Incidence Of Footpad Dermatitis Research Articles

Feed form and perch design do not interact to production performance, gastrointestinal tract traits, behaviour and welfare of laying hens reared in enriched cages

ABSTRACT 1. It was hypothesised that perch material and design may affect utility and maintenance energy demand in laying hens, affecting their feed form preferences and daily feed consumption. Accordingly, perch design and feed form on hen performance, gastrointestinal tract functions and some behavioural and welfare-related traits were studied in laying hens (ATAK-S) reared in enriched colony cages from 24 to 40 weeks of age. 2. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial investigating two perch materials and design (circular steel or mushroom-shaped plastic) and feed form (mash or crumble). A total of 396 hens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups with nine replicates each (11 birds per replicate). 3. Except for feeding behaviour and prevalence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age, the modification of the perch design did not have a significant effect on the traits examined. Mushroom-shaped plastic perches reduced feeding behaviour (p < 0.01) and the incidence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age (p < 0.001). 4. Performance traits were not affected by feed form. Intake, final body weight and FCR for crumble-fed laying hens were greater than those fed mash (p < 0.01). 5. Hens fed mash had higher (p < 0.01) relative gizzard weights along with lower (p < 0.05) pH values, pancreatic chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase activities (p < 0.05), and duodenal absorption surface areas (p < 0.01). Ultimately, this gave higher protein digestibility (p < 0.05) compared to those receiving crumble. 6. In conclusion, in enriched cage rearing systems, mashed feed was preferred over crumble to efficiently maintain productive performance. Compared to circular steel, plastic mushroom-shaped perches were associated with better footpad health and welfare.

Use of coffee husks – comparison of pellet bedding quality, performance features, and some welfare indicators of broiler chickens

BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate the influence of wheat straw and different coffee husk (CHs) levels in pellet bedding on its quality, broiler chickens’ performance, meat quality, and welfare indicators. In total, 200 Ross 308 chickens were divided into 4 groups: C – control with wheat straw pellet; CH10 – pellet with 10% CHs, CH25 – pellet with 25% CHs, and CH50 – pellet with 50% CHs. During 42 days of rearing, each bedding's physicochemical features were analyzed. The production results were controlled, and the footpad dermatitis, hock burns, and feather quality were assessed. From chosen birds, carcass composition was analyzed, as well as the qualitative features (color, water-holding capacity, drip loss) and breaking bone strength.ResultsThe bedding material and rearing days influenced the content of dry matter, crude fiber, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, NDF, ADF, and pH. The results were inconclusive. The increasing trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content were noticed at the end of rearing. Strong coefficient determination in bedding features was found (0.580 – 0.986). The pellet with CHs had no adverse effect on the growth performance of broilers. In the CH50 group, a lower fat percentage was found. A beneficial effect on water-holding capacity was noticed in leg muscles from CH10 and pectoral muscles from CH25. A significant decrease was found in footpad dermatitis incidence in groups CH25 and CH50.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that CHs reuse in broilers as the pellet bedding material is possible due to the beneficial effect on some meat quality features and no adverse effect on the performance of broiler chickens. The positive impact on lower foot pad dermatitis incidence indicated the possibility of using CHs in pellet bedding.

Effect of the Additional Natural Compound in Litter on Performance and Health Parameter of Broiler

This study investigated the impact of adding natural compounds, including zeolite, charcoal, Quicklime, and limestone, to broiler litter on broiler chickens' performance and health parameters. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with five treatments: T1 = fresh rice husk without additional compound, T2 = 10% zeolite, T3 = 10% charcoal, T4 = 5% quicklime, and T5 = 5% limestone. The results showed that adding natural compounds improved broilers' growth rate, with the highest final body weight observed in the T5, 2459.78 g. Mortality rates did not differ significantly among treatments. The addition of natural compounds did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) the relative weight of the immune organ, except the liver. The addition of natural compounds did not significantly affect blood parameters, including red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and haemoglobin levels (P &gt; 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of footpad dermatitis was lower in litter treated with natural compounds than in untreated litter. In conclusion, adding natural compounds to broiler litter can enhance broiler performance and health without adverse effects, promoting overall growth and reducing footpad dermatitis.

Chopped straw and coffee husks affect bedding chemical composition and the performance and foot pad condition of broiler chickens

Bedding material is a crucial environmental factor for chickens. Coffee husks are waste from the industry that could be reused. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of various bedding types and assess their impact on the performance characteristics of broiler chickens and the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD). Ross 308 broilers were used in the study. Birds were divided into 3 groups (216 chickens, 72 per group). Group 1 was kept on chopped straw (S). Group 2 was kept on coffee husks (CHs), and the 3rd group (PB) was kept on pellet bedding made from S and CHs in a 1:1 ratio. The dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) content, and the pH of the bedding were analyzed. Production results were examined during 42 days of rearing. FPD was assessed on a point scale. The tissue composition of the carcasses and qualitative physicochemical characteristics of the meat (pH, color, water holding capacity, drip loss) and bone-breaking strength were analyzed. Straw had a higher CF content. In total, the highest N content in CHs was noticed. P content was lower in the S, and K was the highest in the CHs group, followed by S and PB. The pH of the bedding was lower in the CHs group, higher in PB, and highest in S bedding. The DM was decreasing within the days of rearing. A significant interaction was demonstrated between the type of bedding and rearing days on the bedding (manure) composition. On days 1–14, FCR deteriorated in the PB group compared to the S group. The presence of FPD was significantly lower in the PB group than in the others. In the PB group, chickens had a higher slaughter yield than in the S group and a lower weight and liver share than in the CHs group. The weight and proportion of abdominal fat were higher in the group kept on S than on CHs. It can be concluded that coffee husks as a component of pellets had a beneficial effect on reducing FPD in chickens and their slaughter yield and enriched bedding with nutrients, which with poultry manure, could be a good fertilizer for agricultural soils after rearing. It could be recommended to use pelleted bedding.

The Effects of Different Forms of Butyric Acid on the Performance of Turkeys, Carcass Quality, Incidence of Footpad Dermatitis and Economic Efficiency.

Simple SummaryButyric acid is a short-chain organic acid with established antimicrobial properties. It decreases the pH of intestinal digesta and reduces the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, thus indirectly improving the growth performance of birds. In the present study, turkey diets were supplemented with different forms of butyric acid. The efficiency of bird production and carcass dressing percentage were improved when butyric acid glycerides or coated sodium butyrate were added to the diet. An improvement in footpad condition and an increase in the dry matter content of faeces were noted in birds fed experimental diets. The addition of butyric acid in various forms to turkey diets improved the economic efficiency of production. The results of this study suggest that different forms of butyric acid improve production efficiency, carcass traits, and footpad condition in turkeys. Therefore, sodium butyrate, coated sodium butyrate, and butyric acid glycerides can be valuable feed additives in turkey nutrition.The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of butyric acid glycerides (BAG), sodium butyrate (SB) and coated sodium butyrate (CSB) in turkey nutrition based on the growth performance of birds, carcass yield, meat quality, the dry matter (DM) content of faeces, the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD), and economic efficiency. A 105-day experiment was conducted on 400 BIG 6 female turkeys (4 treatments, 5 replications, 20 birds per replication). The addition of CSB and BAG to turkey diets improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR, p ≤ 0.05) and increased the values of the European Efficiency Index (EEI, p ≤ 0.01). The analysed forms of BA in turkey diets increased the concentration of DM in faeces (p ≤ 0.01) and decreased FPD incidence (p ≤ 0.01), which may suggest that all forms of butyrate improved litter quality and inhibit the risk for diarrhoea. The results of this study indicate that all forms of butyric acid can be valuable feed additives in turkey nutrition.

Effect of dietary metallo-protease and Bacillus velezensis CE 100 supplementations on growth performance, footpad dermatitis and manure odor in broiler chickens.

ObjectiveThis study focused on the effect of dietary metallo-protease and Bacillus velezensis CE 100 on growth performance, carcass parameters, intestinal microflora, footpad dermatitis (FPD), and manure odor in broiler chickens.MethodsOne hundred-ten (two-day-old Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five groups with two replicate pens. The dietary treatments were divided to control, metallo-protease groups (A1, added with 0.1%; A2, added with 0.2%) and B. velezensis CE 100 groups (B1, added with 0.5%; B2, added with 1.0%).ResultsThe feed intake was decreased in A1 and B2 compared to the other group (p<0.05). The liver weight was lower in B2 than in A2 (p<0.05). The Salmonella in the cecum was decreased in A2 compared to control and A1 (p<0.05). However, the lactic acid bacteria were increased in all treatments (p<0.05). The litter moisture content was decreased in A2, B1, and B2 (p<0.05). The litter quality visual score was increased in all treatments (p<0.05). The FPD score and prevalence were reduced in all treatments (p<0.05). The (CH3)2S emission was decreased in all treatments (p<0.05).ConclusionThe present study indicated that both additives improve litter quality and reduce the incidence of FPD. These findings suggest that dietary metallo-protease and B. velezensis CE 100 have the potential to improve the broiler chickens’ welfare.

Commercial broiler breeder pullet hens use perches but show no preference for perch type or height

An important behavioral need for laying hens is perching, but few studies have investigated perching behavior in commercial broiler breeder pullets. The aim of this study was to investigate perching behavior throughout the pullet period and preferences for different perch types and heights. We also investigated the effect of hybrid on perching and the potential effect of perches on keel bone damage (KBD) and footpad dermatitis (FPD). We followed four commercial broiler breeder pullet hen flocks (Ross 308, n = 2 and Hubbard JA 757, n = 2), each with three groups of birds (n = 2 500 hens); A-group; four A frames consisting of four perch types (plastic, steel square, steel round and wood) placed on different heights (35 cm and 95 cm); S-group; Siesta perches (a plastic perch 15 cm high) and C-group; control group without perches. Perch use was recorded by counting number of birds on the perches during the last hour before the light went off, at week 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 and 15. At week 16, footpad dermatitis, keel bone deformations and keel bone fractures were scored in 30 random birds in each group (n = 90 birds/flock). Hubbard birds perched significantly more than Ross birds (P < 0.0001), and more birds perched on the Siesta perches than on the A frames (P = 0.046). Perching increased with age for Hubbard birds (P < 0.05), but not for the Ross birds. There were no effects of perch height or perch types on number of birds observed on the perches. There were no observed cases of bumblefoot, breast blisters, keel bone deformations or keel bone fractures. The incidence of FPD was low, with 73.6% of assessed birds receiving a score of 0, with no significant differences between hybrids or perch groups. In conclusion, Hubbard birds perched more than Ross 308 birds, and all birds perched more with age. None of the hybrids showed any preferences for perch type or height and increased perching had no negative effects on important health parameters. Broiler breeder pullets should therefore be given access to perches from day 1 to promote training and perch use.

In pursuit of a better broiler: walking ability and incidence of contact dermatitis in conventional and slower growing strains of broiler chickens

In this study, the mobility, incidence, and severity of contact dermatitis and litter moisture content were assessed in 14 strains of broiler chickens differing in growth rate. The strains encompassed 2 conventional (CONV; ADG0-48 > 60 g/d) and 12 slower growing (SG) strains categorized as FAST (ADG0-62 = 53-55 g/d), MOD (ADG0-62 = 50-51 g/d), and SLOW (ADG0-62 < 50 g/d), with 4 strains in each category. A total of 7,216 mixed-sex birds were equally allocated into 164 pens (44 birds/pen; 30 kg/m2) in a randomized incomplete block design, with each strain represented in 8 to 12 pens over 2–3 trials. From each pen, 4 to 6 birds were tested in the latency-to-lie (LTL) and group obstacle tests 1 wk prior to the birds reaching 2 target weights (TWs) of approximately 2.1 kg (TW1: 34 d for CONV and 48 d for SG strains) and 3.2 kg (TW2: 48 d for CONV and 62 d for SG strains). The incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) and hock burns (HB) were evaluated a day prior to each TW. Litter moisture content was determined biweekly from d 14 to d 56. At TW1, CONV and SLOW had longer LTL than FAST birds. At TW2, CONV, MOD, and FAST birds had similar LTL. At both TWs, CONV birds were lighter than FAST birds in the group obstacle test, yet their number of obstacle crossings was similar. At TW1, CONV birds had greater incidence of FPD than FAST and MOD, while at TW2, CONV birds had greater incidence than the other categories. The incidence of HB in CONV and MOD was greater than SLOW birds at TW1, while at TW2, the incidence of HB was greater in CONV and FAST birds vs. MOD and SLOW birds. Litter moisture content was high in all categories from d 28 onward. Our results indicate that both BW and growth rate influence leg strength and walking ability, whereas the overall high litter moisture content and to a lesser extent growth rate influenced the incidence of contact dermatitis.

홰 종류 및 높이 설정에 따른 육계 생산성, 행동특성, 계육품질에 미치는 영향

This study investigates the effect of perch type and height on the growth performance, footpad dermatitis (FPD), blood parameters, behavioral characteristics, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 912 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (48.23± 0.264 g) were subjected to a three x two factorial design of three types of perch (wood, steel, plastic) and two levels of perch height (10→30 cm change, 10 cm fixed) over a five-week experiment. Growth performance, perch availability, litter quality, FPD incidence, serum biochemical parameters, and meat quality of the broilers were evaluated. There were no significant differences in the body weight, feed conversion ratio, and biochemical parameters (except for aspartate aminotransferase), pH, color, and water holding capacity. The incidence of FPD was significantly higher in the plastic perch group than in the wood and steel perch groups (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05) at five weeks of age. Perch use was high in the order of wood, steel, and plastic groups in the daytime and nighttime at one, three, and five weeks of age (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Perch use was higher in the 10 cm fixed group than the 10→30 cm group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). The shear force of the breast significantly increased in the order of wood, steel, and plastic groups (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the group with a fixed perch height of 10 cm had high perch usage. Additionally, the use of wooden perches was higher than that of other materials, and it lowered the incidence of FPD in broilers.

Growth performance, well-being, and gut microbial population of broilers raised in cages and floor pens under the hot and humid tropical climate

The study was carried out to compare the growth performance, gut microbiota, incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD), leg weakness, physiological, and immunological responses in broilers kept in cage (CS) and floor pen (FS) rearing systems under a tropical environment. One-day-old male Cobb 500 chicks were allocated to either three-tiered wire-floored battery cages or floor pens with wood shavings. The body weight on day 42 and feed intake from days 1 to 42 of caged chickens were lower than those of chickens reared in floor pens. However, the caged chickens had significantly better overall (days 1–42) feed conversion ratios than those on floor pens. The FS system was detrimental to the incidence of FPD. The FS birds showed higher and lower caecal counts of Escherichia coli and Salmonellae, respectively than the CS birds. The FS birds had longer durations of latency-to-lie than their caged counterparts, which suggested that the former had a lower incidence of leg weakness. Higher serum basal concentrations of corticosterone, ovotransferrin and ceruloplasmin were noted in the FS chickens compared to the CS group. Antibody titre against Newcastle disease vaccinations was not affected by the rearing system. In conclusion, the cage rearing system appeared to benefit performance, the incidence of FPD, physiological response, fear reactions, and intestinal population of E. coli in broiler chickens under the hot and humid tropical conditions. However, raising broilers on floor pens improves body weight and leg strength, and reduces the caecal Salmonellae population compared to caged broilers. HIGHLIGHTS Caged broilers have better feed efficiency and lower caecal Escherichia coli population and incidence of food-pad dermatitis than those on floor pens. Raising broilers on floor pens improves body weight and leg strength, and reduces the caecal Salmonellae population compared to caged broilers. Broilers on floor pens are more physiologically distressed than their caged counterparts.

Effect of resin acid composition on growth performance, footpad dermatitis, slaughter value, and gastrointestinal tract development in turkeys

Summary A 105-day experiment was conducted with 600 BIG 6 female turkeys to determine the effect of Progres (natural resin acids [RA] of Scots pine and Norway spruce) on the growth performance of birds, the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD), litter quality, carcass quality, and the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (pH, viscosity, short-chain fatty acids) (3 treatments, 10 replicates, and 20 birds per replicate). The birds received a basal diet without RA (T1), or diets supplemented with RA at 0.5 kg/t (starters 1 and 2, finisher) and 1.0 kg/t (growers 1 and 2) (T2), or diets supplemented with RA at 0.75 kg/t (starters 1 and 2, finisher) and 1.5 kg/t (growers 1 and 2) (T3). The inclusion of the Progres RA preparation in turkey diets increased the BW of birds by 1.6% (0.5–1.0 kg/t RA) and 2.1% (0.75–1.5 kg/t RA—P ≤ 0.05. Dietary supplementation with RA significantly improved the values of the feed conversion ratio (P

Differential Effects of Dietary Methionine Isomers on Broilers Challenged with Acute Heat Stress.

In this study, we investigated the effect of methionine isomers (D- and L-methionine) on growth performance, blood metabolite levels, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and foot pad dermatitis in broilers challenged with acute heat stress. In total, 240 broilers were randomly allocated in a 2×2 factorial arrangement consisting of two dietary treatments (D- vs. L-methionine) and two thermal environmental conditions (thermo-neutral vs. acute heat stress). Methionine isomers were added to the diet as an ingredient according to the diet formulation. The broilers were exposed to acute heat stress at 33°C for 5 h on day 14. The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed L-methionine were higher than those fed D-methionine (P<0.05) from the time of hatching till 21 days. Induced acute heat stress impaired (P<0.05) the daily gain and feed intake of the broilers on day 21. Furthermore, the blood urea nitrogen levels of birds subjected to acute heat stress on days 14 and 21 were higher (P<0.05) than those of their counterparts. Longer villi (P<0.05) were observed in broilers fed L-methionine-supplemented diet than in those fed D-methionine-supplemented diet on day 14, irrespective of thermal environmental conditions. Heat stress reduced (P<0.01) nutrient digestibility of the broilers on days 14 and 21. Higher incidence and severity of foot pad dermatitis were observed (P<0.05) in broilers fed diet containing D-methionine than in those fed L-methionine-supplemented diet. In conclusion, L-methionine-supplemented diet improved growth performance, overcame growth depression, and reduced the incidence of foot pad dermatitis when broilers were exposed to acute heat stress in the starter period.

Differences in productive performance and intestinal transcriptomic profile in two modern fast-growing chicken hybrids.

This study aimed to characterize growth performance and ileum transcriptomic profile of two fast-growing chicken hybrids (HA and HB). A total of 1,170 one-day-old female chicks (n=585 per genotype) were weighed and randomly divided into 18 pens (9 replications/group). Both the groups received the same commercial diet (starter, 0-9days; grower I, 10-21days; grower II, 22-34days; and finisher, 35-43days). Body weight (BW), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on a pen basis at the end of each feeding phase. At the processing (43days), incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD) was evaluated on all the birds and ileum mucosa was collected from 1 bird/replication. Total mRNA was extracted to perform microarray analysis (Chicken Gene 1.1ST Array Strip), and an exploratory pathway analysis was then conducted (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis software). The two genotypes showed different growth patterns throughout the study. HA birds exhibited higher BW and better FCR than HB after 9days (228 vs. 217g and 1.352 vs. 1.419, respectively, p<0.05). At 21, 34 and 43days, HB birds reported higher BW (807 vs. 772g; 1,930 vs. 1,857g and 2,734 vs. 2,607g, respectively; p<0.01), DFI (74.9 vs. 70.6gbird-1 day-1 , p<0.01; 144.4 vs. 139.6gbird-1 day-1 , p=0.06; and 196.5 vs. 182.4gbird-1 day-1 , p<0.01) and similar FCR compared to HA ones. HB group showed a higher percentage of birds with no FPD (75% vs. 48%; p<0.001). Transcriptomic analysis revealed enriched gene sets for mitochondria, cellular energy metabolism, and cell structure and integrity in ileum mucosa of HA broilers and enriched gene sets for immune system activation, cell signalling and inflammation in HB ones. In conclusion, these results indicated that the two chicken genotypes are characterized by different growth patterns, feeding behaviour and gene expression profiles in the intestinal mucosa.

Rearing, bird type and pre-slaughter transport conditions of broilers II. Effect on foot-pad dermatitis and carcass quality

A multivariable linear model was used to analyse the incidence of carcass quality defects over one year in a commercial database that included 1,856 flocks of Ross broilers (9,188 shipments, 1,975,420 carcasses inspected). The incidence of foot-pad dermatitis (FPD), scratches and wing and back haematomas was scored and analysed in terms of the effects of transport distance, arrival time to the slaughterhouse, waiting time at the slaughterhouse, maximum outside temperature on the day of transport, feed conversion rate, stocking density, bird type (yellow-skinned females or males, white-skinned females or males and roaster females), thinning (birds transported after thinning, birds remaining after thinning, and non-thinned flocks), bed litter type (rice hulls, chopped straw or wood shavings), and ventilation system (dynamic, static or tunnel). The incidence of FPD was significantly (p&lt;0.001) lower at higher maximum temperatures and higher in flocks with a higher feed conversion rate. FPD also increased with stocking density (kg/m2) and was, on average, 5.0% higher in males than females. Regarding thinning, FPD was 13% lower in birds transported after thinning. Birds raised on chopped straw had more FPD (49.3%), followed by wood shavings (31.1%). Scratches were higher at higher temperatures and increased with transport distance. Birds transported after thinning had 5.8% more scratches than non-thinned birds, while increased stocking density (kg/m2) on the farm tended to increase scratches. Back haematomas were 32.6% higher in birds that were thinned, while wing haematomas increased with stocking density (kg/m2). Back haematomas were also 23.7% higher in males and more common in white-skinned birds.

Effect of dietary tannic acid supplementation in corn- or barley-based diets on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary tannic acid and barley supplementation on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens. Five hundred forty-four 1-d-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to dietary treatments with 8 replicated pens per treatment and 17 broiler chickens pen as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 diets (a corn-soybean meal diet or a diet with 30% barley) and tannic acid (0 and 2g/kg) in a completely randomized design. Growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and FPD incidence and severity were recorded. The results showed that there was no interaction between diets and tannic acid levels. Barley-based diets reduced (P < 0.05) the body weight (BW) gain at 0–42 d, and feed intake at 21–42 d and 0–42 d. At 28 d of experiment, the viscosity of intestinal contents of anterior and posterior segments was greater (P < 0.05) in broiler chickens fed diets with barley. Similarly, the viscosity of intestinal contents of posterior segment was greater (P < 0.05) at 42 d, in broiler chickens fed barley-based diets. Litter pH, moisture, and NH3 volatilization were increased (P < 0.05) in response to barley-based diets. Barley-based diets increased (P < 0.05) the incidence and severity of FPD lesions in broiler chickens at 14, 28, and 42 d of experiment. Although dietary tannic acid had no effect on performance, intestinal viscosity, and litter quality compared to those fed diets without tannic acid (P > 0.05), it tended to reduce body weight gain (P = 0.05) and increase feed conversion ratio (FCR; P = 0.09) at 0–21 d and NH3 volatilization on 28 (P = 0.08) and 42 d (P = 0.07). Dietary tannic acid supplementation prevented the FPD lesion development and reduced (P < 0.05) the total FPD lesions at d 42. Moreover, the severe lesions decreased (P = 0.08) on d 42 in broiler chickens fed tannic acid. In conclusion, barley-based diets may worsen the growth performance and litter quality, and increase the intestinal viscosity that increases the incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens. Dietary tannic acid supplementation may not affect the growth performance, intestinal viscosity, and litter quality. However, it may reduce the incidence and severity of FPD in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on caecum microbioma and productive performance in broiler chickens.

This study examines the effects of the dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) (LA) on productive performances, incidence of foot pad dermatitis and caecum microbioma in broiler chickens. A total of 1,100 one-day old male Ross 308 chicks were divided into 2 groups of 16 replicates with 25 birds each and reared from 1–41 d. One group was fed a basal diet (CON) and the other group the same diet supplemented with LA. Caecum contents were collected from 4 selected birds at day one and 5 selected birds at the end of the rearing period. Then, they were submitted to DNA extraction and whole DNA shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Overall, the LA supplementation produced a significant beneficial effect on body weight gain between 15–28 d and improved feed conversion rate in the overall period. On the contrary, litter moisture, pH and incidence of the foot pad lesions were not affected by LA. Birds treated with LA showed a lower occurrence of pasty vent at both 14 and 28 d. At the end of the rearing period, Lachanospiraceae were significantly higher in LA birds in comparison to CON (17.07 vs 14.39%; P = 0.036). Moreover, Ruminococcus obeum, Clostridium clostridioforme, Roseburia intestinalis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 14-2T and Coprococcus eutactus were significantly higher in LA birds in comparison to CON. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus acidophilus was comparable between LA and CON groups. However, a positive effect was observed in relation to the metabolic functions in the treated group, with particular reference to the higher abundance of β-glucosidase. In conclusion, the LA supplementation improved broiler productive performances and metabolic functions promoting animal health.

Effect of dietary calcium concentrations in low non-phytate phosphorus diets containing phytase on growth performance, bone mineralization, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis incidence in growing broiler chickens.

ObjectiveAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary Ca concentrations in low non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) diets containing phytase on growth performance, bone mineralization, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) incidence in growing broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 1,800 21-day-old Ross 308 growing broiler chickens were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicated cages. Six diets were formulated to provide increasing Ca concentrations of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, or 9.0 g/kg in diets. The concentrations of NPP in all diets were maintained at 3.0 g/kg, and phytase was supplemented to all diets at the level of 1,000 fytase units (FTU)/kg. At the end of the 14-d feeding trial, birds were euthanized for tibia sampling, and litter samples were collected from 3 areas in the cage. The FPD incidence was measured based on a 6-point scoring system.ResultsDietary Ca concentrations had no effect on growth performance of growing broiler chickens. However, a tendency (linear, p = 0.05) for decreased feed efficiency was observed as dietary Ca concentrations were increased. The concentrations of Ca and P in the tibia of broiler chickens increased (linear and quadratic, p<0.01) with increasing Ca concentrations in low NPP diets containing phytase. Litter pH, moisture, and N contents were not affected by increasing Ca concentrations in low NPP diets containing phytase. However, a tendency (quadratic, p = 0.10) for increased FPD incidence with increasing dietary Ca concentrations was observed.ConclusionDietary Ca concentrations from 4.0 to 9.0 g/kg in low NPP diets containing phytase have little effects on growth performance of growing broiler chickens. However, Ca and P concentrations in the tibia are decreased if dietary Ca concentrations are less than 5.0 g/kg. The FPD incidence for growing broiler chickens may be decreased if less than 9.0 g/kg of Ca is included in diets.

Effect of dietary calcium concentrations in phytase-containing diets on growth performance, bone mineralization, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis score in broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary Ca concentrations in phytase-containing diets on growth performance, bone mineralization, litter quality, and footpad dermatitis (FPD) score in broiler chickens. A total of 2100 1-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks was used and allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates consisting of 70 birds in a completely randomized design. Five commercial-type diets were formulated to contain increasing Ca concentrations of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, or 10.0g/kg. All diets contained 3.5g/kg nonphytate phosphorus and 1000 FTU/kg phytase. Diets were fed to birds for 21 d. At the end of the experiment, birds were sacrificed for tibia sampling and litter samples were collected. The FPD score was measured visually based on a 6-point scale scoring system. Results indicated that increasing Ca concentrations in phytase-containing diets decreased (linear, P<0.01) body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. The concentrations of ash, Ca, and P in the tibia, and tibia breaking strength were not affected by dietary Ca concentrations. Dietary Ca concentrations had no effect on litter quality including pH and moisture and nitrogen contents. A tendency (linear, P=0.10) for increased FPD score was observed as dietary Ca concentrations were increased. In conclusion, increasing Ca concentrations from 6.0 to 10.0g/kg in phytase-containing diets have negative effects on growth performance of broiler chickens during 21 d posthatch, possibly due to decreased FI and subsequent phytase intake. Increasing Ca concentrations in phytase-containing diets have little impact on litter quality but tend to increase FPD incidence in broiler chickens.

The nutrition of poultry as a factor affecting litter quality and foot pad dermatitis - an updated review.

Foot pad dermatitis (FPD), a condition of inflammation and necrotic lesions on the plantar surface of the footpads, is commonly observed in fast-growing broiler chickens and turkeys. FPD negatively affects the welfare of birds, performance indices and the economic profit of poultry meat production. Nutrition is an important factor affecting water intake, excreta moisture and litter quality and, in this way, the occurrence and intensity of FPD in birds. This article reviews and discusses the recent results published in the literature on the effects of nutritional factors on litter quality and FPD severity in broiler chickens and turkeys. Literature data on the efficacy of nutritional methods on the litter quality and FPD occurrence are not consistent. However, the results of several experiments indicate that the optimal level of crude protein, biotin and electrolytes (Na, K) in the diet, as well as feed additives such as feed enzymes hydrolysating non-starch polysaccharides and organic sources of microelements (zinc), may reduce the litter moisture as well as FPD incidence and severity in broiler chickens and turkey.

Response to withdrawal of vitamin and trace mineral premixes from finisher diet in broiler chickens under the hot and humid tropical condition

This study was conducted to assess the effects of omitting vitamin (VIT) and trace mineral (TRM) premixes from the finisher diet on growth performance, antibody production against Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination, leg bone strength and incidence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in male and female broiler chickens. Birds were raised on floor pens in a naturally ventilated house using wood shavings as litter. Commencing from day 21, equal number of male and female birds were subjected to one of four VIT and TRM premixes withdrawal treatments as follows: (i) withdrawal from 21 to 42 days, (ii) withdrawal from 28 to 42 days, (iii) withdrawal from 35 to 42 days, and (iv) no withdrawal (control). In comparison to the control group, feed intake, body weights, feed conversion ratios and antibody responses to Newcastle disease vaccination were not affected by any of the supplement withdrawal treatment. Male birds had lower antibody production and higher bone-breaking strength as compared to their female counterparts. Irrespective of gender, withdrawal of VIT and TRM premixes from 21 to 42, and 28 to 42 days adversely affected bone-breaking strength. In conclusion, VIT and TRM premixes can be removed from the diet of male and female broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days without any adverse effects on growth performance, mortality, antibody response and incidence of foot pad dermatitis. However, bone-breaking strength was adversely affected by the withdrawal of VIT and TRM premixes for more than seven days.