Male Chicks Research Articles

Effects of different lipid sources on performance, blood lipid parameters, immune system activity, and expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes in broiler chickens

This study aimed to explore the effects of different lipid sources on the performance, blood lipid parameters, immune system activity, and the expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes in broiler chickens. A total of 500 one-day-old male chicks of the ROSS 308 commercial strain were allocated into four treatment groups with five replicates each (each replicate comprised of 25 chickens), following a randomized design. The treatments were as follows: (1) a diet incorporating palm oil (PO, a source of saturated fatty acids); (2) a diet incorporating flaxseed oil (FO, a source of omega-3); (3) a diet incorporating soybean oil (SO, a source of omega-6); and (4) a diet incorporating olive oil (OO, a source of omega-9). According to the findings, the broiler chickens exhibited a significant increase in body weight gain (BWG) throughout the study when their diet consisted of unsaturated oils, as opposed to a diet including PO. Conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased (P<0.01). The treatment with FO resulted in the highest percentage of lymphocytes and antibody titers against Newcastle and Gumboro diseases, showing a significant difference compared to the treatment with PO (P<0.01). Moreover, the relative expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes was the lowest following the FO treatment, indicating a significant decrease compared to the treatment with PO. Overall, the present findings demonstrated that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet was more effective in enhancing the growth performance, immune system, and health of broiler chickens.

THE COMPARISON OF FERTILIZING CAPACITY OF NATIVE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE MALE CHICKENS

This experiment was conducted to compare and estimate the fertilizing capacity of native with New Hampshire chicken semen. Also to study the effect. Of different levels of semen dosage on fertility percentage, duration’ of fertility and duration of fertilizing ability. In this experiment (12) native and (12) N.H. male chicken with (240) Hisex laying hens have been used. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences between the native and N.H. male chickens for the fertilizing capacity. fertilizing percentage in duration of fertility and fertility duration. The values were 90.40, 90.73%; 85.77, 85.60%; 12.11, 12.3 days for native and N.H. chickens, respectively. There were no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of increasing semen concentration (100, 200, 300 million sperm) per single insemenation on the percentage of fertilization and duration of fertility percentage. The values for percentage of fertilization, duration of fertility percentage and fertility duration were 89.76%, 91.79, 90.14; 85.33%, 88.72, 83.01; 12.24, 11.90, 12.50 days, respectively. Using the above mentioned concentration levels, no significant interaction was found between semen concentration and male groups.

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age: impact on gastrointestinal, breast, skeletal, plasma, and litter attributes

We previously reported that high levels (≥50%) of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) reduced growth and altered organs morphology in broiler chickens. We further examined gastrointestinal, breast, bone, plasma, and litter attributes in broiler chickens fed partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM. A total of 1,152 d-old Ross × Ross 708 male chicks (n=8) were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets: a basal corn-SBM diet (0BSFLM), four diets in which SBM in 0BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% (12.5BSFLM, 25BSFLM, 50BSFLM, 100BSFLM) and a final diet (0+AGP) in which 0BSFLM was fed with coccidiostat and antibiotic. Birds were bled for plasma and necropsied for samples. Litter samples were collected on d 45 to 47. Breast weight, woody breast, and hardness scores and tibia morphometry reduced linearly in response to BSFLM inclusion (P&lt;0.001). BSFLM linearly increased plasma Lys, Met, Thr, uric acid, creatine kinase and decreased Arg and potassium (P&lt;0.05). Litter ammonium nitrogen and potassium decreased linearly in response to BSFLM (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the data suggested physiological and metabolic inefficiencies in broiler chickens fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with ≥50% BSFLM replacement of SBM.

Interactions of wheat cultivars and supplemental enzyme in diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphometric features, and blood parameters

This study investigated the effects of wheat cultivar and enzyme supplementation on growth, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 648 male chicks were assigned to 9 diets: four Iranian wheat cultivars (Sardari, Azar2, Pishgam, Sirvan) with and without enzyme supplementation, plus a corn-based control (6 replicates/diet, 12 birds/pen). Diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Chicks were fed for 39 days. Corn-based diets generally led to higher feed intake (FI) throughout the study compared to most wheat-based diets. However, during the finishing period (25–39 days), broilers fed diets containing Sardari and Azar2 wheat achieved the best weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed Sirvan cultivar. Most of the carcass traits were not affected by the experimental treatments. Blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, and high-density cholesterol (HDL) levels were all noticeably affected by the type of wheat in the diet. Jejunum length and cecum weight were greatest in birds fed different wheat cultivars, while the corn-based diet resulted in the shortest jejunum and cecum length. Adding enzymes to the Pishgam cultivar diet increased the length of the ileum. significant interactions between wheat cultivar and enzyme were observed for jejunal villi characteristics (length, thickness, number) and muscle layer thickness, Broilers fed the Sardari diet exhibited the deepest crypts and lowest villi length-to-crypt depth ratio. The study concluded that there is a significant effect of wheat cultivar diversity on broiler performance traits, blood chemistry, carcass characteristics, and gut health. The findings also suggest that the selected enzyme may not be effective in all wheat cultivars due to the absence of a consistent wheat cultivar-enzyme interaction.

Comparative effects of various dietary selenium sources on growth performance, meat quality, essential trace elements content, and antioxidant capacity in broilers

This study aimed to compare the effects of various dietary selenium (Se) sources (0.5 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broilers as well as essential trace elements concentrations in their blood and tissues. A total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens (37.00 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to 5 diet treatments: the basal diet (CON) and 4 diets supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), selenomethionine (SM), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) for 56 d, respectively, with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 chickens per replicate. Dietary Se supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers (P > 0.05). Supplemental SM enhanced the redness in the pectoral muscle compared to CON and NS (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SY and NS improved the concentrations of Se, copper, manganese, and zinc in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SS also elevated the zinc content in the serum (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the SY diet showed increased Se content in the liver and pectoral muscle compared to those fed CON, SM, and NS diets (P < 0.05). Also, SY improved the pectoral muscle Se concentration compared to SS (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary Se supplementation increased the Se content in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), with SY showing highest Se deposition. Dietary supplementation with SS, SM, and NS improved the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SY also elevated the T-AOC in the serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, SS and SM enhanced the T-AOC in the liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplemental SM affected meat color. Supplementing diets with various Se sources increased antioxidant capacity and Se content in the thigh muscle of broilers, with SY showing a more pronounced deposition efficiency. Besides, diets supplemented with different Se sources had variable effects on the concentrations of essential trace elements in the serum and tissues of broilers.

Analyzing the impact of a combination of zinc oxide and phytase on the performance and alkaline phosphate activity in local chickens

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of adding a combination of zinc oxide (ZnO) and phytase to the diet of local chickens (IPB D1) on their performance and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A total of 120 male and female chickens were divided into four dietary groups, with 24 cages of five birds each. Each group was fed using: a pure basal diet; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU phytase/kg feed; a basal diet with 80 ppm of commercial ZnO/kg feed and 500 FTU/kg feed of commercial phytase. The chickens were grouped by sex and body weight, with three classes of weight uniformity. The results of this research showed that there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in performance and ALP activity between male and female chickens. The group, that received IPB D1 diets with 80 ppm ZnO/kg and 500 FTU phytase/kg, had higher body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the other groups. However, feed consumption and ALP activity were not significantly different. Overall, adding zinc oxide and phytase to the diets of local chickens was found to improve their performance and ALP activity.

2. Stopping the elimination of male chicks from the laying sector: Environmental assessment of rearing males of layer line type and males of dual purpose breed

2. Stopping the elimination of male chicks from the laying sector: Environmental assessment of rearing males of layer line type and males of dual purpose breed

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).

Correlation Between Body Weight and Carcass Weight in the Selection of Village Chicken Three-Generation

This study aims to estimate the correlation between body weight and carcass weight in selected native chickens in the third generation (G3). The material used in this study was 200 DOC managed with a free-range system. The samples used to obtain carcass weight were determined by purposive sampling, consisting of 38 male chickens and 26 female chickens. The data obtained were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The observed variables were body weight (BW) at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age (independent variable) and carcass weight (CW) at 10 weeks of age (dependent variable). The results showed that the average body weight (BW) of male and female chickens up to 6 weeks of age showed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). After eight weeks of age, the male free-range body weights were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) higher than female chickens, while at the period of 10 weeks, the body weights of male chickens were significantly different (P&lt;0.01) and showed higher than female chickens. Male chickens' average free-range carcass weight was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) than the carcass weight (CW) of female chickens. The correlation between body weight at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks and carcass weight showed a close correlation, ranging from 0.71 to 0.97. The highest correlation coefficient values were found in male and female native chickens at ten weeks of age, with 0.94 and 0.97. It can be concluded that BW at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age in male and female chickens strongly correlated with carcass weight (CW). Hence, body weight (BW) could be used as a selection criterion to increase chickens' carcass weight (CW) under study.

Relationships between pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, blood parameters and oxidative stress of white stork Ciconia ciconia chicks in Poland

The white stork Ciconia ciconia is a bird species located at the top of the trophic pyramid in grassland and wetland ecosystems. This charismatic species is susceptible to pesticides and their environmental residues. In 2016, we collected blood samples from 114 white stork chicks across Western and Southern Poland. Chicks were sexed by molecular analysis and aged by development pattern. We studied the relationship between the concentration of pesticides (beta-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, 4.4′-DDD, 4.4′-DDE and 4.4′-DDT) and of PCB in the chicks’ blood with blood morphology and biochemistry parameters in the blood. The mean (± SD) values of concentrations of above detection level pesticides were: for (1) beta-HCH 4.139 ± 19.205; (2) 4.4′-DDE 9.254 ± 91.491 and additionally (3) PCB 16.135 ± 44.777 ppb. We found negative relationships between beta-HCH and oxidative stress enzyme activity in the blood, between beta-HCH and leukocyte concentration and between 4.4′-DDE and catalase activity. We also found a positive relationship between the concentration of pesticides in blood and the age of chicks. Interestingly, we found a higher concentration of PCB in the blood of male stork chicks than in female stork chicks. We provide more evidence that the presence of pesticides in the environment can be a strong stress factor, shaping the health status of birds.

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 finisher diet nutrients density and slaughter age on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and meat quality of broilers.

The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients-dense diets for maximum potential. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. A total of 600 23-day-old broiler male chicks (Cobb-500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio-economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken-line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%-102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

Comparison of cardiopulmonary effects of propofol, ketamine–propofol and isoflurane anesthesia in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of propofol, ketamine–propofol and isoflurane, at similar anesthetic depth, on cardiopulmonary variables in unpremedictated chickens. Study designProspective, randomized, crossover experimental trial. AnimalsA total of 10 male Leghorn domestic chickens, aged 3 months and body mass 1.4–2.0 kg. MethodsBirds were randomly assigned to each of three anesthetic protocols, 7 days apart: intravenous propofol, intravenous ketamine–propofol or isoflurane. Anesthesia was induced (indicated by loss of righting reflex and tracheal intubation) and maintained with propofol (10 mg kg–1 minute–1, then 1.1 mg kg–1 minute–1), ketamine–propofol (5 mg mL–1 ketamine and 5 mg mL–1 propofol combined; 10 mg kg–1 minute–1, then 1.1 mg kg–1 minute–1) or isoflurane [5% vaporizer setting initially, then end-tidal concentration (Fe′Iso) of 2%] for 65 minutes. Anesthesia was maintained at a similar anesthetic depth based upon positive or negative responses to toe pinch. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive arterial blood pressure and arterial blood gases were measured during anesthesia. Propofol or ketamine–propofol infusion rates and Fe′Iso required to prevent movement in response to a noxious stimulus and recovery times were recorded. ResultsAnesthesia induction dose was 9.0 ± 0.8 (mean ± SD) and 12.2 ± 0.3 mg kg–1 for propofol and ketamine–propofol, respectively. Propofol and ketamine–propofol infusion rates and Fe′Iso required to prevent movement in response to the noxious stimulus were 0.88 ± 0.14 mg kg–1 minute–1, 0.92 ± 0.14 mg kg–1 minute–1 and 1.45 ± 0.28%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary variables remained clinically acceptable, but ketamine–propofol was associated with a significantly higher HR (p = 0.0001) and lower fR (p = 0.0001). Time to extubation did not differ among treatments. Conclusions and clinical relevanceCardiovascular and respiratory variables were maintained within normal ranges in all treatments. Coadministration of ketamine with propofol significantly reduced the induction and maintenance dose of propofol.

Alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in the diets of broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a disease of worldwide distribution, which affects young broilers and causes economic losses on a scale of 6 billion dollars per year. For decades, NE was controlled in poultry flocks by dietary administration of low doses of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs). However, an increase in NE incidence was noted after the AGP ban. This study aimed to compare the effect of an antibiotic (Enramycin) diet to a combination of sodium butyrate, hydrolyzed yeast, and zinc proteinate (ViligenTM) on broiler diets regarding performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, morphology and lesions, and carcass yield of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens to simulate subclinical necrotic enteritis. A total of 1,150 one-day-old male broiler chickens with an initial average weight of 43.9 ± 0.65 g were allocated to 50 experimental pens. Animals were divided into 5 groups: Negative control (NC) without additives; Positive control (PC) with 0.12 g/ton of Enramycin (8%); V500, V1000, and V1500 with the addition of 500, 1.000, and 1.500 g/ton of Viligen, respectively. All animals were challenged by Eimeria spp. at 7 d of age and by C. perfringens at 17, 18, and 19 d for induction of subclinical NE. The broilers fed with all concentrations of Viligen showed similar performance, blood parameters, intestinal permeability, and carcass yield compared to PC broilers. However, NC broilers showed higher FCR compared to PC broilers from 1 to 33 d (1.42 vs. 1.39) (P = 0.048) and from 1 to 42 d (1.51 vs. 1.49) (P < 0.001). V1500 broilers had fewer intestinal lesions at 28 d when compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.05) and showed that higher Viligen inclusion resulted in lower intestinal damage. At 21 d, the V500 group showed higher intestinal morphology characteristics (VH:VD 4.9 vs. 3.5) compared to the PC treatment (P < 0.001). Thus, in this study, the dietary addition of Viligen to broilers challenged by an experimental model of subclinical NE resulted in lower intestinal damage and similar performance to that obtained by the addition of Enramycin.

ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH PATTERN IN INDIGENOUS KADAKNATH CHICKENS BY NON-LINEAR MODELS

Mathematical growth functions can explain the factors influencing an animal's growth pattern. However, there remains limited understanding of the growth curve of Kadaknath chickens, which is crucial for optimizing management and feeding practices. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the growth curve of indigenous Kadaknath chickens' body weight using four growth curve models: Logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy, and Richard. We analyzed 96 birds for this study. The models were fitted using Curve Expert and Minitab software, and we compared them based on Akaike’s information, Bayesian information, adjusted R2, and RMSE criteria. The research revealed that the Gompertz and Richard models had higher coefficients of determination (R2) and lower RMSE values in both sexes compared to other models. The age at the inflection point was estimated to be between 11 to 17.5 weeks for males and 9 to 11.4 weeks for females. According to the Richard model, adult male birds weighed 2157g, and females weighed 1297g. In the Gompertz model, male birds weighed 2186g, and females weighed 1468g. The inflection weight of birds in the Richard model was estimated to be 797.53g for males and 519.66g for females, while in the Gompertz model, it was 803.67g for males and 510g for females. In conclusion, our study determined that the Gompertz model is a reliable predictor of the body weight of male and female Kadaknath chickens from hatching to adulthood. The Richard model also demonstrated high reliability, albeit slightly behind the Gompertz model in predictive accuracy. Key words: Body weight, growth pattern, Kadaknath, Non-linear models

Nutraceuticals vs. antibiotic growth promoters: differential impacts on performance, meat quality, blood lipids, cecal microbiota, and organ histomorphology of broiler chicken

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutraceuticals vs. in-feed antibiotics on performance, blood lipids, antioxidant capacity, cecal microbiota, and organ histomorphology of broiler chickens. A total of 320 one-day-old male broiler chickens were distributed into 5 treatment groups with 8 replicates each. The control group was fed on a basal diet without any additives (NC); the antibiotic group was fed on a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg kg-1 avilamycin (PC); the algal group was fed on a basal diet supplemented with a mixture of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris (1.5 g + 1.5 g/kg feed) (SP+CV); the essential oil group was fed with a basal diet containing 300 mg/kg feed rosemary oil (REO); and the probiotics group (a mixture of 1 × 1011 CFU/g Bacillus licheniformis, 1 × 1011 CFU/g Enterococcus facieum, 1 × 1010 CFU/g Lactobacillus acidophilus, and 2 × 108 CFU /g Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0.05% probiotics (PRO). The experiment lasted for 35 d. A beneficial effect of SP+CV and PRO (P < 0.01) was noticed on final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast yield. The dietary supplementation with SP+CV, REO, and PRO increased (P < 0.001) broilers' cecal lactic acid bacteria count compared to the control. Lower cecal Clostridium perfringens and Coliform counts (P < 0.001) were noticed in chickens fed the PC and supplemental diets. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was decreased, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes were increased in the breast and thigh meat (P < 0.001) of broiler chickens fed SP+CV, REO, and PRO diets. Dietary SP+CV, REO, and PRO supplementation decreased (P < 0.001) serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and MDA, but increased serum high-density lipoprotein and GPx compared to PC and NC. No pathological lesions were noticed in the liver, kidney, or breast muscle among broilers. The SP+CV, REO, and PRO groups had greater (P < 0.001) intestinal villi height and crypt depth while lower goblet cell densities (P < 0.01) than the control. The present findings suggest that PRO and SP+CV, followed by REO could be suitable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics for enhancing the performance, health, and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Protective effects of chlorogenic acid on the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens: an immunological stress model study

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on inflammatory responses and intestinal health of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 8 birds each. The groups were as follows: 1) Control group: birds fed a basal diet; 2) LPS group: LPS-challenged birds fed a basal diet; 3) CGA group: LPS-challenged birds fed a CGA-supplemented diet. The LPS was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight. CGA increased the weight gain and feed intake of LPS-challenged birds by 37.05% and 24.29%, respectively (P < 0.05). CGA also alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, as evidenced by lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and jejunum (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6), and the decreased myeloperoxidase activity in the jejunum (P < 0.05). These effects were accompanied by a decrease in the mRNA abundance of toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 and an inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B translocation in the jejunum (P < 0.05). CGA reduced circulating diamine oxidase activity and levels of D-lactate and endotoxin, and positively regulated the expression of jejunal claudin-3 and zonula occludens-1 in LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Compared to the LPS group, CGA reduced the apoptotic rate of epithelial cells and cytochrome c concentration in the jejunum, and normalized the expression of genes responsible for proliferation and apoptosis in jejunal epithelial cells, including cysteine aspartate-specific protease-9, B cell lymphoma-2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CGA normalized the altered phosphorylation of protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3β, as well as the translocation of nuclear β-catenin in the jejunum of LPS-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). These results suggested that CGA supplementation improved growth performance, alleviated inflammation, and helped maintain intestinal integrity and barrier function in LPS-challenged broilers, possibly through the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B and protein kinase B/Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

Responses of the blood acid-base balance and blood plasma metabolomics of broiler chickens after change to diets with high free amino acid levels

Free amino acids (AA) are needed to fulfill the AA requirements of broiler chickens in diets low in CP. This study investigated whether the acid-base balance and the blood plasma metabolome are affected immediately after a change to diets with high free AA levels. Male broiler chickens received a starter diet with 164 g CP/kg and 80 g soy protein isolate/kg until d 7 post-hatch. From this day on, birds were offered a diet almost identical to the starter diet (0FAA) or 2 diets with 50% (50FAA) or 100% (100FAA) of the digestible AA from soy protein isolate substituted with free AA. Blood was sampled to determine the acid-base status and for untargeted metabolomics analysis on d 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 and d 1, 7, and 14 after diet change, respectively (n = 14 birds/treatment). Compared to 0FAA, blood pH was decreased on d 4 and 7 for 100FAA and on d 4 for 50FAA (P ≤ 0.019). On d 4, 7, and 14, bicarbonate, base excess, and total carbon dioxide were lower for 100FAA than for 0FAA (P ≤ 0.006). The partial pressure of carbon dioxide was higher for 50FAA than for 0FAA on d 4 (P = 0.047). Compared to 0FAA, chloride was higher for 100FAA on d 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14, and for 50FAA on d 1, 2, and 4 (P ≤ 0.030). In the metabolomics assay, 602, 463, and 302 metabolites were affected by treatment on d 1, 7, and 14, respectively (P < 0.050), but they did not indicate that metabolic pathways were affected. Flavonoids were the most consistently affected category of metabolites. The results indicated a metabolic acidosis for 100FAA from d 4 to 7 and a respiratory acidosis for 50FAA on d 4 after diet change. These types of acidosis were compensated later on in the experiment. The metabolomics analysis did not indicate that high free AA inclusion affected metabolic pathways.

Feeding a Novel Mannan-Rich Yeast Carbohydrate Product Improves Production Performance and Humoral Immunity of Broiler Chickens.

The current study examined the benefits of a novel mannan-rich yeast carbohydrate product (YM) on broiler chicken growth performance and immune response against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). A total of 144 newly hatched male Cornish cross broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with 12 cages per treatment and three birds per cage. The treatments were (1) control, basal diet; (2) YCW, basal diet + 1 g/kg yeast cell wall; (3) YM1, basal diet + 0.5 g/kg of a novel yeast mannan-rich product (YM); and (4) YM2, basal diet + 1 g/kg YM. Growth performance was measured at 14, 28, and 35 days of age (d). At 26 and 27 d, nine birds per treatment were immunized intravenously with SRBCs, and antibody responses against SRBCs were analyzed through a hemagglutination assay 7 days post-inoculation. Supplementing YM tended to improve broiler chicken weight gain from 29 to 35 d (p = 0.053). An improvement in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the birds fed YM diets during 29-35 d and over the entire experimental period (0-35 d; p < 0.05). Furthermore, birds fed YM2 diets had more robust antibody responses against SRBCs than the control birds (p = 0.033). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of YM improved broiler chicken growth performance and antibody response against SRBCs.

The effects of Artemisia annua nutritional supplementation at varying concentrations on broiler growth, economic yield, and gene expression levels of certain antioxidant, inflammatory, and immune genes.

Artemisia annua (AA), used as a growth promoter in poultry, lowers feed costs and enhances economic efficiency. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying AA concentrations on broiler chicken growth, gene expression, and profitability. Two hundred 1-day-old male Cobb chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each containing five replicates and 10 birds. The experimental groups consisted of G1 (basal diet), G2 (basal diet with 0.3% AA), G3 (basal diet with 0.6% AA), and G4 (basal diet with 0.9% AA). The birds had continuous access to feed and water throughout the study. The experiment lasted for 42 days. We measured the growth performance (Feed intake, Life weight), carcass traits (weight after slaughter, dressed carcass, heart, gizzard, spleen, giblet and thymus weight), liver and spleen antioxidants (CAT, GSH, SOD), and gene expression of anti-inflammatory and immune- related genes. The primary findings revealed that the addition of 0.6% AA had a positive impact (p < 0.05) on all investigated variables compared with the control and other groups. Dietary supplementation with 0.6% AA led to increased breast, giblet, skeleton, and total yield, and net return compared with the control group. Supplementation with AA exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunological effects through improved levels of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in tissue homogenates of the liver and spleen. It also upregulated the relative messenger RNA levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, whereas IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were downregulated. The study found that AA is a promising replacement for antibiotics in poultry farming as a growth promoter for chickens. 0.6% AA in the broiler diet yielded the best results, striking a balance between superior performance and robust economic benefits.