Parameters Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

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.

Age-related changes in biochemical and clinical blood parameters in broiler chickens

Age-related changes in biochemical and clinical blood parameters in broiler chickens

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Angelica gigas Nakai root extract on the Growth Performance, Hematological and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root extract on growth performance, hematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 320 straight-run Cobb broiler chicks from a commercial hatchery were distributed among four treatment groups: Basal diet (BD) as the Control; Treatment 1 (T1): BD + 2 g/kg AGN; Treatment 2 (T2): BD + 4 g/kg AGN; and Treatment 3 (T3): BD + 8 g/kg AGN), each comprising eight replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The supplementation of AGN resulted in dose-dependent improvements (P < 0.05) in body weight, gain, and feed efficiency. On both day 21 and day 35, increasing AGN dosage in the diet led to a significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV). By day 21, AGN supplementation dose-dependently decreased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels. Meanwhile, AGN dose escalation correlated with a notable increase (P < 0.05) in serum total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin levels. On day 35, increasing AGN levels led to a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in serum AST and ALT activity, along with lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine levels. In conclusion, AGN supplementation enhanced growth performance and positively influenced hematological indices and serum biochemistry profiles in broiler chickens. The study confirms the safe and effective utilization of AGN at an 8 g/kg (0.8 %) feed additive dosage to optimize broiler performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of AGN in poultry nutrition.

The effect of gut microbiota-derived carnosine on mucosal integrity and immunity in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima

In the first study, an in vitro culture system was developed to investigate the effects of carnosine on macrophage proinflammatory cytokine response using an established chicken macrophage cell line (CMC), gut integrity using a chicken intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC), muscle differentiation in quail muscle cells (QMCs) and primary chicken embryonic muscle cells (PMCs), and direct anti-parasitic effect against Eimeria maxima sporozoites. Cells to be tested were seeded in 24-well plates and treated with carnosine at 4 different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 µg). After 18 h of incubation, cells were harvested to measure gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CMC, tight junction (TJ) proteins in IECs, and muscle cell growth markers in QMCs and PMCs. In vivo trials were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary carnosine on disease parameters in broiler chickens challenged with E. maxima. One hundred and twenty male broiler chickens (0-day-old) were allocated into four treatment groups: (1) basal diet without infection (NC), (2) basal diet with E. maxima infection (PC), (3) carnosine at 10.0 mg/kg feed with PC (HCS), and (4) carnosine at 1.0 mg/kg feed with PC (LCS). All groups except NC were orally infected with E. maxima on day 14. Jejunal samples were collected for lesion scoring and jejunum gut tissues were used for transcriptomic analysis of cytokines and TJ proteins. In vitro, carnosine treatment significantly decreased IL-1β gene expression in CMC following LPS stimulation. In vivo feeding studies showed that dietary carnosine increased BW and ADG of chickens in E. maxima-infected groups and reduced the jejunal lesion score and fecal oocyst shedding in HCS group. Jejunal IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ expression were suppressed in the HCS group compared to PC. The expression levels of claudin-1 and occludin in IECs were also increased in HCS following carnosine treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the beneficial effects of dietary carnosine supplementation on intestinal immune responses and gut barrier function in broiler chickens exposed to E. maxima infection.

Effect of emulsifier on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets.

This study hypothesizes that a natural multicomponent emulsifier (Lipidol) could improve production performance in broiler chickens by aiding lipid digestion and addressing digestive system limitations. The study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary emulsifier inclusion on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, faecal microbiology, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets. The experiment involved 144 one-day-old male broiler chickens split into 4 treatments. Four diets were used: standard metabolizable energy (ME) as a control diet and three low-ME diets, reducing by 100kcal/kg by adding 0.5, 1 and 1.5g/kg of exogenous emulsifier (Em). No significant differences were observed in body weight gain and feed intake. However, during the finisher period (25-42 days), supplementation emulsifier to low-ME diets notably improved feed efficiency. Although crude protein, organic matter and ash digestibility remained unaffected, dry matter (DM) digestibility significantly increased in broilers fed low-ME diets with emulsifier. Broilers receiving 0.5g/kg of emulsifier showed the highest villus width and surface area values. Moreover, including 1.5g/kg of emulsifier led to the highest villus height to crypt depth ratio. Faecal microbiota, blood biochemistry and liver enzyme activities showed no significant differences. Emulsifier supplementation compensated for the energy reduction and enhanced performance, DM digestibility and some intestinal morphology parameters in broiler chickens fed low-ME diet. Using 0.5g/kg of emulsifier per 100kcal of ME reduction in broiler diets is suggested.

Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley-based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters. This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi-enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets. Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley-based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH+ENZ). The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p<0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH+ENZ (p<0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p<0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p<0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash. It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley-based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.

Effect of different levels of supplemental yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on productive performance, carcass traits and some blood parameters in broiler chickens

Effect of different levels of supplemental yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on productive performance, carcass traits and some blood parameters in broiler chickens

Growth performance, blood lipids, and fat digestibility of broilers fed diets supplemented with bile acid and xylanase.

This study aimed to show the effect of bile acid (BA) and xylanase (Xyl) supplementation on the growth, fat digestibility, serum lipid metabolites, and ileal digesta viscosity of broilers. A total of 720 1 d old male broilers were allocated to one of nine treatments with four replicates in each under a factorial design arrangement of three levels of BA (0 %, 0.25 %, and 0.50 %) and three levels of Xyl (0 %, 0.05 %, and 0.10 %) supplementation. The duration of the experiment was 35 d (7-42 d). Growth performance, blood lipids, fat digestibility, and ileal digesta viscosity were determined. The experimental treatments did not affect feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG). Supplementation of BA or Xyl did not significantly ameliorate the feed conversion rate (FCR) (). The addition of BA linearly increased fat digestibility. At 7-21 d of age, the addition of BA or Xyl had a significant () increase in serum cholesterol (Chol) but no significant difference for other serum lipid parameters in broiler chickens fed with Xyl in the starter and grower periods. However, the supplementation of 0.5 % BA at 7-21 d of age significantly increased the Chol and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The results of this trial revealed that the supplementation of xylanases had a great effect on the degradation of arabinoxylan from wheat, which led to a relatively greater reduction in ileal digesta viscosity; it was also found that supplementation of BA significantly increased the concentration of serum lipid metabolites, whereas BA and Xyl supplementation linearly increased the fat digestibility of the birds fed wheat and tallow diets.

Impact of early posthatch feeding on the immune system and selected hematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in broiler chickens

Under commercial conditions, chicks hatch within a 24 to 48 h window, a period known as the hatching window. Subsequently, they undergo various treatments before finally being transported to the broiler farm. These procedures may delay the chicks' access to food and water, sometimes receiving them as late as 72 h after hatching. Previous studies have indicated that fasting during this initial period is detrimental, leading to impaired body growth, compromised immune system response, and hindered muscle development. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of early posthatch feeding on immune system organs and selected hematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters. The experiment utilized Ross 308 broiler eggs incubated under typical commercial hatchery conditions. The experimental group's eggs were hatched in HatchCare hatchers (HC) with immediate access to feed and water, while the control group's eggs were hatched under standard conditions (ST). Thirty chickens from each group were assessed on the 1st (D1), 7th (D7), 21st (D21), and 35th (D35) day after hatching. On D1, the HC group exhibited lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and total serum protein values, suggesting that early access to water prevents initial dehydration in newborn chicks. Conversely, the ST group showed a stress reaction on D1 due to feed deprivation, leading to an almost 2-fold higher serum corticosterone concentration compared to the HC group. However, this increase did not result in a significant change in the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Furthermore, the HC group displayed an increase in triglyceride concentration and a decrease in HDL concentration on D1. On D7, the HC group exhibited an increased relative weight of the bursa and a higher CD4+ cell number in the cecal tonsil (CT), indicating a more rapid development of these organs resulting from early stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, early feeding did not influence the numbers of Bu-1+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells or the germinal center (GC) areas in the spleen. In conclusion, early feeding contributes to the welfare of newborn chicks by reducing dehydration and stress levels and stimulating the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Effect of Dietary Fumaric Acid on Growth Performance and some Biochemical Parameters in Broiler

The aim of this research work is evaluate effect of supplementation different levels of fumaric acid at two different times on productive performance and several serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 360 (day-old) chicks were used for 35 days. Chicks were randomly distributed among five treatments, each treatment included three replicates (24 chicks /replicate). Experimental treatments included fumaric acid 0, 1, 1.5 g / kg feed, which was presented to the birds in two stages, the first at the age of 10 days, the second at the age of 20 days in the diet. The results showed that the treatments added to fumaric recorded a significant increase in body weight, weight gain, and the amount of feed ingested. And there were no significant differences in the feed conversion factor, and the biochemical parameters showed that fumaric intake reduces glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood of birds. It did not show an effect of the time of addition.

Impact of Cassava Leaf Meal as a Rice Bran Substitute and Enzyme Supplementation on Lymphoid Organ Weight and Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Cassava leaves are a potential alternative feed ingredient due to their high levels of crude protein and energy. However, their utilization in poultry feed is constrained by factors such as cyanic acid, fiber content, and nutrient digestibility. This study aimed to investigate the impact of including cassava leaf meal (CLM) as a rice bran substitute and enzyme supplementation on lymphoid organ development and metabolizable energy parameters in broiler chickens. A 2x3 completely randomized factorial design was conducted using 48 Cobb-strain broilers unsexing at 35 days old. The treatments included different levels of CLM and enzyme (NSP and protease) supplementation at a dose of 250 g/ton of feed. The treatments consisted of R0E0: 0% CLM without enzyme, R0E1: 0% CLM with enzyme, R1E0: 1.5% CLM without enzyme, R1E1: 1.5% CLM with enzyme, R2E0: 3% CLM without enzyme, and R2E1: 3% CLM with enzyme. The variables assessed were lymphoid organ development (thymus, bursa Fabricius, and spleen) and metabolizable energy parameters (Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME), True Metabolizable Energy (TME), Apparent Metabolizable Energy Corrected to Nitrogen (AMEn), and True Metabolizable Energy Corrected to Nitrogen (TMEn)). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc tests conducted for significant differences. Results indicated no interaction between CLM and enzymes in lymphoid organ development and energy metabolizable. The inclusion of CLM led to a reduction in AME and TME (p&amp;lt;0.05). However, enzyme supplementation significantly increased the relative weight of lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa Fabricius, spleen) and metabolizable energy parameters (AME, TME, AMEn, and TMEn) (p&amp;lt;0.05). Importantly, the inclusion of CLM up to a level of 3.0% did not negatively impact the health of broiler chickens. Furthermore, the addition of enzymes effectively mitigated the negative effects associated with CLM inclusion in the feed, suggesting their potential as a strategy to improve feed utilization in broiler production systems.

Influence of multienzyme drugs in the diets of broiler chickens on their hematological parameters

In order to intensify modern poultry farming, close attention is paid to breeds, crosses with high growth potential. The poultry diet should be balanced in terms of metabolic energy and protein due to the inclusion of several ingredients and additives. Specialists of the agro-industrial complex have accumulated a large amount of research on the eff ective use of biologically active drugs in poultry farming. The use of enzyme drugs contributes to an increase in the level of energy nutrition, as well as accelerated growth and development of farm animals and poultry. The purpose of our work was to improve of production traits and hematological parameters in broiler chickens when using diff erent multi enzyme drugs in their diets. A scientifi c and economic experiment was carried out on broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308 under the conditions of a poultry farm of the IP Fitisov G. N., village Ozerny in the Caucasian district of the Krasnodar Territory. The broilers of the 1st control group received wheat and corn compound feed. The following multi enzyme drugs were additionally included in the diet of chickens of the experimental groups: the 2nd experimental group – Natugrain TS 100 g/t of compound feed, the 3rd experimental group – Rovabio Excel AP 50 g/t of compound feed, the 4th experimental group – Ronozim Multigrain 125 g/t of compound feed, the 5th experimental group – Akstra HV 100 g/t of compound feed, 6th experimental group – Akstra HAR 100 g/t of compound feed, 7th experimental group – Hostazim Combi 100 g/t of compound feed, 8th experimental group – Vilzim 20 g/t of compound feed and 9th experimental group – Enzyme Complex 750 g/t compound feed. The conditions of housing and feeding for broiler chickens of the experimental groups were the same and corresponded to the zoo and hygienic requirements for housing and feeding poultry. The use of multi enzyme drugs in compound feed for broiler chickens allowed us to increase live weight by 4,76–13,87 %, reduce expenditures of feed per unit of live weight gain by 4,73–12,43 %. The inclusion of multi enzyme drugs in the formula of compound feed allowed us to improve blood parameters. For example, there was an increase in the number of red blood cells, total protein, calcium, phosphorus and a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Thus, the introduction of multi enzyme drugs into compound feed for broiler chickens had a positive effect on the productive indicators of poultry and also on morphological and biochemical parameters of blood.

The Effects of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) Fruit Extract on Performance, Carcass and Some Serum Parameters of Broilers Reared Under Heat-Stress Conditions[2

Background: The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of heat stress (HS) and hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) fruit extract (HFE) on performance, carcass characteristics and serum parameters in broiler chickens. Methods: Experimental treatments included two different ambient temperatures (24°C: thermoneutral conditions, or 35°C: HS conditions) and three different HFE (0, 0.2 and 0.4 ml/L) in a 2´3 factorial arrangement. A total of 300 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted 1 of 6 treatments with five replicates. A total of 300 1-day old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 6 groups with five replications of 10 birds each. HFE supplementation had no effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics and visceral weight in stressed groups (P greater than 0.05). It was also determined that it has a lowering effect on serum malondialdehyde (MDA), free fatty acid (FFA), triacylglyceride (TAG), total lipid (TL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) (P less than 0.05), but it has no effect on other parameters (P greater than 0.05). Result: As a result, it is thought that the addition of HFE to the drinking water of broiler chickens exposed to HS has no effect on the performance characteristics, HFE has a hypolipidemic effect and would be beneficial in order to strengthen the immune system.

Investigating adverse effects of chronic dietary exposure to herbicide glyphosate on zootechnical characteristics and clinical, biochemical and immunological blood parameters in broiler chickens

Although the herbicide glyphosate is widely used globally and considered safe, more evidence of its adverse effects on animals and humans is accumulating. The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the impact of different glyphosate concentrations on zootechnical characteristics and clinical, biochemical and immunological blood parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens. Four groups were employed, including untreated control and three experimental groups fed diets enriched with glyphosate at doses of 10, 20 and 100 ppm that conformed to 0.5, 1 and 5 maximum residue limits, respectively. The results showed that glyphosate is a stress factor triggering a multifaceted effect on important blood parameters (e.g., white blood cell and phagocytic counts), which was shown for the first time in the experiments involving productive meat-type poultry. It was first revealed that glyphosate-induced changes in blood parameters may be related to a negative impact on the zootechnical characteristics including the digestive tract organ development and body weight gain. The study findings suggested that exposure to glyphosate in the feedstuffs can adversely affect the physiological condition and productivity of broilers.

The effects of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaf powder supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, meat lipid oxidation and some blood parameters of broiler chicks

The purpose of this study was conducted to evaluated the effects of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves powder (LLP) on performance, thigh and breast meat lipid oxidation and chemical composition, body components, digestive tract parts and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 144 d-old mix-sexed chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to four experimental groups with three replicates of 12 chicks (6 ♀and 6 ♂) each. Treatments were as follows: (i) basal diet-no additive (control), (ii) basal diet+1000 mg/kg LLP, (iii) basal diet+5000 mg/kg LLP and (iv) basal diet+10000 mg/kg LLP. The results revealed that over entire the experimental period body weight and body weight gain increased by LLP supplementation (P&lt;0.01). Feed intake of birds enhanced (P&lt;0.05) whilst feed conversion ratio and chemical composition thigh meat were not significant affected by LLP concentration (P&gt;0.05). Liver improved with 10000 mg/kg LLP (P&lt;0.001) and the weight of ileum + jejunum improved with 5000 and 10000 mg/kg LLP (P&lt;0.01). Breast dry matter (P&lt;0.05), glucose (P&lt;0.05) and with LLP treatment, the TBARS values of breast and thigh meat decreased (P&lt;0.001). As a result, LLP supplementation in broiler diets can be advised because it lowers lipid oxidation in the meat.

The effects of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) leaves on performance, meat lipid oxidation, digestive tract parts, and some blood parameters of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing diets with goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) leaves (GBL) on performance, meat lipid oxidation, meat chemical composition, carcass traits, some internal organs, digestive tract parts and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 144 d-old mix-sexed chicks (Ross-308) were weighed and randomly allocated to four experimental groups with three replicates of 12 chickens each. Treatments were as follows: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet+1 g/kg GBL, (iii) basal diet + 5 g/kg GBL and (iv) basal diet+ 10 g/kg GBL. After analysis of one-way ANOVA, the results revealed that 10 g/kg GBL improved body weight (0-6 weeks) (P&lt;0.01), body weight gain (4-6 weeks) and feed intake (4-6 and 0-6 weeks) (P&lt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio did not significantly improve with GBL treatment (P&gt;0.05). In addition, 10 g/kg GBL of the diet increased heart weight and proventriculus length (P&lt;0.05), however, decreased breast meat lipid oxidation on d 21 (P&lt;0.05). Experimental treatments did not affect the total cholesterol, HDL, glucose and triglycerides (P&gt;0.05) but decreased LDL (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of 10 g/kg GBL to broiler chicken diet may improve performance and may decrease breast meat lipid oxidation and blood serum LDL.

The Effect of Organic Hawthorn (Crataegus tanacetifolia) Fruit Vinegar Supplement on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Some Serum Parameters in Broiler Chickens Subjected to Cyclic Heat Stress

Background: This study, it was aimed to determine the effects of adding organic hawthorn (Crataegus tanacetifolia) fruit vinegar (HFV) in different doses to the drinking water of broiler chickens reared under cyclic heat stress (CHS) on performance, carcass characteristics and some serum parameters. Methods: In the study, 300 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308), after a 1-week acclimation period, were tested in two different (24 and 35°C) ambient temperatures and three different HFV levels (0, 2 and 4 ml/L) according to the 2x3 factorial experimental design. Chicks were randomly distributed to 6 experimental groups with 5 replications, with 10 animals in each replication. The addition of organic HFV to the drinking water of broiler chickens subjected to CHS didn’t affect growth performance, carcass characteristics and visceral weight (P greater than 0.05). Addition of HFV increased serum FFA level, decreased serum MDA, HDL and TAG levels (p less than 0.05) and did not affect other serum parameters (P greater than 0.05) in CHS-treated groups. Result: As a result, it was concluded that the addition of HFV to the drinking water of broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress did not have any negative effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics and visceral weights, but it could be beneficial in preventing lipid peroxidation.

Plectranthus amboinicus and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oils effects on performance, antioxidant activity, intestinal health, immune response, and plasma biochemistry in broiler chickens.

This work aimed to assess the effects of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil (PAE) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil (ROE) as feed additives on performance, antioxidant activity, intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, immune response, and plasma biochemistry using 320 unsexed 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens. The chickens were assigned randomly into four treatments containing eight replicates with 10 chickens each. Treatment diets included a basal diet as a control group, 100 mg/kg PAE, 200 mg/kg PAE, and 100 mg/kg ROE. ROE affected the growth performance in the starter phase by improving (p = .01) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the control diet. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the plasma were elevated (p < .0001) by both feed additives. Supplementation of additives could increase (p < .006) total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the breast (p < .0001) and thigh (p < .001) for all supplemented diets were less than the control group. The essential oils (EOs) reduced (p < .005) coliform counts in the ileum and increased (p = .029) lactic acid bacteria counts. In addition, villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) increased, whereas the density of goblet cells decreased in the small intestine when feed additives were included. Also, the antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were increased (p < .0001) by EOs. Plasma total protein (p = .04) and globulin (p = .02) were increased, and cholesterol was reduced (p = .002) by supplemented diets. Our study revealed that PAE could effectively improve the antioxidant activity, intestinal microbiota population, intestinal morphology, immune response, and plasma biochemistry parameters in broiler chickens.

Morula (Sclerocarya birrea) kernel cake as a partial soybean meal replacer in Ross 308 broiler diets: Effects on feed utilisation, growth performance, and selected blood parameters

The effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of morula kernel cake (MKC) on growth performance and haemo-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens were studied. Four isonitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated by replacing the SBM component at 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg with MKC as protein source in grower and finisher diets. One hundred and sixty 2-week-old chicks were randomly allocated to the treatments, which were replicated five times (eight birds/pen). Growth performance and blood parameters were measured. Results showed that neither linear nor quadratic trends were observed for weekly feed intake (WFI), weekly weight gain (WWG), weekly feed conversion ratio (WFCR), and growth performance with MKC levels. However, packed cell volume (PCV) quadratically decreased (Y=37.4±1.2+1.4±0.5+0.13±0.03X²; R2=0.39; p=0.005) with MKC levels, heterophils increased (y=50.9±1.8+1.18±0.73x; R2=0.35, p=0.009) while lymphocytes decreased linearly (y=40.7±1.67-1.42±0.67x; R2=0.35, p=0.02) with MKC levels. There was a linear decrease (Y=0.81±0.02-0.01±0.01x; R2=0.2895; p=0.02) in magnesium while phosphorus increased quadratically with MKC levels. Quadratic trends (Y=17.2±0.6+0.7±0.2+0.04±0.02X²; R2=0.47; p=0.05) were also observed in iron as MKC levels increased. All the parameters of blood biochemistry fell within the normal range for birds. The present results indicate that inclusion of MKC up to 120 g/kg does not result in adverse effects on diet utilisation, growth performance, and health status of Ross 308 broiler chickens, indicating that MKC has the potential to be used as an alternative protein source to SBM.

The Effect of Graded Levels of Soya Bean Meal on the Performance, Some Hematological and Physiological Parameters in Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of soya bean meal on broiler performance, some hematological and physiological parameters, using 96 one day old broiler chicks in a completely randomized design with four replicates (24 chicks/ treatment). Four experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements of the broilers chicks which included different levels of soya bean meal as follow: 0, 1, 3, and 5%. Results showed that significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement of live body weight (kg) was noted in group fed 5% soya bean meal. Body weight gain (kg) increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in group fed 0% soya bean meal compared to treated groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved for group fed 1% soya bean meal. Feed intake was significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased for group fed 3% soya bean meal. RBC, Hemoglobin, MCHC and WBC values were higher for birds received 3% soya bean meal. PCV value was higher for birds received 1% soya bean meal. MCV value was higher for birds received 0% soya bean meal. MCH value was higher for birds received 5% soya bean meal. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences observed for carcass components. Inclusion of soya bean meal in the diet improves growth performance, blood parameters and serum metabolism.