Female Broiler Research Articles

Growth performance, carcass composition, physico-chemical traits and amino acid profile of meat depending on wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) dietary supplementation in broilers

Abstract. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of the wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) meal on growth performance, carcass composition, physico-chemical traits and amino acid profile in meats of fattened broilers. In a completely randomised block design, a total of 288 female broilers that were 21 d old (Ross 308) were divided into four dietary groups and fed for 3 weeks: the control basal broiler diet (C), without any anticoccidial or wormwood herb (WH) supplementation, and the C diet plus 10 g (WW1 group), 50 g (WW5 group) or 100 g (WW10 group) of WH meal supplementation per kilogram of basal diet. At the end of the experiment (day 42), broilers were randomly selected for carcass composition and meat quality trait evaluation. In conclusion, the final live weight of chickens was not affected by diets with higher WH levels (P>0.05). For the entire experimental period, the feed conversion ratio raised with an increasing WH level in diets, showing the highest value in chickens of the WW10 group (P<0.01). Dietary supplementation with wormwood (WW) had no negative effects on the carcass composition or on the chemical and physical traits of meat quality assessed. By contrast, it can be assumed that WH dietary supplementation influenced, predominantly, proteosynthesis of chickens, resulting in alteration of amino acid profiles in meats, where especially increasing aspartic acid and valine contents (P<0.001) in the leg meat were found. Our findings indicate that the supplementation of 5 % WH to the diet showed favourable results for chicken performance. However, it is necessary to conduct further studies dealing with WH dietary effects on metabolism and heath control in chickens.

Effects of dietary stevia extract supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers.

Stevia, a perennial shrub from the genus Stevia in the Asteraceae family, contains active ingredients like chlorogenic acid and shows promise as a natural feed additive. Despite this potential, there is limited research on the impact of stevia extract specifically on yellow-feather broilers. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary stevia extract with varying concentrations of chlorogenic acid on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal health of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 425 1-d-old female yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into five treatment groups with five replicates of 17 broilers each, and the feeding trial lasted 63 d. The groups included control and those supplemented with stevia extract at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400mg/kg. Results showed that adding 100mg/kg of stevia extract to the basal diet significantly increased the daily weight gain (ADG) of the broilers while reducing the average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (F/G). However, supplementation with stevia extract at concentrations up to 300mg/kg led to decreased final weight and ADG. Conversely, dietary supplementation with 100-200mg/kg of stevia extract improved serum antioxidant capacity and reduced serum total cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the cecum n-butyric acid level was significantly higher in the 200mg/kg stevia extract group than in the control group. In conclusion, supplementing yellow-feathered broilers' diets with stevia extract can enhance growth performance, antioxidant and immune capacity, and intestinal health. The optimal concentration of stevia extract for these benefits is between 100 and 200mg/kg.

Inclusion of a Bacillus-based probiotic in non-starch polysaccharides-rich broiler diets

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of a 3-strain Bacillus-based probiotic (BP; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and two Bacillus subtilis) in broiler diets with different rye levels on performance, mucus, viscosity, and nutrient digestibility. We distributed 720 one-d-old female broilers into 72 pens and designed nine diets using a 3 × 3 factorial approach, varying BP levels (0, 1.2 × 106, and 1.2 × 107 CFU/g) and rye concentrations (0, 200, 400 g/kg). On d 35, diets with 200 or 400 g/kg rye reduced broiler weight gain (BWG). Diets with 400 g/kg rye had the highest FCR, while rye-free diets had the lowest (p ≤0.05). Adding BP increased feed intake and BWG in weeks two and three (p ≤0.05). It should be noted that the overall performance fell below the goals of the breed. Including rye in diets reduced the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) for protein, ether extract (EE), calcium, phosphorus, and all amino acids (p ≤0.05). Rye-free diets exhibited the highest CAID for all nutrients, except for methionine, EE, and calcium, while diets with 400 g/kg of rye demonstrated the lowest CAID (p ≤0.05). BP in diets decreased phosphorus CAID (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 1.2 × 107 CFU/g (10X) of BP exhibited higher CAID of methionine than the other two diets (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 10X of BP showed higher CAID of cysteine than diets with no BP (p ≤0.05). Ileal viscosity increased as the inclusion level of rye in the diets increased (p ≤0.05). The ileal concentration of glucosamine in chickens fed diets with 400 g/kg of rye was higher than in those fed diets with no rye (p ≤0.05). Furthermore, ileal galactosamine concentrations were elevated in diets with 200 and 400 g/kg of rye when compared to rye-free diets (p ≤0.05). However, BP in diets had no impact on ileal viscosity, galactosamine, or glucosamine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the applied Bacillus strains appeared to have a limited capacity to produce arabinoxylan-degrading enzymes and were only partially effective in mitigating the negative impacts of rye arabinoxylans on broilers.

Evaluation of the inclusion of three oils on productive parameters and carcass characteristics in broiler

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of three oil sources with the inclusion of three levels on some performance variables, carcass quality, and broiler organs. The sources used were palm oil (Elaeis guineensis), chicken oil, and Sacha inchi oil (Plukentia volubilis). A total of 324 female Ross 308 line were assigned in a completely random design to nine treatments with six repetitions of six birds per repetition, which were fed with a diet based on corn and soybean meal containing 3, 6, and 9% inclusion of each one of the oil sources for the periods between 8 to 21 days of age and 22 to 42 days of age. Live weight and feed consumption data were recorded weekly to calculate the feed conversion ratio, considering mortality. On day 42, one female broiler from each repetition was randomly selected, weighed, and sacrificed, to obtain upgraded data characteristics from the carcass. The results suggest that there was no significant difference in animal response variables or channel quality. Regarding the carcass variables and some poultry organs, the only one affected by the source was the deposition of abdominal fat. Sacha inchi oil produced carcasses with a lower average of abdominal fat in relation to weight and slaughter, with no differences between palm and chicken oils.

The effects of supplemental dietary chitosan on broiler performance and myopathic features of white striping

White striping (WS) is a common myopathy seen in fast-growing broilers. Studies have demonstrated that chitosan is effective as an antioxidant and has antiobesity and fat-absorption reduction properties. We hypothesized that the dietary supplementation of chitosan would have similar effects when fed to fast-growing broilers and would thus lower WS incidence and improve meat quality. One hundred twenty-six broilers were fed corn-soy diets. The grower and finisher diets contained either 0, 0.2, or 0.4% chitosan. After a 6 wk growth period, birds were euthanized, and then WS and gross pathology scores were assessed. Pectoralis major tissues were collected to evaluate cook loss, drip loss, histopathology scores, and the gene expression of CCR7, LECT2, CD36, PPARG, and PTGS2. There were no significant differences between the broiler weights, thus chitosan did not appear to compromise the overall growth of the broilers. Female broilers fed 0.4% chitosan had the lowest WS incidence, while male broiler fed 0.4% chitosan had the least cook loss. However, gene expression analyses did not offer insight into any grossly or histologically visualized differences in the muscles. Thus, while we can postulate that chitosan could have some positive effect in reducing WS incidence and improving meat quality, further studies are required to better scrutinize the mechanisms by which chitosan affects WS and other such myopathies in fast-growing broilers.

Impact on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality, and Physiological Characteristics of Broiler Chickens by Using the Various Levels of Dried Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

The goal of this investigation is to determine whether adding tarragon to broiler chickens 'diet affects their performance, carcass, and physiological characteristics. A total of One-day-old two hundred eighty broiler chicks (Ross 308) broilers were used to divide randomly into 4 treatments and 5 replicates per procedure.14 birds were used at each repeat. Experimental groups only earned a base diet (control) (T1), a base diet (100 kg) + 200gm dried tarragon (T2), a base diet (100 kg) + 400gm dried tarragon (T3) and base diet (100 kg) + 600gm dried tarragon (T4). The additive of different levels of dried Tarragon not significant differences between all treatments on performances, except for relative (FCR) feed conversion rate was significantly different (p≥0.05). Although the tarragon ingredient is advantageous on the values of live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR in overall periods (1- 42 days), that was a result of T3 therapy. The effects of treatments were significant improvement (p≥0.05) in the Production Index (PI) and Economic Figure (EF) in T3. In male broiler except for relative thigh, dramatics, and food %, different dried tarragon amounts had no discernible impact on other carcass characteristics, while in female broiler the carcass was significantly affected (p>0.05) by treatments except for relative dramatics and wings %. On the other hand, in both sexes had no impact on the values of the liver, heart and abdominal fat %, while gizzard % was significantly affected (p>0.05) in a female broiler. Therefore, bursae of fabricius in both sexes, pancreas in females, and spleen % in males were not significantly affected. Besides, the dried tarragon did not have any adverse effects on chickens 'welfare.

Improvement of Nutritional Quality of Processed Palm Kernel Meal with Protease Enzyme as a Substitution for Rice Bran on Broiler Performance

Rice Bran is the most basic and common raw material used in broiler feed, but its replacement with proceed palm kernel meal (palmofeed) adding with enzyme protease is not clearly evaluated. This study was conducted to evaluate the improvement of nutritional quality of proceed palm kernel meal with protease enzyme as a substitution for rice bran. Rice bran 7.85% and feed reformulation of proceed palm kernel meal with protease enzyme 7.85% on broiler performance and IOFC. A total 120 female broilers DOC CP 707 were randomly allocated into 2 treatments with 6 replicates and 10 birds per pen. Treatments were a control (T0) using standard diet nutrient requirement with 7.85% rice bran, treatment (T1) with feed reformulation of proceed palm kernel meal with protease enzyme 7.85%. The diets were fed in two phases as pre-starter (day 1-7) and grower to finisher (day 8-35). Compared to T0, the result showed that replacement rice bran 7.85% by feed reformulation of proceed palm kernel meal with protease enzyme 7.85% were not significantly (P<0.05) increase body weight (2194 and 2199) or weight gain (2151 and 2155), lower FCR (1.844 and 1.814) or mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (mFCR) (1.326 and 1.375), performance index/PI (474 and 457) and IOFC (850, 491 and 922, 738). These data showed substitution of rice bran with processed palm kernel meal with enzyme protease does not has a negative impact on performance and is proven to be profitable from the point of view of IOFC business analysis.

ANTIBODY TITERS AGAINST NEWCASTLE DISEASE AND INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS VIRUSES IN BROILER BREEDERS RAISED UNDERFLOOR VERSUS CAGE SYSTEM

The experiment was evaluated to find out the serum antibody titer of broiler breeders raised under different rearing systems (cage vs. floor) against Newcastle disease virus and infectious bronchitis disease virus. Two hundred and forty-day-old broiler breeders were equally divided into six groups Floor (V+CH), (V+Not CH) and (Not V+CH) and cage (V+CH), (V+Not CH), and (Not V+CH). Birds were vaccinated with Mukteswar, La Sota, and Massachusetts M41 in 1st week, 3rd week, and 4th week. Blood /serum samples were collected at 42 days of age. Collected data were analyzed by using a complete randomized design. The geometric mean titer (GMT) for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) of broiler breeders reared under floor versus cage housing system was measured by using the hem agglutination inhibition test and the defensive potentiality of vaccines was measured by determining the survivability rate of chickens by challenge infection. Birds vaccinated and virus-challenged showed a protective antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus in both housing systems. Significantly higher GMT was recorded for the non-vaccinated group having virus-challenged in cage female (9.76 ±0.34) and floor female (9.94 ±0.23). Protective antibody titer was calculated for broiler breeders who were regularly vaccinated. There were no significant differences (P≥0.05) observed in the cage versus floor housing system. Higher serum antibody titer in caged females (9.22±0.36) and floor (8.98±0.32) was calculated due to infection challenges. Morbidity and mortality were significantly affected by the cage and floor-rearing system. Frequencies of diseased birds and mortality were found higher on the floor compared to cages in the non-vaccinated group. Despite the regular vaccination sick female broiler breeders were found higher compared to cage broiler breeders. In the non-vaccinated group floor reared birds have a higher percentage of morbidity and mortality compared to cages. In conclusion cage and floor-rearing systems have no adverse effect on serum antibody titer and survivability of broiler breeders.

A comparative study on the effect of limestone particle size on performance, ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, and bone characteristics in broilers and pullets

ABSTRACT 1. The effects of limestone particle size on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits, ileal morphology, duodenal gene expression of calbindin, apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and tibia characteristics in broilers and pullets were assessed in broilers and pullets. These birds have different growth rates and likely different responses to parameters, such as particle size. 2. A total of 240 chicks aged one day, 120 Ross 308 female broilers, and 120 Hy-Line pullets were allocated randomly into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two bird types (broilers vs. pullets) and two limestone particle sizes (<0.5 mm versus 1–2 mm) to give six replicates containing 10 chicks in each from 1 to 21 d of age. 3. Feed intake and weight gain were greater (P < 0.001) and feed per gain (FCR) was better (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets from 1 to 21 d of age. Greater villus width (P < 0.01), villus height (P < 0.001) and crypt depth (P < 0.01) were seen for broilers compared to pullets. 4. Pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher calbindin gene expression at 21 d of age (P = 0.05). Both AIDC of Ca and P were higher (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca from 0.463 to 0.516 was increased (P < 0.05) by feeding coarse limestone particles. A significant interaction was found between bird type and limestone particle size (P < 0.01), where pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher bone P concentration in tibia than broilers. 5. Broilers had better ileum absorptive capacity and growth performance compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca and P was higher in broilers than in pullets. Increased limestone particle size elevated villus height, AIDC of Ca and concentration of P in the tibia.

The effect of sex and dietary crude protein level on nutrient transporter gene expression and cecal microbiota populations in broiler chickens

It is well known that male and female broilers differ in their growth performance and that many physiological factors contribute to this difference. The aim of this experiment is to investigate if there are differences between male and female broilers in cecal microbiota and nutrient transporter gene expression and if these differences play a role in the growth performance of broilers. The possible effect of protein level and its interaction with sex on microbiota and expression of the nutrient transporters were also investigated. Samples were collected from male and female birds fed either standard crude protein (SCP) or reduced crude protein diets (RCP) at the age of d 35. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of 448 Cobb 500 broilers assigned to 32-floor pens with 4 treatments, 8 replicates, and 14 birds per pen for performance measurements. The factors were sex (male or female) and dietary crude protein (CP) level (standard or reduced). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded for each pen. Sex had a significant effect on BWG and FCR (P < 0.001) where males had a significantly higher BWG and better FCR compared to females. There was a significant interaction between sex and protein level on feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05), where male birds had a higher FI compared to female birds only when the birds were fed SCP but not RCP diets. There was a significant interaction between CP level and sex on the expression of CAT2 (P = 0.02) and PEPT2 (P = 0.026) where the genes were significantly upregulated in females but only when the RCP diet was fed. The RCP diet upregulated the expression of BoAT (P = 0.03) as a main effect. Female birds had significantly higher expression of the PepT-2 gene compared to the males. The alpha diversity of the cecal microbiota showed differences among the treatments. The Shannon diversity index was statistically higher (P = 0.036) for males fed the SCP diet and the Chao1 index for evenness was statistically higher (P = 0.027) in females fed the SCP diet. There was also a difference in the relative abundance of the 15 most common genera found in the cecal content of the broilers in this experiment and lastly, the differential composition of microbiota between the different treatments was also significantly different. This study suggests that chickens are able to compensate for a reduction in AA substrates when fed a low CP diet through the upregulation of certain AA transporters, females may adapt to low CP diets better by such upregulation compared to males, and lastly, sex has an effect on the cecal microbial population and these differences contribute towards the performance differences between male and female broilers.

Physiological and Histopathological Effects of Nettle Seed (Urtica Pilulifera), Grape Seed (Vitis Vinifera), Flax Seed (Linum Usitatissimum) in Broiler.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of nettle seed, grape seed and flax seed added to the broiler diet on body weight, electrocardiogram, hematological and histopathological parameters. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this study 40 daily Ross 308 female broilers were used. Chicks were divided into 4 groups of 10 chicks each. During 42 days, in addition to standard broiler feed, nettle seed, grape seed and flax seed with 30 gr/kg/day were added to group II, III, IV, respectively. The values of erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte (WBC), platelet (PLT), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (Hb) and percentages of white blood cell were determined by conventional methods. The liver, kidney, spleen and lung tissues held in formaldehyde (10%), were passed through the alcohol and xylose serial in routine tissue tracking and were buried in paraffin blocks. They were prepeared on the lam and stained with Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and examined by light microscopy. &#x0D; Results: It was determined that body weight was higher in control group than those in the other groups in the second weighing and there was a decrease in the number of heart breath in the group IV (p≤0.05). There was no significant difference with regard to hematological and histopathological findings.&#x0D; Conclusion: Even if the additionally nettle seed, grape seed and flax seed (30 mg/kg) to broiler rations did not have any positive effect on body weight gain, it is also important that it has no negative effect on blood, heart, liver, kidney, lung and spleen.

The immune enhancing effect of antimicrobial peptide LLv on broilers chickens

To evaluate the effect and its mechanism of heat-resistant antimicrobial peptide LLv on broilers, three hundred 1-day-old healthy AA+ female broilers were allocated into 5 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 10 birds in each replicate. Birds were given a basal diet, an antibiotic diet (10.2 mg/kg chlortetracycline hydrochloride), and the basal diet supplemented with 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg LLv for 42 d, respectively. Compared with the group which birds were fed an antibiotic-free basal diet (control group), supplementing 100 mg/kg LLv increased 21-day IgA, IgM, IL-4, AIV-Ab, IFN-γ levels and 42-day IgA, IgM, IL-4, AIV-Ab levels and reduced 42-day IL-1 levels in serum (P < 0.05). Compared with antibiotic group, the 10 and 50 mg/kg LLv decreased 42-day IgM levels in serum (P < 0.05). The 100 mg/kg LLv increased 21-day AIV-Ab levels and 42-day IL-4, AIV-Ab levels and reduced 42-day IL-1 levels in serum (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the 100 mg/kg LLv increased the expression rate of sIgA secretory cells and sIgA content in jejunal mucosa at 21 d and 42 d (P < 0.05), which did not differ from antibiotic group (P > 0.05). Compared with antibiotic group, the 10 mg/kg LLv reduced 21-day sIgA content and the 50 mg/kg LLv reduced 42-d the expression rate of sIgA secretory cells in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the 100 mg/kg LLv increased the expression of TCR, IL-15, CD28, BAFF, CD86, CD83, MHC-II, and CD40 genes in jejunal mucosa at 21 d and 42 d (P < 0.05). Compared with antibiotic group, the 100 mg/kg LLv increased the expression of 21-day BAFF, CD40, MHC-II, CD83 genes and the expression of 42-day BAFF, TCR, IL-15, CD40, CD83 genes in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). The results showed that the addition of LLv to the ration had a promotional effect on the immune function of broiler chickens.

Dietary oregano aqueous extract improves growth performance and intestinal health of broilers through modulating gut microbial compositions

BackgroundIntestinal health plays a pivotal role in broiler chicken growth. Oregano aqueous extract (OAE) effectively exerts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the protective effects of OAE on intestinal health in broilers and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of OAE on growth performance, the gut microbiota and intestinal health. A total of 840 1-d-old male and female broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly allocated into 6 groups as follows: basal diet (Con), Con + antibiotics (Anti, colistin sulfate 7 g/kg, roxarsone 35 g/kg), Con + 400, 500, 600 and 700 mg/kg OAE (OAE400, OAE500, OAE600 and OAE700). Subsequently, fermentation in vitro together with oral administration trials were carried out to further assess the function of OAE on intestinal health of broilers.ResultsDietary 700 mg/kg OAE supplementation resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and a decrease (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio when compared with the control during d 22 to 42 of the trial. OAE addition resulted in lower (P < 0.05) jejunal crypt depth and mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10 at d 42. In addition, dietary OAE addition increased the abundance of Firmicutes (P = 0.087) and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05) in the cecum, and increased (P < 0.05) the content of acetic acid and butyric acid. In the in vitro fermentation test, OAE significantly increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Lactobacillus, decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of unspecified_Enterobacteriaceae, and increased the content of acetic acid (P < 0.05). In the oral administration trial, higher (P < 0.05) IL-4 expression was found in broilers when oral inoculation with oregano fermentation microorganisms at d 42. And SIgA content in the ileum was significantly increased (P = 0.073) when giving OAE fermentation supernatant.ConclusionsDietary OAE addition could maintain intestinal health and improve growth performance through enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and barrier function mediated by gut microbiota changes.

Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 protect chicks from damage caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis colonization.

As a foodborne pathogen of global importance, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a threat to public health that is mainly spread by poultry products. Intestinal Enterobacteriaceae can inhibit the colonization of S. Enteritidis and are regarded as a potential antibiotic substitute. We investigated, in chicks, the anti-S. Enteritidis effects of Escherichia coli (E.coli) Nissle 1917, the most well-known probiotic member of Enterobacteriaceae. Eighty 1-d-old healthy female AA broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 20 in each group, namely the negative control (group P), the E.coli Nissle 1917-treated group (group N), the S. Enteritidis-infected group (group S) and the E.coli Nissle 1917-treated and S. Enteritidis-infected group (group NS). From d 5 to 7, chicks in groups N and NS were orally gavaged once a day with E.coli Nissle 1917 and in groups P and S were administered the same volume of sterile PBS. At d 8, the chicks in groups S and NS were orally gavaged with S. Enteritidis and in groups P and N were administered the same volume of sterile PBS. Sampling was conducted 24h after challenge. Results showed that gavage of E.coli Nissle 1917 reduced the spleen index, Salmonella loads, and inflammation (P<0.05). It improved intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function (P<0.05). S. Enteritidis infection significantly reduced mRNA expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and solute carrier family 6-member 19 (SLC6A19) in the cecum and the content of Gly, Ser, Gln, and Trp in the serum (P<0.05). Pretreatment with E.coli Nissle 1917 yielded mRNA expression of ACE2 and SLC6A19 in the cecum and levels of Gly, Ser, Gln, and Trp in the serum similar to that of uninfected chicks (P<0.05). Additionally, E.coli Nissle 1917 altered cecum microbiota composition and enriched the abundance of E.coli, Lactobacillales, and Lachnospiraceae. These findings reveal that the probiotic E.coli Nissle 1917 reduced S. Enteritidis infection and shows enormous potential as an alternative to antibiotics.

An innovative application developed to determine the blood output of chickens and its impact on the meat quality in poultry slaughtering

Optimizing blood loss during the slaughtering process is crucial for obtaining high-quality meat, as the presence of meat blood can lead to a reduction in shelf life and negative sensory evaluation by consumers. Moreover, the high water and nutritional content of the meat, along with its appropriate pH value, necessitate careful consideration of the remaining blood, as it can support microbial spoilage of chicken meat. In this context the effects of making an extra cut on conventionally halal-slaughtered broiler's leg which had an extra cut at the cartilage point where the drumstick and the claw part meet, before the bloodletting process were analysed. The results of the analysis indicate that making an additional cut on the drumsticks does not adversely affect the overall quality of chicken meat. Determination of peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) analyses were performed to analyze the degree of lipid oxidation. The PV and the TBARS value were higher in the drumsticks which have extra cut compared to the uncut samples. L*, a*, and b* values of extra cut thigh meats are higher. However, considering the storage period, the ninth day values in the cut thigh meats were found to be lower than the first day results of the chickens drumsticks do not have an extra cut procedure. As the storage period of chicken drumsticks progressed, as expected, the L* value decreased, while a* value and b* value increased over time. As regards sexes of broilers, it was observed that the Pseudomonas spp of female broilers with extra cut in the cartilage tissue of their legs on d 1 was significantly higher than the male broilers. These findings suggest that this innovative method holds significant potential for widespread application.

Influence of palm kernel cake on the growth performance, gut health and hematochemical indices of slow-growing broilers

ABSTRACT Four hundred and fifty (450) 3-week-old male and female broiler chicks were randomly allocated to a control diet and four dietary treatments with six replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 15 birds per replicate arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design to evaluate the effect of palm kernel cake (PKC) diet and multi-blend enzymes on the performance of Sasso broilers. The five dietary treatments were T0 = (control, standard diet), T1 = PKC1*0% (10% PKC with no enzyme), T2 = PKC1*0.05% (10% PKC with enzyme), T3 = PKC2*0% (20% PKC with no enzyme) and T4 = PKC2*0.05% (20% PKC with enzyme). The interactive effect of PKC and enzyme showed improved (p < 0.05) FCR in T1 and T2. Higher counts (p < 0.05) of Lactobacillus spp. were found in PKC2 than in PKC1 and lower Clostridium perfringens counts in T3 compared to T2 at 8 weeks. At week 12, the PKC-enzyme effect resulted in higher (p < 0.05) platelets in the T2 and T4 groups than in the other treatments. The incorporation of 10% PKC with enzyme into the diets of Sasso broilers could maintain bacteria balance in their gut and enhance growth performance.

Effect of dietary manganese supplementation on abdominal fat deposition of broilers1

Excessive abdominal fat deposition seriously restricts the production efficiency of broilers. Several studies found that dietary supplemental manganese (Mn) could effectively reduce the abdominal fat deposition of broilers, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with the inorganic or organic Mn on abdominal fat deposition, and enzyme activity and gene expression involved in lipid metabolism in the abdominal fat of male or female broilers. A total of 420 1-d-old AA broilers (half males and half females) were randomly allotted by body weight and gender to 1 of 6 treatments with 10 replicate cages of 7 chicks per cage in a completely randomized design involving a 3 (dietary Mn addition)×2 (gender) factorial arrangement. Male or female broilers were fed with the Mn-unsupplemented basal diets containing 17.52 mg Mn kg-1 (d 1-21) and 15.62 mg Mn kg-1 (d 22-42) by analysis or the basal diets supplemented with 110 mg Mn kg-1 (d 1-21) and 80 mg Mn kg-1 (d 22-42) as either the Mn sulfate or the Mn proteinate with moderate chelation strength (Mn-Prot M) for 42 d. The results showed that the interaction between dietary Mn addition and gender had no impact (P>0.05) on any of the measured parameters; abdominal fat percentage of broilers was decreased (P<0.003) by Mn addition; Mn addition increased (P<0.004) adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) activity, while Mn-Prot M decreased (P<0.002) the fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity in the abdominal fat of broilers compared to the control; Mn addition decreased (P<0.009) diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) mRNA expression level and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNA and protein expression levels, but up-regulated (P<0.05) the ATGL mRNA and protein expression levels in the abdominal fat of broilers. It was concluded that dietary supplementation with Mn inhibited the abdominal fat deposition of broilers possibly via decreasing the expression of PPARγ and DGAT2 as well as increasing the expression and activity of ATGL in the abdominal fat of broilers, and Mn-Prot M was more effective in inhibiting the FAS acitivity.

Cold stimulation causes oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis in broiler heart via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathway

To investigate the effect of cold stimulation on heart, 300 1-day-old female broilers were divided into control (CON) and two cold stimulation (CS3 and CS9) groups. Birds in CON group were reared in normal ambient temperature during day 1–43; while birds in CS3 and CS9 groups were reared at 3 °C and 9 °C below CON group for 5 h at 1-day intervals from day 15 to day 35, respectively. Heart tissues were collected at day 22, 29, 36, and 43 to determine the indexes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The H&E staining displayed that inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial fiber break were obviously observed in CS9 group, and cardiac pathological score in CS9 group was higher than CON and CS3 groups (P < 0.05) at day 22, 36, and 43. Overall, compared to CON group, the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 were elevated, the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and T-AOC were reduced, and mRNA expression of CAT, GPx, SOD, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was downregulated in CS9 group at each time-point (P < 0.05). Compared to CON group, mRNA expression of NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bak, Cyt-c, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were increased, while Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were decreased in CS9 group (P < 0.05) at the most detected time-points. There were no significant differences in the levels of indexes associated with oxidative stress, Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant system, inflammation, and apoptosis between CON and CS3 groups at the most detected time-points (P > 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that severe cold stimulation at 9 °C below normal rearing temperature induces cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related oxidative stress in broilers, and mild cold stimulation of CS3 group can improve the adaptability of hearts to cold environment.

Using Natural Zeolite as a Feed Additive in Broilers' Diets for Enhancing Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality Traits.

Using natural zeolites as a food additive in poultry diets offers an intriguing perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition and particle size on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, moisture of excreta and litter, and intestinal measurements during 35 days. A total of 560 1-day-old female Ross-308 broilers were divided into five treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g zeolite/kg diet) (n = 16 replicates/treatment, n = 8 replicates /particle size of each treatment). Performance was calculated weekly. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, small intestine (SI) measurements, litter pH, and moisture content were determined on day 35. Litter pH, breast redness, cooking loss, chewiness, total weight, and SI length were all affected by zeolite treatments (p < 0.05). Particle size had an impact on the gastric pH and texture analysis. Their interaction had an effect on color redness, litter pH, and cooking loss. Performance was unaffected by either the main or interaction effects. Zeolite as a feed additive may be useful in broiler diets, particularly large particles. The performance and production efficiency factor improved numerically (p > 0.05) with increasing zeolite doses up to 10 g zeolite/kg diet.

Molecular evidence for the involvement of alternative splicing in jejunum epithelial cells in broiler chickens fed dietary supplementation with olive mill wastewater.

There is no doubt that alternative splicing is conserved in chickens and mammals, but evaluating the effects of nutrition on alternative splicing in chickens is crucial in a wide range of fields. Although the olive diet has been extensively studied in human, mouse, and chicken systems, little is known about its impact on chicken alternative splicing systems. Hence, the current study aimed to assess the effect of feeding polyphenol-enriched olive mill wastewater to female broiler chickens via alternative splicing by analyzing high-throughput sequencing raw reads of RNA utilizing genomics and bioinformatics methodologies. It also aimed to look for differences in isoform expression and discover molecular functions and biological processes linked to differentially transcribed genes. The findings of our study revealed that 51 genes involved in isoform switching and alternative splicing events were not used evenly. This is due to the reduced use of ATSS in olive mill wastewater groups compared to control groups. Furthermore, the gene ontology analysis revealed that 25 GO terms were enriched in biological processes, 16 GO terms were enriched in molecular function, and 25 GO terms were enriched in cellular components. Kinase and adenylyltransferase activities were significantly enriched in terms. The molecular analysis presented herein provides valuable insight into the role of phenolics in alternative gene-splicing mechanisms in chickens, demonstrating how an industrial waste product can be repurposed as a feed supplement with a satisfactory outcome.