Male Chicks Research Articles

Advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Eimeria-infected broilers by modulating NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways

This study investigated the effects of substituting inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) in broiler chicken feed on productive performance, metabolic profile, humoral immunity, antioxidant status, and modulation of NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mixed Eimeria species exposure. The study involved 480 newly hatched male broiler chickens, which were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 6 replicate cages and 16 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included an uninfected negative control group fed a basal diet with recommended inorganic TM levels (NC), an infected positive control group fed the same diet (PC), a PC group supplemented with salinomycin (SAL), and two PC groups in which the basal diet was replaced with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of inorganic TM (ACTM50 and ACTM100, respectively). All groups, except for the NC group, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria species oocysts on day 14. According to the results, the PC group showed lower feed intake, breast yield, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, lactobacillus spp. counts, and serum IgG levels, but higher jejunal TGF-β expression versus the NC group. The broilers in the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups showed higher body weight gain, carcass yield, and TGF-β expression, but lower serum alkaline phosphatase activity, ileal E. coli count, and jejunal expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, Nrf2, and SOD1 compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest body weight gain and lowest IL-1β and Nrf2 expression levels. Furthermore, the administration of ACTM100 treatment improved feed efficiency, increased serum iron, zinc, manganese, and copper levels, enhanced total antioxidant capacity and different antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM with ACTM effectively protects broilers from Eimeria infection, with similar positive effects to SAL treatment in terms of productive performance and anti-inflammatory responses and better antioxidant responses and mineral availability.

Assessment of two diet types in reduced-crude protein diets with or without phytase supplementation – implications on key phenotypic responses in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Two concurrent experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of using the crude protein (CP) value of supplemental amino acids (AA) in formulating reduced-crude protein (RCP) diets. The RCP diets formulated without accounting for CP values of supplemental AA (RCPN) or otherwise (RCPY) or a positive control (PC) diet were fed without (Experiment 1) or with (Experiment 2) phytase. 2. Each experiment utilised 105 male broiler chicks. Birds were provided a common starter diet from d 0–7. On d 21, ileal digesta were collected from the distal half of the ileum. For mRNA expression analysis, tissues were collected from the mid-jejunum and the liver. Excreta grab samples were collected for analysis for N content. 3. In Experiment 1, there was a stepwise decrease (p < 0.01) in weight gain and excreta N for birds receiving PC, RCPN and RCPY diets. The coefficients of ileal digestibility of His, Leu, Phe and Trp were greater (p < 0.05) in birds that received RCPY rather than the PC diets. The relative mRNA expression of CAT1 was greater (p < 0.05) for birds that received the PC diet. 4. In Experiment 2, growth performance and excreta N were not different between the PC and RCPN diets, but weight gain, feed intake and excreta N were greater (p < 0.01) in birds receiving PC or RCPN diets. The coefficients of digestibility were greater (p < 0.01) in RCP than PC diets for Lys, Thr, Cys, Gly and Ser. The mRNA expression for S6kinase and PRKAβ2 was greater (p < 0.05) for birds fed RCPN compared to PC. 5. In conclusion, accounting for the N content of supplemental AA during feed formulation for RCP diets will influence the effect of CP reduction on growth performance and ileal amino acid digestibility.

Optimizing dietary energy and amino acid densities in male broiler chickens: Impacts on performance, cost efficiency, and carcass quality

Optimizing dietary energy and amino acid densities in male broiler chickens: Impacts on performance, cost efficiency, and carcass quality

Effects of low energy diets supplemented with emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding an emulsifier to energy-deficient diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 540 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 4 pens and 15 broiler chickens/pen for 6 wk. Nine treatments consisted of 3 inclusion rates of emulsifier (0, 250, and 500 mg kg-1) and the standard, moderate, and low energy concentrations [45 and 90, 60 and 105, and 75 and 120 kcal apparent metabolizable energy (AME)/kg less for the moderate- and low-energy concentrations than the standard energy requirements during the starter (d 0 to 10), grower (d 10 to 24), and finisher (d 24 to 42) phases, respectively]. The average daily weight gain (ADWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were recorded in the starter, grower, finisher, and total rearing (d 0 to 42) phases and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. The AME, digestibility of crude protein (CP), lipid, and organic matter (OM) of experimental diets, were determined from d 5 to 10 and from d 35 to 40. Broiler chickens fed moderate- or low-energy diets containing emulsifier showed greater ADWG and LBW, than those fed the standard diets along with lower FCR, compared to the same diets without emulsifier (P < 0.05). Live body weight increased, while both ADFI and FCR decreased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). Broiler chickens fed moderate-energy diets with 500 mg emulsifier /kg or low-energy diets containing 250 mg emulsifier /kg had greater villus height compared to those fed other diets (P < 0.05). The addition of emulsifiers to diets led to a linear increase in villus height, epithelium height, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). In moderate- and low-energy diets, the inclusion of emulsifiers resulted in greater AME and digestibility of lipid and OM (P < 0.05). The AME and digestibility of lipid and OM increased linearly and quadratically with an increase in emulsifier inclusion rate in the diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of emulsifier at a rate at least 250 mg kg-1 to moderate- or low-energy diets during the starter, growth, and finisher phases can enhance broiler chicken performance by improving the histological characteristics of small intestine and enhancing lipid digestibility.

Sex Chromatin in New Hampshire Cocks

Sex chromatin (SC) is defined as inactive X chromosome in the female somatic cells, it condensed as heterochromatic at interphase of the nucleus and appears like nuclear satellite projection, and only female cells contain SC in mammals. Different ages of cocks: immature (8,16 weeks old), growing (24 weeks old) and production age (32,48 weeks old) , were studied to detect the sex chromatin (SC) with it's various shapes :Sessile nodule(SS), Drum stick(DS), Tear drop(TD) and Club shape(CS) in the blood lymphocytes of blood smears prepared from WBCs of 45 New Hampshire(NH) strain cocks. Also SC measurements were detected which include: vertical (V) and horizontal (H) axes, SC area (SCA), nuclear area (NA), and the ratio(R) between these two areas. . Results show that SC is present in the male chicken blood lymphocytes in all ages. There is no significant difference in the incidence of the SC or its various measurements between ages, but the vertical axis was recorded a significant (P

Attenuating susceptibility to ascites in cold-stressed broiler chickens fed canola meal-based diets by supplementing arginine or guanidinoacetic acid, either alone or in combination with phenylalanine.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of arginine (ARG) or guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), with or without phenylalanine (PHE), on the ascites susceptibility in the cold-stressed broilers fed canola meal (CM)-based diet. A total of 450 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 30 floor pens with 6 replications for each of the 5 treatments. The dietary treatments were as follows: CM-based diet (control), CM-based diet+2.57g/kg ARG, CM-based diet+1.8g/kg GAA, CM-based diet+2.57g/kg ARG+1.5g/kg PHE and CM-based diet+1.8g/kg GAA+1.5g/kg PHE. The groups experienced cold stress induction starting at 32°C on day one, with gradual reductions to 15°C on days 21. The temperature was then held at 15°C for the remainder of the experiment. The supplements ARG+PHE and GAA+PHE resulted in improved feed conversion ratios (FCR) when compared to the control group. In comparison with the control group, supplementation of ARG and ARG+PHE decreased the ascites mortality by increasing the plasma nitric oxide level (NO), blood O2 partial pressure, blood O2 saturation (SO2), and decreasing the blood CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) and right ventricle to total ventricle (RV:TV) ratio. Supplementation of GAA and GAA+PHE also declined ascites mortality by reducing blood PCO2 while increasing blood SO2 and plasma NO levels. Although plasma corticosterone level and RV:TV ratio were similar between the GAA and control groups, adding GAA+PHE significantly reduced both compared to the control group. In summary, supplementing cold-stressed broiler chicken diets with 2.57g/kg ARG may alleviate hypertension. Additionally, 1.8g/kg GAA proves to be an effective substitute for dietary ARG in low-ARG diets, alleviating adverse effects from cold stress. Proper PHE formulation, at 1.5g/kg in this study, is crucial when using ARG and GAA supplements.

Potential benefits of advanced chelate-based trace minerals in improving bone mineralization, antioxidant status, immunity, and gene expression modulation in heat-stressed broilers.

Organic sources of trace minerals (TM) in broiler diets are more bioavailable and stable than inorganic sources, making them particularly beneficial during challenging periods such as heat stress (HS) conditions. A 42-d study investigated the effects of using advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) or adding varying amounts of ACTM to broiler diets during HS conditions. The study involved 672 male broiler chickens in 7 treatment groups, including a thermoneutral control (TNC) group and six HS treatments. There were 8 replicate pens per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. The six HS treatments included birds exposed to a cyclic HS environment (34°C) for 8 h and were as follows: HSC, which consisted of the same basal diet with the recommended ITM levels; ACTM50 and ACTM100, which replaced the basal diet with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of ITM; ITM+ACTM12.5 and ITM+ACTM25, which involved adding extra ACTM to the ITM basal diet at 12.5% and 25%, respectively; and ITM125, which used 125% of the recommended levels of ITM in the basal diet. Compared with the HSC treatment, the TNC, ACTM100, and ITM+ACTM25 treatments resulted in increased (P < 0.05) body weight; tibia weight; tibia ash, phosphorus, iron, and manganese contents; secondary antibody titers; and serum TAC and SOD values but decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA concentrations and the expression levels of the hepatic genes IL-1β, IL-6, and INF-γ. The TNC and ACTM100 groups also showed greater (P < 0.05) feed efficiency, tibia length, tibia zinc content, and hepatic SOD1 expression but exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) hepatic NF-kB expression. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in primary anti-NDV titers, serum GPx1 activity, and Nrf2 and GPx1 gene expression levels were also detected in the ACTM100, ITM+ACTM12.5, and ITM+ACTM25 groups. In conclusion, the findings suggest that replacing ITM with ACTM or adding ACTM to ITM diets, especially at a 25% higher dose, can effectively protect broilers from heat stress by promoting growth, reducing inflammation, and increasing the expression of antioxidant proteins.

Effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and high phytase doses on performance, vitamin D status, bone mineralization, and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase gene expression of broilers

The use of exogenous phytase and vitamin D3 metabolites such as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) for poultry is well consolidated, but the potential for additive effects when supplementing both requires further investigation. This study investigated possible interactions between supplementation of 25-OH-D3 and high doses of phytase for broilers fed Ca− and P-deficient diets. A total of 1 200 one-d-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated from one of four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: 600 or 2 000 phytase units (FYT)/kg and with or without the inclusion of 25-OH-D3 at 69 µg/kg, with 12 replicates of 25 broilers each. Two feeding phases were stablished (1-to-21 and 22-to-42 d) and all diets contained commercial levels of vitamin D3 (100 µg/kg) with total Ca and available P respectively set to 0.6 and 0.3%. Supplementation with 25-OH-D3 increased body weight gain (BWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 1 to 21 d (P < 0.05), as well as increased BWG from 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05). Serum 25-OH-D3 levels at 21 and 42 d were increased with 25-OH-D3 (P < 0.001). Phytase did not affect growth performance from 1 to 21 d, but a higher dose (2 000 FYT/kg) reduced feed intake and FCR from 22 to 42 d compared to 600 FYT/kg, also reducing FCR in the total period (P < 0.05). Expression of the mechanistic target of rapamycin mRNA in breast muscle assessed at 42 d was enhanced with 2 000 FYT/kg (P < 0.001). Bone weight, bone contents of ash, Ca, and P, and bone breaking strength of tibia bone measured at 42 d were not affected by any dietary treatment. Although both additives are known to improve dietary Ca and P utilization, there were no detected additive or synergic effects. The results suggested that the inclusion of 25-OH-D3 and phytase combined with regular vitamin D3 levels can help minimize losses of performance and bone mineralization of broilers fed Ca- and P-deficient diets. Furthermore, vitamin D status is refined with dietary 25-OH-D3 and potential improvements on breast meat yield can be obtained with a high phytase dose of 2 000 FYT/kg.

The effect of protease supplementation in broiler chicken diets containing maize from different batches on growth performance and nutrient digestibility

Maize is the primary energy source in poultry diets. Nutritional and physical traits related to maize composition can affect nutrient utilization, as well as the efficacy of exogenous enzymes. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize from different batches and protease supplementation on growth performance and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens from 1 to 40 days of age. A total of 1 920-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were assigned in a complete randomized design distributed into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising maize from two different batches (A and B) without and with protease (0 and 200 g/t), totaling 4 treatments and 12 replicates of 40 broiler chickens each. Experimental diets were divided into starter, grower I, grower II, and finisher phases. Both maize types were analyzed for nutritional composition, hardness, and structural differences in the starch granules via scanning electron microscopy. Feed intake, weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. Ileal digesta was collected at 35 days to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, CP, and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Hardness was higher in maize grains from batch A (P < 0.05), which may be associated with the denser and compact starch granules observed in electron microscopy. Broiler chickens fed maize from batch B and supplemented with protease showed greater WG and better FCR from 9 to 19 days (P < 0.05). From 1 to 40 days, birds fed the maize B diet had greater WG and lower FCR compared to those fed the maize A diet (P < 0.05). In the total period, protease supplementation reduced FCR (P < 0.01). No differences were found for AID of DM and CP, but broilers fed maize B diets had greater IDE (P < 0.05). In conclusion, although nutrient ileal digestibility was unaffected by treatments, the use of maize B led to superior growth performance and energy utilization due to its softer endosperm and starch composition, and protease supplementation reduced FCR and increased IDE regardless of maize batch.

On-farm multi-location testing of synthetic dual-purpose chicken breed (DZ-white) at Lowland area of Kaffa Zone of Ethiopia

A study evaluated synthetic dual purpose DZ-white’s adaptability and production performance in lowland agro-ecology. A total of 900 day-old chicks were distributed to fifteen (15) participant farmers (sixty chicks per farmer). Vaccines for Newcastle and Gumboro were administered as per veterinarian recommendations. Initially, chicks were supplemented with commercial feed and gradually shifted to locally available feed resources. Data on body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight and farmers’ perception were recorded. On average, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 331.2 grams and 273.3 grams per chicken, respectively. Moreover, in the present study, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 1541.3 grams and 476.9 grams per chicken, respectively. The result also showed that an average egg weight at initial laying stage 5%, 50% and peak production stage were 44.09 grams, 48.33 grams and 55.45 grams, respectively. In the current study, chickens produced 296 eggs annually. Based on the adaptability, production performance and social acceptance, participant farmers preferred synthetic dual purpose DZ- white chicken breed to commonly used local and exotic breeds. As a result of their moderate growth and production performance, scavenging ability and social acceptance, demonstration and scaling up of the breed in the rural smallholder production system are highly recommended.

Effects of Carica Papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on the Production Performance of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: Poultry feed management requires novel dietary additives to enhance chicken performance and manage feed availability. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on different growth indicators, such as body weight, carcass yield, feed intake, and conversion rate of Bovans brown male broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A randomized complete block design with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used to study the effect of the combination supplementation of the 10% CPL with FW at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Both additives combination treatment was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, a total of 160-day-old male Bovans brown broilers with 39-40g body weight were used in the current study. The duration of the study was 20 days (from the 16th to 35th days of age). Results: Studies have revealed that CPL negatively impacted the final body weight, whereas FFW positively influenced feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Moreover, 15% of FFW supplementation resulted in noteworthy increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control group, with significant interactions identified between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW had an impact on the weights of edible visceral organs. The palatability of meat quality assessment showed no significant difference among the treatments. Adding CPL and FFW increased weights and profits, with the best rate of intake observed in broilers given the standard diet plus 15% of FFW supplementation. Conclusion: These results indicated that using CPL and FFW at 10% and 15%, respectively was a financially feasible approach to improve broiler development, carcass quality, and profitability while capitalizing on nutritional advantages and reducing environmental waste.

Fermented but Not Irradiated Cottonseed Meal Has the Potential to Partially Substitute Soybean Meal in Broiler Chickens.

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with untreated cottonseed meal (CSM), fermented CSM (FCSM), or electron beam-irradiated CSM (ICSM) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and excreta gas emission of broiler chickens. A total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, with eight replicates per diet and 12 birds per replicate, for six weeks. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on corn-SBM and three other diets in which 50% of the SBM (control) was substituted with CSM in its raw, irradiated, and fermented forms. The results showed that throughout the entire rearing period, feeding broiler chickens with ICSM significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) compared to the CSM diet (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% of SBM with FCSM led to a significant improvement in BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CSM and ICSM diets (p < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant differences in BW, ADG, or FCR were observed between birds fed FCSM and those on the control diet (p > 0.05). Birds fed FCSM diets exhibited the lowest pH value in the crop, ileum, and ceca. Substituting SBM with FCSM significantly reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. counts in the ceca, while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). The AID of protein and ether extract was higher in the FCSM group than in the CSM and ICSM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CSM diet, ICSM feeding improved protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens on the FCSM diet exhibited higher intestinal amylase and protease activity than those on the other diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding diets containing FCSM significantly reduced ammonia emissions compared to the other diets (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that microbial fermentation of CSM is a more effective approach than irradiation for enhancing the nutritional value of CSM. Therefore, FCSM is recommended as a viable alternative protein source that can safely replace up to 50% of SBM in broiler chicken diets, particularly during times of fluctuating SBM prices and availability issues.

Interactive effects of dietary energy levels with amino acid density on growth performance and optimal digestible Lys to energy ratio of male broiler chickens

A total of 2,400 day-old off-sex male Ross 308 chicks were used in a 4 × 3 factorial array (8 replicates with 25 birds per replicate) to determine the interactive effects of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and amino acid (AA) densities on productive traits of broiler chickens reared to 42 d of age. The experimental factors were 4 ME levels (control, -50, -100, -150 kcal) and 3 digestible AA levels (control, +3.0 and +6.0%). Diets were fed for starter (0-10 d), grower (11-24 d), finisher (25-35 d), and withdrawal (36-42 d) phases, with consistent reduction of ME and increase in AA density for each phase. Overall, ME reduction did not compromise final body weight (BW; d 42). However, when ME was reduced by 50 kcal, only the diets with +6% AA density improved BW, resulting in an interaction between ME and AA levels (P < 0.05). Reducing ME and increasing AA densities independently increased total feed intake (P < 0.01). An interaction between ME and AA density on feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed where increasing AA density at both +3.0 and +6.0% levels at control ME reduced FCR, but with reduced ME diets, FCR was reduced only at +6% AA density (P < 0.01). Quadratic broken line models estimated a digestible Lys to ME ratio (mg Lys/1,000 kcal ME) of 474 and 407 in starter and grower diets, respectively, to optimize both BW and FCR. However, in finisher phase a ratio of 363 could only be predicted for optimal FCR and in withdrawal a ratio of 349 to optimize BW. In summary, these results indicate that the interaction between ME and AA densities affects the productive traits of broiler chickens. Increasing AA density at control ME density improves FCR, while reduced ME diets require higher AA density to improve FCR. Quadratic broken line models suggest specific digestible Lys to ME ratios for optimizing BW and FCR across different phases of the production cycle.

Malva sylvestris leaf powder as a feed additive affects the performance, carcass traits, meat quality attributes, serum antioxidants, stress physiology, intestinal bacterial counts, and gut morphology of broiler chicken.

This study investigated the effect of supplementation of Malva sylvestris leaf powder (MSLP) on the production performance of broiler chicken. Ven Cobb broiler chicks (240 day-old male chicks) were distributed randomly into four treatments, each replicated four times, with 15 birds per replicate. The diets formulated were T1 (control) given basal diet only, T2 (basal diet +1.0% MSLP), T3 (basal diet +1.5% MSLP), and T4 (basal diet +2.0% MSLP). The highest improvement of 3.83% in the average daily gain (ADG) was recorded in the T3 group fed 1.5% Malva powder in the diet compared to the control (P = 0.009). The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to decrease with an increase in the dose of MSLP in the diet, with the lowest feed intake in the T4 group fed 2% MSLP. During the overall period (7-42days), the feed/gain (F/G) ratio reduced significantly (P = 0.048) in the T3 and T4 groups compared to the control. The dressed and breast meat yield was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T3 group, with no significant change (P > 0.05) in the thigh yield. The changes in the pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat were found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) between the control and various other treatments. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the T3 and T4 groups. There was no negative effect of including MSLP in the diet on the color coordinates of breast meat among different treatments. Compared to the control, the serum immunoglobulin values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T3 and T4 groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed no difference between various treatments; however, malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) according to dietary treatments. Serum cortisol increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the T4 group compared to other treatments. The inclusion of Malva powder in the diet at the 2% level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the coliform count compared to the control birds. Supplementation with Malva powder resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio of broiler birds in the T3 and T4 groups. In conclusion, MSLP supplementation at 1.5% and 2% resulted in improved production performance of broiler chicken.

Effects of Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Sorbitol as Diluent Components on Structural and Surface Ultrastructural Changes of Gaga Chicken Sperm During Cryopreservation

The Gaga chicken is an indigenous Indonesian breed that is important to preserve using semen cryopreservation technology. The study was conducted to determine the effect of adding sorbitol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in the diluent on the structural and surface ultrastructure of cryopreserved Gaga chicken sperm during cryopreservation /frozen storage. The study aimed to assess how adding sorbitol and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) to the diluent affects the structure and surface ultrastructure of cryopreserved Gaga chicken sperm. A completely randomized design was employed with four treatments and 10 replications including egg yolk-lactate ringer diluent (EYLR) as the control group, EYLR diluent with 3 mM BHT, EYLR diluent with 2% sorbitol, and EYLR diluent with both 3 mM BHT and 2% sorbitol. Semen was collected using a massage technique from 4 male chickens aged approximately 10 months, pooled semen was diluted, packaged in 0.25 mL straws, equilibrated for 2 hours at 5 °C, pre-freeze for 10 minutes, frozen for 24 hours, and thawed for 30 seconds at 37 °C. The parameters evaluated were sperm plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, DNA damage, mitochondrial functionality, and surface ultrastructure. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect on plasma membrane integrity and post-thawing mitochondrial functionality compared to the control, but no effect was observed on acrosome integrity or DNA damage. The results showed that the combination treatment of BHT with sorbitol had a significant effect on plasma membrane integrity and post-thawing mitochondrial function, but did not affect acrosome integrity or DNA damage when compared to the control group. Ultrastructural observations indicated that cryopreservation caused damage to the head, middle, and tail of the sperm in the control groups. However, these changes were prevented by the diluent containing a combination of BHT and sorbitol. The addition of both components (BHT 3 mM + sorbitol 2%) effectively maintained plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial functionality, and surface ultrastructure of Gaga chicken sperm during cryopreservation. Keywords: Butylated hydroxytoluene, Chicken sperm, Cryopreservation, Sorbito, Structure, Sperm ultrastructure

The interactivity of sources and dietary levels of resistant starches – impact on growth performance, starch, and nutrient digestibility, digesta oligosaccharides profile, cecal microbial metabolites, and indicators of gut health in broiler chickens

In a 21-d study, 480 Cobb 500 (off-sex) male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effects of feeding different sources and levels of resistant starches (RS) on growth performance, nutrient and energy utilization, and intestinal health in broiler chickens. The birds were allocated to 10 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial arrangement. The factors were 3 RS-sources (RSS): banana starch (BS), raw potato starch (RPS), and high-amylose corn starch (HCS); each at 3 levels (RSL) 25, 50, or 100 g/kg plus a corn-soybean meal control diet. Birds and feed were weighed on d 0, 8, and 21. On d 21, samples of jejunal tissue and digesta were collected for chemical analysis. Data were analyzed using the mixed model procedure of JMP with factor levels nested with the control. In the 0 to 21 phase, the birds fed the RPS diets had higher (P = 0.011) FI than those fed HCS or control diets, and FCR was greater (P = 0.030) in birds that received BS diets than in other diets. RSS × RSL was significant (P < 0.05) for total tract nutrient retention, AME, and AMEn on d 21. The starch digestibility was higher (P < 0.001) in birds that received the control diet than in RS diets, and decreased as RS levels increased, except for HCS. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) were higher (P < 0.001) in birds fed 100 g/kg HCS diet, with both decreasing with increasing levels of BS and RPS, except for HCS. Relative ileal oligosaccharides profile showed significant (P < 0.05) RSS × RSL with a higher relative abundance of Hex(3) (P = 0.01) and Pent(3) (P = 0.001) in HCS diets. In conclusion, RS may influence gut health and growth performance in broiler chickens through modulation of cecal SCFA and nutrient digestion, but these depend largely on the botanical origin and concentrations of individual RS.

Yogurt acid whey powder dietary inclusion level modulates broiler cecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity

All over the world, the increasing demand for Greek yogurt generates vast quantities of acid whey as a by-product. The large volume and nutrient composition of yogurt acid whey makes it worthwhile to investigate potential uses in animal nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the inclusion of yogurt acid whey powder (YAWP) in four dietary levels on broiler performance, cecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. A total of 300 male one-day-old male Ross broiler chickens were randomly assigned into 4 treatments of 5 replicates each. Broilers were fed maize-soybean meal basal diets following a 2-phase feeding program. Depending on the YAWP inclusion level (g kg-1 diet), treatments were no YAWP addition (W0), YAWP at 25 g kg-1 (W25), YAWP at 50 g kg-1 (W50) and YAWP at 100 g kg-1 (W100). Overall body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by YAWP addition. In the ceca, a linear decrease in total bacteria counts and a linear increase in Lactobacillus spp. was noted with increasing YAWP dietary level. A linear reduction of Clostridium cluster I and E. coli species was noted with increasing YAWP dietary level. A linear increase in total volatile fatty acids concentration, acetic acid and butyric acid molar ratios was shown with increasing YAWP level. In conclusion, the addition of YAWP did not affect overall performance but positively modulated the cecal microbiota and metabolic activity of 42-day-old broiler chickens.

Effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano on growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver enzyme activities, excreta microbiota and ileal morphology of Campylobacter jejuni-challenged broiler chickens.

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to mitigate the detrimental impact of Campylobacter jejuni on broiler chickens. The experiment aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano powder on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age. A total of 192 one-day-old male broiler chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups. The treatments included: negative control (NC; basal diet without additives and no C. jejuni challenge), positive control (PC; basal diet with C. jejuni challenge), PC with cinnamon, rosemary or oregano powder (3g/kg each), and PC with Erythromycin (55mg/kg). Except for the NC group, all chicks were orally challenged with 2×108CFU/mL C. jejuni daily from days 21-25. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed during the rearing period (0-42 days). On day 42 of age, fresh excreta samples were collected from each pen to determine apparent dry matter digestibility and excreta microbiota. In addition, at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate blood profile and liver enzyme activities. C. jejuni challenge (PC treatment) decreased BWG, EER and PER, while increasing FCR of broiler chickens (p<0.05), whereas rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin improved these performance parameters akin to NC. PC diet showed negative effect in ileal morphology, alleviated by additives except cinnamon (p<0.05). Dietary additives successfully reduced Campylobacter levels and increased Lactobacilli counts in the PC. Rosemary and oregano lowered plasma total cholesterol (p<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase elevation by C. jejuni challenge in the PC group was prevented by rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin (p<0.05). Oregano and rosemary alleviate the impact of C. jejuni challenge.

Evaluating performance, intestinal lesions, and immunity related genes in heritage and modern broiler breeds during a necrotic enteritis challenge

In this comparative study, the differential responses of heritage (ACRB; Athens Canadian Random Bred) and modern (Cobb) broilers to a necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge were evaluated. The design was a 2×2 factorial with breed (ACRB and Cobb) and challenge (non-challenged and NE-challenged) as main factors. On day (d) of hatch, 96 male chicks (48 ACRB and 48 Cobb) were allocated to 4 experimental groups with 8 replicate cages and 3 birds/cage. On d 14, birds in the NE-challenged groups were orally gavaged with 3,000 Eimeria maxima sporulated oocysts followed by 2 doses of ∼1×108 CFU of Clostridium perfringens on d 19 and 20. On d 21, 2 birds/cage were necropsied to score NE lesions, and spleen and cecal tonsils (CT) samples were collected from 1 bird/cage for assessing mRNA abundance. Challenged ACRB birds exhibited reduced growth performance and relative growth performance compared to challenged Cobb birds. There was no significant interaction between breed and challenge during the challenge period (d 14-21) for mortality. However, there was a challenge main effect (P ≤ 0.05) on mortality as manifested by greater NE-associated mortality compared to non-challenged birds. No significant breed × challenge interaction or breed main effect on lesion scores were observed in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. NE-challenged Cobb birds exhibited greater mRNA abundance of IL-18, TNFα, TLR1.2, TLR2.1, CCR5, CCR6, CCL20, and AvBD1 in CT compared to NE challenged ACRB birds. There was a significant breed × challenge interaction effect on mRNA abundance of IL-10, AvBD13, NK-Lysin, and LEAP2 in the spleen. Moreover, a main effect of breed was observed in IL-1β, IL-18, TNFα, TLR2.1, CCR5, CCL20, and NK-Lysin where ACRB birds had higher mRNA abundance than Cobb birds (P ≤ 0.05). The observed differences in performance, pathology, and mRNA abundance between ACRB and Cobb broilers during the NE challenge highlight the distinct immune response profiles of heritage and modern breeds, emphasizing the need for breed-specific nutritional, managerial, and genetic selection programs for modulating immune responses during enteric disease challenges.

Deleterious effect of social instability on broiler chicken learning abilities and behaviour

Broiler chickens are reared in very large groups and are submitted to repeated encounters with unknown conspecifics. Our aim was to assess the consequences of these encounters on broiler chickens learning abilities, social behaviour and emotional reactivity. Groups of 5 male medium-growing broiler chickens (JA 957) were reared under stable or unstable social conditions (n=16 groups in each condition). Under the unstable conditions, the 5 birds of the groups changed every 3–4 days from 1 to 52 days of age. Broiler chickens were tested in an associative learning task (conditioned place preference) between 14 and 18 days of age. A highly palatable food (mealworms) was delivered in a particular environment with coloured stripes and preference for this environment was then tested. Social behaviours were analysed between 21 and 43 days of age. Emotional reactivity of the birds when faced with novelty (reactivity to unknown food, object and human) was assessed at the end of the rearing period (46–51 days of age). Only birds from the stable condition were able to associate the palatable food to the environment in which it was delivered (p = 0.02). Furthermore, these birds had a higher social proximity than those from the unstable condition (p < 0.01) and showed less aggressive interactions such as aggressive pecking (p = 0.06), threat (p < 0.01) or facing each other with wing flapping in front of another bird (p = 0.03). The social conditions tested had no significant effect on their emotional reactivity. Our results evidenced that chickens exposed to social instability have some learning abilities impaired compared to chickens maintained in stable social conditions. In addition, social instability increases aggressive interactions between conspecifics, while social stability favours bird proximity. In conclusion, being reared in unstable social conditions likely impairs bird adaptation to their rearing environment and increases deleterious consequences of aggressive interactions with conspecifics.