Gizzard Weight Research Articles

The effect of using pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population of Japanese quails

To evaluate the effect of using pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population of Japanese quails, two hundred and forty-one days-old Japanese quails were divided as an experimental randomized design plan into the eight treatments with 3 replicates and 10 quails each. The treatments were basal diet basis corn and soybean meal with no any supplementation kept as control, and three 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 perctengae of pomegranate peels powder and two levels (0 and 0.1) percentage of diet of protexin probiotic respectively. At the age of 35 days, two quail pieces (male and female) were randomly selected from each replication and blood sampling were done to determine blood parameters. Mentioned quails were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass traits also and to determine the histomorphology of the intestinal tissue samples near Meckel's diverticulum from ileum were chosen and to determine the microbial population of the small intestine, fresh sample of the digestive contents of the ileum was taken. The results showed that the percentage of live weight and carcass weight increased significantly with the consumption of pomegranate peel powder and protexin (p≤0.05). The live and carcass weight and relative organ weight of gizzard, heart and intestine increased, but the relative weight of the liver showed a significant decrease (p≤0.05). Data also showed that the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood serum of quails were significantly reduced under the influence of pomegranate peel powder and protexin consumption (p≤0.05). Intestinal evaluation of ileum showed that by consuming pomegranate peel powder and protexin, the population of Lactobacillus increased and the population of Escherichia coli decreased none significantly .Additionally the histomorphology evaluation of the intestinal jejunum tissue showed that the width, length, height of the intestinal villi and the mucosal muscle increased with the increase in the consumption of pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatments. In general, the results showed beneficial effects of increasing levels of pomegranate peel powder up to 0.6 percentage level and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population in quails.

Evaluation of apple (Malus domestica) cider vinegar and garlic (Allium sativum) extract as phytogenic substitutes for growth-promoting dietary antibiotics in sexed broiler chickens.

Tightening global regulations on the use of subclinical dietary antibiotics to enhance broiler growth are in response to increasing concern about the risk of resistance and their residues in animal products. The study evaluated the potential of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and garlic extract (GAE) as safer, phytogenic alternatives. A batch of 390 mixed-sex Ross 308-d-old broiler chicks was received into an open, deep litter house, and feather sexed in the second week into 30 experimental units of 13 birds per 2.03 m2 pen. From days 1 to 22, all chicks were on a 200 g/kg crude protein, coccidiostat-treated commercial starter diet. During the grower (16 to 28 days) and finisher (29 to 42 days) phases, chick pens were assigned treatments in a 2 (sex) × 5 (additives) factorial experiment replicated three times. The GAE was a pure extract, while ACV was produced by fermenting 1,000 g fresh apple and 80 g supplementary brown cane sugar in 1.3 liters of water for 4 wk. The five treatments comprised antibiotic (15% granular zinc bacitracin and 12% valinomycin sodium, each at 500 g/tonne) grower (190 g/kg crude protein, 13.0 MJ ME/kg) and finisher (165 g/kg crude protein, 13.2 MJ ME/kg) commercial diets with untreated drinking water as positive controls (PC), antibiotic-free duplicates of the PC diets with untreated drinking water as the negative controls (NC), with 3 mL/L filtered ACV in drinking water (T1), 2 mL/L filtered GAE-treated drinking water (T2), or mixed (3 mL/L ACV + 2mL/L GAE) additive drinking water (T3). Males had higher (P < 0.05) feed intake than females in both growth phases. Birds on the PC gained more (P < 0.05) weight than others. Birds on the PC consumed more feed (P < 0.05) during the finisher phase than T1, T2, and the NC. Birds on the PC had a lower (P < 0.05) grower-phase feed convesion (feed:gain) ratio (FCR) than others, and lower (P < 0.05) FCR during the finisher phase than birds on T1 and T3. Birds on the PC had higher (P < 0.05) percent spleen weight than birds on T1, with smaller proventriculi (P < 0.05) than on NC, T1, T2, and T3, and smaller gizzard weight than birds on the T2 and T3. Birds on the NC exhibited less dressing percentage (P < 0.05) than all other treatments. Meat pH was higher (P < 0.05) in males. In conclusion, in contrast to dietary antibiotics, except for improved dressing percentage, the ACV and GAE did not express phytogenic benefit at the experimental dosage.

Effect of multi-enzyme complex and feed form on growth performance, slaughter characteristic, total tract nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of exogenous multi-enzyme complex and feed form on growth performance, slaughter characteristics, nutrient digestibility, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) utilization in broilers fed corn–soybean meal diets. A total of 312 male one day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated to 6 dietary treatment groups with 13 replicates (4 birds each) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized design, which includes mash (M) or pellet (P) diets supplemented with three levels of a multi-enzyme complex (0, 125, or 175 mg/kg) for 42 days. The results indicated that the addition of 175 mg/kg multi-enzyme complex to pelleted feeds (P175) significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) the body weight and feed intake of the broilers during the grower period. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved (p&lt;0.05) by adding the multi-enzyme complex to the pelleted feeds. The feed form * multi-enzyme interaction was significant on d0-21 for BW and FI and all three periods in FCR (p&lt;0.05). Mash feed decreased the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) ratio compared to that of the pelleted feed, and it was observed that EPEF increased (p&lt;0.05) linearly with an increase in the multi-enzyme complex added to both the mash and pelleted feeds. Although there was no difference among the groups regarding the carcass yield and relative organ weights, the gizzard weight increased significantly in chickens fed with mash feeds (p&lt;0.05). In addition, the difference between treatment groups in terms of total tract nutrient digestibility does not differ (p&gt;0.05) significantly, while the highest (p&lt;0.05) AMEn utilization was found in the P175 group. As a result, the pelleted feed form and the increased level of multi-enzyme supplementation improved the performance and efficiency of broiler production.

Effects of selenium supplementation on the growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and blood biochemistry of naked neck chicken

This study examined how selenium-supplemented diets affected the performance of naked neck chickens. The birds were fed both organic and inorganic selenium at 0.30 ppm, while the control diet did not include any additional selenium. A total of 225 one-day-old naked neck chicks were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each of which was replicated 5 times (replicates) and contained 15 birds. This was done using a completely randomized design. The data was collected after growth, meat quality, and blood profile parameters were assessed. The findings showed that the birds fed inorganic selenium in the diet displayed increased (P < 0.05) feed intake followed by those administered organic selenium and the control diet. On the other hand, birds fed organic selenium in the diet showed enhanced body weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Similarly, organic selenium supplementation increased (P < 0.05) breast and thigh weight compared to inorganic selenium, but no other metrics, such as dressing percentage, drumstick weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, heart weight, or wing weight, significantly differed between treatments (P > 0.05). When compared to birds fed inorganic Se and control diet, the birds fed organic Se had greater (P < 0.05) blood levels of total protein and globulin. Additionally, it was discovered that organic Se-fed birds had greater (P < 0.05) blood Se concentrations than control and inorganic Se-fed birds. However, no differences between treatments were found in albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, or uric acid (P > 0.05). In conclusion, adding Se-enriched yeast, as an organic selenium source, to diets may enhance the poor growth and slaughter characteristics of naked neck chicks without negatively affecting blood chemistry.

Percentage of internal organs of broiler chickens given Vernonia amygdalina flour feed additives

Feed is the most important thing in supporting various livestock businesses, including broiler chickens. The use of natural ingredients as animal feed additives is an effort to increase livestock production. This study aimed to analyze the carcass of broiler chickens fed with Vernonia amygdalina flour at different levels using 100 DOC strain SR 202 with 20 experimental units reared for 5 weeks using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments with 4 replications consisting of 5 chickens. Each replicate containing broiler chickens was fed with CAB broiler concentrate, milled corn, bran, and Vernonia amygdalina flour and then mixed with the treatment feed. The results of the study average percentage of broiler heart weight ranged from 0.58% to 0.66%, liver weight 3.40% to 3.85%, and gizzard weight 2.44% to 2.64%.

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age reduced growth performance and altered organs morphology

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) is characterized with good nutritional and functional attributes. However, there is limited data on inclusion of BSFLM in broiler chicken rations from placement through to market weight. Therefore, we examined growth and organ responses of partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM in a practical feeding program. A total of 1,152 d-old male Ross × Ross 708 chicks were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets (n = 8). The diets were: a basal corn-SBM diet (0%BSFLM), 4 diets in which SBM in 0%BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% and a final diet (0 + AGP) in which 0%BSFLM was treated with coccidiostat (70 mg Narasin/kg) and antibiotic (55 mg Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate/kg). For energy fortification, soy oil was used for 0%BSFLM diets and black soldier fly oil in the other diets. Body weight, feed intake (FI), BW gain (BWG), and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio (FCR) were reported. Organ weights were recorded on d 24 and 49. On d 10, birds fed diets 12.5, 25, and 0 + AGP had higher BWG than birds fed diets 0, 50, and 100 (P < 0.01), and birds fed diet 100 had lower BWG than birds fed diets 0 or 50 (P < 0.01). Birds fed diets 50 and 100 had lower BWG than birds fed all other diets on d 24 and 49 (P < 0.05). Overall (d 0–49), BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) decreased BW, BWG, and FI and increased FCR and mortality. The overall BWG of 50 and 100% BSFLM birds was 92 and 81% of birds fed 0%BSFLM, repectively and coresponding overall FI was 96 and 90%. An increase in gizzard, small intestine, pancreas, and liver relative weights were observed with increasing BSFLM inclusion (P < 0.01). The data indicated that lower levels of BSFLM could provide some growth-promoting effects commensurate to antibiotics in the starter phase. However, replacing SBM with greater amounts (≥50) of BSFLM reduced growth and increased organ size.

Stocking density-induced changes in growth performance, blood parameters, meat quality traits, and welfare of broiler chickens reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions.

Broiler production in semi-arid tropics must contend with high levels of heat stress, which have implications on stocking density, bird welfare, and profitability. Under these conditions, optimal stocking densities are likely to be lower than expected, thus must be experimentally determined. Therefore, this study investigated growth performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, carcass and meat quality, sizes of internal organs, and stress biomarkers in response to different stocking densities in broilers reared under semi-arid subtropical conditions. Five hundred, day-old Ross 308 broilers (44.0 ± 5.24 g live-weights) were randomly distributed to 25 replicate pens (1.32 m2 floor space each) to create five stocking densities: 1) 10 birds/pen (SD10); 2) 15 birds/pen (SD15); 3) 20 birds/pen (SD20); 4) 25 birds/pen (SD25); and 5) 30 birds/pen (SD30). There was a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in overall feed intake and weight gain in weeks 2 and 3 as stocking density increased. However, weight gain showed positive and negative quadratic responses (P < 0.05) in weeks 5 and 6, respectively, as stocking density increased. No linear or quadratic effects (P ˃ 0.05) were observed for overall feed conversion ratio, haematological parameters, and meat quality traits in response to stocking density. Symmetric dimethylarginine, alanine transaminase, and albumin levels quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in response to increasing stocking densities. Serum glucose and thigh weight were not affected (P < 0.05) while final body, drumstick, breast, and wing weights linearly declined with stocking density. Increasing stocking density linearly reduced (P < 0.05) the weights of gizzard, proventriculus, caecum, and colon. Stocking density had no effect (P ˃ 0.05) on latency-to-lie. It was concluded that higher stocking densities compromised feed intake, resulting in poor weight gains. Based on weight gain trends observed in week 5, it was determined that Ross 308 broilers should be reared at no more than 20 birds/pen (~15 birds/m2 or 27.27 kg/m2) under the experimental ambient conditions compared to the much higher globally accepted industry standard of 20 birds/m2.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract Administered through Drinking Water on Physiological Responses, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits, and Bone Parameters in Broiler Chickens

The efficacy of Moringa oleifera seed extract (MSE) in broiler nutrition is unknown. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of administering MSE through drinking water on physiological responses, carcass and meat quality traits, and bone parameters in Cobb 500 broilers. One-day-old male chicks (n = 250, 58.1 ± 0.23 g live-weight) were randomly allotted into five treatments of five replicates. The treatments were: negative control with drinking water only (NC); a positive control with 5 g probiotic (containing Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus; bacterial count of 5 × 108 CFU/g) added into 1 L of drinking water (PC), 60 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE60); 90 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE90); and 120 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE120). The MSE groups promoted higher (p &lt; 0.05) carcass weights than the PC and NC control groups. Spleen weights quadratically responded to MSE levels. Gizzard weight, duodenum length, acidic goblet cell count (GCC), and total duodenal and ileal GCC linearly increased with MSE levels. Tibia weight, bone breaking strength, and tibia calcium showed linear increases whereas tibia length and tibiotarsal index showed linear decreases with MSE levels. It can be concluded that the administration of MSE via drinking water improved carcass weights, intestinal morphology, and some meat and bone quality parameters of the birds.

Effects of maize silage feeding on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive system length, chemical composition, and meat quality of domestic geese.

This study aimed to explore the effects of corn silage (CS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive system length, and some meat quality traits of geese. A total of 35 19-week-old Turkish indigenous male geese with similar body weight were randomly divided into five groups with individual pens of seven geese per group and fed for 84 D. The treatments were composed of a basal diet (100% concentrate feed) without corn silage (0CS), 10% CS + 90% concentrate feed (10CS), 20% corn silage + 80% concentrate feed (20CS), 30% corn silage + 70% concentrate feed (30CS), and 40% corn silage + 60% concentrate feed (40CS). Dietary CS supplementation did not affect growth performance, dressing percentage, liver and gizzard weights, digestive system length of geese, and the organoleptic quality characteristics of meat. The 0CS and 20CS geese had a higher instrumental hardness value than other treatment geese (p < 0.05). Also, the 40CS group had the lowest hardness value (p < 0.05). Adhesiveness value was lower in the 0CS group compared to all silage treatments (p < 0.05). Gumminess value was lower in the 40CS group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The 10CS treatment reduced the L value of thigh and breast meat compared with those of the other treatments (p < 0.05). The a and b color values and pH values of breast and thigh meats were not affected by dietary CS supplementation (p > 0.05). Fat content of the meat decreased in the 30CS treatment compared to 0CS (p < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that corn silage could be used up to 40% in the Turkish goose variety diet, without affecting the performance and meat quality, and thus, geese can be produced more economically.

Effects of corn particle size on growth performance, gastrointestinal development, carcass indices and intestinal microbiota of broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different corn particle sizes on growth performance, gastrointestinal development, carcass processing yields and intestinal microbiota of caged broilers. One-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 8 treatments with 10 replicates per treatment and 30 birds per replicate pen. The experiment lasted 37 d. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results showed as follows: birds fed diets with the FG corn between d 1 and 13 and CG corn between d14 to 37 had increased body weight, daily gain, and feed intake (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets with CG corn between d 24 to 37 had a heavier relative weight of gizzard at d 38 (P < 0.05). Birds fed diets with FG corn from d 1 to 13 and the CG corn from d 14 to 37 had a higher carcass yield and a relative thigh weight at d 38 (P < 0.05). The intestinal microbiota was significantly affected by different corn particle sizes. The relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was significantly decreased, whereas that of Peptostreptococcaceae was increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed with the CG corn between d1 to 37. The relative abundance of Acinetobacter was significantly increased in birds fed the FG corn between d1 to 37 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of FG corn in the starter phase and CG corn in the grower and finisher phases was beneficial to growth performance, gastrointestinal development and intestinal microbial structure of broilers reared in cages.

The effects of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) leaf extract enriched diets on meat quality, sensory attributes, and the potential economic impact of broilers

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) leaf extract (PLE) enriched diets on the quality of meat and the economic efficiency of broiler chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to four treatments with five replications each (9 birds per replicate). The chickens were fed corn-soybean-based diets supplemented with different levels of PLE (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 g kg−1) for 42 days. The results showed that the inclusion of up to 0.5 g kg−1 PLE in the diet of broiler chickens significantly improved the live body weight, carcase weight, and carcase components (liver, heart, and gizzard) weights compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Enriched broiler diets with 0.5 g kg−1 of PLE significantly reduced collagen and lipid content as well as increased total protein levels in both breast and thigh muscle compared to the un-supplemented group (P < 0.001). Subjective evaluation of the breast meat showed a significant linear improvement in flavour and juiciness of meat samples from birds fed with dietary PLE in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Supplementation with different levels of PLE significantly improved the sensory attributes (flavour, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability) of thigh meat in a dose-dependent manner (linear; P < 0.05). Total potential return and net profit were significantly increased in all groups fed PLE compared to the control group. Birds that received PLE-supplemented diets at a level of 0.5 g kg−1 had the highest economic efficiency (P < 0.05). Conclusively, supplementation with 0.5 g PLE/kg in broiler diets could improve meat quality and economic efficiency. Highlights Enriched broiler diets with 0.5 g paulownia leaf extract significantly enhanced carcase measurements. Supplemented broiler diets with 0.5 g PLE significantly enhanced the meat quality and sensory attributes of thigh meat. Birds fed PLE-supplemented diets at a level of 0.5 g/kg had the highest economic efficiency.

Comparative analysis of the characteristics of digestive organs in broiler chickens with different feed efficiencies

Improving feed efficiency is one of the main goals of chicken breeding and production. The function of the digestive system, where feed is digested and nutrients are absorbed, is closely related to feed efficiency. However, the association between feed efficiency and the development of different digestive organs in chickens remains unclear. Here, we investigated the individual feed efficiency of 207 broilers during the fast-growing period with an electronic feeder and examined the characteristics of 8 organs of their digestive system (the liver, bile, proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum) at market age. Both the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) were significantly negatively correlated with the gizzard weight (GW) and significantly positively correlated with the relative weight of the liver (RLW). Additionally, we found an obvious negative relationship between the FCR and cecal length (CL). A two-tailed t test further confirmed these correlation analysis results. Specifically, compared to birds with the lowest feed efficiencies, the GW of broilers with the highest feed efficiencies (the lowest FCR or RFI) was 22.74% and 17.97% higher, respectively. The RLW of chickens with the highest feed efficiencies was 10.82 to 13.73% less than that of chickens with the lowest feed efficiencies. In addition, we found that increased CL (5.42–12.09%) was significantly associated with better feed efficiency. Thus, our study showed that the feed efficiency of broilers was related to the development of the gizzard, liver, and cecum. These findings provide new insight into the genetic and physiological regulation of feed efficiency in broilers.

Effect of Betaine Supplementation to Methionine-deficient Diet on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Parameters and Economic Efficiency of Broilers

Background: Betaine is a protein found in shellfish, spinach and wheat bran. Betaine’s main physiological function is to act as a methyl donor and an osmolyte. Betaine also functions as an osmolyte, ensuring that the avian’s cellular water and ion balance are maintained. It may protect a variety of intestinal bacteria against osmotic changes resulting in increased microbial fermentation activity. Adding betaine to chicken diets has been shown to improve nutritional digestibility and lower abdominal fat weight. Methods: A total of two hundred and seventy day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to nine treatments of six equal replicates with 5 chicks each (9 x 6 x 5=270). Nine experimental isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets consisting of a control diet (CD), 25% and 50% methionine deficient diet and with graded levels of betaine (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% levels) were formulated and fed to chicks from 1 to 42 days of age. Result: The results of the study revealed that supplementation of betaine to broiler diets deficient in methionine at 25% and 50% resulted in better performance with (p less than 0.05) higher body weight gain and better FCR, higher percentages of livability, carcass yield, total edible parts, breast yield and breast meat while those of heart and abdominal fat were decreased but relative weights of giblets, liver and gizzard were not affected compared with their control counterparts. Betaine supplementation resulted in increased immunity against ND, better tolerance to oxidative stress and better net profit over feed cost of broilers at 42 days of age.

Chronic dietary exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide results in total or partial reversibility of plasma oxidative stress, cecal microbiota abundance and short-chain fatty acid composition in broiler hens.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are massively used in agriculture. However, few studies have investigated the effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on avian species although they are largely exposed via their food. Here, we investigated the potential reversibility of the effects of chronic dietary exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides in broiler hens. For 42 days, we exposed 32-week-old hens to glyphosate-based herbicides via their food (47 mg/kg/day glyphosate equivalent, glyphosate-based herbicides, n = 75) corresponding to half glyphosate’s no-observed-adverse-effect-level in birds. We compared their performance to that of 75 control animals (CT). Both groups (glyphosate-based herbicides and control animals) were then fed for 28 additional days without glyphosate-based herbicides exposure (Ex-glyphosate-based herbicides and Ex-control animals). Glyphosate-based herbicides temporarily increased the plasma glyphosate and AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid) concentrations. Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid mostly accumulated in the liver and to a lesser extent in the leg muscle and abdominal adipose tissue. Glyphosate-based herbicides also temporarily increased the gizzard weight and plasma oxidative stress monitored by TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Glyphosate-based herbicides temporarily decreased the cecal concentrations of propionate, isobutyrate and propionate but acetate and valerate were durably reduced. The cecal microbiome was also durably affected since glyphosate-based herbicides inhibited Barnesiella and favored Alloprevotella. Body weight, fattening, food intake and feeding behavior as well as plasma lipid and uric acid were unaffected by glyphosate-based herbicides. Taken together, our results show possible disturbances of the cecal microbiota associated with plasma oxidative stress and accumulation of glyphosate in metabolic tissues in response to dietary glyphosate-based herbicides exposure in broiler hens. Luckily, glyphosate-based herbicides at this concentration does not hamper growth and most of the effects on the phenotypes are reversible.

Supplementing the early diet of broilers with soy protein concentrate can improve intestinal development and enhance short-chain fatty acid-producing microbes and short-chain fatty acids, especially butyric acid

BackgroundResearch on nutrition in early-life commonly focuses on the maturation of the intestine because the intestinal system is crucial for ensuring continued growth. To explore the importance of early nutrition regulation in animals, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was added to the early diet of broilers to investigate its effects on amino acid digestibility, intestinal development, especially intestinal microorganisms, and broiler metabolites. A total of 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broilers were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds. The control group was fed a basal diet (control), and the treatment group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 12% SPC (SPC12) during the first 10 d (starter phase). From d 11 to 21 (grower phase) and d 22 to 42 (finisher phase), a basal diet was fed to both treatment groups.ResultsSPC reduced the pH value and acid-binding capacity of the starter diet (P < 0.05, d 10); SPC in the early diet enhanced the gizzard weight (P < 0.05, d 10 and d 42) and the ileum weight (P < 0.05, d 10) and decreased the weight and length of the jejunum (P < 0.05, d 10) and the relative length of the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05, d 10). At the same time, SPC enhanced villus height (P < 0.05, d 10) and muscle thickness in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05, d 10) and increased the number of goblet cells in the duodenum (P < 0.05, d 10). Meanwhile, SPC increased the Chao1 index and the ACE index (P < 0.05, d 10) and altered the composition of caecal microflora at d 10. SPC also increased the relative abundance of Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, Erysipelatoclostridium, Intestinimonas and Flavonifractor bacteria (P < 0.05, d 10). At the same time, the concentrations of caecal butyric acid and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were also increased in the SPC12 group (P < 0.05, d 10).ConclusionsIn summary, the results showed that supplementing the starter diet of broilers with SPC has a significant effect on the early development of the intestine and the microflora.Graphical abstract

Influence of Insoluble Dietary Fibre on Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Marker Genes in Caecum, Ileal Morphology, Performance, and Foot Pad Dermatitis in Broiler.

Simple SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different insoluble dietary fibre sources regarding their effect on growth performance, as well as foot pad dermatitis and physiological relevant parameters of the gastro-intestinal tract. The results showed that in the grower phase, supplementation of each fibre source improved body weights and weight gain. Moreover, the intestinal morphology and foot pad dermatitis were positively affected by moderate amounts of dietary fibre. Hence, this study indicates that the supplementation of moderate amounts of insoluble dietary fibre to diets, low in dietary fibre, triggers positive effects on foot pad dermatitis, ileal morphometrics, and specific performance parameters.In a low-fibre diet destined for broilers, the effects of two lignocellulose products and soybean hulls were evaluated regarding their effect on ileal morphometric parameters, caecal gene expression, foot pad dermatitis, and performance. A total of 5040-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were allotted to four treatments and fattened for 36 days applying a three-phase feeding program. The control diet consisted of corn, wheat, and soybean meal. Experimental diets were supplemented with 0.8% lignocellulose product 1, 0.8% lignocellulose product 2, or 1.6% soybean hulls. Tissue samples for caecal expression of inflammation-related genes and ileal morphometries were collected on day 21. Gizzard pH and weights were recorded, and foot pad scores were evaluated at day of slaughter (day 36). In starter (day 1–10) and finisher phase (day 28–36), no effect on the performance was observed. In grower phase (day 11–27), fibre-supplemented diets showed significantly heavier body weights and daily weight gains (p < 0.05). Daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and gene expression analysis were unaffected by dietary fibre supplementation. Positive effects regarding ileal morphometrics (higher villi) and foot pad health occurred in fibre-supplemented diets. In conclusion, fibre supplementation improved performance in grower phase and showed beneficial effects regarding ileal morphology and foot pad dermatitis.

Effectivity of Dry and Liquid BS4 Enzymes in Improving Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Nutrient Density Diet

Supplementation of enzymes in feed is now commonly practiced to increase the nutrient availability of feed and the performance of poultry. A new enzyme called BS4 was produced by cultivating Eupenicilium javanicum. It is necessary to test the efficacy of this enzyme since the effectiveness of enzyme supplementation depends on many factors. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary BS4 enzyme supplementation in improving the performance of broiler chickens. A number of 300 broilers DOC was distributed into 30 pens and reared until 35 d. Six experimental diets i.e., factorial of 2 (Standard diet, and low nutrient density diet) X 3 (Control, BS4 liquid enzyme, and BS4 powder enzyme) were formulated with 5 replications. The performance (feed intake, body weight, FCR, and survival rates) were observed during the starter (1-21 d) and whole (1-35 d) periods. At the end of the trial, measurements were also made on the carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard weights. Results showed that performances of broilers from 1-35 d were not significantly affected by interaction between nutrient density and enzyme supplement. The nutrient density also did not affect performances of broilers. However, dietary enzyme supplementation significantly reduced feed intake and improved FCR of broilers as compared to the control. Supplementation of BS4 in liquid or powder form, reduced feed intake by 3.6%. Supplementation of liquid and powder BS4 enzymes improved FCR by 6.4% and 8.9%, respectively, but no different effect between liquid and powder BS4 enzymes on performance of broilers. Nutrient density, enzyme supplementation, and interactions between the two factors did not significantly influence carcass yield, abdominal fat, liver, and gizzard relative weights of broilers.

Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Escherichia Coli Phytase and Buttiauxella Phytase on the Growth and Digestibility in Broiler

The effect of feeding different levels of bacterial phytase enzymes on the growth performance of broiler was examined using 250 Hubbard broilers, kept at the Poultry Experimental Station, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The products of bacterial phytase enzymes were incorporated in the basal ration at different levels consisted of 0mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg (group B), 100 mg/kg (group C) E. coli phytase and 50 mg/kg (group D), 100 mg/kg (group E) Buttiauxella spp. phytase. The birds were studied for live body weight, feed and water intake, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight, dressing percentage, weight of internal edible and non-edible parts, digestibility and economics. The difference in live body weight among treatment and control group was significant (P&lt;0.05). The significantly higher live body weight (2160.00g/bird) was observed in group E (fed 100mg/kg Buttiauxella phytase) and lower (2060g/bird) in group A (control). The effect of treatment on feed and water intake was significant (P&lt;0.05), Feed (3800.00g/bird) and water (3800.00 ml/bird) intake was significantly higher in group A (control) than other treatment groups. Better feed conversion ratio (1.74) was noticed in group E followed by group C, B, D and A respectively. Carcass weight was significantly higher in group E (1350.60) and lower in control group (1219.71), the influence of feeding different sources and levels of bacterial phytase enzymes on dressing percentage was non-significant (P&gt;0.05).Significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was noted for heart weight among the groups and non-significant (P&gt;0.05) difference were examined for gizzard, liver, spleen and proventiculus weight among the groups. The data showed that higher percentage of crude protein digestibility was recorded in group E (75%), then C (72%), B (71%), D (70.8%) and A (70%) respectively. Similarly M.E (kcal) was greater in group E (30.5%), then C (30%), B (29%), D (29%) and A (28.5%) respectively. The comparative net profit among all groups demonstrated that group E generated better net profit (48.70) followed by group C (47.88), B (41.50), D (40.30) and A (35.20) Rs/bird respectively.From the current findings, it was concluded that the supplementation of feed with 100mg/kg Buttiauxella spp phytase enzyme resulted in higher live body weight gain, better FCR and improved digestibility of nutrients. Keywords: phytase enzymes, Buttiauxella spp., E. coli, broiler,

Male Layer Chicken's Response to Dietary Moringa oleifera Meal in a Tropical Climate.

Simple SummaryIn the egg industry, most slow-growing chicks are usually euthanized at 1-day-old even though it has been demonstrated that they are well-suited to production systems with outdoor access. However, the rearing of these birds, as an option to address the ethical concerns related to their disposal at such an early age, is impaired by high feeding costs. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate non-conventional feeding materials that could be incorporated into their diets. Moringa is a non-traditional feed for poultry; nevertheless, studies investigating slow-growing breeds’ performance when fed Moringa while given access to outdoors in the tropics are limited. Thus, the current study evaluated slow-growing chickens’ response to dietary Moringa in terms of production performance, carcass yield, and blood parameters. The results revealed that all cumulative traits were not negatively affected by the treatments (except for feed conversion). Additionally, both breast weight and yield and gizzard weight and yield significantly increased with dietary Moringa, while blood parameters remained unaltered. It is concluded that Moringa, as a feed ingredient, could be added to the diets of slow-growing male chickens grown with outdoor access in the tropics to improve productive and carcass traits, but feed conversion could be increased.This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary amounts of Moringa oleifera meal (MOM), consisting of leaves and small edible green stems, on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters of finisher male layer-type slow-growing chickens raised with outdoor access. A total of 198 Dominant Blue D 107, 72-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned to tree dietary treatments containing 0, 30, and 60 g/kg MOM that corresponded to T1 or control, T2, and T3, separately. Each treatment was divided into 6 replicates of 11 birds apiece, and all birds had access to the outdoors. After 7 weeks of experimental rearing, live weight was 2218.1, 2164.4, and 2176.6 g for birds raised in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, without statistical differences (p ≥ 0.05). Live weight gain and daily live weight gain increased (p ≤ 0.05) in favor of the control group during the first 4 weeks but decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the last 3 weeks of the trial. Overall feed intake was not influenced by the treatments (p ≥ 0.05). Birds raised with MOM in their diets had higher feed conversion (p ≤ 0.05). T2 diet considerably increased (p ≤ 0.05) birds’ breast and gizzard weight and yield while decreasing feet weight and yield, in comparison to T1. Dietary MOM inclusion did not impair or improve (p ≥ 0.05) blood parameters. The results of this study suggest that up to 60 g/kg MOM could be included in the diets of slow-growing Dominant Blue D 107 male chickens grown with access to outdoors without compromising their productive performance (except for feed conversion), slaughter characteristics, and health status.

Effect of Herbal Feed Additives Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed Powder and Onion (Allium cepa) Powder on Haemato-biochemical and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers

Background: The positive effect of fenugreek and onion and their active components on the digestion process has been reported in several studies. The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementation of Fenugreek sees powder and Onion powder on haemato-biochemical and carcass charactistics of broilers. Methods: Day-old, 210 broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were randomly allotted to seven treatment groups. The T1 i.e., control group was fed on basal diet, while, group T2 and T3 were supplied with 1% and 2% fenugreek seed powder, respectively. Whereas group T4 and T5 were supplied with 1% and 2% onion powder, respectively and group T6 and T7 were supplied with 0.5% fenugreek seed powder and 0.5% onion powder and 1% fenugreek seed powder and 1% onion powder, respectively in the basal broiler pre-starter, starter and finisher ration. Result: Haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, TLC, total serum protein and creatinine levels were higher (P less than 0.01) in T6 group while highest level of blood glucose was found in T6, but the variation was statistically non-significant for blood glucose. Whereas serum cholesterol level was higher (P less than 0.01) in control group. Non-significant effect was observed on dressing percentage but numerically highest in T6 group and eviscerated weight percentage was higher (P less than 0.05) in T6 group. The gizzard (P less than 0.01), heart (P less than 0.01) and giblet weight (P less than 0.01) were found statistically higher in T5 and liver weight (P less than 0.01) was statistically higher in T7 group.