Gizzard Weight Research Articles

Multi-processed cassava root meal: A suitable replacement for maize in Japanese quail diet

The aptness of multi-processed cassava root meal in place of maize was examined using four hundred (400) day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks. The quails were randomized to five sets of four replicates each, of 20 quails per replicate. The experiment lasted for 5 weeks. Fresh cassava roots (Manihot esculenta) were rid of extraneous materials, ground to pasty form, and left in the sac for seven days to let out the water content and ferment. The cassava tuber cakes obtained were further sundried to reduce the moisture level. The resulting meal was used to formulate the experimental diet at 0.00%, 25.00%, 50.00%, 75.00%, and 100.00% replacement levels for maize in the diets C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5 respectively. The final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and all hematological parameters were significantly different (p < 0.05). However, Alanine aminotransferase, total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol were not significantly different (p > 0.05) among the serum biochemistry parameters. Similarly, meat sensory properties were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05) but yolk color, smell, taste, and overall acceptability differ significantly (p < 0.05) for egg sensory properties. The liver, empty gizzard, abdominal fat, and testicle weights were significantly different (p < 0.05). The results obtained suggest that maize can totally (100%) be replaced with multi-processed cassava root meal in the diets of Japanese quails because the feed conversion ratio was not affected, the birds were not anemic, serum metabolites were not adversely influenced and meat sensory properties were not affected. In addition, egg organoleptic showed that yolk color, smell, and taste were improved.

The effect of feeding with different protein levels on internal organ weight and gene expression of MEF2A and ATF3 in crossbred local chicken using RT-PCR

BackgroundMyogenic enhancer transcription factor 2A (MEF2A) is a transcription factor known for its role in controlling skeletal muscle regeneration and metabolic processes, while activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a stress-induced transcription factor that plays a role in modulating metabolic processes, immunity, and oncogenesis. Environmental factors, such as dietary protein, can influence gene expression levels. Insufficient protein intake can negatively affect the metabolic performance of internal organs, leading to the abnormal weight of internal organs. A total of 192 non-sexing crossbred local chickens day-old-chick (DOC) with a completely randomized design (CRD) method of 3 treatments and 8 replicates. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to measure the gene expression levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding with various protein levels on internal organ weight and gene expression of MEF2A and ATF3 in crossbred local chickens. ResultThe analysis of treatment revealed that the results were not significantly different (P > 0.05) on gizzard weight and spleen weight. However, it shows a significantly different result (P < 0.05) on heart weight and a highly significantly different result (P < 0.01) on pancreas weight. These findings suggest that protein levels in the diet had a significant impact on heart and pancreas weights. In terms of gene expression, the increased utilization of protein did not result in an elevation of MEF2A gene expression in both muscle tissue and liver tissue. Specifically, in muscle tissue, MEF2A gene expression was highly expressed at 18% protein feed for the starter phase and 16% for the finisher phase. Conversely, in liver tissue, MEF2A gene expression was highly expressed at 22% protein feed for the starter phase and 20% for the finisher phase. Moreover, ATF3 gene expression in muscle tissue exhibited a negative correlation with increasing feed protein levels. ConclusionThe results indicate that varying protein levels did not lead to abnormal weights in the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen organs. Additionally, the differential gene expression patterns of MEF2A and ATF3 in muscle tissue and liver tissue suggest that these genes respond differently to varying protein-feeding treatments. These findings provide insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms of MEF2A and ATF3 genes in relation to protein levels and organ-specific responses in crossbred local chickens.

Effect of Different Feed Particle Size on Gastrointestinal Tract Morphology, Ileal Digesta Viscosity, and Blood Biochemical Parameters as Markers of Health Status in Broiler Chickens.

The study is focused on how the physical structure of the feed affects the health status of broiler chickens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of feed particle size in broiler diets on gastrointestinal tract morphology, digesta viscosity, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 90 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into three different experimental groups (with five replicates per pen), with 6 birds per cage. The first experimental group (Coarse) was fed with the coarsest particle size, with feed with a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 1111.26 µm, the next group (Medium) was fed with a less coarse feed size of GMD 959.89 µm, and the last group (Fine) was fed a diet with a fine feed particle size of GMD 730.48 µm. The use of coarse feed particle size in the diet had a positive effect on the gizzard weight and small intestinal villi height and crypt depth, which increased the surface area intended for digesting nutrients. The use of finely ground particles in the feed increased the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase and at the same time, decreased the level of urea, which could indicate adverse changes in the liver.

Efficacy of oat hulls varying in particle size in mitigating performance deterioration in broilers fed low-density crude protein diets

Dietary fibres with increased particle size may develop foregut more efficiently in meat poultry fed diets moderately low in crude protein. The study investigated the performance of broilers fed low-density crude protein diets with the inclusion of oat hulls increasing in particle size. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n=336) were divided into 48 pens, 12 pens per treatment (7 chicks per pen). Pens were allocated to 4 dietary treatments in mash form; positive control (PC), a standard crude protein diet, negative control (NC), around 5% lower in protein with 5% celite as an inert material, OH400: 5% lower protein diet with 5% oat hulls of geometric mean diameter (GMD) 400 µm, OH850: 5% lower protein diet with 5% oat hulls of GMD 850µm. Birds were fed ad libitum from d 1 to 35 in 3 phases; starter: d 0 to 10, grower: d 10 to 24 and finisher: d 24 to 35. Growth performance was calculated at the end of the trial. Two birds per pen were sampled on d 24 and 35 to collect data on proventriculus and gizzard weights and pooled ileal digesta. Apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids on d 24, and metabolizable energy on d 24 and 35 were recorded for each pen. Litter was sampled from each pen on d 34 to analyze litter N and moisture content. Footpad dermatitis scores of all birds per pen were recorded on d 35. Overall, no difference (P > 0.05) in body weight gain and feed intake was found between the treatments. However, NC and OH400 showed poorer FCR than PC, whereas FCR on PC and OH850 was similar (P > 0.05). Gizzard absolute weight and relative to body weight, and gizzard to proventriculus ratio were higher (P < 0.05) on OH850 compared to PC and NC on d 24 and 35. Gizzard digesta particle size was reduced (P < 0.05) on OH850 compared to all other diets on d 24 and 35. Amino acids digestibility coefficients for aspartic acid and valine increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed OH850 compared to PC, whereas coefficients for several other amino acids were improved compared to NC and OH400. The apparent ileal digestibility of metabolizable energy was similar (P > 0.05) between PC and OH850. Litter moisture and nitrogen, and footpad dermatitis scores were reduced (P < 0.05) on OH850 compared to PC. In conclusion, the inclusion of coarse oat hulls of GMD 850 µm in low-density crude protein diets can be beneficial for the broilers in developing the foregut, utilizing the nutrients efficiently and reducing litter nitrogen and moisture, and footpad scores.

Comparative growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short chain fatty acids and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens and turkey poults in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement fed from hatch to 28 days of life

Growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and apparent retention (AR) of components were investigated in broilers and turkeys in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement (MES) fed from hatch to 28 d of life. 480-day-old male broiler chicks and equal number of turkeys were placed separately in metabolism cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated to 8 diets. The species-specific diets were a corn or wheat-based basal diet without (LF) or with 10% corn DDGS or wheat middlings (HF) and fed without or with MES. This effectively created a 2 (grain types)×2 (fiber levels)×2 (MES) factorial arrangement of treatments. The diets had TiO2 as an indigestible marker. Body weight, feed intake, and mortalities were recorded to calculate body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Excreta samples were collected on d 25 to 27 for AR, and all birds were necropsied for gizzard weight and ceca digesta on d 28. The interaction between grain and MES in broilers was such that wheat diets with MES had the lowest (P=0.005) FCR. In broilers, LF diets had better (P=0.010) FCR than HF diets. The wheat diets had the highest (P=0.006) concentration of butyric acid in broilers. Broilers fed HF and corn diets had heavier gizzard than broilers-fed LF and wheat diets. The MES improved (P < 0.05) AMEn in HF, corn, and wheat diets in broilers. The turkeys fed wheat diets had the lowest (P=0.019) FCR. Turkeys fed HF wheat diets had the heaviest (P < 0.001) gizzard. In turkeys, the MES improved AMEn in HF and LF corn diets, and only in LF wheat diets compared to respective controls. Treatments had no effect on turkeys cecal SCFA. In conclusion, grain type, fiber, and MES did not affect growth in both species. However, species exhibited differing FCR, gizzard, and energy utilization to fiber and MES.

Response of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Forms of Tanzania-type Diets with Microbial Enzymes

A study was conducted to assess the effect of feed form and microbial enzyme supplementation on performance, endogenous enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed Tanzania-type diets. A total of 480 day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to a 2 (mash or pellet) × 4 (no enzyme, Axtra XB, Quantum Blue or Axtra XB + Quantum Blue) factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design with 10 birds per replicate. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 10, 24 and 35 days of age. Visceral organ weight was measured at 10 d and 24 d, and meat parts yield was assessed at 35 d. Feed intake (FI) was highest in birds fed the pelleted diets at 24 d and 35 d, and it was increased further when enzymes were supplemented individually and in combination. Body weight gain was comparatively higher in the birds fed pelleted diets. Enzyme supplementation was found to increase BWG at 24 d and 35 d. The FCR was reduced in birds fed the pelleted diets compared to the mash-fed birds. Birds provided with a combination of Axtra XB and QB responded with lower FCR. The relative weight of gizzard plus proventriculus, pancreas and small intestine were higher in birds fed on mash; however, the effect of enzymes was only observed on the pancreas at 10 d. The relative weights of most body parts (breast, thighs and drumsticks) were significantly higher in birds fed pelleted diets with inclusion of microbial enzymes. The dry matter (DM) digestibility was neither affected by feed form nor by enzyme supplementation while the digestibility of gross energy (GE), starch, protein, and fat were higher in birds fed pelleted diets than those on mash. Addition of microbial enzymes positively influenced the digestibility of all nutrients that were assessed. Endogenous enzyme activities at 10 d were higher in birds supplied with pelleted diets, except for sucrase, which was not affected by feed form. Exogenous enzyme inclusion in diets only affected the activities of sucrase and aminopeptidase at 24 d. The results indicated that both pelleting of diets and microbial enzyme supplementation increased FI and BWG and improved FCR in broiler chickens. The activities of pancreatic and most of the jejunal enzymes were increased by feeding of pelleted feeds, resulting in better nutrient digestibility.

Effect of phytase and protease supplementation on growth performance, protein digestibility and gizzard and pancreas development of broilers fed with low-protein diets

The objective was to evaluate the effect of a phytase, a protease and a combination of both on the productive performance, organ development and crude protein digestibility of broilers fed low-protein diets. The experiment involved five experimental diets: adequate crude protein level (Control), low crude protein (Low) and the low crude protein diet supplemented either with phytase (Low+F, 2800 FTU), protease (Low+P, 6500 Anson units/kg) and both enzymes simultaneously (Low+F+P), fed during the starter (7–21 d), grower (22–32 d) and finisher (33–37 d) phases. Overall, during the 7–37 d period, the average daily feed intake of the birds that consumed the diets containing phytase (Low+F and Low+F+P) and the Control was higher (P = 0.005) than that of the birds that consumed the Low and the Low+P diets. In addition, the average daily gain was highest for the Low+F and Control diets compared to the rest of the experimental diets (P = 0.02). No differences in feed conversion ratio were found between the birds for the 7–21, 22–32, 33–37 or the overall 7–37 d periods (P > 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein of the Low diet was lower than that of the rest of the diets (P = 0.01). During the 7–37 d period, the ENR of the birds that consumed the Low+F diet was highest (64.6%), followed by the Low+P (60.9%), Low+F+P (59.0%) and Low (58.5%) diets, with the lowest results obtained for the Control diet (54.7%, P < 0.05). Overall, the orthogonal contrasts indicate that including phytase in low-protein diets can be beneficial for the performance of the animals. The relative gizzard weight of the birds that consumed the control diets were lower than the rest of the low-protein diets (P = 0.007). In conclusion, whilst phytase supplementation improves the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and the ENR of broilers fed low-protein diets, no effects were noticed for the supplementation of an exogenous protease or the combination of both enzymes.

Effect of dietary sweet almond oil on performance, carcass parameters, blood values and meat quality of Japanese quails.

In this study, the effects of two different levels of sweet almond supplementation (2,500 and 5,000 mg/kg) to Japanese quails’ diets (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) on performance, carcass group, blood values and meat quality were examined. For this purpose, 72 one-day-old Japanese quails were randomly distributed under control and two different experimental groups for 35 days experiment, and their body weight and feed consumption were evaluated. At the end of the study, a total of 8 animals from each group were selected and slaughtered. Hot carcass yield, relative weights of liver, heart, spleen, gizzard, proventriculus and bursa of Fabricius to body weight were determined in slaughtered animals. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and lipase levels in blood serum samples and water holding capacity, pH, malondialdehyde, L, a*, and b* values in breast meat samples were investigated. As a result of the study, it was determined that the addition of sweet almond oil had a positive effect on performance, decreased lipase level in blood serum, and 2,500 mg/kg sweet almond oil supplementation reduced the ratio of proventriculus to body weight. To sum up, it was found that the addition of sweet almond oil to Japanese quail rations had a positive effect on performance and feed consumption; it also appears to reduce blood serum lipase value and proventriculus weight.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN TEPUNG LIMBAH KULIT ROTI TAWAR TERHADAP PERSENTASE BOBOT ORGAN DALAM PADA ITIK MOJOSARI JANTAN (Anas platyrhynchos)

This study aims to study the effect of giving bread waste on the percentage of weight viscera in Male Mojosari Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Two-week-old male Mojosari ducks were obtained from the Livestock Breeding Center for Animal Feed forage with 100 animals, the feed used was composed of fine bran, concentrate, fish meal, bread flour, coconut oil, vitamins, and minerals. Metod used a Completely Randomized Design. The used 5 treatments 4 replications consisting of 10% TR0 Bread Flour + 90% feed ration, TR20 20% Bread Flour + 80% feed ration, TR30 Bread Flour 30% + 70% feed Ration, and TR40 Bread Flour 40% + 60% Ration feed. The variables measured were heart weight percentage, heart weight percentage, and gizzard weight percentage. Research data were analyzed using Homogeneity Test and Variance Analysis Test. The results of this study indicate that the provision of bread waste flour in a ratio of no less than 40% can increase the percentage of heart weight and does not affect the liver and gizzard.

Production of Superworm Larvae (Zophobas Morio Fabricius, 1776) with Azolla and Soft Pollard as Substrate: It’s Effect as Substitute to Protein Source on the Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, and Economics of Broiler Chicken

The study was conducted to assess the potential of superworm larvae Zophobas morio as protein source in broiler chicken ration. A total of 50 grams of larvae was cultivated in a controlled environment and then allocated into uniformly-sized boxes, following a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 replications per treatment involving combined substrates: A) azolla-soft pollard, B) azolla-rice bran D2, and C) azolla-ground yellow corn. The larvae produced using azolla-soft pollard substrate were used as the protein ingredient in the subsequent experiment. The selection of the larvae was based on the highest yield and lowest neutral detergent fiber value. One hundred twenty-eight (128) day-old broiler chicks were distributed to the 4 dietary treatments in randomized complete block design with cage location as the blocking factor. Ration were formulated to contain 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% superworm larvae meal (SLM) as protein ingredient. The experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and data gathered were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance of SAS university edition. Broilers under control group exhibited better growth performance compared to those with SLM inclusion. However, gradual improvement in growth performance and economic analysis for birds fed at 6% SLM inclusion was observed. Moreover, increase in carcass and gizzard weight was also observed when SLM was included at 4% and 6% in the diet. Incorporating 6% superworm larvae meal (SLM) into the diets of broiler chickens can lead to a gradual enhancement in their growth performance. To minimize chitin content, it is recommended to harvest superworms at a lower instar stage.

Effects of different stocking densities on organ development, blood biochemical indices, and antioxidative status of breeder pigeons during the rearing period

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different stocking densities on the organ development, blood biochemical indices, and antioxidative status of breeder pigeons during the rearing period. A total of 280 (halfmaleandhalffemale) 40-day-old young pigeons were allocated into 4 groups, including 3 experimental groups (in compartments of the flying room): the high stocking density (HSD) (0.308 m3/bird), standard stocking density (SD) (0.616 m3/bird), and low stocking density (LSD) (1.232 m3/bird) and a caged control (0.04125 m3/bird). The results showed that the contents of corticosterone and heat shock protein 70 in males and the corticosterone content in females were higher in the control than in the other groups. The relative weight of liver, lung, and gizzard in males of the HSD group was the highest among the 4 treatments, whereas the abdominal fat index in the control group was higher than those in the other 3 treatments. Body weight and the relative weight of liver and abdominal fat in female pigeons in HSD group increased significantly. The levels of serum urea nitrogen and uric acid in pigeons of LSD group increased significantly, while the concentration of total cholesterol and the activity of alanine aminotransferase were higher in the control group. Ion (K+, Ca2+, and Na+) concentrations in female pigeon serum were also elevated in the control. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in pigeon breast muscle and liver had different degrees of inhibition when the space room was crowded. Moreover, the level of malondialdehyde in the liver of male caged pigeons was higher than that in the other treatments. In summary, rearing in cages or at a high density caused stress responses in the breeder pigeons. The stocking density of breeder pigeons during the rearing period should be ranged from 0.616 m3/bird to 1.232 m3/bird.

Substitution Effect of Rice Bran with Coffee Pulp Meal on Feed Efficiency and Percentages of Viscera Organs of Broilers

Research on animal feed has often focused on finding alternative feed ingredients to replace conventional ones in order to reduce feed costs. By-products from processing crops and food products have received much attention as feed alternatives because of their consistent and mass production, one of them is a waste of coffee. This research was conducted to evaluate the substitution effect of rice bran with coffee pulp meal on feed efficiency and viscera organs of broiler. The 100 broilers (Hubbard strain) and placed randomly into 4 treatments (R0 = ration with rice bran 21% + 0% coffee pulp meal; R1 = ration with 14% rice bran + 7% coffee pulp meal; R2 = ration with 7% rice bran + 14% coffee pulp meal; R3 = ration with 0% rice bran + 21% coffee pulp meal and each treatment consisted of 5 replications, five broilers each. The broilers were arranged by completely randomized design; a Tukey test was used to compare mean different of the treatments. Substitution effect of Rice Bran with Coffee Pulp Meal on ration had significant effect on decreasing feed efficiency and significantly increase the weight percentage of heart, gizzard, pancreas, and intestine (P&lt;0.05) but had no significant on the weight percentage of caecum in broiler (P&gt;0.05) Tukey test showed that the higher proportion of coffee hull meal the feed consumption and body gain non-significant to R0, R1 and R2. On the other hand feed efficiency of R3 significantly lower compared to R0, R1and R2. The higher the percentage of liver, gizzard, pancreas and intestine weight. However, there was no significant effect on caecum weight percentage. The conclution was: Utilization coffee pulp meal had significant effect on decreasing feed efficiency and significantly increase the weight percentage of heart, gizzard, pancreas, and intestine

The effects of probiotic and threonine application on the carcass yield, internal organ development, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiota of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of probiotics (Ecobiol®) and threonine supplements on broiler internal organs and intestinal health under Clostridium perfringens challenge. A total of 1600 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to eight treatments with eight replicates each of 25 birds. Dietary treatments consisted of two levels of supplemented threonine (without and with threonine supplementation), two levels of probiotics (Ecobiol®) supplement (0 and 0. 1% of diet), and two levels of challenge (without and with 1 ml of the C. perfringens inoculum (∼108 cfu/ml) on d 14, 15, and 16 of the experiment), which fed to the birds during a 42 d feeding trial. The results showed that adding threonine and probiotic supplements to the diets of C. perfringens-infected birds reduced the relative gizzard weight by 22.9% compared to those fed un-supplemented diet (P ≤ 0.024). As compared to the non-challenged group, the C. perfringens challenge significantly reduced the carcass yield of broilers by 1.18% (P < 0.0004). The groups receiving threonine and probiotic supplementation had higher carcass yield, and the inclusion of probiotics in the diet decreased abdominal fat by 16.18% compared with the control treatment (P ≤ 0.001). Adding threonine and probiotic supplements to the diets of broilers challenged with C. perfringens increased the jejunum villus height in comparison with C. perfringens-infected group fed an unsupplemented diet on day 18 (P ≤ 0.019). The number of cecal E. coli increased in birds under C. perfringens challenge in comparison with the negative group. Based on the findings, dietary inclusion of threonine and probiotic supplement could beneficially affect intestine health and carcass weight during the C. perfringens challenge.

Nutritional evaluation of soybean meals varying in particle size

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying soybean meal (SBM) particle sizes on nutritional value of the SBM. Seven samples of dehulled solvent-extracted SBM from the same batch were ground to varying mean particles of <386, 466, 809, 1,174, 1,577, 2,026, and 2,321 μm. Two precision-fed rooster assays (crop intubation with 25 g of SBM followed by 48 h total excreta collection) were performed to determine TMEn and standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility. There were no significant differences for TMEn among SBM samples, and there was also no consistent significant effect of particle size on standardized AA digestibility. In addition to the 2 precision-fed rooster assays, a 21 d broiler chick trial was conducted using corn-SBM based diets using 4 diets that differed only in the mean particle size of SBM (466, 809, 1,174, or 1,577 μm), being fed from 2 to 23 d of age. Chicks fed diets containing 809 or 1,174 μm SBM had increased (P < 0.05) weight gain compared with chicks fed the diet containing 466 μm SBM, and chicks fed diets containing 1,174 or 1,577 μm SBM had increased (P < 0.05) feed efficiency compared with chicks fed the diet containing 466 μm SBM. The diet containing 466 μm SBM yielded the highest (P < 0.05) AMEn and total tract P retention. Ileal P digestibility and standardized AA digestibilities did not differ among treatments. Relative gizzard weight (percent of body weight) was increased (P < 0.05) by the 2 largest SBM particle sizes. The results from these 3 experiments showed that increasing SBM particle size may be beneficial to broiler growth performance and may increase gizzard size but had no consistent significant effect on ME, AA digestibility, or P digestibility/retention.

Comparison of Mixed and Choice Feeding of Whole Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Performance of Commercial Broilers

Wheat is the cereal grain of choice for Whole Grain Feeding (WGF) in poultry, despite the fact that globally maize is the most commonly used cereal grain. In this context, in the present study feeding of whole wheat to commercial broilers with two types of feeding systems were used ie. mixed and choice feeding systems of wheat with different levels of replacement with maize by 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. The body weight and body weight gain of birds fed with 20% and 40% choice feeding of wheat was found to be the highest (p&lt;0.05). The mean wheat consumption (g/bird) from total feed consumption under choice feeding during 2 to 6 weeks of age in birds fed with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% were found to be 363.18, 720.12, 1398.45, 2160.30 and 3202.10, respectively. Birds fed with choice feeding of 40% wheat showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved FCR. The highest livability (%) was found in the birds fed with 40% and 100% choice feeding of wheat. The gizzard weight (g) showed non-significant difference among the birds fed with various treatment rations. The highest return over feed cost (in Rs.) was found in the birds fed with 40% choice feeding of wheat. The overall results indicated that choice feeding system is more suitable for better body weight gain and improved FCR as compared to mixed feeding system of whole wheat. Feeding with 40% maize in diet replaced by wheat and offered in separate feeder is more economical and profitable due to higher body weight gain, improved FCR and acceptable mortality.

Effects of access to feed, water, and a competitive exclusion product in the hatcher on some immune traits and gut development in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effect of access to feed, water, and the competitive exclusion (CE) product Broilact®, administered in the hatcher, on broiler performance, caecal microbiota development, organ development, intestinal morphology, serum levels of IgY and vaccine-induced antibody responses. 2. In total, 250 chicks were hatched in a HatchCareTM hatcher and divided into four groups, given access to feed, water and the CE product sprayed on the chicks (CEs); access to feed, water, and the CE product in water (CEw); access to feed and water (Cpos); or no access to feed and water (Cneg) in the hatcher. 3. At the research facility, 10 chicks per hatching treatment were euthanised for organ measurements. The remaining 200 chicks were randomly distributed to 20 pens. On d 11, all birds were vaccinated against avian pneumovirus (APV). Three focal birds per pen were blood-sampled weekly for quantification of IgY and serum antibodies to APV. On d 11 and 32, two birds per replicate pen were euthanised for organ measurements and sample collection. Feed intake and body weight were recorded weekly. 4. Delayed access to feed and water reduced weight gain and feed intake early in life. At the end of the study, no differences in body weight remained. 5. There were some early effects on organs, with depressed intestinal development and higher relative gizzard weight for the Cneg group at placement. No treatment effects on the immune traits measured were detected. 6. The relative abundance of seven bacterial genera differed between treatment groups at d 11 of age. The results suggested that chickens are capable of compensating for 40 h feed and water deprival post-hatch. Provision of Broilact® did not have any persistent performance-enhancing properties, although different outcomes under rearing conditions closer to commercial production cannot be ruled out.

Effects of pellet diameter and crumble size on the growth performance and relative gizzard weight of broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare the growth performance, gizzard and relative gizzard weight (RGW) of broilers fed a mash diet, micro-pellets, or coarse and fine crumbles with or without the fines removed. A total of 300 Cobb 500 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 60 battery cages with 5 broilers per cage. Cages were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments to provide 10 replicates per treatment in a CRD. Treatments comprised of 1) mash (M); 2) micro-pellets (MP); 3) coarse-crumbles with fines (CCF); 4) coarse-crumbles with fines removed (CCNF); 5) fine-crumbles with fines (FCF); and 6) fine-crumbles with fines removed (FCNF). Overall BW, ADG, and ADFI were increased (P < 0.001), FCR improved (P < 0.001), and RGW decreased (P < 0.001) for broilers fed MP or crumbles compared to the M diet. Broilers fed MP, CCNF, and FCNF had increased (P < 0.05) BW compared to those fed CCF and FCF. Broilers fed the CCNF had improved (P < 0.05) FCR compared to those fed all other treatments. Gizzard weight (P = 0.0007) and RGW (P < 0.0001) were higher for birds fed M, FCF, and FCNF compared to other diets. The results of this study indicated that feeding MP or crumbles to broiler chicks improved feed intake, BW, and FCR but reduced RGW. Removing the fines resulted in further improvement in BW for broilers fed crumbles. Furthermore, feeding good quality crumbles yielded similar growth performance in chicks fed micro-pellets.

Morphometric and Internal Measurement of African Mourning Doves at Elssuki Area, Sinnar State Sudan

The African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens decipiens) is the most widespread species of Columbidae in Africa. There is little research done on this species in Sudan. This study was conducted in 15/12/2016 to 29/3/2017, at Elssuki area, N 13 19 0 E 33 52 60, Sinnar state, Sudan. The aims of this study are to assess the morphometric (body weight, bill, tarsus, tail, wing, head and culmen length) and physiological variation of African mourning dove (Streptopelia decipiens decipiens). Twenty birds were captured by traditional traps from Alssuki city and around Hamadna allah village 11 km from Elssuki. Morphological measurement like body weight, the tall of the tail, bill, bill with ahead, wings and tarsus were measured using ruler and registered in a sheet. Internal parts were also measures, the tall of intestine and kidneys, the heart, liver and gizzard were weighed using sensitive balance. There is significant variation between the bird in body weight, the tall of morphological feature and external one. The sample from Hamadna allah reflect higher weigh and of tall of both internal or external parts. It was agreed with some studies in other parts of the world of morphometric variation but on other hands showed that there is a relationship between body weight and some internal parts like gizzard weight. The difference may be attributed to genetic characters, or type, or availability of food or food quality, and habitat differentiation.

Productive performance, egg quality and the morphometry of the organs of Japanese quails (Cotournix cotournix japônica) kept at different temperatures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, egg quality and the morphometry of the organs of Japanese quails (Cotournix cotournix japônica) when kept in comfort and under thermal stress. 192 nine-week-old quail were used, distributed in a completely randomized design at two temperatures (T1 = 24 °C and T2 = 32 °C), with 12 replicates of eight birds each, with an experimental period of 63 days, divided into three 21-day periods. Feed intake (g fowl-1 day-1), water consumption (mL fowl-1 day-1), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g fowl- 1 day-1) and feed conversion (kg kg-1 and kg dozen-1). Laying quails after their production cycle are marketed as beef animals. It is observed that the average final live weight was reduced (P = 0.0362) by 27.58 g in birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC, which can compromise its commercial value. The feed intake of the birds was reduced (P = 0.0051) by 14.75% with an increase in ambient temperature. Birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC for 12 h daily showed a reduction in feed intake, final weight, yolk, and gizzard weight, but without affecting egg production, weight and mass.

The Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf and Canola Seed Powder on Fattening, Laying Performance, Blood Plasma Constituents, and Microbiota in Japanese Quails

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of feeding Japanese quail chicks with diets containing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf and canola seed powder on growth performance, carcass yield, blood plasma constituents, and egg production. The trial lasted for a total of 7 weeks, with 5 weeks of fattening and two weeks of laying. The first group was the control group, while the second group was supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves (4g/kg diet), the third group was supplemented with canola seed powder (4g/kg diet), the fourth group was supplemented with a mix of Moringa oleifera leaves and canola seed powder (8g/kg diet). The results showed that canola seed powder from 0-3 weeks of age increased body weight in comparison to the control group, but there were no significant differences (p<0.05) among groups in terms of the final body weight and feed conversion ratio. Average daily feed intake was significantly different (p<0.05). However, body weight, carcass weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, and abdominal fat weight increased significantly compared to the control group. Feeding Moringa oleifera leaves and canola seed powder significantly increased the total plasma protein, as compared to the control group. There were significant decreases in cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL levels among groups, with no significant differences in glucose, ALT and LDL among all treatments. The addition of Moringa oleifera leaf and canola seed powder showed significant effects on calcium and magnesium. Both Moringa oleifera leaf and Moringa-canola mixture significantly reduced the presence of some pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system, which was seen as an important contribution to the digestive and immune systems.