For Feed Conversion Ratio Research Articles

Selection for feed efficiency improves production traits and digestibility and its relationship to the fecal microbiota in both Large White dam and sire lines

This study evaluated production traits, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and fecal microbiota composition in finishing boars ( n = 207) selected for feed efficiency (FE; low = LFE; high = HFE) based on estimated breeding value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) within a Large White dam and sire genetic lines. Also, the association between gut microbiota with production and digestibility traits was investigated. Regardless of the genetic line, HFE pigs presented low FCR ( P < 0.05), had thinner back fat ( P < 0.05) and had greater loin depth ( P < 0.05) than LFE pigs. Also, HFE pigs had a significantly higher ATTD for Ca and a tendency for a higher crude protein ( P = 0.06) and phosphorous ( P = 0.10) ATTD than LFE pigs. No significant differences in alpha- and beta-diversity measurements for fecal microbiota were seen between FE groups in each genetic line. The genera Lactobacillus and Prevotella were associated ( P < 0.01) with some growth performance (e.g., feed intake), carcass traits (e.g., backfat thickness), and nutrient digestibility (e.g., Ca). In conclusion, HFE pigs had favourable production traits and higher digestibility of key nutrients than LFE pigs; however, the bacterial genera were associated with phenotypic traits but not by genetic merit.

Inactivated lactobacillus plantarum promoted growth performance, intestine health and antioxidant capacity of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

To evaluate the effects of inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum (LPM) on carnivorous fish, juvenile largemouth bass [initial body mass: (5.62±0.13) g] were fed five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing 0 (M0), 200 (M1), 400 (M2), 600 (M3), and 800 (M4) mg/kg LPM for 8 weeks. The results showed that in terms of growth, weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) showed significant second-order polynomial trend with increasing LPM supplementation. WGR and SGR of the M3 group were significantly increased by 14.18% and 5.62%, respectively, compared with the M0 group. Significant linear and second order polynomial trends were observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and protein deposition rate (PDR) with the increase in dietary LPM. FCR was significantly reduced by 8.9% in the M2 group compared to the M0 group. In terms of intestinal health, intestinal amylase, intestinal villi number, length and width showed significant second order polynomial trends with increasing LPM supplementation. Significant linear and second order polynomial trends were observed for intestinal lipase activity, liver crude fat content with increasing dietary LPM. Dietary LPM supplementation of 600 mg/kg significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. In terms of antioxidant capacity, with the increase of LPM supplemental level, superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde content of serum and liver, and liver Cu/Zn-SOD, Keap-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression levels showed significant linear and second-order polynomial trend, and Nrf2 mRNA expression level showed a significant second-order polynomial trend. Overall, the appropriate level of LPM (400–600 mg/kg) promoted the growth performance and feed utilization of largemouth bass by increasing the abundance of intestinal bacteria, improving the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes, and up-regulating the mRNA expressions of genes related to antioxidants.

Dietary incorporation of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite: impacts on in vitro fermentation pattern, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs.

Incorporation of bentonite into the diets of ruminants can be helpful to maximize their performance. Modifying the structure of bentonite to nano and nanocomposite has improved their chemical stability and physicochemical properties, enhancing adsorption, absorption, and cation exchange capacity. Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite (MBNC) on in vivo and in vitro fermentation process patterns, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs. Effects of control (basal diet), natural bentonite (NB) (10 g/kg dry matter (DM)), processed bentonite (PB) (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet), and MBNC (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet) on gas production (GP), and the fermentation process were determined using in vitro GP technique. For the in vivo experiment, 20 Baluchi male lambs were used with 4 experimental treatments: control, NB (5 g/kg DM), PB (5 g/kg DM), and MBNC (5 g/kg DM) and 5 replications in a completely randomized design for 60 consecutive days. The potential for GP and its fractional rates were significantly decreased and increased in MBNC, respectively (P<0.01). The lowest cumulative GP, and CH4 yield were observed in MBNC (P<0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility and all fermentation parameters increased with the addition of two levels of MBNC to the culture medium (P<0.01). Except for feed conversion ratio (FCR), other growth performance parameters increased with the addition of MBNC to the diet (P<0.01). The ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and propionate significantly increased when MBNC incorporated to the diet (P<0.01). The NH3-N (P<0.001) was significantly decreased in MBNC. The bentonite supplementation decreased acetate to propionate (P=0.001) compared to the control. Adding MBNC at the 5 g/kg diet DM level can be used as a useful supplement to optimize rumen fermentation pattern, reduce methane production, and increase lamb performance.

Can tree leaves be used as an alternative source of synthetic antioxidants? Use of jujube leaf extract in laying hens.

This study was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.) leaf extract (JLE) and to evaluate the effects of its use as an extract in laying hen diet (Nick Brown; 32 weeks old) on performance, egg quality and lipid peroxidation. A total of 4 groups (24 replicates/group), one control (JLE-0) and three experimental groups (JLE-1, JLE-2, JLE-3), were formed and the hens were individually distributed in cages. The groups were fed with 0, 45, 90 and 135 mg/kg extract, respectively. The total phenolic content of the extract was 118.60 g gallic acid aquivalent/kg (GAE/kg) and the IC50 value was determined as 332.01 as a result of the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity assay. Performance parameters except for feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by the extract in the diet. Compared to the control group, FCR decreased (p < 0.05) and feed conversion improved in all experimental groups. The linear effect was significant for egg production (EP) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, egg quality parameters except for the albumen index (AI), Haugh unit (HU), shell weight (SW), and shell thickness (ST) were not affected by the extract in the diet. The highest AI and HU were in the JLE-2 group (p < 0.05). Besides, SW was found to increase in all experimental groups (p < 0.001). The highest ST was in JLE-1 (p < 0.001). The addition of the extract was found to slow down lipid oxidation by decreasing Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive substances (TBARs) levels on days 0 and 28 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, JLE can be used as a natural extract in laying hen diets.

IMPACT OF ZYMOMONAS MOBILIS TREATED CORN COBS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, APPARENT NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, ILEAL DIGESTA VISCOSITY AND COST BENEFITS OF BROILER CHICKENS

The fibrous nature of ground corn cobs limited their utilization in poultry production. Zymomonas mobilis derivable from fresh palm sap is proposed to ferment corn cobs to improve their nutritive values. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of ground corn cobs inoculated with Zymomonas mobilis (CCZ) on growth response, apparent nutrient digestibility and ileal digesta viscosity of broiler chickens. Five diets containing treated and untreated corn cobs were formulated to replace wheat offal at 0, 50 and 100 % levels on weight for weight basis. A total of three hundred and seventy-five 1-day-old unsexed Marshall broiler chickens were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results showed that the biodegradation of corn cobs resulted in improved (p &lt; 0.05) nutrient composition, crude protein increased by 63.90 % while the crude fibre decreased by 137.89 % after fermentation with Zymomonas mobilis. The broiler chickens fed 100 % CCZ had the lowest (p &lt; 0.05) values for feed conversion ratio (FCR) at both phases. The 50 % CCZ improved (p &lt; 0.05) crude fibre digestibility (CFD) at the finisher phase. However, 50 % and 100 % CCZ reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the ileal digesta viscosity of the broiler chickens. The birds fed 100 % CCZ had the highest (p &lt; 0.05) values of rate of return on investment, economic efficiency and relative cost-benefit. The study concluded that wheat offal could be replaced with 50 % and 100 % CCZ in the ration of broiler chickens with positive economic returns.

Zeolite and corn with different compositions in broiler chickens feeding

The objective of this work was to evaluate the behavior of zeolite against different types of corn in broiler chickens' diets. 1,200 male broiler chickens were assigned to 6 diets in a completely randomized design and a 2×3 factorial arrangement, consisting of 2 types of corn (higher or lower mycotoxin contamination) and the inclusion of zeolite (0; 5,000 and 10,000 g ton-1). In the period from d 1 to 21, there was an interaction (P=0.0040) between types of corn and the inclusion of zeolite for feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the phase from 1 to 42 d, there was an interaction (P=0.0322) on the serum levels of creatinine (CREA) and digestible gross energy (dGE); corn with lower mycotoxin level contamination (LMLC), caused a reduction in body weight gain (BWG) (P=0.0046) and increase in the relative weight of abdominal fat (P=0.0256). Inclusion rates of zeolite promoted an increase in the digestible CP (P=0.0477) and digestible ash (P < 0.0001), as well as an increase (P < 0.0001) in hot carcass yield (P=0.0433). The results indicate that the inclusion of zeolite, in the amounts used, did not alter the performance, serum levels, intestinal development and litter quality of the birds at 42 d of age. However, it was responsible for the improvement in the percentage of digestible nutrients (CP, GE, and MM).

Growth variables, feed efficacy, survival rate, and antioxidant capacity of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) larvae treated with Coenzyme Q10 or lipoic acid

A 30-day feeding trial was performed to assess the potential of the dietary supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and lipoic acid on acclimatized European seabass larvae with a preliminary weight and length of 2.7 mg and 12.42 mm (25 dph = days post-hatching). Seven experimental groups were fed on the basal micro-diet (56 % crude protein and 13 % crude lipid) without any supplement in the control group or with the addition of CoQ10 at levels of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg or α-lipoic acid at levels of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. Larvae fed on a diet enriched with CoQ10 at levels of 5 and 10 mg/kg showed the highest values for final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), the protein efficiency ratio (PER), and the lowest value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as no morphological or histological abnormalities. Also, the group fed a diet supplemented with CoQ10 at 5 mg/kg gave the highest values for final length and survival. The survival rate ranged from 54.59 % to 79.82 % and the lowest rate was in the group fed a diet enhanced with lipoic acid at 150 mg/kg. Meanwhile, the lowest records for final weight, weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, and the presence of morphological and histological abnormalities were in groups fed on the control diet and with high levels of lipoic acids (100 and 150 mg/kg). Moreover, all lipoic acid groups showed deleterious signs in the histological structure of the intestine and liver. However, significantly lower values of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were found in the fish group fed on the basal diet, while the peak values were in groups fed on diets fortified with CoQ10 at 5 and 10 mg/kg. In addition, larvae fed CoQ10 at levels of 5 or 10 mg/kg performed better in terms of CAT and GPx activities than that fed lipoic acid at levels of 100 or 150 mg/kg. Furthermore, the control group displayed lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), CAT, and GPx -related gene expressions while considerable upregulations of IGF-1 and GPx were noted in larvae groups fed on diets improved with CoQ10 at levels of 5 or 10 mg/kg and lipoic acid at 50 mg/kg compared to the others. Also, upregulations in CAT were found with CoQ10 at levels of 5 or 10 mg/kg compared to their counterparts in the other groups. In conclusion, dietary CoQ10 at 5 or 10 mg/kg improves the performance and well-being of European seabass.

Accuracy of genomic selection for reducing susceptibility to pendulous crop in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Pendulous crop (PC) in the turkey occurs when the crop distends from its normal position, thereby preventing the movement of feed and water from the crop down into the digestive system. This condition negatively impacts the turkey industry at both production and welfare levels. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters for PC incidence and its genetic correlation with 5 production traits. Additionally, we evaluated the prediction accuracy and bias of breeding values for the selection candidates using pedigree (BLUP) or pedigree-genomic (ssGBLUP) relationships among the animals. A total of 245,783 turkey records were made available by Hybrid Turkeys, Kitchener, Canada. Of these, 6,545 were affected with PC. In addition, the data included 9,634 records for breast meat yield (BMY); 5,592 records for feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) in males; 170,844 records for body weight (BW) and walking score (WS) between 18 and 20 wk of age for males (71,012) and females (99,832), respectively. Among this population, 36,830 were genotyped using a 65K SNP Illumina Inc. chip. While all animals passed the quality control criteria, only 53,455 SNP markers were retained for subsequent analysis. Heritability for PC was estimated at 0.16 ± 0.00 and 0.17 ± 0.00 using BLUP and ssGBLUP, respectively. The incidence of PC was not genetically correlated with WS or FCR. Low unfavourable genetic correlations with BW (0.12 and 0.14), BMY (0.24 and 0.24) and RFI (−0.33 and −0.28) were obtained using BLUP and ssGBLUP, respectively. Using ssGBLUP showed higher prediction accuracy (0.51) for the breeding values for the selection candidates than the pedigree-based model (0.35). Whereas the bias of the prediction was slightly reduced with ssGBLUP (0.33 ± 0.05) than BLUP (0.30 ± 0.08), both models showed a regression coefficient lower than one, indicating inflation in the predictions. The results of this study suggest that PC is a heritable trait and selection for lower PC incidence rates is feasible. Although further investigation is necessary, selection for BW, BMY, and RFI may increase PC incidence. Incorporating genomic information would lead to higher accuracy in predicting the genetic merit for selection candidates.

Effects of water temperature and feeding time on growth performance and physiological parameters of Piaractus brachypomus juveniles

This study evaluated the effects two water temperatures and two feeding times on the growth performance, hematology, and blood biochemistry of Piaractus brachypomus juveniles at an early stage of development. Fish (2.99 ± 0.04 g) were distributed in 12 tanks at a density of 0.2 fish L−1, with the water being maintained at 28 °C in six tanks and decreased to 24 °C at the beginning of the experiment in the other six. The following treatments were tested with a commercial diet for 40 days using a 2 × 2 factorial design with three replicates each: 24MF (24 °C and fed at 8 h30 and 13 h30); 28MF (28 °C and fed at 8 h30 and 13 h30); 24AF (24 °C and fed 11 h00 and 16 h00), and 28AF (28 °C and fed at 11 h00 and 16 h00). Final weight (FW), total length (TL), weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), hemoglobin, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were evaluated after 20 days and verified an effect of temperature, with higher values for 28 °C, while no significant differences were found for feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency rate (PER). None of the growth performance parameters were influenced by feeding time and there was no significant interaction between temperature and feeding time after 20 days. Feeding time influenced cholesterol after 20 days, with higher values for AF strategies. All growth performance parameters and hemoglobin, glucose and triglycerides showed an effect of water temperature after 40 days, with higher values for 28 °C, while no significant differences were found for FCR and PER. Triglycerides and cholesterol were also influenced by feeding time, with higher values for AF strategies. Hepatosomatic, mesenteric fat and viscero-somatic indexes were not influenced by temperature, feeding time, or their interaction. Juvenile P. brachypomus can regulate and adjust their physiological variables in response to low water temperature, showing good FCR and PER. Furthermore, the feeding times evaluated in the present study had little influence on growth performance and physiological parameters, with both feeding times being recommended for commercial production of the species at an early stage of development (initial weight ~ 3 g).

Effects of partial replacement of conventional limestone with dietary micro-calcium carbonate on performance, egg quality, hematology, and calcium metabolism of laying hens during peak production

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of limestone replacement with dietary micro-calcium carbonate (MCC) on performance, egg quality, and serum Ca metabolism in peak-phase laying hens. A total of 120 laying hens (30 wk of age) were assigned to 1 control or 4 treatment groups for 8 weeks. Half of the total limestone was replaced by calcite in different particle sizes in the treatment groups (1, 20, 40, and 100 µm) and by fine limestone (~2 mm) in control. During the experiment, egg production and mass decreased (p < 0.05); however, eggshell thickness increased in hens fed with calcite groups compared to the control fed birds. There was a contrast between control vs. treatment, and a negative linear trend (p = 0.11) with the particle sizes for feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded. The different particle size of calcite had no effect on feed consumption, egg quality parameters, and hematology parameters of serum. However, the serum calcium (p = 0.01) and vitamin D (p < 0.0001) levels were affected by calcite, serum parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, phosphorus levels, and Ca:P ratio were not affected. The effects of dietary calcite sources may differ from conventional or nano-sized calcium carbonate sources in laying hens, especially for Vit D metabolism.

Interaction between xylanase and a proton pump inhibitor on broiler chicken performance and gut function.

Three hundred thirty-six Ross 308 male broiler chicks were used in a 21-d study to explore performance and gut function when treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI; 0 or 89 mg/kg) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with a xylanase (Xyl; 0 or 0.1 g/kg) to determine if the beneficial activity of arabinoxylan (AX) depolymerisation, through arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides (AXOS) production, starts in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with the PPI started from d 14, and by d 21 animal performance had deteriorated (P < 0.001). An interaction was observed between PPI and Xyl for feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05), whereby the combination reduced the negative effect of PPI on FCR. Application of PPI raised digesta pH in the gizzard and caecum (P < 0.05), increased protein concentrations in the lower gut (P < 0.05) and reduced intake of digestible nutrients (P < 0.05). Caecal concentrations of indole, p-cresol, ammonia and the ratio of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) to butyric acid were increased with PPI (P < 0.05), indicating enhanced protein fermentation. Xylanase activity in the digesta were greatest in the caeca, especially when Xyl was supplemented (P < 0.001). The concentration of total soluble AX was greater in the gizzard and ileal digesta with Xyl supplementation (P < 0.05), supporting the depolymerisation action of xylanase even under acidic conditions. These data suggest xylanase may function in the gizzard even though pH is not optimal for activity and emphasises the importance of chlorohydric acid secretions in ensuring overall optimum gut function. AX depolymerisation benefits animal performance although it is still unknown how the AXOS produced with xylanase supplementation in the upper gastrointestinal tract influence the microbial populations and overall gut functionality.

The effects of outdoor access and stocking density on the performance of broilers reared under tropical conditions

ABSTRACT 1. The effects of housing system and stocking density on growth performance and carcase yield of a commercial strain of broiler chickens reared under tropical environmental conditions may differ from temperate conditions. 2. In two experimental periods, carried out during two contrasting seasons of the year (winter and summer), 240 Cobb 500 male chickens were randomly assigned in groups of 60 to 1 of 4 treatments, with 6 replicates in each, low stocking density with outdoor access (LO, 5 birds/m2); high stocking density with outdoor access (HO, 10 birds/m2); low stocking density indoors (LI, 5 birds/m2); high stocking density indoors (HI, 10 birds/m2). From 21 to 42 d old, body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were weekly recorded. Mortality was measured daily and carcase weight at slaughter. Indoor and outdoor temperature and relative humidity were measured daily. 3. There was a tendency for chickens raised in the outdoor access to be heavier than those raised in the indoor treatments. Chickens raised in the low-density treatments in the first experimental period were significantly heavier, gained more weight and had lower value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those reared at high density. In the second experimental period mortality significantly increased on week 4 due to heat stress. Birds raised with outdoor access had an increased carcase yield compared to those raised exclusively indoors. 4. In conclusion, low stocking density in combination with low environmental temperatures had enhancing effects on BW, BWG, FI and FCR, and the effects of housing system depended on stocking density. Low stocking density and outdoor access had positive effects on carcase yield.

Factors Influencing the Succession of the Fecal Microbiome in Broilers

Health and performance are important aspects in the broiler industry. Underlying complex traits like total mean weight and feed efficiency are polygenic and related to genetic background and an association of the microbiota with these traits has been identified. Whether this association is also reflected in the fecal samples of broilers is not extensively investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate to what extend diet, genetics, and environment influence the fecal microbiome composition during the life time of broilers.Two experiments were performed, in the first experiment the focus was on investigating if a European (EU) or United States (USA) diet effects the fecal microbiota in a commercial line (Cobb500). Whereas in the second diet (EU/USA) and lines with a genetic background (EU/USA) were investigated in relation to the fecal microbiota.In the first experiment we observed a significant effect in commercial broiler line (Cobb500) of the 3-way interaction for age by feed by sex on Total Mean Weight (TMW), and the 2-way interaction of age by feed for Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). For the microbiota data, we observed differences in alpha-diversity for Age. When comparing the diets on a time-point, this resulted in significant differences for Observed species at day 21 and for Observed species, Shannon index, and Pielou's evenness at day 35. In the beta-diversity, a significant effect of age by feed interaction was observed. Two genera were significantly different in feces of broilers between diets, i.e. Streptococcus on day 7 and Bilophila on day 21.In the second experiment we observed only a significant effect for the main effect age on TMW. Alpha-diversity showed a significant increase for all three measures for age. Furthermore, a significant effect of environment was observed in the Observed species. This effect of environment was also observed in the beta-diversity, where a significant effect for age and environment was observed. This environmental effect was not expected, because here environment represents two different compartments within the same stable, unfortunately it was not possible to perform further down-stream analyses.This research shows the different aspects (feed, sex, genetics, and environment) influence complex traits, like TMW and FCR and are affecting the fecal microbiome. We have shown that interventions, like feed and the effect on microbiome, are reproducible between experiments. Moreover, these results with these two genetic divers chicken lines suggest that the succession of the fecal microbiota was independent of genetic background.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as a Fishmeal Substitute in Juvenile Dusky Kob Diets: Effect on Feed Utilization, Growth Performance, and Blood Parameters

Using black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) in place of fishmeal is an ingenious strategy for sustainable fish aquaculture. However, BSFM has not been evaluated for dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), an economically important fish in South Africa. Therefore, this five-week study investigated the effect of partially replacing fishmeal with BSFM on feed utilization, growth performance, and blood parameters of juvenile dusky kob in a recirculating aquaculture system. Four diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal in a commercial dusky kob diet with BSFM at the rate of 0 (BSFM0), 50 (BSFM50), 100 (BSFM100), and 200 g/kg (BSFM200). Fish length and weights were measured weekly, while blood analyses were performed at the end of Week 5. For fish length and weight gain, there were neither linear nor quadratic responses in Weeks 1–4, while quadratic trends (y = 14.77 (± 0.19)−0.11 (± 0.05)x + 0.01 (± 0.00) x2; R2 = 0.35 and y = 49.85 (± 1.53)−1.22 (± 0.39)x + 0.06 (± 0.02) x2; R2 = 0.47, respectively) were observed in Week 5 in response to BSFM levels. Quadratic effects (y = 1.75 (± 0.15) + 0.10 (± 0.04)x − 0.01 (± 0.00) x2; R2 = 0.39) were also observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR) in response to BSFM inclusion levels. Fish fed BSFM200 had a similar overall FCR and specific growth rate as those reared on BSFM0. All blood parameters fell within the normal range for the dusky kob. We concluded that 20% dietary replacement of fishmeal with BSFM does not compromise feed utilization and growth performance of juvenile dusky kob.

Effect of Dill Powder (Anethum graveolens) as a Dietary Supplement on Productive Performance, Mortality and Economic Figure in Broiler

Background and Aim: Dill “Anethum graveolens” is considered to be an important herbal medicinal plant in the celery family “Apiaceae”. It is the only member of the genus “Anethum”. Dill seed’s health benefits include the potential to improve digestive health, as well as supplying insomnia, hiccups, respiratory disorders, nausea, dysentery, and cancer relief. This experiment was conducted to shed light the influences of dietary Dill leaves powder supplementation on growth performance, edible giblets and mortality rate with reference to its economical figure for Ross 308 broiler. Experimental: 120 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks have been allotted into the four dietary experimental groups, each with three replicates and 10 birds each as randomized design. The experimental groups were classified into basal diet with no Dill powder kept as control, and 1, 2 and 3 g of Dill powder per kg of diets respectively. The birds growth performance including live body weights gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were monitored weekly. At the end of the experiment eight male birds were selected randomly from each replicate slaughtered and edible giblets viz., gizzard, heart and liver, were calculated. In addition, the effect of dill power supplementation on the mortality rate as well as its economic figure was recorded. Results: Data indicated that using Dill leaves powder at the level of 1 g/kg ration significantly increased feed intake (FI), live body weight (BW), weight gain (WG) compared to control and other treatment groups. Additionally, there were remarkable differences (p≤0.05) for feed conversion ratio (FCR) among experimental groups. In addition, edible giblets were better in groups supplemented with dill leaves powder compared with the control. The Dill leaves powder at the level of g/kg ration did not reported any mortalities and the economic figures did not show any significant differences among the experimental groups. Recommended applications/industries: Conclusively, dietary supplementation of Dill leaves powder enhanced the productive performance of broilers chicks especially at the level of 1 g/kg ration.

IMPACTS OF ZINC OXIDE NANO-PARTICLES SUPPLEMENTATION IN BROILER DIETS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, SOME CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND IMMUNE ORGANS

A study was designed to investigate the effect of different levels of dietary nano zinc oxide (NZnO) on growth performance, carcass traits, digestive tract measurements, immune response and economic efficiency of broiler chicks. A total number of 192 unsexed day-old Cobb broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design of six treatments with four replicates (8 chicks each). The control (T1) contained 100 mg inorganic zinc oxide (IZnO)/kg of diet. Treatments two to six contained 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20 mg NZnO/kg of diet, respectively. No significant differences were observed between treatments on growth parameters except for feed conversion ratio (FCR) and performance index (PI). However, birds fed 40 mg NZnO (T5) consumed less feed and recorded the highest LBW, TBWG and the best CPC and CCR compared with the other treatments. The best FCR (P≤0.01), PI (P≤0.05), economic efficiency (EE) and the relative EE were obtained by T5. The highest (P≤0.05) breast and thigh (P≤0.01) and the lowest abdominal fat percentages were observed with birds fed the control and T6 (20 mg NZnO) compared to other treatments. Thymus percentage was reduced (P≤0.01) by T5 compared with control, T3 and T4 while the bursa percentage was increased by T4 and T5 compared with the other treatments. It could be concluded that NZnO at a level of 40 mg/kg of diet had no harmful effect on health status and could be used instead of the traditional zinc sources in broiler diets.

The Effects of Sodium Chloride versus Sodium Bicarbonate at the Same Dietary Sodium Concentration on Efficacy of Dietary Phytase and a Carbohydrase-Protease Cocktail in Broilers

ABSTRACT A trial was conducted to determine the effect of phytase (PHY) or a carbohydrase/protease cocktail (CPX) on broilers fed diets with two different levels of chloride (0.28% or 0.43%) created by altering dietary salt (NaCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). There were 6 combination dietary treatments (3 enzyme x 2 NaCl treatments) applied to 4 replicate pens. The treatments were as follows: Control diet (CON), CON+PHY and CON+CPX, with 0.5% or 0.25% NaCl. The 0.25% NaCl versions contained 0.35% sodium bicarbonate. The 0.5% salt versions had no sodium bicarbonate. Replicate pen BW, and feed consumption (FC) were measured at 1, 14, and 35 d, and mortality was weighed daily for feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculations. Feed consumption at 14 d tended to be lower (p<0.10) for CON+CPX diets compared to CON and CON+PHY diets. The birds fed CON+CPX diet consumed less feed but exhibited improved FCR in the presence of 0.5% NaCl at 14 d. The birds fed the CON, and CON+PHY diets exhibited higher BW at 14 d (p<0.05) and 35 d (p<0.01) of age than did CON+CPX birds. From 15 d to 35 d, birds fed the CON+CPX diet exhibited poorer BW gain (BWG) in the presence of 0.25% NaCl (p<0.05). In conclusion, Cl, as NaCl versus NaH2CO3, could affect CPX but not PHY feed enzyme function in broilers. Further, it may be suggested that certain feed enzymes may be best utilized at later broiler ages rather than in initial feeds.

Performance of kids produced by three breeds of goat fed diets supplemented with graded levels of turmeric powder.

Inclusion of some plants especially spices in the diets of farm animals have been researched upon extensively for parameters like growth, blood chemistry, and feed utilization among others. In contrary, the use of turmeric as feed additive for ruminant production is so low, while its effects on reproduction (especially during pregnancy) in ruminants are not available due to little/no information on its properties, processing, and inclusion rate. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate pre- and post-weaning performances of kids produced by three breeds of goat fed diets supplemented with graded levels of turmeric powder intensively in southwestern Nigeria. Kids produced by Kalahari Red (KR), West African Dwarf (WAD), and KalaWAD Does fed diets containing turmeric powder (TP) at different levels were monitored for pre-weaning that lasted for 12 weeks, while selected kids were observed for 4 weeks post-weaning. Each Doe breed was fed diet at 5% bodyweight during pregnancy and pre-weaning, including some selected kids during post-weaning. Dietary treatments included concentrate diet (CD) as TP-0, CD + 2 g/kg TP as TP-2g, and CD + 5 g/kg TP as TP-5 g. Brachiaria ruziziensis was used as basal diet. Data obtained were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial layout in a completely randomized design, while analysis of variance was done using SAS 9.1. Significance level was taken at 5% probability, while means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test of the same statistical package. Results of the study for breed effect revealed that KR kids had the best (p < 0.05) pre-weaning performance from birth (3.2 kg) till weaning (14.5 kg) and for weight gains (11.2 kg and 134.0 g/day). No mortality was recorded for WAD kids. For TP effects, the kids fed TP-2g had the highest (p < 0.05) weight gains (1.6 kg and 58.6 g/day) and reduced value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 6.2 for post-weaning performance. Kids fed TP-5g had the highest (p < 0.05) value for protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 1.4 at the end of post-weaning. For interaction effects of breeds and TP, KR kids fed TP-5g performed best (p < 0.05) at the pre-weaning period in terms of weights from birth (3.6 kg) till weaning (15.7 kg), while KR kids fed TP-2g had highest (p < 0.05) pre-weaning weight gains (12.5 kg and 148.9 g/day). KR kids fed TP-5g performed best (p < 0.05) at the post-weaning period in terms of weight gains (1.8 kg and 64.4 g/day). KR kids fed TP-2g and KalaWAD kids fed TP-5g had the lowest FCR (5.2) and the highest PER (1.6) respectively at the post-weaning period. It can be concluded that breeds of kid, TP inclusion, and their interaction influenced pre- and post-weaning performances of the kids.

Effect of replacing fishmeal with stickwater hydrolysate on the growth, serum biochemical indexes, immune indexes, intestinal histology and microbiota of rice field eel (monopterus albus)

An eight-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with stickwater hydrolysate (SWH) on the growth, serum biochemical, immune indexes, intestinal health of Monopterus albus. The control diet was produced using fish meal (FM), and the other three diets replaced the fish meal with 5.0% (SWH5.0), 10.0% (SWH10.0), and 15.0% (SWH15.0) SWH. The results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR) of the SWH10.0 and SWH15.0 groups was significantly higher than that of the FM group, while the opposite result was found for feed conversion ratio (FCR). The activities of trypsin and amylase were significantly higher in the SWH10.0 groups than in the FM group. There were no significant differences in serum triglyceride (TG), complement 3 (C3) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and lysozyme (LZM), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities among all treatment groups. With increasing SWH replacement, the glucose (GLU) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) contents were increased, and the SWH10.0 and SWH15.0 groups had a significant increase compared with the FM group. The serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and C4 contents were significantly higher in the SWH10.0 group than that in the FM group. The villi length, goblet cell quantity and muscle thickness were significantly higher in the SWH10.0 groups than in the FM group. Furthermore, we observed that SWH replacement can decrease the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbiota. The dominant phylum and genus in the intestine of M. albus were Firmicutes and Clostridium, respectively. The partial replacement of fish meal with SWH increased the richness of Firmicutes and decreased the richness of Edwardsiella, which promoted the growth and immune performance of M. albus. Therefore, it could be inferred that the partial replacement of fish meal with SWH can improve the growth performance, immune function and intestinal health of M. albus. The optimal replacement ratio is 10%.

Assessment of Residual Feed Intake and Its Relevant Measurements in Two Varieties of Japanese Quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) under High Environmental Temperature.

Simple SummaryResidual feed intake (RFI) is an important factor in improving poultry production and laying performance, particularly for poultry raised under heat stress. An experiment was conducted to assess RFI and its related measurements in Japanese quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) of two varieties (gray and white) reared under high environmental temperatures.The current results confirmed that raising gray quails for egg production under high environmental temperature is recommended. Multiple regression analysis clearly identified a significant effect of metabolic body weight and egg mass for the computation of expected feed intake rather than body weight gain in both varieties of Japanese quails.Three hundred and ten 12-week-old laying Japanese quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) from gray and white varieties (155 each) were randomly selected from the initial population and kept in individual battery cages. The measurements of growth and egg production were determined to derive residual feed intake (RFI). The relationship between RFI and egg quality, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics was also determined. The results indicated that the gray quails had significantly higher egg mass and lower broken eggs compared to the white quails. A significant increase of eggshell strength and shell percentage was found in eggs produced from gray quails compared to their white counterparts, although their shell thickness means weresimilar. The results of multiple regression analysis clearly identified a significant effect of metabolic body weight and egg mass for the computation of expected feed intake, rather than body weight gain, in both varieties of Japanese quails. A strong positive correlation between RFI and feed intake in both gray and white quail varieties was found. The same trend was also observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR). Therefore, including RFI in the selection criteria of Japanese quails in order to improve FCR under high environmental temperature is highly recommended.