Intestinal Morphology In Broiler Chickens Research Articles

PSI-21 Optimizing sample size for accurate measurements and prediction equations for intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Abstract Histological measurements of intestinal morphology, including villi height (VH) and crypt depth (CD), are routinely used to evaluate intestinal health and the nutrient absorptive capacity in monogastric animals. These metrics suffer from significant natural variation, and there is no established standard for the number of unique measurements required to robustly estimate these variables for a given animal. Furthermore, the potential utility of additional variables, including villus width (VW), perimeter (VP), or villus area (VA), has not been explored. Therefore, the objective of the current experiment was to estimate the minimum number of measurements required to control the intrasample variance in each variable and determine if more complex or time-consuming metrics, such as VP and/or VA, can be accurately estimated from linear measurements. A set of 1283 intestinal morphology data, including VH, CD, VW, VP, and VA, measured from 68 intestinal tissues (46 ileum and 22 jejunum) of 4 experiments were used in the current study (Figure 1). Retrospective calculation of the CV for all combinations of N measurements per sample was used to determine the impact of measurement number on the quality of data. Data for the jejunum and ileum were pooled together, and the NLIN procedure of SAS was used to estimate the optimal measurement for intestinal morphology measurements using a quadratic broken line. The VA was estimated using geometric calculation with the assumption that VA equals 0.67 × base width × VH. A paired t-test was conducted to compare measured and calculated VA. The optimal number of measurements to minimize within-sample CV for VH, CD, VW, VP, and VA ranged from 10.6 to 10.8. The VH was highly correlated (P < 0.05) with VP (r = 0.95 and 0.87) and VA (r = 0.77 and 0.63) in the jejunum and ileum, respectively (Table 1 and 2). Additionally, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between measured (0.110 µm2) and calculated VA (0.086 µm2). In conclusion, this study shows that measuring 11 villi per sample is required for minimizing variations within the jejunal or ileal tissue in broiler chickens. Also, estimating VA based on idealized geometry was found to be inaccurate, necessitating either direct measurement or more complex prediction equations.

Physiological responses and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens treated with encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract and chitosan

Background and Aim: The ban on antibiotic growth promoters adversely affects the physiological condition and health of poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract, chitosan, or a combination of both on the physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 280 Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups: Basal feed without additives (CNTL), basal feed with 0.01% encapsulated A. australis leaf extract (EALE), 0.01% chitosan (CHIT), and 0.01% EALE and 0.01% chitosan (EACH). Sample collection and data measurement were conducted on day 36. Results: There was a tendency (p = 0.08) for EACH bird to have a higher body weight than the other groups. Feed consumption was higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in EALE and CHIT. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE, CHIT, and EACH than in CNTL. Erythrocyte numbers were lower (p < 0.05) in EALE than in CNTL and EACH. Hematocrit was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE and CHIT groups than in the other two groups. There was a tendency (p = 0.09) for heterophils to be higher in EACH than in CNTL. Thrombocyte counts were lower (p < 0.05) in EACH group than in the other groups. Serum globulin levels were higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in CNTL and CHIT. The albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher (p < 0.05) in CNTL than in EALE and EACH. Coliform bacteria tended to be lower (p = 0.05) in the cecum of EACH broilers than that of other broilers. Similarly, the ratio of Lactic acid bacteria to coliforms tended to be higher (p = 0.08) in the cecum of EACH group than that in the other groups. Treatments did not influence the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A combination of EALE and chitosan as feed additives enhanced the final body weight and feed efficiency (FCR) of broilers. These additives also increased the levels of heterophils, serum globulin, the ratio of LAB to coliforms, and reduced thrombocytes, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and cecal coliform bacteria. Hence, EALE and chitosan blend improved the growth performance, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Keywords: broilers, chitosan, herbs, immune system, intestinal health, synergistic effect.

The Interactive Impacts of Corn Particle Size and Conditioning Temperature on Performance, Carcass Traits, and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between corn particle size (PS) and conditioning temperature (CT) on the performance, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and immune responses in broilers fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet. A total of 360 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into six dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two corn PS (finely ground with geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 357 µm (PSF) vs. coarsely ground corn with GMD of 737 µm (PSC), and three CT [unconditioned (CTU), conditioned at 75 °C (CT75) and 90 °C (CT90)]. Birds were accommodated in 30 pens with five replicates and 12 chicks per each pen. There was no interaction between corn PS and CT on the growth performance and immune response of broilers at any growth phases. However, during the starter (0-10 days) period, the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of PSF-fed birds were significantly improved compared to those fed PSC (p < 0.05). During the starter (0-10 days) and grower (11-24 days) periods, increasing the conditioning temperature of corn increased the ADWG, while in the starter phase only the CT75 caused a lower FCR (p < 0.05). Broilers fed PSF corn showed the lowest FCR during the finisher (25-42 days) period compared to those fed PSC (p < 0.05). Conditioning corn at 75 °C reduced FCR during the finisher (25-42 days) period compared to the birds fed CTU and CT90 corn (p < 0.05). In whole experimental periods (1-42 days), PSF and CT75 treatment increased the ADWG compared to the PSC and CTU (p < 0.05). The CT75 treatment improved primary total anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBCs) titer (IgT) and IgM and secondary IgT and IgG responses compared to the other experimental groups (CTU and CT90) (p < 0.05). No significant PS × CT interaction was found on the Newcastle disease (ND) antibody titer of broiler chickens (p > 0.05). Feeding CT75 corn reduced duodenum and jejunum relative lengths compared to the birds fed diets containing CTU corn. Significant PS × CT interactions (p < 0.05) were observed for villus height, villus height to crypt depth, crypt depth, muscle thickness, and absorption surface area of the jejunum. The highest carcass yield was observed in the PSF-CT75 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of finely ground corn (PSF) conditioned at 75 °C (CT75) was beneficial to growth performance, development of the digestive tract, jejunum histomorphometry and the immune responses of broilers.

Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley-based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters. This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi-enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets. Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley-based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH+ENZ). The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p<0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH+ENZ (p<0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p<0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p<0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash. It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley-based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.

A Technical Report on the Potential Effects of Heat Stress on Antioxidant Enzymes Activities, Performance and Small Intestinal Morphology in Broiler Chickens Administered Probiotic and Ascorbic Acid during the Hot Summer Season.

Oxidative stress negatively affects the welfare of broiler chickens leading to poor productivity and even death. This study examined the negative effect of heat stress on antioxidant enzyme activities, small intestinal morphology and performance in broiler chickens administered probiotic and ascorbic acid during the hot summer season, under otherwise controlled conditions. The study made use of 56 broiler chickens; which were divided into control; probiotic (1 g/kg); ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) and probiotic + ascorbic acid (1 g/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively). All administrations were given via feed from D1 to D35 of this study. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were highly significant (p < 0.0001) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Performance indicators (water intake and body weight gain) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the probiotic and probiotic + ascorbic acid group. The height of duodenal, jejunal and ileal villi, and goblet cell counts of broiler chickens were significantly different in the treatment groups. In conclusion, the study showed that heat stress negatively affects the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, performance and the morphology of small intestinal epithelium, while the antioxidants were efficacious in ameliorating these adverse effects.

The influence of plant essential oil/palygorskite composite on growth performance, blood parameters and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

The purpose of this experiment was to use a single-factor design to investigate the effects of different supplementation levels of plant essential oil/palygorskite composite (EPO-Pal) on growth performance, blood parameters, and intestinal morphology of broiler chicken. A total of 960 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 40 chicks each. The broilers were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg EPO-Pal for 42 days, respectively. The results showed that the 500 or 750 mg/kg groups significantly increased the body weight, average daily feed intake and average daily gain of the broilers at 28 and 42 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, as compared to the control group, the 1000 mg/kg EPO-Pal group exhibited higher levels of immunoglobulins-A, immunoglobulins-G, immunoglobulins-M, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol while having lower levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05). The content of interleukin-2 and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were significantly increased in the 750 mg/kg EPO-Pal group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the activity of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase were significantly enhanced in the 500 mg/kg EPO-Pal group (p < 0.05). The results are very promising, and EPO-Pal can be considered as an additive to promote the growth by enhancing immunity, antioxidant activity, and improving the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.

Dietary Nucleoforce® supplementation improves growth performance, feed efficiency and enhances intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Dietary Nucleoforce® supplementation improves growth performance, feed efficiency and enhances intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Effects of Anticoccidial Vaccination and Taraxacum officinale Extract on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Intestinal Morphology of Eimeria-Challenged Chickens.

A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design to examine the effects of anticoccidial vaccination (ACV; lack or 1× dose recommended by the manufacturer) and dietary supplementation with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract (DE; with or without) on growth performance, immunity, biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. At 20 days of age, all birds were challenged with a 25× dose of ACV, including Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mitis, and E. tenella. No interaction between ACV and DE was observed in terms of growth performance. Vaccinated birds showed increased feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 11-20 day period. Meanwhile, DE supplementation led to decreased FI and body weight gain (BWG) during the 1-10 day period. ACV effectively induced immunity against Eimeria, as evidenced by reduced oocyst shedding and less intestinal lesions, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6, and improved BWG during both the post infection (PI) period (21-35 days) and the entire growth period. DE supplementation lowered FCR and increased BWG during the 35-42 day period, increased the concentration of butyric acid in the cecal digesta, and lowered oocyst shedding PI. In vaccinated birds, DE elevated levels of plasma total protein and immunoglobulin M, and influenced tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3, indicating a more robust epithelial barrier. DE also lowered alanine aminotransferase activity in unvaccinated birds. Both ACV and DE independently improved intestinal morphology in the jejunum, decreasing crypt depth and increasing the villus height-to-crypt ratio. These findings suggest that both ACV and DE could be effective strategies for managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

Combination of emulsifier and xylanase in triticale-based broiler chickens diets

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing an emulsifier, xylanase or a combination of both on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, microflora activity and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed triticale-based diets. A total of 480 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control (CON), control with an added emulsifier (EMU), control with added xylanase (ENZ) and control with emulsifier and xylanase (EMU+ENZ). Xylanase supplemented groups had diminished feed intake (FI) and enhanced body weight gain (BWG) only within the starter period (p ≤ 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the ENZ and ENZ+EMU groups was lower than CON during the whole experiment period. There was significant ENZ and EMU interaction in apparent metabolisable energy corrected to N equilibrium (AMEN) as well as NDF and DM retention. The viscosity of ileum digesta was the lowest in groups with enzyme addition. Interactions show that caecal galactosidase-α activity was higher in the CON group compared to EMU supplementation, but similar to ENZ and EMU+ENZ (p < 0.05). Activity of glucosidase-α was higher in the CON group related to inclusion of EMU or ENZ alone (p < 0.05) but did not differ from the combined supplementation of EMU+ENZ, whereas the glucosidase-β activity was higher in the CON group compared to all supplemented diets (p < 0.05). Caecal C2 concentration was greater in the CON group than supplemented diets (p < 0.05). The expression of FATP1, PEPT1 and SGLT1 in the ileum was downregulated after emulsifier addition (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of emulsifier and xylanase indicates a mutual effect on broiler chickens’ performance and nutrient digestibility in triticale diets with palm oil during the first nutritional period. Additionally, concomitantly additives usage influenced intestinal microbiome activity, as well.

Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.

In recent years, the use of medicinal plants as an alternative to antibiotics has expanded. Plants containing medicines and antioxidants can improve the performance of poultry. The purpose of this study was to achieve the appropriate levels of green tea leaf powder (GTP) and mulberry leaf powder (MLP) in the diet, which positively affects broilers' performance. 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to nine dietary treatments with six replicates and each replicate containing 12 birds based on a completely randomised design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 with three levels of GTP, and three levels of MLP for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. The results revealed that the effect of added powders (2%) was significant and increased daily weight gain (DWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group during the grower and whole phases (p < 0.05). On 35 days, the control and 2% GTP + 2% MLP treatment had the lowest and highest antibodies titre (total and immunoglobulin G [IgG]), respectively (p < 0.05). The groups fed with 1% GTP + 1% MLP showed higher villus height (VH) compared to the control, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP, and 2% GTP + 2% MLP groups (p < 0.05). The ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) in treatments 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP and 1% GTP + 1% MLP was significantly higher than the control treatment (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the addition of 2% GTP or MLP could improve humoral immune response and performance, and the addition of 1% GTP without MLP increased VH: CD in broilers.

Effect of citrus-coconut electrolyte blend on growth performance, haemato-biochemical status, organs development and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

In a bid to mitigate growing concerns regarding the use of antibiotics in food animals OBJECTIVES: This study determined the growth performance, haemato-biochemical status, organ development and intestinal morphology of Arbor Acre broiler chicken strain on oral administration of citrus-coconut electrolyte blend (CCEB) for 26 days. One-hundred ninety-two chicks were brooded for 2 weeks and thereafter divided on a weight equalization basis into four groups (0, 5, 10 and 15 ml CCEB per litre of water) of six replicates each and eight birds per replicate. Phytochemical screening of CCEB was determined, while data collected for growth performance, organ proportions and intestinal morphology were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Phytochemical composition revealed the abundance of phenols (128.40 mg/100g) and tannins (78.10 mg/100g) in CCEB. All productive performance parameters measured were not significantly (p < 0.05) different across treatment means. However, significantly (p < 0.05) highest concentrations (134.47 and 66.48 mg/dl, respectively) for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the lowest concentration (38.34 mg/dl) for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were recorded in birds on 15 ml of CCEB/litre of water. Furthermore, a progressive reduction (p < 0.05) in the bursa of Fabricius was observed with increasing CCEB/litre of water. The supplementation of CCEB did not influence (p > 0.05) duodenal morphological parameters. The study concluded that 15 ml of CCEB/litre of water enhanced the production of HDL, reduced LDL, and improved immunity via the reduction of the bursa of Fabricius in broiler chickens.

Juvenile growth, thermotolerance and gut histomorphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa under hot-humid environments

BackgroundThis study was conducted to assess the juvenile development, thermotolerance, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa in a hot-humid environment. MethodsIn a Completely Randomized Design, 240 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four nutritional treatments of baseline diets supplemented with 0 (CN), 4 (FG), 8 (EG), and 12 g (TT) of turmeric powder/Kg of feed, with four replicates of fifteen birds each. Data on feed consumption and body weights were evaluated weekly during the juvenile growth phase. The physiological indicators of the birds were assessed on day 56 of their lives. The birds were subjected to thermal challenge and data were collected on their physiological traits. Eight birds were randomly selected, euthanized and dissected in each treatment, and 2 cm segments of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled for villi width, villi height, crypt depth, and the villi height: crypt depth ratio measurements. ResultsIt was revealed that the weight gain of the birds in EG was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than that of CN birds. The birds in TT, FG, and CN had comparable but smaller duodenal villi than those in EG. The ileal crypt depth in EG chickens was smaller than in CN but comparable to the other treatment groups. In the duodenum, the villi to crypt depth ratio was in the order EG > TT > FG > CN. ConclusionsTo conclude, dietary supplementation of Curcuma longa powder, notably the 8 g/kg diet improved the antioxidant status, thermotolerance, and nutrient absorption by improving intestinal morphology in broiler chickens in a hot-humid environment.

Effect of Chestnut Tannins and Vitamin E Supplementation to Linseed Oil-Enriched Diets on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to establish the effects of chestnut tannin extract or vitamin E added to linseed oil-enriched diets on growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were included in trial. 5% of cold-pressed linseed oil was included in finisher diets (21–40 days), and three feeding treatments with four replicates were formed: finisher without additives; finisher + 200 IU vitamin E/kg; finisher + 500 mg/kg of chestnut wood tannin extract. No significant influence of treatments was established on body weight or feed conversion ratio. A negative effect on feed intake (p &lt; 0.05) was found in the vitamin E group. The addition of vitamin E increased the dressing percentage (p &lt; 0.05) and increased the breast meat yield (p &lt; 0.01) compared to the control group. No significant effects were found on the water holding capacity or pH of breast meat. The highest level of AST (p &lt; 0.01) and ALT (p &lt; 0.05) was recorded in vitamin E group. The addition of chestnut tannin extract in feed increased villus height, villus height: crypt depth ratio, and villus area compared to the other two groups (p &lt; 0.05). It can be concluded that vitamin E supplementation improves carcass percentage and breast meat yield, while chestnut tannins improve the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens when added to oil-enriched diets.

Evaluation of a Novel Precision Biotic on Enterohepatic Health Markers and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens under Enteric Challenge.

Simple SummaryPrecision biotics (PB) are nutritional products that influence targeted metabolic pathways of the microbiome to control the profile of metabolites produced in the gut by the bacteria, such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and nitrogen-related metabolites. The objective of the studies presented herein was to evaluate the effect of feeding PB to broiler chickens on the response against enteric stress. It was observed that the PB improved the intestinal health of experimentally challenged chickens, and the growth performance of chickens undergoing a natural enteric challenge under commercial-like conditions. The beneficial action of this PB on the microbiome pathways may explain the enhanced markers of intestinal health, such as intestinal histology, expression of nutrient transporter, inflammation, and cell cycling-related genes.This study evaluated the supplementation of a precision biotic (PB) on the enterohepatic health markers and growth performance of broiler chickens undergoing an enteric challenge. In the first study, three treatments were used: Unchallenged Control (UC); Challenged Control (CC; dietary challenge and 10× dose of coccidia vaccine); and a challenged group supplemented with PB (1.3 kg/ton). In the second study, three treatments were used: control diet, diet supplemented with Avilamycin (10 ppm), and a diet supplemented with PB (0.9 kg/ton). All the birds were exposed to natural challenge composed by dietary formulation and reused litter from a coccidiosis positive flock. In Trial 1, PB decreased ileal histological damage, increased villi length, and the expression of SLC5A8 in ileal tissue versus CC; it reduced ileal expression of IL-1β compared to both UC and CC treatments. PB increased the expression of cell cycling gene markers CCNA2 and CDK2 in the ileum compared to CC. In Trial 2, PB improved the growth performance, intestinal lesion scores and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. These results indicate that birds supplemented with PB are more resilient to enteric challenges, probably by its action in modulating microbiome metabolic pathways related to nitrogen metabolism and protein utilization.

Impact of dietary supplementation of cinnamon oil on the oxidative stress indices, immune response and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) on the oxidative stress indices, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Day old broiler chicks (n=180) were randomly allocated to six dietary groups. Control group (T0) was fed basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), Group 2 basal diet with AGP (T1) while basal diet containing graded level of CEO (200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg) was fed to Groups T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Significantly lower concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) was reported in birds fed CEO supplemented diet as compared to control. Significantly increased villi height was observed in histological section of duodenum and jejunum due to increase in concentration of CEO in T3, T4 and T5 as compared to control. No significant change in the histo-morphology of liver was observed due to supplementation of CEO at different levels in the diet of broiler chicken. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of cinnamon essential oil @ 400 mg/kg improved the immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens without any adverse effect.

Growth performance and intestinal morphometric features of broiler chickens fed on dietary inclusion of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae powder.

BackgroundClimate change and the lack of conventional feed ingredients have made edible insects a highly nutritious alternative to feed production. The use of insects as food may help solve socio‐economic and environmental problems around the world and be in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.ObjectiveIn this study, the growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens were evaluated under the influence of adding different levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM meal) to their diets.MethodsOne hundred and eighty one‐day‐old broiler chickens were divided into three treatments and five replications (12 chickens/pen). The experimental diets included a control diet and treatments containing 2.5% and 5% TM meal, which were fed to birds in the starter (0–10 days) and grower (11–25 days) stages, and during the final period (26–42 days), all birds were fed a regular finisher diet.ResultsThe results showed that the diet containing TM meal had no remarkable effect on the mortality rate and feed intake of broilers (p > 0.05). In the starter period, the addition of 2.5% TM meal to broilers’ diet increased body weight gain than the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Also, the use of 2.5% TM meal in the starter period showed a significant effect on reducing the feed conversion ratio, compared to the birds fed by the control diet (p ≤ 0.05). Besides, the height of the villus, the depth of the crypt and their ratio were not altered among the different treatments (p > 0.05).ConclusionsOverall, it can be concluded that TM meal could improve growth performance in the starter period and had no negative effects on broilers' performance and intestinal morphology in all the periods of the experiment.

The effect of different early feeding regimens involving a hydrated nutritious gel on productive performance, immune variables, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of early feeding (EF) with a hydrated nutritious gel (HNG) on productive performance, carcass traits, immune variables, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 490 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allotted to 5 EF regimens with 7 replicates each. Treatments were as follows: the group deprived of both feed and water during the first 24 hours post-hatch (control); group fed with 2g HNG/bird in chick box and then with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird immediately after placement (T1); group fed with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird in chick box (T2); group fed with 2g HNG/bird in chick box (T3); and the group fed with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird immediately after placement (T4). The results showed that HNG-treated groups had lower relative yolk sac weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05). During the starter period, T2, T3, and T4 groups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) than the control group. At 24 d of age, the T2 group had the highest BW, differing significantly from those of the control and T1 groups. During the grower period, the T4 group had higher FI than the control group (P < 0.05). Antibody response against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was improved in the T1, T2, and T3 groups (P < 0.05). The highest relative leg weight was found in the T2 group. In conclusion, the HNG administration in chick box and/or immediately after placement had beneficial effects on the health and performance of broiler chickens. Highlights Receiving the nutritious gel resulted in significant increments in yolk sac absorption. Early nutrition with the nutritious gel showed positive effects on weight gain and feed intake during the first 10 d post-hatch. On the 25th day after hatch, gel-receiving groups had higher antibody titers against infectious bronchitis virus as compared to the control group.

Effect of threonine and zinc alone or in combination on immunity and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

Broiler chickens' immune response may be affected by the body health; Therefore, this Study was aimed to evaluated the was aimed to investigate the effect of threonine(Thr.) from the jefo Co.Canada and zinc (Zn.) from the Zinpro Co.USA as an important factor that regulates intestinal amino acid metabolism. The experiment period was five weeks started from 7/12/2021 to 11/1/2022 carried out in special felid. A total of 200 straight run one-day broiler chickens (Ross 308) were divided randomly to four groups (50/group) with 2 replicates (25 birds/pen). The control group (CON.) fed basal diet without any additives. The second group was fed the basal diets with high level calculated (%0.9) Threonine. The third group was fed the basal diets with level calculated (% 0.1) Zinc. The fourth group was fed the basal diets with (% 0.9) Threonine and was fed the basal diets with (% 0.1) Zinc. Feed and water provided add libitum to the end of the study.

Effect of Graded Levels of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seeds on the Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, and Intestinal Histomorphology of Broiler Chickens.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of fenugreek seeds (FS) as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens. In the first experiment, one-day-old Ross (n = 160) straight-run broilers were fed FS at 0 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, and 10 g/kg of diet during the starter (from 1 to 21 days) and finisher phase (from 22 to 35 days) with four replicates of ten birds each. In the second experiment, one-day-old Ross (n = 144) male broilers were fed 0 g, 5 g, and 10 g FS per kilogram of diet during the starter (from 1 to 21 days) and finisher phase (from 22 to 42 days) with six replicates of eight birds each. In addition to growth performance, hematological parameters and intestinal histomorphology were measured in the second experiment. FS linearly reduced the body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.001), feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) during the starter phase in both experiments. However, no significant effects on BWG, FI, and FCR were observed during the finisher phase. Moreover, the overall BWG and FI were linearly reduced (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of FS, but BWG and FI were similar in the 5 g/kg FS group and control group. The inclusion of FS had a linear increase in white blood cell (WBC), heterophil, and lymphocyte count (p < 0.005) and the decrease in hematocrit % (p = 0.004) and total bilirubin (p = 0.001). The villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio of jejunum and ileum were significantly lower in 5 g FS and 10 g FS treatments (p < 0.001) compared to the control. The result indicates that the dietary inclusion of FS reduces the early growth performance, increases the WBC counts, and negatively affects the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.

Exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme combination improves growth performance of the young broiler chickens fed low energy diets containing vegetable oil

ObjectiveThe present study examined the effects of exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme supplementation into a low energy density diet on growth performance, visceral organ parameters, blood metabolites, ileal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens from hatch to 21 days.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-eight one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated in a completely randomized design to 24 pens and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments to give six replications with seven chickens in a cage. Dietary treatments were: i) positive control with standard energy level (PC); ii) negative control with 100 kcal/kg lower energy of the standard level (NC); iii) NC diet supplemented 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate as an emulsifier (NC+E); and iv) NC diet supplemented with both 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate and 0.05% multi-enzyme (NC+E+M). Corn and soybean meal-based control diets containing vegetable oil were formulated to meet the Ross 308 nutrition specification. Chickens were fed ad-libitum with the treatment diets and sampling was conducted on day 21.ResultsOur results revealed that emulsifier and multi-enzyme supplementation into NC diets improved (p<0.05) feed efficiency of the broiler chickens compared to the broiler chickens fed NC diets from hatch to 21 days. Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme into NC diet improved (p<0.05) nutrient digestibility of the broiler chickens. However, emulsifier and multi-enzymesupplementation into diet did not influence (p>0.05) visceral organ weight, blood metabolites, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed NC diets.ConclusionSupplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme in the NC diet would support improving growth performance in young broiler chickens with improved feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility thereby curtailing the negative impact of energy reduction in the diets.