Intestinal Weight Research Articles

The Impact of Partially Replacing Dietary Maize with Graded Levels of Banana Peels on Nutrient Digestibility, Physiology, and Meat Quality Traits in Jumbo Quail

We evaluated the effect of replacing maize with graded levels of banana (Musa acuminata) peels (BPs) on feed utilisation, physiological performance, and meat quality traits in Jumbo quail. In a completely randomised design, 341 one-week-old, unsexed quail chicks were randomly allocated to 30 cages and reared on five experimental diets containing 0 (BP0), 25 (BP25), 50 (BP50), 75 (BP75), and 100 g/kg BP (BP100) in a conventional grower diet. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy digestibility values linearly declined (p < 0.05) with BP levels. Feed intake in the 5th week linearly declined (p < 0.05) as BP levels increased. The BP0 diet promoted greater overall body weight gain than BP100. Similarly, birds on BP0 had a higher (p < 0.05) overall gain-to-feed ratio than birds on BP75 and BP100. Significant linear increases were observed for relative gizzard, and small and large intestine weights. There were negative quadratic effects (p < 0.05) for relative proventriculus weight, breast lightness, and thigh chroma as BP levels increased. Furthermore, thigh yellowness linearly decreased, while hue angle linearly increased with BP levels. The partial substitution of maize with BP in Jumbo quail diet compromised feed digestibility and performance parameters, stimulated visceral organ development, and altered some meat colour attributes.

In ovo sodium butyrate administration differentially impacts growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and gut microbiota characteristics in low and high hatch-weight broilers

BackgroundHatch weight (HW) affects broiler growth and low HW (LHW) often leads to suboptimal performance. Sodium butyrate (SB) has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health. This study investigated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks. Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline (control) or SB at 0.1% (SB1), 0.3% (SB3), or 0.5% (SB5). Post-hatch, male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW (HHW) or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4 × 2 factorial design. Production parameters were recorded periodically. Intestinal weight, length, and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42. Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsSB treatments did not affect hatchability. HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group. SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW categories, with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%. LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42, exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group. LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum, TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14. Additionally, LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum, while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42. LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths, while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths. HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacteria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter. SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity, composition, and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories. The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints. HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.ConclusionsHW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW. LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3% SB, showing improvements in growth, intestinal development, health, and gut microbiota characteristics.

Effect of encapsulated Tahongai (Kleinhovia hospita l.) leaf extract on growth performance, intestinal condition and antioxidative status of broilers raised in high stocking density pens

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Kleinhovia hospita L. extract (KE) on growth performance, intestinal condition and antioxidative status of broilers raised in high stocking density pens. A total of 370-day-old broiler chicks were randomly grouped into five groups with five replicates. The groups were T0 (chicks raised in normal density, 10 birds/m2; as a negative control), KE0 (chicks raised in high density, 16 birds/m2, without KE supplementation; as a positive control), KE0.25, KE0.5 and KE1 (chicks raised in high density with KE supplementation of 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg, respectively). Based on the completely randomized design, the data were treated. Results showed that KE1 chicks had the highest (p<0.05) body weight (BW) at day 21 and 28. The T0, KE0 and KE2.5 chicks consumed more (p<0.05) feed than the other treatment groups. The KE0.25, KE0.5 and KE1 showed lower (p<0.05) FCR than the KE0 group. The KE0 chicks showed lower (p<0.05) carcass yield than the other groups. The KE0 had the highest (p<0.05) heart relative weight of all groups. The KE1 had the highest (p<0.05) small intestinal weight, cecum, colon and abdominal fat of any treatment group. Among the groups, crypt depth of the duodenum in KE0 was the lowest (p<0.05). There was no substantial effect of the treatments on the counts of coliform and lactic acid bacteria in the ileum of broilers. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in KE0.5 and KE1 were higher (p<0.05) than those in T0, KE0 and KE0.25 groups. In conclusion, stocking in high density pens negatively af-fected the carcass yield of broiler chickens. Dietary KE supplementation was beneficial in improving FCR and antioxidant status of broiler chickens.

Dietary bile acids supplementation protects against Salmonella Typhimurium infection via improving intestinal mucosal barrier and gut microbiota composition in broilers

BackgroundSalmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a common pathogenic microorganism and poses a threat to the efficiency of poultry farms. As signaling molecules regulating the interaction between the host and gut microbiota, bile acids (BAs) play a protective role in maintaining gut homeostasis. However, the antibacterial effect of BAs on Salmonella infection in broilers has remained unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of feeding BAs in protecting against S. Typhimurium infection in broilers.MethodsA total of 144 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including non-challenged birds fed a basal diet (CON), S. Typhimurium-challenged birds (ST), S. Typhimurium-challenged birds treated with 0.15 g/kg antibiotic after infection (ST-ANT), and S. Typhimurium-challenged birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 350 mg/kg of BAs (ST-BA).ResultsBAs supplementation ameliorated weight loss induced by S. Typhimurium infection and reduced the colonization of Salmonella in the liver and small intestine in broilers (P < 0.05). Compared to the ST group, broilers in ST-BA group had a higher ileal mucosal thickness and villus height, and BAs also ameliorated the increase of diamine oxidase (DAO) level in serum (P < 0.05). It was observed that the mucus layer thickness and the number of villous and cryptic goblet cells (GCs) were increased in the ST-BA group, consistent with the upregulation of MUC2 gene expression in the ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and interleukin 1 beta (IL1b) were downregulated in the ileum by BAs treatment (P < 0.05). 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that, compared to ST group, BAs ameliorated the decreases in Bacteroidota, Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides abundances, which were negatively correlated with serum DAO activity, and the increases in Campylobacterota, Campylobacteraceae and Campylobacter abundances, which were negatively correlated with body weight but positively correlated with serum D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDietary BAs supplementation strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier and reverses dysbiosis of gut microbiota, which eventually relieves the damage to the intestinal barrier and weight loss induced by S. Typhimurium infection in broilers.

The effect of experimental diets incorporating fermented soybean meal on growth metrics and utilization of nutrients in broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the nutritional quality of feed, growth performance indicators, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens, aiming to overcome the challenges associated with locally produced soybean meal stemming from anti-nutrients and variations in nutritional quality. The study methodology included assessing growth performance metrics through two-way ANOVA statistical analysis and evaluating nutrient utilization in broiler chickens. Results indicated that broiler chickens fed with FSBM exhibited superior performance, displaying the highest average weekly weight gain (452 grams), optimal feed conversion ratio (1.39), extended intestinal length (225 cm), increased intestinal weight (297.5 grams), and heightened activity of digestive enzymes compared to other treatment groups throughout the feeding trials. The results of this study suggest that FSBM’s better digestibility helps broiler chickens grow faster. This makes it a possible replacement for animal protein sources like fish meal in poultry feed production, which is good for both local poultry feed producers and consumers.

Impact of Turmeric Powder and Black Pepper Capsules on the Small Intestine Profile and Product Quality of Kampung Unggul Balitnak (KUB) Chickens

This study aimed to improve the quality of KUB chicken eggs and meat through dietary supplementation. Fifty KUB chickens, aged three months, were reared for three months. The treatments were as follows: P0 (control) = basal ration (BR), P1 = BR + 0.4 g/head/day turmeric flour, P2 = BR + 0.4 g/head/day turmeric powder + 1 black pepper capsule (0.2 g/head/day), P3 = BR + 0.4 g/head/day turmeric flour + 2 black pepper capsules (0.4 g/head/day), and P4 = BR + 0.4 g/head/day turmeric flour + 3 black pepper capsules (0.6 g/head/day). Parameters measured included the digestive tract profile, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in the cecum, egg quality, egg cholesterol, and unsaturated fatty acid content in meat. Results indicated that while most treatments did not affect the relative weight and length of the small intestine, P1 significantly increased the relative weight of the duodenum by 57.4% compared to the control. P1 also improved LAB counts and egg quality. P2 reduced egg cholesterol by 27.1%, and P4 increased unsaturated fatty acid content in meat by 14.4% over the control. These findings suggest that turmeric powder and black pepper supplementation can enhance egg and meat quality as well as the overall performance of KUB chickens.

COULD THE ACUTE Strongyloides venezuelensis INFECTION CAUSE NON-REVERSIBLE HOST MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES?

Although research has investigated the host-parasite relationship in Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in the scope of its immunological implications, the morphological consequences of this response for the host organism are yet to be explored. Our objective was to perform an organ morphometric analysis in Wistar rats infected with the intestinal parasite Strongyloides venezuelensis compared with infected rats treated with ivermectin. Twenty-six animals composed three groups: control (non-infected), infected (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae), and infected treated (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae and treated with ivermectin). All rodents were killed 21 days after infection and morphometric analysis of different organs was performed. The results showed significantly higher body and fecal weight in the infected-treated group. The weight of the small intestine increased considerably in the infected group and decreased in the infected-treated group. Pancreas, right kidney, and heart volume increased in the infected group compared with the control group. Despite treatment, the volumes of the stomach, brain, and left kidney increased in both the infected groups compared with the control group indicating the possibility of non-reversible host morphological adaptations. S. venezuelensis infection can augment both, volume and weight of organs – not necessarily related to the Strongyloides expulsion process – even if the acute infection had been in remission. A potential explanation for these host adaptations, including the occurrence of organ plasticity, are briefly discussed. The following steps encompass a histological analysis to verify the occurrence of hypertrophy/hyperplasia and observe if such morphological alterations remain after infection.

Dried Chlorella powder supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken growth, health, and intestinal microflora

The use of dried Chlorella as an immune and growth stimulant to enhance nonspecific host defense mechanisms or as an antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth has been reported. This study aimed to assess the effects of dried Chlorella powder (DCP) supplementation on the growth, health, and intestinal microflora of commercial broiler chicks, comparing a diet containing DCP with an antibiotic-based diet. A total of 120 pieces day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Dhaka, and randomly divided into four experimental groups of three replicates each, with 10 chicks per replication. One group was fed a control diet, while the remaining three groups were fed diets with 0.5% and 1.0% DCP, and antibiotics, respectively. Results indicated significant (P&lt;0.05) improvements in body weight and dressing percentage with DCP inclusion compared to control-fed broilers. A linear increase in body weight was observed with higher DCP levels, with birds on the 1% DCP diet achieving superior body weights (1665.13±8.82) compared to the control and antibiotic groups. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and feed consumption were also significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved, with the best FCR at 1% DCP (1.37±0.01) and the highest FCR in the control group (1.45±0.00). The highest feed consumption was noted in the control group. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed in the relative weight of spleen and bursa among the groups. DCP had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effects on liver, gizzard, intestine, and heart weights. Hematological studies revealed no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences, except for Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells (RBC), which were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased by DCP compared to control and antibiotic groups. DCP supplementation significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced E. coli and Salmonella sp. counts while increasing Lactobacillus sp. counts. Additionally, treatments with DCP significantly (P&lt;0.05) boosted Newcastle disease (ND) titre levels compared to the control group. The study showed that DCP can be effectively replaced antibiotics in broiler diets, enhancing growth, health, and immune response, thereby promoting sustainable and safer poultry production practices.

EFFECT OF AGE ON VISCERAL ORGANS OF NORMAL FEATHERED MALE INDIGENOUS NIGERIA CHICKENS

Male indigenous chickens are more genetically diverse than their female counter parts and age affects the growth, development, anatomy and physiology of animals’ internal organs which could as well affect the performance of the farm animals. Evaluating effect of age on visceral organs of normal feathered Nigeria indigenous male chickens could help in selecting those males that can be used or maintained in breeding programmes to assist in achieving sustainable meat and egg production in Nigeria. Thus, this research was aimed to determine the relative weights and sizes of the visceral organs of the normal feathered spurred and non-spurred male Nigeria indigenous chickens. A total number of 40 (20 spurred/ between 1 and 2 years and 20 non-spurred/ below 1 year) normal feathered male indigenous Nigeria chickens were used for the experiment. The results showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) difference in the relative weight of large intestine, whole gizzard and stratified squamous epithelial layer of gizzard between the treatments (spurred and non-spurred) with non spurred having the highest relative weight of large intestine, whole gizzard and stratified squamous epithelial layer of gizzard.

EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED KIDNEY BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) SEED MEAL ON THE VISCERAL ORGANS OF GROWER RABBITS

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of rabbits fed differently processed kidney bean (phaseolus vulgaris) seed meal for 42 days for grower rabbits. The kidney bean seeds were subjected to various processing methods. The different processed kidney bean seeds were analyzed for their proximate composition, amino acid profile and antinutritional factors. Five diets were compounded to contain 15% crude protein and 2300kcal/kg of metabolizable energy for the grower rabbits. 30 mixed breed rabbits of 5 and 6 weeks old were obtained from National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Zaria. The rabbits were allocated to 6 dietary treatments; T (0% as control diet), T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 of raw, cooked, soaked, fermented and sprouted kidney bean seeds of five replicates with one rabbit per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feeds and water were given ad-libitum. The study was to determine the effect of differently processed kidney bean seed meal on the visceral organs of grower rabbits. Results showed that intestine weight, caecum length and kidney weight did not show any significant (p&gt;0.05) difference. But significant (P&lt;0.05) differences existed in the small intestine length, large intestine length, stomach weight, liver weight and heart weight of the animals, but all were similar to those fed the control diet. The result showed that the different processing methods of the kidney bean seed meal does not affect the visceral organs of the animals so far they were similar to those fed the control diet.

CINNAMON-ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION EFFECT ON VISCERAL ORGANS OF BROILER CHICKENS REARED IN NIGERIA

Broiler production has been challenged by excessive heat production due to climatic change. This has resulted into oxidative stress , depressed weight gain and growth performance. Phytogenic supplements have been reported to enhance antioxidant enzymes which improves the ability of broilers to cope with stress conditions. Therefore this study was designed to evaluate the visceral organ weights of broiler chicks given cinnamon-zinc supplementation in Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) arbor acre broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 40g +_2 were grouped into five treatments (48 chicks/treatment) and randomly replicated thrice with 16 chicks per replicate. Experimental design included T1 (modified cooler environment), T2 no administration (Control), T3-800 mg of Cinnamon powder/kg basal diet, T4-800 mg of Cinnamon powder+40mg Zinc/kg basal diet and T5-1000 mg Cinnamon powder+40mg Zinc/kg basal diet. This study was carried out for 10 weeks with environmental temperature and relative humidity of 30OC and 70% respectively. Parameters measured include; live, liver, lungs, spleen, kidney, gizzard, heart, and small intestine weights. Result revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in relative organ weights of the lung and liver in birds given 1000 mg/kg of Cinnamon powder + 40mg of Zinc per kg basal diet, compared to values across other treatments, while the observed abdominal fat weights reduced in birds given 800 mg/kg basal diet. This revealed that cinnamon-zinc supplementation could be safely used to improve the performance of birds during environmental stress.

CARCASS TRAIT, MEAT LIPID PROFILE AND MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING HIGH INCLUSION LEVEL OF HIGH QUALITY CASSAVA (MANIHOT ESCULENTA) PEEL MEAL

The study evaluated the carcass trait and meat quality of finisher broiler chickens fed diets containing high quality cassava peel meal (HQCP) at 50% inclusion level in replacement of maize. A total of 320 broiler chickens (Cobb500) were allocated to 4 dietary treatments on a weight equalization basis. Diet 1 = Control Diet (Corn-soybean meal based diet) containing 4.0 g kg-1 digestible Methionine (MET), 0.96g kg-1 digestible lysine, Diet 2 = A diet containing 50% replacement of maize in Diet 1 with HQCP and containing 4.0 g kg-1 digestible MET, 0.96g kg-1 digestible lysine, Diet 3 = A diet containing 50% replacement of maize in Diet 1 with HQCP and containing 4.4 g kg-1 digestible MET, 1.02 g kg-1 digestible lysine, Diet 4 = A diet containing 50% replacement of maize in Diet 1 with HQCP and containing 4.8 g kg-1 digestible MET, 1.08 g kg-1 digestible lysine. The highest slaughtered, carcass, and small intestinal weight were recorded in birds fed Diet 2 while the birds fed Diet 3 had the least abdominal fat value (p &lt; 0.05). The water holding capacity and cooking loss percentage was highest in the meat of the birds fed Diet 4. The meat color of birds fed Diet 4 recorded the highest value. The very low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride concentration were least in the meat of birds fed Diet 2 (p&lt;0.05). It can be concluded that supplementation of MET/lysine to diets containing HQCP improved the carcass trait and meat quality of the birds.

Safety evaluation of Avicenna germinans leaf extracts in rats

BackgroundAvicenna germinans is one of Nigeria's dominant mangrove plants and has valuable pharmacological and therapeutic activity. It is widely employed in traditional medicine to treat many ailments and diseases, including cancer. However, little is known about the safety of the plant. Acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles of the plant extracts were assessed in this study. MethodsThe oral acute toxicity was determined with 5000 mg/kg body weight each of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans leaf in rats. The rats were monitored for mortality, clinical manifestations, and weight changes over 14 days. During the sub-acute toxicity study, twenty-five female rats were fed with 0–1000 mg/kg ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans for 21 days. The body weight was monitored during treatment, while changes in gross organ morphology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and limited histological analysis were evaluated after treatment. ResultsAcute administration of the three extracts did not result in mortality or any obvious adverse effects. The gross pathology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology were similar to the control, except for the 1000 mg/kg dose that evoked marked increases in relative heart, intestinal, thymus, and adrenal weights. In addition, foci of inflammatory cells in the interstitium and lymphoid hyperplasia were found in the heart and lungs, respectively, in the 1000 mg/kg group. ConclusionThe findings indicate that LD50 of the three extracts of Avicenna germinans were > 5000 mg/kg and sub-acute administration of the ethanol extract is relatively safe at least up to 750 mg/kg body weights.

Intestinal Energy Harvest Mediates Gut Microbiota-Associated Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for class III obesity. The capacity to efficiently extract intestinal energy is potentially a determinant of varying weight loss outcomes post-MBS. Prior research indicated that intestinal energy harvest is correlated with post-MBS weight loss. Studies have also demonstrated that the gut microbiota is associated with weight loss post-MBS. We aim to investigate whether gut microbiota-associated weight loss is mediated by intestinal energy harvest in patients post-MBS. We examined the relationship between specific gut microbiota, intestinal energy harvest, diet, and weight loss using fecal metagenomic sequence data, bomb calorimetry (fecal energy content as a proxy for calorie absorption), and a validated dietary questionnaire on 67 individuals before and after MBS. Mediation analysis and amachine learning algorithm were conducted. Intestinal energy harvest was a mediator in the relationship between theintestinal microbiota (Bacteroides caccae) and weight loss outcomes in patients post-MBS at 18months (M). The association between the abundance of B. caccae and post-MBS weight loss rate at 18M was partly mediated by 1M intestinal energy harvest (β = 0.001 ± 0.001, P = 0.020). This mediation represents 2.83% of the total effect (β = 0.050 ± 0.047; P = 0.028). Intestinal microbiota and energy harvest improved random forest model's accuracy in predicting weight loss results. Energy harvest partly mediates the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and weight loss outcomes among patients post-MBS. This study elucidates a potential mechanism regarding how intestinal energy absorption facilitates the effect of intestinal microbiota on energy metabolism and weight loss outcomes.

DIETARY EFFECTS OF TULSI LEAVES AND BLACK PEPPER EXTRACT ON BROILER GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the dietary effect of different levels of Tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract (TBE) on growth performance and carcass traits of commercial broiler. The study was conducted at the Poultry farm of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period from 11 April to 08 May, 2019. A total of 96 day old broiler chicks (Lohman Meat) were randomly and equally distributed to 4 groups having 3 replicates of 8 birds each. The birds were grouped as T0, T1, T2 and T3 group with normal water (control group), 1% TBE 1ml /L of drinking water, 2% TBE 2 ml/L of drinking water and 3% TBE 3ml /L of drinking water, respectively. Body weight gains, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), mortality (%) and meat yield traits were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA with SPSS version 22. Feed intake (g/bird) was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups. Body weight gain (g) and FCR were significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed among the dietary treatment groups. The highest body weight gain (g) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (1659.35g±2.19), followed by T1 (1631.05g±2.52), T3 (1590.67g±2.73) and T0 (1472.01g±4.58), respectively. The lowest FCR was found in T2 (1.41±0.00) and the highest FCR in T0 (1.52±0.01), the intermediate in T1 (1.45±0.01) and T3 (1.46±0.01), respectively. It was found that there was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference among the dietary treatment groups in case of live weight (g), carcass weight (g),dressing percentage (%), breast weight (g), liver weight(g), but there was almost similar (P&gt;0.05) among the dietary treatment groups in case of heart weight (g), spleen weight (g), gizzard weight (g), thigh weight (%), head weight (g), intestine weight (g) and shank weight (g). The carcass meat weight, Carcass yield (%), breast weight and breast meat weight (%) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in treatment T2 group compared to control group T0. Liver weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in control group T0 compared to treatment group T2. No mortality was found among the dietary treatment groups during experimental period. Based on the result it could be concluded that 2% Tulsi leaves and Black Pepper Extract (TBE) 2 ml/L of drinking water may be used in broiler diet as growth promoter and it may also serve as an antioxidant.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND GUT MORPHOLOGY OF COCKERELS FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF COWPEA (Vigna Unguiculata) MILLING WASTE MEAL

Three hundred (300) one-week old Bovan Nera cockerel chicks were used to investigate the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of cowpea milling waste meal (CMWM) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphology of cockerels. The birds were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments, with three replicates per treatment made up of twenty birds per replicate, in a completely randomized design experiment. The treatments were 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% dietary inclusion levels of CMWM and were tagged CMWM0, CMWM10, CMWM20, CMWM30 and CMWM40 respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks and data on growth performance were taken. At the end of the 7th week of the experiment, a nutrient digestibility trial was carried out. Two birds per replicate were selected and placed in specially constructed metabolism cages for seven days; three days to acclimatize them and four days for faecal collection. Gut morphology data were taken at the termination of the feeding trial at the 8th week of the experiment. One bird was selected per replicate and slaughtered by cervical dislocation and the internal organs weighed. Results show that birds on CMWM30 had the highest feed intake (1531.67) and the ones on CMWM, had the lowest (1120.46); birds on CMWM30 had the highest final bodyweight (428.47) and the ones on CMWM, had the lowest (354.57). FCR results indicated that birds on CMWM10 (3.28) and CMWM (3.55) were better than those on CMWM30 (4.07). The dietary treatments had effect (P&lt;0.05) on dressing % and weight of GIT, small intestine, large intestine and lungs. Result of digestibility trial show that dietary treatments had no effect on the digestibility of the nutrients by the birds. Therefore, it is recommended that up to 40 % of CMWM can be included in the diets of cockerels with no detrimental effects on their growth performance and nutrient digestibility but better gut morphology was obtained with CMWM20.

THE EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus L) SEED MEAL ON CARCASS AND ORGAN WEIGHTS CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

An investigation into the replacement value of tiger nut seed meal as substitute for maize in diets of Japanese quail was studied. Four different diets were formulated such that tiger nut replaced maize at 0% (T), 25% (T2). 50% (T) and 75% (T) respectively in a Completely Randomized Design. The control diet (T) contained no tiger nut. Ninety six day-old Japanese quails were used for the experiment to determine the effect of the test diets on carcass and organ weights characteristics in a 49-days trial. The quail chicks were arranged into the 4 dietary treatments, each containing 3 replicates with 24 birds per dietary treatment and 8 birds per replicate. Result indicated that the carcass cut parts showed that liveweight, drumstick, thigh, shank, wings, head size and anus varied due to the influence of the dietary treatments, whereas, dressed weight, back, breast and neck were not affected by the diets. Drumstick and anal weights were reduced, whereas, thigh and head size increased with an increase in the level of tiger nut. The interaction of energy and protein levels of the diets did not affect dressed weight contrary to some previous findings. T; performed better in shank length (1.81%) and dressed weight (84.92% ). T3 was moderate in most performances. T. was least in shank (1.59%) and wing weights (6.99%). The organ proportions was influenced by the diets in liver/spleen, gizzard and intestinal weights, but showed no influence in kidney, heart and proventriculus weights. The dressed percent was highest in T2 (84.92%). The liver weight was most significant in T2 (3.50 % lwt). Gizzard size was highest in T3 (4.67%) compared to the control (3.27%) and increases with high fiber diet. The gizzard and liver weights variation were attributed to the differences in the influence of dietary energy and protein interaction as well as fiber digestibility. The high value of the liver in T2 favoured the internal organs. Based on the carcass cut parts and organ proportions, the 25 % level of inclusion of tiger nut is recommended for replacing maize.

PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL BIRDS (Coturnix coturnix) FED ON WHOLE OR GROUND MILLET WITH OR WITHOUT ENZYME INCLUSION

The performance of Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) fed on whole millet grain diets treated with or without enzyme as a dietary source of energy was studied. A total of one hundred and fifty unsexed two-week-old Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) of average weight (44g/bird) were used for the study. The birds were weighed in equal groups of 10 and randomly distributed over 15 pens after which they were placed on 5 dietary treatments. Three of these diets consist of enzyme-treated whole millet substituting maize at 25, 50 and 75% levels while the remaining two diets consist of 100% maize (Control die:) and 100% ground millet respectively. Enzyme Maxi- grain was used. The dietary energy and protein of each diet were 2900kcal/kg and 23% CP respectively. The experiment which was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) had each of the five treatments replicated three times with each replicate feed assigned to 10 chicks per pen. Parameters measured or calculated include feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed costs, feed cost/kg weight gain and mortality. At the end of the study samples of birds from each replicate were slaughtered to determine weights of carcass, leg, heart, liver, gizzard, back, breast and intestine. The study lasted 6 weeks (February to April, 2014). The results showed that differences in the feed efficiency were not significant (P&gt;0.05) while final weight, weight gain and feed costkg weight gain decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) across the enzyme-treated diets, the feed intake and age at first egg drop increased significantly (P&lt;0.05). Also, the results of carcass analysis did not show significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in dressing percent, wing, leg, heart, liver and breast weights; however, the gizzard, back and intestinal weights were all significantly different (P&lt;0.05). The Control gave the best performance, although its performance was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) from that of the diets containing 100% ground millet. Whole millet-containing diets had no adverse effects on mortality. It is therefore concluded from this study that enzyme-treated millet should not be used to substitute maize at higher than 50% level in quail chick diets.

Effect of Probiotics on the Length and Weight of Broilers Small Intestine

The increasing need for chicken meat consumption every year makes farmers have to optimize the target of broiler production performance. One solution to maximize production targets is to provide probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that function to increase the effectiveness of the gastrointestinal tract. The media used in making probiotics is prebiotics in the form of milk powder waste with kefir grain starter. In probiotic solutions there are several types of bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus sp. The purpose of this study was to increase the intestinal length of broiler chickens by probiotic supplementation in finisher phase broiler chickens. The research employed a Group Randomized Design (RAK) comprising 4 treatments and 5 repeats, namely P0 (Without probiotics), P1 (3% probiotics), P2 (5% probiotics) and P3 (7%) implementation of probiotics in broiler chicken drinking water given every afternoon to morning, using One Way ANOVA statistical test parameters with Duncan follow-up tests. Based on the results of P0, P1, P2 and P3 studies that have been carried out, the best probiotic dose research results were obtained at P3 (7% probiotics) with duodenal length worth 50.4 cm, jejenum 86.2 cm and ileum worth 52 cm. The weight of duodenum is worth 29.7 grams, jejenum is worth 30.4 grams and ileum is 30.1 grams.

Effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) powder on liver enzymes, lipid profiles and carcass traits of finisher broiler chickens

Thirty-two (32) three-week old Anak Acre unsexed broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effects of bitter leaf powder (BLP) on liver enzymes, lipid profile and carcass characteristics. The birds were acclimatized for one week and thereafter allocated to 4 treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (2.5g BLP/bird), T3 (5g BLP/bird), and T4 (7.5g BLP/bird) in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated twice, with each replicate containing 4 birds. The birds received BLP through drinking water (2ml drench) for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, data obtained from serum parameters and carcass traits were subjected to analysis of variance and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that BLP supplements had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on liver enzyme markers and lipid profiles. The group treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird had lowest ALP and ALT liver enzymes and lowest lipid and highest good cholesterol (HDL). The carcass characteristics showed that T3 differed (P&lt;0.05) from other groups in live, slaughter, plucked, eviscerated and dressed weights and body parts including the thigh, breast, neck and the shank weights. The drumstick, back and the gizzard weights did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) across the groups. The control group outperformed (P &lt;0.05) other groups in intestinal and liver weights whereas the abdominal fat was numerically (P&gt;0.05) highest in the group treated with 2.5 g/bird. It can therefore be concluded that liver enzyme markers and lipid profile of broiler chickens were at their best in broilers treated with BLP at 2.5 g/bird while the carcass characteristics showed superiority in broilers treated with BLP at 5 g/bird.