Nutrient Digestibility Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

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<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<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<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.

Comparative effect of potentiated zinc oxide and antibiotic growth promoters on intestinal morphometry and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.

The comparative effects of potentiated zinc oxide (pZnO) and antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) supplementation on intestinal morphometry and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens were studied. Four hundred straight-run Cobb 500-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments replicated 10 times with 10 birds per replicate. Dietary treatments were as follows: T1: basal diets without AGP (negative control; NC), T2: basal diets with 500g/t maduramicin 10g and 500g/t zinc bacitracin 150 (positive control; PC), T3: NC added with 150g/t pZnO, and T4: PC added with 150g/t pZnO in a 2 × 2 factorial design in RCBD. At days 18 and 35, 10 birds were randomly selected per treatment for morphometry of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. At day 38, eight birds per treatment were used for the nutrient digestibility study. Results showed significant interaction effects (P < 0.05) of AGP and pZnO supplementation on day 35 intestinal morphometry of duodenum's villi height and villi height: crypt depth, and ileum's crypt depth; apparent CODGE, AME, CP, DM, and EE. Significant differences (P < 0.05) with pZnO supplementation were only observed on feed intake and FCR of birds fed with pZnO at days 8-14 and fecal quality at days 0-7. Results of present study suggested that pZnO has the potential to replace AGPs without negatively affecting the intestinal morphometry, digestibility, and growth performance of broiler chickens.

Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens Fed with an Encapsulated Blend of a Phytogenic Feed Additive

Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens Fed with an Encapsulated Blend of a Phytogenic Feed Additive

Interaction of Soybean Varieties and Heat Treatments and Its Effect on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Simple SummarySoybeans are the major source of protein in today´s livestock diets. However, European soybean imports are under criticism because of environmental issues. Therefore, production of European soybeans is expected to grow. To ensure optimal feeding properties, soybeans require a heating process to eliminate intrinsic compounds interfering negatively with the animal’s digestive tract. A heating process might have different effects on different soybean varieties. Therefore, two different soybean varieties were treated at two different heat intensities in the present study—110 °C and 120 °C. The results showed, that while both heat intensities had a sufficient deactivating effect in one variety, the other variety was not treated sufficiently at 110 °C. Insufficient heat treatment was expressed in lower weight gains and lower feed intake. No negative effect of heat treatment at 120 °C was observed for growth performance, but amino acid digestibility was reduced. The present study shows that the optimal processing conditions can vary for different soybean varieties, which has to be considered especially when handling small and heterogeneous soybean batches.As production of European soybeans is expected to grow, optimal processing conditions need to be ensured for small and heterogeneous batches of soybeans. The effect of different soybean varieties, as well as heat treatments, on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens was investigated. Two varieties, regarded as heat stable and heat labile after preliminary experiments, were partially de-oiled and thermally processed at 110 °C for 20 min and 120 °C for 20 min. The resulting soybean cakes were integrated into a mash diet and subjected to a 36-day long feeding experiment. A total of 336 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 24 pens, resulting in 6 replicates per treatment. With application of the 110 °C treatment, analysis of soybean cakes showed that the commonly required reduction in trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) was only reached with one soybean variety. The higher processing temperature of 120 °C ensured sufficient TIA reductions in both soybean varieties. Elevated TIA concentrations resulted in decreased growth performances (p < 0.05) of the chickens, whereas no negative effect from overheating on growth performance appeared. Total-tract nitrogen retention (p < 0.05) and pre-caecal digestibility of several amino acids (p < 0.10) decreased with higher processing temperatures but had no negative effects on growth performance. In conclusion, the results indicate that processing conditions adjusted to the different varieties are essential to ensure optimal product quality.

Effects of feeding solid-state fermented wheat bran on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

Solid-state fermentation has been used to improve the nutritive value of feed ingredients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance and apparent digestibility in broiler chickens. We measured the growth performance (ADFI, ADG, feed conversion, livability, and European performance efficiency factor) over 38 d in chicks fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) or CON plus wet FWB (25 g/kg [T1]; 50 g/kg [T2]); or T1 plus 3 g/kg (T3); or T2 plus 6 g/kg (T4) soybean oil). The same diets were used to determine nutrient availability in chicks aged 20 d. Regression equations for AME and AMEn were obtained using 20-day-old chicks fed either the corn-soybean meal basal diet only or basal diet partially substituted with 50, 150, or 300 g/kg DM FWB. Diets containing 25 or 50 g/kg wet FBW did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens, nor the apparent DM, energy, and nitrogen digestibility of the feeds, compared with the control diets (all P > 0.05). Further supplementation with oil did not improve the growth performance of broiler chickens compared with controls or chickens fed FBW. However, chickens fed diets containing soybean oil (T3 or T4) had lower (P = 0.005 and P = 0.040, respectively) apparent DM and energy digestibility than the control and FWB groups. The regression equations for AME and AMEn with the substitution of FWB produced values of 1,854.3 and 1,743.9 kcal/kg DM, respectively, and the equations were Y = 1854.3X + 52.7 (R2 = 0.971, n = 24, P < 0.001), and Y = 1743.9X + 44.6 (R2 = 0.978, n = 24, P < 0.001), respectively. Supplementation with wet FWB did not affect the growth performance of broiler chickens. Therefore, FWB is a suitable feed component for broilers.

Chemical Compositions of Brown and Green Seaweed, and Effects on Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to analyse the nutritional properties and apparent ileal digestibility of brown and green seaweed on broiler chickens. Proximate content, mineral and amino acid contents were analysed. In addition, the gross energy value of brown and green seaweed was measured. A digestibility trial was conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility of seaweed in broiler chickens. Apparent metabolisable energy was determined as well in this study. Birds were fed with 90.30% seaweed-based diet with an indigestible marker. At the end of the feeding trial, birds were euthanised and ileal digesta was collected. Nutrient contents of experimental feed and digesta were analysed, and gross energy was measured. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude lipid and ash contents among the brown and green seaweed-based diets. The findings also demonstrated that the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude fibre was significantly higher in brown seaweed compared to green seaweed. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in the apparent digestibility of metabolisable energy between the types of seaweed.This study aimed to analyse the nutritional properties, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of broiler chickens fed with brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS). Proximate analysis was performed to determine the nutrient composition of seaweed. The amino acids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the minerals content. The gross energy (GE) was determined using a fully automatic bomb calorimeter, and the AME value was calculated. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as an indigestible marker to calculate the AID. A digestibility trial was conducted to investigate the effects of seaweeds on crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), amino acids (AA) and minerals digestibility, and AME on broiler chickens. Thirty-six broiler chickens were randomly distributed into two dietary treatment groups with six replicates and three birds per replicate. Results showed that brown and green seaweed was a source of macro and micronutrients. For the AME and AID of seaweed-based diets, the results showed that the AME value for BS and GS was 2894.13 and 2780.70 kcal/kg, respectively. The AID of BS and GS was 88.82% and 86.8% for EE, 82.03% and 80.6% for OM, 60.69% and 57.80% for CP, 48.56 and 44.02% for CF, and 17.97 and 19.40% for ash contents, respectively. Meanwhile, the AID of CP and CF was significantly higher for BS compared to the GS. Findings showed that the AID of various AA was 40.96 to 77.54%, and the AID of selected minerals (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) for both BS and GS groups were above 90%.

Performance, Serum Biochemical and Immunological Parameters, and Digestive Enzyme and Intestinal Barrier-Related Gene Expression of Broiler Chickens Fed Fermented Fava Bean By-Products as a Substitute for Conventional Feed.

Improving the nutritional quality of unconventional feed ingredients such as fava bean by-products can enhance their utilization by broiler chickens. Hence, the quality of fermented fava bean by-products (FFB), in addition to growth, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme, and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and serum biochemical and immunological parameters were evaluated in response to different levels of FFB. A total of 500 1-day-old broiler chicks (46.00 ± 0.388 g) were allocated to five groups with 10 replicates each (100 chicks per treatment). The first group was fed a corn–soybean diet (control diet), and the other four groups were fed a diet containing 5, 15, 25, and 35% FFB for 38 days. Birds fed 25% FFB exhibited maximum body weight gain (increase by 12.5%, compared with the control group) and the most improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, birds fed FFB at 15, 25, and 35% showed improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Moreover, birds fed FFB at 25 and 35% exhibited a decrease in ileal pH and an increase in fiber digestibility (p < 0.05). Upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP, and CCK) was observed in groups fed with FFB. The most prominent upregulation of genes encoding tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecules) in the duodenum was observed in chicks fed 25 and 35% FFB (increase of 0.66-, 0.31-, and 1.06-fold and 0.74-, 0.44-, and 0.92-fold, respectively). Additionally, the highest expression level of enterocyte protective genes [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2), mucin-2 (MUC-2), and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-6)] was detected in duodenum of chicks fed high levels of FFB. Substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB had an inhibitory effect on cecal pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) and increased beneficial microflora (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium), especially at high levels. Additionally, an increase was observed in IgM and lysozyme activity, with no effect on IgA in all groups fed FFB. All levels of FFB decreased cholesterol levels. Based on our results, we concluded that substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB can improve the growth rate and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens, enhance their intestinal barrier functions, and increase the number of beneficial microorganisms. Using FFB at 25% had a positive effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens, and it could be utilized in poultry farms.

Growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying inclusion levels of dried watermelon rind at the starter phase

Watermelon rind is one of the several unwanted by-products generated by restaurants, fruit juice producers and food industries in Nigeria that can be gotten rid of by using it as an energy source in broiler production. The growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of broilers fed diets containing varying inclusion levels of dried watermelon rind (DWMR) in replacement for wheat offal as source of energy and fibre at starter phase was evaluated. The dried watermelon rind was prepared by sun-drying fresh watermelon for three days and oven-dried at 50 ºC for 2 hours. The birds were randomly allocated to five (5) treatments (T1 – T5), each treatment had three replicates with ten (10) birds per replicate. The birds were fed varied levels of DWMR at 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 % in replacement of wheat offal to obtain five diets. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum throughout the 28 days study duration. Body weight, Body weight gain, Feed intake, Feed conversion ratio and apparent nutrient digestibility were measured. The results obtained on the growth performance shows no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference of the growth parameters across treatments. However, there was significant (P&lt;0.05) difference in the digestibility of Crude fibre, Ether extract, Ash, Nitrogen free extract and Total digestible nutrient across treatments. There was no obvious variation in dry matter and crude protein digestibility. The result of the total digestible nutrient was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (92.90 %) than the T1 (84.99 %) which was the control diet. The crude fibre digestibility recorded in T2 (63.48%) and T1 (61.09 %) is higher than T5 (43.00 %), the ether extract digestibility of T1 (96.42 %) is higher than the other groups with the lowest in T4 (95.25 %). There was depress ash digestibility in T5 (68.30 %), lower than the other groups with the highest in T1 (82.59 %). The study therefore concluded that farmers can replace wheat offal with 25 % watermelon rind in broiler starter diet without any deleterious effect in the growth performance and nutrient digestibility.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; La croûte de pastèque est l'un des nombreux sous-produits indésirables produits par les restaurants, les producteurs de jus de fruits et les industries alimentaires au Nigéria qui peuvent être débarrassés en l'utilisant comme source d'énergie dans la production de poulets à griller. La performance de croissance et la digestibilité apparente des éléments nutritifs des poulets de grillage nourris selon des régimes alimentaires contenant différents niveaux d'inclusion de la croûte de pastèque séchée (DWMR) en remplacement des aals de blé comme source d'énergie et de fibres à la phase de démarrage ont été évaluées. La croûte de pastèque séchée a été préparée par pastèque fraîche séchée pendant trois jours et séchée au four à 50ºC pendant 2 heures. Les oiseaux ont été attribués au hasard à cinq (5) traitements (T1 - T5), chaque traitement avait trois répliques avec dix (10) oiseaux par réplique. Les oiseaux ont été nourris à des niveaux variés de DWMR à 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % et 100 % en remplacement des aals de blé pour obtenir cinq régimes alimentaires. L'alimentation et l'eau ont été fournies ad-libitum tout au long de la durée de l'étude de 28 jours. Le poids corporel, le gain de poids corporel, l'apport alimentaire, le rapport de conversion des aliments pour animaux et la digestibilité apparente des nutriments ont été mesurés. Les résultats obtenus sur la performance de croissance ne montrent aucune différence significative (P&gt;0.05) des paramètres de croissance entre les traitements. Cependant, il y avait une différence significative (P&lt;0.05) dans la digestibilité des fibres brutes, extrait d'éther, cendres, extrait sans azote et nutriment digestible total entre les traitements. Il n'y avait aucune variation évidente dans la matière sèche et la digestibilité brute de protéine. Le résultat du nutriment digestible total a été significativement (P&lt;0.05) plus élevé en T2 (92.90 %) que le T1 (84.99%) qui était le régime de contrôle. La digestibilité des fibres brutes enregistrée en T2 (63.48%) et T1 (61.09 %) est plus élevé que T5 (43.00 %), la digestibilité de l'extrait d'éther de T1 (96.42 %) est plus élevé que les autres groupes ayant le plus faible taux de T4 (95.25 %). Il y avait une digestibilité déprimante des cendres en T5 (68.30 %), inférieure à celle des autres groupes ayant le taux le plus élevé en T1 (82.59 %). L'étude a donc conclu que les agriculteurs peuvent remplacer les aals de blé par 25 % de croûte de pastèque dans le régime de démarrage des poulets à griller sans aucun effet délétère dans la performance de croissance et la digestibilité des nutriments.

Bioactive Peptides from Sesame Meal for Broiler Chickens: Its Influence on the Serum Biochemical Metabolites, Immunity Responses and Nutrient Digestibility

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of bioactive peptides derived from sesame meal (BPSM), avilamycin as an antibiotic and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) as a prebiotic supplementation on the some serum metabolites, immune response, and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of 300 broiler chickens were randomly placed in 6 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds each, for 32 days. The experimental treatments consisted of a basal corn-soybean meal or control diet, control diet + 10 mg/kg avilamycin, control diet + 2 gr/kg MOS, control diet + 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BPSM. According to the results, dietary treatments had no effects on the serum concentration of IgG and IgM (immunity indices), cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as an index for liver health (P > 0.05). While the blood concentration of albumin increased in broiler chickens fed diet containing 100 mg/kg BPSM (P < 0.05).In nutrient digestibility, addition of 100 mg/kg of BPSM and MOS increased the ileal digestibility coefficients of crude protein and ether extract in broiler chickens (P < 0.05). Likewise, ileal digestibility of vital amino acids including histidine, methionine, and tyrosine improved in broiler chickens, which received 100 mg/kg BPSM diet, while threonine digestibility increased in broilers fed MOS diet (P < 0.05). Body weight gain and food conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in the birds received MOS and 100 mg/kg BPSM, respectively. Considering the results of this study, it is concluded that BPSM can be used as a diet supplement in broiler chickens with no negative effect on the immune response and nutrient digestibility.

Dietary supplementation with chitosan oligosaccharide affects serum lipids and nutrient digestibility in broilers

This research was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on the growth performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of breast meat, and apparent nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to a control diet (T1) or diets supplemented with 50 ppm (T2) and 100 ppm (T3) of COS. There were five replicates of 25 chicks for each treatment. All the experimental birds were fed a starter (days 1 - 4), grower (days 15 - 28), and finisher diet (days 29 - 42). No differences were detected among treatments for live weight, gain, feed intake or feed conversion, except that feed intake was depressed in T3 during the grower period. Serum total protein and albumin levels did not differ among the treatments. Serum total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglyceride concentrations were reduced significantly by supplementation with COS, whereas the high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was significantly lower only for T2 relative to T1. The dressing percentage was significantly higher for T2 and T3 than for T1. Fatty acid composition of the breast meat was unaffected by the treatments. The digestibility of the diet and some of its constituents was affected in a graduated manner by the addition of COS. Thus, supplementation of broiler diets with COS improved carcass yield and had a hypolipidemic effect in improving the serum lipid profile&#x0D; Keywords: carcass, digestibility, hypolipidemic effect, performance

Efficacy of lysophospholipids on growth performance, carcase, intestinal morphology, microbial population and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed different dietary oil sources

An experiment was conducted to investigate the growth performance, microbial population, intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with lysophospholipids (LPL) in combination with soybean (SO), flaxseed (FSO) or sesame seed (SSO) oil sources. A completely randomised design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement including two levels of LPL (0 or 0.1% Lipidol) and three different oil sources was used. A total of three hundred one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into six treatments of five pens with ten birds per pen. The results showed that body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly increased in broilers fed dietary LPL and SSO (p < .05). There was a significant interaction between the oil sources and LPL supplementation on 10 days of age (p < .05). Inclusion of SSO to the diets increased villus width and villus surface area compared with SO diet (p < .05). Broilers fed LPL supplemented diets had lower crypt depth, while villus length to crypt depth ratio was greater in broilers fed LPL supplementation (p < .05). Lactobacillus population increased in broilers fed LPL supplemented diet compared to those without dietary LPL (p < .05). Inclusion of LPL increased ileal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract (p < .05). Broiler fed SSO diets had greater digestibility coefficient for ether extract compared with SO group (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary LPL supplementation and SSO increased growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbiota activity and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. HIGHLIGHTS Lysophospholipids (LPL) supplementation increased growth performance, intestinal morphology, and microbiota activity in broiler chickens. Supplemental LPL enhanced ileal nutrient digestibility coefficients in broiler chickens. Dietary sesame seed oil (SSO) increased growth performance, ether extract digestibility and intestinal morphometric variables in broiler chickens compared with soybean oil (SO).

Effect of a multicarbohydrase supplementation to diets varying in metabolisable energy level on the performance, carcase traits, caecal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens

This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of multi-carbohydrase supplementation on the performance, carcase traits, intestinal histomorphology, caecal microbiota and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets with varying energy levels. A total of 400-day-old male chicks were allocated into eight dietary treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with 5 replicates per treatment. There were 4 dietary energy levels (the standard breed recommendation and reductions of 50, 100 and 150 kcal/kg from the standard) with or without multi-carbohydrase supplementation. Reducing the energy level by 50 kcal/kg did not significantly impact the measured parameters compared to the standard recommendation while it is reducing by 100 and 150 kcal/kg resulted in significant decreases in the body weight (BW) by levels up to 4.41% and a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) by levels up to 4.67%. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved the BW and FCR by 3.24% and 2.95%, respectively. Dietary energy lowered by 100–150 kcal/kg resulted in a significant decrease in the dressing (up to 2.42%), breast yield (up to 2.82%), fat pads (up to 8.72%), liver (up to 6.30%) percentages and coliform count (up to 28.5%). The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy was increased due to enzyme supplementation by 4.15, 3.50, 3.35 and 3.72%, respectively. In conclusion, broiler performance and carcase traits can be negatively impacted if the energy density is reduced by 100–150 kcal/kg diet. Enzyme supplementation can improve the performance and nutrient digestibility regardless of the dietary energy level. HIGHLIGHTS The metabolisable energy level can be reduced by 50 kcal/kg diets compared to the breed recommendation. Decreasing the energy level by 100 or 150 kcal/kg diet compared to breed recommendations resulted in a negative impact on the performance. Multicarbohydrase blend supplementation resulted in significant improvements in the performance and nutrient digestibility.

Performance, carcass characteristic and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed Palm-kernel extraction by-products

This study aimed at investigating the effect of by-products of palm kernel extraction; palm kernel extraction residue (PKER) and palm kernel sludge (PKS) based diets as replacement for maize in broiler diets. A total of 198 one-day old Marshal Broiler chickens were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments. Each dietary treatment had 33 birds with 11 birds per replicate. Maize in the diets was partly replaced by PKER and PKS each at three levels (0, 10 and 20%). The experiment was conducted in both starter and finisher phases. Growth responses, carcass evaluation and nutrient utilization were estimated. Data obtained were subjected to 2x3 factorial arrangement within the completely randomized design (CRD). Feed: Gain was influenced by the level of the palm kernel by-products during 1-28days of study. The weight gained during the 56 days period were not significantly higher (P&gt;0.05) across the treatments All the carcass parameters measured were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by either PKER or PKS. However birds on PKER diets showed superior (P&lt;0.05) nutrients use. In conclusion, the inclusion of palm kernel extraction by-products (between 10-20% PKER and 20% PKS) in the diets of broiler chickens is thereby encouraged for better growth and efficient feed utilization.

Performance, nutrient digestibility and feed cost benefit of finisher broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Crina poultry plus

A study was carried out to determine the effect of Crina Poultry Plus®, a natural blend of essential oils and benzoic acid. on the growth performance, carcass yield and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. Six treatment diets were formulated by the addition of Crina Poultry Plus (CPP®) at 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6g/kg of feed. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were allocated to the six dietary treatments with each treatment having four replicates. Each replicate had 10 broilers. The parameters measured were live weight, live weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, carcass and organ characteristics, nutrient utilization and feed cost benefit. Results of growth performance showed that there were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) across the treatment groups, but birds fed diets supplemented with CPP® had significantly heavier body weight (BW), higher average daily weigh gain live weight gain and similar feed conversion ratio when compared with the control group. The dressing percentage, thigh, drum stick, breast cut and back cut were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different across the treatment groups but those fed diet supplemented with CPP® had higher values when compared with the control diet. The supplementation of CPP® improved nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Birds fed diet containing 0.6g of CPP® had numerically lower cost per kg of weight gained compared to other treatment groups. It can be concluded that the addition of 0.6 g CPP® in broiler diets improved performance, carcass, organ characteristics and nutrient utilization of broilers.

Feeding value of defatted cashew kernel as an alternative protein source in broiler diets

This study was carried out to determine chemical composition of defatted cashew kernel cake (CKC) and cashew kernel oil (CKO), assess performance characteristics and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed diets containing two grades of CKC. In the study, 210, one-day old Arbor acre broiler chicks which were stabilized on commercial diets (23% CP and 2900kcal/kgME) for 2 weeks before introduced to the seven experimental diets were used. The experiment was laid out in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement which consisted of a control treatment without CKC while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5, 6, 7consisted of 33.33%, 66.67% and 100% replacement of groundnut cake (GNC) with grade I and grade II CKC respectively. Digestibility trial was carried out at the end of eighth week of the study. Data on performance attributes and coefficient of nutrient digestibility were collected and analysed using a general linear model of SAS. The results of proximate composition showed no substantial difference in dry matter, crude protein, soluble and insoluble carbohydrate except ether extract. Caloric content in CKC was slightly higher than GNC. Both physical and chemical properties of the defatted cashew oil were similar to that of groundnut. The performance traits measured in terms of body weight gained, total feed intake and feed conversion were significantly (P&lt;0.05) different across the treatments with birds on CKC showing superior performance than birds on GNC diet with 17.72% and 13.35% higher BWG in grade I and II respectively. Fat deposition was notably (P&lt;0.05) higher in birds on CKC diets. Digestibility of nutrients indicated that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre digestibility were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected across the treatments by the inclusion of CKC in the diets, while the Ash and NFE digestibility were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced. Economically, the use of CKC reduced the heightened cost of production by 9.1%. It can be concluded that grade I CKC could completely and favourably replace GNC in diets of chicken to improve growth, feed efficiency and to reduce the cost of feed per unit egg.

Performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed graded levels of fermented and toasted seed meal

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented and toasted Albizia lebbeck seed meal (FTALSM), on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens at the starter and finisher phases. One hundred and fifty (150) day old chicks (Abo acres) were used for this study and were divided into five treatments (with three replicate each containing 10 birds) using a completely randomized design (CRD) for eight weeks. The treatments were five diets containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of fermented and toasted Albizia lebbeck seed meal (FTALSM), respectively and were tagged Diet 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The feed intake at the starter phase was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in Diets 3 and 4 which had 10 and 15% inclusion of FTALSM, respectively. Diets 2, 3 and 4 also differ significantly (p&lt;0.05) in final body weight and total weight gained from the control diets. The results at the finisher phase indicated that, there were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all the parameters measured except for mortality. Birds fed Diet 2 performed significantly better in weight gain (1453g) and feed intake (3087.25g) compared to the control group. Birds on the control and Diet 2 had similar feed efficiency, the values were however, better than those on the other treatments. The results of nutrient digestibility showed birds fed Diet 5 (20% FTALSM) recorded significantly (P&lt;0.05) low digestibility values in all parameters measured. The results showed that fermentation and toasting reduced phytase, oxalate and cyanide by 41.87, 26.67 and 99.94 % respectively. It can be concluded therefore, that FTALSM can be included up to 15 % in broiler chickens starter diets and 5 % in the finisher diet for optimum growth performance.

Evaluation of maize-yam peel meal based diets supplemented with exogenous cocktail enzymes on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and metabolisable energy in finisher broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maize and yam peels meal based diets with and without enzyme supplementation on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens at finisher phase. One hundred and eighty (180), one day-old broiler chicks were fed six diets in two groups. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial experimental layout of two levels of enzyme (0g/100kg diet and 50g/100kg diet) and three levels of yam peels inclusion (0kg, 15kg and 30kg). Each treatment was replicated 3 times consisting of 10 chicks per replicate. The experiment lasted 4 weeks. Main effect of graded levels of yam peel meal and enzymes supplementation on growth performance of starter broiler chickens showed significant (P ? 0.05) influence on final weight, total weight, total weight grain and daily weight grain. Birds fed 0% YPM recorded higher statistical value of 2549.00g for final weight. Interaction effect of YPM and enzyme showed significant (&lt;0.05) effect on growth performance of finisher broiler chickens. Final weight, total weight gain and daily weight gain were significantly (&lt;0.05) influenced by interaction of YPM and enzyme. Birds fed control diet (T1 ) recorded higher significant (P&lt;0.05) values for final weight of comparative level. Least value of 2220.00g was recorded for final weight in the birds fed 15% YPM without enzyme (T2 ). Varying levels of YPM as a partial replacement for maize had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on nutrient digestibility. Higher values were recorded for birds fed 0% inclusion level of YPM across the parameter determined with the exception of ether extract and ash. Inclusion of YPM with enzyme supplementation had significant (P&lt;0.05) interaction effects on percentage dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility and crude fibre digestibility. Dry matter digestibility decreased with increased level of YPM with or without enzyme. Inclusion of yam peels meal up to 30% level of replacement for maize with or without enzyme supplementation could be recommended for appreciable nutrient digestibility and improved growth performance of finisher broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient ileal digestibility in broiler chickens

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, excreta microflora, blood constituents, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 680 one-d-old Ross 308 (as hatched) broiler chickens were used in a 35-d growth assay. Chicks were sorted into pens with 17 birds/pen and 10 pens/treatment. Treatment diets were contained either 44% or 48% crude protein (CP) soybean meal (SBM) with or without β-mannanase.ResultsUsing SBM containing 48% CP led to an improvement (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 14. Addition of β-mannanase to the diets significantly improved body weight gain (BWG) and FCR from d 1 to 14. During overall experimental period, BWG was affected (p<0.05) by CP level of SBM and inclusion of β-mannanase, but FCR and feed intake were not affected. Carcass characteristics were not influenced by treatment diets. The results showed that digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy was not affected by CP level of SBM and/or inclusion of β-mannanase. Among essential amino acids (EAA) apparent digestibility of valine, methionine, and leucine improved (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. The results demonstrated that ileal digestibility of DM, N, and energy was not affected by treatment diets. Among EAA, the ileal digestibility of valine and arginine was higher (p<0.05) in the diets containing 48% CP SBM and/or β-mannanase. Excreta Lactobacillus count increased (p<0.05) by the addition of β-mannanase to the diets. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and total protein level were not affected by treatments.ConclusionFeeding chickens with diets containing 44% CP SBM resulted in detrimental effects on growth performance and digestibility of nutrients, but addition of β-mannanase to the 44% CP diet improved the growth performance of chickens without any effects on carcass characteristics.

Antibacterial action and dietary effect of lemon juice on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens

trial to determine the bactericidal effect of lemon juice on feed bacterial load and its dietary effect on growth and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments (T1 – T5) containing lemon juice 0.0, 10, 15, 20 and 25mL/kg diet, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds each, giving 30 birds per treatment. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Starter diet was fed ad libitum for 3 weeks and finisher diet for 4 weeks. Water was given also ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Citric and ascorbic acids content of the lime and the pH were determined. At the end of the experiment, results showed that the juice contained ascorbic acid (2.76), citric acid (4.23) with low pH (3.87) and exhibited antibacterial action. Above 10mL/kg inclusion level, apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash and energy utilization were improved. At the starter phase 20 and 25mL/kg improved final live weight and protein efficiency ratio. Final live weight was improved by 15, 20 and 25mL/kg at the finisher phase. In conclusion, addition of 15mL/kg lemon juice in broiler diets could be a good practice and is recommended.