ISA Brown Research Articles

Alternatives to the use of antibiotics for laying hens in growing phase

This study evaluated the performance, immune response to vaccination, digestive organs, intestinal histomorphometry, and microbiological development in the diet and litter of Isa Brown strains at growing receiving phase alternative additives in the place of antibiotics. Four treatments were arrayed in a completely randomized design: T1) Basal diet without antibiotics, T2) Basal diet with antibiotics, T3) Basal diet with probiotics, and T4) Basal diet without antibiotics and water modified by a photoelectron generator. There were six replications of eight birds each and thus a total of 192 birds. Performance was evaluated for eight weeks and during this period blood samples were collected at 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age for serological evaluation. At the end of the experimental period, 24 birds were euthanized, collecting the intestinal tract and later performing histomorphometry. Microbiological analyses were performed in the experimental diets and in the material of the litter of the boxes. The results obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance and the contrast between treatment means when significant by Tukey’s test. The results indicate that the replacement of antibiotics with T3 or T4 did not interfere negatively (P >0.05) in the performance of the birds, immunological response, viscera analyses and intestinal histomorphometry. In addition, use of T3 and T4 might lead to more rapid decomposition of excreta and reduce antibiotic residue in the soil when the litter is used in crop production.Keywords: dileka, Gallus domesticus, histomorphometry, laying hens, probiotics, serum biochemistry, water

Effect of Melatonin and Lighting Regime on Physiological Responses and Haematological Profile of Isa Brown laying Birds

Background: Melatonin is the main neurohormone synthesized and released by the pineal gland. It stimulates several antioxidative enzymes which increase its efficiency as an antioxidant and enhance the maturation of oocytes and the development of follicles in animals. Artificial lighting on the other hand improves bird’s performance especially reproductive performance and behavior. By providing artificial light, growers can manipulate this natural cycle to their advantage and increase the egg laying. Therefore, this current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin and increased lighting on the welfare of laying birds.Methods: In November 2018 to December 2019, a total 162 sixteen weeks Isa Brown hens were used for the experiment which was grouped into 9 treatments. Melatonin and lighting at three levels (0mg, 5mg, 10mg and 12hrs, 15hrs and 18hrs) were administered orally to the birds four times weekly within a day interval for 30 weeks from 16 weeks to 46 weeks. Data on rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate were collected and analysed. Blood samples were also collected and analysed for haematological parameters.Result: Results showed that rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HT) were significantly (p less than 0.05) influenced by both melatonin and lighting. Melatonin at 5mg significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced the rectal temperature (40.55oC), respiratory rate (139.44bpm) and heart rate (320bpm) while lighting at 18 hours significantly (p less than 0.05) increased the rectal temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate due to heat stress among the parameters. The haematological profiles were influenced (p less than 0.05) by the administration of melatonin. Treatments levels on melatonin administration (5mg and 10mg) had increased circulating packed cell volume of 28.00% and 28.11% respectively compared to the control group which had 25.66%. The results indicates that melatonin at 5mg and 10mg improved the welfare of the birds but increased lighting beyond 12 hours compromised immunity of the birds.

Supplementation with liquid whey and ACIDAL® ML in drinking water affect gut pH and microflora and productive performance in laying hens

ABSTRACT 1. As the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in many regions, there has been an on-going search for possible alternative compounds, such as prebiotics and organic acids. 2. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of liquid whey (LW) and organic acid (ACIDAL® ML) supplementation on performance, eggs characteristics, gut pH and health status in laying hens. 3. Seven hundred and fifty, Isa Brown chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments groups (n = 150) and each treatment had five replicates of 30 birds each. The birds were reared for 48 weeks. The treatments were administered in the drinking water at doses of: 250 ml/l of LW (Lacto25), 500 ml/l of LW (Lacto50) or 1 ml/l of ACIDAL® ML (Aci). A positive control group (T+) was treated with 500 mg/l of Tetracolivit (an antibiotic). The negative control group (T-) did not receive any treatment in the drinking water. 4. Administration of LW or ACIDAL® ML in the drinking water reduced (P < 0.05) the pH in the crop, proventriculus, ileum and caeca, as well as total coliform bacteria and E. coli, but increased Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum and caecum, compared to the negative control. 5. Oviposition was earlier in the birds in both the Lacto50 and Aci groups. The weight of birds at first lay and point of lay in the four treated groups was higher than those in negative control group. Furthermore, egg production was increased by 10.44% in birds receiving Lacto25, but the weight and quality traits were unaffected, while the egg shell ratio was higher in the Aci group compared to the other treatments. 6. The data indicated that addition of LW or ACIDAL® ML improved hens’ performance by modifying gut pH and microflora.

Egg quality parameter of Naked Neck chicken and commercial layer strains in Bangladesh

Egg quality parameter is important for determination of egg quality, grading of egg and pricing. To conduct this study, 50 eggs of Hy-line Brown, 50 eggs of ISA Brown, 50 eggs of Saver-579 Brown and 50 eggs of Novogen Brown and 50 eggs of Naked Neck were collected from different poultry farms of Sylhet. Egg shape index (ESI) of Hy-line Brown, ISA Brown, Saver-579, Novogen Brown and Naked Neck were 78.86±1.24, 78.85±0.5, 78.45±1.20, 81.43±1.56 and 76.85±0.92 respectively. Egg weight of Hy-line Brown, ISA Brown, Saver-579, Novogen Brown and Naked Neck were 62.48±1.54g, 61.89±1.2g, 61.41±1.47g, 64.76±1.37g and 37.45±1.2g respectively. Yolk weight of Hy-line Brown, ISA Brown, Saver-579, Novogen Brown and Naked Neck were 18.09±0.62g, 18.26±0.29g, 19.33±0.32g, 19.73±0.21g and 15.12±0.48g respectively. Among the different strains/breed, Novogen Brown has the highest value and Naked Neck has the lowest value for ESI, egg weight and yolk weight. So that the grading value of Novogen Brown has the highest among other strain/breed. Future research is necessary to see the internal egg quality parameter (albumen index, yolk index, Haugh Units (HU) and yolk colour) of different strain/breed, which will help for grading of egg.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 514-518

Effects of Dietary Fermented Soy Isoflavones on Quality of Eggs

The present study aimed to examine the effects of fermented soy isoflavones on the poultry feed towards the quality of eggs. A total of 100 Isa Brown chickens aged 32 weeks were divided into 4 groups and 5 replicates, including T0 (control feed without the provision of fermented soy isoflavones), T1 (feed with 4% of fermented soy isoflavones), T2 (feed with 8% of fermented soy isoflavones), and T3 (feed with 12% of fermented soy isoflavones). The treatments were given for 10 weeks. The observed chemical qualities of eggs included HDL, LDL, isoflavones in egg yolks, physical quality (e.g., their weight and eggshell thickness). All the data were analyzed by using analysis of variance. The results showed that the administration of fermented soy isoflavones in poultry feed had no significant effect on egg weight and eggshell thickness (p>0.05), but had a significant effect on HDL, LDL, and isoflavones in egg yolk (p<0.01). Based on the results, it can be concluded that 80 mg/100 g of the fermented soy isoflavones (equivalent to the addition of 12%) in laying hens’ feed would increase the content of isoflavones and egg yolks’ HDL, reduce egg yolks’ LDL, and lead to no significant change in the weight and thickness of eggshells.

Operant learning is disrupted when opioid reward pathways are blocked in the domesticated hen

There is limited research into mesolimbic function specific to birds and, specifically, how neurobiological reward mechanisms affect learning in domestic laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). A more thorough understanding of these mechanisms has implications for the improvement of welfare. Reward is proposed to involve two separate processes of ‘wanting’ regulated by dopamine and ‘liking’ regulated by opioids. This study examined the effect the opioid antagonist, nalmefene, on learning in domesticated hens.Eighteen Isa Brown hens were randomly assigned into either a saline or nalmefene treatment group. Hens in the saline group (N = 9) received 0.9 % saline (0.5 mL/kg pectoral muscle injection). Hens in the nalmefene treatment group (N = 9) were administered an opioid antagonist (0.4 mg/kg nalmefene in 0.9 % saline pectoral muscle injection) to disrupt the reward pathway. Prior to administration of treatments, hens were habituated to the training table, cup and trainer. Training occurred over three consecutive days on a series of three tasks using operant conditioning. Hens were dosed with either saline or nalmefene thirty minutes prior training. Hens were trained for one five minute session each day. Learning tasks included (1) pecking a target, (2) colour stimulus discrimination, and (3) pecking a target on cue presentation. All tasks were trained by the same trainer who was blind to treatment, using clicker training to shape responses. By the final day of training (Day 3), more saline hens had completed Task 1 and Task 2 than hens that received nalmefene (P < 0.0001). No hens in the nalmefene treatment group completed any training task. This study demonstrates that hens treated with an opioid antagonist failed to learn any tasks during operant training sessions, using a food reinforcer, over three days. We show that hens did not learn when the ability to experience reward is blocked, providing evidence that performing operant tasks is rewarding to hens.

THE POTENTIAL OF ADJUVANT AGAINST PRODUCTION OF ANTISTREPTOCOCCAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN Y (IGY) IN AQUACULTURE

This study was conducted to explore the potential of adjuvant for the production of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) as antistreptococcosis in layer chicken with mass production orientation. Enterococcus faecalis which causes streptococcosis in the red tilapia was selected as a candidateantigen. The production of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) was carried out on Isa Brown layer chickens and aged around 20 weeks. Furthermore, thechickens were grouped into four groups (A, B, C, and D groups), each consisting of three chickens based on the type of adjuvant, while twochickens were used as a control group. Each group was treated by giving MONTANIDE™ ISA 71R VG adjuvant (A), Freund's adjuvant (B), aluminum potassium sulphate adjuvant (KAl(SO4)2∙12H2O) concentration of 50 ppm in pH 7 (C), and only antigens without adjuvant (D). Chickens were kept for 35 days and each week was checked for presence the IgY antigen in the serum and egg yolk. Booster was conducted on 14th and 28th days of maintenance. The results showed that IgY in treatment group A was detected on day 28 in the serum and day 35 in the yolk. Whereas the treatment group B could be detected on day 35 in the serum. However, the IgY was not detected in the serum and yolk in C, D, and control groups until the end of the maintenance. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the appearance of IgY in serum and yolk in a relatively fast time is obtained in the combination of Enterococcus faecalis antigen with the emulsion of water-in-oil adjuvant (SEPPICMONTANIDE™ ISA 71R VG) compared to the other types of adjuvant that use in this study.

Addition of yellow strawberry guava leaf extract in the diet of laying hens had antimicrobial and antioxidant effect capable of improving egg quality

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the inclusion of yellow strawberry guava leaf extract (SGLE) as an additive in laying diets on productive performance, immunity, metabolism, and antioxidant response of semi-heavy laying hens (Isa Brown), as well its effects on egg quality. Five treatments with different SGLE levels (0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20/kg feed), five repetitions per treatment, and three birds per repetition were used. The addition of increasing levels of SGLE linearly reduced total bacterial count (TBC) in feces. The number of total leukocytes was lower in the blood of chickens that consumed SGLE due to the lower number of heterophiles, eosinophils and lymphocytes. The inclusion of SGLE in the diet stimulated the activity of glutathione S-transferase and reduced serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. A linear effect in the fresh eggs of the chickens that consumed SGLE was observed, that is, we recorded lower TBC and Escherichia coli counts in the shells, as well as greater total antioxidant capacity (ACAP) in the yolk. In eggs stored for four weeks, we founder lower albumen pH and lower LPO of yolks when the birds consumed SGLE, associated with greater specific gravity of the egg and ACAP levels of the yolks. The conclusion of this study was that the inclusion of SGLE produced better quality eggs, characterized by internal oxidative stability and less bacterial contamination in the shell, both of which desirable effects from the standpoint of the consumer.

Variation and Association of Hen Performance and Egg Quality Traits in Individual Early-Laying ISA Brown Hens.

Simple SummaryThe feed consumption and feed efficiency, body weight, egg weight, and rate of lay of the hen, as well as the albumen, yolk, and shell characteristics of the egg, are important measures of productivity in the layer industry. While these data are easily collected on a flock basis, there is little information on the extent of variation among individual hens in the literature and much nutrition and management is based on accepting the expected average performance of a cohort of animals. Moreover, body weight or feed consumption may have implications for other traits such as egg or egg component variables. We have attempted to control environmental variables such as feed in order to investigate the inherent variation for these traits present in a flock of 450 individually caged ISA Brown hens in early lay, and their associations with egg measurements. The results from the study revealed important variation in daily feed intake, body weight, and albumen height. Feed intake and hen body weights were weakly associated with egg weight, while feed intake and body weights were not associated with albumen height. Body weight and feed consumption had only a weak linkage with egg weight and did not influence albumen quality.Uniformity in hen and egg traits is an important consideration in commercial layer flocks. There is little information on how individual hen feed consumption and body weight affect egg quality measurements. This study investigated the variation in performance traits of individual hens and associations with egg quality characteristics. Four hundred and fifty-five ISA Brown caged hens in early lay were monitored for 42 days (25 to 30 weeks of age) to collect hen feed consumption and egg production measurements. Forty-four hens from the flock were randomly selected and eggs were collected from the same hen once weekly for albumen, yolk, and shell assessment. The means ± standard deviation of average daily feed intake (ADFI), albumen height, initial body weight (IBW), and final body weight (FBW) were 124 g ± 15, 10.3 mm ± 1.5, 1802 g ± 129, and 2000 g ± 175, respectively. Albumen height was not associated with ADFI (r = 0.18, p = 0.21), IBW (r = −0.04, p = 0.79), or FBW (r = −0.06, p = 0.69). This study showed variation in feed intake, body weight, and albumen quality of individual early-lay hens. Feed intake and body weight did not influence albumen quality.

Antagonistic effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine against cadmium-induced cytotoxicity and abnormal immune response on chicken peritoneal macrophages

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal threatening human and animal health. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was reported to play a positive role in disease treatment and immune regulation. The present study aimed to explore the effect of NAC administration on Cd-induced cytotoxicity and abnormal immune response on chicken peritoneal macrophages. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from Isa Brown male chickens were exposed to CdCl2 (20 or 50 μM) and/or NAC (500 μM) for different time periods. Results showed that Cd caused dose-dependent damage on chicken peritoneal macrophages characterized by morphologic and ultrastructural alterations, increased cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial injury. Cd exposure inhibited phagocytic activity of chicken peritoneal macrophages, and promoted transcriptional status of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in both unactivated macrophages and cells in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimuli. Pretreatment with 500 μM NAC did not affect growth of normal chicken peritoneal macrophages, while remarkably inhibiting Cd-caused cell death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. NAC pretreatment significantly prevented intracellular Cd2+ accumulation in the Cd-exposed macrophages. Inhibitory effects of NAC on Cd-induced ROS accumulation and mitochondrial injury on chicken macrophages were confirmed in HD-11 macrophage cell line. In addition, NAC pretreatment promoted the phagocytic activity of Cd-exposed chicken peritoneal macrophages, and significantly inhibited expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in both Cd-exposed macrophages and Cd-treated cells in response to LPS stimuli. In conclusion, the present study firstly demonstrated the antagonistic effect of NAC against Cd-caused damage and abnormal immune response on chicken peritoneal macrophages. Protective effect of NAC on chicken macrophages was highly related to its suppression on Cd-induced ROS overproduction, pro-inflammatory reaction and intracellular Cd2+ accumulation.

Impact of feeding mixture containing lupin meal on improvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg yolk

The aim of the experiment was to determine how the content of lupin meal in the diet for commercial laying hens would affect the quality of fat in the egg yolk. A total of 210 Isa Brown laying hens was divided into three groups: the control group C (fed a mixture containing only soybean meal as a source of protein) and two experimental groups: EN 50% (fed a mixture containing 50% of soybean meal and 50% of white lupin seed meal, Zulika variety) and EN 100% (fed a mixture containing only white lupin seed meal as a source of protein). The results of the experiment using lupin seed meal in the feed mixture as a 50% and 100% replacement of extracted soybean meal confirmed the positive effect of lupin-based diets on egg yolk fat composition. Although the diets did not affect the fat content of the egg yolk, some other changes in the quality of the egg yolk were demonstrated during laying. These changes in egg yolk fat were characterized by a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) of saturated fatty acids (SFA), an increase (P ≤ 0.05) of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), but only in some of them (C17:1 – heptadecenoic acid; C20:1n9 – eicosenoic acid and C22:1n9 – erucic acid) and, what is important, by a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from the n-6 group (C18:2n6 – linoleic acid and C20:2n-6 – eicosadienoic acid) and n-3 group (C18:3n3 – α-linolenic acid; C20:5n3 – eicosapentaenoid acid and C22:5n3 – docosapentaenoic acid). From these results it is evident that using lupin meal in the feed mixtures for commercial laying hens increases the nutritional value and health benefit of the egg through the improvement of the levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Outbreak of avian aspergillosis in colonial-bred chicks (Isa Brown) in southern Rio Grande do Sul - case report

ABSTRACT In this study we describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of an outbreak of avian aspergillosis in alternative breeding in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Between the fifth and tenth day of life, 360 chicks from a flock of 4000 developed unspecific clinical signs and died. The birds were housed in a reused aviary litter, without previous treatment. In 11 six-day-old female ISA Brown chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus), necropsy revealed firm, yellowish-white, multinodular lesions extending from the pleura to the lung parenchyma. Histologically, a granulomatous, multifocal to coalescent pneumonia was observed. Granulomas were characterized by central necrosis, with heterophil and epithelioid macrophage infiltration and presence of countless Y-shaped intralesional septate hyphae morphologically compatible with Aspergillus spp. The diagnosis through isolation confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus. We highlight the importance of aspergillosis as a primary cause of diseases in the respiratory tract of young birds in alternative breeding. Measures to prevent aspergillosis mainly regarding the reuse of aviary litter are essential in poultry husbandry to prevent economic losses, reduce environmental contamination and mitigate the potential risk to public health.

Pengaruh Injeksi Introvit-E-Selen terhadap Lama Force Molting dan Hen Day Ayam Isa Brown

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Intovit-E-Selen injection on the length of force molting and Hen Day of Isa Brown hens. The experimental animal used was 80-week-old Isa Brown hens. A total of 80 Isa Brown hens were divided into 4 treatments with 20 replications. The treatments consisted of P0 (0.3 ml Phosphate Buffer Saline), P1 (0.3 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection), P2 (0.6 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection), and P3 (0.9 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection). The study was conducted by calculating the length of force molting and Hen Day. The research results were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by further tests using the Duncan test. The results showed that the treatment of P3 (0.9 ml of Introvit-E-Selen Injection) had an influence on the length of force molting with an average value of 30.55 ± 2.74 and the treatment of P2 (0.6 ml of Introvit-E-Selen Injection) had an influence on Hen Day with an average value of 80.25 ± 1.48. Introvit-E-Selen injection in Isa Brown chickens can shorten the time of force molting and increase the percentage of Hen Day.

Sequential Pathology of a Genotype XIII Newcastle Disease Virus from Bangladesh in Chickens on Experimental Infection.

The sequential pathology of a genotype XIII Bangladeshi strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was studied in 5-weeks old chickens. Layer chickens of ISA Brown breed were inoculated through the intranasal and intraocular routes with the BD-C161/2010 strain of NDV and examined at different times post-infection (pi). NDV-infected chickens showed depression at 3 days pi (dpi) followed by dropped wings, paralysis and death starting at 4 dpi. Lungs of infected chickens showed hemorrhagic lesions starting at 24 hours pi (hpi) that was followed by pallor and slight contraction by 2 to 3 dpi and subsequently developed into severe hemorrhagic pneumonia with mononuclear cell infiltration. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing lesions were found in different visceral organs including proventriculus, intestine, gut-associated lymphoid tissues, liver and kidneys starting at 3 dpi that progressed rapidly. Severe lymphoid depletion was observed in the thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius starting at 1–3 dpi followed by hemorrhages, necrosis, inflammation and atrophy at 4–5 dpi. In the brain, mild neuronal lesions such as focal to diffuse encephalitis with encephalomalacia was observed at 2–3 dpi and moderate and diffuse meningoencephalitis with encephalomalacia at advanced stages. In conclusion, the BD-C161/2010 strain of NDV produced lesions typical of velogenic viscerotropic pathotype of NDV.

Evaluation of growth and carcass characteristics of ISA brown cockerels as influenced by age at surgical caponization

The study was conducted to determine the effects of age at surgical caponization on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels. A total of 108 birds were used for the study and allotted to four treatments of 27 birds each, replicated three times to give 9 birds per replicate. The cockerels were surgically altered at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Birds had access to formulated starter, grower and finisher diets ad libitum during a twenty one week experimental period. The results revealed that final weight and weight gain in the capons were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in uncaponized birds. Birds caponized at 8 weeks recorded the highest in final weight (3.35 kg/bird) and weight gain (2.98 kg/bird), as against the least obtained from the control with 2.53 kg/bird and 2.17 kg/bird respectively. Significant differences were also observed in feed conversion ratio and mortality. Birds caponized at 8 weeks had better feed conversion ratio of 3.98, as against the least (5.65) obtained from the control. The control group of intact roosters also had the least dressed weight percentage (74.25%), while the birds caponized on the 8 week had the highest percentage (81.67%). Caponization similarly improved relative weights of some cut parts and increased the deposition of abdominal fat. It is concluded that surgical caponization with particular reference to that undertaken when the birds were 8 weeks old, significantly improved growth performance and carcass characteristics of ISA Brown cockerels.

English

Poultry farming is an important sector of the Beninese agriculture. But this sector is facing economic difficulties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera powder and soybean meal on zootechnical parameters in the ISA Brown pullet. For this purpose, the experiment was carried out on a total of 250 day-old chicks with an initial average weight of 40 &plusmn; 1 g. Among these chicks, 25 subjects were used for the digestibility test and the rest were grouped into cinq (05) batches of 45 chicks fed with different rations. The test lasted 56 days. The apparent digestibility of the dry matter varied significantly from 50.0 &plusmn; 9.18 to 50.42 &plusmn; 16.11 at the 5% threshold between the different batches. Feed consumption of chicks of the different experimental batches did not show any significant variation, while for the feed conversion rate, weight gain and average daily gain, most averages vary significantly between batches and weeks. It brings out that M. oleifera powder improves the feed conversion and growth rates of ISA Brown pullets fed with a feed containing M. oleifera powder at different incorporation rates. Key words: Moringa oleifera, soybean, ISA Brown laying hens, zootechnical parameters. &nbsp

Quality parameters, lipids and antioxidant profiles of eggs from hens fed diets with varied inclusions of monosodium glutamate

The study assessed the internal and external egg qualities as well as lipid and antioxidative status of eggs laid by hens fed different inclusion levels of monosodium glutamate was. Three hundred 24-week old Isa Brown pullets were randomly allotted to six experimental diets containing 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 g/kg MSG respectively in an experiment that lasted sixteen weeks. At the end of the feeding trials, egg samples were collected from each experimental group for laboratory analyses. Egg widths, shape index, and shell weight were significantly (p0.05) influenced when compared with the control but above these levels, the parameters were significantly (p0.05) similarities. A significant (p

Egg Hatchability and Early Growth Performance of Cross and Backcross Involving Nigeria Fulani Ecotype and Isa Brown Chickens

An experiment was carried out to study the egg hatchability and growth performance of crossbred chickens involving Fulani ecotype (E) and Isa brown (B) chickens and their backcross using artificial insemination method of mating. The F1 progeny, the crossbred (EB), was produced by crossing E (sire) with B (dam) while the first backcross (BEB) was achieved using the B (sire) and the EB (dam). The second backcross (EBB) was carried out by mating the EB (sire) and the B (dam). A total of 35 birds were used as foundation stock (five E males, five B males and 25 B female chickens) to produce 137 EB crossbred chickens and 187 backcross chickens (98 EEB chickens and 89 BEB chickens). Weekly body weight and daily feed intake were obtained on the progenies generated from the mating for a period of 20 weeks. Other parameters like weight gain, feed conversion ratio, percentage fertility, hatchability and percentage dead shell were calculated from the data. The results revealed that the growth performance was affected by genotype. The EB chickens obtained the highest body weight across the weeks (37.6 to 1169 g) and the backcross chickens had the highest fertility (76.2%) and hatchability (83.2%). Therefore, it could be concluded that crosses between the Fulani ecotype and Isa brown chickens had the best growth performance and improved fertility while the backcross sired by the F1 had better performance when hatchability is considered.

Supplementation with aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare and effect on the hematology and serum biochemistry in growing pullets

The effects of administration of Talinum triangulare aqueous extract on the hematology and serum biochemistry of growing pullets was studied. Ninety ISA Brown chicks purchased at 1 day old were randomly assigned into three groups: PA, PB, and PC. Pullets in groups PA and PB received 1000 mg of extract from dried T. triangulare and from freshly harvested T. triangulare per liter of water, respectively. Pullets in group PC served as the unsupplemented control. Hematology and serum biochemistry were evaluated at 2-month intervals within the 6-month period of the experiment following standard procedures. Feed and water were administered ad libitum. Supplementation with T. triangulare extract led to significant P < 0.05 increase in serum high-density lipoprotein concentration and significant P < 0.05 decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein concentration. Aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly P < 0.05 lower in the supplemented groups. Serum albumin was significantly P < 0.05 higher at month four of pullet life. It was concluded that dietary supplementation with aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare had no deleterious effect on hematology and serum proteins and enzymes, and it had a positive effect on lipid profile. It is therefore recommended for use as a nutraceutical for healthy rearing of growing pullets.

Effects of Dietary Intake of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal on The Growth Performance of Pullet Chicks

This study determined the effects of dietary intake of Moringa Oleifera (M. oleifera) leaf meal on growth performance of pullets. Two hundred and forty Isa Brown day-old chicks were randomly allotted to 4 different treatment groups and each treatment had 3 replicates of 20 chicks each. At 4th week of age, birds in group 1 (T1)were fed with 16% crude protein (CP) grower diet (control feed; 0.0% M. oleifera) whereas birds in groups 2 (T2), 3 (T3) and 4 (T4) received the control feed supplemented with 2.5%; 5.0% and 7.5% M. oleifera leaf meal, respectively. Results indicate that although intake of M. oleifera leaf meal did not affect final body weight and weight gain of the pullets (P greater than 0.05), feed intake of the pullets declined significantly (P less than 0.05) as the amount of dietary M.oleifera intake was increased from 2.5% to 7.5%. Feed conversion ratio of T4 group was better (P less than 0.05) than those of control birds.