Gizzard Of Chicken Research Articles

Benefit and potential risk: Effects of in ovo copper oxide nanoparticles supplementation on hatchability traits, organ weightsand histological features of newly hatched chicks.

This investigation was directed to examine the influence of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on the hatchability traits, and chick quality of newly hatched broiler chicks. A total of 480 eggs were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each consisting of three duplicates. As a negative control (NC), the first group was not injected; the second group was injected with saline and served as a positive control (PC), the third and fourth groups were injected with 30 and 60 ppm of (CuO-NPs)/egg. Eggs were injected into the amniotic fluid on the eighteenth day of the incubation period. Results showed that the hatchability, chick yield %, yolk free-body mass (YFBM), chick length, shank length (SL), and relative weight of the heart, gizzard and intestine of day-old broiler chicks were all unaffected by the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs. The Pasgar Score was slightly improved compared to the NC and PC groups. Also, the in ovo administration of CuO-NPs (60 ppm/egg) significantly increased the intestine length. Both levels of CuO-NPs significantly increased the concentration of Cu ions in the hepatic tissue. Additionally, different levels of tissue damage were seen in the liver of the birds that were given low or high dosages of CuO-NPs. Conclusively, the in ovo injection of CuO-NPs has a good result on the appearance of the chicks (Pasgar score). However, negative effect of CuO-NPs on liver tissue may raise concerns about the potential risks of applying CuO-NPs in ovo administration.

Use of GC-IMS and Stoichiometry to Characterize Flavor Volatiles in Different Parts of Lueyang Black Chicken during Slaughtering and Cutting.

Chilled and cut chicken is preferred by consumers for its safeness and readiness to cook. To evaluate the quality characteristics of various chilled chicken products, differences in volatile organic components (VOCs) of six different cut parts (breast, back, leg, heart, liver, and gizzard) of Lueyang black chicken were characterized through gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) combined with stoichiometry. A total of 54 peaks in the signal of VOCs were detected by GC-IMS, and 43 VOCs were identified by qualitative analysis. There were 22 aldehydes (20.66-54.07%), 8 ketones (25.74-62.87%), 9 alcohols (4.17-14.69%), 1 ether (0.18-2.22%), 2 esters (0.43-1.54%), and 1 furan (0.13-0.52%), in which aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols were the main categories. Among the six cut parts, the relative content of aldehydes (54.07%) was the highest in the gizzard, and the relative content of ketones (62.87%) was the highest in the heart. Meanwhile, the relative content of alcohols (14.69%) was the highest in the liver. Based on a stable and reliable predictive model established by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (monomer and dimer), acetone, 2-butanone monomer, hexanal (monomer and dimer), isopentyl alcohol monomer, and n-hexanol monomer were picked out as characteristic VOCs based on variable importance in projection (VIP value > 1.0, p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) and the clustering heatmap indicated that the characteristic VOCs could effectively distinguish the six cut parts of Lueyang black chicken. The specific VOCs responsible for flavor differences among six different cut parts of Lueyang black chicken were hexanal (monomer and dimer) for the gizzard, 2-butanone monomer and hexanal dimer for the breast, hexanal monomer for the back, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone monomer for the leg, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (monomer and dimer) for the heart, and acetone and isopentyl alcohol monomer for the liver. These findings could reveal references for quality assessment and development of chilled products related to different cut parts of Lueyang black chicken in the future.

Fermented bamboo powder activates gut odorant receptors, and promotes intestinal health and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens

The present study investigated the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FPB) on gut odorant receptors (OR), intestinal health, and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens. Six hundred (600) healthy 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 2 groups, with 10 replicates consisting of 30 chicks each. The control group was fed a basal diet. In contrast, the experimental group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg FBP for 4 different phases, namely phase I (1-22 d), phase II (23-45 d), phase III (46-60 d), and phase IV (61-77 d), respectively. The first 2 phases were considered pretreatment (0-45 d), and the remaining were experimental (46-77 d) periods. The tissue samples were collected from phase IV. The chickens in the FBP supplementation group exhibited a significant increment in body weight gain, evisceration yield, breast, thigh, and liver weight, while also experiencing a decrease in the FCR (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the villus height, crypt depth, and villus area exhibited significant increases in the FBP group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the secretion levels of gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine were significantly elevated in the serum, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum tissues in the FBP group (P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR indicated that ORs had responsive expression in the gizzard, proventriculus, and small intestine of chickens when fed with the FBP diet (P < 0.05). Notably, the expression of the COR1, COR2, COR4, COR6, COR8, COR9, OR52R1, OR51M1, OR1F2P, OR5AP2, and OR14J1L112 genes was stronger in the small intestines compared to the gizzard and proventriculus. In conclusion, these results suggest that the FPB plays a crucial role in growth performance, activation of ORs, and gut health and development.

First Report on Microplastics Quantification in Poultry Chicken and Potential Human Health Risks in Pakistan.

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental health concern due to their widespread occurrence in food sources such as fish, meat, chicken, honey, sugar, salt, tea and drinking water, thereby posing possible risks to human health. This study aimed to observe the existence of MPs in the crop and gizzard of the farm chicken, a significant food source in Pakistan. Twenty-four chicken samples were taken from eight poultry farms across Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1227 MP particles were found from 24 samples (crop and gizzards) originating from the 8 poultry farms. In all, 429 MP particles were found in 24 chicken crops, with a mean of 17.8 ± 12.1 MPs/crop. In contrast, 798 MP particles were found in 24 chicken gizzards, with a mean of 33.25 ± 17.8 MPs/gizzard. Comparatively larger particles, ranging between 300-500 µm, were more abundant (63%) than other considered sizes (300-150 µm [21%] and 150-50 µm [16%]). Additionally, fragments were the dominant type of shape in both sample types (crop [64%] and gizzard [53%]). The predominant colours of particles extracted from gizzards and crops were yellow (32%) and red (32%), respectively. Chemical characterisation of these particles detected four types of polymers: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) at 51.2%, followed by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at 30.7%, polystyrene (PS) at 13.6% and polypropylene homopolymer (PPH) at 4.5%. In conclusion, we provide evidence for MPs in the gizzards and crops of farmed chickens which may originate from contaminated poultry feed. Only a few studies have been reported globally to assess MPs ingestion in chickens. The current study is the first report from Pakistan. It could be a valuable addition to support MPs literature to establish a relationship between MPs contamination and intake through the food chain.

GH and IGF-2 Histological Effects on the Heart, Liver and Gizzard of Chickens were Studied

GH and IGF-2 were examined histologically in the present study on adult hens to learn more about the organs’ responses to GH and IGF-2. Cardiac protein synthesis is stimulated by GH and IGF-2, according to microscopic examination. The recent research found a considerable amount of adipose tissue in the cardiac muscle bundles, which is linked to the metabolic process. In addition, GH and IGF-2 were shown to promote protein synthesis and mitosis in liver and gizzard tissues, according to the research. In addition, the apoptosis, regeneration, and secretory activity of gizzard glands are increased by the aforementioned hormones.

Evaluation of an Innovative Zn Source on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance, Skin and Bone Quality of Broilers Suffering Heat Stress.

One thousand two hundred male broilers were used to evaluate the effect of different dosages of HiZox® on feed efficiency, growth performance and bone quality of broilers suffering from heat stress. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and ten replicates. Basal corn−soybean meal diets supplemented with 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg zinc from HiZox and 100 mg/kg zinc from regular ZnO were used to make four treatments. Heat stress was induced after the third week by keeping house temperature between 28−34 °C, from 1 pm until 5 pm. The body weights of the birds that received the diet supplemented with HiZox or ZnO showed no significant difference at 7 and 14 days. Body weight of heat stressed birds fed diets containing different levels of HiZox or ZnO were not different at 28 and 42 days of age. In comparison to the Ross 308 management guide, induced heat stress diminished body weight and feed intake by approximately 17 and 21%, respectively. At 28 days, chickens who received 125 mg/kg Zn from Hizox had better feed efficiency (p < 0.05). The mortality rate of heat-stressed male broiler chickens who received different dosages of HiZox was 2.85% less than that of the regular ZnO group (p < 0.06). The results showed that addition of HiZox to the diet of male broiler under heat stress doubled the skin resistance during feather plucking in the slaughter plant and improved carcass quality (p < 0.07). Tibia breaking strength, included elongation and extension were improved by consumption of a diet supplemented with 75 mg HiZox/kg (p < 0.09). The HiZox-75 fed broilers required higher amounts of energy (MJ) for tibia breaking at break and peak points at 42 days (p < 0.09; p < 0.07). Jejunum Zn concentrations reflected the quantity of ingested Zn (p < 0.0001). Gizzard Zn solubility was dependent on dietary treatment (p < 0.03). Solubility of Zn in the gizzard of chickens who received HiZox was higher (about 30%) than broilers fed regular ZnO. In conclusion, Zn from HiZox was more efficient in decreasing heat stress mortality, increasing skin resistance and bone breaking strength compared to a regular ZnO source.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Liver, Gizzard, and Brain of Parent, Broiler, Layer, and Domestic Poultry Chickens in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Threat to Bangladeshi Chicken Consumers

The presence of heavy metals in poultry chicken which climbs up to the body through the regular food chain is a matter of prime concern for health safety issues. A total of five types of chicken were collected from Kaptan Bazar, Gulistan, Dhaka, and three samples from each namely liver, gizzard, and brain were analyzed by using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) to detect the concentration of heavy metals which are Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Zinc(Zn). The founding concentration are (2.486,2.490 and 2.493), (0.998,1.497 and 1.689), (2.498,0.998 and 0.999), (2.497,0.998 and 0.998), (0.999,1.495 and 1.781) mg/kg for Cd, (3.381,1.544 and 1.096), (1.048,2.245 and 1.746), (2.340,4.732 and 2.498), (0.499,0.848 and 2.495), (1.999,1.395 and 0.950) mg/kg for Cr,(7.458, 7.931 and 7.977), (5.190,10.479 and 9.008), (13.443,8.982 and 8.548), (2.397,6.483 and 4.141), (1.849,1.198 and 1.306) mg/kg for Pb and (32.430,49.810 and 58.421), (348.52, 474.051 and 619.648), (BDL), (153.476, 98.528 and 149.700), (68.267,74.775 and 53.778) mg/kg for Zn in the liver, gizzard and brain of parent, broiler, layer, domestic and cockerel chicken respectively. All the concentration found in the sample exceeds the recommended value set by WHO/FAO. A precautionary measure should be taken for proper waste management and public awareness need to be raised to resist the exposure of heavy metal from an industrial zone to the open place.

Identification of suitable reference genes for normalization of quantitative real-time PCR-based gene expression in chicken (Gallus gallus).

The recent availability of genome information greatly facilitates the fundamental research on chicken. In different organs, gene expression patterns can provide clues to understanding the biological functions. For rapid and accurate quantification of gene expression, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has become one of the most widely used methods. However, the success of qPCR data normalization depends on the use of a suitable reference gene and a single reference gene is not universally suitable for all the experiments. Therefore, reference gene validation is a crucial step for different organ tissues of chicken where suitable reference genes for qPCR analysis in varieties of tissues have not been investigated exhaustively so far. In this study, we have selected 30 Gallus gallus candidate reference genes from NCBI, amplified and studied their expression profiles by qPCR in different organ tissues (breast muscle, thigh muscle, heart, liver, spleen, gizzard, and bursa) of chicken. The result showed that, for breast muscle HSP10 and RPL23, thigh muscle RPL14 and RPL13, liver ALB and HSP70, spleen ALB and GAPDH, heart CYCS and TUBA8B, gizzard RPL5 and 18S rRNA, and bursa EEF1A1 and PGK2 are most stable genes respectively. The results also showed that for different organ tissues, individual or a combination of reference genes should be selected for data normalization. In this study, we have identified and validated 30 reference genes in seven different organ tissues to provide accurate transcript normalization and quantification, which can be useful for gene expression studies in other avian species.

Effect of Different Water Quality with and Without Vitamin C on Some Physiological Parameters of Broiler Chickens

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of different water quality with and without vitamin C on some blood parameters and the relative weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, spleen and bursa gland of broiler chickens. A total of 252 one day old, unsexed chicks of broiler chicken (ROSS 308), average body weight 42 g were used in this study. The birds were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups (each group 36 birds), with three replicates per each (12 birds per replicate) based on completely randomized design for 35 days. The first group drank reverse osmosis (R.O) without any addition containing 28.16 total dissolved solids mg.l-1 (TDS), whereas the second, third and fourth groups drank water containing 1849.6, 1452.8 and 1356.8 TDS mg.l-l respectively. The fifth, sixth and seventh group drank water containing 1849.6, 1452.8 and 1356.8 TDS mg.l-1 with 100 mg.l-1 vitamin C respectively. The birds fed ad libitum a starter diet for 21 days and thereafter, on a grower diet. Increasing water TDS resulted in a significant increase in AST and ALT enzymes. On the other hand, increasing water TDS causing a decrease in the total protein and globulin. Addition vitamin C to different water quality causing a significant decrease in AST and ALT enzymes and increase in the total protein and globulin. Different water quality with or without vitamin C had no effect on albumin in serum and relative weight of heart, liver, gizzard and spleen. Increasing water TDS resulted in a significant increase in the relative weight of bursa gland. On the other hand, addition vitamin C to different water quality causing a significant decrease in the relative weight of bursa gland. It can be concluded that an increasing the level total dissolved solids (TDS) in broiler chickens drinking water caused stress for birds. The addition of vitamin C by 100 mg per liter led to a reduction in the stress of birds.

Jojoba Seed Oil as Feed Additive for Sustainable Broiler Meat Production under Hot Climatic Conditions.

Simple SummarySustainable poultry production has become essential to satisfy a growing global demand for high-quality meat protein. It is of the utmost importance to explore the merit of a new phytobiotic for the sustainable production of broiler chickens under tropical weather conditions. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate supplementation of jojoba bioactive lipid compounds to broiler diets and its effects on growth performance and meat quality. The growth performance of broiler chickens fed with jojoba seed oil under tropical hot climatic conditions was linearly improved compared to the control group. Jojoba seed oil supplementation lowered abdominal fat and increased dressing percentage and meat quality compared to the control group.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary addition of jojoba seed oil on productive performance, physicochemical attributes and carcass quality of broiler meat under tropical weather conditions. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross-308 were subdivided into four dietary treatments of jojoba seed oil: 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of control diet. Each treatment group included twelve replicates with eight birds each. The results showed that dietary supplementation of jojoba seed oil linearly increased (p < 0.01) feed intake, body weight gain and improved (p < 0.01) feed conversion ratio. Interestingly, diets supplemented with jojoba seed oil linearly (p < 0.05) improved the percentage of dressing and reduced abdominal fat percentage compared to the control group. Dietary supplementation of jojoba seed oil showed no effects (p ≥ 0.05) on the weight of internal organs, including liver, heart, gizzard, spleen and pancreas of broiler chickens. Increasing jojoba seed oil levels in the diet decreased (p < 0.001) percentages of cook and drip losses of breast and leg (drumstick and thigh) muscles of broilers. It was concluded that jojoba seed oil used as a feed additive up to 150 mg/kg improves growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens in tropical weather conditions.

Carcinogens in Food: Evaluating the Presence of Cadmium, Lead, in Poultry Meat in South India.

Objective:Local chickens were spontaneously sampled and slaughtered in the central markets of Coimbatore, Erode, and Namakkal districts, South India. Materials and Methods:Wet digestion was used to extract lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) in their blood and selected different organs (intestine, breast, liver, and gizzard), and their concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results:Apart from the blood of chickens from Coimbatore and Namakkal, where Pb was not found, the concentrations of Pb in the blood and organs of chickens from the three towns ranged from 1.8 to 8.33 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum tolerance thresholds (0.1 mg/kg) in internal organs of poultry birds. Except for the intestine of chickens from the three areas, Cd was only found in the heart, blood, and gizzard of Erode chickens, as well as the liver and gizzard of Namakkal chickens, in concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 0.58. According to threshold level, the upper limit met the maximum limits (0.5 mg/kg). Zn was found in all sections of chickens from the three selected districts, with concentrations ranging from 4.96 to 174.17 mg/kg.Conclusion:Its concentrations were within the permissible limits (10-50 mg/kg) in some areas of certain chickens, but it surpassed the permissible limit in the liver of chicken from Coimbatore. Any organs and blood from local chickens sold in Coimbatore, Erode, and Namakkal areas can be hazardous to one’s health.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Local Chickens sold at Central Markets in Ado-Ekiti, Akure and Owena Towns

Local chickens sold in the central markets of Ado-Ekiti, Akure and Owena were randomly sampled and slaughtered. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in their blood and selected organs (intestine, heart, liver and gizzard) were isolated using wet digestion and their concentrations determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Apart from the blood of chickens from Ado-Ekiti and Owena where Pb was not detected, its concentrations in the blood and organs of the chickens obtained from the three towns ranged from 2.00 to 7.33 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum tolerance levels (0.1 mg/kg) in internal organs of poultry birdsset by EU, ANZFA and FAO/WHO. With the exception of intestine of chickens from the three towns, Cd was only detected in the heart, blood and gizzard of chickens from Akure as well as liver and gizzard of chickens from Owena, covering a range of 0.11 to 0.67 mg/kg. The upper limit exceeded the maximum limits (0.5 mg/kg) according to FAO/WHO. Zn was detected in all selected parts of chickens from the three towns ranging 5.67 to 183.17 mg/kg. Its concentrations were within the permissible limit(10-50 mg/kg) by EU and FAO/WHO in certain selected parts of some chickens while it exceededthe permissible limit (150 mg/kg) by ANZFA especially in the liver of chicken from Ado-Ekiti. Some organs and blood of local chickens sold in the central markets at Ado-Ekiti, Akure and Owena may pose health risks.

RNA seq analyses of chicken reveals biological pathways involved in acclimation into different geographical locations

Transcriptome expression reflects genetic response in diverse conditions. In this study, RNA sequencing was utilized to profile multiple tissues such as liver, breast, caecum, and gizzard of Korean commercial chicken raised in Korea and Kyrgyzstan. We analyzed ten samples per tissue from each location to identify candidate genes which are involved in the adaptation of Korean commercial chicken to Kyrgyzstan. At false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and fold change (FC) > 2, we found 315, 196, 167 and 198 genes in liver, breast, cecum, and gizzard respectively as differentially expressed between the two locations. GO enrichment analysis showed that these genes were highly enriched for cellular and metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and biological regulations. Similarly, KEGG pathways analysis indicated metabolic, PPAR signaling, FoxO, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biosynthesis, MAPK signaling, CAMs, citrate cycles pathways were differentially enriched. Enriched genes like TSKU, VTG1, SGK, CDK2 etc. in these pathways might be involved in acclimation of organisms into diverse climatic conditions. The qRT-PCR result also corroborated the RNA-Seq findings with R2 of 0.76, 0.80, 0.81, and 0.93 for liver, breast, caecum, and gizzard respectively. Our findings can improve the understanding of environmental acclimation process in chicken.

In vitro versus in situ evaluation of xylan hydrolysis into xylo-oligosaccharides in broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract

Xylan hydrolysis into xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) was evaluated both in the gizzard and ileum of broiler chickens, and by a 2-step in vitro digestion assay that simulated the pH, temperature and time period of the gastric and small intestine (SI) phases. Twelve dietary treatments with varying soluble and insoluble xylan levels, either with or without supplemental xylanase, were fed to broiler chickens (n = 576) for the in situ analysis, and were exposed to the in vitro assay. Relatedness of the two methods was strong for determination of XOS production in all dietary treatments for X5, X4, X3, X2 and X1, respectively, in both the gastric (r = 0.980, 0.853, 0.894, 0.870 and 0.951) and small intestine phase (r = 0.957, 0.923, 0.940, 0.970, 0.969) (P < 0.05). Consequently, the in vitro assay was used to illustrated the diversity of XOS production across different batches of wheat and barley in the presence of xylanase.

Elemental imbalance elicited by arsenic and copper exposures leads to oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in chicken gizzard, activating the protective effects of heat shock proteins.

Arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) are ubiquitous pollutants that pose a threat to the environment. Our aim is to study the underlying mechanisms by which As and Cu act on the chicken gizzard. In order to detect ionic disorders in chicken gizzard under chronic treatment with As3+ and/or Cu2+ and whether they can induce oxidative damage as well as immune disorders, 30 mg/kg arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and/or 300 mg/kg copper sulfate (CuSO4) were added to the chicken's basal diet. After 12 weeks of exposure, trace elements were found to have significant interference, accompanied by damage to the antioxidant system. In addition, As3+ and/or Cu2+ activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), inducing severe inflammation. At the same time, damaged structural integrity which might be caused by inflammation was discovered after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, symbolic Th1/Th2 (Th, helper T cell) drift was also observed in treatment groups, meaning that immune function is left to be affected, and the increment in heat shock proteins may be a self-protective mechanism of gizzard. Interestingly, we found that the damage to the gizzard of chicken was aggravated in a time-dependent manner, and the combined exposure was more pathogenic than the single exposure, of which the mechanism needs further exploration. Together, this work helps move us toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interactions between Cu excess and As3+ exposures and possible health consequences in susceptible species.

Carcass Characteristics and Nutritional Composition of Some Edible Chicken By-products

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of chicken carcass and determine the nutritional composition of some edible chicken by-products, including liver, gizzard, wings, and skin. The total yield of liver, gizzard, wings and skin of chicken was found to be about 23.43%of carcass weight. The results showed that these chicken by-products are good sources of protein, fat, and minerals (ash). The greatest protein content was found to be 26.33% (wb) for wings; while, skin showed the greatest fat content of 34.48% (wb) compared with other by-products. On the other hand, liver showed the greatest ash content of 1.42% (wb) and skin showed the lowest ash content of 0.46% (wb). Moreover, the greatest caloric value of 362.36 Kcal/100 g was found for skin, followed by wings, liver, and gizzard. In addition, the results showed good contents of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, and zinc in chicken by-products. These by-products were found to be a good source of essential amino acids such as leucine and lysine. Furthermore, liver, gizzard, wings, and skin of chicken showed greater unsaturated fatty acids content than that of saturated fatty acids. Oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acids are the most predominant unsaturated fatty acids found in these chicken by-products. However, palmitic and stearic acids are the predominant saturated fatty acids found in the studied chicken by-products. The obtained results revealed that the liver, gizzard, wings, and skin of chicken are rich of healthy nutrients; therefore, the utilization of these by-products as food should be promoted by development of new food products through the advances in meat processing techniques.

Effect of dietary threonine level on productivity and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of dietary threonine level on productivity and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens. In each experiment the diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different dietary threonine levels. A complete randomized design was used in both experiments, the grower (1-49 days old unsexed Venda chickens) and finisher (50-91 days old female chickens) phases. The grower diets contained 4 (CT4), 5 (CT5), 6 (CT6), 7 (CT7) and 8 (CT8) g of threonine/kg DM, while similar diets were used for the finisher phase but designated (FT4), (FT5), (FT6), (FT7) and (FT8), respectively. A quadratic equation was used to determine threonine levels for optimal productivity. Dietary threonine level had significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on feed intake, growth rate, FCR, live weight, ME intake and N-retention of unsexed and female Venda chickens. Feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, live weight, metabolisable energy and N-retention of unsexed and female Venda chickens were optimized at different dietary threonine levels. Dietary threonine level had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on pH of crop, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, large intestine and caecum contents of female Venda chickens. Dietary threonine requirements for optimal productivity decreased as Venda chickens grew older. Dietary threonine levels for optimal productivity will depend on the particular variable in question. These findings have a lot of implications on ration formulation for slow-growing Venda chickens

Developmental morphology study on the stomach of African ostrich chicks

This study investigates the developmental morphology changes on the proventriculus and gizzard of African ostrich chicks using gross anatomy, and light and transmission electronic microscopy. The body weight; the weight of the proventriculus and gizzard; the thickness of simple tubular glands, muscularis mucosae, compound tubular glands, and muscular layer of the proventriculus; and the thickness of the gizzard glands and muscularis mucosae were measured on postnatal d one, 45, 90, and 334. Under transmission electronic microscopy, the oxynticopeptic cells, mucous cells, and endocrine cells were observed in the proventriculus on postnatal d one, 45, and 90. Our results revealed that the weights of the proventriculus and gizzard (relative to the body weight) both peaked on d 90, respectively, and declined thereafter. The thicknesses of the simple tubular glands, muscularis mucosae, compound tubular glands, muscular layer of the proventriculus, and gizzard glands increased with increasing bird age. However, the thickness of the muscularis mucosae in the gizzard peaked on d 90 and gradually decreased thereafter. The result of transmission electron microscopy revealed that the glands in the submucosa layer of the proventriculus did not differ from other cell types, aside from an increase in cell diameter and an increase in cytoplasmic content. A significant increase in the number of mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum was noted, as well as an in granules secreted by endocrine cells. Therefore, to improve brood rates of reared African ostrich chicks, feed management ought to be enhanced between postnatal d one and day 90.

Performance and digestive function of broiler chickens given grit in the diet

ABSTRACT1. A series of experiments were carried out to study the effect of grit on broiler performance, gizzard development and fate of grit in the digestive tract.2. In Experiment 1, performance, gizzard weight and content of grit in the gizzard of broiler chickens given access to granite-type grit was investigated. In Experiment 2, the effect of grit stones on performance and gizzard development was assessed in diets with or without whole wheat.3. In Experiment 3, the effect of grit in the form of zeolite, granite or marble on gizzard development and digestive tract grinding and passage was studied in diets with or without whole wheat.4. Grit stones had no effect on performance of broiler chickens, which may be explained by the fact that grit stones did not stimulate gizzard development to the same extent as with other structural materials.5. The lack of stimulation is at least partly due to the fact that a majority of the grit stones eaten pass through the small intestine without being retained in the gizzard.6. Grit in the form of marble reduced feed intake and weight gain.

Molecular characterization of antimicrobial Lactobacillus isolates and evaluation of their probiotic characteristics in vitro for use in poultry

ABSTRACTA total of 113 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from crop, gizzard, intestine and ceca regions of broiler chicken. Thirteen Lactobacillus isolates were selected based on their ability to grow on acidic pH and inhibition of enteric bacterial pathogens. They were identified using 16S rRNA and recA gene sequencing and evaluated for probiotic properties in vitro. These isolates showed effective inhibition against enteric bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli and fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium expansum, P. roqueforti, Candida albicans and Eurotium species. Analysis of 16S rRNA and recA gene sequences revealed that isolates belonged to Lactobacillus plantarum. They exhibited tolerance to bile salts (0.4%), gastric and intestinal conditions with bile salt hydrolase activity, suggesting their ability to survive during gastrointestinal transit and exert their probiotic action on host organism. They showed cell surface hydrophobicity (39–58%), auto-aggregation (60–80%) and co-aggregation with enteric pathogens like E. coli (49–62%) and Listeria monocytogenes (26–38%). Thus, they could potentially be bactericidal to pathogens and prevent their colonization on intestinal epithelium. They are non-pathogenic (γ-hemolytic) and negative for mucin degradation. Among these isolates, L. plantarum VJI21 and VJC1 showed more adherence to HT-29 cells than the enteric pathogen E. coli and prevented pathogen adherence to intestinal cells. L. plantarum VJI21 and VJC1, having potent probiotic properties, are considered good candidates for further studies in vivo towards the development of probiotic feed supplement in the poultry industry.