Hubbard Broiler Chicks Research Articles

Dose dependent effect of phytase supplementation on hematological parameters, serum biochemical analysis, carcass characteristics, and chemical meat analysis of Hubbard broiler chickens

Dose dependent effect of phytase supplementation on hematological parameters, serum biochemical analysis, carcass characteristics, and chemical meat analysis of Hubbard broiler chickens

Effects of hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) in diet on growth, gut health, and immunity in broilers

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different levels of hempseed (HS) on growth performance, immunity and gut health in broiler chickens. A total of 192 Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into four groups and fed HS as follow: control (HS0), HS 10% (HS-10), HS 15% (HS-15) and HS 20% (HS-20). The study on HS supplementation in broilers revealed no significant impacts on feed intake during the starter (p = .2294) and finisher phases (p = .2294), or overall (p = .0944), though numerical increases were noted with higher HS levels. Body weight gain showed no significant influence in the starter and finisher phases, with overall weight gain also not significantly different (p = .0944), but numerically higher with increased HS. Feed conversion ratio was unaffected in the starter (p = .6986) and finisher phases (p = .6425), and overall (p = .2218). Dressing percentage (p = .1062) and mortality (p = .1631) were not significantly altered, but HS-20 had the highest dressing percentage and lowest mortality numerically. White blood cell counts increased significantly (p = .0377), especially in HS-15 and HS-20 groups. IgM and IgG production was higher in HS-20 on day 28 (p = .021). Gut pH (p > .05) and intestinal histomorphology (p > .05) were not significantly affected, although villus height increased numerically with higher HS levels. These results suggest potential benefits of HS, especially at higher inclusion levels. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that HS incorporation into the diet of broilers did not affect the growth performance and gut health; however, the immune responses were significantly higher at 15 and 20% levels.

Effect of coconut shell extract on the growth performance and some haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken

This experiment was carried out at Sumitra Research Institute, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of coconut shell extract on the growth performance and some haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicken. 240 – 1 day old Hubbard broiler chicks of mixed sex were randomly distributed to six treatments with six replicates containing ten birds each in a completely randomized design. Birds in treatment 1(T1) was fed standard diet with no coconut shell extract; T2: standard diet with 1.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water; T3: standard diet with 2.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water and T4: standard diet with 3.0 mL coconut shell extract per liter of water. Standard diet was formulated according to the nutritional needs of broilers. The study lasted for fifty-six day and birds were offered fresh clean water and feed ad libitum. Phenols (410.3 mg/g-1), tannins (98.21 mg/g-1), alkaloids (100.6 mg/g-1), flavonoids (309.5 mg/g-1), saponins (71.4 mg/g-1) and steroids (28.7 mg/g-1) were identified coconut shell extract. Overall weight gains of birds fed T3 (2506.3 g) and T4 (2527.6 g) had a numerical and a remarkable significant improvement if feed conversion ratio from 1.92 to 1.59 compared to T2 (2210.0 g) and T1 (1996.1 g). Mortality was only recorded among birds in T1 (2.00 %) (p < 0.05). Pack cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations were influenced (p < 0.05) by the treatments. However, values were within the normal range for healthy birds. Total protein, albumin and globulin values were higher in T2, T3 and T4 except for alanine phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase values which were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the treatment. Total cholesterol was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 relative to the other treatments. It was concluded that coconut shell extract can be fed to broilers up to 3.0 mL without causing any negative effect on the health status of animals.

Influence of Boiled Cassia Tora Seed Meal on Carcass and Internal Organs Characteristics of Starter Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of 30 minutes boiled Cassia tora seed meal in starter broiler chicken diets on carcass and internal organs characteristics, using one hundred and twenty day-old Hubbard broiler chicks. Five starter broiler chicken diets were formulated such that 30 minutes of boiled Cassia tora seed meal were included at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% designated as treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The chicks were randomly divided into five groups of twenty-four (24) chicks each and allocated to the five dietary treatments replicated three times with 8 birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The parameters measured were live weight; dressed weight, carcass weight and internal organs weights. Feed and water were given ad libitum throughout the 28 days of the research period. The results showed that all the carcass characteristics parameters measured were not significantly different (P>0.05) across treatment means except for wings which had values ranging from 10.32kg for T 1 to 8.93kg for T2. Live weights were 1165.00kg, 1298.67kg, 1206.60kg, 1158.67kg and 1006.33 kg for birds fed diets T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. The dressed weights were 1084.67kg, 1194.67kg, 1108.00kg, 1078.00g and 936.00kg for birds fed T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 diets. The values obtained from the dressing percentage were 93.13%, 91.90%, 91.70%, 93.06% and 92.96% for birds fed T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The result of breast weight numerically showed that birds fed T5 diet had the least value of 21.35kg while birds fed T2 had the highest value 24.57kg.Thigh weight showed that birds fed T5 diet recorded 11.05kgas the lowest value and T2which was 12.24kg as the highest value. Drumstick evaluation showed birds fed T5 as the poorest performed and T4 as the best performed and the back cut values showed T1 as the poorest performed with a weight of 14.12kg and T4 as the best performed with the weight of 15.55kg. Small intestine, large intestine, proventriculus and pancreas had significant differences (P<0.05) among the treatments while supplementing 30 minutes of boiled CTSM in broiler feed at 5% to 20 % inclusion levels had no significant difference (P>0.05):on the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, spleen, empty gizzard and gall bladder across the respective treatments. It was concluded from the results obtained that 30 minutes of boiled Cassia tora seed meal (BCTSM) could be included up to 20% in broiler starter chicken diets without any adverse effects on the carcass and internal organs characteristics.

Dracaena Mannii Leaf Meal Supplementation in Broiler Chicks: Effects on Growth Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices

The study aimed to investigate the impact of Dracaena mannii leaf meal on the growth performance and haematological and biochemical indices of Hubbard broiler chicks. 200 chicks were divided into four groups, each with a different diet. The diets were based on corn-soya meal without Dracaena mannii leaf (DMF), with DMF added at different amounts. The study found that DMF contained flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. The average daily feed intake was similar in diets 3 and 4, but significantly higher than in diets 1 and 2, with no mortality recorded. The diets significantly influenced pack cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, white blood cell, leucocytes, and monocyte counts, but within the optimal range for healthy birds. The study concluded that DMF supplementation up to 600 g can optimize broiler performance without negatively impacting their health status.The study aimed to investigate the impact of Dracaena mannii leaf meal on the growth performance and haematological and biochemical indices of Hubbard broiler chicks. 200 chicks were divided into four groups, each with a different diet. The diets were based on corn-soya meal without Dracaena mannii leaf (DMF), with DMF added at different amounts. The study found that DMF contained flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. The average daily feed intake was similar in diets 3 and 4, but significantly higher than in diets 1 and 2, with no mortality recorded. The diets significantly influenced pack cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, white blood cell, leucocytes, and monocyte counts, but within the optimal range for healthy birds. The study concluded that DMF supplementation up to 600 g can optimize broiler performance without negatively impacting their health status.

Dracaena Mannii Leaf Meal Supplementation In Broiler Chicks: Effects On Growth Performance, Haematology And Serum Biochemical Indices

Medicinal plants have been associated with many activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, osmoregulatory, immune-modulating, hepato-protective and anti-fungal properties due to the presence of phytochemicals which are eco-friendly and effective. This experiment was carried out to examine the dietary supplementation of Dracaena mannii leaf meal on the growth performance and some haematological and biochemical indices of broiler chicks. 200 one-day old Hubbard broiler chicks (mixed sex) were used in a 28 days’ experiment. Chicks were distributed over four groups of 50 birds with 5 replicates containing 10 birds each. Experimental diet was adequate in all nutrients (NRC, 1994). Birds in group 1: corn-soya meal basal diet without Dracaena mannii leaf (DMF), group 2, 3 and 4 were given basal diet with DMF at 200 g, 400 g and 600 g respectively. Phytochemical evaluation of DMF revealed the presence of flavonoids (1005.1 mg/g), phenols (842.9 mg/g), tannins (341.2 mg/g), alkaloids (211.7 mg/g), steroids (133.1 mg/g) and saponins (21.70 mg/g) in order of abundance. The findings also revealed that average daily were similar (P>0.05) in diet 3 and 4 but significantly higher (P<0.05) than other groups. Conversely, average daily feed intake of birds fed diet 1 were similar (P>0.05) to those given diet 2 but significantly (P<0.05) greater than the other groups. No mortality was recorded in all the groups (P>0.05). Pack cell volume, red blood cell, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell, leucocytes and monocytes counts were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the diets. However, values were within the optimum range for healthy birds. Similarly, total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio were significantly different (P<0.05) among the groups excepts for creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase values (P>0.05). The researcher came to the conclusion that dietary supplementation of DMF up to 600 g can optimize the performance of broilers without causing any negative effect on their health status.

Effect of express soymeal and full fat soymeal addition in diet of Hubbard broiler chicks on biochemical blood analysis and liver histomorphology

Effect of express soymeal and full fat soymeal addition in diet of Hubbard broiler chicks on biochemical blood analysis and liver histomorphology

Mitigating heat stress in broiler chickens using dietary onion (Allium cepa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary onion (Allium cepa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on growth, carcass quality, antioxidant status, and immune response in broilers under heat stress. A total of 700 day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were weighed and assigned to five treatments and five replicates. Broilers were maintained in a thermoneutral (TN) environment or were exposed to heat stress (HS). For 35 days, HS birds were fed a control diet and three levels of onion and ginger powder as: 5 g/kg ginger + 1.5 g/kg onion (T1), 10 g/kg ginger + 2.5 g/kg onion (T2), and 15 g/kg ginger + 3.5 g/kg onion (T3). Body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing percentage, and the weight of immune-related organs improved in T2 compared to the control. Blood concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were substantially higher in T2 than the control. Similarly, in the same dietary group, the antibody titre against Newcastle disease (ND) and total leucocyte count (TLC) were greater than the control diet. The findings of this research indicate that 10 g of ginger combined with 2.5 g of onion in the diet enhance broiler growth performance, carcass quality, antioxidant status, and immunological response under heat stress conditions.

Growth performance and feed utilization of Hubbard Classic chickens fed on boiled and sundried mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) seed kernel

An investigation was undertaken to study the effects of feeding boiled mango seed kernel (BMSK) on the growth performance and feed utilization parameters of Hubbard broiler chicks with the objective of recommending the optimum level of mango seed kernel inclusion in broiler feed. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments, each replicated three times with 13 birds each. One-hundred fifty-six-day-old chicks with uniform body weight (BW) were used and were distributed randomly to the four diets. The four treatment diets were control (T1) (100% maize + 0% BMSK), T2 (95% maize + 5% BMSK), T3 (90% maize + 10% BMSK) and T4 (85% maize + 15% BMSK). All the experimental chickens were weighted initially (initial BW) and lasted for 49 days during which growth performance traits were recorded. After 49 days, two birds from each replication were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate the effect of BMSK on the final body weight of the chicks. The results on average daily feed intake per bird for T1 and T2 were not significantly different, i.e., 71.4 and 70.8 g (P>0.05) but it was significantly higher than that of T3 and T4 which was 68.13 and 68.23 g. At the end of 7 weeks, the final BW of chicks fed on T1 and T2 were 2657 and 2644, not significantly different, but were significantly higher than that of T3 and T4 which were 2610 and 2603 g per bird, respectively. The Average daily BW gain (ADG) for the respective T1 and T2 was 53.4, 53.2 g and was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of T3 and T4 which were 52.44 and 52.31 g per bird. The feed conversion ratio (g feed/g gain) for T1 and T2 was 1.36, 1.36 and was significantly higher than that of T3 and T4 which were 1.33 and 1.33 g per bird, respectively. Inclusion of mango seed kernel up to 15% in broiler nutrition has no detrimental effect, profitable and can be best alternative feed sources in broiler feed if treated well by using the best technical methods of anti-nutritional factors like boiling.

EFFECT OF IN OVO INJECTION OF 25 HYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL DURING EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT ON BROILERS PERFORMANCE, BONE STRUCTURE AND SOME BLOOD PARAMETERS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo injection of vitamin D3 during different embryogenesis periods on post hatch productive performance, some blood parameters, bone growth and jejunum and tibia bone histology of Hubbard chicks. A total number of 500 eggs with average weight of 65 g were obtained from a commercial broiler breeder flock (Hubbard) at 55 weeks of age. Eggs were divided into five groups of 100 eggs in four replicates, 25 eggs each. The first one was served as negative control group (un-injected), while the second and third groups were used as sham control which were injected with (0.1 ml sterile wateregg) into air cell at day 7and 14, respectively (SE7, SE14). The Fourth and Fifth groups were injected with a dose of 0.1 ml vit.D3 (Containing 500 IU) into air cell at day 7 and 14 of incubation period respectively (DE7, DE14). The present findings revealed that chicks hatched from eggs injected with vit. D3 has significantly better productive performance (higher LBW and BWG, less FI and better FCR) than control and sham groups. Plasma level of PTH, Ca, P, ALK-P and ACP were significantly increased with in ovo injection with vit. D3. Also, Tibia weight, length and width were significantly increased for the in ovo injected with vit.D3. Femur weight, length and width were insignificantly increased for the in ovo injection with vit.D3. Shank length was significantly increased for the in ovo injection with vit.D3, while shank width was insignificantly increased compared with the control and sham groups. Furthermore, the histological structure of bone was enhanced with in ovo injection with vit. D3 either at 7 or 14 days of incubation period. In conclusion from the present study shows that in ovo injection with a dose of 0.1 ml vit.D3 (Containing 500 IU) in Hubbard broiler chicks at 7th or 14th day of incubation period enhanced productive performance, blood parameters, bone development and histological structure.

Evaluation of microdesmis puberula leaf meal as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets

A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the leaf meal of Microdesmis puberula as feed ingredient in broiler starter diets. Microdesmis puberula is a preferred tropical browse plant. The leaves were harvested, chopped to facilitate drying, spread evenly in a room for four days until the material becomes crispy while still retaining it's greenish colouration. The material was milled using a hammer mill to produce the leaf meal. Microdesmis puberula leaf meal contain 17.32% crude protein, 6.52% ether extract, 12.25% total ash, 24.84% crude fibre, 24.06% NFE and an appreciable percent of minerals. Three broiler starter diets were formulated to contain the meal at dietary levels of 0%, 5% and 10% One hundred and eighty (180), 14 -day old hubbard broiler chicks were divided into three groups of sixty birds each and randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and feed conversion ratio. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the group on the control (0%) diet and the groups on diets containing 5% and 10% inclusion levels of the leaf meal. The group on the control (0%) diet performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the groups on the leaf meal diets. The results of this study suggest that dietary inclusion of Microdesmis puberula leaf meal at 5% and 10% levels significantly (P<0.05) depressed performance of broiler chicks,

Evaluation and economics of enzyme supplementation on the performance of broiler finishers fed soybean hull meal based diets

Twenty-eight day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler finisher fed soybean hull based diets supplemented with “Safzyme®”, an exogenous cellulolytic enzyme. Soybean hull also referred to as soyhull, soybean millrun or soybean flakes are by-products of the soybean milling industry. Five broiler finisher diets were formulated such that the diets contained soybean hull meal at 0%, 10% and 20% dietary levels (without enzyme supplementation) and 10%, and 20% dietary levels (with 1.0% enzyme supplementation) respectively. One-hundred and fifty (150) four-week-old Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into five groups of thirty (30) birds each and randomly assigned to five treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data were collected on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economics of production was also computed. Feed intake increased progressively as dietary inclusion of soybean hull was increased with or without enzyme supplementation. This increase became significant (P<0.05) at 20% dietary level of soybean hull. Daily body weight gains of birds on soybean hull meal diets with enzyme supplementation did not significantly differ (P<0.05) from birds on soybean hull meal diets without enzyme supplementation. Feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency were both significant (P<0.05) at 20% dietary levels of soybean hulls with or without enzyme supplementation. Dietary inclusion of soybean hull without enzyme supplementation reduced cost of feed and production of 1kg of meat while enzyme supplementation negatively affected percent feed cost savings. The results of this trial suggest that supplementation of diets containing soybean hull meal at 20% dietary levels with Safztme®, an exogenous cellulolytic enzyme, at 10% dietary level could not improve the nutritive value of the hulls for broiler finisher birds and also affected negatively percent feed cost saving.

Effect of AgpP-P phytase supplementation on productivity, nutrient availability, zoo-sanitary meat quality and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of AgpP-P phytase supplementation on productivity, nutrient availability, zoo-sanitary assessment of meat and serum biochemical parameters of Hubbard broilers. A total of 180 one-day-old Hubbard broiler chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups (control and experimental) with 3 replicates and 30 broilers per replicate. In the experimental group, the diet was supplemented with phytase preparation at 1000 FTU/kg. Results showed that phytase supplementation increased body weight and absolute weight gain in Hubbard broilers, while reducing the total amount of feed consumed by birds (P < 0.05). Phytase improved the availability and absorption of organic nutrients, calcium and phosphorus. However, no differences were observed for N absorption (P<0.05). Phytase supplementation increased Ca and P contents, total protein level and alanine aminotransferase activity, and reduced urea level, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities in serum (P < 0.05). The meat of phytase-fed broilers meets Russian State Standards for fresh, good-quality meat based on organoleptic and physico-chemical characteristics. In conclusion, it was established that the addition of phytase at 1000 FTU/kg to the diet for broilers enhances the digestibility of the organic and mineral components of the feed ration, increases body weight in birds and reduces the amount of feed consumed.

IMPACT OF PELLET BINDER ON BROILER PERFORMANCE AND FEED PROCESSING ECONOMICS

Total number of 216 one-day-old, unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were used to study effects of pellet binder level together with pelleting diameter on growth performance, carcass measurements, and economic efficiency. Experimental birds were distributed over 6 groups, each group comprised of 36 chicks in 6 replicates of 6 chicks each. The experimental dietary treatments were as follows: control (T1) basal diet (BD) that is pelleted in standard diameter (SD) with addition of calcium lignosulfonate (CL) 2 Kg/ Ton; (T2) BD pelleted in SD with CL 4 Kg/ Ton; (T3) BD pelleted in SD with CL 8 Kg/ Ton; (T4) BD pelleted in a diameter thicker that SD by 1.0 mm (SD+1) with CL 2 Kg/ Ton; (T5) BD pelleted in SD+1 with CL 4 Kg/ Ton; and (T6) BD pelleted in SD+1 with CL 8 Kg/ Ton. Obtained results showed that all parameters of growth performance; live body weight (LBW), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Also, values of growth efficiency; relative growth rate (RGR),performance index (PI), production efficiency factor (PEF), protein conversion ratio (PCR), and energy conversion ratio (ECR) indicated no significant differences (P>0.05) within all tested groups. Moreover, data of carcass traits; dressed carcass, abdominal fat, giblets, total edible parts appeared significantly similar (P>0.05) among all treatments. Additionally, data of economic evaluation showed better economic efficiency with T2, T5, or T6 groups when compared to other groups. It could be concluded that using CL as a pellet binder in SD conditions, could be more beneficial with inclusion level of 4 Kg/Ton. Moreover, it might be advised to include CL at 8 Kg/ Ton in diets only when pelleting feedatSD+1 as these conditions positively maintained performance and carcass of birds.

Effects of aqueous moringa oleifera leaf extracts on gut morphology and pH of hubbard broiler chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of varying aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (AMOLE) on the gut morphology and pH of Hubbard broiler chickens. Atotal of 240 Hubbard broiler chickens were randomly allocated into six treatments with four replicates in a completely randomized design. The treatments were positive control (AMOLE ), negative + control (AMOLE), AMOLE60 (60mL of the extracts per litre), AMOLE90 (90mL of the extracts per litre), AMOLE120 (120mL of the extracts per litre) and AMOLE150 (150mL of the extracts per litre). Data on gut morphology weight and length and their pH were measured and analysed by one way analysis of variance. The results showed that dressed, crop, large intestine, kidney and lung weights of birds were influenced (P&lt;0.05) by the treatments. Birds in the control treatments (94.67 %, 94.93 %) had the higher (P&lt;0.05) dressing percentage. Birds on the AMOLE60 had the higher (P&lt;0.05) crop and large intestine weights (4.47 and0.23 %, respectively). The birds on the AMOLE90 treatment had the largest kidney weight of 0.33 %. Absolute crop and caecum length were influenced byaqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts while the relative caecum length was the only relative organ length that was influenced by aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts treatment.The pH of the internal organs showed that the gizzards, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, kidney and lung were influenced (P&lt;0.05) by the treatments. Birds on positive control treatment had higher pH values in most of the parameters measured. Birds on the AMOLE120 had the lowest (P&lt;0.05) duodenum, jejunum and lung pH. This study revealed AMOLE had influence on the gut morphology and pH of broiler chickens. Therefore, it can be concluded that the substitution of antibiotics as a growth promoter with aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extracts up to 120 ml improved the gut morphology and pH of the intestinal segmentsin broiler chickens. Thus, is recommended that farmers, poultry producers and nutritionists to administer between 60 and 120 mL/litre of AMOLE in the drinking water of broiler chickens to nourish them for good gut morphology and optimum pH of their internal organs.

Thermoregulatory, growth and blood indices of broiler chicks fed betaine hydrochloride supplemented diets under high ambient temperature

The study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of Betaine Hydrochloride on the thermoregulatory, growth, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicks under high ambient temperature because Betaine is a organic osmolyte that can protect the birds from oxidative stress. Betaine Hydrochloride was included at 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 g/kg feed, respectively. One hundred and eighty, one day old Hubbard broiler chicks were allotted into four treatments with three replicates each in a completely randomized design (CRD). There were no differences (p&gt;0.05) in the rectal temperature and heart rate across the treatments. Chicks fed 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg diet Betaine Hydrochloride had better (p&gt;0.05) feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio than birds fed control and 3 g/kg diet Betaine hydrochloride. Haematological and serum biochemical indices were similar (p&gt;0.05) across the treatments. Betaine hydrochloride can be included in the diets of broiler chicks up to 4 g/kg diet to improve growth performance without any detrimental effect on growth, haematological and serum biochemicals.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Thonningia sanguinea on Blood Electrolytes of Broilers Chickens

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Thonningia sanguinea on blood electrolytes of broiler chickens. To do this, two hundred (200) 15-day-old Hubbard broiler chickens were divided into 2 batches of 100 chickens each. The chickens in the control group (Batch C) received unsupplemented water while those in the test group (Batch E) received water supplemented with 10 g / L of aqueous extract of T. sanguinea for one week. Then, the zootechnical parameters such as weight growth, weight gain, consumption index and the level of serum electrolytes were determined. The results of the study showed that the aqueous extract of Thonningia sanguinea improved weight growth, weight gain and consumption index. At the same time, the results also showed that T. sanguinea did not significantly (p &lt;0.05) affect the level of blood electrolytes of broilers chickens. From the results obtained in the present study, the aqueous extract of Thonningia sanguinea could be used to improve poultry productivity without damage on blood electrolytes. Keywords: Thonningia sanguinea; chicken broilers; Blood electrolytes; Zootechnical parameters

Determination of Some Physiological and Immunological Characterisation as Dietary Biological Addition on Broiler Chicks

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) in comparison to sodium butyrate (SB) on some haematological and biochemical indices of broiler chickens. Therefore 270 one day old Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into 5 groups. The first group: chicks received basal ration without any treatment (control group, T1), the second group (T2): chicks treated with 0.2g SB/kg, the third group (T3): chicks treated with 0.3 g SB/kg; the fourth group (T4): chicks treated with 0.2 g SC/kg and the fifth group (T5): chicks treated with 0.3 g SC/kg. The obtained results showed that administration of SB or SC showed significant improved in blood picture. Inclusion of either SB or SC caused significant (P<0.01) increases in total antioxidant capacity, and the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. Serum MDA level recorded a significant attenuate in SC groups when compared with SB and untreated groups. In conclusion, biological (SC and SB) additions can be used as one of the useful additive for enhancing the immunity and serum anti-oxidant enzyme activities of growing broiler chicks.

Growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers fed a low-energy diet supplemented with a multienzyme preparation

The effect of a low-ME diet with a multienzyme (Kemzyme Plus, Kemin, Des Moines, IA) blend on performance, meat quality, and carcass traits was evaluated in Hubbard broiler chicks. A total of 120 Hubbard broiler chicks were allocated to the following 4 experimental groups and every group was separated into 6 replicates, with 5 birds per replicate: control (3,180 kcal/kg of ME), control + 0.50 g/kg diet of enzyme (Cont-Enz), low-ME diet (3,080 kcal/kg), and low-ME + 0.50 g/kg diet of enzyme (low-ME-Enz). The trail lasted for 16 D (32 to 48 D of age). No significant differences in growth parameters or carcass traits were observed among treatments. However, liver weight increased with the low-ME-Enz diet (P = 0.038). The low-ME diet recorded the highest weight for the bursa (P = 0.043) and thymus (P = 0.019). Dietary treatments had significant impacts on the length of duodenum, ileum, and cecum, as well as the weight of duodenum. The length of duodenum, ileum, and cecum increased with enzyme supplementation. The myofibril fragmentation index was lower with the Cont-Enz, low-ME, and low-ME-Enz diets than with the control diet (P = 0.043). The shear force increased with the low-ME-Enz diet (P = 0.022) than the control diet. Dietary treatments influenced breast meat yellowness (P = 0.019), whereas the low-ME diet had the lowest yellowness at the slaughtering age. The dietary treatments affected the breast meat pH (P = 0.001), with the control diet having the highest pH value after 24 hours. Thus, there was no effect of low-ME or enzyme supplementation to the control or low-ME diet on growth performance or carcass yield. However, feeding a low-ME diet or Cont-Enz preparation influenced organ and small intestine weights and meat characteristics.

Influence of dietary Moringa oleifera on broilers performance, intestinal microbial population and humoral immune competence

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of using different levels of phytobiotic containing Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaf powder (MOLP) on broiler chickens body growth performance parameters, intestinal microbial population, and the humoral immune response. Day-old Hubbard broiler chicks (n = 200) were randomly allocated into 4 treatment diet. Basal diet was supplied with treatments T0, T1, T2 and T3 representing (0, 1%, 5% and 7.5% MOLP); respectively. Chickens were kept under observation for 5 weeks. Body performance parameters, total viable bacterial and coliform counts and humoral immune response to Newcastle disease (ND) virus vaccine were detected using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The results revealed significant (P &lt; 0.05) improvement in performance parameters in groups supplemented with dietary MOLP. However, the best significant (P &lt; 0.05) performance was observed in the group fed 1% MOLP. There was no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference among treatments considering the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts. Significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in the means of HI in dietary MOLP supplemented groups was observed, where the highest means were seen in 1% MOLP treated birds. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MOLP could improve the performance parameters and the immune response while reducing the total viable intestinal bacterial and coliform counts of broiler chickens. The study recommended using of dietary level of 1% MOLP to improve performance, intestinal health, and immune competence.