Gizzard Weight Research Articles

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

Influence of genotype on carcass composition, metric traits of the digestive system and leg bones of laying hens after the egg-production season

Context The genotype of laying hens is one of the most important factors influencing their carcass composition and anatomical features. Aims The aim of the present study was to compare two genotypes of laying hens, Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White, after the laying period. Methods The experimental material consisted of 26 carcasses obtained after slaughtering spent laying hens at the age of 83 weeks. Key results The genotype of the birds had a significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect on carcass weight, and the proportion (%) of the breast muscle, leg muscle and gizzard weight. Significant correlations were also found between bodyweight and the weight of the stomach, proventriculus, liver and spleen. The origin of the laying hens also had a significant impact on the length of the sections on intestinal segments, namely, jejunum, ileum and colon. Significant differences in the correlations between bodyweight and length of duodenum, jejunum and rectum were also found. The compared hybrids of laying hens differed significantly in the dimensions of the femur and tibia. Lohmann Brown (LB) hens were characterized by higher greatest length, medial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, and greatest breadth of the distal end of the femur compared with Lohmann White (LW) hens. Dimensions of the tibia greatest length, axial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, greatest breadth of the distal end and greatest depth of the distal end in LB hens were also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than those in LW hens. Conclusions The results showed that the genotype of laying hens tested after the laying period influenced carcass weight and muscle percentage, as well as differentiated the birds in terms of dimensions of individual segments of the digestive tract, femur, and tibia bones. Implications The results of this research may be useful for consumers of laying hen carcasses and people interested in poultry anatomy.

The efficacy of prebiotic supplementation in mitigating heat stress and improving the survival of antibiotic-free broilers’ production in hot climates

BackgroundBangladesh is a hot tropical country, and various antibiotics have been included in broiler feed for many years to manage, prevent, and treat illnesses and improve production performance, like many other developing countries. This study mainly evaluates the efficacy of prebiotic supplementation in mitigating heat stress and improving the survival of antibiotic-free broiler production in hot climates.Materials and methodsA cocktail of banana peel, papaya peel, and watermelon rind was used as a prebiotic. A total of 350 one-day-old chicks (Ross-308) were allotted into five treatment groups each with 7 replicates: T1 (prebiotics, 15 ml/L), T2 (commercial probiotics Lactolase P, 1 g/L), T3 (synbiotics, 7.5 ml/L prebiotics + 0.5 g/L probiotics), T4 (freshwater), and T5 (antibiotics, 1 g/L). Besides other treatments, the aqueous extracts of banana peels, papaya peels, and watermelon rinds were prepared as prebiotics, and these were provided to the experimental birds through drinking water from 5 to 32 days of age.ResultsThe findings revealed nonsignificant (P > 0.05) variations in water intake, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing weight, dressing percentage, heart and gizzard weights, and thigh meat yield. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in body weight, body weight gain, and breast meat yield. It was observed that birds consumed five times more water than feed when the environmental temperature was above 38 °C. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in the survival rates of birds were observed among treatment groups. The highest rate of survival was obtained in T1 (100%), followed by T2 (93.3%), and T3 (90%), and the lowest percentage was recorded in T4 (66.6%) and T5 (73.3%).ConclusionPrepared prebiotics could mitigate heat stress, promote growth rate under hot climates, and be used as substitutes for antibiotics to safely produce broilers in hot climates.

Aflatoxins and fumonisins co-contamination effects on laying hens and use of mycotoxin detoxifiers as a mitigation strategy.

This study examined the effects of fumonisins (FBs) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), alone or in combination, on the productivity and health of laying hens, as well as the transfer of aflatoxins (AFs) to chicken food products. The efficacy and safety of mycotoxin detoxifiers (bentonite and fumonisin esterase) to mitigate these effects were also assessed. Laying hens (400) were divided into 20 groups and fed a control, moderate (54.6µg/kg feed) or high (546µg/kg feed) AFB1 or FBs (7.9mg/kg feed) added diets, either alone or in combination, with the mycotoxin detoxifiers added in selected diets. Productivity was evaluated by feed intake, egg weight, egg production, and feed conversion ratio whereas health was assessed by organ weights, blood biochemistry, and mortality. Aflatoxins residues in plasma, liver, muscle, and eggs were determined using UHPLC-MS/MS methods. A diet with AFB1 at a concentration of 546µg/kg feed decreased egg production and various AFB1-contaminated diets increased serum uric acid levels and weights of liver, spleen, heart, and gizzard. Interactions between AFB1 and FBs significantly impacted spleen, heart, and gizzard weights as well as AFB1 residues in eggs. Maximum AFB1 residues of 0.64µg/kg and aflatoxin M1 (below limits of quantification) were observed in liver, plasma, and eggs of layers fed diets with AFB1. The mycotoxin detoxifiers reduced effects of AFB1 and FBs on egg production, organ weights, blood biochemistry, and AFB1 residues in tissues. This study highlights the importance of mycotoxin detoxifiers as a mitigation strategy against mycotoxins in poultry production.

Influence of different levels of black soldier fly larvae meal on growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chickens

A study was conducted to examine the impact of two inclusion levels of Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) replacing soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers. Three experimental diets based on corn-soybean meal were developed to contain 0 (control), 6 (BSF 6) and 12% (BSF 12) BSFLMfor both starter and grower phases. Each experimental diet was randomly allotted to six replicate pens (eight birds per pen). The birds were offered starter pellets from 0 to 14 day post-hatch and grower pellets from 15 to 28 day post-hatch. The experimental diets were tested for pellet durability index (PDI). There was an interaction between diet and growth phase (P < 0.001) for pellet durability index where starter diets had always a higher PDI than the grower diets, but the difference was greater for control diet than BSF 6 and BSF 12 diets. Apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of diets and coefficients of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients were measured on day 28 using titanium dioxide marker ratios in the diet and excreta/ileal digesta. On day 28, the weights of live body, carcass, fat pad, breast and gizzard were recorded, and then breast meat quality (meat pH, drip loss and cooking loss) was examined. Inclusion of BSFLM of up to 12% did not reduce live weight gain or feed intake. Live weight and carcass weight were heavier in broilers fed 12% BSFLM than controls (P < 0.02), but were not different than those fed 6%, while controls were not different than those fed 6%. Breast weight (percentage live weight) was lower in birds offered 12% BSFL than in others (P < 0.04). No differences were observed between diets for the percentage weight as carcass, fat, pad and gizzard. The AME and AMEc of diets were the highest in broilers fed 6% BSFLM diet (P < 0.005), but there were no differences between controls and those fed 12% BSFLM. The CAID of DM, ash and N in birds fed 6% BSFLM were greater than (P < 0.03) birds fed 12%, but were not different than controls, which were also not different than those fed 12%. Broiler breast meat quality was unaffected by dietary treatments. In conclusion, BSFLM at 12% can be used effectively as a SBM replacement in starter and grower diets, without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Effect of different energy and protein levels on growth performances and carcass yields of Sonali chicken

This study evaluated how varied energy and protein levels affect the growth and carcass traits of Sonali chickens. A 63-day experiment was conducted on 400-day-old Sonali chicks that were raised straight. The chicks were split into four groups of 100 birds apiece, which were then further separated into four subgroups of 25 birds each. The treatment groups were: T1 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower); T2 (2900 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3000 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower); T3 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 19% CP for grower) and T4 (2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower) group. Sonali chicks were fed on starter diets from day old to 5 weeks of age and grower diets from 6 to 9 weeks of age. Results revealed that body weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower at 9th weeks of age. In addition, FCR and total body weight gain showed significantly (P&lt;0.05) better in the high nutrition group compared to other treated groups. Dressing percentage was numerically and abdominal fat was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the group having 2950 kcal/kg ME, 21% CP for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME, 20% CP for grower compared to other groups. However, there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in skin, head, leg, liver, heart, gizzard, breast meat, drumstick meat, wing meat and thigh bone weight in relation to body weight among different dietary groups. Furthermore, despite the higher feed costs, the high nutrition group had higher selling price and profit margins per bird than the low nutrition diet. So, taken together, it can be concluded that a diet with high energy and high protein increases body weight and body weight gain and gives better FCR. Moreover, higher nutrition diet improves dressing yield, abdominal fat percentage and profit margins than the low nutrition diet. It is suggested that provision of energy (2950 kcal/kg ME for starter and 3050 kcal/kg ME for grower) and protein (21% CP for starter and 20% CP for grower) in the diet could be a potential energy and protein level for better performances of Sonali chicken. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53(3): 101-110, 2024

Synergistic Effects of Hydroxychloride and Organic Zinc on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Liver and Tibia Mineral Profiles of Broiler Chickens

AbstractThis study investigated the potential synergism between hydroxychloride and organic zinc (Zn) at different levels on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. There were seven experimental diets including a negative control diet without any supplemental Zn, and six diets with 80 mg/kg added Zn in the forms of ZnSO4, hydroxychloride Zn (HCZ) and organic Zn (ORZ), and a combination of HCZ and ORZ at 40 mg/kg HCZ + 40 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ40-ORZ40), 55 mg/kg HCZ + 25 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ55-ORZ25), and 70 mg/kg HCZ + 10 mg/kg ORZ (HCZ70-ORZ10). Each diet was replicated eight times with 17 chicks per replicate. On day 35, HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 diets resulted in the highest body weights (P &lt; 0.05). Throughout the entire production period (1–35 days), all HCZ and ORZ diets significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to PC (P &lt; 0.05), with HCZ40-ORZ40 showing the lowest FCR. Breast meat yield was lower in NC-fed birds, while HCZ80 and HCZ70-ORZ10 groups had the lowest abdominal fat weight (P &lt; 0.05). Liver and gizzard weight, tibia breaking strength, and ash percentage, footpad dermatitis, and hock burns were not affected. Tibia Zn content was higher in HCZ or ORZ-supplemented birds compared to NC (P &lt; 0.05), whereas other minerals in tibia and liver were unaffected. In summary, the absence of supplemental Zn negatively affects growth and carcass characteristics, whereas replacing ZnSO4 with HCZ, ORZ, or their combinations improves bodyweight and FCR. HCZ70-ORZ10 and HCZ40-ORZ40 were identified as optimal combinations for maximizing feed efficiency.

Dried Chlorella powder supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken growth, health, and intestinal microflora

The use of dried Chlorella as an immune and growth stimulant to enhance nonspecific host defense mechanisms or as an antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth has been reported. This study aimed to assess the effects of dried Chlorella powder (DCP) supplementation on the growth, health, and intestinal microflora of commercial broiler chicks, comparing a diet containing DCP with an antibiotic-based diet. A total of 120 pieces day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Dhaka, and randomly divided into four experimental groups of three replicates each, with 10 chicks per replication. One group was fed a control diet, while the remaining three groups were fed diets with 0.5% and 1.0% DCP, and antibiotics, respectively. Results indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) improvements in body weight and dressing percentage with DCP inclusion compared to control-fed broilers. A linear increase in body weight was observed with higher DCP levels, with birds on the 1% DCP diet achieving superior body weights (1665.13±8.82) compared to the control and antibiotic groups. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and feed consumption were also significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved, with the best FCR at 1% DCP (1.37±0.01) and the highest FCR in the control group (1.45±0.00). The highest feed consumption was noted in the control group. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed in the relative weight of spleen and bursa among the groups. DCP had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effects on liver, gizzard, intestine, and heart weights. Hematological studies revealed no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences, except for Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells (RBC), which were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased by DCP compared to control and antibiotic groups. DCP supplementation significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced E. coli and Salmonella sp. counts while increasing Lactobacillus sp. counts. Additionally, treatments with DCP significantly (P&lt;0.05) boosted Newcastle disease (ND) titre levels compared to the control group. The study showed that DCP can be effectively replaced antibiotics in broiler diets, enhancing growth, health, and immune response, thereby promoting sustainable and safer poultry production practices.

Effects of Different Photoperiods during Incubation on Post-Hatch Broiler Performance and Stress Response.

This study evaluated the subsequent effect of photoperiods during incubation on post-hatch growth and stress response of commercial broiler chickens. A total of 875 Ross 308 broiler breeder (48 weeks of age) eggs were hatched using different durations (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h a day) of dichromatic light [green and red (495 to 750 nm); 2700 K; 250 lux; SUNJIE; China] throughout the whole period of incubation. A total of 50 0-day-old hatched straight run broiler chicks from each photoperiod during incubation were used to evaluate subsequent growth performance (feed intake, body weight, and feed conversion ratio); stress parameters (physical asymmetry, tonic immobility, and vocalization,); welfare traits (feather score and gait score); carcass traits (live weight, dressed weight, carcass yield, liver weight, gizzard weight, heart weight, abdominal fat weight, breast weight, and leg weight); and serum chemistry (globulin, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid). There were no influences of photoperiod during incubation on post-hatch growth, stress parameters, welfare, and carcass traits. Heart yield was higher in birds incubated under 20 h light than in those from the 16 h light group. Incubation under different lighting durations also altered blood biochemical profile but did not influence serum globulin and cholesterol levels. It was concluded that under experimental conditions, incubation of broiler eggs under different lighting durations did not impact subsequent post-hatch performance (21-35 d).

Genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation of important economic traits in white and yellow broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study calculated descriptive statistics for the production traits of two broiler populations: 1) the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF white broilers), including fat and lean lines; and 2) the Guangxi yellow broilers. Their genetic parameters were estimated, including (co)variance components, heritability (h 2 ) and genetic correlations (rg), using the REML method. 2. Heritability estimates (h 2 ) for NEAUHLF white broilers ranged from 0.07 to 0.61. Traits with high heritability (h 2 >0.3) included body weight at 3, 5 and 7 weeks of age (BW3, BW5, BW7), carcass weight (CW), metatarsal circumference (MeC), liver weight (LW), gizzard weight (GW), spleen weight (SW) and testis weight (TeW), while in Guangxi yellow broilers, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.76, with every trait exhibiting high heritability, except for SW (0.18). 3. Positive genetic correlations for NEAUHLF were found (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.84) between BW7 and metatarsal length (MeL), MeC, body oblique length (BoL), chest angle (ChA), LW, GW, heart weight (HW) and SW. Genetic correlations between abdominal fat weight (AFW) and BW1, BW3, BW5, CW, MeL, keel length (KeL), BoL and LW were positive (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.58). 4. Among the Guangxi population, BW (125 d of age) showed strong positive genetic correlations with all other traits (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.30 to 0.99), while AFW displayed strong positive genetic correlations with leg muscle weight (LeW), CW, BW and thigh diameter (TD) (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.44 to 0.51). 5. It was concluded that the characteristics of the two populations were different, which means there is a need to use different strategies when performing the breeding work to improve productivity and efficiency in both broiler populations.

Evaluation of fibrous feed ingredients alternatives to oat hulls as a source of feed structure in broiler diets

This study aimed to evaluate several fibrous feed ingredients as potential substitutes for oat hulls (OH), assessing their efficacy in providing structural integrity to broiler feeds. A total of 4,160 day-old male Ross-308 broilers were allocated to eight dietary treatments, including a control group (CON) without additional fiber supplementation and 7 diets where 3% of the wheat content was replaced by either OH, soy hulls (SH), beet pulp (BP), carob bean (CB), wheat straw (WS), rice hulls (RH), or wheat bran (WB). The experimental design followed a complete randomized block design with 10 pens per treatment and 52 birds each. Growth performance and gut development indices were monitored, and the coefficients of total tract apparent retention (CTTAR) of nutrients were measured at 28 d. The OH improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the entire growth period (1-36 d) compared to the CON, SH, CB, WS, RH, and WB (P < 0.05). Conversely, BP diets reduced the final BW and ADFI compared to OH (P < 0.05) but were not different from the CON (P > 0.05). However, the FCR in birds fed with BP was similar to OH but lower than the CON group. In addition, BP-fed birds had higher CTTAR of ether extract and non-starch polysaccharides and relative weight of empty proventriculus and gizzard to BW at 14 and 28 d compared to CON. The WS, RH, and WB yielded similar final BW to OH and CON but higher FCR (P < 0.05). The CB, on the other hand, resulted in the highest FCR when contrasted with the other substitutes and CON (P < 0.05). Finding an alternative to OH with comparable benefits remains a challenge, with WS, RH, and WB showing similar final BW but inferior FCR to OH, and BP showing similar FCR but lower BW and ADFI.

DIETARY EFFECTS OF TULSI LEAVES AND BLACK PEPPER EXTRACT ON BROILER GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the dietary effect of different levels of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract (TBE) on growth performance and carcass traits of commercial broiler. The study was conducted at the Poultry farm of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from 11 April to 08 May, 2019. A total of 96 day old broiler chicks (Lohman Meat) were randomly and equally distributed to 4 groups having 3 replicates of 8 birds each. The birds were grouped as T0, T1, T2 and T3 group with normal water (control group), 1% TBE 1ml /L of drinking water, 2% TBE 2 ml/L of drinking water and 3% TBE 3ml /L of drinking water, respectively. Body weight gains, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), mortality (%) and meat yield traits were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA with SPSS version 22. Feed intake (g/bird) was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups. Body weight gain (g) and FCR were significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed among the dietary treatment groups. The highest body weight gain (g) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (1659.35g±2.19), followed by T1 (1631.05g±2.52), T3 (1590.67g±2.73) and T0 (1472.01g±4.58), respectively. The lowest FCR was found in T2 (1.41±0.00) and the highest FCR in T0 (1.52±0.01), the intermediate in T1 (1.45±0.01) and T3 (1.46±0.01), respectively. It was found that there was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference among the dietary treatment groups in case of live weight (g), carcass weight (g),dressing percentage (%), breast weight (g), liver weight(g), but there was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups in case of heart weight (g), spleen weight (g), gizzard weight (g), thigh weight (%), head weight (g), intestine weight (g) and shank weight (g). The carcass meat weight, Carcass yield (%), breast weight and breast meat weight (%) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in treatment T2 group compared to control group T0. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in control group T0 compared to treatment group T2. No mortality was found among the dietary treatment groups during experimental period. Based on the result it could be concluded that 2% Tulsi leaves and Black Pepper Extract (TBE) 2 ml/L of drinking water may be used in broiler diet as growth promoter and it may also serve as an antioxidant.

Effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) powder on liver enzymes, lipid profiles and carcass traits of finisher broiler chickens

Thirty-two (32) three-week old Anak Acre unsexed broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effects of bitter leaf powder (BLP) on liver enzymes, lipid profile and carcass characteristics. The birds were acclimatized for one week and thereafter allocated to 4 treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (2.5g BLP/bird), T3 (5g BLP/bird), and T4 (7.5g BLP/bird) in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated twice, with each replicate containing 4 birds. The birds received BLP through drinking water (2ml drench) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, data obtained from serum parameters and carcass traits were subjected to analysis of variance and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that BLP supplements had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on liver enzyme markers and lipid profiles. The group treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird had lowest ALP and ALT liver enzymes and lowest lipid and highest good cholesterol (HDL). The carcass characteristics showed that T3 differed (P&lt;0.05) from other groups in live, slaughter, plucked, eviscerated and dressed weights and body parts including the thigh, breast, neck and the shank weights. The drumstick, back and the gizzard weights did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) across the groups. The control group outperformed (P &lt;0.05) other groups in intestinal and liver weights whereas the abdominal fat was numerically (P&gt;0.05) highest in the group treated with 2.5 g/bird. It can therefore be concluded that liver enzyme markers and lipid profile of broiler chickens were at their best in broilers treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird while the carcass characteristics showed superiority in broilers treated with BLP at 5 g/bird.

Effect of dietary supplementation of two fiber sources differing on fermentability and hydration capacity on performance, nutrient digestibility and cecal fermentation in broilers from 1 to 42 d of age

A total of 378 Cobb-500 male broilers were used to evaluate the effects of 2 fiber sources, differing in hydration capacity and fermentability, on gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal digestibility and performance from 1 to 42d of age. There were 9 replicates per each of the 3 dietary treatments, all in mash form: a wheat-soybean control (CON) diet, CON diet diluted with 1.5% of wood lignocellulose (LC diet) as a non-fermentable insoluble fiber with high hydration capacity; and CON diluted with 1.5% of a mixture of fibers (ISFC diet) containing both lignified insoluble fiber and a prebiotic soluble fiber fraction from fructooligosaccharides. Additionally, the fermentability of both fiber sources (LC and ISFC) was determined by in vitro using cecal inoculum from broilers fed the experimental diets. Both LC and ISFC treatments impaired by 4% feed conversion ratio only during the first 7d (P = 0.003) compared with CON group. In the grower period (21-42d), the ISFC group showed the best growth (P = 0.039), and at 42d tended to show the highest body weight (P = 0.095). This agrees well with the highest ileal dry matter (P = 0.033) and organic matter (P = 0.043) digestibility observed in ISFC group and the similar trend observed for ileal protein digestibility (P = 0.099) at 42d. Also, at 42 d, absolute and relative (% body weight) digestive tract weights (P ≤ 0.041) and empty gizzard weights (P ≤ 0.034) were greater for LC and ISFC groups compared to CON. The cecal molar proportion of valeratewas greatest in ISFC group (P = 0.039). In vitro gas production was higher for ISFC than for LC substrate when using either a diet-adapted or non-adapted cecal inoculum (P < 0.05). These results show the interest in combining IF with prebiotic highly fermentable fiber, such as fructooligosaccharides, in broilers to improve nutrient digestibility and finishing performance.

The effects of Artemisia annua nutritional supplementation at varying concentrations on broiler growth, economic yield, and gene expression levels of certain antioxidant, inflammatory, and immune genes.

Artemisia annua (AA), used as a growth promoter in poultry, lowers feed costs and enhances economic efficiency. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying AA concentrations on broiler chicken growth, gene expression, and profitability. Two hundred 1-day-old male Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each containing five replicates and 10 birds. The experimental groups consisted of G1 (basal diet), G2 (basal diet with 0.3% AA), G3 (basal diet with 0.6% AA), and G4 (basal diet with 0.9% AA). The birds had continuous access to feed and water throughout the study. The experiment lasted for 42 days. We measured the growth performance (Feed intake, Life weight), carcass traits (weight after slaughter, dressed carcass, heart, gizzard, spleen, giblet and thymus weight), liver and spleen antioxidants (CAT, GSH, SOD), and gene expression of anti-inflammatory and immune- related genes. The primary findings revealed that the addition of 0.6% AA had a positive impact (p < 0.05) on all investigated variables compared with the control and other groups. Dietary supplementation with 0.6% AA led to increased breast, giblet, skeleton, and total yield, and net return compared with the control group. Supplementation with AA exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological effects through improved levels of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in tissue homogenates of the liver and spleen. It also upregulated the relative messenger RNA levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, whereas IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were downregulated. The study found that AA is a promising replacement for antibiotics in poultry farming as a growth promoter for chickens. 0.6% AA in the broiler diet yielded the best results, striking a balance between superior performance and robust economic benefits.

Impacts of Bacillus probiotics on productive performance and egg quality criteria in laying Japanese quails

The present study aimed to determine the effects of adding Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to laying quail diets on performance, egg quality, and internal organ weights. We used 96 laying Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) at 12 weeks of age. The birds were divided into three treatment groups (32 quails per group), each divided into eight replicates (four quails per replicate). The research was carried out in three periods of 28 days each. We used three diets; the 1st group served as a control group, receiving only a basal diet. The 2nd and 3rd experimental groups received 0.1% (1×109 CFU/g) B. megaterium and B. amyloliquefaciens as an addition to the basal diet, respectively. Adding B. megaterium and B. amyloliquefaciens did not influence the performance parameters statistically. Also, adding B. megaterium and B. amyloliquefaciens significantly (p<0.05) impacted the albumen index, Haugh unit, and egg yolk compared to the control group. In contrast, the applied Bacillus species did not affect other egg quality parameter values. The addition of B. megaterium and B. amyloliquefaciens did not significantly influence body weight, heart weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, small intestine length, and caecum length among the slaughter parameters examined. Adding 0.1% (1×109 CFU/g), of B. amyloliquefaciens to the laying quail diets can be used without causing a significant difference in performance, egg quality characteristics, and visceral weights compared to the control group.

Effects of in ovo feeding of xylobiose and xylotriose on growth performance, carcass traits, ileal histomorphometry, and immune-related gene expression in broiler chickens

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are known as prebiotics which promote beneficial gut microbes, improve gut health and the performance of broilers. Xylobiose (XOS2) and xylotriose (XOS3) are two compounds in the XOS group. In ovo feeding could deliver these prebiotics to the embryo, and this is considered as an effective method for studying the effects of the prebiotics during embryonic development and the post-hatch period. This study investigated the effects of in ovo feeding of XOS2 and XOS3 on growth performance, carcass traits, ileal histomorphometry, and immune-related gene expression in broilers. A total of 144 fertilized eggs of Cobb 500 broilers were divided into three groups: (a) non-injected control (CON), (b) XOS2, and (c) XOS3. The eggs from XOS2 and XOS3 groups were injected with 0.5 ml of 0.85% normal saline solution containing 3 mg of XOS2 and 3 mg of XOS3, respectively, into their amniotic sac on the 17th embryonic day. A total of 131 hatched chicks were raised in 18 replicate pens (5 or more chicks per pen) following standard management practices and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet for 21 days. The feed intake and body weight (BW) data were recorded weekly. The chickens were euthanized on day 7, day 14, and day 21 to collect ileum sections, and the carcass traits were recorded on only day 21. Total RNA was extracted from ileum tissues, and qPCR was performed to measure the gene expression. All the statistical analyses considered the significance level at a P value <0.05. The result showed that in ovo treatments did not affect the hatchability of the eggs. The XOS2 group showed a trend to increase the BW on day 0, compared to CON (P=0.052), and the XOS3 group showed better FCR improvement than the XOS2 group in the first week. There was no difference (P>0.05) among the groups for the weight of the breast muscle, drumsticks, gizzard, proventriculus, and carcass weight at the age of 21 days. The histomorphometry of the ileum on day 7 revealed a significant reduction (P<0.05) of villi height (VH), villi width (VW), and crypt depth (CD) in XOS2, compared to the CON group. On day 7, a lower CD and a higher VH to CD ratio were recorded in XOS3, compared to CON. On day 14, XOS3 showed an increase in VW and villi surface area (VSA) compared to XOS2 birds. On day 7, the expression of IL10 in XOS2 was higher compared to CON and XOS3, and CD56 was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the XOS2 compared to CON group. On day 21, the XOS2 and XOS3 significantly lower the expression of IFNγ. Overall, XOS2 and XOS3 significantly increased immunity until day 21. In conclusion, in ovo XOS feeding demonstrated the potential to modulate gut morphology and immunity of the chickens during the post-hatch days.

Effects of Inclusion of Gongronema Latifolium Leaf Extract as a Supplementary Source of Vitamins and Minerals on the Growth Performance and Haematology of Broiler Finishers

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract (GLLE) as a supplementary source of vitamins and minerals on growth performance and haematology of broiler finishers. A total of 20 four (4) weeks old broilers were randomly selected and assigned to five treatment groups, namely water (control), water+ vitalyte, water+ 60ml GLLE, water+ 30ml GLLE and water+ 10mIGLLE. Results showed that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in weight gain but there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in Hb, PCV and RBC. The relative weights of gizzard, heart and liver of the broilers fed extract (except 30ml extract) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced compared with the broilers fed vitalyte. The group fed 30ml extract had the highest weight in gizzard. 30ml GLLE enhanced the growth performance of broilers without any adverse effect on their blood. GLLE can serve as a substitute to the commercially synthetic vitamins and minerals premixes in feeding poultry.

Effects of Dietary Incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Leaf Powder on Production Performance and Blood Indices of Broiler Chickens as a Substitute of Antibiotic

The study was planned to determine the effects of dietary incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaf powder on production performance, carcass traits, and blood indices of broiler chickens as a substitute for the antibiotic. A total of 200-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided randomly into 5 experimental groups. Whereas groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were offered basal feed supplemented with 2% Neem Leaf Powder (NLP), 2% Moringa Leaf Powder (MLP), 2% Jute Leaf Powder (JLP), and antibiotics, respectively. In this research, the total feed consumption of birds was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower in the T1 and T2 group than in the T3 and T4 group. Final live weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in 2% MLP treated group T2 followed by T1, T3, and T0 group. Significantly (P &lt; 0.05) better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in the T2 group compared to T0, T3, and T4 groups. There found no significant (P &gt; 0.05) effect of treatments on the survivability percentage of birds. All the treatment groups showed an insignificant (P &gt; 0.05) effect on dressing percentage and organs (liver, heart, and gizzard) weight of broiler chicken. Weight of immune organs (spleen and bursa) and blood parameters (concentration of hemoglobin, glucose, and cholesterol) were not influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary addition. Birds fed the lower amount of feed, higher body weight, and improved FCR were found in the 2% MLP treated group. In overall aspects, the effectiveness of 2% MLP addition was better than 2% NLP and 2% JLP as an antibiotic alternative.

Comparative responses of Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite and Shaver Heritage White Leghorn hens when fed diets containing fine and coarse oat hulls

A standard commercial mash (control), or a mixture of control and fine (FOH) or coarse oat hulls (COH) at a ratio of 80:20 w/ w were fed to 57-week old Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite (LSL) and 44-week old Shavers Heritage White Leghorns (SHW) for 28 days. There was no ( P &gt; 0.05) strain and diet interaction or diet effects on egg production indices (EP) and feed intake (FI). However, LSL hens had similar ( P &gt; 0.05) FI but higher ( P &gt; 0.05) EP than SHW. There was no strain and diet interaction observed on apparent retention of gross energy (ARGE) and gizzard weight ( P &gt; 0.05). However, the control hens had higher ARGE, and lighter gizzards compared to oat hull-fed hens ( P &lt; 0.01). In addition, COH hens had higher ARGE and heavier gizzards compared to FOH hens. The SHW hens exhibited greater jejunal crypt depth ( P = 0.011) compared to LSL hens. An interaction ( P = 0.041) between strain and diets on ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA) was such that oat hulls reduced SCFA in LSL but not in SHW hens. In conclusion, despite differences in age, relative to predecessors the modern hen is adaptable to ingestion of structural material rich insoluble fiber without negative impact on egg production and feed intake.