Growth Performance Of Broilers Research Articles

Effects of the pesticide carbendazim on broiler chicken health and carbendazim residue levels in broiler tissues.

Pesticide residues may enter the human body through the food chain when livestock and poultry consume pesticide-contaminated feed. Therefore, monitoring and limiting pesticide residues in animal feed and animal-origin foods is necessary. Carbendazim is one of the most frequently detected pesticides in food and feed and has various toxic effects on non-target animals. This study investigated the effects of varying concentrations of carbendazim contamination in feed on broiler chicken growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, histopathology, and carbendazim residues in broiler muscles and livers. The results demonstrated that contamination of 5-100mg/kg carbendazim in feed did not affect broiler growth performance or health. Carbendazim contamination in feed at 200-800mg/kg slightly reduced growth performance. Broiler kidneys showed minor histopathological alterations after 400mg/kg carbendazim exposure. Furthermore, when the carbendazim content in feed was less than 25mg/kg, the residual carbendazim in the muscles and livers of broilers did not exceed the maximum residue level set by the European Union and China. Based on the above findings, carbendazim residues in the feed of less than 25mg/kg can be considered safe for chicken products.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Broiler Health: Integrated Microbial and Metabolomics Analysis.

Given China's prohibition on the utilization of antibiotics as feed additives in 2020, we aim to investigate nutrition additives that are both efficient and safe. Lactobacillus, a well-recognized beneficial probiotic, has explicitly been investigated for its effects on health status of the host and overall impact on food industry. To evaluate effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (LW) supplementation on broiler chicken, we conducted comprehensive multi-omics analysis, growth performance evaluation, RT-qPCR analysis, and immunofluorescence. The findings revealed that LW supplementation resulted in a substantial progress in growth performance (approximately 205g increase in final body weight in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01)). Additionally, LW exhibited promising potential for enhancing antioxidant properties of serum and promoting gut integrity and growth as evidenced by improved antioxidant indices (p < 0.01), intestinal villus morphology (p < 0.01), and enhanced gut barrier function (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the multi-omics analysis, including 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, revealed an enrichment of beneficial microbes in the gut of broilers that were supplemented with LW, while simultaneously depleting harmful microorganisms. Moreover, a noteworthy modification was observed in gut metabolic profiling subsequent to the execution of the probiotic strategy. Specifically, variations were noticed in the levels of metabolites and metabolic pathways such as parathyroid hormone synthesis, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, oxidative phosphorylation, and mineral absorption. Taken together, our findings validate that LW administration produces valuable effects on the health and growth performance of broilers owing to its capability to boost the gut microbiota homeostasis and intestinalmetabolism. Present findings signify the potential of LW as a dietary additive to promote growth and development in broiler chickens.

Impact of orange (Citrus sinensis) seed powder on growth performance, biochemical parameters and caecal bacterial population of broilers reared in hot humid climate

In broiler nutrition, dietary fibre affects the development of the digestive system, nutrient absorption, intestinal flora and growth performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of orange seed powder (OSP) on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and the caecal bacterial population of broiler chickens. Four hundred and eighty-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into four treatment groups of six replicates. The treatment groups comprised a control group (without OSP supplementation) and three groups with varying levels of OSP supplementation (0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%) over 42 days. All groups supplemented with orange seed powder significantly decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, E. coli, and total coliform population as well as feed conversion ratio and feed intake and significantly increased average weight gain and lactobacillus population on day 21 (p < 0.05). Carcase yield did not differ across all the treatment groups (p > 0.05). On day 42, the triglyceride level was significantly superior (p < 0.05) with the supplementation of OSP. The lactobacillus population was not affected on day 42; however, E. coli and the total coliform population remained affected (p < 0.05). Orange seed powder at 0.50% supplementation in poultry feed can optimise the caeca bacterial population and enhance the weight gain and feed conversion ratio.

Dietary supplementation with mulberry leaf flavonoids and carnosic acid complex enhances the growth performance and antioxidant capacity via regulating the p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of mulberry leaf flavonoids and carnosic acid complex (MCC) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant, and p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in broilers.MethodsA total of 256 healthy 8-day-old female yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: a control group (CON) fed a basal diet, an antibiotic group (CTC) supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline, and two experimental groups (MCC75, MCC150) fed basal diets with 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of MCC, respectively. The experiment lasted for 56 days, with days 1–28 designated as the initial phase and days 29–56 as the growth phase.ResultsThe results on the growth performance showed that diets supplemented with MCC and CTC decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G), diarrhea rate, and death rate, while significantly increasing the average daily weight gain (ADG) (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Specifically, the MCC150 group enhanced intestinal health, indicated by reduced crypt depth and increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C) as well as amylase activity in the jejunum. Both the MCC and CTC groups exhibited increased villus height and V/C ratio in the ileal (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, all treated groups showed elevated serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and significant increases in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were observed in both the MCC150 and CTC groups. Molecular analysis revealed an upregulation of the jejunal mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α, Nrf2, and Keap1 in the MCC and CTC groups, as well as an upregulation of ileum mRNA expression levels of P38, PGC-1α, Nrf2, and Keap1 in the MCC150 group, suggesting activation of the p38-MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.DiscussionThese findings indicate that dietary supplementation with MCC, particularly at a dosage of 150 mg/kg, may serve as a viable antibiotic alternative, enhancing growth performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity in broilers by regulating the p38-MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

The growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood profile of broilers fed on yellow maize stored in polypropylene and zerofly® hermetic bags

The growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood profile of broilers fed on yellow maize stored in polypropylene and zerofly® hermetic bags

Assessment of green tea and/or ginger powder on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood profiles of broilers exposed to heat stress conditions for sustainable broilers farming

Assessment of green tea and/or ginger powder on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood profiles of broilers exposed to heat stress conditions for sustainable broilers farming

Effect of manganese amino acid complexes on growth performance, meat quality, breast muscle and bone development in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of manganese (Mn) amino acid complexes on growth performance, Mn deposition, meat quality, breast muscle and bone development of broilers. 2. A total of 504, one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into seven treatments; control diet (CON; basal diet, no extra Mn addition), manganese diet (MnN as Numine®-Mn; CON + 40, 80, 120 or 160 mg Mn/kg), manganese-S group (MnS; CON + 120 mg Mn/kg as MnSO4·H2O), manganese-A diet (MnA as Mn from hydrolysed feather meal; CON + 40 mg Mn/kg as MnA). 3. There were no significant differences for average daily gain (ADG) or feed intake (ADFI) among diets during the feed phases (p > 0.05). The FCR in the starter and over the whole period were quadratically affected by dietary MnN dosage and gave the lowest FCR at 80 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The Mn content of thigh muscle, jejunum, heart, pancreas, liver and tibia increased linearly with MnN addition (p < 0.05). 4. For meat quality, MnN significantly increased colour (a*), pH45 min and pH24 h, reduced shear force, drip loss and pressure loss of breast muscle (p < 0.05). 5. Moreover, MnN significantly upregulated MYOD expression at d 21 and SOD expression at d 42, decreased MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 mRNA level at d 42 in breast muscle. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the regulating effect of MnN on muscle development significantly enriched signalling pathways such as adhesion, ECM-receptor, MAPK, mTOR and AMPK. Furthermore, dietary MnN significantly affected tibia length and growth plate development (p < 0.05) and promoted growth plate chondrocytes by increasing SOX-9, Runx-2, Mef2c, TGF-β, Ihh, Bcl-2 and Beclin1 and decreasing Bax and Caspase-3 (p < 0.05) expression which affect longitudinal tibial development. 6. In conclusion, Mn amino acid complexes could improve growth performance, tissue Mn deposition, breast muscle development, meat quality and bone development.

Unlocking Phytate with Phytase: A Meta-Analytic View of Meat-Type Chicken Muscle Growth and Bone Mineralization Potential.

The inclusion of exogenous phytase in P- and Ca-deficient diets of broilers to address the growing concern about excessive P excretion into the environment over the years has been remarkably documented. However, responses among these studies have been inconsistent because of the several factors affecting P utilization. For this reason, a systematic review with a meta-analysis of results from forty-one studies published from 2000 to February 2024 was evaluated to achieve the following: (1) quantitatively summarize the size of phytase effect on growth performance, bone strength and mineralization in broilers fed diets deficient in P and Ca and (2) estimate and explore the heterogeneity in the effect size of outcomes using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's SYRCLE risk of bias checklists for animal studies. Applying the random effects models, Hedges' g effect size of supplemented phytase was calculated using the R software (version 4.3.3, Angel Food Cake) to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to further explore the effect size heterogeneity (PSMD ≤ 0.05, I2 > 50%, n ≥ 10). The meta-analysis showed that supplemental phytase increases ADFI and BWG and improves FCR at each time point of growth (p < 0.0001). Additionally, phytase supplementation consistently increased tibia ash, P and Ca, and bone strength (p < 0.0001) of broilers fed P- and Ca-deficient diets. The results of the subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that the age and strain of broiler, dietary P source, and the duration of phytase exposure significantly influence the effect size of phytase on growth and bone parameters. In conclusion, phytase can attenuate the effect of reducing dietary-available phosphorus and calcium and improve ADFI, BWG, and FCR, especially when added to starter diets. It further enhances bone ash, bone mineralization, and the bone-breaking strength of broilers, even though the effects of bone ash and strength can be maximized in the starter phase of growth. However, the effect sizes of phytase were related to the age and strain of the broiler, dietary P source, and the duration of phytase exposure rather than the dosage.

Effects of Sea-Buckthorn Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Serum Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier and Microbiota in LPS-Challenged Broilers.

The experiment investigated the effects of sea-buckthorn flavonoids (SF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups, with 6 replicates of 12 broilers each. The experiment lasted for 20 days. The diet included two levels of SF (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and broilers intraperitoneally injected with 500 μg/kg LPS on 16, 18, and 20 days, or an equal amount of saline. LPS challenge decreased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, increased feed-to-gain ratio, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, D-LA, and endotoxin levels. Moreover, it resulted in a reduction in the IL-10 level. LPS impaired the intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, down-regulated the mRNA relative expression of Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC-2 in the jejunum mucosa, up-regulated the mRNA relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and IL-1β, and increased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in broilers (p < 0.05). However, SF supplementation mitigated the decrease in growth performance, reduced serum IL-1β, IL-2, and D-LA levels, increased IL-10 levels, alleviated intestinal morphological damage, up-regulated mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1, down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-lβ in jejunum mucosal (p < 0.05), and SF supplementation presented a tendency to decrease the relative abundance of proteobacteria (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, incorporating SF can enhance the growth performance, alleviate serum inflammation, and improve the intestinal health of broilers, effectively mitigating the damage triggered by LPS-challenges.

Insect Larvae as an Alternate Protein Source in Poultry Feed Improve the Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers.

The primary challenge facing the global animal industry is the scarcity of protein feed resources. Various insects are gaining prominence as innovative feed sources due to their economic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious attributes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a partial replacement of soybean meal with fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on the growth performances, blood parameters, gut histology, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 350 1-day-old (40 ± 0.15 g) male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven experimental meals. Each treatment was repeated five times with 50 birds per dietary treatment. The seven dietary treatments included 4, 8, and 12% replacements of SBM with larvae of S. frugiperda and H. illucens. SBM was the basal diet considered the control. The data showed that broilers fed 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved the feed conversion ratio. Meals with 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) haematological and gut histological parameters, including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height/crypt depth ratios. The meat of broilers fed the 12% S. frugiperda diet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lightness and yellowness. Replacing soybean meal up to 12% with either S. frugiperda or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality traits of broilers.

Influence of grain type and fat source on performance, nutrient utilization, and gut properties in broilers fed pelleted diets

The influence of grain type and fat source on the performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), and intestinal characteristics in broiler starters fed pelleted diets were studied. The experiment included 8 treatments arranged as a 2 × 4 factorial with 2 grains (wheat and corn) and 4 fat sources (soybean oil, fish oil, tallow, and palm oil). In all fat sources, corn-fed birds had a higher weight gain than those fed wheat-based diets. However, improvement in the weight gain of birds fed wheat-based diets supplemented with tallow resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) interaction between grain type and fat source. Inclusion of wheat and tallow increased feed intake compared to corn and other fat sources, respectively. Pellets made from wheat were harder (P < 0.01) than those based on corn. Broilers fed corn-based diets, had higher CAID of fat, Ca, and phosphorus (P < 0.01) than those fed wheat-based diets. Soybean oil inclusion, also increased (P < 0.01) fat digestibility compared to other fat sources. An interaction occurred between grain type and fat source where pellets made from corn and soybean oil had higher protein digestibility compared to the other treatments (P < 0.01). Feeding wheat-based diets increased pH of gizzard and proventriculus compared to corn-based diets (P < 0.01). Highest viscosity value was observed in wheat-diets supplemented with fish oil, and palm oil (P < 0.01). The pancrease, gizzard and cecum were heavier in corn-based fed birds compared to those fed wheat-based diets (P < 0.01). A significant interaction between grain type and fat source was noted for Lactobacillus spp. and the total anaerobic bacteria population in the cecum. Overall, the effect of grain type on weight gain, CIAD of protein and cecal microbiota differed depending on the fat sources. Feeding corn and soybean oil resulted in better gut development and growth performance in broilers fed pelleted diets.

In ovo betaine injection improves breast muscle growth in newly hatched goslings through FXR/IGF-2 pathway

Betaine has been shown to enhance growth performance and increase breast muscle yield in ducks and broilers through various mechanisms, including the modification of DNA methylation. However, the impact of in ovo betaine injection on muscle growth in newly hatched goslings remains unclear. In this study, fifty eggs were injected with saline or betaine at 7.5 mg/egg prior to incubation, and the subsequent effects on breast muscle growth in the newly hatched goslings were investigated. Betaine significantly increased (P < 0.05) the hatch weight, breast muscle weight, and breast muscle index, accompanied by an augmentation in muscle bundle cross-sectional area. Concurrently, betaine significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression levels of myogenic regulatory factors, including myogenin (MyoG) and paired box 7 (Pax7) both mRNA and protein, while downregulating (P < 0.05) the mRNA and protein levels of myostatin (MSTN). Histological analysis revealed a higher abundance of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Pax7 immune-positive cells in the breast muscle of the betaine group, consistent with elevated PCNA and Pax7 mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, significantly increased (P < 0.05) contents of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) were observed in the breast muscle of the betaine group, so was mRNA expression of IGF-1, IGF-2, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). Betaine also significantly in8creased (P < 0.05) global DNA methylation of the breast muscle, accompanied by enhanced mRNA and protein levels of methionine cycle and DNA methylation-related enzymes, Interestingly, the promoter regions of IGF-1, IGF-2, and IGF-1R genes were significantly hypomethylated (P < 0.05). Moreover, in ovo betaine injection significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) the protein level of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in breast muscle and FXR binding to the promoter of IGF-2 gene. These findings suggest that in ovo betaine injection promotes breast muscle growth during embryonic development in goslings through the FXR-mediated IGF-2 pathway, ultimately improving hatch weight and breast muscle weight.

Nano-Se exhibits limited protective effect against heat stress induced poor breast muscle meat quality of broilers compared with other selenium sources

BackgroundAt present, heat stress (HS) has become a key factor that impairs broiler breeding industry, which causes growth restriction and poor meat quality of broilers. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant and plays a unique role in meat quality improvement. Recent years, nano-selenium (NanoSe) has received tremendous attention in livestock production, due to its characteristic and good antibacterial performance in vitro. Here, we developed the heat stressed-broiler model to investigate the protective effects of NanoSe on growth performance and meat quality of broilers and compare whether there are differences with that of other Se sources (Sodium selenite, SS; Selenoyeast, SeY; Selenomethionine, SeMet).ResultsHS jeopardized the growth performance and caused poor meat quality of breast muscle in broilers, which were accompanied by lowered antioxidant capacity, increased glycolysis, increased anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate, mitochondrial stress and abnormal mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. All Se sources supplementation exhibited protective effects, which increased the Se concentration and promoted the expression of selenoproteins, improved the mitochondrial homeostasis and the antioxidant capacity, and promoted the TCA cycle and the aerobic metabolism of pyruvate, thus improved the breast muscle meat quality of broilers exposed to HS. However, unlike the other three Se sources, the protective effect of NanoSe on meat quality of heat stressed-broilers was not ideal, which exhibited limited impact on the pH value, drip loss and cooking loss of the breast muscle. Compared with the other Se sources, broilers received NanoSe showed the lowest levels of slow MyHC, the highest levels of fast MyHC and glycogen, the highest mRNA levels of glycolysis-related genes (PFKM and PKM), the highest protein expression of HSP60 and CLPP, and the lowest enzyme activities of GSH-Px, citroyl synthetase (CS) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) in breast muscle. Consistent with the SS, the Se deposition in breast muscle of broilers received NanoSe was lower than that of broilers received SeY or SeMet. Besides, the regulatory efficiency of NanoSe on the expression of key selenoproteins (such as SELENOS) in breast muscle of heat stressed-broilers was also worse than that of other Se sources.ConclusionThrough comparing the meat quality, Se deposition, muscle fiber type conversion, glycolysis, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitochondrial TCA cycle-related indicators of breast muscle in heat stressed broilers, we found that the protective effects of organic Se (SeY and SeMet) are better than that of inorganic Se (SS) and NanoSe. As a new Se source, though NanoSe showed some protective effect on breast muscle meat quality of heat stressed broilers, the protective effect of NanoSe is not ideal, compared with other Se sources.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Nitrogen Utilization, Serum Parameter, Protein Synthesis, and Amino Acid Metabolism of 1- to 10-Day-Old Male Broilers.

This research compared how different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affect the growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameters, protein synthesis, and amino acid (AA) metabolism in broilers aged 1 to 10 days. In a 4 × 3 factorial experimental design, the broilers were fed four levels of dietary CP (20%, 21%, 22%, and 23%) and three levels of dietary AME (2800 kcal/kg, 2900 kcal/kg, and 3000 kcal/kg). A total of 936 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 12 treatments with 6 replications each. Growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameter, gene expression of protein synthesis, and AA metabolism were evaluated at 10 d. The results revealed no interaction between dietary CP and AME levels on growth performance (p > 0.05). However, 22% and 23% CP enhanced body weight gain (BWG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), total CP intake, and body protein deposition but had a detrimental effect on the protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to 20% or 21% CP (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg AME showed increased feed intake (FI) and inferior PER (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 3000 kcal/kg AME showed decreased muscle mRNA expression of mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and Atrogin-1 compared to those fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg and 2900 kcal/kg AME (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary CP level from 20% to 23% decreased muscle mTOR and increased S6K1 mRNA expression, respectively (p < 0.05). The muscle mRNA expression of Atrogin-1 was highest for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and Liver alanine aminotransferase of the 22% and 23% CP groups were higher than those of 20% CP (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary CP and AME levels were observed for muscle AMPK and liver lysine-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Dietary AME level had no effect on muscle AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 21% and 22% CP diets (p > 0.05), whereas increasing dietary AME levels decreased AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of LKR and BCKDH was highest for broilers fed the diet with 2800 kcal/kg AME and 22% CP, while it was lowest for broilers fed the diet with 3000 kcal/kg AME and 20% CP. The findings suggest that inadequate energy density hindered AA utilization for protein synthesis, leading to increased AA catabolism for broilers aged 1 to 10 days, and a dietary CP level of 22% and an AME level of 2900 to 3000 kcal/kg may be recommended based on performance and dietary protein utilization.

Effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and health status of broilers

Oyster mushroom stem residue, a by-product with medicinal and nutritive values, might be a prospective feed supplement in poultry nutrition. The study focused on evaluating the impact of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue (OMSR) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, blood characteristics, and the cecal bacterial count in Arbor Acres broilers raised 35 d. A total of 144 day-old chicks, with an average weight of 40.27± 2.45 g, were divided into 3 groups: control (received a standard basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline), and OMSR (fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg OMSR), where each group comprises 8 replications of 6 chicks. Supplementation of 300 mg/kg of OMSR powder in the broiler diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight as opposed to the control and antibiotic treatments, though the average daily feed intake was not influenced by OMSR supplementation during the whole experimental period. However, in comparison to the control and antibiotic groups, OMSR significantly reduced the postmortem breast meat drip loss percentage (P < 0.05) at 24 hours and on the seventh d. Furthermore, the OMSR group reported significantly elevated levels of Hb and RBC counts (P < 0.05), and decreased levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (P < 0.05) on d 35 in comparison to broilers in the control and antibiotic groups. Additionally, the OMSR group exhibited an improved Heterophil/Lymphocytes (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05) relative to the broilers of the control and antibiotic groups. In contrast, the inclusion of OMSR in the broiler diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence other serum biochemical and hematological values tested. Broilers in OMSR group had reduced number (P < 0.05) of E. coli and Salmonella spp., but higher presence of Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in contrast to the control broilers. To summarize, the study's findings revealed that 300 mg of OMSR powder supplementation per kg of basal diet could be act as a natural growth promoter, and confer favorable effects on health and meat quality of broilers.

Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, intestinal microbiota and histology altered in broilers fed maize- or sorghum-based diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying levels of sorghum-based diets as an alternative to maize in broiler nutrition. A total of 320 one-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups (5 pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen), comprising a control group with a basal diet and groups receiving sorghum-based diets with 20%, 40%, and 100% maize replacement. The overall weight gain was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the control group, followed by 20%, 40%, and 100% sorghum replacement. Additionally, overall feed intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the 20% sorghum replacement group compared to the control and other groups. Broilers fed sorghum-based diets exhibited a significantly (p < 0.01) increased feed conversion ratio. Carcass characteristics showed no significant differences between broilers fed corn and sorghum; however, the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the 20% sorghum-corn replacement compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. Ileal villus height and width did not differ among the corn-sorghum-based diets, regardless of the replacement percentage. Furthermore, among the cecal microbiota, Lactobacillus count was significantly (p < 0.041) higher in the 20% corn-sorghum diet compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. These findings suggest that replacing corn up to 20% of corn with sorghum in broiler diet positively impact growth performance, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota in broilers. However, larger replacements (40% and 100%) may have negative implications for broiler production and health.

Comparative effects of various dietary selenium sources on growth performance, meat quality, essential trace elements content, and antioxidant capacity in broilers

This study aimed to compare the effects of various dietary selenium (Se) sources (0.5 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broilers as well as essential trace elements concentrations in their blood and tissues. A total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens (37.00 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to 5 diet treatments: the basal diet (CON) and 4 diets supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), selenomethionine (SM), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) for 56 d, respectively, with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 chickens per replicate. Dietary Se supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers (P > 0.05). Supplemental SM enhanced the redness in the pectoral muscle compared to CON and NS (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SY and NS improved the concentrations of Se, copper, manganese, and zinc in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SS also elevated the zinc content in the serum (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the SY diet showed increased Se content in the liver and pectoral muscle compared to those fed CON, SM, and NS diets (P < 0.05). Also, SY improved the pectoral muscle Se concentration compared to SS (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary Se supplementation increased the Se content in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), with SY showing highest Se deposition. Dietary supplementation with SS, SM, and NS improved the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SY also elevated the T-AOC in the serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, SS and SM enhanced the T-AOC in the liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplemental SM affected meat color. Supplementing diets with various Se sources increased antioxidant capacity and Se content in the thigh muscle of broilers, with SY showing a more pronounced deposition efficiency. Besides, diets supplemented with different Se sources had variable effects on the concentrations of essential trace elements in the serum and tissues of broilers.

Effect of hempseed products on growth performance, carcass yield, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids in broiler: A meta-analysis

Abstract Hempseed is the edible fruit of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, potentially serving as feed ingredients in broiler production due to its high nutritional value. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of hempseed products (seeds, cakes, or oils) on body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass yield (CY), and fatty acid (FA) composition (ω-3 and ω-6) in broiler chicken. Ten eligible publications were retrieved from Google Scholar and Scopus databases for the meta-analysis. The random-effects model was used for data analysis in OpenMEE software. Results were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results show that dietary hempseed products increased ω-3 FA (SMD = 1.107; P&lt;0.05) and ω-6 FA (SMD = 0.987; P&lt;0.01) but reduced BW (SMD = -0.403; P&lt;0.05) and FI (SMD = -0.470; P&lt;0.05) compared to the controls. On the other hand, CY (SMD = 0.053; P&gt;0.05) and FCR (SMD = 0.046; P&gt;0.05) were not significantly influenced by hempseed product supplementation. Subgroup analysis revealed that hempseed oil reduced BW (SMD = -1.041; P&lt;0.05) and FCR (SMD = -0.797; P&lt;0.05) but enhanced both ω-3 FA (SMD = 2.372; P&lt;0.01) and ω-6 FA composition (SMD = 1.630; P&lt;0.01). There were no adverse effects of hempseed and hempseed cake on BW (P&gt;0.05), but a higher FCR (SMD = 0.658; P&lt;0.05) was obtained on broilers fed with hempseed. Moreover, dietary hempseed and hempseed cake also increased ω-3 FA (SMD = 0.952; P&lt;0.05) and ω-6 FA composition (SMD = 1.107; P&lt;0.01), respectively. This study concluded that dietary hempseed products had beneficial effects on the fatty acid composition of meat. However, its effect on growth performance should be considered.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler.

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1g AF + 0.5g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1β levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe Vera and Amla Fruit Powder on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken

The study was conducted to observe the effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis) powder supplementation alone and in combination on growth performance of broiler chicken. Un-sexed, apparently healthy, day old broiler chicks (240 in number) were randomly allocated to four groups with four replicates having 15 birds in each. Broilers were fed ration as per BIS (2007) standards. The supplementation of Aloe vera and Amla fruit powder alone and in combination showed highly significant (P&lt;0.01) effect on feed consumption, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The study revealed that the inclusion of Aloe vera at 1 per cent and Amla fruit powder at 1 per cent alone and in combination enhanced the overall growth performance of broilers.