ISA Brown Chicks Research Articles

Reproductive and Physiological Responses and Egg Quality Traits of Isa Brown Chickens fed Diets fed Ginger or Turmeric Powder under Tropical Hot Environments

The increasing demand for healthy and low-fat poultry products by consumers has necessitated the use of natural growth promoters to enhance hens’ laying performance. This study investigated the reproductive response and egg quality traits of pullet chickens fed dietary turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder. Four hundred and twenty egg-type chicks of Isa Brown at three weeks old were assigned to 5 treatments: basal diet (G0); basal diet supplemented with 1.5 % (G1.5) or 3% (G3) ginger or 1.5(T1.5) or 3% (T3) turmeric during a 60 week trial period. A complete randomized design arrangement was applied. The results showed that the best (p<0.05) hen-day production, hen-housed production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio (FCR), age at first lay and weight at first lay were obtained for birds receiving the 1.5% ginger ration. A higher mortality rate was experienced among the control groups (9.82%), while egg traits revealed significantly higher values of albumen height in hens placed on 1.5 and 3% turmeric powder compared to the other treatment groups. The study concluded that dietary ginger and turmeric enhanced the reproductive performance and egg quality of egg-type chickens over their commercial production lifespan without impairing their overall well-being.

The Ability of KUB Rooster to Produce Indonesian Super Native Chickens

The crossbreed originated from male native chicken x female commercial layers, currently in Indonesia called a Super Native Chicken (Ayam Kampung Super). This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a selected local KUB (Ayam Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan) rooster to cross female ISA Brown chickens to produce Indonesian super native chickens. In comparison, the ISA hen was crossed with an unselected local chicken of bangkok descent (Ayam Kampung Turunan Bangkok, KTB) rooster, and the same hen strain was crossed with a Rhode Island Red (RIR) rooster. The treatment was crossbreeding (CB): CB1= KUB x ISA, CB2= KTB x ISA, and CB3= RIR x ISA. The results of the study showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) effects on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, or chick abnormalities, but KUB x ISA resulted in significantly greater (P<0.01) chick weight and chick yield than did KTB x ISA. In conclusion, the KUB rooster was able to cross with ISA Brown to produce Super Native Chicken without significant adverse effects on fertility or hatchability, resulting in better quality day-old chicks than those produced by the KTB rooster.

Solvent-extracted cashew nut meal as a dietary protein source for layer chicks

This study aimed to produce a low-fat cashew nut meal (CNM) containing less than 6% fat and assess its effect on layer chick growing performance and health status. The experiment used 225 one-day-old layer ISA Brown chicks with an average live weight of 27.38 ± 1.85 g, divided into 15 batches of 15 animals each. Five diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% CNM as a replacement for soybean meal were tested. The test included three replicates of 15 chicks for each diet. The CNM was obtained after oil extraction using an automatic press followed by solvent extraction. The CNM contained 40.6% crude protein and 5.38% fat. Except for the chicks fed on the 100% CNM diet that had the worst growth performance parameters, those on the other diets had an average final live weight of 662.13 g and an average feed conversion ratio of 2.76. The highest average daily gain (15,07g/d) was observed in chicks on the 75% CNM diet. Hematological analyses showed no marked difference between the animal groups. Regarding the blood biochemical profile, the total cholesterol levels were similar in the chicks for all diets. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 1.4 times higher in the chicks fed on CNM-based diets compared to those fed a soybean meal-based diet. It was concluded that low-fat CNM could replace soybean meal by up to 75% in layer chick feed without negative effects on growth performance and health status.

Evaluation of the Physical Quality of Supplement Wafer and Application of Supplement on Layer Performance

This study aimed to evaluate the physical quality of the wafer supplement with different binders and evaluate the performance of laying hens fed the supplement wafer in drinking water. The rearing stage used 64 Isa Brown chickens raised for 12 weeks. Stage 1 of the experiment used a 3x4 Completely randomized design (T1: Pollard, T2: Cassava Flour, T3: Tapioca Flour Waste). Phase two of the study used a completely randomized design with two treatments x 4 replicates x 8 chickens (P0: without supplement wafers, P1: supplement wafers). The variables observed were the wafer's physical quality and Isa Brown's performance. Different adhesives in the manufacture of wafers produced no significant difference in water content (p>0.05) but significant differences (p<0.05) in water activity, bulk density, wafer durability index, and total solubility. Supplementary wafer administration did not affect (p>0.05) feed consumption, drinking water consumption, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), egg weight, and daily egg production but did affect (p<0.05) chicken mortality. The conclusion is that wafers with the best physical quality use cassava flour binder, and giving wafer supplements in drinking water can reduce mortality.

Adopting complementary and integrative medicine: Effects of Antox® and Bactofort® administrations on clinico-pathological changes in pullets inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus

This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Antox® and Bactofort® on clinico-pathological changes in ISA Brown chicks inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Two hundred (200) ISA Brown day-old chicks were randomly assigned into four groups (A to D) of 50 birds each. Groups A, and B were administered with Antox®, and Bactofort®, respectively from day-old to 42 days of age, and inoculated with vvIBDV at 28 days of age. Groups C, and D served as positive, and negative controls, respectively. Clinical signs, morbidity and mortality rates, gross and histopathological changes were determined. The clinical signs were moderate in groups A and B, but severe in group C and absent in group D by 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). Morbidity and mortality rates were lower in groups A and B compared to C. Gross and histopathological lesions were less severe in groups A and B compared to C. Antox® and Bactofort® ameliorated the negative effects of vvIBDV. Antox® and Bactofort® could be recommended for use in vvIBDV outbreaks to ameliorate the negative effects due to the infection.

Antox® and Bactofort® Improved Alterations in Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Induced by a Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in ISA Brown Chicks

Antox® and Bactofort® Improved Alterations in Oxidative Stress Biomarkers Induced by a Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in ISA Brown Chicks

Efficacy of different live infectious bursal disease vaccines on antibodies to infectious bursal disease virus and Newcastle disease vaccine La Sota in ISA brown chicks

Aim: In this study, the efficacy of five commercial live infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccines on antibody (Ab) decay and response to a very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) and Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine La Sota in ISA Brown chicks were assessed. Methods: Seven groups of chickens (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G) comprising 50 chicks each were used for the study. Groups A, B, C, D, and E were vaccinated with Bur-706, MB-Strain, B87-Strain, Bursa-B2K, and HIPRA live IBD vaccines, respectively, at 14 and 28 days of age (doa), and challenged with a vvIBDV at 35 doa. Groups F and G served as positive and negative controls, respectively. At 42 doa, all groups were vaccinated with ND vaccine La Sota. Blood was collected at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 doa, and serum was harvested. The serum was analyzed for IBD virus (IBDV) Ab titres using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ND Ab titres using a haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Results: Results revealed significantly (p < 0.05) higher ELISA IBDV Ab titres in groups A to E than in F from 21 to 49 doa, with the highest in group D. At 49 doa, there was significantly (p < 0.05) higher HI Ab titre in groups A to E than in F with the highest in group D. In conclusion, the live IBDV vaccines were immunogenic following vaccination. The vaccines decreased the decay of IBDV Ab and mitigated the decreased response to ND vaccine La Sota in the chicks following the vvIBDV challenge, with more effects induced by Bursa-B2K. Conclusion: The live vaccines (Bur-706, MB-Strain, B87-Strain, Bursa-B2K, and HIPRA) were immunogenic following vaccination.

Supplements Administration during Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Infection in Poultry Evaluation of the Effects of Prebiotic Probiotic and Synbiotic on the Haematological Alterations in Commercial Pullets

The administration of supplements during viral infections in poultry is gaining more attention. This study evaluated the effects of supplements (prebiotic, probiotic and synbiotic) administration on haematological parameters of ISA Brown chicks inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease (vvIBDV). Two hundred and fifty one-day-old chicks were assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) of 50 chicks each. Groups A, B and C were administered molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX®, respectively daily via drinking water from 1 to 49 days of age (doa) while D and E were not administered any supplement. Groups A, B, C and D were inoculated with a vvIBDV at 28 doa while E was not inoculated. Blood was collected from all groups at 1, 28, 35, 42 and 49 doa, and processed for haematology using standard laboratory procedures. Results revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, total red blood cells and thrombocyte count in groups A, B and C compared to group D at 35, 42 and 49 doa. Total white blood cells, heterophils and lymphocyte counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups A, B and C than in group D at 35, 42 and 49 doa. The PCV between groups A, B, C and D differed significantly (P<0.05). The haematological changes induced by vvIBDV were mitigated by the supplements in this study. Therefore, molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX® could be administered to ameliorate haematological alterations due to vvIBDV infection in poultry.

Evaluations of the diurnal variations in the haematological profiles of domestic fowls

The diurnal fluctuation in the haematological parameters of the domestic fowls was investigated using twenty four (24) male Isa Brown chickens. Twenty four (24) apparently healthy Isa Brown chickens of average mean weight 1.99±0.12 kg (1.85-2.30kg) aged 18 weeks were used for this study. The Isa Brown chickens (24) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (A to D) of six chickens per group in a completely randomized design (CRD). Group A: Early morning (6am), Group B: Afternoon (12pm), Group C: Evening (6pm) and Group D: Mid Night (12am). Blood samples were collected from the birds at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 12:00 am, during a 12-hour light and a 12-hour dark period at a six hourly intervals. The mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration (10.40±0.09g/dl) and packed cell volume (31.00±0.41%) at 12am were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the other diurnal periods of the day. The mean red blood cell count (RBC) at early morning (6am) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the values at 12pm but showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference when compared to the values at 6pm and 12am. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) concentrations at 12pm were significantly (P < 0.05) higher when compared to the 6am values. The mean total leucocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte count and monocyte count at 6am were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the values at 6pm. There was however no significantly (p > 0.05) variations in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC), heterophil count, eosinophil count, basophil count and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio among all the diurnal periods investigated. In conclusion, the haemoconcentration produced in this study might be responsible for the higher haematological parameters during the night (12am) and early morning (6am) because the birds were neither feeding nor drinking water at this period of the day

Correlation of feed management to production performance and egg quality

This study aims to determine the egg production of layer strain isa brown with different patterns of distribution of rations in the morning and in the afternoon. This research was carried out in Saentis Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency using 4,000 layer strain ISA brown chickens aged 20 weeks consisting of the first treatment using 200 layer strain ISA brown chickens with management giving rations 60% in the morning and 40% during the day, the second treatment used 2,000 layer chickens strain ISA brown with 50% ration management in the morning and 50% in the afternoon. Data were collected for 3 months of egg production (20 weeks to 32 weeks of chickens). Observations of research carried out by recording egg production every day for each treatment carried out. Data processing is done by tabulating the data and averaging egg production in the form of a percentage. The results obtained showed that egg production with a ration treatment of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in an average egg production of 76.94% and in the treatment of giving a ration of 50% in the morning and 50% in the afternoon resulted in an egg production of 80, 40%. It can be seen that giving rations with the same amount in the morning and afternoon resulted in more egg production compared to giving rations with a higher amount in the morning and in comparison rations in the afternoon and the best ration conversion was giving 50% rations in the morning and 50% in the afternoon by 2.24 and giving 60% rations in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion. 24 and giving rations of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion. 24 and giving rations of 60% in the morning and 40% in the afternoon resulted in a ration conversion of 2.47. This is because the distribution of nutrients is more evenly distributed in the same amount, so the egg formation process can run optimally every time supported by the available nutritional value and the maintenance of the condition of the ration that is always fresh every time it is given so that it can produce better egg production and good ration conversion.

The Long-term Effects of Dietary Replacement of Fish Meal with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae on Nutritional Content and Eggshell Quality in Layer Chickens

Although the egg is one of the foods offering nutrients of high biological value, the diet of layer chickens can change these characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term dietary replacement of fish meal with maggot meal of black soldier fly larvae on egg quality of hens. A total of 480 one-day-old Isa brown chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups. The groups were named T0 (8% fish meal), T1 (4% maggot meal and 4% fish meal), T2 (6% maggot meal and 2% fish meal), and T3 (8% maggot meal). Each treatment group had 6 replicates of 20 chicks each. Data were collected on the eggshell quality parameters between 22 and 56 weeks of age. The results indicated that egg weight, shell weight, shape index, shell index, egg surface area, egg volume, density, yolk pH, albumen pH, yolk and albumen moisture content, yolk color, and yolk height were not influenced by the use of larval meals. Although the proportion of the yolk increased with age, there was no interaction between the use of fly larvae and the duration of its use for the collected parameters. However, the proportion of albumen, Haugh’s unit in T1 and T3 treatments were higher than those of T0 and T2. The proportion of egg yolk, the yolk to albumen ratio, and the count of cracked eggs of T0 and T2 varied significantly compared to T1 and T3. Total egg fat decreased significantly as a result of the use of maggot meal. Total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio were lower in groups fed larvae meal, compared to the control group. It was concluded that the use of black soldier fly larvae meal during the entire rearing cycle and period of layers did not adversely affect the eggshell quality and nutritional content of the eggs.

Comparative Study on Egg Characteristics of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Local Chickens and Isa Brown Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Moringa oleifera Seed Meal

Background: Moringa oleifera seed meal is a potential noble feed ingredient that could be incorporated into the diet of poultry. It is a potential cheaper alternative considering its ability to thrive under all climatic conditions in Nigeria, West Africa. The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of the dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM) on the egg characteristics, feed conversion ratio and body weight of parameters of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Local Chickens (YENLC) and Isa Brown chickens. Methods: The study assessed the comparative influence of dietary MOSM on the egg characteristics of YENLC and Isa Brown chickens. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedure of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Result: The findings of this study were that: dietary inclusion of MOSM affected the egg characteristics of YENLC and Isa Brown chickens. Egg length, egg width, yolk weight and yolk height decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) with increasing levels of MOSM. There was significant interaction (p less than 0.05) between MOSM inclusion and genotypes of chickens. For both genotypes, egg number was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) till 5% inclusion level of MOSM while hen day production reduced with increasing levels of MOSM. It can thus be concluded that MOSM can be included for both genotypes up till 10% but YENLC would still perform better at 15% when compared with the Isa Brown hens.

Molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX® decreased antibody decay rate and enhanced response to a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus and Newcastle disease vaccine La Sota in ISA Brown chicks

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX® on antibody (Ab) decay and response to a very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) and ND vaccine La Sota (NDVLS) in ISA Brown chicks. Five groups, (A, B, C, D and E) of 50 chicks each were used for the study. Groups A, B and C were supplemented with molasses, Antox® and EN-FLORAX®, respectively, orally from 1 to 49 days, and inoculated with a vvIBDV at 28 days of age. Groups D, and E were positive, and negative controls, respectively. At 35 days of age, all groups were vaccinated with NDVLS. Antibody (Ab) titers to vvIBDV, and NDV, were determined by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests, respectively. Results revealed significantly (P < .05) decreased Ab decay rates in supplemented groups (A, B, and C) compared to controls (D and E) up to day 28. There were significantly (P < .05) higher mean IBDV and ND HI Ab titers in supplemented groups compared to D with the highest in A up to day 49. Molasses, Antox®, and EN-FLORAX® decreased rate of Ab decay, elicited stronger Ab response against vvIBDV and production of protective NDVLS HI Ab titers.

Detoxification, Hydrogen Sulphide Metabolism and Wound Healing Are the Main Functions That Differentiate Caecum Protein Expression from Ileum of Week-Old Chicken

Sections of chicken gut differ in many aspects, e.g., the passage of digesta (continuous vs. discontinuous), the concentration of oxygen, and the density of colonising microbiota. Using an unbiased LC-MS/MS protocol, we compared protein expression in 18 ileal and 57 caecal tissue samples that originated from 7-day old ISA brown chickens. We found that proteins specific to the ileum were either structural (e.g., 3 actin isoforms, villin, or myosin 1A), or those required for nutrient digestion (e.g., sucrose isomaltase, maltase–glucoamylase, peptidase D) and absorption (e.g., fatty acid-binding protein 2 and 6 or bile acid–CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase). On the other hand, proteins characteristic of the caecum were involved in sensing and limiting the consequences of oxidative stress (e.g., thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin 6), cell adhesion, and motility associated with wound healing (e.g., fibronectin 1, desmoyokin). These mechanisms are coupled with the activation of mechanisms suppressing the inflammatory response (galectin 1). Rather prominent were also expressions of proteins linked to hydrogen sulphide metabolism in caecum represented by cystathionin beta synthase, selenium-binding protein 1, mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase, and thiosulphate sulphurtransferase. Higher mRNA expression of nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2, the main oxidative stress transcriptional factor in caecum, further supported our observations.

INTERNAL ORGANS OF ISA BROWN CHICKENS AGED 104 WEEKS FED WITH CALCIUM THAT WAS DERIVED FROM SEASHELLS IN THEIR RATION

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The aim of the study was to determine the effect of calcium from seashells flour in commercial rations on the internal organs of isa brown chickens aged 104 weeks, carried out in Pesedahan Village, Manggis District, Manggis Regency, Karangasem for 4 weeks. Using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments consistend of five replications used three isa brown chikens. The treatments given were commercial rations whithout adding seashells flour (P0/control), commercial ransum plus 1%, 2% and 3% calcium seashells flour (P1, P2, and P3). The variables observed were hearth weight, liver weight, pancreatic weight, bile weigthand spleen weight. The results showed that the addition of calcium shellfish flour 1%, 2%, and 3% in commercial rations had no significant effect on hearth weight, liver weight, pancreatic weight, bile weigthand spleen weight. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the addition of calcium seashells flour 1%, 2%, and 3% in commercial rations did not affect heart weight, liver weight, pancreatic weight, bile weigth and spleen weight&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The Impact of Effective Microorganisms (EM) on Egg Quality and Laying Performance of Chickens.

Chickens kept under modern production system are very small and contribute less than 2% of eggs and meat production in Ethiopia. In some parts of the country, effective microorganism (EM) has been used as a means of improving egg and meat production. However, there is information gap on the use and effect of EM on egg quality and laying performance of chickens in the local context. This study was conducted in Aksum University's poultry farm located at the main campus in Axum, to evaluate egg laying performance and quality of eggs in layer chickens treated with effective microorganisms in feed and water. In this experiment, 180 pullets of ISA Brown chickens with uniform age and weight were used and managed in a cage system. Chickens were subjected to 4 treatments with 3 replications, and each replication consisted of 15 chickens. Data collection was started at the first egg lay. Data including feed intake, conversion ratio, and age at first laying, laying percentage, and egg quality parameters were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using JMP. Chickens fed with EM in feed and drinking water had higher egg production percentage. There was a significant difference in egg laying percentage between the treated and control groups (P < 0.001). Eggs from chickens given EM in feed and water were 6% heavier in weight than those from control birds. Lower feed daily intake (115.5 gram) and feed conversion rate (2.05) were achieved in chickens treated with EM in feed and water. Significant improvement on egg quality was revealed in chickens that received EM in feed and water. From this experiment, it can be concluded that the use of EM in feed and water improves egg production in layer chickens and therefore recommended for medium-scale poultry farms in Northern Ethiopia.

Impact of dose and route of administration on antibody responses of chickens inoculated with inactivated Avian Influenza H5 vaccine.

Background: The present study evaluated the influence of dose and route of administration of a commercial inactivated avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 vaccine on the humoral immune response of ISA brown chickens. Methods: Ninety “one-day-old” chickens were purchased from three commercial hatcheries (n = 30 chicks per hatchery), respectively, and chicks were vaccinated with either 0.2, 0.5 or 0.7 ml of the vaccine via either the intramuscular or subcutaneous route at days 14 and 28, respectively. Vaccinal antibody titres in chicks’ sera were quantified using an indirect ELISA kit at 14 (before vaccination), 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of age. Results: Results showed significant differences (p < 0.001) were detected between the chicks at 21 and 35 days of age. Conclusion: Overall, the AIV H5 vaccine studied had variable outcomes and was poorly immunogenic. Recommendation: Further studies should be conducted to characterize the T- and B-lymphocytes in chickens post AIV H5 vaccines administration, and evaluate the sequence homologies between imported AIV H5 vaccines and circulating AIV strains in Nigeria.

Consequences of new approach in production system of commercial layer (Isa Brown) in Iraqi Kurdistan region

This was study under taken as a first attempt to investigate the effect of new production system of commercial layer with special emphasis on organic technique. A total 360 one-day-old Isa Brown chicks were obtained from Evan hatchery-Erbil. The birds assigned into 18 indoor pens (2×2 m) for the first 18 weeks . Each pen represented a replicate with 20 chicks. At beginning, birds assigned to the same condition and fed their daily requirements according to Isa Brown guide (2018). The fed as commercial and organic feed. Birds were randomly divided into six treatment groups of three replicates. the treatments were as follows; first treatment (T1): as control birds fed their full requirements according to Isa Brown layers guid (2018), fed commercial feed, reared indoor house, second treatment (T2): birds fed organic feed full requirements according to Isa Brown layers (2018) reared indoor house, third treatment (T3): birds fed 75% of full requirements commercial feed + pasture indoor and outdoor, fourth treatment (T4): birds fed 75% full requirement organic feed + pasture indoor and outdoor, fifth treatment (T5): birds fed full requirements according to Isa Brown layers guide (2018) commercial feed + pasture indoor and outdoor housed, sixth treatment (T6): birds fed full requirements according to Isa Brown layers guide (2018) organic feed + pasture indoor and outdoor housed. At the beginning of week 19, birds had free access to pasture through a hole from indoor to the outdoor except control (T1) and (T2). The outdoor area measured 2 × 10 m (1 m2/bird) for each pen and separated by fence. The outdoor area designed to provide bird a natural behavior and covered with alfalfa(Medicagosativa).The results of this study indicates that commercial strain had higher (P<0.01) haugh unit (73.08),the highest Haugh unit was recorded in T1 72.89.Birds in T2 of commercial strain had higher (P< 0.01) total UFA content 71.42, total n-3 in T4 was 1.80. n-6 was higher in T2 21.48 comparing to the other treatments. Significant differences (p≤ 0.01) for amino acids in commercial eggs found among treatments and T6 content higher percentage of all amino acids. The overall means of profit from only eggs was 197,403 ID and for eggs with hen was 282,208 ID. Significant differences found among treatments for sensory evaluation of commercial eggs. T6 had higher (P<0.01) score of overall acceptances for both commercial eggs.

Antox® and Bactofort® mitigated the haematological alterations induced by a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus in chicks.

The study investigated the mitigating effects of two probiotics on blood parameters of ISA Brown chicks inoculated with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV). Two hundred chicks were assigned into four groups of 50 birds each. Groups A and B were administered Antox® in water and Bactofort® in feed daily from 1 to 42days of age and inoculated with a vvIBDV at 28days and C and D served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Blood samples were examined for changes in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), total white blood cell (TWBC), heterophil and lymphocyte counts seven days post inoculation. The PCV between groups A and C differed (P < 0.05) and in group B it was higher (P < 0.05) than that of group C. The Hb concentration between groups A, B and C differed (P < 0.05). There was a difference (P < 0.05) in RBC counts between groups A, B, C. Differences in TWBC between group A and C were significant (P < 0.05) and TWBC in group B was higher (P < 0.05) than that of group C. There was a significant difference in heterophil (P < 0.05) and lymphocyte (P < 0.05) count between group A and C, and B and C. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in positive control compared to groups A, B, C. Antox® and Bactofort® mitigated the deleterious effects of vvIBDV on blood parameters and can assist in cases of IBD outbreak.

Effect of rhizopus stolonifer fermented cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with enzyme on growth performance, heamato-biochemical indices and sexual maturity of pullet chicken

Effect of rhizopus stolonifer fermented cocoa pod husk meal supplemented with enzyme on growth performance, heamato-biochemical indices and sexual maturity of pullet chicken