Male Broiler Research Articles

The effect of peanut skins as a natural antimicrobial feed additive on ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens inoculated with Salmonella enterica Enteritidis

The consumption of poultry products contaminated with Salmonella species is one of the most common causes of Salmonella infections. In vivo studies demonstrated the potential application of peanut skins (PS) as an antimicrobial poultry feed additive to help mitigate the proliferation of Salmonella in poultry environments. Tons of PS, a waste by-product of the peanut industry, are generated and disposed in U.S. landfills annually. Peanut skins and extracts have been shown to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Hence, we aimed to determine the effect of PS as a feed additive on the gut microbiota of broilers fed a control or PS supplemented (4% inclusion) diet and inoculated with or without Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (SE). At hatch 160 male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: 1) CON-control diet without SE, 2) PS-PS diet without SE, 3) CONSE-control diet with SE, 4) PSSE-PS diet with SE. On d 3, birds from CONSE and PSSE treatments were inoculated with 4.2 × 109 CFU/mL SE. At termination (4 wk), 10 birds/treatment were euthanized and ileal and cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA analysis using standard methodologies. Sequencing data were analyzed using QIIME2. No effect of PS or SE was observed on ileal alpha and beta diversity, while evenness, richness, number of amplicon sequence variants (ASV) and Shannon, as well as beta diversity were significantly (P < 0.05) affected in ceca. Similarly, more differentially abundant taxa between treatment groups were identified in ceca than in ileum. However, more microbiota functional changes, based on the PICRUST2 prediction, were observed in ileum. Overall, relatively minor changes in microbiota were observed during SE infection and PS treatment, suggesting that PS addition may not attenuate the SE proliferation, as shown previously, through modulation of microbiota in gastrointestinal tract. However, while further studies are warranted, these results suggest that PS may potentially serve as a functional feed additive for poultry for improvement of animal health.

Nano-emulsified black soldier fly oil concerning performance traits, health, and immunity of broilers

In the antibiotic-free era, traditional antibiotics have been suggested as alternatives to antibiotic-based growth promoters. Among the various methods, self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are increasingly utilized to improve the bioavailability of oils containing essential substances. In this study, we evaluated the effects of black soldier fly oil (BSFO) SNEDDS in chicken drinking water on growth performance, small intestine histomorphology, and poultry health status. We divided 225 male Indian River strain broiler chickens into five treatment groups, each consisting of 5 replicates. The chickens were reared from to 0 to 35 d of age in a controlled environmental housing system. The BSFO SNEDDS was administered via drinking water. Treatments included ordinary drinking water (P1), bacitracin (P2), and 10 mL/L (P3), 20 mL/L (P4), and 30 mL/L (P5) BSFO SNEDDS. The observed parameters included growth performance, carcass yield, blood hematology, intestinal histomorphology, digestive microflora, and immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test. The results indicated that administering BSFO SNEDDS via drinking water improved feed conversion (P < 0.05), enhanced the performance index (P < 0.05), increased carcass percentage (P < 0.001), and increased the weight of the carcass parts. Additionally, it increased villus height (P < 0.01), lowered jejunal pH (P < 0.001), reduced pathogenic bacteria in the jejunum, and decreased the leukocyte count. BSFO SNEDDS in drinking water is expected to be used as a traditional antibiotic with the potential to replace synthetic antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens.

Impact of dietary fat types on expression levels of dopamine and serotonin transporters in the ileum of broiler chickens

Various types of dietary fats undergo distinct fermentation processes by gut microbes, potentially leading to the production of neurotransmitters that can influence the gut. Serotonin and dopamine are recognized neurotransmitters with positive effects on gut function. A broiler chicken trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary fat types on protein expression of 2 neurotransmitter transporters, dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (5-HTT). A total of 560 day-old (Ross 708) male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 7 dietary treatments. The experimental treatments included a basal diet of corn-soybean meal (SBM), supplemented with 3% of various fats: poultry fat (CON), olive oil (OLIV), fish oil (FISH), canola oil (CANO), lard (LARD), coconut oil (COCO), or flaxseed oil (FLAX). Bodyweight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Ileal tissues were aseptically collected to determine the expression levels of DAT and 5-HTT through western blot analysis. In addition, plasma samples were analyzed for reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) tests on d 55. Results showed that dietary fat type inclusion did not have any detrimental effect on growth performance parameters. The expression levels of DAT were higher (P < 0.05) in FLAX treatments compared to CON treatments on d 20 and d 55, respectively. Similarly, with 5-HTT levels, FLAX, CANO, and LARD treatments were higher (P < 0.05) than CON treatments on d 20 and d 55. However, higher levels of oxidative stress (d-ROM values) were recorded in COCO (32.75 Carr U), CANO (29 Carr U), and CON treatments (25.5 Carr U) compared to FLAX (18.5 Carr U; P < 0.05) treatment. These findings suggest that incorporating dietary flaxseed oil at a 3% level in the diet has significant potential to elevate the expression levels of intestinal DAT and 5-HTT without inducing oxidative stress.

Bile acids promote lipopolysaccharide clearance via the hepato-biliary pathway in broiler chickens

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acts as a trigger that disrupts metabolic functions and the immune system. While bile acids (BA) have detoxification and anti-inflammatory effects, their role in promoting LPS excretion in broiler chickens remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential of exogenous BA to enhance hepatic clearance of LPS and thereby potentially alleviate LPS-induced liver injury in broiler chickens. Forty-five 21-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group, which received daily intraperitoneal injections of a solvent for LPS treatment and a gavage solvent for BA treatment; the LPS group, which received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 mg/kg body weight LPS and a gavage solvent for BA treatment; the LPS + BA group, which received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 mg/kg body weight LPS and 60 mg/kg body weight BA by gavage. BA administered by gavage protected the broiler chickens from increases in liver and spleen indices, systemic inflammatory response, and hepatic damage induced by LPS. Hepatic clearance of LPS was enhanced, as evidenced by decreased serum LPS levels and accelerated excretion into the gallbladder. Additionally, the LPS-induced downregulation of detoxification genes, including those for the lipoprotein receptor and bile acids export pump, was reversed by BA administered by gavage. Furthermore, nuclear transcription factors such as the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Liver X receptor α (LXRα) were enhanced in BA-treated broiler chickens. These findings suggest that BA administration via gavage enhances hepatic LPS clearance through the upregulation of hepatic uptake and efflux proteins, likely mediated by the activation of nuclear transcription factors FXR and LXRα.

Impact of a 15% spirulina (Limnospira platensis) dietary inclusion on productive performance and meat traits in naked neck and fully feathered slow-growing broiler strains

Global population is rising, leading to higher demand for meat and concerns on environmental and economic impacts of conventional feedstuffs that corn and soybean meal have. Recently there has been a shift towards more sustainable feedstuffs such as Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) due to its nutritional value and ability to be produced locally. Consumer awareness prompts shifts towards free range poultry production but presents environmental challenges due to climate change. The naked neck (Na) gene, which reduces feather coverage, and enhances growth under adverse conditions offers a possible solution for improved welfare and efficiency. This study aims to investigate the impact of a diet with 15% Spirulina inclusion on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of two slow-growth broiler strains: naked neck (NN) and fully feathered (FF). Forty, 1-day-old male broilers, 20 per strain, were randomly assigned to either a control or a diet containing 15% Spirulina, housed individually in cages and fed ad libitum for 84 d. Growth, carcass, and meat traits were evaluated. Results indicated that animals fed a control diet generally outperformed those fed a Spirulina diet in final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion rate (FCR) (P < 0.001). Additionally, Spirulina incorporation led to an increase in the length of the gastrointestinal tract and digesta viscosity in the duodenum plus jejunum (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in breast muscle yield between dietary groups, SP-fed broilers had higher yellowness (*b) values in meat (P < 0.05). Except for the decrease in water holding capacity (WHC) observed in the NN group animals (P < 0.05), there were no significant differences between the strains for the remaining meat quality traits (P > 0.05). The 15% Spirulina inclusion increased the concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0.0001) in breast meat and decreased (P < 0.0001) nutritional ratios. Overall, under thermoneutral conditions, animals from the NN strain showed negative effects on growth parameters. Spirulina inclusion improved certain aspects of breast meat quality, particularly fatty acid profiles.

Dietary probiotic based on a dual-strain B. subtilis improves immunity, intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens.

The study investigated the effects of dietary probiotic of dual-strain Bacillus subtilis (BS) on production performance, intestinal barrier parameters, and microbiota in broiler chickens. In a randomized trial, male broiler chickens were allocated into three groups, a control group (basal diet), BS300 group (basal diet with 300mg/kg BS), and BS500 group (basal diet with 500mg/kg BS). The inclusion of 500mg/kg BS significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio by 4.55% during the starting phase. Both 300 and 500mg/kg BS supplementation increased jejunal villus height (by 17.89% and 24.8%, respectively) significantly and decreased jejunal crypt depth (by 27.2% and 31.9%, respectively) on day 21. The addition of 500mg/kg BS significantly elevated the gene expression of occludin on day 35. Moreover, BS supplementation enhanced cytokine levels and immunoglobulins in both serum and jejunal mucosa. Microbial analysis indicated that BS increased the abundance of potential probiotics (Sutterella) and butyrate-producing bacteria (Lachnoclostridium, Tyzzerella, Anaerostipes, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010). The abundances of Anaerostipes and Sutterella, are significantly correlated with growth performance and immune function. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with BS improved the growth performance, potentially through the regulation of immunity, intestinal barrier function, and microbiota in broilers. Notably, 500mg/kg of BS exhibited more benefits for broilers compared to the 300mg/kg.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and associated apoptosis are linked with the pathogenesis of white striping in broiler breast muscles

White striping (WS) that appears as white stripes parallel to the muscle fibrils is an emerging growth-related abnormality of broiler breast meat. The pathomechanism of this defect has not been fully understood despite intensive studies over the past decade. In the present study, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and its associated apoptotic pathways were investigated to elucidate the potential role of these pathways in the development of WS. To this end, a total of 60 Pectoralis major (Pm) muscle samples were collected from 55-d-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens according to the severity of gross WS lesions (normal, mild, and severe). Histopathological and molecular analyses were conducted to evaluate the lesions and genes involved in the ER stress and related apoptosis. All the Pm samples, both with and without macroscopic WS lesions, showed varying degrees of myodegenerative lesions. Molecular analysis revealed that the transcript abundances of many components related to protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme type 1 (IRE-1) signals of the ER stress response were significantly greater in severely WS-affected breast tissues compared to their mildly affected and normal counterparts. Similarly, the transcript abundances of apoptotic markers related to both signaling pathways were significantly greater in severe WS lesions than those of mildly affected and normal Pm tissues. Besides these, a significant increase in caspase-3 transcript abundance was seen in severe WS lesions in comparison with mild WS and normal breast muscles. Findings of this study suggest that ER stress response and its related apoptotic pathways are possibly activated in the breast muscle of broiler chickens with severe WS lesions. Based on these findings, it is speculated that ER stress-mediated apoptosis occupies a central role in the progression of WS in broiler chickens.

Effects of Sea-Buckthorn Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Serum Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier and Microbiota in LPS-Challenged Broilers.

The experiment investigated the effects of sea-buckthorn flavonoids (SF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups, with 6 replicates of 12 broilers each. The experiment lasted for 20 days. The diet included two levels of SF (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and broilers intraperitoneally injected with 500 μg/kg LPS on 16, 18, and 20 days, or an equal amount of saline. LPS challenge decreased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, increased feed-to-gain ratio, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, D-LA, and endotoxin levels. Moreover, it resulted in a reduction in the IL-10 level. LPS impaired the intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, down-regulated the mRNA relative expression of Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC-2 in the jejunum mucosa, up-regulated the mRNA relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and IL-1β, and increased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in broilers (p < 0.05). However, SF supplementation mitigated the decrease in growth performance, reduced serum IL-1β, IL-2, and D-LA levels, increased IL-10 levels, alleviated intestinal morphological damage, up-regulated mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1, down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-lβ in jejunum mucosal (p < 0.05), and SF supplementation presented a tendency to decrease the relative abundance of proteobacteria (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, incorporating SF can enhance the growth performance, alleviate serum inflammation, and improve the intestinal health of broilers, effectively mitigating the damage triggered by LPS-challenges.

Combined Effect of Nigella sativa and Kefir on the Live Performance and Health of Broiler Chickens Affected by Necrotic Enteritis.

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) are prevalent poultry ailments worldwide, leading to decreased live performance and elevated mortality rates without antibiotic usage. This study evaluated Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds (BCS) and kefir as alternatives to antibiotics for broilers. An in vivo study over a 28-day period, using 384 Cobb 500 male broilers organized into six treatment groups as part of a completely randomized block experimental design was conducted. Each treatment group included eight replicates, with each replicate containing eight birds. The treatments included positive control, negative control, antibiotic control, 5% BCS in feed, 20% kefir in drinking water, and a combination of 5% BCS and 20% kefir. NE was induced in broilers by administering ~5000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima orally on day 14, followed by inoculation with about 108 CFU/mL of Clostridium perfringens (Cp) (strain Cp#4) on days 19, 20, and 21. Live performance metrics including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were assessed in broilers. Additionally, NE disease outcomes such as lesion scores, mortality rates, and Cp populations in cecum were determined during the study. The BCS, kefir, and the combination had no detrimental effect on broiler live performance. BCS-treated and combination groups had lower NE scores (p > 0.05) in comparison to the positive control and exhibited no significant difference (p > 0.05) from antibiotic control. Additionally, treatment groups and antibiotic control were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in mortality, whereas the BCS and kefir combination significantly reduced (p < 0.05) mortality to 14.1% compared to 31.3% for the positive control. C. perfringens vegetative cells significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in treatments with BCS, kefir, and their combination on days 22 and 28 compared to the positive control. On day 22, Cp sores were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for the kefir and combination treatments compared to the positive control. In conclusion, BCS and kefir successfully reduced C. perfringens infection and mortality without any detrimental impact on broiler live performance with the combined treatment being the most effective. These results suggest that BCS and kefir could serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics in managing NE.

Assessment of Novel Protein Ingredient Arthrospira platensis and Soybean Genotype Amino Acid and Oil Selection Improvements on Broiler Performance for a 28–42 d Feeding Period

Two experiments were conducted to assess the efficiency of including the novel protein ingredient Arthrospira platensis or improved soybean meal in a broiler diet. The first experiment aimed to determine the feeding value of soybean meal produced from varieties of soybeans bred for increased amino acid content (SBAA) and improved oil content (SBO) compared to a conventional soybean variety in an ANOVA design fed to Cobb 500 female broilers for 28–42 d. The SBAA and SBO soybeans contained overall higher amino acid content and lower oligosaccharide content compared to the conventional soybean variety in addition to improved oil quality. The second experiment assessed the novel protein ingredient microalgae, Arthrospira platensis (algae), and was conducted to evaluate algae and corn distillers’ grain (DDGS) inclusion on broiler performance for a 28–42 d feeding period in Cobb CF05 male broilers with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment array. Prior to the experimental period, all birds were reared on common feeds. In Experiment 1, birds were fed a diet containing 20% inclusion of an experimental soybean source in the form of full-fat soybean meal. In Experiment 2, the four dietary treatments consisted of diets containing algae at inclusion levels of either 0 or 2% and DDGS at inclusion levels of 0% and 8%. Diets were fed to 288 female broilers (Experiment 1) and 384 male broilers (Experiment 2), placed in eight replicate pens of twelve birds, and live performance was assessed from d 28 to 42. At d 42, six birds from each pen were randomly selected and processed for evaluation of carcass traits and incidence of woody breast. For Experiment 1, all performance data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA using JMP Pro 16 software with diet as the fixed effect and block as a random effect. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. No significant responses were observed for any recorded measurement for live performance, carcass traits, or woody breast. All data in Experiment 2 were analyzed as a full factorial with a mixed model using JMP software with algae, DDGS, and algae × DDGS as fixed effects and block as a random effect. The F-protected Fisher’s LSD test was used to separate means when p ≤ 0.05. No significant responses were observed for the algae, DDGS, and algae × DDGS influences on BWG, FI, and FCR or processing characteristics; the ingredient source did not affect bird performance. Experimental soybean lines developed at the University of Arkansas were able to be incorporated into broiler diets without decreasing performance. Algae has the potential to be a protein-contributing ingredient for broilers.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Nitrogen Utilization, Serum Parameter, Protein Synthesis, and Amino Acid Metabolism of 1- to 10-Day-Old Male Broilers.

This research compared how different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) affect the growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameters, protein synthesis, and amino acid (AA) metabolism in broilers aged 1 to 10 days. In a 4 × 3 factorial experimental design, the broilers were fed four levels of dietary CP (20%, 21%, 22%, and 23%) and three levels of dietary AME (2800 kcal/kg, 2900 kcal/kg, and 3000 kcal/kg). A total of 936 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 12 treatments with 6 replications each. Growth performance, nitrogen utilization, serum parameter, gene expression of protein synthesis, and AA metabolism were evaluated at 10 d. The results revealed no interaction between dietary CP and AME levels on growth performance (p > 0.05). However, 22% and 23% CP enhanced body weight gain (BWG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), total CP intake, and body protein deposition but had a detrimental effect on the protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to 20% or 21% CP (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg AME showed increased feed intake (FI) and inferior PER (p < 0.05). Broilers fed diets with 3000 kcal/kg AME showed decreased muscle mRNA expression of mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and Atrogin-1 compared to those fed diets with 2800 kcal/kg and 2900 kcal/kg AME (p < 0.05). Increasing dietary CP level from 20% to 23% decreased muscle mTOR and increased S6K1 mRNA expression, respectively (p < 0.05). The muscle mRNA expression of Atrogin-1 was highest for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) and Liver alanine aminotransferase of the 22% and 23% CP groups were higher than those of 20% CP (p < 0.05). Significant interactions between dietary CP and AME levels were observed for muscle AMPK and liver lysine-ketoglutarate reductase (LKR) and branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Dietary AME level had no effect on muscle AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 21% and 22% CP diets (p > 0.05), whereas increasing dietary AME levels decreased AMPK mRNA expression for broilers fed 23% CP diets (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of LKR and BCKDH was highest for broilers fed the diet with 2800 kcal/kg AME and 22% CP, while it was lowest for broilers fed the diet with 3000 kcal/kg AME and 20% CP. The findings suggest that inadequate energy density hindered AA utilization for protein synthesis, leading to increased AA catabolism for broilers aged 1 to 10 days, and a dietary CP level of 22% and an AME level of 2900 to 3000 kcal/kg may be recommended based on performance and dietary protein utilization.

Effect of Dosing Different Levels of Nano-Curcumin on Some Histological Traits of Testicles of Broiler Breeders Cocks

This experiment was conducted in the poultry fields of the Department of Animal Production / College of Agriculture / Al-Qasim Green University from 11/1/2023 until 1/30/2024 for a period of 13 weeks. The experiment was conducted using 20 male broiler mothers and was randomly distributed into four treatments. Each treatment consisted of five replicates, one rooster for each replicate. The experimental treatments were as follows: the first treatment was control without dosing and addition, the second treatment was a dose of 20 mg/day, the third treatment was a dose of 25 mg/day, and the fourth treatment was a dose of 30 mg/day. The study aims to know the changes that occur in the testicular tissue of male broiler breeders when dosed with nano-curcumin on a daily basis. The results of this experiment showed an improvement in some components of testicular tissue for patients dosed with nano-cumin. We conclude from the results of the experiment that nano-curcumin can improve the testicular tissue characteristics of male broiler breeders Ross308.

Pellet die thickness and a commercial throughput agent interacted to demonstrate that high frictional heat increased apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, but did not influence trypsin inhibitor activity or male broiler performance

Pellet die thickness and a commercial throughput agent interacted to demonstrate that high frictional heat increased apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, but did not influence trypsin inhibitor activity or male broiler performance

Possibilities of Inclusion of corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) alone or in combination with Probiotic as Broiler Feed Ingredient

In the production of the ethanol from cereal grains, besides the main product which is ethanol, there are olso very valuable by-product that can be used as animal feed. The dried distilled grains with solubles (DDGS) is quite rich in protein and other nutrients. With the ever-increasing cost of soybeans and corn, many scientists are studying the possibilities of using DDGS in poultry nutrition. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of including corn DDGS and corn DDGS and probiotic in compound feeds on productive, slaughter performance and some meat physicochemical parameters of broiler chickens under floor-rearing conditions. The experiment included 3 treatments (T), namely T1: the control group received a balanced compound feed, according to the requirements of the hybrid, without the participation of corn DDGS, T2: the diett contained 15% corn DDGS and T3: the dietts contained 15% corn DDGS and supplemented 500g probiotic/ton of feed. Each experiment had 20 one-day-old sexed male Ross-308 broiler chickens, replicated 3 times, and ended when the chickens were 35 days old. The results shown that diets T2 and T3 did not positively affect the weight development of chicks compared to T1 (the control group). At 35 days old, chicken weight from the control group outperformed the two experimental groups: by 8.45% in the T3 (corn DDGS and probiotic) and by 11.76% in the T2 (corn DDGS) at P&lt;0.05. Differences in feed consumption per 1 kg of growth over the 35-day fattening period between the control and experimental groups were small and statistically unproven. Feeding diets with 15% DDGS from corn significantly reduced carcass weight, grill, thight and wing weight in broiler chickens. There were no significant differences in slaughter yield between the study groups. Diets T2 and T3 improved the water holding capacity (WHC %) of breast meat in broilers (at P&lt; 0.001). The lowest loss in thermal processing (cooking) was observed in breast and thigh meat of chickens fed the diets with 15% corn DDGS and probiotic (P&lt;0.05).

Effects of oregano and/or rosemary extracts on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, cecal bacteria, tight junction proteins, and antioxidants-related genes in heat-stressed broiler chickens

The study examined the impact of adding oregano extract and/or rosemary to broiler diets to counteract the growth inhibition caused by heat stress (HS). It also investigated the effects on the activity of digestive enzymes, microbiological composition, and the expression of antioxidant and tight junction-related proteins. Three hundred- and fifty-day-old male broilers, were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups, with each group comprising 5 replicates, and each replicate containing 10 chicks in a cage. The diets were: 1) a basal diet, 2) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of rosemary, 3) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of rosemary, 4) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of oregano, 5) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of oregano, 6) a combination diet containing 50 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano, and 7) a combination diet containing 100 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano. Dietary oregano extract enhanced the growth and feed utilization of heat-stressed birds, especially at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. Moreover, oregano extract improved jejunal protease and amylase activities. The extracts of rosemary and oregano significantly reduced IgG and IgM levels. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly upregulated intestinal integrity-related genes including jejunal CLDNI, ZO-1, ZO-2, and MUC2. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly downregulated hepatic NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expressions. Our results suggest that incorporating oregano leaf extract into the diet at a concentration of 50 mg/kg improves the growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress. This improvement could be attributed to enhanced gut health and the modulation of genes associated with oxidative stress and tight junction proteins.

A comparative study between curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles on reproductive performance and antioxidant system of aged roosters

Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant status can result in reduced reproductive activity and fertility in aged male broiler breeders. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of curcumin supplements (natural or nanoparticles) on the sperm characteristics, antioxidant system, fertility, and hatchability of aged roosters (54-64 wk), and to estimate the relative bioavailability value (RBV) of nano-curcumin on the measured parameters including the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), motility, viability, sperm count, volume, the concentration of testosterone, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), diameter of the spermatogenic tube (DST), epithelium thickness (EpiTh), spermatogonia count (SPcount), fertility, hatchability, and relative weight of testis (RW-testis). A total of 30 roosters were individually caged and randomly assigned to 5 treatments comprising control (without curcumin as the basal diet), basal diet + 15 mg/kg curcumin (CUR15), basal diet + 30 mg/kg curcumin (CUR30), basal diet + 15 mg/kg nano-curcumin (Nano15), and basal diet + 30 mg/kg nano-curcumin (Nano30) for 10 wk. The slope ratio method was used to estimate the bioavailability of nano-curcumin by regressing each response on supplemental curcumin intake. Increasing dietary curcumin (P < 0.001) elicited a linear response to all studied traits. The RBV for volume, viability, motility, HOST, RW-testis, and GPx were estimated as 135 (CI: 115-156%), 143 (CI: 114-173%), 159 (CI: 122-196%), 132 (CI: 107-157%), 195 (CI: 126-264%), 176 (CI: 103-249%), and 178% (28-328%), respectively. Our findings revealed that curcumin nanoparticles enhance the reproductive efficiency of aged breeder roosters. In addition, the curcumin nanoparticles RBV exceeded that of natural curcumin, suggesting that lower concentrations of curcumin nanoparticles could have a significant effect on reproductive characteristics.

Inclusion of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ15 in broiler diets induces changes in jejunal immune cell population and cecal microbiota.

The objective was to investigate growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, immune cell distribution, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile, and microbiota in broiler chickens fed a diet containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ15. A total of 120 1-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 2 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. A control group was fed a corn-soybean meal control diet, and an NSMJ15-supplemented group was fed a control diet supplemented with 1 g/kg L. paracasei NSMJ15 at the expense of cornstarch. Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates with 10 birds per cage. Growth performance was recorded on day 9. On day 10, one bird representing median body weight was selected to collect serum for antioxidant enzyme activity, jejunal tissue for immune cell isolation and morphometric analysis, and cecal digesta for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and SCFA analysis. Supplementation of L. paracasei NSMJ15 did not affect growth performance, serum antioxidant enzyme activity, and jejunal histomorphology compared to the control group. In the NSMJ15-supplemented group, the population of CD3+CD4+CD8- T cells increased (p = 0.010), while the population of CD3+CD8+TCRγδ+ T cells decreased (p = 0.022) compared to the control group. The L. paracasei NSMJ15 supplementation decreased (p = 0.022) acetate concentration in the cecal digesta compared to the control group. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that NSMJ15-supplemented group differentially expressed (p<0.05) 10 more amplicon sequence variants compared to control group without affecting alpha and beta diversity indices of the cecal microbiota. Genera Mediterraneibacter and Negativibacillus were positively (p<0.05) correlated with CD4+ T cells, while genera Gemmiger, Coprococcus, Sellimonas, Massilimicrobiota, and Blautia were negatively (p<0.05) correlated with SCFA concentration. The results of the present study suggest dietary L. paracasei NSMJ15 supplementation may increase percentage of CD4+ T cells and decrease acetate concentration in broiler chickens by increasing the differential expression of specific microbial genera.

Inclusion of slowly digestible starch source is a promising strategy than reducing starch to protein ratio in low protein broiler diets

The present study investigated the effects of low protein diets with different starch sources and starch to protein ratio on growth, digestibility, intestinal health, caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), serum cholesterol and triglycerides in broiler chickens. Eight hundred one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments with 10 repeats and 20 birds in each repeat. The dietary treatment included 1) a standard protein corn-SBM based diet (SP), 2) a low protein corn-SBM based diet (LPI) without reduced starch: protein ratio, 3) a low protein corn-SBM based diet (LPII) with reduced starch: protein ratio, and 4) a low protein corn-SBM-peas based diet (LPP) and reduced starch: protein ratio. Soy hulls were added in the LPII and LPP diets to reduce starch: protein ratio. During the experiment period from 11-24 d, FI was not affected by the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The BWG was significantly reduced in the LPI diet compared to the SP diet (P < 0.05). Likewise, FCR deteriorated in LPI and LPII but was better in the SP diet followed by the LPP diet (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) varied significantly among the dietary treatments (P < 0.01). While ATTD of starch was similar for all the diets except the LPP diet wherein the ATTD of starch was significantly lower (P < 0.001). Ether extract digestibility was also significantly different between the SP and LPII dietary treatments (P < 0.01). The AME and AMEn values were also significantly lower in the LPP diet compared with other dietary treatments (P < 0.001). Nitrogen retention (%) was increased in all the LP diets compared with the SP diet (P < 0.001), but it was significantly better in both LPII and LPP diets compared to the LPI diet. The data showed that cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production was increased in the LPII and LPP compared to the SP and LPI diets (P < 0.001). Further, the production of acetic, butyric, and propionic acids was substantially higher in the LPP diet (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in gene expression of Claudin-1 and ZO-1 (P > 0.05). However, MUC-2 and GLUT-1 gene expression were significantly downregulated in the LPI diet (P < 0.05). The concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly increased in the LPI diet (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the addition of peas as a slowly digestible starch source combined with soy hulls in low protein diet helped to partly recover the growth performance and improved cecal SCFAs production compared to other low protein diets with and without reduced starch: protein ratio in broiler chickens.

Effects of Tryptophan Supplementation in Diets with Different Protein Levels on the Production Performance of Broilers.

Tryptophan plays an important role in the pig industry but has the potential to improve performance in the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tryptophan supplementation in diets with different protein levels on the feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (F/G) of broilers. A total of 180 twenty-one-day-old broilers (half male and half female) were weighed and randomly allocated to twelve groups, with six male and six female groups. Each group consisted of 15 broilers. The broilers were fed low- (17.2%), medium- (19.2%), or high- (21.2%) protein diets with or without extra tryptophan (up to 0.25%) during the 28-day experiment. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly during the trial period. Male broilers fed a medium-protein diet containing more tryptophan showed a lower F/G. In the low-protein diet groups, additional tryptophan caused a significant reduction in the feed intake of female broilers during the first two weeks. Moreover, the serum GLP-1, cholesterol, and bile acid levels, as well as the expression of FXR mRNA in the ileum, were significantly increased. Additionally, the FXR mRNA in the hypothalamus and the GCG and GLP-1R mRNAs in the ileum tended to increase in these broilers. In summary, the tryptophan concentration in the diet can influence the feed intake and metabolism of broilers. Under a standard diet, an appropriate amount of tryptophan is beneficial to the F/G of male broilers, while under a low-protein diet, tryptophan supplementation may cause a short-term reduction in the feed intake of female broilers by increasing serum GLP-1 and bile acid signals.

Distinct patterns of feed intake and their association with growth performance in broilers

Improving feed utilization is a vital strategy to meet the growing global demand for meat and promote sustainable food production. Over the past few decades, significant improvements in the feed intake (FI) and feed utilization efficiency of broilers have been achieved through advanced breeding procedures, although dynamic changes in FI and their effects on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) have remained unclear. In this study, we measured individual weekly FI and body weight of 274 male broilers to characterize the dynamic FI patterns and investigate their relationship with growth performance. The broilers were from 2 purebred lines and their crossbreed and measurements were collected from 4 to 6 wk of age. Overall, a continuous increase in the weekly FI occurred from 4 to 6 wk of age, whereas the body weight gain (BWG) reached an inflection point in wk 5. The dynamic change in weekly FI was observed to follow 3 distinct FI patterns: pattern 1, a continuous weekly increase in FI; pattern 2, an increase followed by a plateau; pattern 3, an increase followed by a decrease. The prevalence of these patterns was similar in the purebred and crossbred populations: pattern 2 was most frequent, followed by a moderate proportion of pattern 1, and the lowest proportion of pattern 3. Broilers following pattern 1 displayed significantly better growth performance and feed utilization efficiency than those following pattern 3, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good appetite in the last stage of broiler production. In summary, this study has characterized the dynamic patterns of FI and their association with growth performance. Our results offer a new foundation for improving feed utilization efficiency and investigating feeding regulation in broilers.