ratio was lower (P<0.05) in birds receiving decocted turmeric than control. Globulin concentration and albumin to globulin ratio were higher and lower (P<0.05), respectively, in serum of T2, T3 and T4 than T0 and T1 birds. The proportion of heterophils and concentration of serum total protein, albumin, uric acid and glucose were not different among treatments. The weight of breast meat was higher and lower (P<0.05) in T3 and T4 birds, respectively, compared to the control. In conclusion, providing decocted turmeric through drinking water helped to improve stress responses and increased the weight of breast meat of broiler chickens.

Lactobacillus plantarum MYS6 Ameliorates Fumonisin B1-Induced Hepatorenal Damage in Broilers.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species is a predominant Group 2B carcinogen occurring in maize and maize-based poultry feeds. It is shown to be nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, neurotoxic, and immunosuppressing in animals. In this study, we report the ameliorating effects of a probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum MYS6 on FB1-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in broilers. A 6-week dietary experiment consisting of 48 broilers was performed in six treatment groups. Probiotic treatment (109 cells/mL) involved pre-colonization of broilers with L. plantarum MYS6 while co-administration treatment involved supplementation of probiotic and FB1-contaminated diet (200 mg/Kg feed) simultaneously. At the end of the treatment period, growth performance, hematology, serum biochemistry, and markers of oxidative stress in serum and tissue homogenates were evaluated in all the broilers. The histopathological changes in hepatic and renal tissues were further studied. The results demonstrated that administration of L. plantarum MYS6 efficiently improved the feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio in broilers. It mitigated the altered levels of hematological indices such as complete blood count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Serum parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and albumin were significantly restored after administering the probiotic in FB1-intoxicated broilers. Additionally, L. plantarum MYS6 alleviated the levels of oxidative stress markers in serum and tissue homogenate of liver. The histopathological data of liver and kidney further substantiated the overall protection offered by L. plantarum MYS6 against FB1-induced cellular toxicity and organ damage in broilers. Our results indicated that co-administration of probiotic along with the toxin had better effect in detoxification compared to its pre-colonization in broilers. Collectively, our study signifies the protective role of L. plantarum MYS6 in ameliorating the FB1-induced toxicity in the vital organs and subsequent oxidative stress in broilers. The probiotic L. plantarum MYS6 can further be formulated into a functional feed owing to its anti-fumonisin attributes and role in mitigating FB1-induced hepatorenal damage.

The protein oxidation of soybean meal induced by heating decreases its protein digestion in vitro and impairs growth performance and digestive function in broilers

ABSTRACT1. The soybean meal (SBM) was heated at 100°C for 1, 2, 4 and 8 h, respectively, and their resultant oxidative status was evaluated.2. A total of 400 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 8 replicates of 10 birds each, and fed with diets containing non-heated SBM (NHSBM) or 1 of 4 heated SBMs (HSBMs, SBMs heated at 100°C for 1, 2, 4 and 8 h, respectively) for 42 d.3. The contents of carbonyl in the SBMs were both linearly and quadratically increased, whereas the nitrogen solubility index, and in vitro digestibility of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) in the SBMs were both linearly and quadratically decreased as heating time increased (P < 0.05). The concentrations of sulfhydryl and total sulfhydryl in the SBMs were linearly decreased as heating time increased (P < 0.05).4. The average daily gain was linearly decreased while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was linearly increased in broilers as heating time of dietary HSBMs increased during both d 22–42 and d 1–42 of study (P < 0.05), though FCR of broilers during d 22–42 study were unaffected when the heating time of dietary HSBMs was 1 h (P > 0.05). The serum glucose concentration and the activity of trypsin at d 42, and the apparent total digestibility of CP and DM were all linearly reduced in broilers when heating time of dietary HSBMs increased (P < 0.05). However, 1 h HSBM has a numerical higher CP and DM digestibility than NHSBM. The serum urea nitrogen contents were both linearly and quadratically increased at both d 21 and 42 (P < 0.05), and relative pancreas weight was linearly increased at d 42 in broilers as heating time of dietary HSBMs increased (P < 0.05).

Effects of enhancing vitamin D status by 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation, alone or in combination with calcium and phosphorus, on sternum mineralisation and breast meat quality in broilers

ABSTRACT1. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of improving vitamin D status in broiler diets by supplementary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), alone or in combination with calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (aP), on live performance, sternum mineralisation and breast meat quality in broilers.2. A total of 936 1-d-old Ross 308 broilers were used in the study. After gender determination at the hatchery, chicks from each sex were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments. The following dietary treatments were used in the experiment from hatch to 38 d: (1) A control diet formulated to meet all of the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks according to the management guide; (2) The control diet supplemented with 18.7–15.0 µg/kg of 25OHD3; and (3) The control diet supplemented with 18.7–15.0 µg/kg of 25OHD3 plus Ca + aP.3. Improvement in vitamin D status by 25OHD3 supplementation, alone or in combination with Ca and aP, had no effect on body weight and feed conversion ratio of broilers.4. The serum 25OHD3 concentration significantly increased with 25OHD3 and 25OHD3 plus Ca + aP supplementation (P < 0.05), whereas the ionised Ca and Mg concentrations remained unchanged.5. Sternum absolute weight, ash content and the concentrations of Ca and P significantly increased (P < 0.01) with supplementation of 25OHD3, alone or in combination with Ca + aP.6. Supplemental 25OHD3, alone or in combination with Ca + aP, slightly increased pH24 (P = 0.05) and decreased (P < 0.01) squeezable water loss in breast meat, whereas it had no significant effect on lightness, yellowness and sarcoplasmic protein solubility.7. In conclusion, the results suggested that enhancing vitamin D status by 25OHD3 supplementation alone or in combination with Ca + aP may improve sternum structure and mineral accretion. Furthermore, supplemental 25OHD3, even in a nutritionally complete diet, may offer an effective way to improve protein solubility in female broilers.

Effect of different non-antibiotic feed additives either alone or in combination on the performance and cost economics of broiler chickens

In the present study, effect of different non-antibiotic feed additives either alone or in combination on the performance and cost economics of broiler chickens was investigated. Day-old commercial male broiler chicks (270) were randomly divided into nine treatment groups with six replicates of five birds in each. The dietary groups consisted of control diet, antibiotic (Virginiamycin @ 500 g/ton), probiotic (Protexin @ 500 g/ton), acidifier (Biotronic SE @ 3 kg/ton), prebiotic (Mos @ 500 g/ton) and its combinations with different inclusion rates. The results indicated that mean average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers were significantly influenced by addition of probiotic, prebiotic and acidifier either alone or in combination during prestarter, starter and finisher phases without showing any significant effect on average feed intake. Supplementation of dietary feed additives (except probiotic + acidifier) fed group yielded higher returns over feed cost compared to control and antibiotic fed groups. The highest return per bird was recorded with acidifier followed by probiotic + Mos groups.

Effect of dietary graded levels of dried lemon (citrus aurantifulia) pulp on performance, intestinal morphology, and humoral immunity in broiler chickens

PurposeDried lemon pulp (DLP) is a by-product of fruit processing industry and is containing active antioxidants such as flavonoids, isoflavones, and flavones. Thus, current experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary graded levels of DLP on performance, intestinal morphology, and humoral immunity in broiler chickens.MethodsAccordingly, a total of 280-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 treatments and 5 replicates of 14 chicks each. Dietary treatments included control (CON) with no additive as well as DLP1: 2.5, 5, and 7.5%; DLP2: 5, 7.5, and 10%; and DLP3: 7.5, 10, and 12% in starter, growing, and finisher phases, respectively. Subsequently, performance, intestinal morphology, and humoral immunity were evaluated throughout the experiment.ResultsBody weight of chickens decreased when using graded levels of DLP during different periods of the experiment as compared with CON (P < 0.05). Also, daily weight gain was lower in those supplemented by 7.5% DLP than CON across finishing period (P < 0.05). Therefore, feed conversion ratio of broilers was impaired when using graded levels of DLP across the entire production phase compared to the birds in CON group (P < 0.05). Antibody titer against influenza disease virus and sheep red blood cells decreased when using DLP3 and DLP2, respectively (P < 0.05). Jejunal crypt depth decreased in chickens fed on DLP3 compared with control.ConclusionDietary graded levels of DLP modified intestinal segments while deteriorated growth performance of chickens. Furthermore, DLP3 decreased jejunal crypt depth. Thereby, the use of DLP particularly at high levels is not recommended.

Effects of Dietary Punica granatum L. By-products on Performance, Immunity, Intestinal and Fecal Microbiology, and Odorous Gas Emissions from Excreta in Broilers.

The fruit Punica granatum L. has been used for years in traditional medicine owing to the presence of several phytobiotics with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Punica granatum L. by-products (PGB) on performance, immunity, intestinal and excreta microflora, and odorous gas emissions from excreta of broiler chickens. Three experimental diets containing 0, 0.5 and 1.0% PGB were fed to 240 one-day-old broiler chicks until 35 days. Dietary PGB linearly reduced the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Supplementation with 1% PGB led to a linear increase in the relative weight of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. The concentration of serum IgA and IgG increased linearly in response to dietary PGB. In the ileal digesta, the concentration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae increased linearly and quadratically in response to dietary PGB. Moreover, dietary PGB led to a linear decrease in Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. alongside reducing the pH of the ileal digesta. In the cecal digesta, the concentration of Bacillus bacteria increased linearly in response to both levels of dietary PGB, while the concentrations of E. coli and Salmonella decreased when the diet was supplemented with 1% PGB, as did cecal pH. At 35 day, both levels of PGB increased the concentration of fecal Bacillus, whereas only 1% PGB increased the concentration of S. cerevisiae at 21 day. Increasing levels of PGB induce a linear reduction in fecal E. coli at 21 and 35 day, whereas Salmonella only at 21 day. Regarding the average of 48 h, dietary PGB effectively reduced the emissions of ammonia and methanethiol from broiler excreta. In conclusion, the results suggest that, dietary PGB improved immunity and the intestinal microbial ecosystem of broilers along with reduced odorous gas emissions from excreta.

Influence of Breed and Route of Hot Pepper Supplementation on Productive Performance, Carcass traits and Immune Response of Two Breeds of Broilers

Total of 120 Cobb 500 chicks and 120 Ross 308 chicks were allotted randomly into three treatments; hot pepper in ration 2%, hot pepper in water 1% and control group (40 bird per group) from 2 to 6 weeks consecutively to investigate the effect of hot pepper supplementation in ration or water on productive performance, carcass traits and immune response of different broiler breeds. The obtained results revealed that hot pepper supplementation in water 1% or ration 2% improved body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers compared to control group at the early ages (21 day) with significant (P˂0.05) increment in body weight for 1% hot pepper water supplemented group compared to control. Moreover, immune response to NDV improved by hot pepper supplementation in water or diet enhanced while, immune response to IBD improved only by water supplementation by hot pepper. Water supplementation with hot pepper 1% significantly (P˂0.05) increased dressing percentage compared to other groups although hot pepper supplementation had no effect on carcass traits or internal organs weight. Ross 308 had significant higher body weight and weight gain (P˂0.01) compared to Cobb 500. Feed conversion ratio and water intake did not affected by breeds or addition of hot pepper. Mortality % was higher in Cobb 500 than Ross 308, also Ross 308 responded better to hot pepper water 1% during early ages however Cobb 500 response was better during late ages. It could be concluded that water supplementation with hot pepper 1% achieved better effects on productive performance, mortality % and immune response to NDV and IBD of broiler than hot pepper ration supplementation 2%, also use of hot pepper at early ages better than whole growth period.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cinnamaldehyde and formic acid on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and immune response in broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) with a combination of essential oil and organic acids (EO + OA) on growth performance, gut microbiota and immune response in broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, 320 day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 32 pens with 10 birds in each pen and the pens were equally allotted to four treatment groups. In Experiment 2, 120 day-old chicks were divided into the same four treatment groups, each group containing three replicated pens with 10 birds in each pen. The groups were (1) Negative Control (NC) without AGP or other growth-promoting feed additives; (2) AGP (NC + enramycin; 125 mg/kg feed; (3) OA (NC + OA; 500 mg/kg feed); and (4) EO + OA (NC + a combination of cinnamaldehyde and calcium formate; 500 mg/kg feed). Experiment 1 lasted for 40 days, whereas Experiment 2 continued for 28 days. In Experiment 2, all birds were orally challenged with Escherichia coli (108 bacteria/bird) on Day 14. Overall intake, growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) on Day 40 had no difference (P &gt; 0.05) among the groups in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, growth, feed intake and FCR were not affected by any dietary treatments until Day 14, but after being challenged with E. coli, bodyweight gain and FCR improved (P &lt; 0.05) for AGP and EO + OA compared with NC. Mortality rate was also lower (P &lt; 0.05) for AGP and EO + OA than NC in Experiment 2. Villi height was higher (P &lt; 0.001) in OA and EO + OA groups compared with NC and AGP groups. Any treatment did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) the counts of total bacteria, E. coli and Lactobacillus in the contents of ileum and caecum. However, Salmonella counts in the ileal and caecal contents decreased (P &lt; 0.001) for AGP, OA and EO + OA compared with NC group. Clostridium counts were lower for EO + OA group than for NC and AGP groups in the ileum, and for AGP, OA and EO + OA groups than for NC in the caeca (P &lt; 0.05). Antibody titer on Day 35 against Newcastle disease vaccine was higher in EO + OA group than in NC, AGP and OA groups (P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, EO + OA did not affect growth and FCR in broilers. However, AGP and EO + AO improved growth performance and FCR after being challenged with E. coli. Moreover, EO + OA was effective in reducing the Clostridium count in the small intestine and caecum and increasing the villus height and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine.

EFFECT OF SUMAC SEEDS POWDER ON SOME PERFORMANCES PARAMETER IN BROILER

An experiment was carried out using (350) one day-old broiler non sexed chicks of commercial line available in Syria to investigate the effect of full sumac seeds powder and sumac seeds powder without nucleus on Live Body weight and Feed conversion ratio in Broilers at 42 days age. The birds were distributed into 7 the groups (50 / each). Rearing period was divided into 2 stages according to nutritional requirements mentioned in NRC, 1994. The First one from 1 to 21 days and the second from 22 to 42 days. Seven diets were prepared according to the group numbers including control group without any additive (First group). Full sumac seeds powder were added to diet with levels (0.2%-0.4%-0.6%) respectively to groups (2nd -3rd -4th), and sumac seeds powder without nucleus were added to diet with levels (0.2%-0.4%-0.6%) respectively to groups (5th-6th-7th) respectively. The results demonstrated an increase in average live body weight with high significant difference (P≤0.01) in the birds fed sumac seeds powder without nucleus in levels (0.6-0.4)% in groups (7th-6th) respectively compared to control one (1st group) superiority rates reached (7%-5%) respectively at 42 days age. Feed conversion ratio was better clearly by the addition of sumac seeds powder in both types compared to the control (1st group birds) especially in the seventh group and the sixth group of birds of birds (0.6% sumac seeds powder without nucleus) and (0.4% sumac seeds powder without nucleus) and the forth group of birds (0.6% full sumac seeds powder) (1.72-1.75-1.78) respectively.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 on the growth performance and intestinal microbiota of broilers.

Probiotics have been proved to be the most preferred and effective alternative to antibiotics as growth promoter and pathogens inhibitor in poultry industry. In this study Bacillus subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 as a probiotic bacterium was administered in diet and its effects on both the growth performance and the caecal microbiota of broilers were evaluated. A total of 240 male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated into two treatment groups of basal diet without any addition of probiotics and basal diet containing B.subtilis CGMCC 1.1086. The body weight of broilers was measured individually at 32, 39 and 46days of bird age. Furthermore, MiSeq high-throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA was used to investigate the bacterialcommunitystructure in the caeca of broilers. The results indicated that broilers receiving diet supplemented with B.subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 showed 27·7% higher daily weight gain than those of control during 2weeks. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of B.subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 group was also improved by 10·3%. In the caeca of broilers fed with B.subtilis CGMCC 1.1086, the relative abundance of Alistipes, Odoribacter, Ruminococcus, Blautia and Desulfovibrio were higher, while the potential pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were lower than those of control. The probiotic B.subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 can effectively improve the growth performance and FCR of broilers via the beneficial modulation of caecal microbiota. The effect of B.subtilis on growth performance of broilers was evaluated and the relationship between growth and caecal microbiota was revealed. The results of this study help to promote application of probiotics in poultry industry.

The Effects of Different Eggshell Temperatures Between Embryonic Day 10 and 18 on Broiler Performance and Susceptibility to Ascites

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of low (33.3-36.7 ˚C), control (37.8-38.2 ˚C) and high (38.9-40.0 ˚C) eggshell temperatures (ESTs) between days 10-18 of incubation on broiler performance and susceptibility to ascites. The effects of different ESTs on hatchling weight were significant. The highest residual yolk sac weight (7.7 g) and relative yolk sac weight (18.7%) were observed in high EST group, whereas the highest yolk-free body weight (36.22 g) was obtained in the control group. Relative post-hatch heart weight was lower in the high EST group (0.64%) compared with the control (0.84%) and low (0.88%) EST groups. At 6 weeks of age, body weights of broilers of the low, control, and high EST groups were 2172.6, 2543.9, 2282.6 g respectively. During the 6-week life span, the feed conversion ratio of broilers in the low (1.86) and high (1.83) EST groups was significantly worse than of those in the control EST group (1.68). Higher packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) values were obtained in the high EST group relative to the other groups, whereas hemoglobin (Hb) level was lower in the control group than in the others. The relative heart weights and right ventricular to total ventricular (RV:TV) ratio for low, control, and high EST group were 0.46, 0.40, 0.37 g and 0.27, 0.28, 0.33% respectively. In conclusion, incubation length, yolk sac absorption, residual yolk sac weight, yolk-free BW, post-hatch performance, and heart, blood parameters, abdominal fluid accumulation at slaughter age are affected by changes in EST between incubation days 10 to 18.

Effect of dietary inulin supplements on growth performance and intestinal immunological parameters of broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance and intestinal immune parameters of broilers. A total of 280 one-day-old Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly allocated into four groups of seven replicate pens and given a maize-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 15g/kg of inulin during the 42 days of the experiment. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined from d 1 to 21 (starter), and from d 22 to 42 (grower). Intestinal T lymphocyte subpopulations, the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and cytokines as well as mucin mRNA expression were measured at 21d and 42d. Feed intake was increased quadratically (P=0.001) as the dietary inulin level increasing during starter period only. However BWG and FCR of broilers were not affected by inulin supplementation in either period. At d 21 and as the dietary inulin concentration increasing, proportion of T CD4+ T lymphocyte and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in ileum tissue tended (P=0.05–0.087) to be linearly increased, IgA concentration in cecal content and mucin mRNA expression in jejunum tissue were linearly increased (P=0.006–0.01), whereas concentrations of interleuk-6 and interferon-γ in ileum tissue quadratically (P<0.05) decreased. The effects of dietary inulin on these intestinal immunological parameters were minimal at the 42-d age of broilers. These results indicated that dietary inulin at the levels of 5–10g/kg may have the beneficial effects on enhancing intestinal immune function of broiler chicken at younger age when the intestinal function is not fully developed.

Effect of coccidia challenge and natural betaine supplementation on performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal lesion scores of broiler chickens fed suboptimal level of dietary methionine

The aim of the present experiment was to examine the effect of coccidia challenge and natural betaine supplementation on performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal lesion scores of broiler chickens fed suboptimal level of dietary methionine. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two levels of betaine supplementation (0 and 960 g betaine/t of feed) without or with coccidia challenge. Each treatment was fed to 8 cages of 8 male broilers (Ross 308) for 1 to 21d. On d 14, birds in the 2 challenged groups received mixed inocula of Eimeria species from a recent field isolate, containing approximately 180,000E. acervulina, 6,000E. maxima, and 18,000E. tenella oocysts. At 21d, digesta from the terminal ileum was collected for the determination of dry matter, energy, nitrogen, amino acids, starch, fat, and ash digestibilities. Lesion scores in the different segments of the small intestine were also measured on d 21. Performance and nutrient digestibility data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Lesion score data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test to identify significant differences between treatments. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to assess the significance of linear or quadratic models to describe the response in the dependent variable to total lesion scores. Coccidia challenge reduced (P < 0.0001) the weight gain and feed intake, and increased (P < 0.0001) the feed conversion ratio. Betaine supplementation had no effect (P > 0.05) on the weight gain or feed intake, but lowered (P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio. No interaction (P > 0.05) between coccidia challenge and betaine supplementation was observed for performance parameters. Betaine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, energy, fat, and amino acids only in birds challenged with coccidia as indicated by the significant interaction (P < 0.0001) between betaine supplementation and coccidia challenge. The main effect of coccidia challenge reduced (P < 0.05) starch digestibility. Betaine supplementation improved (P < 0.05) starch digestibility regardless of the coccidia challenge. For each unit increase in the total lesion score, there was a linear (P < 0.001) decrease in digestibility of mean amino acids, starch, and fat by 3.8, 3.4 and 16%, respectively. Increasing total lesion scores resulted in a quadratic (P < 0.05) decrease in dry matter digestibility and ileal digestible energy. No lesions were found in the intestine or ceca of the unchallenged treatments. In the challenged treatments, betaine supplementation reduced (P < 0.01) the lesion scores at the duodenum, lower jejunum, and total lesion scores compared to the treatment without supplements. In conclusion, coccidia challenge lowered the digestibility of energy and nutrients and increased the feed conversion ratio of broilers. However, betaine supplementation reduced the impact of coccidia challenge and positively affected nutrient digestibility and the feed conversion ratio.

Performance and intestinal characteristics of broiler chicken fed diet with glutamine in the diet without anticoccidials agents

Five hundred commercial male Cobb broilers were allotted in a randomized blocks design with five treatments, four replicates and 25 chicks per experimental unit in order to evaluate the effects of adding L-glutamine to the diet with no anticoccidial agents and growth promoters. Experimental diets contained L-glutamine at different levels (0.0; 5.0; 10.0; 15.0 or 20.0g/kg), through the experimental period. Experiment was conducted with broiler chicken from 1 to 42 days old. The parameters evaluated were feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, mortality, digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, carcass yield and intestinal mucosa structure of small intestine. The data obtained were submitted to polynomial regression analysis. Means were compared using Tukey test.Was considered a type I error set at P &lt; 0.05. The level of L-glutamine in the diet influenced feed conversion ratio of broilers at 1-7 days old, which was improved at 10.0g/kgL glutamine. Carcass yield and digestibility coefficients of the diet were not affected by the levels of glutamine in the diet. Adding L-glutamine influenced crypt depth in small intestine of broilers at 18 and 42 days old. It is recommended the addition of 10.0g/kg L-glutamine to the pre-started diet.

Coexpression and secretion of endoglucanase and phytase genes in Lactobacillus reuteri.

A multifunctional transgenic Lactobacillus with probiotic characteristics and an ability to degrade β-glucan and phytic acid (phytate) was engineered to improve nutrient utilization, increase production performance and decrease digestive diseases in broiler chickens. The Bacillus subtilis WL001 endoglucanase gene (celW) and Aspergillus fumigatus WL002 phytase gene (phyW) mature peptide (phyWM) were cloned into an expression vector with the lactate dehydrogenase promoter of Lactobacillus casei and the secretion signal peptide of the Lactococcus lactis usp45 gene. This construct was then transformed into Lactobacillus reuteri XC1 that had been isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. Heterologous enzyme production and feed effectiveness of this genetically modified L. reuteri strain were investigated and evaluated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the molecular mass of phyWM and celW was approximately 48.2 and 55 kDa, respectively, consistent with their predicted molecular weights. Endoglucanase and phytase activities in the extracellular fraction of the transformed L. reuteri culture were 0.68 and 0.42 U/mL, respectively. Transformed L. reuteri improved the feed conversion ratio of broilers from 21 to 42 days of age and over the whole feeding period. However, there was no effect on body weight gain and feed intake of chicks. Transformed L. reuteri supplementation improved levels of ash, calcium and phosphorus in tibiae at day 21 and of phosphorus at day 42. In addition, populations of Escherichia coli, Veillonella spp. and Bacteroides vulgatus were decreased, while populations of Bifidobacterium genus and Lactobacillus spp. were increased in the cecum at day 21.

Role of a Max Yeast Culture Probiotic in Potentiating the Growth Performance of Commercial Broiler

The present study is under taken to determine the body weight gain of broilers, to determine carcass yield or dressing percentage of broilers, to determine feed conversion ratio of broilers, to enumerate the colonizing micro flora in the gut of broilers. A total of 80 day-old broiler chicks were divided into two main groups I and II with 40 chicks in each. Group I was supplemented with Probiotic (Max Yeast Culture gm/kg feed) containing feed and chicks of group II was supplemented with conventional feed. Group I and II was again subdivided into two subgroups as group A, B and C, D respectively on 6 days of age. Birds of subgroups A and C were vaccinated with ND vaccine (BCRDV) and birds of subgroups C and D were kept as unvaccinated. The result evidenced the following information: (a) The total viable count (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly (P&lt;0.01) lower in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. It was always found that the lower TVC in probiotic fed broilers as compared to conventional fed broilers (b) The total lactobacilli count (TLC) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. So it can be said that Max Yeast Culture supplementation can reduce the growth of pathogenic microorganism and increase the growth of beneficial microorganism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19116 Progress. Agric. 24(1&amp;2): 131 - 136, 2013

EFEKTIVITAS PENAMBAHAN TEPUNG TEMULAWAK (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb) dan TEPUNG TEMU PUTIH (Curcuma Zedoaria roxb) DALAM RANSUM KOMERSIAL TERHADAP PERFORMANS AYAM PEDAGING

An experiment was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb and Curcuma Zedoaria rox flours added in ration on performances of broilers. Fifty-four CP-707® strain broilers were used in the experiment at animal house of Animal Husbandry Faculty, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado and they were placed into cages (60cm x 45cm x 45cm), three birds per cage. Randomized completely design were used in this experiment, with three treatments and six replications. The three treatments were R0 (ration without Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb and Curcuma Zedoaria rox flours), R1 (Ration with 2% of Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb flour) and R2 (Ration with 2% of Curcuma Zedoaria rox flour). It was found that, there were no significant different (P&gt;0.05) between treatments on feed consumption, body growth and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Feed consumptions were 111,69gram/bird/day (R0), 118,98gram/bird/day (R1), and 124,34gram/bird/day (R2); Body growths were 53,09gram/bird/day (R0), 54,84gram/birdr/day (R1), 57,59gram/bird/day (R2); Feed conversion ratios were 2,20gram/bird/day (R0), 2,18gram/bird/day (R1), and 2,16gram/bird/day (R2) respectively. It was concluded that, the performances of broilers given ration with addition of 2% of Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb and Curcuma Zedoaria rox flours were same as the performances of broiler given ration without Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb and Curcuma Zedoaria rox flours Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb and Curcuma Zedoaria rox flours. Key words: Broilers, Curcuma Xanthorrhiza roxb, Curcuma Zedoaria rox, flour.