Growth Performance Of Broilers Research Articles

Two studies evaluated the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant on the growth performance of broilers fed corn/soybean diets and deficient in nutrients and energy

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on performance of broilers fed US type diets with reduced nutrients and energy. Each experiment utilized a completely randomized block design where four treatments were tested with 10 replicate groups, each treatment totaling 270 day-of-hatch male Ross 308 broilers. The diets were: 1), a nutrient-adequate control (PC) and 2), a nutrient and energy-reduced negative control (NC): PC minus 0.19 % avP, 0.23 % Ca, 0.045 % Na, up to 0.05 % unit dig AA and 37 kcal/kg ME and 3), NC with PhyG supplemented at 1,500 FTU/kg (PhyG1500) 4), PC minus 0.164 % avP, 0.201 % Ca, 0.037 % Na, up to 0.035 %-unit dig. AA and 29 kcal/kg ME plus the PhyG at 750 FTU/kg (PhyG750). Xylanase was included in all diets at 750 XU/kg with 25 kcal/kg of ME matrix applied. Experiment 1 diets (wholly vegetable) were based on corn-soybean meal with <2 % DDGs. Experiment 2 diets (conventional) were based on corn-soybean meal with <3 % DDGS and <4 % meat and bone meal. Diets were pelleted and fed ad libitum over four phases: starter (1–10d), grower (11–21d), finisher 1 (22–35d), and finisher 2 (36–42d). In both experiments, compared with PC, birds fed the nutrient and energy reduced NC exhibited reduced 42d BW and increased overall 1–42d FCR (P < 0.05). During all phases, in both experiments, PhyG at each dose-level produced growth performance measures that were by phase and cumulatively equivalent to PC. PhyG at 1500 FTU improved accumulative FCR (1–21d, 1–35d and 1–42d) in experiment 1, and 1–21d FCR in experiment 2 compared to PC. Similarly, PhyG750 and PhyG1500 increased (P < 0.05) tibia ash and carcass yield vs. NC to similar levels as PC. For all measures, response values were numerically highest with 1500 FTU/kg. In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase variant completely compensated for the reduction in avP, Ca, Na, dig AA, and ME respectively at each dose-level and maintained growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone quality of broilers fed wholly vegetable or conventional US type commercial diets through 42 days of age, leading to reduced feed cost and production benefit.

Achyranthes japonica extract as phytogenic feed additive enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in broiler

Achyranthes japonica extract as phytogenic feed additive enhanced nutrient digestibility and growth performance in broiler

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

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.

Effect of Achyranthes japonica extract on growth, digestibility, microbiota, gas emission, and meat quality in broilers fed different protein diets.

Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) is a multifuctional products that express anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of AJE addition to standard and low crude protein (LCP) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, excreta bacterial count, excreta noxious gas emissions, breast meat quality, and organ weight of broiler chicken. A total of 340 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers [initial body weight (BW) of 43.10 ± 1.46 g, 5 replicate cages per treatment, and 17 birds per cage] were randomly distributed into 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups for a 35 day trial. The diets were provided based on three age stage of the broiler. In the starter stage broiler were fed basal diet. Experimental diet were fed to broiler from day 8 to 35. In growing (days 8-21) and finishing (days 22-35) stage broiler were fed: Standard crude protein (SCP) diet and LCP diet with 0.025% and 0.05% of AJE supplementation respectively. Here, the SCP and LCP diets were 21.50% and 20.86% CP during days 8-21 and 20.00% and 19.40% CP during days 22-35, respectively. The SCP diets with 0.025% AJE supplementation resulted in higher (p < 0.5) BW gain (BWG) at finishing stage and a tendency to lower feed conversion ratio and BWG in the overall period compared to LCP diets with or without AJE supplemenation. Moreover, dry matter and nitrogen digestibility were increased with SCP diet along with 0.025% of AJE. No significant difference was found in meat quality parameters except for pH. Interestingly, the NH3 gas emission to the environment was found to be less with different levels of CP and AJE supplementation. Therefore, we concluded that the addition of 0.025% AJE to the SCP diet improved broiler growth performance and nutrient digestibility with low fecal NH3 emissions.

Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide improves the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli.

With the high intensification of poultry breeding, a series of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria threaten the health of poultry and human. Among them, poultry diseases induced by Escherichia coli cause significant economic loss every year. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia annua L. polysaccharide (AAP) on the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of broilers with Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge. A total of 256 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: control group (fed basal diet), AAP group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP), E. coli group (fed basal diet and orally administered E. coli), AAP + E. coli group (fed basal diet supplemented with AAP and orally administered E. coli). Dietary AAP supplementation elevated the BW, ADG and ADFI in non-challenged broilers. AAP also increased the apparent metabolic rate of EE and Ca in E. coli-challenged broilers. Moreover, AAP not only enhanced the serum IgA content but also decreased the serum and jejunum content of IL-6, as well as the jejunum level of IL-1β in non-challenged broilers. AAP also down-regulates the mRNA level of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) by inhibiting the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in intestinal NF-κB signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers. Meanwhile, AAP up-regulates the activity and mRNA level CAT by down-regulating the mRNA level of Keap1 in intestinal Nrf2 signaling pathway of E. coli-challenged broilers, and decreased serum MDA concentration. AAP significantly elevated the mRNA level of CAT, SOD and Nrf2 in jejunal of non-challenged broilers. Interestingly, AAP can improve intestinal physical barrier by down-regulating serum ET content, increasing the jejunal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and ZO-1 mRNA level in broilers challenged by E. coli. AAP also elevated the VH/CD and the mRNA level of Occludin, ZO-1, Mucin-2 in non-challenged broilers. Importantly, AAP reshaped the balance of jejunum microbiota in E. coli-challenged broilers by altering α diversity and community composition. In summary, AAP ameliorated the loss of growth performance in broilers challenged with E. coli, probably by regulating the intestinal permeability and mucosa morphology, immune function, antioxidant ability, and microbiota.

Nano vitamin E improved the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens.

Vitamin E (VE) is a potent nutritional antioxidant that is critical in alleviating poultry oxidative stress. However, the hydrophobic nature and limited stability of VE restrict its effective utilization. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic vitamins. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different sources and addition levels of VE on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, VE absorption site, and pharmacokinetics of Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. Three hundred and eighty-four 1-d-old AA chicks were randomly allocated into four groups supplemented with 30 and 75 IU/kg VE as regular or nano. The results showed that dietary VE sources had no significant impact on broiler growth performance. However, chickens fed 30 IU/kg VE had a higher average daily gain at 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d, and lower feed conversion ratio at 22 to 42 d than 75 IU/kg VE (P < 0.05). Under normal feeding conditions, broilers fed nano VE (NVE) displayed significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and lower malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P < 0.05). Similarly, NVE had a higher antioxidant effect in the dexamethasone-constructed oxidative stress model. It was found that nanosizing technology had no significant effect on the absorption of VE in the intestinal tract by examining the concentration of VE in the intestinal tract (P > 0.05). However, compared to broilers perfused with regular VE (RVE), the NVE group displayed notably higher absorption rates at 11.5 and 14.5h (P < 0.05). Additionally, broilers perfused with NVE showed a significant increase in the area under the concentration versus time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0-∞), mean residence time (MRT0-∞), elimination half-life (t1/2z), and peak concentration (Cmax) of VE in plasma (P < 0.05). In summary, nanotechnology provides more effective absorption and persistence of VE in the blood circulation for broilers, which is conducive to the function of VE and further improves the antioxidant performance of broilers.

Effect of arginine supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal health, and immune responses of broilers during necrotic enteritis challenge

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 25% arginine supplementation as a functional amino acid in partially alleviating the detrimental effects of necrotic enteritis (NE) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, gut integrity, and the relative gene expression of tight junction proteins and inflammatory cytokines in broilers during NE. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement -basal diet and 125% arginine diet, with or without NE challenge. NE was induced by inoculating 1 × 104Eimeria maxima sporulated oocysts on d 14 and 1 × 108 CFU/bird C. perfringens on d 19, 20, and 21. The NE challenge had a significant effect on the BWG (p < 0.05), FCR (p < 0.05), serum AST (p < 0.05), GLU (p < 0.05), and K+ (p < 0.05) levels, and intestinal permeability (p < 0.05) and jejunal lesion score (p < 0.05). A significant challenge × diet interaction effect was observed in the cecal tonsil CD8+: CD4+ T-cell ratio on d 21 (p < 0.05) and 28 (p < 0.05) and spleen CD8+: CD4+ T-cell ratio on d 21 (p < 0.05) and 35 (p < 0.05). Arginine supplementation significantly increased the CD8+: CD4+ T-cell ratio in uninfected birds but decreased the CD8+: CD4+ T-cell ratio in infected birds. On d 21, a significant interaction effect was observed on the relative expression of the iNOS gene (p < 0.05). Arginine supplementation significantly downregulated the expression of the iNOS gene in infected birds. A significant effect of the challenge (p < 0.05) was observed on the relative gene expression of the ZO-1 gene in the jejunum. NE challenge significantly downregulated the expression of the ZO-1 gene on d 21. In conclusion, arginine supplementation did not alleviate the depression in growth performance and disease severity during the NE challenge. However, arginine downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, preventing inflammatory injury to the tissues during NE. Hence, arginine might be supplemented with other alternatives to downregulate inflammatory response during NE in poultry.

Short-term supplementation with uncoated and encapsulated Enterococcus faecium affected growth performance, gut microbiome and intestinal barrier integrity in broiler chickens

Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) is an alternative to antibiotics, while the probiotic effect of short-term application in mature broiler chickens remains unclear. In the current study, 48 Arbor Acres male broilers were chosen to investigate the effects of E. faecium on growth performance, the gut microbiome and intestinal health during the finishing period. Forty-eight birds were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups that were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet (Con), a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg amoxicillin (ABX), 5×106 CFU/g encapsulated E. faecium (cEF), or 5×106 CFU/g uncoated E. faecium (EF) from d 33 to 42. The results showed that 10 d of antibiotic treatment decreased the growth performance of the broilers (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio of the cEF and EF groups were lower than that of the Con group by 0.13 and 0.07, respectively (P > 0.05). The abundance of viable ileal and cecal E. faecium in the cEF group was greater than that in the EF group (P < 0.05), and both groups were markedly greater than those in the Con and ABX groups (P < 0.05). The ABX treatment decreased the Shannon and Chao1 indices of the cecal microbiota, while the dietary E. faecium treatment resulted in significant differences in the β diversity of the ileal and cecal microbiota (P < 0.05). Mantel correlation revealed that the ileal microbiota at the genus level was significantly correlated with the growth performance of broilers, with Lactobacillus, Bacillus and Escherichia-Shigella showing positive and strong correlations (P < 0.05). In the ileum, the crypt depth was lower in the cEF group than in the Con group, but the villi height-to-crypt depth ratio was greater in the cEF group than in the other groups (P = 0.037). However, the expression of the ZO-2 and Occludin genes was downregulated in the E. faecium-fed birds (P < 0.05). In the cecum, the acetate, butyrate and total SCFA levels were greater in the EF group (P < 0.05), while the propionate, isobutyrate and isovalerate levels were lower in the ABX group (P < 0.05). In summary, 10 d of dietary supplementation with E. faecium markedly increased colonization in mature broilers and potentially improved growth performance by modulating the ileal microbiota. Encapsulation techniques could enable a slow release of E. faecium in the intestine, thereby reducing the negative impacts of rapid expansion of E. faecium on the intestinal epithelium.

Dietary ferulic acid improves growth performance of broilers via enhanced intestinal antioxidant capacity and barrier function.

In this study, the effects of dietary ferulic acid (FA) on the growth traits, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function of broilers were investigated. In total, 192 male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to one of three dietary groups (8 replicates of 8 birds each): control (CON) group (basal diet), FA100 group (basal diet + 100 mg/kg FA), or FA200 group (basal diet + 200 mg/kg FA). The duration of the feeding trial was 42 days. higher average daily gain (ADG) and lower feed to gain (F/G) ratio during day 0 to day 21 were found in the FA100 and FA200 groups, while higher ADG and lower F/G during day 21 to day 42 were only found in FA200 group, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of MDA and DAO on day 21 were lower in the FA100 and FA200 groups and those on day 42 were lower in the FA200 group, while GSH-Px level in the FA100 and FA200 groups on day 21 and that in the FA200 group on day 42 were increased (p < 0.05). On day 21, jejunal GSS expression was upregulated in the FA200 group (p < 0.05), while jejunal and ileal expression of NRF2 and Occludin as well as ileal expression of GPX1 and ZO1 were increased in the FA100 and FA200 groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). On day 42, mRNA expression of GSS, NRF2, SOD1, and GPX1 in the jejunum and ileum as well as Claudin2 in the jejunum and Occludin in the ileum were increased in the FA200 group (p < 0.05). Dietary FA addition could improve the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut integrity of broilers. The current findings provided evidences that the adoption of FA can be as nutrition intervention measure to achieve high-efficient broiler production for poultry farmers.

A study of the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

This study aims to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of coconut oil extract (COE) in broilers experimentally infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). A total of 150 broiler birds (day-old) were equally divided into five study groups i.e., negative control, positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3. On day 10, broilers of groups COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 were supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 ml of COE respectively per liter of drinking water for 15 days. On day 13, 0.1ml/bird (10-5.25 ELD50) of vNDV was inoculated in broilers of positive control, COE-1, COE-2, and COE-3 groups intramuscularly. During this study, growth performance, morbidity, and mortality rates of each study group were recorded. The antibody titer against NDV was determined on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The levels of IgY and IgM were also determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-SRBC inoculation. On day 33, avian tuberculin was injected between the 1st and 2nd toes of the left side (intradermally) to measure lymphoproliferative responses. On day 35, the phagocytic activity in the blood was assessed through a carbon clearance assay by injecting carbon black ink into the right-wing vein. The visceral organs having gross lesions were also collected for histopathology. The COE significantly improved the growth performance, and lowered the morbidity and mortality rates of broilers. There was a significant rise in antibody titers against NDV and levels of IgY and IgM antibodies against SRBC in COE-supplemented broilers. The lymphoproliferative response and phagocytic activity were also enhanced. Among COE-supplemented groups, the broilers of the COE-3 group showed a significant increase in growth performance and boosted immune defense. Coconut oil extract has the potential to boost the growth performance and immune status of broilers. It can be used effectively as a feed additive and alternative to antibiotics to prevent the spread of infectious poultry pathogens.

Valine in Broiler Diets: A review

Valine (Val) is the 4th limiting amino acid in a corn and soybean meal–based diet for broiler chicken, after methionine, lysine, and threonine. Valine, isoleucine, and leucine represent the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) family. It was reported that the performance of broilers is adversely affected by an imbalance of BCAAs in the diet. So, a low crude protein diet must supplement with Val in a range of 0.01–0.20 % for optimal growth performance. The present review reflects on the studies undertaken to assess the effect of dietary levels of Val on growth performance, immunity, gut health, carcass traits, and bone mineralization in broilers. Several studies have revealed that supplementation of valine in higher levels than the present recommendation of NRC (0.72–0.73% in the finisher phase), improves weight gain, feed: gain ratio, intestinal morphology, carcass characteristics, immune response, and increased bone density and strength. According to the data from the literature discussed in this survey, the Val to-lysine ratio recommendation might require reaching 0.86 for high-yielding broilers from 0-15 days of age. It also suggests that the ratio of digestible valine to lysine is between 75 and 84% in growing and finishing. For best feed intake, weight gain, and FCR, studies indicate that 0.903% is the recommended digestible Val level for a better overall performance of 22 to 42 d broilers. This review provides a summary of the addition of valine to the broiler diet and its potential influence on productive performance, immunity, gut health, carcass characteristics, and bone mineralization in birds.

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.

Curcumin Supplementation Improves Growth Performance and Anticoccidial Index by Improving the Antioxidant Capacity, Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses, and Maintaining Intestinal Barrier Function in Eimeria tenella-Infected Broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on growth performance, anticoccidial index, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and cecum microbiota in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. A total of 234 one-day-old broilers were categorized into three treatments, with six replicates per treatment containing 13 broilers each. The three treatments included the control group, Eimeria tenella group, and Eimeria tenella + curcumin (200 mg/kg) group. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days, during which the broilers were orally administered with 0.9% saline or 5 × 104Eimeria tenella oocysts on day 14 of the study. On day 17 and day 21, one bird per replicate was selected for slaughtering. Results indicated an increased survival rate and anticoccidial index and improved productive performance in coccidia-infected broilers with curcumin supplementation. Furthermore, curcumin enhanced the serum antioxidant capacity in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers, evidenced by increased serum catalase activity (3d, 7d), as well as decreased malondialdehyde level (3d, 7d) and nitric oxide synthase activity (7d) (p < 0.05). Curcumin also improved intestinal inflammation and barrier function, evidenced by the downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1β (3d, 7d), TNF-alpha (TNF-α) (3d, 7d), and IL-2 (7d) and the up-regulated mRNA levels of claudin-1 (7d), zonula occludens (ZO-1; 3d, 7d), and occludin (3d, 7d) in the ceca of infected broilers (p < 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection significantly disrupted cecum microbial balance, but curcumin did not alleviate cecum microbial disorder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Collectively, curcumin supplementation enhanced growth performance and anticoccidial index in Eimeria tenella-infected broilers via improving antioxidant ability and cecum inflammation without affecting cecum microbiota.

The Effect of Lysophospholipids and Sex on Growth Performance and Small Intestine Morphology in Weanling Pigs, 7-30 kg.

Inclusion of lysophospholipids (LPL) has been proposed to increase growth performance in broilers and pigs, acting as emulsifiers through mixed micelle formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding LPL in weanling pig diets on growth performance and intestinal morphology. Eight hundred pigs (weight 6.96 kg ± SD 1.58 kg) were assigned to one of two dietary treatments, i.e., a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet + 0.05% lysophospholipids (LPL). The experimental period lasted for 42 days, and on days 40 and 41, 32 pigs in total were euthanized for intestinal tissue samples. From days 14 to 21, feed intake and average daily gain increased, as well as FCR, from days 28 to 42, in the LPL group compared with the CON group. In the overall period, no differences in growth performance were present between the groups. However, females displayed increased ADG from days 21 to 28 compared with castrates. The villous height tended (p = 0.051) to be lower in LPL in the proximal jejunum compared with CON. In the proximal jejunum, villus was higher (p > 0.01) in females, and in the distal jejunum, higher crypt cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and a tendency to deeper crypts (p = 0.064) were observed in female pigs as well. In conclusion, lysophospholipids did not increase growth performance in this study; however, the rate of recovery from a poorer starting point was noted, as growth rates recovered and increased faster in the LPL group. In conclusion, unlike the first phase, the LPL group recovered the growth from days 14 to 21 through higher feed intake and weight gain than the CON group. Eventually, the LPL group displayed improved FCR compared with the CON group from days 28 to 42. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this effect continues into the grower-finisher phase.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Prebiotic and Acidifier Powder on Growth Performance and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broilers

Early-age thermal manipulation and supplemental antioxidants on physiological, biochemical and productive performance of broiler chickens in hot-tropical environments

Heat stress has been ranked as a critical environmental issue confronting chicken farmers worldwide because of its detrimental effect on the growth, performance and health of the birds. This study evaluated the effects of early-age thermal manipulation (EATC) and supplemental antioxidants on the physiological responses of broilers in a hot tropical environment. A total of 300 day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated to five thermal and dietary treatments, having 5 replicates of twelve birds each. The treatments were: chicks reared using the conventional method (CC), chicks exposed to early thermal manipulation with a temperature of 38 °C at day 5 with no antioxidant supplementation (TC), TC plus vitamin E at 250 mg/kg of feed (TV), TC plus selenium at 0.5 mg/kg of feed (TS) and the combination of TS and TV(TVS). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design and data collected were analyzed using SAS (2008). The results showed that TVS broilers had significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weights at the finisher phase than the other treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio of TVS broilers was comparable to the TV group but lower (P < 0.05) than the other treatments. Reduced levels (P < 0.05) of heterophil, lymphocytes and hetrophil and lymphocyte ratio were recorded in the TVS compared to TV, TS and TC broilers. On day 42, the rectal temperature was significantly higher in CC than those in other treatment groups, which were comparable. TVS birds had higher (P < 0.05) weights of spleen, liver and lower abdominal fat than other treatments. The lowest concentration of plasma malondialdehyde and the highest activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were recorded in TV and TVS birds. The study concluded that the growth performance and oxidative status in broilers were improved by the combination of EATC with supplemental Se and vitamin E (TVS).

Enhancing calcium and phosphorus utilization in broiler chickens through cholecalciferol in sequential calcium-phosphorus-deficient diets

ABSTRACT We hypothesized that both performance and bone mineralization would show improvements when cholecalciferol supplementation was increased above the recommended NRC (1994) [Nutrient requirements of poultry, 9th rev. ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press] level. In this study, male Ross 308 chickens (n = 540) were supplemented with diets containing either a low level of 200 IU/kg or a higher dose of 5,000 IU/kg of cholecalciferol (VD). The results showed that during the starter phase, weight gain was significantly higher in VD5000 and the control compared to VD0, with significantly lower feed intake in VD0. Consequently, FCR was significantly better in VD200 and VD5000 compared to VD0. In the finisher phase, weight gain, feed intake, and FCR were significantly higher in VD200 and VD5000 compared to VD0. Tibia ash, Ca, and P were significantly higher in VD5000 compared to VD200. Carcass weight was significantly higher in VD200 and VD5000 compared to VD0. Total tract N retention and GE were significantly higher in VD5000 compared to VD0. The study concludes that cholecalciferol supplementation at 5000 IU/kg enhances growth performance, tibia mineralization, and nutrient digestibility in broilers fed with 30% reduced Ca and P in their diets.

Xylanase Supplement Enhances the Growth Performance of Broiler by Modulating Serum Metabolism, Intestinal Health, Short-Chain Fatty Acid Composition, and Microbiota.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of xylanase supplementation in a wheat-based diet on growth performance, short-chain fatty acids, intestinal health, microbial composition, and serum metabolism. A total of 1200 male chicks were randomly assigned to four wheat-based diet treatments: Group C (adding 0 mg/kg of xylanase), Group L (adding 50 mg/kg of xylanase), Group M (adding 100 mg/kg of xylanase), and Group H (adding 150 mg/kg of xylanase). The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results indicated that Group H broilers experienced a decreased feed-to-gain ratio throughout the study period. Additionally, dietary supplementation with xylanase led to an increase in the physical barrier, as indicated by increased VH and VH/CD in the gut (p < 0.05). Furthermore, levels of D-lactic acid and endotoxin were reduced. Xylanase supplementation also increased the abundance of Muc-2, ZO-1, and Occludin (p < 0.05). Moreover, xylanase supplementation enhanced the activity of sucrase and maltase in the duodenum (p < 0.05), which may be attributable to the upregulation of the abundance of SI and MGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, xylanase addition promoted propionic acid produced by specific bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium, and influenced the microbial composition to some extent, promoting intestinal health. Additionally, 150 mg/kg of xylanase supplementation increased the amino acid, peptide, and carbohydrate content and upregulated the metabolism of amino acids related to histidine, cysteine, methionine, and other pathways (p < 0.05). These findings suggest adequate xylanase supplementation can enhance nutritional digestibility and absorption, improve growth performance, stimulate endogenous enzyme activity, optimize intestinal morphology and barrier function, and positively influence acid-producing bacteria and amino acid metabolic pathways.

Extract of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicerae flos improves growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier of yellow-feather broiler chickens against Clostridium perfringens

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicerae Flos (SL) extract on the growth performance and intestinal health of yellow-feather broilers following a Clostridium perfringens challenge. In total, 600 one-day-old yellow-feather broilers were divided into five treatments (6 replicate pens of 20 birds per treatment), including a control (Con) group fed a basal diet and the infected group (iCon) fed a basal diet and infected with Clostridium perfringens, the other 3 groups receiving different doses of SL (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) and infected with Clostridium perfringens. The total experimental period was 80 d. When the birds were 24-days-old, a subclinical necrotizing enteritis model was induced by orally inoculating the birds with 11,000 oocysts of mixed Eimeria species on d 24, followed by C. perfringens (108 CFU/mL) from d 28 to 30. The birds were evaluated for parameters such as average weight gain (AWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), mortality, feed conversion ration (FCR), intestinal lesion score, intestinal C. perfringens counts, and villus histomorphometry. Results indicated that C. perfringens infection led to reduced AWG and the levels of tight junction proteins, increased the FCR, ileum E. coli load, and intestinal permeability, causing damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier (P < 0.05). Compared with the infected group, supplementing 300 mg/kg of SL significantly increased AWG at 43 to 80 d, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum at 35 d, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum. It also significantly reduced the FCR at 22 to 42 d, intestinal lesion score, and the amount of C. perfringens in the ileum (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with the infected group, the addition of 300 mg/kg SL significantly increased mRNA levels of claudin-2, claudin-3, mucin-2, and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) in the ileum of infected birds at 35 d of age. In conclusion, supplementation with SL extract could effectively mitigate the negative effects of C. perfringens challenge by improving intestinal barrier function and histomorphology, positively influencing the growth performance of challenged birds.