Parameters Of Chickens Research Articles

Production Performance In Relation To Blood Parameters In Two Different Genotypes Of Egyptian Chickens (Sinai And Silver Montazah).

Background: Hematological parameters in chickens have been shown to be influenced by several factors, physiological, genotypical conditions and other environmental conditions. The relationship between complete blood count (CBC) parameters and egg production traits in chickens is an area of significant interest in poultry research. understanding these relationships can provide insights into the health and productivity of laying hens. Materials and Methods: Recent study took place to examine the relationship between production performance and some blood parameters in two different genotypes of Egyptian chickens (Sinai and Silver Montazah), blood parameters which studied, were count of white blood cell (WBC), count of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and count of platelet (PLT), and some of egg production traits were age at sexual maturity (ASM), Egg production in the first 90th days (EN90), average weight of the first five eggs (EWsm), number of days to produce the first five eggs produced (D5egg), body weight at the first egg (BWsm), body weight at 35 weeks (BWm),average weight of five eggs at 35 weeks (EWm), average clutches length (CLS),and average relax days between clutches (Relax L.). Data collected individually and analyzed using appropriate methodology. Results: The main results can be summarized as follows: • Sinai hens were higher in most means of blood parameters (RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) compared to Silver Montazah hens, except for two blood parameters (WBC, and PLT) Silver Montazah hens were higher than Sinai hens. All of differences between different two local chicken strains (Sinai and Silver Montazah) were not significant except (PLT.) was highly significant differences. • Silver Montazah hens were higher in most means of production traits mean (ASM, EN90, EWsm, EWm, BWsm, BWm, Days5eggs, CLS.) compared to Sinai hens, except (Relax L) Sinai hens were higher than Silver Montazah hens. All of differences between different two local chicken strains (Sinai and Silver Montazah) were not significant except for (EWSM) there were significant differences. • Simple correlation coefficients values between blood parameters and studied production traits studied in both Strains were insignificant and ranged between 0.003 (between EN90 and MCV) and 0.309 (between ESM and MCHC). This means that there was a weak relation between these blood parameters and egg production traits. • The Dendrogram lined by clustering analysis clearly reflected the results obtained from analysis of variance in current study, since all either main or sub-clusters included individuals form both studied strains. Conclusion: The CBC parameters of chickens play significant roles in determining egg production traits, ensuring the overall health of laying hens. Further research is needed to clarification the specific mechanisms by which these blood parameters interact with environmental and genetic factors influencing egg production.

Bioactive Mineral Feed Additive for Poultry: Therapeutic and Preventive Effects on Haematological Parameters in Chickens

Bioactive Mineral Feed Additive for Poultry: Therapeutic and Preventive Effects on Haematological Parameters in Chickens

Effect of in ovo feeding of xylobiose and xylotriose on plasma immunoglobulin, cecal metabolites production, microbial ecology, and metabolic pathways in broiler chickens

BackgroundDietary supplementation of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) has been found to influence gut health by manipulating cecal microbiota and producing microbe-origin metabolites. But no study investigated and compared the effect of in ovo feeding of xylobiose (XOS2) and xylotriose (XOS3) in chickens. This study investigated the effect of in ovo feeding of these XOS compounds on post-hatch gut health parameters in chickens. A total of 144 fertilized chicken eggs were divided into three groups: a) non-injected control (CON), b) XOS2, and c) XOS3. On the 17th embryonic day, the eggs of the XOS2 and XOS3 groups were injected with 3 mg of XOS2 and XOS3 diluted in 0.5 mL of 0.85% normal saline through the amniotic sac. After hatching, the chicks were raised for 21 d. Blood was collected on d 14 to measure plasma immunoglobulin. Cecal digesta were collected for measuring short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) on d 14 and 21, and for microbial ecology and microbial metabolic pathway analyses on d 7 and 21.ResultsThe results were considered significantly different at P < 0.05. ELISA quantified plasma IgA and IgG on d 14 chickens, revealing no differences among the treatments. Gas chromatography results showed no significant differences in the concentrations of cecal SCFAs on d 14 but significant differences on d 21. However, the SCFA concentrations were lower in the XOS3 than in the CON group on d 21. The cecal metagenomics data showed that the abundance of the family Clostridiaceae significantly decreased on d 7, and the abundance of the family Oscillospiraceae increased on d 21 in the XOS2 compared to the CON. There was a reduction in the relative abundance of genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1 in the XOS2 compared to the CON on d 7 and the genus Ruminococcus torques in both XOS2 and XOS3 groups compared to the CON on d 21. The XOS2 and XOS3 groups reduced the genes for chondroitin sulfate degradation I and L-histidine degradation I pathways, which contribute to improved gut health, respectively, in the microbiome on d 7. In contrast, on d 21, the XOS2 and XOS3 groups enriched the thiamin salvage II, L-isoleucine biosynthesis IV, and O-antigen building blocks biosynthesis (E. coli) pathways, which are indicative of improved gut health. Unlike the XOS3 and CON, the microbiome enriched the pathways associated with energy enhancement, including flavin biosynthesis I, sucrose degradation III, and Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle pathways, in the XOS2 group on d 21.ConclusionIn ovo XOS2 and XOS3 feeding promoted beneficial bacterial growth and reduced harmful bacteria at the family and genus levels. The metagenomic-based microbial metabolic pathway profiling predicted a favorable change in the availability of cecal metabolites in the XOS2 and XOS3 groups. The modulation of microbiota and metabolic pathways suggests that in ovo XOS2 and XOS3 feeding improved gut health during the post-hatch period of broilers.

Influence of various sources of amino acids on composition of intestinal microflora of meat chickens and roosters of parent herd of cross “Smena 9”

Relevance. The intensin’s microbiota plays a crucial role in feed digestion and nutrient digestion in farm poultry, influencing zootechnical performance.The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the addition of lysine and methionine in various forms to the diet on the composition of the intestinal microflora of chickens and roosters of the «Smena 9» cross, as well as to establish a connection between the composition of microflora in different diets with the zootechnical indicators of birds.Methods. Physiological reseach were carried out on meat chickens of the Plimutrock breed and roosters of the Cornish breed of the parent herd of the domestic cross “Smena 9” selection of the “Smena” SSC. 4 groups were formed (control 1A and experimental 2A-4A) such as of 9 laying heads and 4 groups of 9 rooster heads (control 1B and experimental 2B-4B). Analysis of samples of the contents of blind processes of the intestine of birds was carried out by PCR.Results. As shown by the quantitative PCR method, the studied feeding factors: various sources of lysine and methionine and a 5% reduced level of metabolic energy of feed had a different effect on the composition of the microflora of chickens and roosters of the parent stock of the new cross «Smena 9». For example, with a decrease in the level of metabolic energy in the diets of chickens, there was a decrease from 1.2 to 5.0 times in such representatives of the normoflora as Bacteroidetes and Eubacteriaceae, compared with similar groups with a basic amount of metabolic energy (p &lt; 0.05). When lysine was introduced into the diet in the form of monochlorohydrate and DL-methionine, a decrease in the weight of ovaries with an oviduct by 6.9 g was noted against the background of a decrease in the level of metabolic energy compared with the corresponding group with a base content of metabolic energy (p ≤ 0.05), whereas when using lysine in the form of sulfate and methionine in the form of a hydroxyanalog of methionine, a similar effect was reduced not noted (p &gt; 0.05). At the same time, shifts in the composition of microflora against the background of changes in diets did not have any connection with the studied zootechnical parameters in chickens and roosters.

Effects of in ovo injection of bacterial peptides and CpG-ODN on Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg infection in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks

ABSTRACT The increasing prevalence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant isolates of Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) represents a global concern. Consequently, novel strategies for preventing and controlling infections caused by this bacterium are needed. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of in ovo injection with a formulation based on bacterial peptides, either alone or in combination with oligodeoxynucleotides containing cytosine-phosphodiester-guanine (CpG-ODN), against SH infection in chicks. Genomic data of SH available in public databases were analyzed to select amino acid sequences of structural proteins or those with greater relevance for intestinal colonization. These sequences were subjected to linear epitope prediction tools to identify highly immunogenic peptides. SPF eggs (n = 180) were incubated and injected via the allantoic cavity at day 18 of incubation. Results showed that in ovo injection of peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH colonization in the caecal content during the first week post-infection, although it did not reduce overall faecal excretion throughout the study. Furthermore, CpG-ODN injection may positively affect intestinal health, as evidenced by reduced crypt depth at 21 dpi and increased villus height at 28 dpi. Levels of secretory IgA did not differ between chicks in any groups, and no detectable SH counts were found in the livers of chicks in any of the infected groups throughout the study. In conclusion, in ovo injection with peptides + CpG-ODN may help reduce caecal colonization by SH in the early stages of infection, but it does not impact total faecal excretion. Additionally, CpG-ODN injection may improve intestinal health parameters in chicks. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH in caeca at the first week post-infection. Administered formulations did not reduce SH-faecal excretion. Levels of intestinal IgA were similar between all groups. CpG-ODN improved some parameters associated with chick intestinal health.

Dependence of coagulation activity of chicken blood IN VITRO on temperature

The paper presents the results of examine the relationship between blood plasma incubation temperature and the hemostasis parameters in chickens. The purpose of this research was to study of the blood coagulation parameters in chickens during hypo-, normo- and hyperthermia in vitro. In addition, to assess the possibility of using a coagulometer to identify hemostasis activity and the use of hemostatic reactions in chickens as models for human medicine. The Vologda region was where the study was conducted. The coagulogram was examined for the following parameters: thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen activity, and antithrombin III activity (AT-III). It was found that at 46° C activation of blood clotting occurs, manifested as an acceleration of the TT by 29% (13 seconds), PT by 72% (111 seconds), and decrease in the antithrombin III activity by 6% (1.5 seconds) compared to normothermia. The parameters of secondary hemostasis also responded to hypothermia (18 °C) with hypercoagulation. It was an acceleration of PT of 81% (125 sec), an increase in fibrinogen activity by 77% (84 sec) and a decrease in AT-III activity by 55% (14 sec), with the exception of thrombin time, which was extended by 70% (104 seconds). There were no significant changes in the APTT at different temperatures. The correlation-regression and one-factor analysis of variance revealed a significant correlation between the temperature and the TT and the fibrinogen activity, where the coefficients of determination for which were 71% and 39%, respectively. Plasma hemostasis activity measured on a coagulometer (at 37 °C) showed no significant differences from those measured at 43 °C, except for prothrombin time, which was 71.51 seconds (47%) less than that measured at 43 °C.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the effect of rearing systems on bone quality parameters in chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rearing systems on the bone quality parameters in chickens using a metabolomics strategy. A total of 419 male one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to two groups, a floor rearing group (FRG, n = 173) and a cage rearing group (CRG, n = 246). At 6, 8, 10, and 12weeks of age, all chickens were radiographed by a digital X-ray machine, and body weight was recorded. At 12weeks of age, 12 birds were selected from each group to obtain tibia and femur, and bone quality parameters of bone mineral density (BMD), mineral content (BMC), breaking strength (BBS), stiffness, Young's modulus (YM), ash content, calcium content, and phosphorus content were determined. An untargeted metabolomics assay was performed to identify changes in the serum metabolic profile (n = 8 birds/group). The results showed that cage-reared chickens had wider tibiae and greater body weight compared with floor-reared chickens. There were no significant differences in BMC or BBS between the two groups (p > 0.05), but BMD, ash content, calcium content, and phosphorus content of the tibia and femur of FRG were significantly higher than those of CRG (p < 0.05). Greater stiffness and YM of the femur were also observed in birds raised in the FRG compared with those raised in the CRG (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results suggest that rearing systems affected bone quality parameters. Furthermore, 148 and 149 differential metabolites were identified in positive and negative ion modes by LC-MS/MS analysis, among which 257 metabolites were significantly correlated with 16 bone quality parameters, including leucine, myristoleic acid, glycocholic acid, and N-phenylacetamide. KEGG analysis indicated that 15 metabolic pathways, including six pathways of amino acid metabolism, two pathways of lipid metabolism, and two pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, were responsible for bone quality. Overall, the present study demonstrated the effect of rearing systems on bone quality parameters, and identified several metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with bone quality parameters.

Management of compensatory shift of immunohematological parameters in poultry of industrial crosses in the presence of feed antibiotics in the diets

A comparative analysis of the immunological parameters in chickens of industrial crosses, which were fed diets with antibiotics (group 1) and antibiotics in combination with a phytobiotic (group 2), is presented. After 30 days of feeding antibiotic hemoglobin concentration in the blood of laying hens remained unchanged – 87.3-93.2 g/l. On the 30th day of the experiment, in group 1 was noted an increase in the number of leukocytes up to 30.13±2.84∙109/l and the proportion of eosinophils by 29.6%. In the same period, a decrease in the absolute number of immunocompetent cells – T-lymphocytes by 36.6% was observed and absorption capacity of phagocytes by an average of 27.9%. From the 30th to the 60th day of the experiment in the blood of the chickens of group 1, the dynamics of the increase in the CIC level was recorded (up to 143.8±12.1 c.u.). When antibiotic was introduced into the diet of laying hens in combination with a phytobiotic in group 2, only by the 60th day, the number of erythrocytes was increased by 17.4% compared to the “background values” (82.1±5.2∙1012/l). Hemoglobin fluctuation amplitude did not exceed 7%. On the 30th day of the experiment in laying hens of group 2, a decrease in the number of immunocompetent cells by 20.8% was registered compared to the background values. On the 45th day of the experiment after the abolition of antibiotic and phytobiotic, the content of T-lymphocytes did not significantly differ from the background values.

Triazole pesticides exposure impaired steroidogenesis associated to an increase in AHR and CAR expression in testis and altered sperm parameters in chicken.

All the data will be available.

Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.

Acute intoxication with single oral dose of ochratoxin A (OTA) causes leukopenia, heteropenia, lymphopenia and lymphoid depletion in the bursa of Fabricius in broiler chicks

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by species of Penicillium and Aspergillus, agricultural product contaminants. Chronic and sub-chronic OTA intoxication by chickens ingesting contaminated feed, leads to health damages due to its hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, cytotoxic, immunotoxic, gastrotoxic, and possibly carcinogenic effects. As there are few data on acute intoxication, the present study evaluated the effects of a single acute OTA intoxication dose on immunological and hematological parameters in chicks. Sixteen one-day-old chicks were used, separated into two groups (n=8). A single dose of OTA (1400 µg kg-1 body weight) was administered, via gavage, for the OTA group and one dose of sterile PBS for the control group. On the 13th day, blood samples were collected to assess hematological and biochemical parameters, and on the 14th day, euthanasia and collection of lymphoid organs were performed. The animals of the OTA group demonstrated a significant decrease in total circulating leukocytes (p&lt;0.001) with heteropenia (p&lt;0.001) and lymphopenia (p=0.023), decrease hematocrit (p=0.020), hemoglobin (p=0.032), and plasma IgA (p =0.044), and increased plasma uric acid level (p=0.045), in relation to the control group. In addition, the animals intoxicated with OTA showed depletion of lymphoid cells in the bursa of Fabricius (p=0.016), but not in the thymus or spleen (p&gt;0.05), compared to the control. For the other parameters: total plasma proteins, plasma IgY levels, and anti-Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine titers from matrices, there were no significant differences between the analyzed groups (p&gt;0.05), although there was a worsening tendency in contaminated animals. In conclusion, even a single acute OTA intoxication at a high dose, leads to the suppression of the systemic immune response, also affecting some hematological or biochemical parameters in chicks.

Biometric measurement with a commercially available swept-source optical coherence tomography in myopia model species

Biometric parameters play an important role in studies on myopia. This study aimed to explore the application of a commercially available two-dimensional visualized swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, for in vivo biometric measurement in multiple myopia model species. In this study, chickens, guinea pigs, and C57BL/6 mice underwent eye imaging with the commercially available OCT (CASIA2), and the original images were used to calculate the central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), and axial length (AL). The retinal thickness and choroidal thickness were also calculated in chicken eyes. The repeatability of the biometric measurement outcomes was analyzed. Excellent repeatable AL measurements were obtained for all three species, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of ≥0.941 and a within-subject standard deviation of ≤0.055. Excellent repeatability was found in chicken eyes for ACD, LT, and VCD, with an ICC of ≥0.932; in guinea pig eyes for ACD and VCD, with an ICC of ≥0.934; and in mouse eyes for LT, with an ICC of ≥0.941. It is effective to use commercially available OCT to measure biometric parameters in chickens, guinea pigs, and C57BL/6 mice. This methodology could potentially increase the accuracy and efficiency of future myopia animal experiments.

Haemoparasite Prevalence, Genetic Diversity of TLR2B Gene and Relationship with Haematological Parameters in Chicken

Haemoparasite constitute a major challenge in native chicken production in Africa. This study determines the genetic diversity and the effect of TLR2B gene polymorphism on haemoparasite and haematology of the chickens based on genotype and sex. 600 chickens of 25 weeks old consisting of Naked neck (NN), Normal feather (NF), and the Frizzle feather (FF) reared in battery cage-system were sampled for blood and analyzed for haematology, parasite occurrence and load, polymerase chain reaction, and gene sequencing. Polymorphisms were detected and their effect on haematology was determined. Results showed the occurrence of Plasmodium gallinacieum, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leucocytozoon schoutedeni with NF having the highest occurrence followed by NN and FF chicken genotype. There was a significant (P &lt;0.05) effect of genotype and sex on haematology. Seven of the eight polymorphism detected were singleton and found only in NF while parsimonious 656GA was detected in all the chicken genotypes with no relationship with haematology and haemoparasite. NF had the highest nucleotide (0.00114) and haplotype diversity (0.584). The study revealed the occurrence of genetic variation in TLR2B gene, haematology, and haemoparasite in FUNAAB Alpha chickens which could provide baseline information in future breeding programmes of the chicken for the tropical environment.

Meat quality in broiler chickens fed on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) seeds

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet containing untreated cowpea (CWP; Aura 26 variety) seeds as a protein source on quality parameters of chickens’ breast (PM; Pectoralis major) and thigh muscles (BF; Biceps femoris). A total of 240 Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allotted to two groups: a control group fed with soybean meal (SBM) and an experimental group fed with CWP included at 200 g/kg as a replacement of SBM. Each group consisted of six pens as replicates, with 20 chicks per pen. At 6 weeks of age, twelve birds/group were slaughtered. Compared to SBM group, the group fed CWP had higher (P < 0.0001) lightness (L*) and redness (a*) values of PM and BF muscles, the latter had also higher yellowness (b*, P < 0.0001). The collagen and protein contents were significantly higher in CWP group in both PM and BF muscles, while fat was lower (P < 0.001) only in BF muscle. The use of CWP into broilers’ diets did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience of PM and BF, showing similar values in both groups. Also, PM and BF muscles of birds fed CWP had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of C:18:3n-3 and C:20:5n-3 compared with birds fed SBM. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was significantly lower in CWP group (11.72 and 7.00) compared to SBM (13.47 and 12.63) for both PM and BF muscles. These results indicate that CWP can be considered a promising protein source for broiler chickens’ feed.

Immune Parameters in Chickens Treated with Antibiotics and Probiotics during Early Life.

Simple SummaryThe effect of using antibiotics in animal production is resulting in an increase in drug resistance among bacteria, often to multiple substances with different mechanisms of action. In the future, this could lead to an increase in mortality in human and animal populations. In consequence, there is enormous and fully justified public pressure to limit the amount of antibiotics used in livestock production. The study aimed to compare the effect of administration of antibiotics or probiotics on chickens in their first week of life, on selected parameters of humoral and cellular immunity, and on the bursa of Fabricius and spleen indices. Administration of the antibiotic enrofloxacin or a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains to chickens in their first week of life exerts pronounced immunomodulatory effects on humoral and cellular defence mechanisms in these birds. Early administration of a probiotic has a positive effect on the immune system, however, early administration of enrofloxacin can pose a risk of suppression of humoral immunity of the chickens.The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the administration of antibiotics or probiotics on chickens in their first week of life, on selected parameters of humoral and cellular immunity, and on the bursa of Fabricius and spleen indices. The experiment was carried out on 90 one-day-old male broilers. The control group received no additive in the drinking water; the group GP received a probiotic providing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens; and the group GA received 10% enrofloxacin in the drinking water on the first five days of life. Administration of the antibiotic enrofloxacin or a probiotic containing E. faecium and B. amyloliquefaciens strains to chickens in their first week of life exerts pronounced immunomodulatory effects on humoral and cellular defense mechanisms in these birds. The changes in the subpopulations of B and T cells immediately following early administration of enrofloxacin or the probiotic were not observed at the age of 35 days. Early administration of enrofloxacin can pose a risk of suppression of humoral immunity, as indicated by the significant decrease in the total IgY concentration in the plasma of the chickens.

NSPASES: CAN THOSE EXOGENOUS ENZYMES REALLY CONSTITUTE NATURAL GROWTH COFACTORS IN BROILER CHICKENS?

In the quest to improve public and animal health, white meat is considered to be one of the major causes of antibioresistance identified in medicine, through uncontrolled use of antibiotics in poultry farming as growth promoters (GPA). Thus, this use needs to be reconsidered at large scale. This reconsideration involves the substitution of GPAs by natural alternatives, particularly enzymes degrading non-starch polysaccharides (NSPases) which will allow:1) modulation of the intestinal microbiota, to attenuate the anti-nutritional effects of insoluble NSPs, 2)reduction of the non-digested portion of the substrate and 3) improvement of the zootechnical performance of the chicken. Non-starch polysaccharides contain two main families, namely: water-insoluble NSPs including cellulose and partially water-soluble NSPs. However, despite the fact that these components constitute the major part of cereal dietary fiber, they have an anti-nutritional effect associated with the viscous nature of these polysaccharides and their interaction with the intestinal microflora due to the fact that poultry does not produce enough endogenous enzymes to hydrolyze NSPs. The use of NSPases produced mainly by fungi and bacteria allows counterbalancing the anti-nutritional properties of dietary fibers by increasing the digestibility of starch and improving the zootechnical performance of broilers, particularly the conversion index.Thus, this literature review aims to shed light on the effects of NSPases on the zootechnical parameters of chickens, the intestinal microflora as well as on nutritional digestibility in order to use them as alternatives to GPAs and limit the aggravation of the phenomenon of antibioresistance. This approach is therefore, part of the world famous concept of one world one health and which applies to the design and implementation of programs, policies, legislations and research for which several sectors communicate and collaborate to improve public health outcomes.

The influence of sexual maturity on the meat quality of free-range chickens

This research study aimed to evaluate the influence of sexual maturity on meat quality parameters in chickens raised in a free-range system. The fully randomized design (FRD) used a (2x2) factorial scheme, with two sexes (male and female) and two categories of sexual maturity (immature and mature). Ninety birds (45 females and 45 males) belonging to the Label Rouge (Pescoço Pelado) strain were slaughtered at five different ages (70, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days). The physicochemical parameters, centesimal composition and shelf life of the meat were assessed. In both breast and leg cuts, sexual maturity promoted an increase in shear force and affected the meat color by increasing its redness (a*). Moisture was higher in leg meat after sexual maturity. In both breast and leg cuts, ether extract was higher in sexually mature females. Sexual maturity also caused a decrease in tenderness and shorter shelf life of the meat.

Effect of Environmental and Dietary Enrichment on Production Performance, Digestive Process and Some Physiological Parameters in chickens

Improving the habitat of farmed chickens through environmental enrichment is considered advantageous compared to barecages, sincean outdoor or free-range environment enables and encourages chickens to express their behaviour. In addition, chickens that are kept outdoors or in a free-range environment can incidentally ingest sand, especially if they frequently bath in soil or sand. As a result, the daily diet of chickens fed outdoors or in free-range housing contains an average of 10–20% sand. In the field of poultry science, various enrichment strategies (visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile) have been applied. In this study, sand and perch structures were used as environmental enrichment because (1) they are less expensive than other forms of enrichment, (2) they are mainly made of local materials, and (3) they can form the basis for a comprehensive system of environmental enrichment for chickens. Thus, in our studies, experiments were carried out in 3 stages to determine the effect of environmental enrichment methods on the well-being of chicken breeds reeds specialized for egg production. In the first stage, when the he living environment of chickens was enriched with sand and per perch structure, basic microbiological variables and physico-chemical blood parameters (blood count, haemoglobin, visc viscosity, erythrocytes sedimentation rate, and pH) were improvimproved (p=0,05). The second stage of our experiment consisted of four treatment: 1-sand (S), 2-perch (P), 3 both -sand and a perch (SP), and 4 control (C) condition with no enrichment. We determined the ratio of heterophils to lymphocyte in chickens chickens aged 22, 30 and 38 weeks, and we also observed that total egg production was increased by the experimental conditions (p=(p=0.05). In the third stage, the effect of chicken breeds in the he egg direction on productivity (egg production, egg mamass) and nutrient absorption in laying-breed chickens was detetermined (p=0.01).

Haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity study of hydro-methanol root extract of Anacardium occidentale in cockerels

The study evaluated the haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity of hydro-methanol root extract of Anarcaduim occidentale (AO) in cockerels. Forty chickens randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 10 birds each were used for the experiment. Groups A, B, C and D received 3000, 1500 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract and distilled water respectively. Relative weights, haematology, serum biochemistry, gross and histopathological features of the lymphoid organs of chickens were studied. No significant (P&gt;0.05) variation was observed in their body weights. The white blood cell count of group A chicken were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than that of groups B and C chickens. Serum biochemistry tests revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) variations at different doses for the alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, uric acid, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus activities when compared to the control group. Gross and histopathological examinations showed no overt alterations in the tissues examined. It was observed that varied doses of root extract of Anarcaduim occidentale caused significant decrease in haematology and serum biochemistry parameters of chickens and no obvious lesions in internal organs.

The effect of feed supplementation with a copper-glycine chelate and copper sulphate on cellular and humoral immune parameters in chickens

ABSTRACTCopper has been shown to plays an important role in immune functions. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of inorganic and organic forms of copper on the concentrations of cytokines, acute phase proteins and prostanoids in the peripheral blood and liver of poultry. The concentration of copper in serum and tissues was also determined. A total of 900 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens were used. The rearing period was 42 days. The material for analysis comprised samples of peripheral blood, liver, intestine and muscle of experimental chickens. The obtained results indicate that the supplementation of broilers feed with copper chelates promotes secretion of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Increased synthesis of the immunoregulatory serum amyloid A (SAA) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (α-AGP) and prostanoids following the administration of copper-glycine chelates in the diet indicates the stimulatory effect of copper on cellular and humoral immune mechanisms.