Dietary Electrolyte Balance Levels Research Articles

Analysis of performance, bone characteristics, and expression of genes involved in the balance of ionic concentrations in broilers subjected to dietary electrolyte balance levels

ABSTRACT 1. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), and ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) are commonly used to correct dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) in birds. However, there are many gaps in the knowledge of their effects when used simultaneously. This study investigated the effect of DEB levels on performance, femur bone characteristics and the expression of genes related to the balance of ionic concentrations in broilers at 21 days of age. 2. Male Cobb broiler chickens (n = 245), aged 1–21 d, were divided into groups based on a completely randomised design with five DEB levels (110 mEq/kg, 175 mEq/kg, 240 mEq/kg, 305 mEq/kg, and 370 mEq/kg). 3. The performance characteristics measured included body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FCR) and body weight birds slaughtered (BWS). 4. The bone variables assessed in the femur were weight (WE), relative bone weight (RBWE), length (L), width (WI), maximum load supported (MLS), bone-breaking resistance (BR), and Seedor index (SI). In addition, the expression of CHP1, SLC9A1, and SLC24A3 in the livers, intestines and kidneys of birds was evaluated. 5. The DEB level of 370 mEq/kg, at Na+ content of 0.48%, resulted in the highest averages for L, MLS, and BR of the femur. This DEB level increased the expression of SLC9A1 in the liver and SLC24A3 in the intestine. A 240 mEq/kg DEB level decreased the expression of CHP1 in the liver, while supplementation with 110 mEq/kg increased the expression of SLC24A3 in the kidney. 6. In conclusion, 370 mEq/kg DEB improved FCR and increased the mean bone characteristics of the femur (L, MLS, and BR) and the expression of SLC9A1 and SLC24A3 in the liver and intestine, respectively. These findings should be considered in future assessments of the effects of DEB levels on broilers.

Effect of Different Dietary Electrolyte Balance Levels on Physiological Responses and Metabolic Rate of Rams Exposed to Heat Stress Conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of different dietary electrolyte balance (DEB, as the equation of Na+K-Cl milliequivalents (meq) /kg of dry matter) levels on physiological responses and metabolic rate of rams exposed to heat stress and to determine which DEB level is the optimum. A total of 20 Farafra mature rams were used in this trail. These animals were divided into Four equal homogenized groups (5 each) as control (received basal diet only and its DEB was 98 meq/kg of feed DM), T1: DEB 200 meq/kg DM, T2: DEB 300 meq/kg DM and T3: DEB 400 meq/kg DM. Different DEB content of the three treatments was achieved by adding sodium bicarbonate by a rate of 0.74%, 1.48% and 2.22% of kg DM in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Thermal response parameters, blood constituents, and respiratory activities were determined during the experimental period before (11-12 am) solar exposure and after 3 hours of solar exposure (3-4 pm). The results revealed that supplementation of different DEB levels reduced rectal and skin temperatures and respiration rate before and after solar exposure. However, gas volume per minute (GV) and tidal volume (TV) increased significantly in all treated groups. Volume of oxygen consumption (VO2) and metabolic rate tended to increase by treatment. Also, serum DEB level (Na+K-Cl) increased significantly in all treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of different DEB levels had beneficial effects on the thermal responses, respiratory activities and gas exchange parameters of heat exposed rams and the optimum DEB level is 300 meq/kg of DM.

The Roles of Key Electrolytes in Balancing Blood Acid-Base and Nutrient in Broiler Chickens Reared under Tropical Conditions

The loss of electrolyte balance in diets of broiler chickens has resulted in a serious distur-bance of blood acid-base balance, coupled with elevated body temperature. The body losses carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3), resulting in respiratory alkalosis or acidosis. Under tropical conditions of high environmental temperatures, the balance of electrolytes in feeds must be set much higher as to maintain equal metabolic and digestive efficiency. However, information on the ideal dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) that could effectively correct acid-base imbalance in broiler chickens under severe heat stress condition is scanty. Therefore, the effects of varying electrolyte balance in diets on haematology, blood glucose and serum inorganic elements were assessed in broiler chickens at starter (0 - 21 d) and finisher (22 - 35 d) phases, under temperature-humidity index of 24.97 - 35.19. One day-old Arbor Acre chicks (n = 300) were procured and randomly allotted to diets supplemented with potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, to balance monovalent ions (sodium, potassium and chloride) at 210 (T1), 240 (T2), 270 (T3), 300 (T4), 330 (T5) and 360 (T6) mEq/kg DEB, in a completely randomised design. On days 21 and 35, blood (5 mL) samples were collected from birds in each replicate whose weights were closest to the mean class weight for haematology and serum biochemical indices using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α = 0.05. Different levels of DEB did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) haematology and blood glucose at starter phase. However, at finisher phase, heterophil: lymphocyte of birds on 270 and 240 mEq/kg DEB were lower (P < 0.05) compared to other dietary treatments. Blood acid-base balance was relatively enhanced in birds on aggregate DEB level of 360 mEq/kg with reduced chloride ion and relatively lower incidence of hemodilution with respect to high haemoglobin levels as this level is advantageous in balancing blood acid to base ratio in broiler chickens reared under severe environmental temperatures higher than 43?C ± 5?C as against some previous opinions that did not take into consideration, the inherent dietary electrolyte balance in feedstuff, other functional mono or divalent ions, and the severity of environmental factors.

Examining the effect of dietary electrolyte balance, energy source, and length of feeding of nitrogen-free diets on ileal endogenous amino acid losses in broilers

The effect of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB), energy source (ES), and length of feeding of nitrogen-free diet (NFD) on ileal endogenous amino acid (EAA) loss in mg/kg dry matter intake (DMI) was evaluated in broiler chickens. In Experiment 1, 720 chickens consisting of 15 replicate cages with 6 chickens/replicate were used. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial and consisted of 4 NFD with 2 levels (low or high) of DEB and 2 ES [corn starch (CS) or dextrose (DX)], and 2 sampling time-points (diets were fed for either 72 h (d 16 to 19) or 120 h (d 16 to 21). Experiment 2 used 360 chickens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 levels (low or high) of DEB and 2 ES (CS or DX). Diets were fed for 72 h (d 18 to 21). All birds had access to feed and water on an ad libitum basis. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS appropriate for a completely randomized design for a factorial arrangement of treatments. For Experiment 1, there were interactions (P < 0.05) between the 3 main factors for nitrogen and all the AA except Trp. Broilers that were fed DX-based NFD with high DEB for 72 h had the highest (P < 0.05) EAA losses. In Experiment 2, there was no interaction between DEB and ES except for His and Lys. When ileal EAA losses from birds fed the low DEB, CS-based NFD were used to standardize apparent ileal digestibility values from a previous study, there was no effect of length of feeding on standardized ileal AA digestibility values. In conclusion, DX-based NFD with high DEB increased endogenous AA loses. Despite differences in ileal EAA losses from CS-based NFD, standardized ileal AA digestibility values were not influenced by the length of feeding of NFD. Based on the results from these studies, NFD could be fed for 72 h without influencing SIAAD values.

Effect of crude protein concentration and dietary electrolyte balance on litter quality, foot pad dermatitis, growth performance and processing yields in two medium heavy turkey hybrids

ABSTRACT1. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of crude protein (CP) concentration and dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on growth performance, processing yields, litter quality and foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in male turkeys from two commercial hybrids. Soya bean meal was replaced by vegetable protein sources selected for lower K concentrations to lower DEB in order to improve litter quality and subsequent quality of foot pads.2. Effects of CP on litter friability and wetness were not consistent during the production period. FPD in turkeys fed on diets with low CP was significantly lower than FPD in turkeys fed on diets with high CP until 84 d. Growth performance was adversely affected at low CP. Processing yields were not affected by CP.3. Litter was significantly dryer in pens of turkeys fed on diets with low DEB than in pens of turkeys fed on diets with high DEB. FPD in turkeys fed on diets with low DEB was significantly lower than in turkeys fed on diets with high DEB. Growth performance and processing yields were adversely affected at low DEB.4. FPD in turkey hybrid A was higher than in turkey hybrid B at 28 d of age. Thereafter, no differences in FPD between turkey hybrids were observed. Growth performance and processing yields were not affected by turkey hybrid.5. Overall, a significant interaction effect of CP × DEB was observed for FCR: in turkeys fed on the high DEB treatment, FCR of turkeys fed on the high CP diets was lower than FCR of turkeys fed on the low CP (LCP) diets whereas on the low DEB treatment, FCR was not affected by CP treatment.6. It was concluded that litter quality can be improved and FPD may be decreased in turkeys fed on diets containing lower CP and DEB levels.

233 Evaluating the effects of sodium sesquicarbonate in the grow-finish phase fed during summer months

A total of 1177 pigs (14.30 ± 0.97 kg) in a commercial wean to finish facility were used to evaluate sodium sesquicarbonate (SSQ) (S-Carb®; Tronox Specialty Alkali Corporation, Green River, WY) and its effects on dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and growth performance. SSQ was added to corn/soybean meal/dried distiller's grains with solubles diets at 0, 0.15, 0.30 and 0.40% to alter DEB values to 0, < 150, 225–275, and > 350 DEB, respectively. Pigs were housed in groups of 24–25 for a total of 12 replications from May-October 2015 in Illinois. Diets were changed at 11.4–22.7, 22.7–45.5, 45.5–-68.2, 68.2–90.9, 90.9–113.6, and 113.6–129.5 kg BW. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, with pen as the experimental unit and treatment as a fixed effect, as well as linear and quadratic contrasts for increasing DEB. During the study, 24 h barn temperatures ranged from 33.9–23.8°C to 24.4–20°C. During the initial phase, G:F tended to quadratically decrease (0.63, 0.62, 0.62, 0.64; P = 0.08) as DEB increased and ADFI tended to increase at 0.30% SSQ compared to the control (0.63, 0.62, 0.64, 0.64 kg/d; P = 0.09). In period 2, ADG (0.85, 0.86, 0.88, 0.87; P < 0.01), G:F (0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.53; P < 0.01), and BW (44.89, 44.89, 45.53, 45.42 kg; P < 0.01) increased as DEB increased. During period 3, the control pigs had increased ADG (0.95, 0.91, 0.92, 0.91 kg/d; P < 0.01), G:F (0.42, 0.41, 0.41, 0.42; P < 0.01) and a tendency for increased ADFI (2.26, 2.23, 2.22, 2.18 kg/d; P < 0.10) compared to pigs that were fed SSQ. There were no significant differences detected in growth performance during period 4. In period 5, there was a quadratic response (0.97, 1.00, 0.98, 0.95 kg/d; P < 0.03) for ADG to decrease as DEB level increased, as well as, a quadratic tendency (0.34, 0.35, 0.35, 0.34; P < 0.10) for an increased G:F as DEB level increased. During the market phase, ADFI was decreased for control animals compared to 0.15% SSQ (3.17, 3.30, 3.19, 3.18 kg/d; P < 0.04). Overall, there were no significant differences for growth criteria measured, likely due to contradicting responses to SSQ in periods 2 and 3. In this study, during periods of higher environmental heat, there was a quadratic response associated with SSQ. Additional work is needed to determine and quantify benefits of SSQ supplementation during the grow-finish phases of production.

Effects of different sulphur amino acids and dietary electrolyte balance levels on performance, jejunal morphology, and immunocompetence of broiler chicks.

As alterations of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) can influence amino acid metabolism via changes the ions incur in their configurations, performance and immunological responses of broiler chicks might be affected. So, the current study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of sulphur amino acids (SAA) and DEB on performance, jejunal morphology and immunocompetence of broiler chicks. A total of 360 1-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine experimental treatments with four replicates of 10 birds each. Experimental treatments consisted of three levels of SAA (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation, provided by methionine supplementation in diets with the same cysteine level) and three levels of DEB (150, 250, and 350 mEq/kg) that were fed during the entire of trial in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Results showed that the relative weights of intestine and abdominal fat were decreased markedly (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of SAA and DEB respectively. Antibody titre against sheep red blood cell was neither individually nor in combination influenced by supplementation of SAA or DEB. Nevertheless, a decrease in DEB level led to a suppression in heterophile (p < 0.05) and an increase in lymphocyte counts (p = 0.06); consequently, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by decremental levels of DEB. Albumin to globulin ratio was increased after inclusion of at least 10% SAA (p < 0.001) and 150 mEq DEB/kg in the diet (p = 0.11). Although feeding high-DEB level led to a remarkable decrease in villus height (p < 0.01) and goblet cell numbers (p < 0.001), supplementing the highest level of SAA improved the height of jejunal villus. During the entire trial period, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was increased by incremental SAA levels (p < 0.05). However, inclusion of 150 mEq/kg led to not only a remarkable increase (p < 0.0001) in both ADFI and average daily weight gain (ADWG) but also to improved (p < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) both during the growing and over the entire trial periods. The present findings indicated that inclusion of low DEB decreased the heterophile to lymphocyte ratio and improved both the albumin to globulin ratio and intestinal health indices. The best growth performance was obtained with 150 mEq DEB/kg in the diet for each level of SAA.

Dietary electrolyte balance influences ileal endogenous amino acid losses in broiler chickens

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of nitrogen-free diets formulated with 2 ratios of corn starch and dextrose and 2 levels of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB; calculated as Na + K – Cl−, in mEq/kg of diet) on ileal endogenous amino acid (EAA) losses in 48-d-old broiler chickens. On d 43, 240 broiler chickens were allotted to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate cages per diet in a completely randomized design. Each experimental diet was fed for 5 d (d 43–48). All diets were free of nitrogen with 2 ratios of corn starch-to-dextrose (0.31 and 1.04) and 2 levels of DEB (108 and 219 mEq/kg of diet). Final BW and BW loss between birds fed the 2 corn starch-to-dextrose ratios and between birds fed 2 levels of DEB were not different (P > 0.05). Birds fed the diet containing a high level of DEB consumed less (P < 0.05) feed than birds on the low-DEB diet. Birds on the high-corn starch-to-dextrose (1.04) diet showed a tendency for higher (P = 0.08) feed intake. High dietary dextrose level (corn starch-to-dextrose ratio of 0.31) resulted in higher (P < 0.05) ileal DM and energy digestibility. A high level of DEB resulted in higher (P < 0.05) ileal endogenous nitrogen loss. Arginine, Ile, Leu, Phe, Val, Ala, Glu, Gly, Pro, and Tyr secretion into the gut increased (P ≤ 0.05) with an increasing level of DEB. Endogenous His, Lys, Thr, Asp, Cys, and Ser showed a tendency for increased (P ≤ 0.1) losses with a high level of DEB. Mean ileal EAA losses for the indispensable and dispensable amino acids for the low-DEB diet were 81 and 82%, respectively, that of the birds fed the high-DEB diet. The 4 amino acids with the lowest endogenous flow were Met, His, Tyr, and Cys, whereas the highest endogenous flow was found in Glu, Asp, Val, and Leu. Data from the current study showed that EAA losses in the ileum of broiler chickens are significantly affected by DEB, but not by the ratio of corn starch to dextrose.

Electrolytes, dietary electrolyte balance and salts in broilers: an updated review on acid-base balance, blood and carcass characteristics

The requirements of different electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride), dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and salt source in broilers have considerably changed in recent times. The increasing level of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and DEB are associated with higher pH (i.e. alkalosis) while lower levels of chloride (Cl) and DEB are linked with a lower pH (i.e. acidosis). A narrow range of DEB (150–250 mEq/kg) is recommended to overcome the variations in acid base homeostasis and normal blood chemistry especially in summer conditions. The supplementation of suitable salts like NaHCO3 and KCl are proven to be beneficial to sustain viability of various biochemical processes. The cations usually alleviate whereas anions exacerbate the lysine:arginine antagonism. In most cases, the electrolytes and their balance (DEB) are considered ineffective in order to influence carcass and related traits; however, the supplementation of their respective salts, particularly NaHCO3 and KCl under heat stress, showed contrary but potentially useful results. The role of electrolytes in combination with coccidiostats is still ambiguous; however, the level of both entities (electrolytes and coccidiostats) should be kept low and studied in detail for mutual compatibility. The inclusion level of electrolytes from various salt sources changes whenever there is change in coccidiostat and environmental condition. Keeping in mind environmental constraints, it is recommended to use the lowest dosage of NaHCO3/ NaCl alongside ionophores. Consequently, it is recommended to supplement electrolytes through a combination of NaHCO3 and KCl, and maintaining dietary electrolyte balance (150–250 mEq/kg) is mandatory to exploit improved physiological responses of broilers for maximum growth response.

Status of Dietary Electrolyte Balance in Commercial Poultry Diets in Pakistan

Dietary Electrolyte Balance (DEB) plays a vital role in body’s homeostasis and optimum provision of DEB which is critical for maximum efficiency and stress coping in birds. A total of 68 poultry feed samples were collected from Multan, Rawalpindi and Sargodha districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. The study included 16 broiler, 16 breeder and 36 layer diets. Water samples (n = 51) alongwith feed samples were also collected wherever possible. These samples were examined for sodium (Na ), potassium (K ) and + + chloride (Cl ) ions contents and DEB was calculated by subtracting anions from cations. The results showed variations and discrepancies in provision of individual ions as well as overall DEB. These results were compared with National Research Council (1994) recommendations for ionic contents and DEB level was compared by findings of other research studies. The mean of Na contents were well within recommended + range; Cl contents were slightly high while K contents were 2 to 4 times higher than NRC (1994) + recommendations. However the resulting DEB for broiler, breeder and layer flocks was 192.7, 168.1 and 198.2 mEq/kg, respectively. The water can play important role in supplementation of anions and cations thus effecting overall DEB. The 13, 23 and 15 water samples (total = 51) collected from Multan, Rawalpindi and Sargodha districts, respectively showed an area wise distribution pattern of these ions. The mean of Na contents of water samples collected from Multan district was 229 ppm as compared to recommended level of 50 ppm for poultry consumption. Whereas analysis of water samples collected from Rawalpindi and Sargodha district showed much better ionic composition for poultry usage.

Effect of dietary electrolyte balance on production, immune response and mineral concentrations of the femur in broilers

The aim of this study was to assess the age-related effects of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on the performance, immune response (from day 0 to 42) and macromineral content of femur ash of broilers. The DEB values of the purchased commercial broiler diets were modified with the addition of NH4Cl or NaHCO3 to formulate the diets (DEB 325, 250, 175, 100, 25 and -50 mmol/kg) for this investigation. A total of 396 chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups and fed with the experimental diets for 6 weeks. During the first two weeks of life, DEB did not influence feed intake and body weight gain; however, by the 21st day of age DEB 175 and between 22 and 42 days of age DEB 250 mmol/kg gave significantly better results than the control. DEB did not affect the macromineral concentrations of bone ash. The immune response of broilers on low DEB (< 175 mmol/kg) was faster and more intensive than that of chickens on diets with medium or high DEB (> 175 mmol/kg). It can be concluded that the optimal DEB value required for the best body weight gain is significantly influenced by the age of broilers. Our results call attention to the discrepancy between the decreasing DEB level of commercial broiler diets and the age-related increase of 'electrolyte requirements' of broilers. It is also interesting that DEB may influence not only the performance but also the immune response of broilers.

Influence of varying dietary electrolyte balance on broiler performance under tropical summer conditions

A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of varying dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on growth performance and physiological responses in broiler chicks reared during hot summer months (26.1-37.5 degrees C). The average minimum and maximum room temperatures recorded from 14 to 42 days of age were 26.1 and 37.5 degrees C, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 51% to 55%. Five DEB treatments supplying 0, 50, 150, 250 and 350 (Na(+)+K(+)-Cl(-)) mEq/kg of diet were prepared by adding NaHCO(3) and/or NH(4)Cl to basal diet that contained 185 mEq/kg from 1 to 28 days and 172 mEq/kg from 29 to 42 days. These DEB diets were randomly offered to six experimental units of 20 chicks each. Improved 42-day body weight gain (BWG), feed:gain (F:G) and reduced mortality was noted with DEB 50, 150 and 250 mEq/kg compared to DEB 0 and 350 mEq/kg. A quadratic effect of increasing DEB level was observed on BWG and F:G, whereas the effect was linear for feed intake, water intake and litter moisture. The DEB 50, 150 and 250 maintained better blood pH, pCO(2) and HCO(3) concentrations during acute heat stress periods than that of 0 and 350. The blood heterophil and lymphocyte percent as well as heterophil:lymphocyte were remained unaffected. The lowest DEB (0 mEq/kg) diet reduced the feed intake and promoted metabolic acidosis. At 350 mEq/kg DEB, water intake and metabolic alkalosis were promoted probably due to high levels of dietary NaHCO(3). The study concluded that overall better performance was recorded with DEB 50, 150 and 250 mEq/kg. These results indicated that single optimal DEB value could not be recommended to combat heat stress in broilers.

Influence of Dietary Electrolyte Balance and Microbial Phytase on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Excreta Quality of Broiler Chickens

The possible interaction between dietary electrolyte balance (DEB=Na+K-Cl, mEq/kg of diet) and microbial phytase on the performance and nutrient utilization of broiler starters and litter quality was examined in this study. A 4 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with 4 levels of DEB (150, 225, 300, and 375 mEq/kg of diet) and 2 levels of phytase (0 and 500 phytase units/kg of diet). Experimental diets were based on corn, soybean meal, and canola meal and were formulated to contain a nonphytate P level of 3 g/kg. The DEB levels were altered by the use of sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. Each diet was offered to 6 replicates of 8 birds each from d 1 to 21. Increasing the DEB values from 150 to 300 mEq/kg had no effect (P>0.05) on the weight gains and feed per gain, but the gains were lowered (P<0.05) and the feed per gain was increased (P<0.05) at 375 mEq/kg. Feed intake was unaffected (P>0.05) by DEB levels. Supplemental phytase improved (P<0.05) the weight gains and feed intake at all DEB levels. Feed per gain was lowered (P<0.05) by phytase addition, but a tendency for a DEB x phytate interaction (P=0.06) was also observed, indicating that the responses to phytase may be affected by DEB level. The responses in feed per gain were greater at the lowest DEB level, and phytase addition had no effect on feed per gain at the highest DEB level. Dietary electrolyte balance levels had no effect on the AME(n) and ileal N digestibility to 300 mEq/kg, but lowered (P<0.05) both criteria at 375 mEq/kg. Phytase addition improved (P<0.05) the AME(n) and ileal N digestibility. The improvements in AME(n) with 500 U/kg of phytase addition in 150, 225, and 275 mEq/kg DEB were 53, 60, and 38 kcal/kg of DM, respectively. The main effect of DEB was significant (P<0.05) only for the ileal availability of Na and Cl, whereas added phytase influenced (P<0.05) the ileal availability of Ca, P, Na, K, and Cl. The effects of DEB were significant (P<0.05) for apparent ileal digestibility of all amino acids, except Ala (P=0.09), Arg, Met, and cystine. In general, the digestibilities of amino acids were unaffected when the DEB level was increased from 150 to 225 mEq/kg of diet, but decreased at the 300 and 375 mEq/kg levels. Phytase addition improved (P<0.06 to 0.05) ileal digestibility of all amino acids, except Met and Tyr. Increasing DEB had adverse effects on excreta scores and DM content. Phytase addition, however, had no effect on excreta quality. The overall results of the present study suggest that variability in phytase responses in nutrient utilization may be explained, in part, by differences in dietary electrolyte levels.

Influence of varying sources of dietary electrolytes on the performance of broilers reared in a high temperature environment

Experiment using 297 broiler chicks, kept from 1 to 42 days under cyclic heat stress (minimum 29.3 °C and maximum 38 °C), was conducted to investigate the relative efficacies of three sodium (NaHCO 3, Na 2CO 3, Na 2SO 4), and potassium (KHCO 3, K 2CO 3, K 2SO 4) supplements at an identical dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) 250 mEq/kg and two chloride supplements (CaCl 2 and NH 4Cl) at DEB 50 mEq/kg. The desired levels of DEB were achieved by substitution of individual mineral supplement at the expense to builder's sand in the basal starter (DEB 185.6 mEq/kg) and finisher (DEB 174 mEq/kg) diet containing only salt as a source of Na and Cl. Each diet (one basal and eight experimental) was fed to three experimental units having 11 chicks each. The growth performances in K supplements, except KHCO 3, were poorer than those of Na supplements. The NaHCO 3, Na 2CO 3, Na 2SO 4 and NH 4Cl increased body weight gain, feed intake and improved feed to gain ratio than those of K 2CO 3 and K 2SO 4 after 42 days of age. These supplements also increased the water intake and resulted in lowered body temperature as well as reduced mortality. Very poor performance in CaCl 2 supplement was associated with disturbed calcium:phosphorus and very low blood pH (7.19). Better performance was noted with bicarbonate than that with carbonate and sulfate sources. The KHCO 3 accentuate the respiratory alkalosis by increasing blood HCO 3 contents (26.09 mmol/l) and gave poorer performance than NaHCO 3. Blood lymphocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit and electrolyte balance in heat stressed broilers were better improved by NH 4Cl, NaHCO 3, Na 2CO 3, Na 2SO 4 and KHCO 3 than those of CaCl 2, K 2CO 3 and K 2SO 4 supplements. Present findings emphasized the importance of considering metabolisable anions supplemented in association with cations while balancing the dietary electrolyte equations. That is why DEB equation cannot be used to predict the relative benefits of different mineral supplements.

Efeito do balanço eletrolítico e subprodutos avícolas no desempenho de frangos de corte na fase inicial (1-21 dias de idade)

The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of the dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and poultry by-products for young broiler chicks (01 to 21 days of age). 1,500 one-day Cobb-Vantress chickens, distributed in a completely randomized design, in a factorial 2x5 (bowel meal-BM and feather meal-FM x DEB 205, 235, 265, 295 and 325mEq/kg), three repetitions and 50 birds each. There was not interaction between by-products and DEB, on the studied variables. The broilers fed with rations contend BM they presented better feed conversion ratio (FCR). The levels of DEB only influenced FCR, in a quadratic way and with point of minimum in 292mEq/kg, and litter humidity in a growing lineal way. It was concluded that BM provided better performance than FM and best DEB were 292mEq/kg, independent of the utilization of by-product, however, the increase of DEB shown elevated the litter moisture.

Dietary Lysine and Electrolyte Balance Do Not Interact to Affect Broiler Performance

The most limiting amino acids in poultry (methionine, lysine, and threonine) have become increasingly available for dietary supplementation at economical prices. This has given poultry nutritionists the opportunity to formulate low crude protein diets which more closely meet the birds’ amino acid needs while minimizing amino acid excesses. As crude protein is decreased, potassium is decreased, reducing dietary electrolyte balance (DEB). However, the interaction of low crude protein-amino acid supplemented diets and DEB with subclinical acidosis in broilers is poorly understood.This experiment evaluated two dietary levels of lysine (110 and 120% of NRC, 1994) and three DEB levels (180, 240, and 300 mEq/kg of diet) in commercial broilers from 1 to 35 days of age. Increasing dietary lysine to 120% of NRC recommendations improved 35 day broiler performance independent of DEB level.

Dietary arginine and lysine ratios in Large White toms. 2. Lack of interaction between arginine:lysine ratios and electrolyte balance

The effect of dietary Arg:Lys ratios and dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on growth and carcass parameters of Large White toms was evaluated in one experiment from 8 to 20 wk of age. Growth, feed conversion, and carcass composition were measured. All toms received a common basal diet from 0 to 8 wk of age. At 8 wk of age, 600 toms were randomly placed into 40 pens (15 toms per pen). The corn-soybean meal-based experimental diets were fed from 8 to 12, 12 to 16, and 16 to 20 wk of age and evaluated two Arg:Lys ratios (0.98 vs 1.22) and two DEB levels (148 vs 202 mEq/kg of diet) in a complete factorial arrangement. All experimental diets were pelleted. Composite samples of protein-contributing ingredients and complete experimental diets were analyzed for all amino acids, CP, DM, Cl, Na, and K. High and low average house temperature for the 8 to 20 wk period were 19 and 15 C, respectively. No interactions occurred between Arg:Lys ratios and DEB for any parameter measured except litter moisture. Increasing the Arg:Lys ratio improved 20-wk BW (P < or = 0.027) and 8 to 20 wk gain (P < or = 0.023). Feed:gain from 0 to 20 wk of age was decreased by increasing the Arg:Lys ratio (3.01 vs 2.94; P < or = 0.026) and by increasing the DEB (3.01 vs 2.95; P < or = 0.045). Dietary treatments did not affect mortality. Increasing DEB decreased cold carcass yield (P < or = 0.020). Total breast meat yield was increased (P < or = 0.076) by 1% in toms fed the diets containing the 1.22 Arg:Lys ratio vs toms fed diets containing the 0.98 Arg:Lys ratio. Toms responded favorably to increasing the Arg:Lys ratio for growth, feed conversion, and breast meat yield independent of DEB level.