Growth Performance Of Chickens Research Articles

Effect of Incorporating Hibiscus sabdariffa Seed Flour (Red Variety) on Zootechnical Performance of Broilers Chickens Cobb500 Strain

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of incorporating red Hibiscus sabdariffa seed meal into the feed ration on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and economic margins of broiler chickens in Côte d'Ivoire. To achieve this, 237 broiler chicks of the Cobb500 strain, two (2) weeks old, were divided into three (3) lots of 79 birds each. lot 1 was fed with ration that did not contain Hibiscus sabdariffa red variety (HSR0) seed meal. Lots 2 and 3 were fed respectively by ration HSR 2% and HSR 4% by which contain 2 % and 4 % of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed meal respectively. The results showed that the inclusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds significantly reduced food consumption in subjects fed HSR 2 and HSR 4 compared with ration HSR 0 (control). It varied from 38.71 ± 1.26 g/d to 161 ± 5.08 g/d for lot 2 and from 37.85 ± 1.16 g/d to 148 ± 6.08 g/d for lot 3 compared with 39.8±1.3 g/dr to 172 ± 7.2 g/d for lot 1. On other hand, the subjects in lot 2 achieved better growth performance than the other lots. They recorded an average weight of 2,334±208.6 g compared with 2,213 ± 170.78 g and 1,958 ± 182.57 g for lots 1 and 3 respectively. Over the 4-week period, the highest mortality rate was observed in lot 1, at 10.13 %. No negative effect was observed on the carcass yield of chickens fed Hibiscus sabdariffa meal. In economic terms, incorporation reduced the production cost of broilers. In conclusion Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds can therefore be incorporated up to 2% into chicken rations without causing any significant loss in chicken weight. Studies need to be carried out to improve the organoleptic quality of Hibiscus sabdariffa seeds.

Effect of coated calcium feeding on growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, blood biochemistry and tibial bone morphometry in commercial broiler chicken.

The bone abnormalities pose great concern in heavy, rapidly growing broilers, resulting in significant economic loss, and health issues in birds. To address these problems and prevent unnecessary mineral excretion into environment, it is crucial to optimise the inclusion level of dietary calcium in broiler's diet. The calcium utilisation by the bird is also affected by its source, particle size, bioavailability etc. Hence this study aimed to study the effect of partially replacing conventional dietary calcium source with coated calcium on growth performance, immune response, carcass traits, blood calcium and phosphorus, and mineral retention in broilers. About 416 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments, each with eight replicates of 13 birds and fed with iso-calcium, isocaloric, and isonitrogenous diet for 42 days. The T0 (control) was a basal diet while the T1, T2, and T3, were treatment diets in which conventional calcium source (limestone) was partially replaced with coated calcium by 10, 20, and 30% respectively. The birds of T3 group showed higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain, better feed conversion ratio and higher carcass yields compared to T0, T1, and T2 diet fed birds. Further the treatment groups exhibited higher (P < 0.05) cell-mediated and humoral immune responses and immune organ weights compared to control. The tibial bone weight, length and average diameter was highest (P < 0.05) in T3. Moreover, the T3 diet fed group also showed higher (P < 0.05) calcium and phosphorus content in serum and bone and lowest content of these minerals in the excreta followed by T2, T1 and control. These findings suggest that a 30% conventional calcium source with coated calcium may be used as a high-grade mineral source for broiler chicken feed.

Dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis KC1 alleviates the negative effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum on growth performance and amino acid metabolism of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to explore whether and how Bacillus subtilis KC1 can enhance the growth performance of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)-infected broilers. Broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group (basal diet), the MG group (basal diet + MG challenge), the KC group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation), the KC + MG group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation + MG challenge). The results showed that, compared to the control group, MG group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and average daily gain, and increased feed conversion ratio of broilers. However, compared to the MG group, the B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited significantly improved above indicators of growth performance. In addition, compared to the MG group, B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited increased superoxide dismutase levels and reduced levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α of broilers. Furthermore, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses indicated that MG infection disrupted amino acid metabolism in broilers, whereas B. subtilis KC1 supplementation alleviated the abnormal amino acid metabolism caused by MG. These results suggested that B. subtilis KC1 may alleviate the poor growth performance caused by MG infection in broilers by improving amino acid metabolism.

Impact of varying levels of soy hulls and β-mannanase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient utilization and blood biochemical profile in broiler chickens

Two hundred and forty day-old broilers were randomly assigned to six experimental groups in a 2 x 3 factorial design. The birds were fed diets containing soybean hulls (SH) at the levels of 4% and 6% and β-Mannanase (BM) at the concentration of 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Results indicated significant effects of SH and BM supplementation on body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG), with birds fed 4% SH and 0.1% BM exhibiting higher (p < 0.05) body weight and weight gain compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in birds receiving 4% SH with 0.1% BM supplementation. However, no significant effects were observed on carcase traits across treatment groups. Regarding nutrient digestibility, birds supplemented with 0.1% BM showed improved (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to those without BM supplementation. No significant variations were observed in dry matter, crude fibre and ether extract utilisation among treatment groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were not influenced by SH and BM supplementation, indicating no adverse effects on blood parameters. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential advantages of incorporating 4% SH and 0.1% BM in broiler diets for enhanced growth performance and nutrient utilisation.

Effect of Dietary Benzoic Acid and Oregano Essential Oil as a Substitute for an Anti-Coccidial Agent on Growth Performance and Physiological and Immunological Responses in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Eimeria Species.

To overcome the antimicrobial residues in food, benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) are used in the broiler chicken industry. Independently, both exerted anticoccidial and antimicrobial actions and improved growth performance in broiler chickens. Their effect may be multiplied when they are used in combination. This present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of dietary BA and OEO alone or in combination as a substitute for a commercial coccidiostatic drug on growth performance and physiological and immunological responses in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria species. A total of 252 unsexed 1-day-old broiler chicks were equally allotted to 36 pens, each pen containing seven chicks. The pens were randomly assigned to six treatments with six pens (replicates) for each treatment (n = 6)-(i) negative control, (ii) positive control, coccidia-challenged and non-treated, (iii) supplemented with salinomycin (an anti-coccidial drug) at 60 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (iv) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged, (v) supplemented with OEOat 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (OEO), and (vi) supplemented with BA at 500 mg/kg of feed and OEO at 500 mg/kg of feed and coccidia-challenged (B&O). The liver enzymes and thyroxine and creatinine levels were not affected (p > 0.05) both in coccidia-challenged and supplemented chickens. The BA and OEO applied separately or in combination (B&O) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced gut pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) and Eimeria spp., and concurrently enhanced (p > 0.05) the Lactobacillus population with better body weight gain, improved feed utilization, and superior hematological values. It also up-regulated (p > 0.05) the interferon-γ gene expression and down-regulated (p < 0.05) the interleukin-10 and Toll-like receptor-4 gene expression to protect the chickens from inflammatory reactions, which were not demonstrated in salinomycin-treated birds. The B&O supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the immune system by enhancing Eimeria-specific immunoglobulin Y titer and lymphocyte proliferation response. This study suggests that the combined application of OEO and BA can substitute for a commercial anti-coccidial agent (salinomycin) in controlling coccidiosis as well as improving growth performance, gut health, and immune responses in broiler chickens with a means of antimicrobial-resistant free food products.

Effect of dietary supplementation of postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken

A study was conducted at Avian Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu to study the effects of dietary supplementation of postbiotics derived from probiotic culture of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken from day-old to 42 days of age. A total number of 180, day-old chicks were randomly allotted into six dietary treatment groups, viz., T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 having three replicates of ten birds each, in a completely randomised design. The birds in control group (T1) were fed with a standard broiler ration (SBR) formulated as per BIS (2007).The treatment group T2 were fed with the SBR containing chlortetracycline. Diets for T3 to T6 were formulated by inclusion of 0.15 per cent postbiotic (T3), 0.3 per cent postbiotic (T4), 0.45 per cent postbiotic (T5) and 0.6 per cent postbiotic (T6), respectively.Supplementation of 0.45 per cent postbiotic exhibited significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher body weight, bodyweight gain and cumulative bodyweight gain than control group at six weeks of age. The feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics showed no significant change among the treatment groups. Keywords: Postbiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum, body weight, carcass

Production performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometry and serum biochemistry in dual purpose chicken fed diet incorporated withrice distillers grain with soluble

This study investigated the effects of rice distillers grains with solubles (rDDGS) on growth performance, production efficiency, carcass characteristics, nutrient metabolizability and serum biochemistry of dual purpose chicken (Kuroiler). Four diets were formulated with graded levels of rDDGS (0, 10, 14 and 18%). Each diet was allocated to 5 replicates with 10 birds in each at random. With the exception of 21 days, there was no difference in body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatment groups. The dietary levels of rDDGS had no effect on serum biochemical parameters. Dietary level of 14% rDDGS significantly increased dressing yield and thigh and drumstick percentage. The metabolizability of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract and organic matter was similar among the experimental groups. The addition of rDDGS had no negative effects on jejunum histo-morphometry. In the 18% rDDGS fed group, profit per kg live weight was comparatively higher. In conclusion, rDDGS may be added to dual-purpose chicken diets safely up to an 18% inclusion level as a substitute protein source for profitable production.

Effects of low energy diets supplemented with emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding an emulsifier to energy-deficient diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 540 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 4 pens and 15 broiler chickens/pen for 6 wk. Nine treatments consisted of 3 inclusion rates of emulsifier (0, 250, and 500 mg kg-1) and the standard, moderate, and low energy concentrations [45 and 90, 60 and 105, and 75 and 120 kcal apparent metabolizable energy (AME)/kg less for the moderate- and low-energy concentrations than the standard energy requirements during the starter (d 0 to 10), grower (d 10 to 24), and finisher (d 24 to 42) phases, respectively]. The average daily weight gain (ADWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were recorded in the starter, grower, finisher, and total rearing (d 0 to 42) phases and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. The AME, digestibility of crude protein (CP), lipid, and organic matter (OM) of experimental diets, were determined from d 5 to 10 and from d 35 to 40. Broiler chickens fed moderate- or low-energy diets containing emulsifier showed greater ADWG and LBW, than those fed the standard diets along with lower FCR, compared to the same diets without emulsifier (P < 0.05). Live body weight increased, while both ADFI and FCR decreased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed moderate-energy diets with 500 mg emulsifier /kg or low-energy diets containing 250 mg emulsifier /kg had greater villus height compared to those fed other diets (P < 0.05). The addition of emulsifiers to diets led to a linear increase in villus height, epithelium height, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). In moderate- and low-energy diets, the inclusion of emulsifiers resulted in greater AME and digestibility of lipid and OM (P < 0.05). The AME and digestibility of lipid and OM increased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of emulsifier at a rate at least 250 mg kg-1 to moderate- or low-energy diets during the starter, growth, and finisher phases can enhance broiler chicken performance by improving the histological characteristics of small intestine and enhancing lipid digestibility.

Evaluation of Black Pepper, Tumeric, Corriander and Their Blend as Supplementary Phytoadditives on Growth Performance and Meat Sensory Assessment of Broiler Chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of black pepper, tumeric, corriander and their blend as supplementary phytoadditives in dosage 1 kg per ton of feed on the growth performance and meat sensory assessment of broiler chickens. A total of three hundred (300) day-old broiler chicks were used for the study. At the starter phase, the chicks were weighed at day old and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water was provided ad libitum during the trial period. The birds were weighed at the beginning of the trial and weekly thereafter. Weight gain, feed intake, left over feeds were measured and recorded, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogramme weight gain were calculated and mortality rate recorded as they occurred. Medication and vaccine administration was carried out as required. Performance parameters calculated include feed intake, weight gain, feed to gain ratio, feed cost per kilogram gain and mortality. For the finisher phase, one hundred and five four weeks old chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were replicated three times with fifteen chicks per replicate. Performance parameters measured were the same as for the starter phase. The experimental study lasted seven weeks. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS (2008), while the significant differences between treatment means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% level of significance. There were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per gain and mortality. Birds fed corriander supplemented diet (T4) had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher final weight, weight gain and least cost of production which were at par with birds fed black pepper supplemented diet (T2). The least performance was observed for birds fed black pepper, tumeric and corriander ..........

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

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

Effects of decreasing phosphorus concentrations in diets and phytase supplementation on growth performance, stress response, and intestinal health in broiler chickens

Effects of decreasing phosphorus concentrations in diets and phytase supplementation on growth performance, stress response, and intestinal health in broiler chickens

Dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improves the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chicken challenged with E. coli K88

Ellagic acid (EA) contributes to the immunity and anti-oxidant function of body, whereas there are few reports about its effect on the intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens. Hence, the present study was arranged to investigate the effect of dietary supplementary with EA on the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). A total of 216 healthy 1-day-old, Ross 308 broilers with uniform weight were randomly assigned into three treatment groups, six replicates in each group and twelve birds in each replicate. Broilers in the control (CTR) group and E. coli K88 infected group (ETEC) were fed with the basic diet, and 200 mg/kg EA was supplemented into the diet of the E. coli K88 infected group treated with EA (EAETEC). The animal trial had lasted for 42 days, and the outcomes showed that the ADG and ADFI during the animal trial, the jejunal villi height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) tended to be decreased with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Additionally, the level of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated, the activity of intestinal total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the mRNA levels in jejunal claudin-1 and occludin were down-regulated with E. coli K88 treated as well as the transcription levels of ileal Mucin-2, aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) and Na+/H+ exchanger proteins-3 (NHE-3) (P< 0.05). In addition, E. coli K88 down-regulated the α-diversity index of cecal flora, the ratio of Bacteroidota to Firmicutes and the relative abundance of Barnesiella were up-regulated and it of Alistipes was descended with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Beyond that, the content of propionic acid in the cecal chyme was decreased and the amino acid metabolic pathways were inhibited with E. coli K88 challenged (P< 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the relative abundance of Alistipes and the levels of butyric acid in the caecal chyme and the activity of GSH-Px in the intestine (P< 0.05). Interestingly, dietary supplementary with EA could reshape the intestinal flora structure and alleviate the above negative effects of E. coli K88 on broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improved the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with E. coli K88.

Productive, internal organ and intestinal histomorphological characteristics of broiler chickens in response to dietary rapeseed meal: A meta-analysis.

The use of rapeseed as a source of protein in broiler chicken diets has been highlighted. However, there are inconsistent findings on the performance data of broiler chickens fed rapeseed meal (RSM). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to resolve the inconsistent findings on the effect of RSM on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens, identify knowledge gaps and create new insights using published data. Fourteen studies on the topic were identified via a systematic search performed on bibliographic databases, and the data generated was analysed using OpenMEE software. A random-effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using broiler strains, inclusion levels, processing methods, rearing phases and sex as moderators. In comparison with the controls, the results showed that RSM decreased feed intake (SMD = -0.29; 95% Cl: -0.41, -0.18; p < 0.001), average daily gain (SMD = -0.48; 95% Cl: -0.63, -0.32; p < 0.001), and liver weight (SMD = 1.24; 95% Cl: 0.78, 1.71; p < 0.001), but had no effect on feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.10; 95% Cl: -0.05, 0.23; p = 0.19). Likewise, broiler chickens fed RSM had significantly reduced carcass yield, weights of thigh, abdominal fat and heart when compared with the control. Results indicate that duodenum villus height (DVH) and jejunum villus height (JVH)/crypt depth (CD) ratios were improved in broiler chickens fed RSM. Meta-regression revealed that the analysed moderators are significant predictors of feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary RSM negatively influenced growth performance, liver weight and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens, but improved aspects of intestinal histomorphology traits. Therefore, innovative research on processing methods that will improve the feeding value of rapeseed meal in broiler chickens is recommended.

Effects of Enzyme and Probiotic on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens: A Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of enzyme and probiotic on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A collection of publications covering the years from 2009 to 2021 was compiled using several keywords, such as enzyme, growth performance, and probiotic. A total of 136 comparisons from 19 in vivo investigations were used to create the final dataset. The data were analyzed using the OpenMEE software, considering the feed additives (enzymes and probiotics) as fixed effects and individual studies as random effects. The result showed an insignificant difference (P0.05) between enzymes and probiotics in terms of improving the body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers. In conclusion, both probiotics and enzymes improved broiler performances, such as body weight gain, feed intake and FCR. According to the meta-analysis, the ability of enzymes and probiotics to affect broiler performances was equal.

Effects of cassava root meal on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, organ and intestinal indices, and slaughter performance of yellow-feathered broiler chickens.

With the global population growth and shortage of food, the competition between humans and animal for food will become increasingly fierce. Therefore, the development of unconventional energy feed cassava feed is of great significance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cassava root meal (CRM) on the growth performance, apparent digestibility, and organ and intestinal indices of broiler chickens. A total of 140 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups [control diet (CT), 15% CRM (CRM15), 30% CRM (CRM30), and 45% CRM (CRM45)] with five replicates of seven birds per replicate. The results showed that the body weight of broiler chickens fed diets containing CRM were significantly lower than that in the CT group at 21 and 42days of age, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake in the CRM group were significantly lower than those in the CT group from 1 to 21days of age. However, from days 22 to 42, there were no significant differences between CRM15 and CT birds regarding average daily gain and average daily feed intake. but there was no difference in feed conversion rate between the CRM15 and CT groups. At 42days of age, there were no significant differences between CRM15 and CT birds in in body measurements, the slaughter performance and the percentage of semi-eviscerated yield. The addition of CRM reduced the proportion of breast and thigh muscles during the feeding period, although we detected no significant difference between CRM15 and CT regarding the apparent digestibility of nutrients. Collectively, our findings indicate that 15% cassava was the optimal proportion for supplementing diets for broiler chicken production.

The interactivity of sources and dietary levels of resistant starches – impact on growth performance, starch, and nutrient digestibility, digesta oligosaccharides profile, cecal microbial metabolites, and indicators of gut health in broiler chickens

In a 21-d study, 480 Cobb 500 (off-sex) male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effects of feeding different sources and levels of resistant starches (RS) on growth performance, nutrient and energy utilization, and intestinal health in broiler chickens. The birds were allocated to 10 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement. The factors were 3 RS-sources (RSS): banana starch (BS), raw potato starch (RPS), and high-amylose corn starch (HCS); each at 3 levels (RSL) 25, 50, or 100 g/kg plus a corn-soybean meal control diet. Birds and feed were weighed on d 0, 8, and 21. On d 21, samples of jejunal tissue and digesta were collected for chemical analysis. Data were analyzed using the mixed model procedure of JMP with factor levels nested with the control. In the 0 to 21 phase, the birds fed the RPS diets had higher (P = 0.011) FI than those fed HCS or control diets, and FCR was greater (P = 0.030) in birds that received BS diets than in other diets. RSS × RSL was significant (P < 0.05) for total tract nutrient retention, AME, and AMEn on d 21. The starch digestibility was higher (P < 0.001) in birds that received the control diet than in RS diets, and decreased as RS levels increased, except for HCS. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) were higher (P < 0.001) in birds fed 100 g/kg HCS diet, with both decreasing with increasing levels of BS and RPS, except for HCS. Relative ileal oligosaccharides profile showed significant (P < 0.05) RSS × RSL with a higher relative abundance of Hex(3) (P = 0.01) and Pent(3) (P = 0.001) in HCS diets. In conclusion, RS may influence gut health and growth performance in broiler chickens through modulation of cecal SCFA and nutrient digestion, but these depend largely on the botanical origin and concentrations of individual RS.

Non-Targeted Metabolomics of Serum Reveals Biomarkers Associated with Body Weight in Wumeng Black-Bone Chickens.

Growth performance is an important economic trait of broilers but the related serum metabolomics remains unclear. In this study, we utilized non-targeted metabolomics using ultra-high-performance liquid phase tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to establish metabolite profiling in the serum of Chinese Wumeng black-bone chickens. The biomarker metabolites in serum associated with growth performance of chickens were identified by comparing the serum metabolome differences between chickens that significantly differed in their weights at 160 days of age when fed identical diets. A total of 766 metabolites were identified including 13 differential metabolite classes such as lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds. The results of difference analysis using a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model indicated that the low-body-weight group could be differentiated based on inflammatory markers including prostaglandin a2, kynurenic acid and fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA), and inflammation-related metabolic pathways including tryptophan and arachidonic acid metabolism. In contrast, the sera of high-body-weight chickens were enriched for riboflavin and 2-isopropylmalic acid and for metabolic pathways including riboflavin metabolism, acetyl group transfer into mitochondria, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These results provide new insights into the practical application of improving the growth performance of local chickens.

Effect of increasing supplementation of dietary glycine on growth performance, meat quality, liver characteristics, and intestinal health in broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing supplementation of dietary glycine (Gly) on growth performance, meat quality, liver characteristics, and intestinal health in broiler chickens raised under heat stress (HS) conditions. A total of one thousand six hundred 25-d-old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates. Each replicate comprised 20 male and 20 female birds. A negative control (NC) diet was prepared to meet or exceed energy and nutrient requirement estimates, whereas a positive control (PC) diet was formulated to contain increasing concentrations of AMEn by 50 kcal/kg as well as those of digestible amino acids, total Ca, and available P by 10% compared with the respective concentrations in the NC diet. Three additional diets were prepared by supplementing the NC diet with 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6% Gly. All chickens were raised under cyclic HS conditions at 29°C ± 0.89°C for 10 h/d and 23°C ± 1.45°C for the remaining time over an 18-d feeding trial. Results indicated that broiler chickens fed the NC diet had a greater (P < 0.05) FCR than those fed the PC diet under HS conditions. Increasing supplementation of up to 1.6% Gly in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.001) FCR in broiler chickens. Increasing supplementation of dietary Gly tended to increase (linear, P = 0.070) water holding capacity in the breast meat. Increasing supplementation of dietary Gly decreased (linear, P < 0.05) serum aspartate aminotransferase concentrations and tended to decrease blood heterophil:lymphocyte (linear, P = 0.083) and liver malondialdehyde concentrations (quadratic, P = 0.084). A tendency for increased villus height (linear, P = 0.086) and a significant increase in villus height:crypt depth ratio and goblet cell numbers (linear, P < 0.05) were identified following increasing Gly supplementation. In conclusion, increasing supplementation of dietary Gly improved feed efficiency, meat quality, liver health, and intestinal morphology possibly by mitigating oxidative stress and stress response in broiler chickens raised under HS conditions.

Influence of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status of broiler birds

This study examined the effect of dietary lysolecithin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematobiochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 300 21-day-old Chikun strain chicks were randomly allocated to 30 pens in which they were allotted to 5 dietary treatments as follows TI (0 g /100kg), T2 (100 g /100kg), T3 (200 g /100kg), T4 (300 g /100kg), T5 (400 g /100kg) of feed with 6 replicates pens of 10 during the finisher phase (28 days). Results showed that dietary supplementation with lysolecithin increased the final body weight (FBW) (quadratic P = 0.0178), body weight gain (BWG) (quadratic P = 0.0232), whilst it decreased the total feed intake (TFI) (linear P = 0.0104). Similarly, it linearly increased the retention of dry matter (P = 0.0324); crude protein (P = 0.0029), crude fibre (P = 0.0147), and crude fat (P = 0.0002). Furthermore, it increased the superoxide dismutase (linear P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (quadratic P < 0.001), glutathione (linear P < 0.001), whilst it decreased malondialdehyde (linear P = 0.003), without affecting (P > 0.05) the haematobiochemistry parameters. Therefore, dietary lysolecithin could be supplemented up to 400 g /100 kg without compromising performance, nutrient retention, haemato-biochemistry, and oxidative status in finisher broiler diets.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL promotes gut health of broilers by the contribution of bacterial extracellular polysaccharides through its anti-inflammatory potential.

The focal point of probiotic efficacy and a crucial factor influencing poultry cultivation lies in the level of intestinal inflammation. In conventional farming processes, the reduction of intestinal inflammation generally proves advantageous for poultry growth. This study investigated the impact of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL (B.A.-TL) on inflammatory factor expression at both tissue and cellular levels, alongside an exploration of main active secondary metabolites. The results demonstrated that broiler feeding with a basal diet containing 4 × 109 CFU/kg B.A.-TL markedly enhanced chicken growth performance, concomitant with a significant decrease in the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines (e.g., CCL4, CCR5, XCL1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, LITAF, and LYZ) in jejunum and ileum tissues. The extracellular polysaccharides of B.A.-TL (EPS-TL) exhibited notable suppression of elevated inflammatory cytokine expression induced by Escherichia coli O55 lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in chicken macrophage-like cells (HD11) and primary chicken embryonic small intestinal epithelial cells (PCIECs). Moreover, EPS-TL demonstrated inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling pathway activation. These findings suggested that the metabolic product of B.A.-TL (i.e., EPS-TL) could partly mitigate the enhanced expression of inflammatory factors induced by LPS stimulation, indicating its potential as a key component contributing to the anti-inflammatory effects of B.A.-TL.