Growth Performance Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effects of animal protein sources and sugarcane scraping-rumen content mixture on the performance of broiler chicken

The experiment was carried out to access the effect of animal protein sources (fishmeal and grasshopper meal) and sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture (SSRCM) on the performance of broiler chickens. The experiment lasted for 56 days. Two hundred and forty-one- day-old (Abor acre) was randomly allotted to eight dietary treatments with 30 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times in a 4 by 2 factorial arrangement having 10 birds per replicate, vaccinations was administered, feed and clean drinking water were provided ad libitum. The diets were compounded to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with two animal protein sources. Treatments (FM + 0% SSRCM) and (GM + 0% SSRCM) were formulated without sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture (SSRCM) while (FM + 5% SSRCM), (GM + 5% SSRCM), (FM + 10% SSRCM), (GM + 10% SSRCM), (FM + 15% SSRCM) and (GM + 15% SSRCM) were formulated with SSRCM at 5, 10 and 15% inclusion level respectively with two animal protein sources (fishmeal and grasshopper meal) with (FM + 0% SSRCM) serving as the control diet. The results obtained showed that there was no significant (p > 0.05) differences between fishmeal and grasshopper meal in growth performance of broiler chickens. The result also showed that there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between 0% SSRCM and 5% SSRCM on weight gain of broilers but there was significant (p < 0.05) difference in growth performance of broiler chickens as the inclusion levels of SSRCM increased (10% and 15%). Based on these results, broiler chickens can strive well either grasshopper meal or fishmeal and sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture at 5% inclusion level relative to the other treatment.

Effects of high dietary inclusion of Arthrospira platensis, either extruded or supplemented with a super-dosing multi-enzyme mixture, on broiler growth performance and major meat quality parameters

BackgroundThis investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM).ResultsThroughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value.

Effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on broiler chicken growth performance, physiological status, fatty and amino acid profiles

Background and Aim: Natural antioxidants are crucial for preserving and enhancing the health, survival, reproduction, and reproductive function of poultry. Phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue food colorant with various health benefits. The aim of this study was to extract Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin (ApPC) from A. platensis using simple and economical methods and investigate the impact of phytocyanin supplementation on the performance and fatty and amino acid profiles of broiler chicks. Materials and Methods: PC was extracted from A. platensis by freezing and thawing, and optimization conditions such as pH and temperature were applied during storage periods. A total of 270 1-week-old Ross breed broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the following three treatment groups: basal diet supplemented with 0 mg of PC/kg diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1 g PC/kg diet (T1), and basal diet supplemented with 2 g PC/kg (T2). In a completely randomized design, three cage replicates (30 birds each) were assigned to each of the three groups. The dietary effects of ApPC on growth performance (body weight gain [BWG], body weight [BW], feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum constituents, and antioxidant indices) in broiler chickens, free amino acids, and fatty acids in muscles were evaluated. Results: Total BWG and BW increased without a significant effect on the total feed consumption. Serum levels of total proteins and albumin increased with increasing ApPC supplementation. In addition, globulin levels significantly increased. There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol levels among the treatments. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity) is significantly increased. In contrast, an increase in ApPC caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde. The content and quantity of fatty acids and amino acids in the meat of broiler chicks supplemented with PC varies. Conclusion: The addition of PC to broiler chicken diets enhances antioxidant activities, BW, BWG, and meets quality requirements. Keywords: Antioxidant, fatty acid, Phycocyanin, poultry, protein, Spirulina.

Effect of varying levels of processed Black plum Vitex doniana supplemented meals on growth performance of broiler chickens

The search for nonconventional feed supplements that can act as growth promoter with cost effectiveness for broiler chickens production and are capable of maximizing its growth performance will create increase supply of protein for the growing populace and growth in the investment of Nigerian poultry farmers. Therefore, a feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying levels of processed black plum meal on growth performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were used for the starter phase and one hundred and eighty four weeks old chicks were used for the finisher phase. Vitex doniana leaf meal had significant effects on final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broiler starter chicks. Birds fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar results in terms of the final weight, weight gain and average daily weight gain compared to chicks fed the control diet. Results showed that broiler finisher chickens fed T2, T3 and T4 diets had similar final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg weight gain. Birds fed the control had the least weight gain. In conclusion, processed black plum meal improved growth performance and reduced cost of feed to gain a kilogramme of meat at both the starter and finisher phases. Therefore, processed black plum meal as supplement in broiler chicken diets will increase efficiency for sustainable broiler chicken production.

RANCANG BANGUN SMART CLOSED HOUSE PADA PETERNAKAN AYAM BROILER

This research aims to enhance the growth performance of broiler chickens through the implementation of a smart closed house system. The prototype coop, with dimensions of 150 cmx 80 cm x 50 cm, has been successfully realized by integrating DHT22 and MQ135 sensors withexhaust fan and water pump actuators. The system is controlled by ESP32 DEVKIT, Long Range(LoRa) communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Collected data is sent to the Firebaseand can be accessed through an Android application. Testing demonstrates that the sensors andactuators operate according to changes in temperature, humidity, and ammonia gas conditionsinside the coop. LoRa communication testing involves sending sensor data (temperature,humidity, and ammonia gas) at distances of 1, 10, 100, 300, 500, and 600 meters. From thetesting of LoRa transceiver data transmission, a character loss percentage of 0% is observed at10 meters, while at 100 meters, there is a character loss percentage of 17.64%. Integration ofdata into Firebase is successful and displayed through the MIT App Inventor application onAndroid devices. Testing of chicken weight data indicates an increase in broiler chicken weight inthe smart closed house coop compared to secondary data from conventional closed house coops.The testing period spans from day 7 to day 21 of the chicken's age. The highest recorded weightis 1031 grams, with the average weight for all chicken samples at the age of 21 days being 940grams, 2.84% higher than the standard data from conventional closed house coops.

Transgenic, high-protein sorghums display promise in poultry diets in an initial comparison

This study aimed to compare the inclusion of transgenic sorghums against commercially available sorghums on growth performance in broiler chickens. Isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were offered to a total 288 male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 14 to 35 d posthatch. Three dietary treatments were diets based on transgenic sorghums with a mean protein content of 154.7 g/kg and 5 treatments were based on commercially available sorghum hybrids with a mean protein content of 90.6 g/kg. Soybean meal inclusions in the commercial sorghum diets averaged 215 g/kg, which was reduced to 171 g/kg in the transgenic sorghum diets because of the higher protein contents. Overall growth performance was highly satisfactory, and commercial sorghums supported 2.55% (2,330 vs. 2,272 g/bird; P = 0.010) more weight gains and 2.74% (2,929 vs. 2,851 g/bird; P = 0.012) higher feed intakes; however, the transgenic sorghums supported a fractionally better FCR (1.255 vs 1.257; P = 0.826). There were no statistical differences in apparent jejunal and ileal starch and protein (N) digestibility coefficients between treatments. The transgenic sorghum diets generated slightly, but significantly, higher AME:GE ratios and AMEn, but the commercial sorghum diets generated 6.33% (235 vs. 221 g/kg; P < 0.001) greater breast meat yields. Apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of 16 amino acids averaged 0.839 and 0.832 for transgenic and commercial sorghum-based diets, respectively, without any significant differences in individual amino acids. This outcome suggests amino acid digestibilities of the transgenic sorghums may be inherently higher than commercial hybrid sorghums as the 25.7% higher average soybean meal inclusions would have advantaged amino acid digestibilities in commercial sorghum diets. The possibility that the digestibilities of amino acids in the kafirin component of transgenic sorghums was enhanced by modifications to the structure of kafirin protein bodies is discussed. In conclusion, transgenic sorghums with higher protein concentrations led to 20.5% reduction of soybean meal inclusions in broiler diets, and this change did not compromise feed conversion efficiency compared to standard commercial hybrid sorghums.

Effect of replacing corn with three fibre sources on growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with three dietary fibre sources on the growth performance and carcass quality of broiler chicken. One hundred and forty four one-day old broiler chickens were used for the experiment. The birds were brooded for two weeks on commercial starter diet after which they were subjected to four experimental diets or treatments. The birds were randomly distributed into four treatments with three replicates, each replicate consisting of 12 birds. All birds in each treatment were fed with different diet and weighed at the end of every week. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were designated as treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 while T1 was tagged as a control diet without any source of dietary fibre, T2 as a diet with wheat bran as a source of dietary fibre, T3 as a diet with rice bran as a source of dietary fibre, T4 as a diet with brewers dried grain (BDG) as a source of dietary fibre. There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in the initial weight of the birds across the treatments, but there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference in the final weight and body weight gain of the birds where T2 had the highest body weight gain and T3 has the lowest body weight gain. This trend was also observed in the carcass. Based on the result of this experiment wheat bran can be used as a source of dietary fibre for better growth performance of broiler chicken at a low inclusion level.

Comparison study between single enzyme and multienzyme complex in distiller's dred grains with soluble supplemented diet in broiler chicken.

Upregulation of the nutritional value of feed is the major target of various studies in the livestock industry, and dietary enzyme supplementation could aid in digesting the nondegrading nutrients of grains in feed ingredients. Dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) is a byproduct of the fermentation process in the beverage industry and can be used as a large supply source of fiber in feed. Therefore, we conducted an experiment with male broiler chickens to investigate the effect of various types of enzymes on DDGS and compare the efficacy of single enzyme and multienzyme complexes on growth performance and gut environments in broiler chickens. We used 420 1-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308), and they were allotted into 4 dietary treatments with seven replications (CON, corn-soybean meal [SBM] diet; NC, DDGS supplemented diet; SE, 0.05 % of mannanase supplemented DDGS-based diet; MC, 0.10% of multienzyme complex (mannanase and xylanase, glucanase) supplemented DDGS-based diet. The dietary exogenous enzyme in the DDGS-supplemented diet could improve growth performance as much as the growth of the control group, and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were significantly increased by enzyme addition in groups of chicks fed DDGS-supplementation diet. Moreover, the populations of pathogenic bacteria, coliforms, and Bacteroidetes were significantly decreased by enzyme supplementation, which might lead to improved gut mucus-secreting cells and inflammatory cytokines in the jejunum. Collectively, dietary single enzyme and multienzyme complexes could improve gut environments, including intestinal immune responses and gut microbial population, and lead to improvement of growth performance in 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.

Dietary supplementation of prebiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall promotes growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effectiveness of yeast (S accharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall (YCW) supplementation on the growth performance, carcase characteristics, serum biomarkers, liver function, ileal histology and microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). 2. In a 35-d trial, 240 chicks aged 1-d-old were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each with 10 replicates: control (CON) with no challenge or additives, challenged with C. perfringens (CHAL), CHAL and supplemented with YCW at either 0.25 g/kg (YCW0.25) or 0.5 g/kg (YCW0.5). 3. In comparison to CON, the CHAL birds had reduced growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), glucose (GLU), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), as well as a decreased Lactobacillus population (P < 0.01). Additionally, this group showed elevated levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and C. perfringens count (P < 0.01). Compared to CHAL, the YCW0.25 or YCW0.5 groups had improved growth performance, survival rate, dressing percentage, breast meat yield, levels of TP, GLO, GLU, and T-AOC, as well as the activities of T-SOD, GOT, and GPT, villus height, villus surface area, villus height to crypt depth ratio, and the populations of both Lactobacillus and C. perfringens; (P < 0.01). 4. The data suggested that YCW supplementation at either 0.25 or 0.50 g/kg can restore the growth performance of broiler chickens during a C. perfringens challenge.

Bone characteristics, pre-caecal phytate degradation, mineral digestibility and tissue expression were marginally affected by zinc level and source in phytase-supplemented diets in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study determined the effect of dietary Zn concentration and source in phytase-supplemented diets on bone mineralisation, gastrointestinal phytate breakdown, mRNA-level gene expression (in jejunum, liver and Pectoralis major muscle) and growth performance in broiler chickens. 2. Male Cobb 500 broilers were housed in floor pens (d 0-d 21) to test seven treatments with six replicate pens (12 birds per pen). Diets were arranged in a 2 × 3 + 1-factorial arrangement. The experimental factors were Zn source (Zn-oxide (ZnO) or Zn-glycinate (ZnGly) and Zn supplementation level (10, 30 or 50 mg/kg of diet). A maize-soybean meal-based diet without supplementation and formulated to contain 28 mg Zn/kg (analysed to be 35 mg Zn/kg), served as a control. 3. Zinc source and level did not influence (p > 0.05) bone ash concentration and quantity or mineral concentrations in bone ash. Tibia thickness was greater in the treatment ZnO10 than in the treatments ZnO30 and ZnGly50 (Zn level × Zn source: p = 0.036), but width and breaking strength were not affected. 4. Pre-caecal P digestibility and concentrations of phytate breakdown products in the ileum, except for InsP5, were not affected by Zn source or level. Only the expression of EIF4EBP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) and FBXO32 (F-box only protein 32) in Pectoralis major muscle was affected by source, where expression was increased in ZnO compared to ZnGly diets (p < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, Zn level and source did not affect gastrointestinal phytate degradation and bone mineralisation in phytase-supplemented diets. The intrinsic Zn concentration appeared to be sufficient for maximum bone Zn deposition under the conditions of the present study but requires validation in longer-term trials.

MicroRNA expression and oxidative stress markers in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with phytobiotics composition

Phytobiotic compositions are commercially used in broiler production, mostly to improve general health and the production parameters. Moreover, some of their active substances may change the expression of miRNA in different tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the phytobiotic composition (PBC) containing white mustard, calamus, turmeric, and common ivy on production parameters, oxidative stress markers and expression of selected miRNAs in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on broiler chickens fed the control diet (without PBC), and a diet supplemented with 60 or 100 mg/kg of PBC for 35 days. After the experiment, samples (blood and muscle) were collected for analyses. The analyzed production parameters included: feed conversion ratio, feed intake and body weight. There was no effect on growth performance of broiler chickens but feeding diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased the expression of miR-30a-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-206, and decreased that of miR-99a-5p, miR-133a-5p, miR-142-5p, and miR-222 in pectoral muscle of chickens. The addition of 100 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased miR-99a-5p and miR-181a-5p expression, and caused down-regulation of the expression of miR-26a-5p and miR-30a-5p. Chickens fed diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg PBC had lower level of lipid peroxidation products in blood, while in the muscle tissue it was higher in birds fed a diet with the addition of 60 mg/kg as compared to the control group. The results suggest that this unique composition of phytobiotics does not affect productive traits but can change expression of miRNAs that are crucial for muscle physiology and pathology in broiler chickens. This additive may also protect against the oxidative stress but the effect is dose dependent.

Golden mussel shell (&lt;i&gt;Limnoperna fortunei&lt;/i&gt;) flour contaminated with cadmium as a calcium source for broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-¹) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-¹ caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-¹ in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption

Phytosome-conjugated carvacrol: A novel approach for improving growth performance, intestinal morphology and economics of production in Broiler Chicken

Essential oils are plant-derived aromatic volatile oils, and they contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve poultry nutrition. However, considering problems associated with the solubility and bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds, the study was planned to find out the effect of the novel feed-grade delivery system, phytosomes for conjugation of plant-derived polyphenolic compound carvacrol on the growth performance of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted, on 240 broiler chicks for a period of 6 weeks. The chicks were divided into 4 groups having 4 replicates of 15 birds each. The birds in the control group (T0) offered a standard diet as per BIS (2007) specification. Group T1 received a standard diet supplemented with Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) antibiotic at standard dose and group T2 received a standard diet supplemented with carvacrol essential oil @100 mg/kg feed. Group T3 received a standard diet supplemented with phytosome-conjugated carvacrol essential oil (carvacrol @16.6%) @100 mg/kg feed. The performance of all the treatment groups was assessed with respect to the different performance parameters. The supplementation of phytosome-conjugated carvacrol essential oil (carvacrol @16.6%) @ 100 mg/kg feed was found beneficial in terms of growth performance, feed efficiency, and intestinal morphometry. In terms of economics of broiler production, the results revealed that the addition of phytosome- conjugated carvacrol essential oil and carvacrol essential oil in diets was found beneficial in reducing the cost of broiler production, thereby enhancing the margin of profit in broiler production and fetching higher net profit than the control group.

Growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broiler chickens reared on plastic-grid flooring, wood shavings, and zeolite-supplemented wood shavings.

This study aimed to assess the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens raised on plastic-grid floors, traditional wood shavings, and wood shavings enriched with zeolite. The experimental design included the allocation of 504-day-old chicks to three different bedding materials, namely wood shavings, plastic-grid floors, and zeolite litter, each with four replications (42 birds per replicate). The chicks were individually weighed at birth and grouped according to their average body weights. An experiment involving 504 chicks was conducted, with each replicate consisting of 42 male chicks of similar body weight. At the end of the experiment, a total of 120 chickens were slaughtered with 10 chickens selected from each replicate for processing carcass and meat quality traits. The effects of different bedding materials on mortality (P = 0.812), body weight (P = 0.565), and body weight gain (P = 0.569) were not significant. The ANOVA test was conducted to compare the main effects of performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. The feed intake was significantly affected in the 2nd, and 3rd weeks (P = 0.001; 0.023); in addition, the feed conversion ratio was significant in the 2nd, 4th, and overall period (P = 0.003; P = 0.026; P = 0.038) by the bedding materials. The breast yield (P = 0.001), thigh yield (P = 0.028), and wing yield (P = 0.023) were significant. The type of bedding material used in broiler production significantly influenced the pH24 (P = 0.030), L* (P = 0.037), a* (P = 0.000), and CL (P = 0.028). It was concluded that both a plastic-grid floor and zeolite supplementation to wood shaving litter did not significantly affect overall growth performance in broiler chickens. However, the plastic-grid floor showed superior effects on breast meat yield and quality characteristics, particularly reducing cooking loss, when compared to zeolite supplementation in wood shaving litter. The plastic-grid floor led to a slight increase in the feed conversion ratio. Consequently, adopting a plastic grid floor emerges as a viable alternative to traditional wood shavings in broiler farming.

The amino acid pattern and dynamics of body protein, body fat deposition in male and female broilers under different temperatures

The present study was conducted 1) to investigate the effects of gender and temperature on growth performance in broiler chickens and 2) to establish body protein and fat deposition curves and amino acid patterns for broilers of both genders at different ambient temperatures. A total of 432 1-day-old (d) Arbor Acres chickens with a male/female ratio of 1:1 were randomly divided into the following 4 treatment groups: the male thermoneutral group, the female thermoneutral group, the male heat stress group, and the female heat stress group. The chickens in the thermoneutral groups were kept at a comfortable temperature from 1 to 42 d, while chickens in the heat stress groups were kept at a comfortable temperature from 1 to 28 d and at a high ambient temperature from d 29 to 42. The body composition retention data were obtained by comparative slaughter method, and the models were constructed by the Gompertz model. The results revealed significant variation in body protein content (BPC) and body fat deposition efficiency (BFE) between both genders and the 2 temperatures. Moreover, a noteworthy interaction between gender and temperature was observed in terms of the BPC and protein deposition efficiency (BPE). The following equations for body protein and body fat deposition in the thermoneutral groups were obtained: Body protein weight of male broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body protein weight of female broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body fat weight of male broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body fat weight of female broilers: [Formula: see text] . Where t means age (d). The following equations for body protein and body fat deposition in the heat stress groups were obtained: Body protein weight of male broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body protein weight of female broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body fat weight of male broilers: [Formula: see text] ; Body fat weight of female broilers: [Formula: see text] . Where t means age (d). In addition, no significant difference in amino acid content was found between different genders and temperatures. The amino acid pattern could be divided into 2 stages: 0 to 14 d and 15 to 42 d. Our equations and patterns enable a deeper understanding of the nutritional requirements in broiler chickens under various temperature conditions. This enables researchers to develop more accurate feeding programs to fulfill the growth and health requirements of broiler chickens.

Effects of fermented palm kernel cake in acidic and basic solutions on the performance of broiler chickens

Palm kernel meal is a by-product used very sparingly in poultry feed, due to its low nutritional value and gravelly appearance which could be improved by physical or chemical treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of palm-kernel meal fermentation period on its nutritional value and growth performances of broiler chickens. The treatment consisted of fermenting palm kernel meal in a solution of humic acid (HA) or limestone, for 0, 2, 4 and 6 days. A control ration without palm kernel meal (R0) was compared to rations containing 15% unfermented palm kernel cake (R0+) and 15% fermented palm kernel cake in humic acid and limestone solutions. Each experimental ration was randomly assigned to 8 chicks in 4 experimental units of 02 chicks each, repeated 4 times per a 2×3 factorial design (2 fermentation modes and 3 fermentation period). The main results showed that fat content (13.04%) and metabolizable energy (5314 Kcal/kg DM) of palm kernel meal were higher when fermented in humic acid for 6 days. Fermentation in the basic solution for the same period (6 days) increased protein (13.52%) and cellulose (24.21%) contents. Whatever the fermentation mode, the digestive utilization coefficient of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and crude cellulose increased with the fermentation period. Fermentation mode and period had no significant effect on growth performance. However, growth characteristics tended to improve with fermentation period. In conclusion, fermentation of palm kernel in humic acid and limestone solutions improved significantly (P&lt;0.05) the digestibility of all feed components, enabling chickens to take advantage of the nutrients for better growth performances.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Arginine on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

The purpose of this research added arginine to increase the growth of broiler chickens in Nangarhar University, Agriculture research farm in Afghanistan, study discovered Over 96 one-day broiler chickens in 42 days based on the record of their daily behaviors, Hence, record of the chickens have divided into Four groups, each group being divided into three replications. Each replication of each group consisted of eight chickens, the first group was control and the other three were treatment groups, such as, in T1 group (0.1%) on the arginine Dose given, the second T2 group 0.2% arginine was added to the Dose, and T3 group added arginine (0.3%) through the factor of FCR such as Weight gain, feed intake. Nevertheless, by statistical analysis, that Null hypothesis is fail to rejected, p-value is greater than 0.05 means there is no significant change amongst with the experimental groups in the first three weeks and also in the control group as well as at the fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks, P value is less than 0.05, hence Null hypothesis is rejected (Type 1error), there is a significant difference between the treatment groups and the control group. Furthermore, all group feed conversion ratio (H0) is rejected. Study emphasized that’s adding 0.3 per cent of arginine to daily diet chickens increase weight by less consumed feed as well reduce of mortality rate. According to this study, it is recommended that 0.3% arginine should be added to the chicken diet after the third week, to gain more weight by consuming a small amount of diet.

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.

Effects of Amino Acid Supplementation to a Low-Protein Diet on the Growth Performance and Protein Metabolism-related Factors in Broiler Chicks.

A low-protein (LP) diet may alleviate the environmental impact of chicken meat production by reducing nitrogen excretion and ammonia emissions. Thus, this study investigated the effect of a 15% reduced protein diet with or without amino acid (AA) supplementation on the growth performance of broiler chicks from 10 to 35 days of age and the underlying mechanism for loss of skeletal muscle mass. Thirty-six male broiler chicks were allocated to three experimental groups based on body weight: control, LP, and essential AA-supplemented LP (LP+AA). The body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and weight of breast muscles and legs significantly decreased only in the LP group at the end of the feeding period. Plasma uric acid levels were significantly lower in the LP+AA group than those of the other groups. In the LP group, mRNA levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 isoform B were significantly higher in the pectoralis major, whereas those of atrogin-1, muscle RING-finger protein-1, and myoblast determination protein 1 were significantly higher in the biceps femoris compared to those in the control group. There were no significant differences in insulin-like growth factor 1 mRNA levels in the liver or skeletal muscle between groups. These findings suggested that supplementation with essential AAs ameliorated the impaired effects of an LP diet on growth performance in broiler chicks, and that the transcriptional changes in proteolytic genes in skeletal muscles might be related to the impaired effects of the LP diet.