Feed Conversion Ratio Of Broilers Research Articles

Evaluation of protease plus a precision-biotic on body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in broilers from 0 to 42 days of age

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a protease combination with a precision biotic on body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from day 0 to 42. 1,400 Cobb 500 male chicks were reared on seven different diets, including an unrestricted positive control (PC–Diet 1) and a negative control (NC–Diet 2) with slightly reduced crude protein, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and digestible amino acids. Five additional treatment diets were formulated using the negative control and varying concentrations of a protease (Diets 3-4; 33ppm and 50ppm, respectively) and in combination with a precision biotic (Diets 5-7; 33ppm + 700ppm; 50ppm + 500ppm; and 50ppm + 700ppm, respectively). The PC treatment showed significantly different feed intake and FCR compared to all other treatments in all production phases (P < 0.05). There are no significant differences in non-PC treatments in all production phases for BWG and FCR (starter p=0.230 and 0.300; grower p=0.443 and 0.237; finisher p=0.450 and 0.896; overall p=0.111 and 0.497, respectively), nor is there any in terms of mortality (p=0.800). These findings may provide valuable information to producers to optimize flock performance efficiently and cost-effectively.

Dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis KC1 alleviates the negative effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum on growth performance and amino acid metabolism of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to explore whether and how Bacillus subtilis KC1 can enhance the growth performance of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)-infected broilers. Broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group (basal diet), the MG group (basal diet + MG challenge), the KC group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation), the KC + MG group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation + MG challenge). The results showed that, compared to the control group, MG group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and average daily gain, and increased feed conversion ratio of broilers. However, compared to the MG group, the B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited significantly improved above indicators of growth performance. In addition, compared to the MG group, B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited increased superoxide dismutase levels and reduced levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α of broilers. Furthermore, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses indicated that MG infection disrupted amino acid metabolism in broilers, whereas B. subtilis KC1 supplementation alleviated the abnormal amino acid metabolism caused by MG. These results suggested that B. subtilis KC1 may alleviate the poor growth performance caused by MG infection in broilers by improving amino acid metabolism.

The effects of early feeding with different pre-starter diets on growth performance, morphological development and microorganism content of the small intestine of broiler chicks

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding 2 different pre-starter diets to broiler chicks at 2 different times on growth performance, slaughtering parameters, morphological development of the small intestine segments and the microorganism content of the ileum of broilers. A total of 600 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 24 chicks each. The experimental treatments included: SD10: broiler chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal-based starter diet for 0-10 days; 1PSD5: chicks were fed a first pre-starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 1PSD10: chicks were fed the first pre-starter diet for 0-10 days; 2PSD5: chicks were fed a second pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal for 0-5 days, afterwards they were fed a starter diet based on corn-soybean meal for 5-10 days; 2PSD10: chicks were fed the second pre-starter diet for 0-10 days. Broilers were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly increased final body weight (BW) and BW gain, decreased feed intake (FI) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 0 to 42 day compared to the SD10 treatment. The lowest FI and the best FCR of broilers during the period of 0 to 42 day were obtained by the 2PSD5 treatment. The 1PSD5, 1PSD10, 2PSD5 and 2PSD10 treatments significantly enhanced the hot- and cold-carcass yields and villus heights (VHs) and decreased crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers on day 42. However, the experimental treatments did not significantly affect the the E.coli and Lactobacillus contents of ileum of broilers on day 42. In conclusion, feeding of chicks with the pre-starter diet based on rice-soybean meal supplemented with enzyme complex and synbiotic for 0-5 days was a more effective treatment in terms of performance especially FI and FCR, carcass yields and VHs of small intestine segments of broilers.

Coated oregano essential oil and cinnamaldehyde compounds supplementation improves growth performance, enhances immune responses, and inhibits cecal Escherichia coli proliferation of broilers.

Plant essential oils are unstable due to high volatility and easy oxidation, while microencapsulation provides a potentially effective strategy for increasing the stability of natural essential oils and preserving their function. This study examined the effects of feeding coated oregano essential oil and cinnamaldehyde (COEC) compounds on growth, immune organ development, intestinal morphology, mucosal immune function, and the cecal microbiota populations of broilers. Three hundred one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were organized into 5 groups: 1) negative control fed basal diet alone (NC), 2) positive control receiving basal diet plus 50mg/kg of chlortetracycline (CTC), 3) basal diet plus 150mg/kg COEC (COEC150), 4) plus 300mg/kg COEC (COEC300), and 5) plus 450mg/kg COEC (COEC450). The supplement trial was continued for 42 d. The results showed that CTC, COEC300, and COEC450 treatments decreased the feed conversion ratio of broilers both in the starter and whole experiment phases, increased the height of jejunal villi at 21 d and the number of goblet cells and IgA-producing cells at 21 or 42 d compared with NC group (P < 0.05). Members of the COEC300 treatment group had a higher thymus weight index and jejunum length index than birds of NC or CTC groups at 21 d (P < 0.05). CTC and all COEC treatments decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunal mucosa at 42 d (P < 0.05). The population of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the cecal digesta at 21 d was lower in the CTC, COEC300, and COEC450 treatment groups compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the CTC group, COEC supplementation dose-dependently accelerated body weight gain, improved jejunal morphology, decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunal mucosa, increased numbers of jejunal goblet cells and IgA-producing cells, and decreased the E. coli population in cecal digesta at 21 or 42 d (P < 0.05). Thus, we concluded that feeding broiler chickens with 300 or 450mg/kg in antibiotic-free diets can improve growth performance, enhance immune responses, and inhibit the proliferation of cecal pathogenic bacteria.

Alquremold Natural (AMN) for Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Bacterial Growth Inhibition of Commercial Broilers

An experiment was conducted with 648-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of Alquermold natural (AMN) on overall growth performance, carcass characteristics and inhibition of enteric bacterial growth of commercial broilers. The birds were randomly assigned to four different treatments: T0 (Control), T1 (0.5 g/kg AMN), T2 (1.0 g/kg AMN) and T3 (1.0 g/kg Mold Inhibitor (MI)), respectively. They were reared for up to 28 days. At the end of experiment, the birds’ growth performances in terms of body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and meat production characteristics were recorded and calculated. Weekly fecal sample collection and microbiological count were performed to determine the bacterial load, specifically Escherichia coli and anaerobic bacteria in the broiler feces. The results showed that birds receiving 1.0 g/kg AMN had significantly higher BW and BWG (p0.01) than the control, 0.5 g/kg AMN, and MI groups. The FI and FCR of broilers were comparable in all treatment groups. There were no significant (p &gt; 0.05) changes in meat yield parameters such as dressing percentage, neck, shank, drumstick, breast meat, thigh meat, and wing meat. However, when compared to the other dietary treatments, the bacterial load (E. coli and anaerobic bacteria) was significantly lower in the birds fed 1.0 g/kg AMN. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that feeding AMN at a rate of 1.0 g/kg may be considered for improving growth performance, maximizing feed utilization, and inhibiting bacterial load in the intestine of commercial broiler chickens.

Data Analytics of Broiler Growth Dynamics and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broilers Raised to 35 d under Commercial Tropical Conditions.

Data collection is standard in commercial broiler production; however, growth modeling is still a challenge since this data often lacks an inflection point. This study evaluated body weight (BW) dynamics, feed intake, BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality of broiler flocks reared under commercial tropical conditions with controlled feeding to optimize FCR. The data analyzed included performance records of 1347 male and 1353 female Ross 308 AP broiler flocks with a total of 95.4 million chickens housed from 2018 to 2020. Decision trees determined high- and low-feed-efficiency groups using FCR at 35 d. Logistic, Gompertz-Laird, and von Bertalanffy growth models were fitted with weekly BW data for each flock within performance groups. The logistic model indicated more accurate estimates with biological meaning. The high-efficiency males and females (p < 0.001) were offered less feed than the low-efficiency group and were consistently more efficient. In conclusion, greater feeding control between the second and the fourth week of age, followed by higher feed allowance during the last week, was associated with better feed efficiency at 35 d in males and females. Additionally, models demonstrated that a reduced growth rate resulted in heavier chickens at 35 d with better feed efficiency and greater BW gain.

Comparative Analysis of the Growth Rate, Body Weight Gain, and Feed Conversion Ratio of Broilers Raised Under Ad Libitum and Restricted Feeding Programs

Background: Among the various feeding strategies employed, two predominant methods have emerged as the primary focus of research and industry implementation: ad libitum and restricted feeding programs.&#x0D; Objectives: This comparative study aimed to assess the growth rate, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers raised under ad libitum and restricted feeding programs.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 350-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to two groups. The broilers under ad libitum feeding exhibited higher growth rates throughout the six-week study period, with average weight gains of 165.2 grams, 427.5 grams, 864.7 grams, 1405.5 grams, 2008.8 grams, and 2330.7 grams in successive weeks. In contrast, the broilers under restricted feeding showed lower growth rates, ranging from 140.7 grams to 2020.1 grams in the corresponding weeks.&#x0D; Results: The ad libitum group also consumed consistently higher amounts of feed compared to the restricted group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in FCR between the two feeding programs.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings highlighted the importance of providing broilers with continuous access to feed to optimize their growth, while further research is needed to validate the results and explore FCR variations.

Sugarcane Derived Polyphenol Feed Additive Supplemented to the Wheat Diet Improved Broiler Performance

This study examined effects of incremental levels of sugarcane derived polyphenol on most commonly used cereals in the poultry feed industry; wheat and maize. Both cereals rapidly digestible starch, which is usually digested completely than protein itself whereas polyphenol slows down glucose absorption in rat without compromising feed intake. Polyphenol may enhance depositing of muscle in broilers due to synchronous availability of the plasma glucose and amino acid. In this experiment, 240 Ross 308 male broilers (5 birds/cage; n=6) were given 8 different diets, wheat and maize; without or with polyphenol inclusion level at 0.5%, 2% and 4% respectively. Feeds were given ad-libitum in 2 phases as grower (day 11-24) and finisher (day 24-38). Parameters assessed were body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), drip loss%, shear force and meat color. Birds were euthanized at day 38 for meat quality inspection using Pectoralis muscle. The research revealed that 2% polyphenol in wheat diets significantly reduced ADFI (day 24-38) as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets (p&lt;0.0001). At the same level, polyphenol numerically improved FCR (day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets (FCR 1.93) and maize diets (FCR 1.63) as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets (FCR 1.98) and maize diets (FCR 1.70) respectively. However, 4% polyphenol inclusion level had adverse effect on BW (day 17 and 38) and ADG (day 10-38, day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets as compared to unsupplemented wheat diets. On other hand, maize diets supplemented with different level of polyphenol did not have any significant effect on BW, ADG, ADFI and FCR in broilers as compared to unsupplemented maize diets. Also, there was significantly higher ADFI (day 24-38) in broilers fed wheat diets as compared to maize diets (p&lt;0.0001). Regarding meat qualities, there were not any effect of polyphenol on drip loss%, shear force and meat color. However, cereal type itself had significant effect on meat color appearance as maize fed broilers had more yellowness value of meat (b*; p&lt;0.0001) than broilers fed wheat diets. In conclusion, polyphenol supplementation found to be useful for broilers mainly on wheat diets at 2% inclusion level.

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LPJZ-658 Supplementation on the Production, Meat Quality, Intestinal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Broilers Chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of L. plantarum LPJZ-658 on the production, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of broilers. White-feathered broilers (1 day old, n = 600) were randomly assigned to two groups and raised for six weeks. The individuals in the LPJZ-658 group were supplemented with 2.6 × 109 cfu/g LPJZ-658. The growth performance, meat quality, intestinal epithelium morphology, and cecal microbiota were observed. The results showed that the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers in the LPJZ-658 group were significantly improved. In addition, the LPJZ-658 groups had a higher thigh muscle (TM) yield, TM color, TMpH24h, breast muscle (BM) pH24h, and BM color24h, while the BM cooking loss was significantly lower than the CON group. Moreover, supplementation with LPJZ-658 increased ileum and cecum length, duodenum and ileum villus height, and ileum villus height/crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed the dietary LPJZ-658 supplementation modulated the diversity and composition of cecal microflora. At the phylum level, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota, and Acidobacteriota were significantly higher. In addition, LPJZ-658 substantially decreased the genus relative abundances of Streptococcus, Veillonella, Neisseria, and Haemophilus compared with the CON group and facilitated the growth and colonization of beneficial cecal bacteria, such as OBacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Bacillus, and Akkermansia. It was concluded that LPJZ-658 supplementation significantly increased growth production, improved meat quality and intestinal status, and modulated the intestinal microbiota in the broilers.

Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum MB001 and its probiotic effect on growth performance, cecal microbiome and gut integrity of broiler chickens in a tropical climate.

Microencapsulation technologies have been developed and successfully applied to protect the probiotic bacterial cells damaged by environmental exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum MB001 on the growth performance, ileal nutrient digestibility, jejunal histomorphology and cecal microbiome of broiler chickens in a tropical climate. A total of 288 one-day-old female broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates of 12 birds). Treatments included, i) a basal diet (NC), ii) NC + avilamycin (10 mg/kg) (PC), iii) NC + non-encapsulated L. plantarum MB001 (1×108 colonyforming unit [CFU]/kg of diet) (N-LP), iv) NC + microencapsulated L. plantarum MB001 (1×108 CFU/kg of diet) (ME-LP). Dietary supplementation of ME-LP improved average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of broilers throughout the 42-d trial period (p<0.05), whereas ME-LP did not affect average daily feed intake compared with NC group. Both N-LP and ME-LP improved apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and ether extract compared with NC group (p<0.05). The broilers fed ME-LP supplemented diet exhibited a beneficial effect on jejunal histomorphology of villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of broilers compared to NC group (p<0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes was enriched (p<0.05) and Proteobacteria was decreased (p<0.05) only in the ME-LP group. At the genus level, the ME-LP diets increased (p<0.05) the number of both Lactobacillus and Enterococcus compared to NC, PC, and N-LP groups (p<0.05). Microencapsulation assists the efficient functioning of probiotics. ME-LP could be potentially used as a feed additive for improvement of cecal microbiota, gut integrity and nutrient utilization, leading to better performance of broilers.

Effects of dietary extrusion on the performance and apparent ileal digestion of broilers: a meta-analysis

The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of extruded feed ingredients on the growth performance and apparent ileal digestion of broilers using a meta-analysis. The database was developed based on 30 studies comprising 150 data points. The data were analysed using the OpenMEE software, considering the extrusion of feed ingredients as fixed effects and individual studies as random effects. Results showed that the extruded feed ingredients enhanced weight gain (p < 0.01) and enhanced the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001) of broiler chickens as compared to the un-extruded feeds, but no effect was observed for the feed intake parameter. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fat were significantly higher for the extruded feeds (p < 0.05). In terms of amino acid digestibility, the current meta-analysis also demonstrated that extruded feed ingredients had significantly higher (p < 0.05) digestibility in Ala, Leu, Met, Phe, Thr, Try, Tyr, and Val than those of the un-extruded feeds. In conclusion, extrusion can improve the production performance of broilers, and it increases some nutrient and amino acid digestibility. HIGHLIGHTS Extrusion of feed ingredients increased weight gain and enhanced the feed conversion ratio of broilers. Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fat was higher for the extruded than that of the un-extruded feed. The extruded feed ingredients had higher digestibility amino acids in Ala, Leu, Met, Phe, Thr, Try, Tyr and Val than those of the un-extruded feeds.

Effect of fermented cottonseed meal on growth performance and carcass traits in broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary inclusion of fermented cottonseed meal (FCSM) on growth performance and carcass traits in broiler chicken up to 42 days of age. A total of 160, day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five dietary treatment groups, viz. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 with four replicates having eight bird each, in a completely randomised design. The birds in the control group (T1) were fed with standard broiler ration formulated as per BIS (2007). The diets in groups T2 to T5 were formulated by inclusion of five per cent cottonseed meal (CSM), five per cent FCSM (T3), 10 per cent FCSM (T4) and 15 per cent FCSM (T5), respectively. All the experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Fermentation of CSM significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased its moisture, crude protein and total ash content and reduced dry matter and crude fibre content. The mean body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of broilers in different treatment groups at sixth week of age did not differ significantly. The carcass characteristics at sixth week also did not differ significantly among treatments, except ready to cook yield per cent which was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in FCSM groups. The highest net profit per kilogram body weight was obtained in 10 per cent FCSM group (T4 group), followed by T3, T5, T2 and T1.

Effects of dietary supplementation of chromium methionine chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress, hematological indices, and carcass traits of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Meth) chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress parameters, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted on 34,000 1-day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Indian River; 42.0 ± 0.03) at a commercial farm. The chicks were divided randomly into 3 groups; the first group contained 17,000 birds, which used as a control, whereas the second and third groups consisted of 7000 and 10,000 birds, respectively, with 5 replicates per group. A completely randomized design was used. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing graded levels of Cr-Meth chelate: 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/ton. This compound consisted of chromium (0.4%) chelated with methionine, and it supply the diets with 200 and 400 ppb Cr for the used levels of 50 and 100 g/ton feed, respectively. Growth performance indices (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of experiment, 10 birds per treatment were slaughtered, and the carcass yield with relative weight of the internal organs was determined. Also, blood samples were taken and analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. It was found that Cr-Meth improved the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Moreover, it reduced the mortality rate of birds. The chelated chromium can alleviate the oxidative status of birds by increasing the plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and reducing the serum malondialdehyde level. It was observed that the effects of 100 g/ton Cr-Meth chelate on performance indices, mortality rate, and oxidative stress parameters were better than that of 50 g/ton inclusion rate. Supplementation of Cr-Meth increased the total protein level, but reduced the glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in the blood serum. In addition, it increased the carcass yield and reduced the abdominal fat percentage of the birds’ carcass. Therefore, chromium can be included in diets of broilers at a rate of 200 to 400 ppb, and the higher concentration was more effective than the lower one. So, it can be recommended to use Cr-Meth chelate in broiler diets at 100 g/ton to improve the productive performance and reduce the oxidative stress of birds.

Effects of high-dose folic acid on protein metabolism in breast muscle and performance of broilers

Attaining the optimal feed conversion ratio is the unaltered goal for poultry breeding, meat yield is one of the vital reference indexes for that. Folic acid is involved in protein metabolism by acting as a transmitter of one carbon unit, and the detail mechanism for the high-dose folic acid on growth of broiler skeletal muscle is still unclarified. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect and regulatory mechanism of folic acid on deposition and metabolism of protein in broiler breast muscle. A total of 196 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. The chicks were fed corn-soybean diet with folic acid levels of 1.3 mg/kg (CON) or 13 mg/kg (FA), respectively. The results showed that high dose of folic acid significantly increased the body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers during 1 to 42 d. Compared with control group, folic acid statistically augmented the breast muscle ratio of broilers at 42 d, abdominal fat percentage was also decreased in FA group. Folic acid significantly increased the gene expression of folate receptor (FR) in duodenum and jejunum at 21 d, and its relative expression in jejunum of broilers at 42 d. Furthermore, relative expression of myogenin in broiler breast muscle was upregulated in folic acid group. Folic acid supplementation significantly enhanced the protein expression of phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (AKT) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) in the breast muscle of broilers at 21 d and 42 d. In conclusion, the results proved that high-dose folic acid activated the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and increased the activity of phosphorylation of S6K1, thereby regulating the protein deposition in breast muscle. Meanwhile, the gene expression of the myogenic determinant factor was upregulated by folic acid and then promoted the growth of breast muscle. Consequently, the growth performance, meat production and feeding efficiency were improved of broilers by adding folic acid at 13 mg/kg.

Single and Combined Effects of Clostridium butyricum and Coccidiosis Vaccine on Growth Performance and the Intestinal Microbiome of Broiler Chickens.

Avian coccidiosis is an important intestinal protozoan disease that has caused major economic losses to the poultry industry. Clostridium butyricum can not only maintain the stability of the intestinal barrier, but can also improve the production performance of broiler chickens. We studied the effects of feeding C. butyricum alone, administration of coccidiosis vaccine alone, and the combined administration of C. butyricum and coccidiosis vaccine on body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Meanwhile, intestinal contents of 8- and 15-day-old broilers were collected, and their intestinal microbiome was characterized by high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 region of 16S rDNA. We analyzed the oocysts per gram values and lesion scores in the C. butyricum alone group, in a group challenged with the coccidiosis-causing parasite, Eimeria, and in groups simultaneously challenged Eimeria and pretreated with C. butyricum, the coccidiosis vaccine, or combined C. butyricum and coccidiosis vaccine. Intestinal tissue samples were collected from 32-day-old broilers for microbiome analysis. Our results showed that combination of C. butyricum with coccidiosis vaccine significantly improved the performance of broiler chickens and also significantly reduced the oocysts per gram value and intestinal lesions caused by Eimeria sp. infection. Furthermore, C. butyricum and coccidiosis vaccine administered alone or in combination significantly increased the relative abundance of the immune biomarker genus Barnesiella. The significant increase in the abundance of the Clostridia_UCG.014, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and Bacteroides was a key factor in controlling Eimeria sp. infection.

Effects of in ovo feeding and dietary addition oils on growth performance and immune function of broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) and dietary addition (DA) oils on growth, development and immune function of broiler chickens. In experiment 1, a total of 500 eggs were randomly assigned to 3 treatments: non-injected group (CON) with 100 eggs; soybean oil injected group (SO) with 200 eggs and linseed oil injected group (LO) with 200 eggs. Results showed that there were no detrimental effects of IOF of oils on embryonic development. In experiment 2, a two factor experimental design was adopted. After hatching, 120 chicks which came from each oil-injected group were divided into 2 treatments with 6 replicates, and chickens were fed soybean oil diet and linseed oil diet, respectively. The results showed that DA linseed oil increased final body weight (FBW) of broilers at d 21 post hatch, IOF of linseed oil decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05), while the plasma leptin level of 21-day-old broilers was increased by IOF or DA linseed oil (P < 0.05). Main effect analysis showed that DA linseed oil increased the spleen index and mRNA expression of IFN-γ in spleen of broilers at 7 d of age (P < 0.05). IOF of linseed oil upregulated the mRNA expression of IFN-γ in the spleen of chicks at 1 d and mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in spleen of broilers at 21 d (P < 0.05), and the interaction effect showed that IOF and DA linseed oil synergically increased the expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in spleen of broilers at 21 d. Compared with SO group, LO increased the Shannon index of hatching-day cecum microflora (P < 0.05). Principal co-ordinates analysis (PcoA) showed that LO group clearly separated from CON and SO groups. Finally, Spearman correlation analysis also manifested that Alkalicoccus was significantly correlated with spleen index and mRNA expression of IL-2, and Phreatobacter was significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ in spleen, Acinetobacter had a positive correlation with thymus index (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IOF of linseed oil reduced the ADFI and FCR of broilers and increased the species diversity and changed the structure of cecal microflora of chicken embryos at the 19th day of incubation (E19). Immune function of broilers spleen was also regulated by IOF and DA linseed oil.

The Effect of Borage (Borago officinalis) Extract on Growth Performance and Immune System of Broilers at High-Density Conditions

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of borage extract (BE) on growth performance and the immune system of broilers at high-stocking-density. A total of 330 male Ross 308 broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design with six experimental treatments each with three replications. Treatments were T1: 10 broilers/m2 (positive control group), T2: 20 broilers/m2 (negative control group), T3: 20 broilers/m2 + 150 mg/l of borage extract (BE), T4: 20 broilers/m2 + 300 mg/l of BE, T5: 20 broilers/m2 + 450 mg/l of BE, and T6: 20 broilers/m2 + 600 mg/l of BE. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly and immune responce were examined twice. The use of BE could improve weight gain, feed intake, and FCR in broilers reared at a high-stocking-density. BE treatment improved the immune response of broilers. According to the results, the use of BE at 600 mg/l is useful in reducing the effects of density stress. Therefore, BE can be used as a nutritional strategy to improve the bird performance in stressful conditions.

Microencapsulated basil oil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) enhances growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropics.

ObjectiveMicroencapsulation is a technique to improve stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of active ingredients at a target site. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of microencapsulated basil oil (MBO) on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), jejunal histomorphology, bacterial population as well as antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in a tropical climate.MethodsA total of 288 one-day-old female broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates of 12 birds), based on a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were as follows: i) basal diet (NC), ii) basal diet with avilamycin at 10 ppm (PC), iii) basal diet with free basil oil (FBO) at 500 ppm, and iv) basal diet with MBO at 500 ppm, respectively.ResultsDietary supplementation of MBO improved average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of broilers throughout the 42-d trial period (p<0.05), whereas MBO did not affect average daily feed intake compared with NC group. The broilers fed MBO diet exhibited a greater AID of crude protein and gross energy compared with those in other groups (p<0.05). Lactobacillus spp. and Escherichia coli populations were not affected by feeding dietary treatments. Both FBO and MBO had positive effects on jejunal villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) and villus surface area of broilers compared to NC and PC groups (p<0.05). Superoxide dismutase level in the duodenal mucosa of MBO group was significantly increased (p<0.01), whereas malondialdehyde level was significantly decreased (p<0.01).ConclusionMicroencapsulation could be considered as a promising driver of the basil oil efficiency, consequently MBO at 500 ppm could be potentially used as a feed additive for improvement of intestinal integrity and nutrient utilization, leading to better performance of broiler chickens.

Phosphorus release capacity in different dietary commercial phytases through performance and bone characteristics assessment of broiler chickens.

A trial was conducted to evaluate phosphorus release capacity in different commercial phytases throught performance and bone characteristics of broilers. A total of 2,400-day-old male Cobb 500® chicks were assigned in a completely randomized design with 12 dietary treatments ((1 to 5: with increasing levels of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) (0.20; 0.25; 0.30; 0.35 and 0.40%) without phytase); and 6 to 12: with 0.20% supplemented with different commercial phytases), 8 replicates and 25 birds per pen. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in the feed intake and body weight gain and a linear improvement (P<0.05) in the feed conversion ratio of broilers fed increasing NPP. The tested phytases did not release similar amounts of phytic phosphorus. Based on body weight gain response, 500 FTU/kg of diet releases a minimum and maximum of 0.074 to 0.152%, 0.062 to 0.157 and 0.059 to 0.169% of PP among the studied phytases in the periods from 1 to 21, 1 to 35 and 1 to 42 days, respectively. In conclusion, the commercial phytases released different concentrations of phytate phosphorus from the diets. Thus, is necessary to have a better method to evaluate phytase activity in order to avoid subnormal levels of available P in diets.

Efficacy of dietary quercetin supplementation with high-energy diet model in broilers: implications on zootechnical parameters, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, patho-morphology and gene expression studies

Context Currently, fat supplementation is one of the commonest strategies in poultry production for early economic return. However, it might cause various unidentified metabolic alterations in chickens. Flavonoid compound quercetin has potential to modulate oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Aim The study was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary quercetin supplementation in broilers challenged with high-energy diet (HED). Methods In total, 192 days old Vencobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with four replicates (12 birds/replicate) per treatment. Four treatments included basal diet without any supplementation (T1), basal diet + quercetin (1 g/kg; T2), HED supplemented with vegetable oil [34 g/kg (2–3 weeks), 35 g/kg (4–6 weeks); T3], HED supplemented with vegetable oil [34 g/kg (2–3 weeks), 35 g/kg (4–6 weeks)] + quercetin (1 g/kg; T4) for the age of 2–3 (starter) and 4–6 (finisher) weeks. Key results Improvement was observed in the growth performance and feed conversion ratio in broilers with the dietary treatments (P ≤ 0.05). HED-supplemented group showed increased levels of metabolic stress, which was explained by the elevated concentrations of cortisol and malondialdehyde, and reduced serum/liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Moreover, lipotoxicity was found due to the accumulation of fat, and lipid peroxidation caused various injuries to the vital organs such as liver and kidney, which were manifested by histopathological findings, and also upregulated the hepatic inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α mRNA expression in the HED group. HED in combination with quercetin attenuates the altered serum metabolic markers, lipid peroxidation with subsequent rising in endogenous enzyme activity. In addition, it exhibited lipolytic action by lysis of accumulated fat and ameliorated the pathomorphic alteration in vital organs and downregulation of hepatic IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Conclusions High dietary energy exhibits metabolic alteration and injuries to the vital organs. It is concluded that quercetin has potential to protect against the adverse effects induced by consumption of high-energy diet in broilers. Implications The supplementation of quercetin as an antioxidant seems to be beneficial for poultry production as an herbal feed additive for better performance, production, and health status.