Nutrient Digestibility Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effects of peppermint essential oil and artifier on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibilities in broiler chickens fed with low energy diets

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of peppermint essential oil (PEO) and an emulsifier called artifier on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets. A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into five treatments: control, low-energy diet, low-energy diet + 150 ppm PEO, low-energy diet + 300 ppm artifier, and low-energy diet + 150 ppm PEO + 300 ppm artifier. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. The chickens were fed these treatments during the starter, grower, and finisher periods for a total of 42 days. The results indicated that broiler chickens receiving the low-energy diet supplemented with PEO + artifier had similar body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast percentage, but exhibited significantly lower abdominal fat percentage compared to those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, birds receiving PEO and artifier in low-energy diets, either individually or in combination, demonstrated higher digestibility of dry matter and fat during the starter and grower periods in comparison to those receiving the low-energy diet without any additives (P < 0.05). Over the entire rearing period, the simultaneous inclusion of 150 ppm PEO and 300 ppm artifier in the low-energy diet resulted in comparable growth performance to the control diet. Additionally, the concurrent use of PEO and artifier in the low-energy diet for broiler chickens led to a decrease in abdominal fat, increased digestibility of fat and dry matter, and enhanced nutrient utilization compared to the control diet.

Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Cereal Based Diets Supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Introduction: Inefficient poultry production has been a serious challenge due to poor performance and scarcity of feed resources, which necessitate the exploration of alternatives. This study was conducted to assess the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) as a supplemental protein and growth promoter in different cereal-based diets on growth performance, serum biochemistry, characteristics of digesta, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 324 day-old broiler chickens, comprising of mix sexes with an average weight of 45.36 ± 0.73, were randomly assigned to nine treatments, each consisting of three replicates with 12 birds per replicate. Three diets were formulated, each incorporating maize, sorghum, and wheat. The diets varied in the SC inclusion at levels of 0%, 5%, and 0.2% oxytetracycline (used as a growth promoter). The inclusion of oxytetracycline was to simulate the practice of in-feed antibiotics growth promoter, whereas yeast served as supplemental protein and growth promoter. Titanium dioxide was included in the feed at 0.2% on day 21 of the experiment to help estimate nutrient digestibility. Results: Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly lower in the groups fed sorghum with and without yeast. The groups fed maize with SC and oxytetracycline had the lowest blood glucose. Maize and sorghum without SC had the highest pH values. Protein digestibility was the lowest in the group fed sorghum with SC and wheat without SC. Conclusion: Individual cereal diets performed competitively, supplementation of SC in different cereal-based diets did not influence their contribution and performance of the chickens. The inclusion of 5% SC reduced protein digestibility. Oxytetracycline yeast as a supplemental protein and growth promoter did not improve the performance of the chicks.

Impact of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), garlic (Allium sativum), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on zootechnical performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broilers chickens

The study investigated the impact of incorporating a specific herbal blend comprising coriander, garlic, and fenugreek (CGF) at various levels on the zootechnical performance, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. The 42-day experiment involved 360 broilers (Cobb 500), organized into four distinct treatment groups. The dietary interventions included a control group consisting of a basal diet and the same diet was supplemented with CGF at rates of 1, 2, and 3%. Broilers receiving a 1% phytogenic mixture exhibited significantly increased live weight and carcass weight. Moreover, the digestibility of crude protein and crude fat significantly improved in broilers supplemented with a 1% phytogenic mixture. On the other hand, the digestibility of calcium and phosphorus showed a notable increase in broilers fed with a 3% phytogenic mixture. Regarding serum metabolites, the 1% phytogenic mixture group displayed significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The supplementation of the broiler diet with a herbal mixture of coriander, fenugreek, and garlic at a 1% rate resulted in improved growth performance, carcass quality, nutrient digestion, and lipid profile.

Effect of adding soluble viscous fibers to diets containing coarse and finely ground insoluble fibers on digesta transit behavior and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

This paper aimed to study the interactive effects of the addition of soluble arabinoxylans (AX) and the particle size (PS) of soybean hulls (SBH) on digesta mean retention time (MRT) and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day old Ross 308 female chicks were assigned to 32 pens (9 birds/pen) and fed a commercial starter diet for 10 d. At 10 d of age, pens were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (8 pens/diet) containing 120 g/Kg coarse or fine SBH, with or without addition of 50 g/Kg of soluble wheat AX, substituting maize starch. Titanium dioxide (4 g/Kg) and cobalt-EDTA (1 g/Kg) were added as inert markers. Excreta were quantitatively collected from d 22 to 25. Gastrointestinal tract and digesta were collected on d 28, 29, or 30. Arabinoxylans reduced the weight of the gizzard relative to body weight (RW) by 0.07% units (P = 0.005), and increased ceca RW (0.28 vs. 0.34%, P < 0.001) and length (10.45 vs. 11.21 cm/Kg BW, P < 0.001). Arabinoxylans increased digesta MRT in the crop (solids/liquids: +12 min, P < 0.05), small intestine (solids/liquids: +17 min, P < 0.01), and hindgut (liquids: +77.5 min, P < 0.05); and reduced apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of DM (-5.4 and -3.9%, P < 0.001, respectively) and starch (-1.35 and -0.7%, P < 0.001, respectively). Particle size of SBH only affected the ATTR of non-starch polysaccharides, presenting higher retention values with fine SBH (-4.3%-units, P = 0.034). The addition of AX reduced AID of N by 4.3%-units, only in presence of fine SBH (interaction, P < 0.05). In conclusion, arabinoxylans greatly influenced digestion in the chicken GIT, while PS of SBH had marginal effects. Arabinoxylans reduced AID of N only with fine SBH, suggesting coarse SBH counteracted AX effects on N digestion, speculatively by modifying digesta viscosity.

317 Awardee Talk: Functional Roles of Phytase and Xylanase for Nursery Pigs and Broiler Chickens

Abstract The objective of this research was to investigate the functional roles of phytase and xylanase in nursery pigs and broiler chickens. These enzymes have been widely studied and have shown consistent results improving nutrient digestibility and growth performance. However, recent studies have raised the hypothesis that phytase and xylanase could also have potential effects on intestinal and bone health, and intestinal microbiota. The first study studied at the effects of a bacterial 6-phytase on nutrient digestibility and retention of nursery and growing pigs. The results showed that supplementing a bacterial 6-phytase in pig diets can be a potential alternative for reducing high levels of inorganic phosphorus sources while still increasing the digestibility and utilization of phosphorus by the animals. The second study investigated the efficacy and optimal level of a bacterial 6-phytase supplemented beyond traditional dose levels on bone and intestinal health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. The results revealed that the supplementation of the bacterial 6-phytase enhanced bone health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in nursery pigs. The third study aimed to determine the effects of phytase supplementation on the intestinal microbiota and morphology, bone health, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of broiler chickens. The results showed that phytase supplementation had potential benefits on the microbiota by reducing potential harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria. Additionally, phytase had positive effects on bone health, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. The fourth study examined the functional roles of xylanase on the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. The results showed that xylanase supplementation had beneficial effects on intestinal health by reducing the digesta viscosity, the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, and the oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa. All of these factors collectively reflected in improvements on the intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. In conclusion, the results of these studies reaffirmed the benefits of phytase and xylanase related to nutrient digestibility and growth performance in nursery pigs and broiler chickens, as well as showed potential benefits on intestinal health and microbiota of the animals. Supplementing these enzymes could also contribute to a reduction in feed costs and environmental concerns associated with a poor hydrolysis and breakdown of antinutritional factors in animal diets.

Response of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Forms of Tanzania-type Diets with Microbial Enzymes

A study was conducted to assess the effect of feed form and microbial enzyme supplementation on performance, endogenous enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed Tanzania-type diets. A total of 480 day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to a 2 (mash or pellet) × 4 (no enzyme, Axtra XB, Quantum Blue or Axtra XB + Quantum Blue) factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design with 10 birds per replicate. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 10, 24 and 35 days of age. Visceral organ weight was measured at 10 d and 24 d, and meat parts yield was assessed at 35 d. Feed intake (FI) was highest in birds fed the pelleted diets at 24 d and 35 d, and it was increased further when enzymes were supplemented individually and in combination. Body weight gain was comparatively higher in the birds fed pelleted diets. Enzyme supplementation was found to increase BWG at 24 d and 35 d. The FCR was reduced in birds fed the pelleted diets compared to the mash-fed birds. Birds provided with a combination of Axtra XB and QB responded with lower FCR. The relative weight of gizzard plus proventriculus, pancreas and small intestine were higher in birds fed on mash; however, the effect of enzymes was only observed on the pancreas at 10 d. The relative weights of most body parts (breast, thighs and drumsticks) were significantly higher in birds fed pelleted diets with inclusion of microbial enzymes. The dry matter (DM) digestibility was neither affected by feed form nor by enzyme supplementation while the digestibility of gross energy (GE), starch, protein, and fat were higher in birds fed pelleted diets than those on mash. Addition of microbial enzymes positively influenced the digestibility of all nutrients that were assessed. Endogenous enzyme activities at 10 d were higher in birds supplied with pelleted diets, except for sucrase, which was not affected by feed form. Exogenous enzyme inclusion in diets only affected the activities of sucrase and aminopeptidase at 24 d. The results indicated that both pelleting of diets and microbial enzyme supplementation increased FI and BWG and improved FCR in broiler chickens. The activities of pancreatic and most of the jejunal enzymes were increased by feeding of pelleted feeds, resulting in better nutrient digestibility.

Changes in performance and apparent ileal digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets containing electron-irradiated full-fat canola seed

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of electron-beam irradiation of canola seed on the performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. In the first experiment, the chemical composition of raw and electron-beam irradiated canola seed at doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy was characterized in order to determine the appropriate dose for the in vivo experiment. The results indicated that applied doses of electron irradiation did not affect dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), ash, neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) content of canola seed. Irradiation, however, decreased tannin (P < 0.01) content. Also, the glucosinolate of samples decreased by increasing irradiation dose (P < 0.01). In the second experiment, seven dietary treatments included canola seed at 5%, 10%, and 15% (raw and irradiated at 40 kGy), and a control diet was used in a completely randomized design. Birds fed 5% of irradiated canola seed had the highest feed intake during the grower (P < 0.05), finisher, and the total experiment period (P < 0.01). In the starter period, birds fed 10% of irradiated canola seed had the highest body weight gain (BWG) (P < 0.01). Birds that consumed the control diet had the highest BWG compared with the other treatments (P < 0.05) during the total experiment period. In the starter period, birds consumed the control diet, 5%, 10%, and 15% of irradiated canola seed had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to those fed raw canola seed (P < 0.01). Apparent ileal digestibility of CP, EE, and DM significantly decreased in birds fed 15% canola seed (raw or irradiated) compared to those fed other treatments (P < 0.01). In conclusion, radiation reduced glucosinolate and tannin and improved FCR in the starter period. Therefore, if high levels of canola seed (e.g., 15%) are used in the diet of broiler chickens, then radiation can be helpful.

Effect of spice-treated sundried bovine rumen digesta on performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing spice treated Sundried Bovine Rumen Digesta (SDBRD) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) day old broiler chickens were assigned to five (5) diets in triplicates containing ten (10) birds each in a completely randomized design. The diets were; T1, (control, 0% SDBRD), T2 (20% SDBRD without spice supplementation), T3 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg ginger), T4 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg garlic), and T5 (20% SDBRD + 200 mg thyme). Data were collected on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility. The data were analysed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and differences among mean were separated with the Duncan Multiple range. The results showed that broiler chickens fed diets containing spices-supplemented SDBRD had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratio (FCR). The live weight and dressing percentage were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher among birds fed spice-supplemented diets compared to the control and the un-supplemented SDBRD diet. However, digestibility for dry matter and crude protein was higher (p&lt;0.05) on T1 and T2 than on spice-supplemented diets. It was concluded that the combination of sundried bovine rumen digesta and spices such as garlic, ginger and thyme improve growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility, and can therefore be included in the ratio of broiler finisher at 20% level without any deleterious effect.

Effects of emulsifier, betaine, and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

ABSTRACT 1. This experiment investigated the efficacy of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) according to a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other eight groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00). 2. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P = 0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10–24 d period (P = 0.049), with the greatest values found with concurrent supplementation of three supplements. 3. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, digestible energy (DE) and the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat However, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio were lower (P < 0.05). 4. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P < 0.05) all performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth and the CAID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P < 0.05) in ADG (d 10–24) and a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d). 5. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination ameliorated some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation.

Growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens as affected by a novel protease

Two experiments evaluated the addition of an exogenous sfericase protease in broiler diets. Experiments were run (Exp1 and Exp2) with 1,848 and 2,100 one-day-old male chicks being allocated into 84 floor pens with 14 replicates of 22 and 25 birds each, respectively. The studies were conducted in completely randomized designs. In Exp1, Standard diets were formulated with energy and AA at marginally lower levels than usual by the Brazilian integration such that broilers were expected to grow at comparatively reduced rates to the industry whereas in Exp2, the Standard diets were formulated using energy and AA as usual by the Brazilian integrations such that broilers were expected to grow comparable to industry rates. Standard diets had ideally balanced amino acids (AA). Matrix diets, in contrast, had reductions of 6% digestible lysine and of 20 kcal AME/kg compared to the Standard. Matrix diets were supplemented with an sfericase protease at 0, 10,000, and 30,000 New Feed Protease units (NFP)/kg. Outcomes showed no interaction between diet and protease in any of the experiments. However, broilers fed Standard diets had higher cumulative body weight gain (BWG) to 35 and 42 d when compared to Matrix fed birds whereas FCR were worse for birds fed the Matrix diets at 35 d in EXP1 and at 35 and 42 d in EXP2. Improvements in FCR were observed when the sfericase protease was added throughout all ages in EXP1 with a beneficial trend (P&amp;lt;0.067) observed in the cumulative FCR at 42 d in EXP2. The ileal digestible crude protein (IDCP) was significantly higher for birds fed Standard feeds in EXP1 with no other differences in digestibility found in any of the experiments. Protease addition led to improvements in ileal digestibility of dry matter (IDM) and IDCP (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to no protease addition in EXP1 as well as in ileal digestibility of energy (IDE) when 30,000 protease units were added. The present report demonstrates that the novel sfericase protease was successful in compensate broiler performance when reductions of 6% digestible Lys and 20 kcal/kg AME were imposed. This compensation, however, seemed more notable when birds were fed diets formulated to support moderate rather than maximum growth and having animal protein in the feed formula.

Nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed diets containing high levels of soybean oil is affected by the source of fiber

This study evaluated the effects of including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber sources in soybean oil-containing diet for broiler chickens on coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids, coefficient of apparent retention (AR) of nutrients, and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn). A total of 180 broilers were divided into 30 groups and fed 3 diets from day 14 to 21 of age. The diets were corn–soybean meal containing 6.8% soybean oil without or with soybean hulls (SBH) or sugar beet pulp (SBP) at 8.0% as sources of insoluble and soluble fiber, respectively. The SBH and SBP contained 6.0% and 14.7% of soluble dietary fiber and 60.5% and 37.0% of insoluble dietary fiber, respectively. The AID of indispensable amino acids was decreased ( P &lt; 0.05) due to dietary inclusion of SBH, but not of SBP. Dietary SBH and SBP reduced the AR of gross energy (by 14% and 8%, respectively) and AMEn (by 20% and 14%, respectively). Overall, inclusion of SBH or SBP at 8.0% in a corn–soybean meal-based diet for broilers that contains high level of soybean oil might not improve nutrient digestibility. However, SBP has less detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility than SBH.

Effect of feeding bioactive compounds identified from plant extracts (4-hexylresorcinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and gamma-octalactone) on the productivity and quality of broiler meat.

Secondary bioactive compounds of medicinal plants exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolism-modulating effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding 4-hexylresorcinol, as well as its combinations with gamma-octalactone and 7-hydroxycoumarin, on the digestibility of dietary nutrients, weight gain, and quality characteristics of the meat and liver of Arbor Acres broiler chickens. The following feeding scheme was applied on the chickens: Control, basal diet (BD); I experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol at 0.5 mg/kg of live weight per day; II experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone at 0.4 mg/kg of live weight per day; III experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.1 and 0.15 mg/kg of live weight per day; and IV experimental, BD + 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin at 0.05, 0.15, and 0.01 mg/kg of live weight per day. Chickens in I, II, and IV experimental groups at the age of 35 days showed superior live weight than chickens in the control group. Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, significantly increased the digestibility coefficients of dietary nutrients. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin significantly increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles. However, the mass fraction of fat in the thigh muscles of broiler chickens decreased in II, III, and IV experimental groups. The pectoral muscles of broiler chickens in experimental Group IV contained small amounts of lysine, tyrosine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, serine, alanine, and glycine. Supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly reduced the levels of lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, leucine-isoleucine, methionine, valine, proline, threonine, and alanine in the thigh muscles. However, supplementation with pure 4-hexylresorcinol significantly increased the concentrations of P, Fe, Se, Zn, and B and decreased the concentrations of I, Ni, V, Al, and Pb in the pectoral muscles. Supplementation with the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin resulted in the accumulation of Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, and Li and a decrease in the concentrations of K, Mg, and V. Supplementation with all the tested additives, except the combination 4-hexylresorcinol + 7-hydroxycoumarin, exerted a positive effect on the indicators of live weight gain and dietary nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Supplementation with the combinations 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone and 4-hexylresorcinol + gamma-octalactone + 7-hydroxycoumarin increased the amount of fat in the pectoral muscles but decreased it in the thigh muscles. Supplementation with all the tested additives decreased the concentrations of I in the pectoral muscles and Zn in the thigh muscles in all the experimental groups compared with those in the control group.

Statement of Retraction: Effects of emulsifier, betaine and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

This article refers to:RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effects of emulsifier, betaine, and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

Effect of composite enzyme supplementation on production parameters, intestinal segment measurements, and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed low energy and protein diets.

A 42-day study was conducted to consider the effect of composite enzyme (Natuzyme®) supplementation on production parameters, intestinal segment measurements, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed low energy and protein (LEP) diets. Two hundred male Ross 308 broiler chicks consisting of 4 groups were divided into five pens (10 chicks/pen). The first group (control) received a standard diet without composite enzyme (CE) supplementation, whereas the LEP0, LEP0.25, and LEP0.50 groups received LEP supplemented with CE at 0, 0.25, and 0.50 g/kg feed, respectively. Compared to birds in the control group, supplementation of 0.50 g/kg CE to LEP diet offset (P < 0.05) the poor feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and cost/kg gain observed among LEP0 and LEP0.25 groups on days 0-21, 22-42, and 0-42. Birds in the LEP0, followed by the LEP0.25 group, had decreased (P < 0.05) ileum weight, villi height, villus height, and crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), and deeper crypt depth of duodenum and ileum compared to birds in the control group. However, the aforementioned parameters were improved in the LEP0.50 group. Likewise, supplementation of CE at 0.50 g/kg to broiler diet having LEP improved (P < 0.05) digestibility of energy, fiber, and protein on day 42. In conclusion, CE supplemented at 0.50 g/kg diet ameliorated the negative effect caused by feeding LEP diets on production parameters, ileum weight, villi height, VH/CD, and deeper crypt depth of duodenum and ileum as well as energy, fiber, and protein digestibility of broiler chickens.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effects of emulsifier, betaine and l-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

ABSTRACT 1. This experiment investigated the efficiency of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions. 2. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) in a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other 8 groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00). 3. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P=0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10-24 d period (P=0.049), with the greatest values with concurrent supplementation of all three ingredients. 4. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P<0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein and fat, but lower (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio. 5. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P<0.05) overall performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth, AID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P<0.05) in ADG (d 10-24) and a decrease (P<0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d). 6. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination can ameliorate some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Plant Extract (Impim) on Growth Performance Immune Status, and Nutrient Digestibility of Broiler Chickens

The effects of dietary supplementation of plant extract (Impim) on growth performance, immune organ indexes, serum biochemical indicators, and nutrients digestibility of broiler chickens. Nine hundred one-day-old Cobb commercial broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments with 3 replicates in each treatment with 100 broilers in each replicate. The 3 dietary treatments were 1) control group (CON), basal diet; 2) CON + 0.02% Impim (Impim group); 3) CON + 0.002% Colistin sulfate premix + 0.004% Aureomycin premix. The trial period were 53 days. The results showed that, compared with antibiotic group, the serum total protein, amylase activity and lipase activity of broilers fed with Impim had been significantly improved by 9.91%, 18.25% and 14.73%, respectively (P 0.05) in broilers of Impim group than antibiotic group. It could be concluded that administration of the Impim to broilers’ diet improved chickens’ growth performance, had a potent immunomodulatory effect (potentiated immune response). Eventually, Impim could be used as a partial replacement to the antibiotics.

A Meta-analysis of Fiber Ratio Effects on Growth Performance, Gastrointestinal Traits, and Nutrient Digestibility of Broiler Chickens

Fiber is one of the essential nutrients for broiler chickens. This meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the impacts of fiber fraction ratio on broiler chickens growth performance, digestive characteristics, and nutritional digestibility. The database was compiled from 15 publications reports on the addition of fiber sources in broilers feed. To analyze the effect of acid detergent fiber (ADF) / neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio, the mixed model technique was utilized, with ADF/NDF ratio in the feed as a fixed effect and the experiment as a random effect. The ADF/NDF ratio in the feed had no effect on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed per gain ratio in this research. Moreover, a decrease in ADF/NDF ratio in broiler chicken feed increased the relative weight of the gizzard. The relative weight and length of the small intestine and cecum were not affected by the ADF/NDF ratio in the feed. The ADF/NDF ratio in feed enhanced ileal digestibility and total tract apparent retention of most nutrients. The ADF/NDF ratio in the feed had no effect on the jejunal morphology. The minimum ADF/NDF ratio of 0.37 in the feed led to the maximum growth performance, digestive tract development, and optimal nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, controlling the ratio of fiber fraction in broiler chickens feed can improve broiler performance in the non-antibiotic growth promoters era.

Exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme combination improves growth performance of the young broiler chickens fed low energy diets containing vegetable oil

ObjectiveThe present study examined the effects of exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme supplementation into a low energy density diet on growth performance, visceral organ parameters, blood metabolites, ileal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens from hatch to 21 days.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-eight one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated in a completely randomized design to 24 pens and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments to give six replications with seven chickens in a cage. Dietary treatments were: i) positive control with standard energy level (PC); ii) negative control with 100 kcal/kg lower energy of the standard level (NC); iii) NC diet supplemented 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate as an emulsifier (NC+E); and iv) NC diet supplemented with both 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate and 0.05% multi-enzyme (NC+E+M). Corn and soybean meal-based control diets containing vegetable oil were formulated to meet the Ross 308 nutrition specification. Chickens were fed ad-libitum with the treatment diets and sampling was conducted on day 21.ResultsOur results revealed that emulsifier and multi-enzyme supplementation into NC diets improved (p<0.05) feed efficiency of the broiler chickens compared to the broiler chickens fed NC diets from hatch to 21 days. Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme into NC diet improved (p<0.05) nutrient digestibility of the broiler chickens. However, emulsifier and multi-enzymesupplementation into diet did not influence (p>0.05) visceral organ weight, blood metabolites, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed NC diets.ConclusionSupplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme in the NC diet would support improving growth performance in young broiler chickens with improved feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility thereby curtailing the negative impact of energy reduction in the diets.

30. Apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with probiotics

30. Apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with probiotics

Effects of Dietary Catechin Uncaria gambir Extract on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Plasma Lipids, Antioxidant Activity and Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding catechin gambir extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb) (CGE) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood plasma constituents, antioxidant activity, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. 160 chicks were allocated to receive four treatment diets adding CGE was 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3g/kg in basal diets with four replications. Bodyweight and feed intake were recorded to calculate growth performance. Digestibility measurements were carried out at the age of 31-40 days, and at 40 days, blood samples were taken to determine the total protein levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Then these chickens are slaughtered to determine the percentage of viscera and muscles. Adding CGE to basal diets linearly (P&lt;0.05) increased body weight gain and improved the feed conversion ratio of broiler grower, finisher, and the overall age of 1-40 days. The effect of GCE on carcass characteristics significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the percentage of thigh and drumstick and decreased abdominal fat. CGE linearly reduced total cholesterol and LDL while increased HDL and total protein in blood plasma. The MDA concentration linearly decreased in serum and broiler meat aged 40 days. In addition, CGE increased (P&lt;0.05) the digestibility of crude protein and decreased fat digestibility in the diet. Adding 0.3g/kg CGE to the basal diet can be a feed additive to produce better performance and broiler meat.