Broiler Feed Efficiency Research Articles

Effect of Fresh Pudina (Mentha arvensis) Leaves Paste with Water on the Performance of Broilers

An experiment was conducted on 45-day-old broiler chicks reared up to five weeks of age to investigate the Effect of Pudina leaves paste on the Growth and Performance of Broilers. 45-day-old Broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups with four sub-groups of 4 chicks. The control (first) group received a standard broilers diet. Chicks in, the second, third, fourth and fifth groups received standard broilers supplemented with Pudina leaves paste 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 g, respectively. Results revealed that there was a significant effect of different levels of Pudina leaves paste on body weight, feed intake and gain in weight of broilers. The feed efficiency of broilers was also improved on feed supplemented with Pudina leaves paste.

279 Impact of Increasing Additions of Choline Chloride on Broiler Chicken Body Weight Variability

Abstract Previously, we observed a linear improvement in feed conversion and no difference in body weight (BW) in broiler chickens fed increasing additions of choline chloride in a diet with reduced digestible methionine (dMet) reared under summer environmental conditions. Poor uniformity in broiler carcass weights can negatively impact processing yields and profitability. The objective was to evaluate the impacts of increasing choline concentration on BW variation of broilers from the previous study. Yield Plus × Ross 708 male broilers (n = 2,232) were reared for 41 d on used litter in floor pens (n = 31 birds per 2.3 m2 pen). Birds were fed 1 of 6 corn and soybean meal-based, reduced dMet diets containing 0, 400, 800, 1,200, 1,600, or 2,000 mg added choline chloride per kg of feed (n = 12 pens per treatment). Diets were provided in 3 phases: starter from d 0 to 15 with 0.42% dMet, grower from d 16 to 28 with 0.42% dMet, and finisher from d 29 to 41 with 0.37% dMet. Rearing temperatures began at 34.4 °C, were reduced over 21 d to 26.7 °C and maintained there until d 41. Individual weights were collected at 15, 28, and 41 d. Broilers (n = 10 per pen based on proximity to pen median BW) were processed on d 43. The distance of each bird from both mean and median of the pen, added choline treatment, and whole flock BW over time was calculated. Uniformity was reported comparing within a pen to the pen, treatment, and flock averages. Intra-pen CV was calculated using pen mean and median weights. Data were analyzed as a 1-way ANOVA using SAS PROC GLIMMIX with added choline as main effect. Means were separated at P ≤ 0.05 with tendencies declared at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10 using the PDIFF option, and orthogonal contrasts were evaluated. Supplementing the diet with choline increased individual bird distance from the treatment and flock average BW from d 15 to 41 (P ≤ 0.0244). Intra-treatment and flock uniformity showed a quadratic response to increasing additions of choline at d 41 (P ≤ 0.0214) as did the CV within pens at d 41 (P = 0.0455). Variability of carcass part weights of birds selected for processing was not impacted by choline addition. While supplementing dMet-deficient diets with choline chloride can improve broiler feed efficiency without impacting BW, it may alter variation among individual birds depending on the concentration in the diet. These results indicate that there is variation in how individual birds respond to choline chloride additions and highlight the importance of analyzing variation as part of comprehensive feed additive evaluation to deepen the understanding of its impacts.

Body composition, gastrointestinal, and reproductive differences between broiler breeders fed using everyday or skip-a-day rearing programs

Broiler breeder feed restriction practices have intensified as broiler feed efficiency has been improved. Skip-a-day (SAD) rearing regimen has controlled breeder growth, although this practice has become questionable for the modern breeder. We compared everyday (ED) and SAD programs and evaluated their impact on pullet growth performance, body composition, gastrointestinal tract development, and reproduction. At d 0, Ross 708 (Aviagen) pullet chicks (n=1,778) were randomly assigned to 7 floor pens. Three pens were fed using the ED and 4 pens with SAD program through wk 21 using a chain-feeder system. ED and SAD grower diets were formulated to be isonutritious, with the only difference that ED diets had more crude fiber. Pullets (n=44 per pen) were moved to 16 hen pens by treatment at wk 21 with 3 YP males (Aviagen) in each pen. All birds were fed common laying diets. In addition to BW data, sampled pullets and hens were scanned using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to obtain body bone density and composition. Hen performance and hatchery metrics were recorded through wk 60. ED birds were heavier with similar nutrient intake from wk 10 to 45 (P ≤ 0.013). Pullet uniformity was unaffected by feeding method (P ≥ 0.443). SAD pullets had less body fat at wk 19 (P=0.034) compared to ED pullets, likely as a metabolic consequence of intermittent feeding. SAD birds had lower bone density at wk 7, 15, and 19 (P ≤ 0.026). At 4 wk of age, SAD pullets had less intestinal villi goblet cells compared to ED pullets (P ≤ 0.050), possibly explained by the effect that feed removal has on cell migration rates. Overall egg-specific gravity (P=0.057) and hatch of fertile % (P=0.088) tended to be higher in eggs from ED hens. Altogether, ED feeding increased young pullet intestinal goblet cells and increased both bone density and body fat at wk 19. ED program improved pullet feed conversion (2.6% less feed) and increased eggshell quality and hatch of fertile.

Effect of Tulsi powder as influenced by growth performance of broiler chicks

The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Production and management unit, Department of N.R.M Faculty of agriculture MGCGV Chitrakoot - Satna M.P. To complete the research work following steps were followed. Freshly hatched, apparently healthy, day old straight run 225 commercial broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were procured on 18thApril, 2022 from Government Poultry Farm, for the present study. Routine, day old vaccinations for (Fl strain) disease were given to the chicks just after hatching. On 14th day all the chicks were vaccinated against Infectious Bursal Disease also. On 2nd day all the chicks were wing banded, individually weighed and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups excluding one that of control. Each group having 45 broiler chicks, was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks. In the group T0 – (Control) basal diet /standard ration ,T1– Feed 1kg + 0.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T2– Feed 1kg + 1.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T3– Feed 1kg + 2.5g Tulsi leaf powder,T4– Feed 1kg + 3.5g Tulsi leaf powder Based on results it was concluded that Tulsi leaf powder has significant effect on the body weights, feed intake, gain in weight and feed efficiency of broilers. Based on feed efficiency best performance of broilers was observed in supplemented with 1.5 per cent Tulsi leaf powder, followed by 0.5 per cent Tulsi leaf powder, followed by 2.5 Tulsi leaf powder for getting good body weight. All treatments were economically better than control.

Effects of Dietary Crude Protein and Protease Levels on Performance, Immunity Capacity, and AA Digestibility of Broilers

Exogenous proteases are promising to stimulate the application of low-protein diets for broilers. A total of 540 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 9 groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds. A 3 × 3 factorial, completely randomized arrangement was used to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) and protease levels on growth and slaughter performance, immunity capacity, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA). Dietary CP levels were 20.0%, 19.5%, or 19.0% during the starter phase, and 18.0%, 17.5%, or 17.0% during the finisher phase. Protease levels were 0, 250, or 500 mg/kg in diets throughout the trial. The trial lasted for 42 days. Weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers decreased as dietary CP lowered, but improved with protease supplementation. Dietary CP and protease levels had few effects and interactions on carcass characteristics, immune organ indexes, and immunoglobulin concentrations. The AID of most AA was improved by dietary CP decrease or protease supplementation. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP decreased the performance and immune capacity of broilers but increased the AID of AA. Almost independent of dietary CP level, dietary protease addition improved the performance of broilers, probably through the enhancement of AA digestibility, and had no effect on carcass traits.

Effect of turmeric along with proximate nutrients of broiler chicks

The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Production and management unit, Department of N.R.M Faculty of agriculture MGCGV Chitrakoot - Satna M.P. To complete the research work following steps were followed. Freshly hatched, apparently healthy, day old straight run 225 commercial broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were procured on 18thApril, 2022 from Government Poultry Farm, for the present study. Routine, day old vaccinations for (Fl strain) disease were given to the chicks just after hatching. On 14th day all the chicks were vaccinated against Infectious Bursal Disease also. On 2nd day all the chicks were wing banded, individually weighed and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups excluding one that of control. Each group having 45 broiler chicks, was further sub-divided into 3 replicates of 15 chicks. In the group (T1) prebiotic as Bio-Mos, a product of Alltec Inc. incorporation, at the rate of 1000 ppm of feed to give an active concentration of 0.1 % in the feed. In the group (T2), probiotic was mixed with ration at the rate of 100 g/ton of feed to give an active concentration of 0.01% in the feed. In the group (T3) a herbal product turmeric (Curcuma longa), was mixed with ration at the rate of 1000 ppm. To give an active concentration of 0.1% in the feed. In the group (T4) a combination of prebiotic (Bio-Mos) and probiotic was incorporated with ration at the same rates as in treatment groups alone. Based on results it was concluded that turmuric powder has none -significant effect on the body weights, feed intake, gain in weight and feed efficiency of broilers. Based on feed efficiency best performance of broilers was observed in supplemented with 0.1 per cent tumuric powder, followed by 0.01 per cent tumuric powder, All treatments were economically better than control.

Dietary vasodilator and vitamin C/L-arginine/choline blend improve broiler feed efficiency during finishing and reduce woody breast severity at 6 and 7 wks

Woody breast has become a considerable economic concern to the poultry industry. This myopathy presents rigid, pale breasts characterized by replacement of lean muscle protein with connective tissue, a result of hypoxia and oxidative stress in a metabolically starved muscle with inadequate circulation. Hence, the objectives were to supplement broiler diets with ingredients specifically aimed to improve circulation and oxidative status. About 1,344 male Ross 708 broilers were assigned to 1 of 4 diets: 1) a basal diet (control), 2) basal diet plus a blend of 0.2% supplemental L-arginine, 0.17% choline bitartrate, and 0.03% vitamin C (blend), 3) 0.1% vasodilator ingredient (vasodilator), or 4) 0.02% Astaxanthin ingredient (AsX). At d 14, 28, 42, and 49, performance outcomes were collected on all birds and serum from 16 broilers/diet (n=64) was analyzed for creatine kinase and myoglobin. Once weekly beginning on d 28, a subset of 192 broilers were measured for breast width. On d 42 and 49, breast fillets from 16 broilers/diet (n=64) were palpated for woody breast severity, weighed, and analyzed for compression force at 1-day postmortem and water-holding capacity at 2-day postmortem. mRNA was isolated from 15 breast fillets/timepoint for qPCR quantification of myogenic gene expression. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS Version 9.4) with the fixed effect of diet. Feed conversion ratio was improved in the blend and vasodilator-fed birds d 42 to 49, each by over 2 points (P < 0.05). Breast width was increased in the control on d 42 compared to the vasodilator and AsX-fed broilers (P < 0.05). At d 42, there were 12% greater normal fillets in blend diet-fed birds and 13% more normal scores in vasodilator-fed birds at d 49 compared to the control. At d 49, myogenin expression was upregulated in the AsX diet compared to blend and control diets (P < 0.05), and muscle regulatory factor-4 expression was increased by 6.5% in the vasodilator diet compared to the blend and AsX diets (P < 0.05). Blend and vasodilator diets simultaneously improved feed efficiency in birds approaching market weight while reducing woody breast severity.

Influence of Expander Conditioning Prior to Pelleting on Pellet Quality, Broiler Digestibility and Performance at Constant Amino Acids Composition while Decreasing AMEN.

Physical pellet quality and AMEN concentration are strongly related to each other in broiler feeding. A study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dietary AMEN concentration and feed processing on pellet quality, nutrient digestibility, broiler performance, serum markers, and yield of commercial cuts. Six diets were formulated. The first diet had the recommended AMEN concentration, each further diet was calculated with 40 kcal/kg less, from 0 to -200 kcal/kg, resulting in six levels for each feed phase: starter (1-14 d), grower (15-28 d), and finisher (29-35 d). These diets were processed with and without expander conditioning prior to pelleting, using an average corn particle size of 1.6 mm, ground with a roller mill. A total of 1008 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were placed in a 6 × 2 (6 energy levels and 2 conditionings) factorial trial with six boxes as replications, with three in each broiler performance trial period. Excreta were collected 2 days before the end of each feed phase for apparent total tract digestibility measurement. On day 36, four broilers from each replication (pen) were weighed and then euthanized for blood collection, following which the gastrointestinal organs were weighed, and the ileal and gizzard contents were collected. On day 37, all remaining broilers were slaughtered after fasting to measure commercial cuts and abdominal fat. The results show that the pellet durability index (PDI) was most affected by energy reducing and expander conditioning prior to pelleting, and it was better when diets had energy reduced by 40 to 200 kcal/kg (p &gt; 0.001), as when expander conditioning was used. Digestibility of nutrients was slightly affected by treatments, as was the broiler performance; however, feed efficiency was improved in broiler-fed diets without AMEN reduction and when an expander was used, with p = 0.050 and p = 0.031, respectively. No effects were observed on the weight of gastrointestinal tract organs and serum markers, except for liver (p = 0.037) and α-amylase (p = 0.047). The lowest liver weight and lowest serum protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl, and lipase concentrations were obtained when diets were formulated without energy reduction (Ross-0). There was no effect on commercial cuts relative to live weight at slaughter. The energy reduction was well reflected in the proportion of abdominal fat, which decreased when AMEN was reduced (p = 0.001). The present study shows it is possible to use diets with up to 200 kcal/kg reduction in AMEN without losses in performance, and the use of expander conditioning prior to pelleting promotes higher pellet quality and broiler feed efficiency.

Comparative analysis of the characteristics of digestive organs in broiler chickens with different feed efficiencies

Improving feed efficiency is one of the main goals of chicken breeding and production. The function of the digestive system, where feed is digested and nutrients are absorbed, is closely related to feed efficiency. However, the association between feed efficiency and the development of different digestive organs in chickens remains unclear. Here, we investigated the individual feed efficiency of 207 broilers during the fast-growing period with an electronic feeder and examined the characteristics of 8 organs of their digestive system (the liver, bile, proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum) at market age. Both the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) were significantly negatively correlated with the gizzard weight (GW) and significantly positively correlated with the relative weight of the liver (RLW). Additionally, we found an obvious negative relationship between the FCR and cecal length (CL). A two-tailed t test further confirmed these correlation analysis results. Specifically, compared to birds with the lowest feed efficiencies, the GW of broilers with the highest feed efficiencies (the lowest FCR or RFI) was 22.74% and 17.97% higher, respectively. The RLW of chickens with the highest feed efficiencies was 10.82 to 13.73% less than that of chickens with the lowest feed efficiencies. In addition, we found that increased CL (5.42–12.09%) was significantly associated with better feed efficiency. Thus, our study showed that the feed efficiency of broilers was related to the development of the gizzard, liver, and cecum. These findings provide new insight into the genetic and physiological regulation of feed efficiency in broilers.

Effects of Dietary Exogenous Hydrophilic Emulsifier Supplementation on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits in Broilers

The effects of dietary exogenous hydrophilic emulsifiers on the growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of broilers were evaluated. A total of 200 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were allotted to one of four treatment groups in a randomized complete block design in five replicates with 10 birds per pen during a 5-week growth experimental period. Birds were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with or without the addition of 0.025, 0.050, or 0.075% exogenous hydrophilic emulsifiers. The diets contained 3,025 and 3,075 metabolizable energy/kg for Phases 1 and 2, respectively. For each phase and the overall experimental period, body weight gain (linear, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05) and feed conversion ratio (linear, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05) improved in proportion to the dietary exogenous hydrophilic emulsifier level, while the average daily feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment. Improvement in growth performance by dietary treatments was observed during the last two weeks rather than the first three weeks of the growth phase. In carcass traits, abdominal fat content increased as dietary exogenous hydrophilic emulsifier level increased (linear, <i>P</i>&lt;0.05), whereas dietary emulsifier level did not affect the relative weight of the liver, breast, and leg muscles. In conclusion, addition of dietary exogenous hydrophilic emulsifiers from 0 to 0.075% in broiler diets improved the growth rate and feed efficiency of broilers without any deleterious effects on nutrient digestibility, although a corn-soybean meal-based diet had less energy content (3,025 and 3,075 metabolizable energy/kg) for 0-3 weeks and 3-5 weeks, respectively.

Effect of encapsulated Cosmos caudatus leaf extract on the physiological conditions, immune competency, and antioxidative status of broilers at high stocking density

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of encapsulated Cosmos caudatus leaf extract on the physiological conditions, immune competency, and antioxidative status of broiler chickens raised at a high stocking density. After 15 days of rearing, 370 Lohmann broiler chicks were assigned to five treatment groups, including T0 (chicks were raised at a density of 10 birds/m2 and received no additive), T1 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received no additive), T2 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 0.5 g/kg encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract), T3 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 1.0 g/kg additive), and T4 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 1.5 g/kg additive). On days 28 and 42, blood samples from two chicks per pen were collected. On day 42, the chicks that had been blood-sampled were sacrificed, and blood samples and lymphoid organs (i.e., bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and thymus) were collected. The daily weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers (P&lt;0.01) in groups T2 and T3 were higher than those of broilers in groups T0, T1, and T4. Daily feed intake was greater (P&lt;0.01) in groups T0 and T1 than in groups T2 and T3. The erythrocyte content and hematocrit value of groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were greater (P&lt;0.05) than those of group T0. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in group T4 was lower (P&lt;0.05) than that in groups T0, T1, and T2. Leukocyte and lymphocyte levels were higher in group T1 (P&lt;0.05) than in other groups. Serum albumin was higher in chicks reared at a high density (P&lt;0.05) than in chicks reared at a normal density. Lesion scores were higher in group T1 (P&lt;0.05) than in other groups. Chicks in groups T1 and T2 showed more severe pathological changes in their bursa of Fabricius compared with those in groups T0, T3, and T4. Serum superoxide dismutase was higher in groups T2, T3, and T4 (P&lt;0.05) than in groups T0 and T1. Chicks in group T4 had higher (P&lt;0.05) malondialdehyde levels than chicks in other groups. In conclusion, a high stocking density influences the metabolic rate and physiological conditions of broiler chicks, as reflected by alterations in the blood profiles of the animals. Stress due to a high stocking density could damage the bursa of Fabricius, but feeding with encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract, especially at a rate of 1.5 g/kg, could alleviate the cortical and lymphocyte cell depletion of broilers. Regardless of the stocking density effect, dietary supplementation with encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg could improve the daily weight gain of broilers.

Can phytogenic additives improve the performance of broilers and replace growth-promoting antibiotics? A meta-analytic approach

Phytogenic additives have been studied intensively in broiler chicken production to substitute growth-promoting antibiotics. However, the comprehensive literature on this topic makes it difficult to understand overall results because there are a noticeable number of studies with conflicting conclusions. While several research studies have shown that phytogenic additives may increment broiler chicken’s performance, others make the opposite evident. This study aimed to organize and understand information through meta-analysis considering a great number of publications and the factors that may interfere in the results of phytogenic additives, evaluating whether phytogenic additives can be used as a performance-enhancing additive for broilers, when compared with the effectiveness of growth-promoting antibiotics. The main factor that interferes in the evaluation of phytogenic additives is the microbiological challenge. Phytogenic additives improved average daily gain (ADG) (P &lt; 0.001) and feed conversion (P &lt; 0.001) regardless of microbiological challenge; however, they were worse compared with antibiotics under higher challenge (P &lt; 0.020). A meta-regression of ADG in function of average daily feed intake confirmed that phytogenic additives increased the feed efficiency of broilers, but with less effectiveness than antibiotics. The blends of phytogenic additives increased the ADG in relation to the isolated use of only one phytogenic additive.

The Efficacy of a Smectite-Based Mycotoxin Binder in Reducing Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on Performance, Health and Histopathology of Broiler Chickens.

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the efficacy of a smectite-based clay binder (Toxo-MX) in reducing the toxicological effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with ten replicates of 15 birds each in a 42-day feeding experiment. The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC, a basal diet with no AFB1 and binder), a positive control (PC, a basal diet contaminated with 500 ppb of AFB1) and a smectite-based mycotoxin binder(Toxo-MX, PC with smectite clay binder). AFB1 challenge resulted in 14 to 24% depression in growth performance, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), organ enlargement and immuno-suppression.As compared to PC, feeding of Toxo-MX improved the final weight (15%; p < 0.0001), average daily gain (ADG) (15%; p < 0.001) and feed efficiency of broilers (13%; p < 0.0003) but did not have any effects on liver enzyme activities. Supplementation of smectite claysignificantly increased serum globulin levels and reduced the weight of the liver (p < 0.05) as compared to AFB1-fed broiler chickens. The severity of lesions (inflammatory and degenerative changes) observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lymphoid organs in PC birds was reduced by feeding smectite clay. The immuno-suppression caused by AFB1 was moderately ameliorated in Toxo-MX groupby stimulating the production of antibodies against IBD at day 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of a smectite-based mycotoxin binder to the diet containing AFB1 improved growth performance, reduced toxicological effects in liver and improved humoral immune response in broilers, suggesting its protective effect against aflatoxicosis.

Effect of Partial Replacement of Corn with Breadfruit (&lt;em&gt;Artocarpus altilis&lt;/em&gt;) Flour on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

Purpose: There is a need to explore the use of non-conventional, locally available and cheap energy-rich ingredients to substitute corn in broiler diets as it is used mainly for human consumption in developing countries. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of partial substitution of corn with breadfruit flour (BFF) in broiler diets on growth performances and meat quality in broiler chickens. Research Method: One hundred and eighty day-old straight-run “Cobb 500” broiler chicks (45.92 ± 0.43 g) were randomly allocated into one of three dietary treatments (Corn based basal diet with no BFF [Control], Corn-substituted basal diet with 5% BFF [BFF5], and Corn-substituted basal diet with 10% BFF [BFF10]) with six replications and 10 birds per replicate. Growth parameters including body weights, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and organ weights and meat quality parameters were determined. Findings: The broilers fed BFF10 significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved the body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency of broilers for the complete experimental period (d 1-35). Further, the same diet improved (P &lt; 0.05) the average daily feed intake of broilers for the starter period (d 1-7) compared to the control diet. Furthermore, broilers fed BFF10 had a heavier (P &lt; 0.05) heart, liver and empty intestine than those fed BFF5. Moreover, breast meat of broilers fed BFF10 had a significant (P &lt; 0.05) lower crude fat content and CIE a* value than that of broilers fed other diets. Originality/value: Breadfruit flour would be a suitable non-conventional energy feed source to partly substitute corn in broiler diets up to 10% with improved growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens.

Efficacy of a commercial supplement added to drinking water in broilers fed aflatoxin-contaminated diets

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate effects of water supplementation with a commercial supplement (VitalSea®) on growth performance, mortality and serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in broilers fed diets with aflatoxin (AF) contamination. A total of 960 day-old mixed-sex chicks (Ross 308, initial BW: 46.28 ± 0.25 g/chick) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. The treatments included (1) basal diet without AF contamination and supplementation (negative control, NC), (2) AF-contaminated diet without supplementation (positive control, PC), (3) AF-contaminated diet + water supplementation with 0.5 mL VitalSea®/10 kg BW (VitalSea 1) and (4) AF-contaminated diet + water supplementation with 1.0 mL VitalSea®/10 kg BW (VitalSea 2). Each treatment was replicated with 8 pens of 30 birds (50% male, 50% female) each. Contaminated diets containing 30 μg AF/kg were fed to birds for Phase 1 (d 1-21) only. Water supplemented with VitalSea® was administered to birds for 5 days (d 22-26). In Phase 1 (d 1-21), there were no differences in ADG and ADFI among treatments (P &gt; 0.05). In Phase 2 (d 22-35), there was a trend that the ADG of VitalSea 1 (68.66 g/d) and VitalSea 2 (68.56 g/d) was higher (P &lt; 0.06) than that of the PC (62.61 g/d). Water supplemented with VitalSea® improved the FCR of broilers compared with the PC (P &lt; 0.01). Over a 5-week study, broilers of the PC had a worse FCR than those of the other treatments (P &lt; 0.01). At d 21, the serum LDH concentration of the PC was higher than that of the NC (P = 0.026). Briefly, addition of VitalSea® to drinking water for 5 days improved growth rate and feed efficiency of broilers fed AF-contaminated diets.

Onion leaf and synthetic additives in broiler diet: impact on splenic cytokines, serum immunoglobulins, cecal bacterial population, and muscle antioxidant status.

The disadvantages associated with the use of synthetic additives in animal production could threaten human and animal health, and the safety of animal-derived foods. This study assessed the growth performance, blood chemistry, immune indices, selected caeca bacterial population, muscle antioxidant enzyme activities, and meat quality in broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with antibiotic (70% oxytetracycline +30% neomycin), tert-butylhydroxytoluene or onion leaf powder (OLP). One day old Ross 308 chicks (n=240) were assigned randomly to either D-1, control diet (CD) without additives; D-2, CD +0.3g kg-1 antibiotic +0.15 g kg-1 tert-butylhydroxytoluene; D-3, CD +2.5g kg-1 OLP; or D-4, CD +5g kg-1 OLP for 42 days. The D-2 and D-4 diets improved (P <0.05) bodyweight gain and feed efficiency in broilers. Platelet and cecal Lactobacillus spp. counts were higher (P <0.05) whereas muscle cholesterol was lower (P< 0.05) in the OLP-supplemented birds. Supplemented birds had higher (P <0.01) splenic interleukin-10 and lower (P <0.01) splenic tumor necrosis factor-α, immunoglobulin A, cecal E. coli and C. perfringens counts compared with the D-1 birds. The D-4 birds had the least (P <0.05) splenic interleukin-1β. Dietary supplements increased (P <0.05) catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, and lowered (P <0.05) drip loss, malondialdehyde and carbonyl content in breast meat. Dietary supplementation of 5g kg-1 OLP exerted antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects that were comparable to those of antibiotics and tert-butylhydroxytoluene in broiler chickens. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary inclusion of AZOMITE improves feed efficiency in broilers and egg production in laying and broiler breeder hens

The dietary inclusion of aluminosilicates has been reported to enhance pellet quality, improve feed mill throughput, bind toxins, improve feed efficiency, and promote immunological function across a variety of production systems. AZOMITE is a product marketed as a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate containing macro and trace minerals, and rare earth elements and the potential benefits of its dietary inclusion in broiler, layer, and broiler breeder diets was investigated. In a battery study, broilers were fed diets containing 0, 0.125, 0.250, or 0.500% AZOMITE from 0 to 21 d of age. Laying hens were fed a control diet or this diet supplemented with 0.25% AZOMITE from 54 through 98 wk of age, with the hens fed a standard molting diet or this diet supplemented with 0.25% AZOMITE from 71 to 72 wk of age. Broiler breeder hens were fed a control diet or this diet supplemented with 0.25% AZOMITE from the onset of photostimulation at 21 wk of age through 65 wk of age. All 3 dietary inclusion rates of AZOMITE improved (P < 0.05) the feed to body weight gain ratio in broilers fed these diets relative to broilers fed the control diet. In laying hens total marketable eggs, and in broiler breeder hens total settable eggs were increased (P < 0.05) with the dietary inclusion of AZOMITE by 8 eggs per hen. The inclusion of dietary AZOMITE also improved apparent Ca and P digestibility in broilers and tibia ash content in laying hens. The results indicate the dietary inclusion of AZOMITE in poultry diets improves bird performance.

Phytogenic Water Additives Improve Broiler Growth Performance via Modulation of Intermediary Metabolism-Related Signaling Pathways.

Simple SummaryGlobal concern around and heightened sensitivity to emerging drug-resistant superbugs have energized scientists to search for new alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. Powered by consumer demand for natural products and due to their beneficial effects on growth performances, phytogenics have become very popular and favorable alternatives. However, their mode of action has not been fully defined. Here, we showed that supplementation of phytogenics (AVSSL and SG) in water modulates peripheral metabolic pathways (reduction in hepatic fatty acid synthesis, mobilization of fat stores, and enhancement of muscle protein synthesis), which might explain, at least partly, their effect on feed efficiency improvement in broilers. A ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has fueled and promoted scientific research towards the identification of reliable and effective alternatives. The supplementation of phytogenics AV/SSL12 (AVSSL) and Superliv Gold (SG) in water has been shown to improve broiler feed efficiency (FE) via modulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides. However, their effects on peripheral metabolic pathways are still unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of AVSSL and SG on lipid and protein metabolism-associated pathways in various tissues. Day-old male Cobb 500 chicks (n = 288) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups, with 8 replicates of 12 birds each. The treatment groups were fed a basal diet and supplemented with AVSSL or SG in the drinking water at a rate of 2, 4, and 7 mL/100 birds/d during the starter, grower, and finisher phases, respectively. The control group were fed a basal diet with no additive supplementation. On d 35, liver, adipose, and muscle tissue were collected from one bird per pen (8 birds/group). Data were analyzed using Student’s T-test to compare one treatment group to the control using Graph Pad Prism version 6.0 for Windows. In the liver, the levels of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) were significantly increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. The hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) was significantly downregulated in both treated groups compared to the control. AVSSL supplementation downregulated the hepatic expression of SREBP-2 and adiponectin (AdipoQ), while SG administration upregulated hepatic AdipoR1/R2 mRNA abundances compared to the untreated group. Both AVSSL and SG treatments upregulated hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) gene expression compared to their untreated counterparts. In the adipose tissue, the levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) at Ser855/554 site were increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. However, ATGL protein expression was decreased in SG compared to the untreated group. In the muscle, the levels of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were increased in the AVSSL, but decreased in the SG group compared to the control. Collectively, these data indicate that supplementation of the phytogenics AVSSL and SG in water reduced hepatic lipogenesis-related proteins and increased adipose tissue lipolysis- and muscle protein synthesis-associated targets, which might explain, at least partially, the improvement in FE observed in previous research.

Effect of oxidized β-carotene on the growth and feed efficiency of broilers

Fully oxidized β-carotene (OxBC) containing β-carotene-oxygen copolymers is proposed as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters. Two trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of OxBC in enhancing growth and feed intake (FI) in male and female Ross × Ross 308 broilers in Ontario, Canada, and in Ross 308 male broilers in the United Kingdom. In the first trial, 0, 1, 2, or 5 ppm OxBC were added to diets in a 20% cornstarch premix, whereas in the second trial, 0, 2, or 5 ppm OxBC were added in a 1% cornstarch or 1% corncob grits premix. In trial 1, 2, and 5 ppm OxBC improved bird final body weights (BW) compared with the unsupplemented, nonmedicated (no bacitracin methylene disalicylate included), negative control birds after 39 d of feeding under commercial conditions (P < 0.05). All levels of OxBC improved feed conversion (FCR) during the finisher period (P < 0.05), whereas 2 and 5 ppm OxBC enhanced FCR relative to the negative control group during the full production cycle (P < 0.05). Average daily FI was not affected by OxBC, whereas 2 and 5 ppm OxBC increased broiler average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05). Oxidized β-carotene did not affect bird mortality. The optimal OxBC dose was 2 ppm under the conditions used. In trial 2, 2 or 5 ppm OxBC on cornstarch and 5 ppm OxBC on corncob grits improved ADG, BW, and FI when fed for 35 d, as compared with the negative, nonmedicated control (P < 0.05). Feed conversion was not improved in the OxBC groups compared with the control group (P > 0.05). There were no differences among the 3 OxBC groups (P > 0.05). When birds were fed 2 ppm OxBC on corncob grits, the overall ADG, BW, and FI were lower than the respective control values (P < 0.001). Overall bird mortality was higher than expected for all groups, including the control group, but no dose effect was evident. Cornstarch was the preferred carrier for OxBC, and 2 ppm OxBC was the optimal dose under the conditions used.

Identification of QTL regions and candidate genes for growth and feed efficiency in broilers

BackgroundFeed accounts for about 70% of the total cost of poultry meat production. Residual feed intake (RFI) has become the preferred measure of feed efficiency because it is phenotypically independent of growth rate and body weight. In this study, our aim was to estimate genetic parameters and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for feed efficiency in 3314 purebred broilers using a genome-wide association study. Broilers were genotyped using a custom 55 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.ResultsEstimates of genomic heritability for seven growth and feed efficiency traits, including body weight at 28 days of age (BW28), BW42, average daily feed intake (ADFI), RFI, and RFI adjusted for weight of abdominal fat (RFIa), ranged from 0.12 to 0.26. Eleven genome-wide significant SNPs and 15 suggestively significant SNPs were detected, of which 19 clustered around two genomic regions. A region on chromosome 16 (2.34–2.66 Mb) was associated with both BW28 and BW42, and the most significant SNP in this region, AX_101003762, accounted for 7.6% of the genetic variance of BW28. The other region, on chromosome 1 (91.27–92.43 Mb) was associated with RFI and ADFI, and contains the NSUN3 and EPHA6 as candidate genes. The most significant SNP in this region, AX_172588157, accounted for 4.4% of the genetic variance of RFI. In addition, a genomic region containing the gene AGK on chromosome 1 was found to be associated with RFIa. The NSUN3 and AGK genes were found to be differentially expressed in breast muscle, thigh muscle, and abdominal fat between male broilers with high and low RFI.ConclusionsWe identified QTL regions for BW28 and BW42 (spanning 0.32 Mb) and RFI (spanning 1.16 Mb). The NSUN3, EPHA6, and AGK were identified as the most likely candidate genes for these QTL. These genes are involved in mitochondrial function and behavioral regulation. These results contribute to the identification of candidate genes and variants for growth and feed efficiency in poultry.