Growth Performance Of Chickens Research Articles

Interactive effects of dietary protein and nano-chitosan on growth performance, immune response, and histological aspects of lymphoid organs in broiler chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of partial replacement of dietary soybean meal by three plant protein sources: coconut, rocket seed, and black cumin meals with their combination in the presence or absence of nano-chitosan (NCH) on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens. Five starter and grower diets were formulated and used from 1 to 42 days of age. The NCH was added to starter and grower diets at 1.0 g/kg. Five-hundred-fifty-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broiler chicks were randomly divided into ten treatments with five equal replications. Final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and blood plasma parameters were investigated. Histological aspects of lymphoid organs (thymus: T, bursa of Fabricius: B, and spleen: S) were characterized. Apart from added NCH, the FBW, BWG, and FCR of broilers fed the diets containing the tested plant proteins were significantly superior to the control ones. However, FI of birds fed the diets containing CM alone or combined with RSM plus BCM was significantly reduced. All experimental broilers displayed high plasma levels of IgG compared with the control group. There were significant increases in plasma concentrations of IgM, IgA, and T4 for groups that fed the diets containing RSM, BCM, and mixture of CM, RSM, and BCM compared with their controls. The T3 levels of broilers fed the tested plant proteins were significantly increased compared with the controls. Aside from plant protein source, broilers fed the NCH-enriched diets achieved significant increases in levels of IgM, TAC, and FSH and activities of CAT and SOD but reduced the MDA level compared with control. The interactions between plant protein source and added nano-chitosan were not interrelated. Furthermore, CM, RSM, and BCM can be used as complementary dietary proteins singly or combined with NCH with no adverse effects on growth performance. Addition of NCH molecules has a positive effect on live body weight and increases feed intake compared with control chicks.Graphical

Performance, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality during Frozen Storage in Male Layer-Type Chickens

An experiment was carried out in the Institute of Animal Science—Kostinbrod, Bulgaria, to investigate the growth performance of male layer-type chickens (Lohmann Brown Classic), raised to 6 and 9 weeks of age, to evaluate the economic aspects of this rearing, as well as to present changes in the quality characteristics of the meat during frozen storage. The chickens were reared in a controlled microclimate with an initial stocking density of 9 birds/m2. After 6 weeks of age, fragmentation of the stocking density was applied, and then it diminished to 3 birds/m2. The chickens were slaughtered at 6 and 9 weeks of age. Ten 9-week-old chickens were subjected to carcass analysis. Meat quality parameters (pH, color), degree of proteolysis (free amino groups), and lipid oxidation (content of peroxides and TBARS) were assessed in fresh breast and thigh meat (0 d) and in samples stored for 60 and 120 days at −18 °C in chickens slaughtered at 6 and 9 weeks old. The mean live weight of the male layer-type chickens at 6 weeks was 608.81 g, while the 9-week-old chickens reached 1115.93 g. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for the whole period of rearing was 2.75. There were no considerable deviations in the meat traits, indicating quality deterioration over the course of the frozen storage. There was a significant increase in the pH of the breast and thighs, reaching maximum values for 60 days of storage in the 6-week-old chicks, while in the 9-week-old birds, pH peaked in the samples stored for 120 days. The changes in the dynamics of pH corresponded to those of proteolysis. There was an increase in lightness (L*), allowing for higher values in the samples stored for 60 days to be reached regardless of the type of meat and age of the chickens. The content of the peroxides increased considerably for 60 days of frozen storage and decreased afterwards. During storage, there was a constant increase in the secondary products of lipid oxidation. Our results indicated that the application of practices such as the fragmentation of stocking density and finding the suitable age for slaughter have significant importance for the profitability of producing meat product from male layer-type chickens. We found that rearing this type of bird until 9 weeks of age resulted in lower costs and higher economic efficiency.

Effects of a Diet Low in Vitamin and Mineral Complex and Darkness on the Growth Performance, Mineralization and Femur Histological Structure of Broiler Chickens

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin and mineral deficiency and darkness on growth performance, femur size, mineralization and bone microstructure in broiler chickens. Methods: 120 male Cobb 500 chicks were randomly assigned to three groups, including a control group and two experimental groups (1st group on a vitamins and minerals deficient diet, 2nd group reared in total darkness), with 40 subjects per group from day 7. Daily calculations of average weight and weight gain were performed and morphological and histomorphometric measurements of the femur were performed on days 28, 35 and 42. Result: The results revealed that the experimental groups showed a significant decrease in growth performance, body weight and weight gain (P less than 0.05) compared to the control group. In addition, a reduction in bone mineralization (weight and ash percentage) and altered bone microarchitecture were observed in the experimental groups. These results indicated that vitamin and mineral complex deficiencies in feed and darkness negatively affected growth performance and trophic and morpho-histological aspects of long bones in broilers. The results of this study may have significant implications for the poultry industry, as they highlights the need to consider factors such as nutrition and lighting conditions when rearing broiler chickens for optimal growth and health. In conclusion, the present study provides valuable insights into the effects of dietary deficiencies of the vitamin-mineral complex and darkness on broiler growth and bone development.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of broiler chickens fed diets with fermented cassava leaves.

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of feeding fermented cassava leaf meal (FCLM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of broiler chickens. A total of 160 Cobb-500 chickens were used during the phases of growing (21 days of age; initial weight 0.39±0.025 kg/bird) and finishing (35 days of age; initial weight 1.023±0.164 kg/bird). The whole experiment lasted for four weeks. The FCLM was included in starter and finishing diets at 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg inclusion levels. Total feed intake (TFI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility were recorded. Sensory evaluation of breast meat was used to determine the eating quality of the meat prepared using roasting and boiling methods. The TFI and WG decreased (p<0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of FCLM in the diets of growing chickens. Crude protein digestibility for chickens fed 0 and 50 g/kg FCLM was higher (p<0.05) than for chickens subjected to a diet with 150 g/kg FCLM. During the finishing phase, TFI increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing inclusion level of FCLM in chicken diets, while WG decreased (p<0.05) with inclusion level of FCLM. Treatment diets had no effect (p>0.05) on the eating qualities of breast meat. However, juiciness was significant (p<0.05) for the cooking method and treatment interaction. At 50 g/kg inclusion level, boiled meat had a higher (p<0.05) juiciness score than roasted meat. Tenderness, on the other hand, was significant (p<0.05) for the interaction of gender and treatment. Females considered the boiled meat to be more tender than the males at 150 g/kg inclusion level. Using principal component analysis, a positive correlation was observed between teeth adhesion and fibrousness, flavour and juiciness, and springiness and tenderness. From the study, it can be concluded that FCLM can be used as an ingredient in the diets of broiler chickens. Inclusion level of 50 g/kg can be used in chicken diets during the growing phase, whereas in the finishing phase, inclusion level of 150 g/kg FCLM can be used. The FCLM did not affect the eating quality of breast meat.

Effects of supplementing &lt;i&gt;Masakwa&lt;/i&gt; creamy white sorghum with selected synthetic enzymes on the performance and cost benefit of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi to investigate the growth performance and cost benefit of broiler chickens fed Masakwa creamy white sorghum supplemented with three selected synthetic enzymes: Natuzyme, Maxigrain and Phytase. Five experimental diets were formula ted for the broiler chickens at both the starter ( 23% CP ) and finisher ( 20% CP ) phases labeled as Diets 1: maize control, Diet 2: sorghum without enzyme, Diet 3: sorghum supplemented with Natuzyme, Diet 4: sorghum supplemented with Maxigrain and Diet 5: sorghum supplemented with Phytase. Three hundred (300) broiler unsexed “Marshal” chicks were randomly allotted to the dietary treatments with four replications each and 15 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period of eight weeks. Results showed that at the starter phase, daily feed intake (49.23-60.26g), daily weight gain (23.11-32.28g) and feed conversion ratio(1.87-2.13g); at the finisher (101.11-146.29g; 30.01-69.07g and 2.12-3.37), and the overall phases (75.17-103.22g; 26.57-50.68g and 2.00-2.75) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) different across the treatments. The best performance was obtained on maize diet closely followed by enzyme supplemented sorghum based diets, while the least was observed in unsupplemented sorghum diet. Based on the cost benefit analysis, Diet 1 (maize based diet) had the cheapest feed cost while the highest value was on Diet 2 (unsupplemented sorghum diet) for all the phases. It can therefore be concluded that Masakwa sorghum supplemented with different enzymes can be used in broiler chicken diets for better performance in comparism with the unsupplemented sorghum diet. It is economical to supplement Masakwa sorghum variety with any of the synthetic enzyme because the feed cost ₦/kg gain is lower than the values on unsupplemented sorghum diet.

Effects of intermittent cold stimulation on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and liver lipid metabolism in broiler chickens

Intermittent cold stimulation (ICS) enhances broilers’ resistance to cold stress. Nonetheless, further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that enhance cold stress resistance. A total of 160 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into two groups (CC and CS5), with the CC group managing temperature according to the standard for broiler growth stages, while the CS5 group were subjected to cold stimulation at a temperature 3℃ lower than the CC group for 5 h, every two days from 15-35 day. Sampling was conducted at 36 day (36D), 50 day (50D) and after acute cold stress for 24 h (Y24). First, we examined the effects of ICS on broiler growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism. The results demonstrated that ICS enhanced the performance of broilers to a certain degree. Specifically, the average weight gain in the CS5 group was significantly higher than that of the CC group, and the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased compared to CC at 4 W and 6 W (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, cold stimulation significantly reduced drip loss, shearing force, and yellowness (a* value) of chicken meat, while significantly increased redness (b* value) (P ≤ 0.05). At Y24, the levels of T-AOC and GSH-PX in the serum of the CS5 group were significantly higher than those of the CC group, while the level of MDA was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). The content of TG, FFA, and VLDL in the serum of the CS5 group was significantly elevated, whereas the level of TC and HDL was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, we further explored whether AMPK-mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of changes in lipid metabolism and the possible regulatory mechanisms downstream of the signaling pathway. The results showed that ICS significantly upregulated the expression levels of AMPK mRNA and protein in the liver of the CS5 group at 36D and Y24, while significantly down-regulating mTOR (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, ICS significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of lipid synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (SREBP1c, FAS, SCD, ACC, GRP78 and PERK) at 36D and Y24, while significantly up-regulating the mRNA expression levels of lipid decomposition and autophagy-related genes (PPAR and LC3) (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, at Y24, the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (GRP78) in the CS5 group were significantly lower, while autophagy-related genes (LC3 and ATG7) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). ICS can affect meat quality and lipid metabolism in broilers, and when broilers are subjected to acute cold stress, broilers trained with cold stimulation have stronger lipid metabolism capacity.

Effects of Dietary Lycopene on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Meat Quality, Intestine Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens.

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. We randomly divided five hundred and seventy-six one-day-old male broilers into four groups each with six replicates and 24 chickens in each replicate. The control group (CG) was fed the basal diet, and the other groups were given powder lycopene of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg lycopene (LP10, LP20, and LP30, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the dietary lycopene increased (p = 0.001) the average daily gain and decreased (p = 0.033) the feed conversion ratio in the experimental groups; (2) the glutathione peroxidase enzyme contents in LP20 were higher (p =< 0.001) in myocardium; (3) the crude protein contents were higher (p = 0.007) in the group treated with 30 mg/kg dietary lycopene; (4) the jejunum villous height was higher (p = 0.040) in LP20; (5) the Unclassified-f-Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was significantly higher (p = 0.043) in LP20. In this study, adding 20 mg/kg dietary lycopene to the broiler chickens' diets improved the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, intestine histomorphology, and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens.

Zinc intake ameliorates intestinal morphology and oxidative stress of broiler chickens under heat stress.

Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element for poultry, plays a crucial role in promoting growth, improving feed conversion efficiency, enhancing antioxidant activity, and preventing disease. This study investigated the impact of different levels and sources of dietary Zn supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidant activity of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. In this experiment, 1024 Xueshan chickens were divided into eight groups and subjected to heat stress conditions with different levels of Zn supplementation (30 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 90 mg/kg) using organic or inorganic sources. Our findings indicated that dietary Zn supplementation significantly increased the feed-to-weight ratio of broilers during the experimental period under heat stress. Moreover, Zn supplementation positively increased the villus height and villus width in the jejunum and ileum at 74 and 88 days old, with the 60 and 90 mg/kg groups outperforming other groups, and organic Zn was more effective than inorganic Zn. Furthermore, Zn supplementation significantly increased serum antioxidant levels, with higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activities, and organic Zn was more effective than inorganic Zn. This study concludes that Zn supplementation is beneficial in mitigating the detrimental impacts of heat stress on broilers. The findings suggest that employing Zn as a strategy can enhance productivity in the poultry industry by positively influencing intestinal morphology and bolstering antioxidant activity to counteract potential stress.

Synergism of fermented feed and ginseng polysaccharide on growth performance, intestinal development, and immunity of Xuefeng black-bone chickens

Microbial fermented feed (MF) is considered a valuable strategy to bring advantages to livestock and is widely practiced. Oral supplementation of Ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) eliminated weight loss in chickens following vaccination. This study investigated the effects of the combined use of Gps and MF on growth performance and immune indices in Xuefeng black-bone chickens. A total of 400 Xuefeng black-bone chickens at the age of 1 day were randomly assigned to four groups. Normal feed group (Control group), ginseng polysaccharide (200 mg/kg) group (Gps group), microbially fermented feed (completely replace the normal feed) group (MF group), and microbially fermented feed and add ginseng polysaccharide just before use (MF + Gps group). Each group contained 5 pens per treatment and 20 birds per pen. The body weight and average daily gain in the Gps, MF, and MF + Gps groups increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the feed conversion ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The combined use of MF and Gps showed a synergistic effect. There was no significant difference in villus height (cecal) between the experimental group and the Con group. The crypt depth of the three experimental groups exhibited a significantly lower value compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The V/C ratio of the Gps group and MF + Gps was significantly increased (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the MF group. Moreover, the diarrhea rate of the Gps and the MF + Gps groups was lower than that of the Con group, while that of the MF + Gps group decreased the mortality rate (P < 0.05). The serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in the MF, Gps, and MF + Gps groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01), the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels increased significantly (P < 0.01), while the combination of MF and Gps had a synergistic effect. The combined use of Gps and MF not only further improved growth performance and immune parameters, but also reduced the diarrhea rate and mortality.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii tannins on growth performance, footpad dermatitis, nutrient digestibility, intestinal permeability, and meat quality of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary supplementation of tannins from Acacia mearnsii on broiler growth performance, footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and ileal digestibility as well as on intestinal permeability, jejunal morphometric, and lipid oxidation measurements. A total of 1620 Cobb 500 one-day-old male chicks were fed 6 experimental diets with 10 replicate pens of 27 birds each in a 4-phase feeding program. Dietary treatments were as follow: non-challenged control, challenged control, and challenged supplemented with 300, 500, 700, or 900 mg/kg tannin from Acacia mearnsii. All birds on challenged groups were challenged with Eimeria spp. on day 1 and Clostridium perfringens on days 11, 12, and 13. Performance was evaluated weekly until day 43. On day 21, blood samples were collected for biochemistry analyses and the intestinal permeability was evaluated using FITC-d as marker. Ileal digestibility and jejunal morphometric were also determined on day 21. Footpad dermatitis, litter moisture, and litter pH were evaluated on days 28, 35, and 43. On day 44, carcass and commercial cuts weights were evaluated and thigh samples were collected for lipid oxidation (TBARS) through a 6 months storage period. Broilers under intestinal challenge had lower growth performance, higher intestinal permeability, and lower serum albumin, cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides compared to non-challenged birds (P < 0.05). From day 1 to 43, increasing tannin supplementation for broilers under intestinal challenge led to quadratic increases (P < 0.05) in body weight gain, with optimal supplementation at 310 mg/kg as well as optimized estimations for feed conversion ratio at 444 mg/kg tannin. Dietary tannin supplementation that reduced intestinal permeability at 21 days was 466 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Tannin supplementation that improved protein and energy digestibility were at 374 and 294 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). No effects of tannin were observed on blood biochemistry, crypt depth, litter pH, carcass measurements, and lipid oxidation until the storage day 60. However, increasing levels of tannin supplementation led to a linear (P < 0.05) decrease on lipid oxidation of broiler meat after 90 days of storage. In conclusion, low levels of supplemental tannins from Acacia mearnsii improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal permeability in broilers under an intestinal challenge.

Spirulina platensis as a growth booster for broiler; Insights into their nutritional, molecular, immunohistopathological, and microbiota modulating effects

BackgroundThe present study is designed to assess the effect of adding various doses of Spirulina platensis (SP) on broiler chicken growth performance, gut health, antioxidant biomarkers, cecal microbiota, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). 240 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks (1 day old) were placed into four groups (sixty birds/group), then each group was further divided into three replicates of 20 chickens each for 35 days. Birds were allocated as follows; the 1st group (G1), the control group, fed on basal diet, the 2nd group (G2): basal diet plus SP (0.1%), the 3rd group (G3): basal diet plus SP (0.3%), and the 4th group (G4): basal diet plus SP (0.5%).ResultsThroughout the trial (d 1 to 35), SP fortification significantly increased body weight growth (BWG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) (P < 0.05). Bursa considerably increased among the immunological organs in the Spirulina-supplemented groups. Within SP-supplemented groups, there was a substantial increase in catalase activity, blood total antioxidant capacity, jejunal superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (P < 0.05). Fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2), one of the gut barrier health biomarkers, significantly increased in the SP-supplemented groups but the IL-1β gene did not significantly differ across the groups (P < 0.05). Different organs in the control group showed histopathological changes, while the SP-supplemented chicken showed fewer or no signs of these lesions. The control group had higher levels of iNOS expression in the gut than the SP-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Cecal Lactobacillus count significantly elevated with increasing the rate of SP inclusion rate (p < 0.05). ConclusionSupplementing broiler diets with SP, particularly at 0.5%, can improve productivity and profitability by promoting weight increase, feed utilization, antioxidant status, immunity, and gastrointestinal health.

Dietary supplementation with natural antioxidants: assessment of growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens

Exposure to air and light lowers the meat quality of chickens, which is mainly determined by the color alteration and accumulation of detrimental products from lipid oxidation. This study tests the effects of two supplements rich in polyphenols, Oxilem (OX) and OxiGem (OG), on broiler Ross 308 performance and meat quality in comparison to a control group (C). A total of 105 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to 21 pens and randomly assigned to one of the three treatments. The trial lasted 42 days. Individual live weight and feed intake per pen were recorded. Proximate analysis, color, cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), fatty acids (FAs), volatile aldehydes profile, and secondary oxidation products of meat FAs were determined, with analyses for detecting oxidative alterations conducted on breast burgers preserved for seven days at 4°C. Birds fed OG grew 7 g/day more than those receiving OX, reaching a higher final weight. After slaughtering, meat from the OX group had a higher yellow index compared to C. After seven days of air and light exposure, the influence on the color parameters of the OG and OX burgers was significantly less pronounced than that of C. Secondary oxidation products of the FAs of the burgers were not significantly affected by the diet regimens. In addition, OX and OG burgers exhibited lower amounts of volatile aldehydes, triol and COPs. These results confirm the effectiveness of OX and OG supplementation against lipid oxidation at the inclusion level used in this trial.

Dietary Spirulina effects in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens: growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, serum biomarkers, and gene expression.

This study investigated the growth performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal health responses of Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens to dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). On day 1, birds were assigned to 2 diets supplemented with Spirulina (0 or 5g/kg) in a randomized complete block design. The birds within each diet were divided into 2 Eimeria-challenge groups (challenge or no-challenge) and that resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels each of Spirulina and challenge on day 14. On day 15, the birds in the challenge or no-challenge groups were orally gavaged with a solution containing Eimeria oocysts or 1% PBS, respectively. Samples were collected on days 21 and 26 (6- and 11-d post-infection; dpi). Data collected from days 1 to 26 were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Birds that were fed Spirulina-supplemented diets had increased (P < 0.05) BW gain, gain-to-feed ratio, and total tract retention nitrogen from days 14 to 21. The ileal villus perimeter and area, serum catalase, HMOX1 and SOD1 jejunal abundance were all increased (P < 0.05) in birds fed Spirulina-supplemented diets on day 21 (6 dpi). However, there was no effect on bone ash or oocyst count. From days 21 to 26, there was a tendency (P = 0.059) for a Spirulina × Challenge interaction on the BW gain of birds. Moreover, dietary Spirulina addition increased (P < 0.05) serum catalase, total antioxidant capacity, ileal villus perimeter, tibia bone ash, and the relative mRNA expression of HMOX1, SOD1, claudin 1, and TNFα in the jejunal mucosa of birds on day 26 (11 dpi). On both 6 and 11 dpi, the Eimeria challenge negatively (P < 0.05) impacted growth performance, gut morphology, and the relative mRNA expression of genes. Overall, assessing the impact of Spirulina in broilers revealed its positive antioxidant, immune-modulating, and health benefits. However, its dietary addition did not completely reverse the Eimeria-induced effects in these birds. Ultimately, this study outlines the positive properties of dietary Spirulina beyond its use in the diet of healthy broiler chickens.

Breeder age and hatching egg storage duration: effects on post-hatch performance of FUNAAB- α broiler chickens.

This trial was designed to evaluate the influence of hatching egg storage length and broiler breeder hens' age on post-hatch growth performance and physiological responses of FUNAAB-α chickens. Five hundred fertile eggs from each of 60 and 32-wk-old FUNAAB-α breeder hens were collected and assigned to five storage durations (0, 3, 7, 11, and 15 d). The hatching eggs were incubated using the conventional protocol. Data were collected on the growth performance and physiological responses. A 2 × 5 factorial design was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there was a decline in the final body weight in chickens from eggs of 15 and 11 d storage compared to the chickens from 7, 3, and 0 egg storage days. Chickens of 32-week-old breeder hens had higher (P < 0.05) mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell, heterophil, and pack cell volume values compared to 60-week-old breeder hens. Hatchlings from 60-week-old breeders had a higher liver percentage (3.0% yolk-free body weight [YFBW]) than those from 32-week-old breeders (2.8% YFBW). It was concluded that an extended storage duration of 15 d adversely affected the carcass traits and growth performance of chickens from egg storage above seven days.

Growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diet containing bird eye pepper of varying proportion and sieve size.

This study investigated the potency of bird eye pepper (BEP) of varying proportion and sieve size on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty-six 2-wk-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six treatment groups (basal diet (B) inclusive×2) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement each replicated four times (10 × 10 × 10 × 11) in a completely randomized design. Diets containing BEP of varying proportion (0, 150, and 300g) and sieve size (0.05 and 0.1mm) were offered in two phases, starter (14d) and finisher (17d). Postfeeding, 48 birds (two per replicate) were sacrificed to further evaluate performance and assess the quality of meat produced. Result obtained indicates chicks fed 150g BEP consumed less feed compared to 300g BEP. Also, 0 and 150g BEP groups had better (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than 300g BEP, while 0.05mm BEP diet improved (P < 0.05) FCR as against 0.1mm BEP. Interaction of proportion and sieve size effects of BEP increased (P < 0.05) the final weight of the birds and suppressed (P < 0.05) feed intake for all groups as against 300g (0.1mm) BEP (1,576.00g/bird; 964.20g/bird). Feeding 150 and 300g BEP diets lowered (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD) production compared to 0g BEP, while 150g BEP diet increased (P < 0.05) catalase production over 0g BEP. Interactive effect of proportion and sieve size of BEP reduced (P < 0.05) SOD production in 150g (0.05 and 0.1mm) BEP and 300g (0.05mm) BEP groups, followed by 300g (0.1mm) BEP group that had lower (P < 0.05) SOD than both basal groups. Birds fed B + 150g (0.05mm) BEP diet produced more (P < 0.05) catalase compared to both basal groups. Meat pH for 150 and 300g BEP groups was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced than 0g BEP. The Hue angle corresponds with a high value (P < 0.05) to 0g BEP, while 300g BEP showed a low value. This study has shown BEP at low concentration (150g) screened with 0.05 and 0.1mm sieves enhanced chick welfare, while a higher concentration (300g) screened at 0.05mm improved overall growth performance (endogenous antioxidant profile) at finisher phase. Broiler chickens, farmers, and meat processors will benefit from diet containing BEP screened through 0.05mm sieve.

Interaction of wheat cultivar and enzyme on broiler growth, nutrient utilization, and gut microflora.

This study examined the impacts of four wheat cultivars and enzyme supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileal microbiota composition in broiler chickens. Six hundred forty-eight male broilers (1-day-old, Ross 308) were studied in a completely randomized design factorial 4 × 2 along with control (9 treatments) with 6 replications (12 birds per pen). The Diets consisted of the four varieties of wheat (Sardari, Azar2, Sirvan, and Pishgam) with and without enzyme supplementation, alongside a corn-based control diet. All diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Broilers fed the corn-based diet displayed higher feed intake (FI) than those fed diets containing different wheat cultivars. Enzyme supplementation in wheat-based diets did not impact broiler growth performance. There was an interaction between enzyme and wheat type for protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus digestibility. Ileal microbiota analysis revealed no significant changes in Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli populations across treatments. Conversely, Enterococcus and Bifidobacteria populations exhibited significant differences, with the Sirvan cultivar diet promoting the highest bacterial counts. It was concluded that different wheat cultivars could affect growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileum microbiota, and the beneficial effect of supplemental enzymes was only evident in certain variables and depended on the specific wheat variety.

Growth performance and gut function of broiler chickens received barley-based diets with or without an enzyme mixture

An experimental study was performed to evaluate the responses of broiler chickens to dietary substitution of barley for corn. A total of 252 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed among 18 floor pens. Six such pens were then randomly assigned to each dietary treatment. Dietary treatments consisted of a corn-based diet, a barley-based diet, and the barley-based diet plus an enzyme mixture. Results indicated that barley substitution for corn significantly (p&lt; 0.0001) impacted broiler performance criteria. However, enzyme supplementation significantly (p= 0.02) improved the feed conversion ratio to the extent obtained in the corn control. The villus absorptive surface area was shrunk in birds fed a barley diet compared to the corn diet. Nevertheless, supplementation of the barley diet with the enzyme mixture significantly (p= 0.02) restored the situation. The expression of the TLR2 gene was significantly down-regulated by replacing barley with corn. Enzyme supplementation of the barley diet significantly (p&lt; 0. 001) up-regulated TLR2 gene expression but not to the extent observed in the corn control group. Significant increases were observed in circulatory levels of uric acid (p&lt; 0.05), total protein (p&lt;0.01), and albumin (p&lt; 0.001) when barley was substituted for corn. Enzyme supplements did not make any significant difference to these variables. In conclusion, the substitution of barley for corn was associated with the poor performance of broilers. However, supplementing barley-based diets with the enzyme mixture improved chicken's performance through enhanced villus absorptive surface area. It reduced the turnover of enterocytes, as reflected in a lower crypt depth in the jejunum.

Dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract alleviates intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide by regulating gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

The prevention and mitigation of intestinal immune challenge is crucial for poultry production. This study investigated the effects of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on the prevention of intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups using a 2×2 factorial design with 2 MCE supplemental levels (0 and 400 mg/kg) and 2 LPS challenge levels (0 and 1 mg/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21d. The results showed that MCE supplementation increased the average daily feed intake during days 0-14. MCE supplementation and LPS challenge have an interaction on the average daily gain during days 15-21. MCE supplementation significantly alleviated the decreased average daily gain of broiler chickens induced by LPS. MCE supplementation increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in jejunal mucosa. MCE addition elevated the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the ileum. MCE supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the jejunum. MCE addition mitigated LPS-induced mRNA up-expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-17 in the jejunum. MCE supplementation increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Blautia) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (such as Actinobacteriota, Peptostretococcaceae, and Rhodococcus), leading to alterations in gut microbiota composition. MCE addition altered several metabolic pathways such as Amino acid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, Energy metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, and Lipid metabolism in broilers. In these pathways, MCE supplementation increased the levels of L-aspartic acid, L-Glutamate, L-serine, etc., and reduced the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, thromboxane B2, 13-(S)-HODPE, etc. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg MCE effectively improved the growth performance and intestinal function in LPS-challenged broiler chickens, probably due to the modulation of gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

Sodium butyrate and rosemary herb improve growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits in broiler chickens

Background: Feed additives are products used in poultry nutrition to improve the quality of feed and safety of food byproducts from animal origin. They are promising antibiotic alternatives for production of broilers. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) and rosemary leaves (RL) on growth performance, biochemical profile, immunity, and carcass traits of broilers. Methods: Five hundred-one-day old chicks of Hubbard breed were reared on floor pens in a privet farm, Giza. The chicks were weighed on arrival (each chick weighted 43-45 gm) and randomly assigned into five equal groups, with four replicates each (25 chicks/replicate). Group 1 was fed on a broiler diet without any additions (control). The diets of groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 500 g/ton SB and 4 kg/ton RL, respectively. In group 4, the diet was enriched with 250g/ton SB plus 2 kg/ton RL. Chicks in group 5 were fed on diet fortified with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL. Results: Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg /ton RL increased Body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of birds. It decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol triglycerides, malondialdehyde, but increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and immunoglobulins, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and nitric oxide concentrations. Antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus were also elevated. Conclusion: Supplementation of broiler diet with 500 g/ton SB plus 4 kg/ton RL gives the best result regarding productive efficiency and immunity of broiler chickens.

Enhancing effects of Aloe vera gel extracts on the humoral and cellular immune response and growth performance in broiler chickens.

The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens. 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water. The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity. This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance.