Improved Feed Conversion Ratio Research Articles

Effects of Different Concentration of Copper on Performance, Immunity and Carcass Traits in Broiler Japanese Quails.

In this study, the effects of dietary copper supplements on broiler Japanese quail growth performance, immune response, blood biochemistry, and carcass quality were examined. Two copper sources (copper sulphate-CuS, and copper methionine-CuM), each at five distinct dietary dosages of 5, 10, 15, 100, and 150mg/kg, were used. A total of 280 (10 × 4 × 7) day-old quail chicks of uniform body weight were randomly distributed into 10 treatments with 4 replicates each and having 7 chicks in each replicate. In comparison to CuS-supplemented diets, CuM-supplemented diets (100mg Cu/kg diet) considerably (P ≤ 0.01) increased body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). In the 150-mg CuM/kg diet, the cell-mediated immune response (foot web index to PHAP) was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) greater. The humoral immune response (HA titre to SRBC) was substantially (P ≤ 0.01) lower with CuS-supplemented meals than with CuM-supplemented diets. When compared to CuS source, the weight of the bursa and spleen from CuM source was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) higher. The 100- and 150-mg CuM/kg diets considerably (P ≤ 0.01) reduced serum cholesterol levels. Thus, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of copper methionine as a source of Cu @ 100mg Cu/kg diet to broiler Japanese quails was more effective in improving growth performance, immunological response, carcass quality features, and serum cholesterol reduction.

Epigenetic effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation in broiler breeder diets on the performance of their progeny

Nutritional supplements have been commonly used in the poultry industry last few years. The study aimed to investigate the epigenetic effects of adding vitamin E and organic selenium to the diet of broiler breeders Ross-308 on their progeny meat production performance. The treatments included the control group fed with a standard diet without supplementation (T1), T2 using a standard diet supplemented with 500 mg of vitamin E / kg, T3 using a standard diet supplemented with 0.5 mg of organic selenium (Availa powder) /kg, and T4 using a standard diet supplemented with a mixture of vitamin E and organic selenium in proportions 500 and 0.5 mg/kg respectively. The eggs were collected from each treatment to obtain the progeny reared for 35 periods, and measurements were recorded for meat production and carcass traits. The results showed that the treatments had significant epigenetic effects on body weight at hatching. Hence, T2 had a significantly heavier body weight than T1, while no significant differences were observed between T3 and T4. The result of T2 recorded extremely high feed intake compared with T3. On the other hand, T3 and T4 recorded a hefty weight of breast parts compared with T1 and T2. In conclusion, organic selenium supplementation led to a significant increase in breast weight and a decrease in thigh part weight compared to the control group. In contrast, vitamin E supplementation led to an increase in chick weight at hatch, a reduction of total mortality and an improvement in feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. This refers to the epigenetic effects of organic selenium and vitamin E on progeny traits when added to the breeder diet. Keywords: Epigenetics, broiler, selenium supplementation, meat production

Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed with Diets Containing Animal Protein Source from Expired Sausage

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets with different levels of expired sausage flour as a source of animal protein on the growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with five treatments and three replications. Furthermore, a total of 330 tilapia fish (5-7 cm and 4 ± 1.92 g) were reared in aerated 50 × 30 × 15 cm3 aquaria with a stocking density of 22 fishes per aquarium. The feed contains an equal ratio of plant and animal protein, where the plant protein contains soy flour and rice bran flour in a ratio of 90:10. Meanwhile, the animal protein contains fish flour, added with five sausage flour levels: 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of the total dietary protein. The levels were then designated as A-D, respectively, while the diet with no sausage flour was used as the control (A). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention (PR), energy retention (ER), and protein digestibility (PD) were calculated and compared among treatments. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA on SPSS version 16. The results showed that diet containing 10% sausage flour significantly increased the protein efficiency ratio, protein retention, energy retention, and protein digestibility, and improve feed conversion ratio. Based on the results, 14.07% expired sausage flour protein is recommended as the best concentration for growth performance and food efficiency in tilapia.

Effects of probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis) supplementation on mortality, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of native Vietnamese broilers challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium.

Probiotic species have been proven to be beneficial on broiler performance; however, most studies have focused on industrial chickens with fast growth, whereas little information concerning the use of these species on native chickens is available. This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) on the mortality, growth rate, and carcass characteristics in native Noi chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium. We divided 420 1-day-old Noi chicks into seven different treatment groups (n = 60): negative control (no S. Typhimurium, no probiotics or antibiotics); positive control (PC, S. Typhimurium infection, no probiotics or antibiotics); and S. Typhimurium infection and supplementation with LP, BS, LP + BS, enrofloxacin, and commercial probiotics, respectively. Treatment was for 96 days, and the chicks were orally challenged with S. Typhimurium at 22 days old. No deaths occurred during the 4 weeks post-infection in the negative control, LP, or LP+BS groups. The PC group had the highest mortality rate (20%). Re-isolation of S. Typhimurium from the liver, spleen, and heart showed reduced bacterial counts at 1 week post-infection in the LP, BS, and LP + BS groups. The lowest body weight gain was observed in the PC group (949 g/bird), and chicks in the LP group gained 1148 g/bird. An improved feed conversion ratio was noted in the groups receiving probiotic supplementation (3.42-3.50 kg feed/kg gain). There was little evidence that probiotics affected carcass percentage and related parameters, such as breast, thigh and drumstick, and wings. Lactobacillus plantarum or BS dietary supplementation to native Noi broilers resulted in a lower mortality rate and improved body weight gain but did not affect carcass characteristics.

Effects of dietary carbohydrate on growth, feed utilization, hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in endangered Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus)

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary carbohydrate levels on growth performance, feed utilization and metabolism of juvenile Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus). Six isonitrogenous (crude protein 45 %) and isolipidic (crude lipid 10 %) experimental diets were formulated containing 7.35 %, 10.2 %, 13.4 %, 16.5 %, 19.4 % and 22.4 % carbohydrate. Triplicate groups of 15 fish (initial weight, 51.4 ± 0.16 g) were fed twice daily for 8 weeks. The significantly higher (P < 0.05) growth performance was recorded in dietary 19.4 % group compared with the dietary 7.35 % and 10.2 % groups. Meanwhile, higher dietary carbohydrate (16.5 %, 19.4 % and 22.4 %) also significantly improved feed conversion ratio compared with the lowest one (7.35 %). Protein efficiency ratio exhibited similar tendency with growth performance. And the highest muscle crude protein was found in 19.4 % group and was significantly higher than the lower dietary carbohydrate groups (7.35 %, 10.2 %, 13.4 %) (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen content was positively correlated with dietary carbohydrate levels. The highest dietary carbohydrate level (22.4 %) led to much more lipid deposition in the body. Furthermore, the highest mRNA expression of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthesis were also recorded in dietary carbohydrate 22.4 % group. mRNA expression of glycolysis related genes hexokinase was significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated by higher levels of carbohydrate (19.4 % and 22.4 %) compared with other treatments. Quadratic broken-line analysis of weight gain against carbohydrate levels showed that the optimal value was 20.6 % of diet for Yangtze sturgeon.

Supplemental Enzyme and Probiotics on the Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Broilers Fed with a Newly Harvested Corn Diet.

Simple SummaryAs an important energy feed material for livestock and poultry, corn is often in short supply and used immediately after harvest. However, newly harvested corn can have anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) and cause animal diarrhea. Feed-grade enzymes and probiotics can help to alleviate ANFs in feedstuffs. Therefore, in this study, several enzymes and a laboratory Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1, isolated from chick ceca, were added into the newly harvested corn diet for a 21-day trial in broilers. Here, we found that the newly harvested corn diets resulted in shorter digesta emptying time, increased visual fecal water content, and decreased trypsin activity, which may lead to the occurrence of diarrhea in broilers. The supplementation of Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1 to newly harvested corn diets could improve the activity of trypsin and decrease the FCR (F/G) of broilers. Moreover, supplemental protease could significantly increase the digesta emptying time, reduce the visual fecal water content, and increase trypsin activity, which may relieve the diarrhea of broilers. In conclusion, Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1 or protease individually, as well as in combination with glucoamylase are recommended in newly harvested corn diets for broilers.A new grain phenomenon happens in newly harvested corn because of its high content of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which can cause low nutrient digestibility and diarrhea in animals. Enzymes and probiotics have been shown to relieve the negative effect of ANFs for animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of enzymes and probiotics on the performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers, fed with newly harvested corn diets. A total of 624 Arbor Acres Plus male broiler chickens were randomly divided into eight treatment groups (A: normal corn diet, CT: newly harvested corn diet, DE: newly harvested corn diet + glucoamylase, PT: newly harvested corn diet + protease, XL: newly harvested corn diet + xylanase, BCC: newly harvested corn diet + Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1, DE + PT: newly harvested corn diet + glucoamylase + protease, XL + BCC: newly harvested corn diet + xylanase + Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1). Each group was divided into six replicates, with 13 birds each. On day 21, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzyme activity were measured. Compared with the normal corn diet (PC), the newly harvested corn diet (NC) produced shorter digesta emptying time (p = 0.015) and increased visual fecal water content (p = 0.002) of broilers, however, there was no effect on performance. Compared to the newly harvested corn diet (NC), supplemental enzyme of DE increased the activity of chymotrypsin (p = 0.016), however, no differences in the digestibility of three kinds of organic matter, digesta emptying time, visual fecal water content, or performance were found. Supplemental protease (PT) significantly increased digesta emptying time (p = 0.004) and decreased the activity of maltase (p = 0.007). However, it had no effect on the digestibility of three kinds of organic matter or the performance of broilers. Supplemental xylanase (XL) decreased the activity of amylase (p = 0.006) and maltase (p < 0.001); however, it had no effect on digesta emptying time, visual fecal water content, the digestibility of three kinds of organic matter, or performance of broilers. Supplemental DE, combined with PT (DE + PT), increased the digesta emptying time (p = 0.016) while decreasing the visual fecal water content (p = 0.011), and the activity of amylase (p = 0.011), lipase (p = 0.021), and maltase (p < 0.001), however, there was no effect on performance. Supplemental BCC individually decreased the activity of amylase (p = 0.024) and maltase (p < 0.001), however, it increased the activity of trypsin (p < 0.001) and tended to improve feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p = 0.081). Supplemental BCC-1, combined with XL (XL + BCC), increased the activity of trypsin (p = 0.001) but decreased the activity of amylase (p = 0.013), lipase (p = 0.019), and maltase (p < 0.001). Pediococcus acidilactici BCC-1 (109 cfu/kg), protease (800,000 U/g) individually, or protease (800,000 U/g) in combination with glucoamylase (800,000 U/g) were supplemented in newly harvested corn diets for growing broilers. Hence, this study mainly explores the alleviation effect of enzyme and probiotics on the negative phenomenon caused by the utilization of newly harvested corn in broilers and provides a better solution for the utilization of newly harvested corn in production practice.

Review on the use of probiotics in poultry production (Layers and broilers) as feed additives

In this paper, recent developments in the use and mechanism of probiotics (direct-fed microbial) in poultry are reviewed. Probiotics have been shown to enhance growth performance and feed conversion in broilers as well as egg mass, egg weight, and egg size in layers when added to the diet. The mode of action of probiotics in poultry includes maintaining normal intestinal microflora through competitive exclusion and antagonistic interactions; (ii) altering metabolism by increasing digestive enzyme activity and decreasing bacterial enzyme activity and ammonia production; (iii) improving feed intake and digestion; and (iv) neutralising enterotoxins and enhancing the immune system. Nutritional benefits include higher laying and egg quality, greater daily increments, and improved feed conversion ratio in flocks treated with probiotics (FCR). The quality of meat has also increased. This demonstrates how employing probiotics can improve production outcomes for producers. Poultry immunity is enhanced in addition to these advantages for production by giving the organism the ability to better protect itself against illnesses and stress. The versatility of probiotics and the fact that the bacteria used in their production are an essential component of animal digestive tracts make them safe feed additives, but more research is needed to address the lack of accuracy in the formulation of non-European preparations due to unknown interactions between probiotic bacteria strains as well as their metabolites.

Effect of eco-friendly probiotics-supplemented rapeseed meal-based diet on the performance of Catla catla fingerlings.

Ever-increasing human population compels the researchers to search for alternative food sources such as fish meat. For increase of fish growth and proper feed utilization, probiotics were added in rapeseed meal-based diet in current trial for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients in fish and ultimately higher growth with lower aquatic pollution. Fish gut microbiota is important for the feed utilization and absorption in body for higher growth. A 70-day study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotics-supplemented rapeseed meal-based diet on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, and absorption of minerals in Catla catla fingerlings with lowering water pollution level. Six test diets were prepared by using different levels of multi-strain probiotics i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5g/kg (0.0-0.5%) in rapeseed meal-based diet. At the rate of 4% of live wet weight, Catla fingerlings were fed two times a day and faeces samples from each tank were collected. According to the results, it was observed that probiotics supplementation (@2g/kg) in rapeseed meal-based diet resulted with improvement in nutrient digestibility (CP, 72%; fat, 75% and GE, 70%), mineral absorption (Ca, 72%; Na, 76%; K, 70% and P, 70%), specific growth rate (SGR, 1.55), improved feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.22) and weight gain percentage (WG%, 303%) of fingerlings. It was also noticed that probiotics supplementation decreased the discharge of minerals and nutrient through faeces, as compared to control diet; hence, it plays a significant role in reducing water pollution. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that probiotics inclusion at level of 2g/kg was useful to formulate the cost effective and eco-friendly fish feed with the maximum improvement in growth and fish health by using rapeseed meal-based diet, as compared to control and other test diets.

Replacement of fish meal by black soldier fly larvae meal in diet for goldfish Carassius auratus: Growth performance, hematology, histology, total carotenoids, and coloration

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) is a promising animal feed ingredient because of its high protein content and sustainable nature in the aquaculture sector. For the potential application of this ingredient in goldfish culture, five isonitrogenous (42% of crude protein) and isolipidic (9% of crude fat) diets were prepared to replace 0, 43, 84, 145, and 210 g kg−1 fish meal (FM) with BSFLM (termed BSFLM0 – BSFLM210). Triplicate groups of 20 goldfish (approximately 9.35 ± 0.02 g fish−1) per tank were randomly assigned one of the experimental diets and fed three times daily to satiation for 10 weeks. Dietary inclusion of BSFLM linearly increased final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (P < 0.001), and linearly and quadratically improved feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value (P < 0.05). The highest weight gain was observed in the BSFLM145 (15.61 g fish−1) group without a significant difference (P > 0.05) with BSFLM210 (14.76 g fish–1). Organosomatic indexes were similar among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Whole-body moisture and ash contents were not significantly affected (P > 0.05), but crude protein and fat content were affected by BSFLM inclusion (P < 0.05). Regarding muscle fatty acid composition, C12:0 and C14:0 increased linearly and quadratically with BSFLM levels, resulting in an increase in total saturated fatty acids with linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05). In contrast, C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, total n-3, and n-3/n-6 ratio decreased with increasing levels of BSFLM. The color index (a* value) was linearly and quadratically decreased in the abdominal region by BSFLM inclusion, similar to the decrease in L* and a* values in the head region. Total carotenoid contents also decreased in fin, skin, and serum by BSFLM inclusions (P < 0.05). BSFLM inclusion decreased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05). A mild degree of vacuolization with swollen hepatocellular was observed in the BSFLM84 group, being more abundant in BSFLM145 and BSFLM210 groups. Overall, dietary BSFLM inclusion improved growth performance, feed utilization, and blood biochemistries in goldfish, but it exerted a negative effect on carotenoid content, skin coloration and liver histological integrity.

Growth, carcase characteristics, meat quality, nutrient digestibility and immune function of broilers fed with enzymatically treated or raw dandelion (taraxacum mongolicum hand.-mazz.)

This study aims at evaluating the effects of enzymatically treated or raw dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.) on growth performance, carcase characteristics, meat quality, apparent nutrient digestibility, and immunity of Arbour Acres broilers for 42 d. One hundred and twenty 1-day-old birds were randomly distributed into three treatments: basal diet (CON), basal diet plus 1 g/kg of raw dandelion (RD) and enzyme-treated dandelion (ED). The results shown that ED significantly decreased feed conversion ratio during the starter period (1–21 d). ED significantly increased apparent nutrient digestibility of ether extract and organic matter (OM) (1–21 d) as well as crude protein (22–42 d). RD significantly increased the OM nutrient digestibility (1–21 d). ED groups had significantly higher breast muscle rate, lower drip loss and water-holding capacity (WHC) in breast muscle, and lower cooking loss in leg muscle. RD significantly decreased breast muscle WHC. The serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG (d 21 and 42) as well as IgM (d 21) levels were observed higher in response to ED supplementation. RD treatment showed significantly higher serum IgA level at d 21. Additionally, dietary ED supplementation resulted in higher serum interleukin 10 (d 21) and interferon-γ (d 42) contents. In conclusion, ED displayed superior effects on improving feed conversion ratio, carcase characteristics, meat quality, apparent nutrient digestibility, and immune function of broilers. Highlights Enzymatically treated (ED) and raw dandelion (RD) were evaluated in broiler chicken. ED improved feed conversion ratio and breast muscle rate. ED and RD enhanced meat quality, nutrient digestibility and immune function. ED had more beneficial effects than RD.

Effect of Partial Replacement of Yellow Corn by Mango Seed Kernel on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Blood Constituents of Laying Hens

Corn is the main energy source in most poultry feed. Due to rapid climate change, corn production cannot keep up with the demand for food and industrial applications. This necessitated the search for alternatives, such as agro-industrial by-products like mango seed kernel, which is a good source of carbohydrates and protein and can wholly or partly replace corn. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of partial replacement of yellow corn (YC) with soaked mango seed kernel (SMSK) on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, hematological parameters, and antioxidants status of local laying hens. A total of 120 local Gimmizah breeds (108 females and 12 males) at 32 weeks of age were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with three replicates (9 hens + 1 male per replicate). The treatments were YC replaced by SMSK at 0, 10, 15, and 20% levels in the hen diets for 12 weeks. Replacing YC with SMSK increased egg production, weight and number of eggs, and egg mass, and improved feed conversion ratio, but feed intake was not affected. Replacement of yellow corn with SMSK did not affect egg quality parameters. The hens in the SMSK 10% and SMSK 15% groups had the highest fertility, hatchability, post-hatch chick weight, and number followed by those in the SMSK 20% group. Groups given varying levels of SMSK had the lowest rate of embryonic mortality. Carcass weight and dressing percentage were positively affected by the 10% and 15% SMSK diet, except for the heart, pancreas, and spleen. Hematological indices were not influenced by dietary SMSK except for higher platelets in the SMSK 20% group. Total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar among treatments. In SMSK groups, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly, whereas IgG and catalase levels increased. These findings indicated that SMSK up to 20% could be considered a successful nutritional and health approach and can be partially substituted for YC with no adverse impact on the productive, reproductive and physiological performance of laying hens.

Evaluation of Flock Volume Levels on Water Quality and Production Performance of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Culture Using Micropore Pipe As Aeration Diffusers.

High floc accumulation in intensive catfish culture will increase the bacterial consumption of oxygen and affects the dissolved oxygen in the media is relatively low then affecting the fish growth. For control the floc accumulation is to remove the flock regularly. However, removing a large amount of floc will affect the flock's ability to control nitrogen waste in the water and the utilization of the flock as feed for fish will be minimum. The research was conducted to evaluate of floc volume levels on water quality and production performance of catfish culure in the biofloc system. The research design used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The research treatments were floc volume level (KVF), namely (KVF) 20-40 ml/L, (KVF) 40-60 ml/L, (KVF) 60-80 ml/L and (KVF) 80-100 ml/L. The results showed that the water quality in all treatment were within the safe level for catfish. (KVF) 60-80 ml/L and 80-100 ml/L had higher survival rates of 100% (P &lt;0.05). The growth rate in (KVF) 80-100 ml/L showed the lowest value compared of other treatments (P &lt;0.05). (KVF) 60-80 ml/L can improve feed conversion ratio and increase protein retention by 59.17%, significantly different compared to other floc level treatment (P &lt;0.05).

Performance, carcass and meat quality of broilers raised at a high stocking density and supplemented with encapsulated Cosmos caudatus K. leaf extract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation of encapsulated Cosmos cau-datus K. leaf extract (ECLE) on performance, carcass and meat quality of broilers at high density pens. Three hundred and seventy broiler chicks were divided into 5 treatments and 5 replications. The treat-ment was conducted on days 15 to 42 in T0 group (10 chicks/m2 + basal feed), T1 (16 chicks/m2 + ba-sal feed), T2 (16 chicks/m2 + basal feed containing ECLE 0.5 g/kg feed), T3 (16 chicks/m2 + ECLE 1.0 g/kg feed), and T4 (16 head/m2 + ECLE 1.5 g/kg feed). ECLE reduced feed consumption, increased body weight gain, improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), increased the European Production Efficien-cy Factor (EPEF) and European Broiler Index (EBI) in T2 and T3 (P&lt;0.05). Carcass weight and per-centage were increased in T3 and T4 (P&lt;0.05). Breast percentage was higher (P&lt;0.05) in T0, T1 and T2; wing and thigh percentages were higher (P&lt;0.05) in T3 and T4; drumstick and giblet percentages were lower (P&lt;0.05) in T3. Drumstick’s pH were higher (P&lt;0.05) in T2, T3 and T4. Thigh fat de-creased (P&lt;0.05) at T4. The redness (a*) in T3 and T4 were significantly better. Overall, at high densi-ty pens, ECLE at 0.5 g/kg feed enhanced broiler performance, carcass percentage, and breast meat quality.

Performance of broiler chicken on dietary supplementation of protected organic acids blend

ABSTRACT 1. The fatty acid coated organic acids blend was evaluated for its potential as a growth promoter. 2. A six-week experiment was conducted following a completely randomised design. One-day old broiler chicks (n = 384) were randomly divided into four dietary groups (eight replicates per group). Diet treatments were an unsupplemented basal diet or containing 0.3, 0.6 and 1 g/kg of a coated organic acid blend. Birds were evaluated for growth performance, carcass traits, immune-competence, total viable count and gut villus height. 3. The broiler chickens fed with 1 g/kg organic acids blend showed significantly higher body weight gain with improved feed conversion ratio and lower mortality than those fed the basal diet. 4. The carcass traits vis. eviscerated yield, dressing percentage, breast yield and relative weight of giblets, were significantly better in the group fed with 1 g/kg coated organic acids blend with reduction in abdominal fat. 5. Significantly higher cell-mediated, humoral immune responses and villi height with higher lymphoid organ weight (bursa and thymus) and a significant decrease in the total viable count were recorded in birds fed 1 g/kg organic acids blend. 6. The results indicated that dietary inclusion of coated organic acids blend (1 g/kg) improved growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, and gut health in broiler chicken and reduced total viable count and abdominal fat, indicating its potential role as a promising growth promoter in poultry.

Partial replacement of maize meal with high-tannin sorghum meal affects finishing and methane emissions of Pedi goats

This study was conducted to determine the effect of replacing maize meal with Sorghum vulgare meal, a high-tannin sorghum meal, in fattening diets on bodyweight and methane emissions by yearling male Pedi goats. A total of 12 yearling male Pedi goats with an average initial liveweight of 14 ± 1 kg were randomly assigned to a complete randomized design with four treatments, which were formulated such that 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of the maize meal was replaced with Sorghum vulgare meal. The experiment was conducted over 28 days, with 21 days adaptation, followed by seven days for sample collection. Replacing maize meal with sorghum did not produce detectable (P &gt;0.05) effects on bodyweight and live weight gain. The various replacement levels of sorghum meal had no detectable effects on the blood cell profile of Pedi goats either. However, they reduced methane emission and improved feed conversion ratio (P &lt;0.05), which allowed for an approximation of the feed required by growing goats. These findings may assist farmers in selecting and utilizing the right feeds to maximize profitability in the small-stock farming sector.

Dietary supplementation of spirulina and canthaxanthin boosts laying performance, lipid profile in blood and egg yolk, hatchability, and semen quality of chickens.

This study examined the impacts of dietary spirulina (SP) and canthaxanthin (CX) supplementation to laying hens on reproductive performance and cock's semen quality evaluation. Three hundred and sixty of indigenous Sinai chickens (300 hens + 60 cocks), 48-weeks-old, were randomly divided into five treatments; a control and four supplemented (0.6 g SP mg/kg, 0.8 g SP mg/kg, 6 mg CX/kg diet, and 8 mg CX/kg diet) with six replications of 10 females and 1 male per treatment for laying trial and 1 male for semen evaluation. The animals were fed with experimental diets for 12 weeks. Supplementing 6 mg CX/kg diet led to an increase in the final body weight and egg production traits, while 8 mg CX/kg diet resulted in an improving feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of 0.6 g SP mg/kg or 6.0 mg CX/kg diet resulted in the highest egg production. The heaviest egg weight and egg mass were induced by 0.8 g SP mg/kg. Eggs laid from hens fed 0.6 g SP/kg diet had a higher concentration of cholesterol than those fed 0.8 g SP/kg and those fed 6.0 and 8.0 mg CX/kg. Cocks fed 6 mg CX/kg and those fed 0.8 g SP/kg diet had the greatest sperm concentration. The supplementation of 0.8 g SP mg/kg diet or both 6 and 8 mg CX/kg diet enhanced hatchability. So, dietary spirulina (0.8 mg/kg) and canthaxanthin (6 mg/kg) supplementation to Sinai laying hens and cocks could be used to improve productive and reproductive and performance.

Response of sheep fed urea-treated corncob and supplemented with cassava leaf meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding untreated or urea-treated ground corncob and supplementing with cassava leaf meal (CLM) in a total mixed ration on growth, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization and rumen fermentation of sheep. Five diet treatments with five replications consisted of untreated corncob + concentrate (CC); urea-treated corncob + concentrate (UCC); and CC and UCC supplemented with CLM and designated as CC+CLM and UCC+CLM, respectively. A diet formulated with a mixture of elephant grass and concentrate was used as control (EG). There were no significant differences in dry matter intake (DMI) between treatments. The average DMI was 4.17% bodyweight. Average daily gain (ADG) of sheep fed the treatment diets was between 146.3 and 176.2 g/h/day, and was higher than EG (89.1 g/head/day). Thus, the treatments improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). Nitrogen retention was lowest for EG and highest for UCC and UCC+CLM. The addition of CLM had no effect on growth, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and rumen fermentation characteristics. It was concluded that corncob could be used as a replacement for elephant grass in postweaning diets for sheep.

The Effects of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Anemone chinensis Bunge, and Smilax glabra Roxb on Broiler Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Gastrointestinal Tract Microorganisms.

Simple SummaryThere is a global effort to reduce the use of antibiotics in broiler production, and the antibacterial activity of extracts from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Anemone chinensis Bunge, and Smilax glabra Roxb has been previously identified in vitro. The present study determines the effects of the dietary inclusion of these extracts on broiler production performance, nutrient digestibility, and on the levels of Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli, and lactic acid bacteria in the caecum. The inclusion of S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge in broiler feed increased the number of lactic acid bacteria in the caeca of broilers, in comparison to the inclusion of antibiotics in poultry feed. The inclusion of S. glabra Roxb also reduced the levels of E. coli and Campylobacter spp., and improved the feed efficiency and weight gain. The plant extract of A. chinensis Bunge also increased weight gain in broilers. This study highlights the benefits of using S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge in broiler feed as alternatives to antibiotics.Poultry farming is growing globally, particularly in developing countries, to meet the demands of growing populations for poultry meat and eggs. This is likely to lead to an increase in the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, thus contributing to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance which, poses a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. One way of reducing this threat is to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry production by finding effective and sustainable antibiotic alternatives that can be used to support poultry health and productivity. Therefore, this study evaluates the incorporation of three medicinal plants, Anemone chinensis Bunge, Smilax glabra Roxb, and Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, in poultry feed on production performance, nutrient digestibility, and bacteria in the chicken caecum in a 35-day performance trial with 420-day-old male Ross 308 broilers. Groups of randomly selected chicks received one of six dietary treatments. These included five experimental diets of reduced nutrient specifications as a negative control (NC); with amoxicillin as a positive antibiotic control (PC1); with A. pilosa Ledeb (NC1); with A. chinensis Bunge (NC2); and with S. glabra Roxb (NC3). One other positive control diet contained the recommended nutrient specification (PC2). Weight gain and feed intake were measured weekly and used to calculate the feed conversion ratio as performance parameters. Bacteria were enumerated from chicken caecum using a traditional plating method and selective agar. S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge showed comparable effects to amoxicillin with significantly increased weight gain in birds offered these diets, compared to those offered the negative control from days 0 to 35 (p < 0.001). S. glabra Roxb exhibited effects similar to the amoxicillin control group with an improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.001). In addition, S. glabra Roxb decreased numbers of E. coli and Campylobacter spp. on days 21 (p < 0.05) and 35 (p < 0.01) and increased numbers of lactic acid bacteria comparable to the antibiotic group on days 14 (p < 0.001) and 35 (p < 0.01). The findings of this in vivo trial highlight the potential of S. glabra Roxb and A. chinensis Bunge as beneficial feed material to promote poultry health and productivity in the absence of antibiotics.

Efficacy of Rumex nervosus leaves or Cinnamomum verum bark as natural growth promoters on the growth performance, immune responsiveness, and serum biochemical profile of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential growth and health promotion of Rumex nervosus leaves (RNL) and Cinnamomum verum bark (CVB) supplementation as phytogenic growth promoters on broilers. For 34 days, 540 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine groups. Birds were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1, 3, or 5 g/kg RNL, 2, 4, or 6 g/kg CVB. In addition, birds were fed the basal diet complemented with antibiotic (AGP), or basal diet without feed additive as controls. All bird vaccinated for IBV, IBDV, and NDV except negative control (NC). The selected indicators were measured and analysed. Broilers given 1 g RNL were numerically heavier at 34 days and gained more to a degree comparable to the AGP group (p = .053). The addition of CVB at 2 g resulted in the best-feed conversion up to 21 d (p = .04). Throughout the study, dietary treatments had no impact on feed intake. Except for ALT, none of the immune-related parameters or serum biochemical profile differed statistically between treatments when compared to vaccinated control group. When comparing the non-vaccinated un-treated group on day 34, vaccination increased significantly antibody titres to NDV and IBDV. In conclusion, dietary RNL and CVB, especially at low doses, attempted to maximise the performance without compromising health in broiler chickens under typical conditions. Further research into the use of natural herbs under challenging conditions is required to maximise performance, maintain animal productivity, and achieve the ultimate goal of reducing antibiotic use in the poultry industry. Highlights Cinnamomum verum bark at a dose of 2 g/kg diet improved feed conversion ratio during the starter period. However, both selected herbs result unsatisfactory improvements in broiler performance at overall period under the ideal hygienic conditions. If broilers are exposed to bacterial challenges, phytogenic feed additives or even antibiotics may manifest their activity in promoting animal health and, as a result, growth performance. Low levels of hepatic enzymes at day 34 of age showed that birds’ health was good. Cinnamon powder improves kidney function at day 21 by lowering serum creatinine levels with increasing dose (p < .05). Rumex nervosus leaves or Cinnamomum verum bark have hypoglycaemia activity on day 31 by lowering serum glucose levels as the dose is reduced.

Effect of Exogenous Enzymes Cocktail on Performance, Carcass Traits, Biochemical Metabolites, Intestinal Morphology, and Nutrient Digestibility of Broilers Fed Normal and Low-Energy Corn-Soybean Diets.

Simple SummaryCorn and soybean meal (SBM) are the principal sources of energy and protein in poultry feed, respectively. Decreasing feed cost per unit of production and increasing the nutritional value of feed ingredients like corn and SBM are continuous concerns for poultry producers. Corn and SBM-based diets are incompletely digested by poultry due to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), which can obstruct the processes of nutrient digestion and absorption. Poultry does not own endogenous enzymes capable of digesting NSPs. The use of enzyme cocktails (EC) and dietary energy sources are essential topics in the poultry industry because they could enhance nutrient utilization by reducing the harmful effects of NSPs. Therefore, evaluating the efficacy of EC that may improve the feeding value of corn–SBM diets warrants attention. The efficacy of two doses of an EC with multiple enzymatic activities at two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) on the performance of broilers fed corn and SBM-based diets up to 35 days was evaluated. Our results indicate that adequately adjusting dietary ME and using the EC with xylanases, β-glucanases, cellulases, proteases, pectinases, and debranching enzymes activities could enhance the nitrogen-corrected apparent ME of corn and SBMbased diets for broiler chickens and potentially offer economic advantages to producers.Ross 308 broilers in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement (four treatments with 12 replications of six chicks each) were fed corn and SBMbased diets with two concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) (normal (positive control, PC) and low (negative control, NC)) and two amounts of enzyme cocktail (EC) (0% and 0.005%) for 35 days. Performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, ileal histology, and apparent nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Compared with the non-supplemented diet, the use of EC improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) over 26–35 and 0–35 days (p < 0.01), European performance efficiency factor (EPEF) over 26–35 days (p < 0.05), dressing yield (p < 0.01), villus height (p < 0.05), nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) (p < 0.01), and serum glucose (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC diet, feeding the PC diet improved FCR over all experimental periods (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively), EPEF over 0–10 days (p < 0.05), and AMEn retention (p < 0.01). To conclude, the AMEn of broilers fed corn and SBM diets could be improved by adequately adjusting dietary ME and using a cocktail of non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, improving commercial benefits to producers.