Performance Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe Vera and Amla Fruit Powder on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken

The study was conducted to observe the effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis) powder supplementation alone and in combination on growth performance of broiler chicken. Un-sexed, apparently healthy, day old broiler chicks (240 in number) were randomly allocated to four groups with four replicates having 15 birds in each. Broilers were fed ration as per BIS (2007) standards. The supplementation of Aloe vera and Amla fruit powder alone and in combination showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on feed consumption, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The study revealed that the inclusion of Aloe vera at 1 per cent and Amla fruit powder at 1 per cent alone and in combination enhanced the overall growth performance of broilers.

Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken with the Addition of Guanidino Acetic Acid and Betaine as Feed Additive

Guanidino acetic acid is a precursor of creatine which is synthesized from the amino acids glycine and arginine by transferring the amidino group from arginine to glycine, catalyzed by the enzyme L-arginine: glycine amidine transferase (AGAT) which takes place in the kidneys and pancreas, while betaine is known as a group donor methyl which functions in many metabolic processes such as energy metabolism, protein synthesis, carnitine and creatine. This research aims to determine the effect of adding Guanidino Acetic Acid (GAA) and betaine as feed additives in improving the performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. This research used 100 broiler chickens (DOC) with 6 chickens per unit which were reared for 35 days. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Treatment consisted of P0 (Commercial feed,) P1 (Commercial feed + 0.06% GAA and no Betaine), P2 (Commercial feed + 0.06% GAA + 0.01% Betaine), P3 (Commercial feed + 0.12 % GAA and no Betaine), P4 (Commercial ration + 0.12% GAA + 0.01% Betaine). The parameters observed were performance, commercial carcass and muscle histomorphology. The results of the study showed that the addition of GAA and betaine had a real effect (P<0.05) and improved the performance of commercial carcasses and showed a better response to muscle histomorphology. The conclusion was that the addition of GAA 0.12% and betaine 0.01% through feed could improve the performance, commercial carcasses and muscle histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Potassium diformate affects the growth and development of broilers by improving intestinal function and digestive enzyme activity

Gut health of broiler chickens is essential for production performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with potassium diformate (KDF) on growth performance and intestinal health in broiler chickens. A total of 180 Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 3 treatments, with 6 replicates, containing 10 chicks in each replicate. The treatment groups were: control group (CON) was fed a basal diet; KDF-4 groups fed the basal diet with 4 g/kg KDF; KDF-8 groups fed the basal diet with 8 g/kg KDF. The experiment period lasted for 42 d. During the starter phase, the ADFI and F/G of broilers in KDF groups were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, the BW and ADG in KDF-4 group was improved (P<0.05). The treatment groups exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.05) in both ADG and ADFI during the grower and overall phase. Moreover, the F/G in KDF-4 group was lower (P < 0.05) compared to the CON and KDF-8 groups. The semi-eviscerated weight rate (SEWR), eviscerated carcass weight rate (ECWR), pectoral muscle rate (PMR), and leg muscle rate (LMR) of broilers were improved (P < 0.05) in KDF groups. The serum levels of glucose (GLU) and UREA (UA) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in KDF-8 group. Additionally, the nutrient apparent utilization rate of dry matter (DM), energy (EE), and crude protein (CP) were improved (P < 0.05) in KDF-4 group. The villus height (VH) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were higher (P < 0.05) in KDF groups compared to the CON group, while crypt depth (CD) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The digestive enzyme activities of lipase (LIP), amylase (AMS), or trypsin (TPS) were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in the intestinal chyme, while the total bacterial count, Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Bacillus were reduced (P < 0.05) in the ileum. This study demonstrates that the inclusion of KDF in the diet of broilers leads to improvements in growth, slaughter performance, nutrient utilization rate, and maintenance of intestinal health.

Effects of Micellar Quercetin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota, Meat Quality, and Physiological Status in Broiler Chickens.

This study investigated the impacts of micellar quercetin (MQ) supplementation on growth performance, meat stability, excreta gas emissions, and physiological status. During a 35-day trial, 640 Ross 308 broilers were utilized. These birds were one day old, with an average initial body weight of 43.34 ± 1.43 g. They were randomly distributed across four experimental diets, each consisting of 10 replicate pens with 16 chicks per pen. The diets included the following: control (CON) with 0% micellar quercetin (MQ), TRT1 with 0.025% MQ, TRT2 with 0.050% MQ, and TRT3 with 0.100% MQ. The results indicate that broilers fed diets with increasing levels of MQ exhibited significantly higher body weight gains (BWGs) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a clear linear increase in the breast muscle percentage with higher levels of quercetin supplementation (p < 0.05), while the breast color remained consistent across all groups (p > 0.05). Both cooking loss and drip loss exhibited a linear decrease as MQ levels in the diet increased (p < 0.05). The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) tended to decrease with higher MQ levels. Thyroxine (T4) and lymphocyte levels also showed a linear increase with increasing MQ dosage in the diet (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects were observed on nutrient digestibility, gas emissions, or fecal microbial components (Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella) with higher levels of MQ supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, augmenting quercetin levels in the diet positively influenced the BWG, breast muscle development, and meat quality parameters such as cooking loss and drip loss, with beneficial effects on blood profiles.

The Effect of Giving Mangosteen Peel Extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) in Drinking Water on Broiler Performance

Mangosteen peel is a waste that can be used as a feed additive. The function of xanthones in mangosteen peel as anti-tumoural, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-virus. The research aims to determine the effect of administering mangosteen peel extract in drinking water on the performance of broiler chickens for 35 days which was carried out in Dajan Peken Village, Tabanan District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 cage units as replications. Each cage unit contains 4 broiler chickens so that the total research material is 64 broiler chickens aged 11 days. Drinking water treatment: drinking water without mangosteen peel extract as control (P0), drinking water containing 1% (P1), 2% (P2), and 3% (P3) mangosteen peel extract. The variables observed were initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, ration consumption, ration conversion, drinking water consumption. The results showed that the final body weight in treatment P1 (2.108.3 g/head) with an increase in body weight of 1.627.4 g/head was higher than in treatments P0, P2, and P3 but was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) with the lowest ration conversion value (1.54). Drinking water consumption in treatment P1 (5.556.2 ml/head) was higher than in treatments P0, P2, and P3) and significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from treatment P0 (4.628ml/head). Conclusion: Providing mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) in drinking water at a level of 1% can provide optimal results to improve broiler performance and reduce feed conversion.

The Safety Evaluation of Novel Bio-based Calcium D-pantothenate Obtained from Recombinant Escherichia coli K12 on Growth Performance and Health Status of Broiler Chickens

The production of traditional synthesized calcium D-pantothenate (D-PA) is accompanied with chemical pollution, therefore, the eco-friendly bio-fermentation technology has received widespread attention. In order to verify the safety of a novel D-PA product produced by genetically engineered bacteria (Escherichia coli K12), the authors of the current study investigated the influence of adding D-PA to the diet on growth performance and health status of broiler chickens. A total of 192 day-old healthy Arbor Acres broiler chickens with similar weight (43.21 ± 0.12 g) were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates and 8 broiler chickens in each replicate (male and female in half). The Escherichia coli K12 was genetically engineered for the production of D-PA. The control group was fed with the basal diet containing 20 mg/kg synthesized D-PA (CT group). The treatments were supplemented with 20 (TCaP1 group, recommended dose group), 100 (TCaP5 group, 5-fold-dose group), and 200 (TCaP10 group, 10-fold-dose group) mg/kg bio-based D-PA product, respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days and the growth performance and health status of broiler chickens were determined. The results indicated that the addition of 5- and 10-fold doses of bio-based D-PA could increase the average daily weight gain during 22-42 days of age and decrease the feed conversion rate during 22-42 and 1-42 days of age of broilers. There were some differences in white blood cell count, intermediate cell absolute value (MID) count, absolute granulocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, granulocyte percentage, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width-standard deviation, mean platelet volume and serum phosphorus and total bilirubin in different groups, compared with the CT group. Histological observations of the liver, spleen, pancreas, and small intestines showed that the tissue structures of various organs of the broiler chickens fed with the bio-based D-PA were clear, and no abnormal changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia were observed in all groups. In summary, dietary supplementation of bio-based D-PA was safe within the 10-fold- dose (200mg/kg) to broiler chickens during 1-42 days.

Feed supplementation with the seaweed (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat deposition in broiler chickens

In poultry industry, the strategies for elevating of protein accretion with minimizing fat deposition have been applied, and seaweed algae has been focused one of the potential candidates. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract (AE) on the growth performance and body composition of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups and fed experimental diets containing different concentrations of AE for 35 d as follows: 0 mg/kg (control, CON), 1,250 mg/kg (LAE), 2,500 mg/kg (MAE), or 5,000 mg/kg (HAE). At the end of the experiment, 40 chickens were sacrificed and samples of their blood, breast muscle, liver, and abdominal fat were collected and analyzed. Growth performance was improved in the LAE group compared to that in the CON (P < 0.05). The weight of abdominal fat was lower in the HAE group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride levels were also decreased in the HAE group compared to those in the CON and LAE groups (P < 0.05). Adipocytes were smaller in the HAE group than in all other treatments, and their size distribution was shifted more towards smaller adipocytes compared to those in the LAE group (P < 0.05). Relative mRNA levels in abdominal adipose tissue of fatty acid synthase and stearyl-CoA desaturase, which are involved in fatty acid synthesis, were all downregulated by supplementation with AE (P < 0.05). In addition, the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma were decreased and the ratio of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase to total ACC was increased, both of which indicate that lipogenesis was suppressed (P < 0.05). Hepatic transcript levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein and its downstream enzymes fatty acid synthase and sterol-CoA desaturase were also lower in all AE treatments compared to those in the CON group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the seaweed algae (Ascophllum Nodosum) extract reduces fat accumulation in both adipose tissue and the liver by modulating lipogenesis.

Effect of Kankrej Cow Urine Distillate and Panchgavya Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Blood Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens

A study was conducted during the month of December, 2023 and January, 2024 to evaluate the effect of cow urine distillate and Panchgavya supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 200 day-old broiler chicks were uniformly distributed into four treatment groups with 50 birds per treatment for a period of 42 days. The dietary treatments were T1: Basal diet, T2: Basal diet+1 ml cow urine distillate (CUD) in drinking water bird-1 day-1, T3: Basal diet+1 ml Panchgavya in drinking water bird-1 day-1 and T4: Basal diet+50 mg of Commercial feed grade antibiotic (Tylosin phosphate) kg-1 of feed. Results revealed that the mean final body weight and body weight gain in broiler chickens were not influenced by the inclusion of CUD and Panchgavya. There was no effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and blood biochemical parameters due to CUD and Panchgavya supplementation in broiler chickens. The feed conversion ratio was better in Panchgavya and feed antibiotic groups than the control group. The serum cholesterol level was significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced in Panchgavya and feed antibiotic groups followed by CUD group than the control. It may be concluded that supplementation cow urine distillate and Panchgavya in broiler chickens did not influence growth performance, feed intake, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and blood biochemical parameters. Panchgavya and feed antibiotic supplementation improved feed conversion ratio and reduced serum cholesterol level in broiler chickens.

Effect of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal bacteriology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles, as alternatives to antibiotic growth promotors (AGP), on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 270 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 6 groups, each consisting of 3 replicates (n = 15 chicks/replicate). The birds in group 1 were fed the control diet which contained neither antibiotic growth promotors nor phytogenic feed additives (PFA). Birds in group 2 were fed diets containing 0.05% of AGP (Bacitracin methylene disalicylate). Chicks in group 3 and 4 were fed diets supplemented with 1.0% of thyme and ginger, respectively, whereas birds in group 5 and 6 were offered diets including 0.10% of nano-thyme and nano-ginger, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. It was found that thyme and ginger with their nano-products, like the antibiotic, improved the body weight, weight gain and feed conversion rate of birds. The effect of ginger and nano-ginger on body weight and weight gain was greater than other treatments. During the overall feeding period, the feed cost of production was the highest in antibiotic group, but was the lowest in ginger and nano-ginger treatments. There was no effect of dietary treatments on carcass yield or organs weight except bursa of Fabricius and abdominal fat. Thyme, ginger and their nano-composites increased the weight of bursa and reduced the abdominal fat amount. The phytogenic additives and their nano-particles improved the colour, water holding capacity, and flavor of meat. Moreover, these additives reduced the total intestinal bacterial count as well as the total aerobic mesophilic count of meat. The effect of PFA and their nano-particles on the bacterial count was similar to that of antibiotic. In conclusion, thyme and ginger with their nano- particles can be considered as promising agents in feeding of broilers to improve the growth performance, gut health and meat quality. Moreover, these additives can be used as alternatives to AGP to overcome its health hazards and the high cost. The nanotechnology of herbal plants enables them to be added in smaller amounts in poultry diets with producing the same effect of raw ingredients, and this could be due to the higher bioavailability.

Impact of Low-Quality Rice on Broiler Chicken Performance and Gene Expression

Impact of Low-Quality Rice on Broiler Chicken Performance and Gene Expression

Effect of Triticale Grain in Diets on Performance, Development of Gastrointestinal Tract and Microflora in Crop and Ileum of Broiler Chickens.

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II-wheat, III-barley, and IV-triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley.

NETWORK PERSPECTIVE: BENEFITS OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION

In 2010 Freeman suggested that "the globalization of scientific and engineering knowledge is the most potent aspect of modern globalization". International research collaboration is an activity that is widely pushed globally, at the level of research institutes and universities. Academic world is increasingly interconnected, fostering such international partnerships that represents the globalization of science from the scientific collaboration perspective. These collaborations extend beyond sharing resources. Main goal of those activities is exchanging ideas, cultures, and visions to address complex global challenges. It is evident that from partnering with institutions and researchers worldwide, National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC) can be exposed to diverse pools of knowledge and expertise that significantly enhance the academic quality and reputation of our NPPC. This global exchange of ideas leads to more innovative, comprehensive, and impactful research outcomes. Additionally, as the institute's reputation improves, the research centre will attract more funding, students and talented researchers, achieve globalization, creating a cycle of excellence and improvement. In conclusion, the importance and benefits of international co-research agreements are multiple and profound. Collaboration's activities are pivotal in enhancing academic quality, broadening research horizons, preparing young researcher for global challenges, addressing international issues and policy makers, and fostering cultural understanding and global networks. In the second Editorial article of 2024, I am going to introduce the contents of the articles collected and published in the second issue of 2024 year. Atteh reviewed the effects of fiber on nutrition and reproduction in pigs. Author concluded that the reduction of dietary fiber's hemicellulose in a sow's lactation diet can improve the low-birth-weight piglets' health, post-weaning performance and milk composition. While exogenous enzymes and the extrusion of fibrous feedstuffs enhanced nutrient digestibility and utilisation, other processing methods, including fermentation and extrusion, decreased the dietary fiber components and had a beneficial impact on the performance of the pigs. Agro-industrial residues have enormous potential to improve reproductive efficiency and serving as an economically viable dietary fiber feeding strategy in the pig industry. Awodoyin et al. investigated the dietary supplementation of coffee arabica seed powder on performance and meat quality of broiler chicken. Authors ended up that low pathogenic gut microorganisms and total volatile nitrogen base coupled with high sensory acceptability of meat confirm the antioxidant potential of black coffee in broiler chicken diet. Ngige et al. performed a study aimed at screening the internal and external bacteria found in farmed Nile tilapia and African Catfish. According to microbiological investigation, the presence of the microorganisms, some of which are pathogens (Salmonella enteritidis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca) to humans, is an indication that undercooked fish may pose health risks to susceptible human and an impediment to the rapid intensification of aquaculture because of mortality of fingerings. Busanello reviewed the most common traffic systems in barns for lactating dairy cows milked in automatic milking systems. The study describes the advantages and disadvantages of free, milk-first and feed-first traffic and the differences between forced and guided cow traffic designs. Some research data are also shown to emphasize the theoretical concepts included in this document. Author concluded that guided traffic designs emerge as the most efficient, milking more cows throughout the day while reducing the need to fetch cows and overall labour. When operating at full cow capacity, guided cow traffic designs are recommended. Sudik conducted a study with the aim to determine the nutritional composition of roselle seed cake (Hibiscus sabdarica L.) and its effect on broiler chickens. Author concluded that roselle seed cake is rich in proteins and energy and it can be included up to 50 % in the diet of broilers without negative effects on growth rate and carcass performance. Rajsky et al. described the flexible duodenal monocannula of the National Agricultural and Food Centre design for the determination of intestinal nutrient digestibility in cattle. The innovativeness of the technical design of the NPPC cannula lies in the fact that the cannula is made of one piece of a straight tube with an inner diameter of 22 mm. As a result, the life of cannulated animals can be extended without age limitation. Editorial Team looks forward to evaluating your submitted contributions and providing all necessary support to Authors in order to best serve animal science and the scientific community, with commitment to research integrity and the highest publishing ethics. Enjoy reading!

Effects of hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) in diet on growth, gut health, and immunity in broilers

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different levels of hempseed (HS) on growth performance, immunity and gut health in broiler chickens. A total of 192 Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into four groups and fed HS as follow: control (HS0), HS 10% (HS-10), HS 15% (HS-15) and HS 20% (HS-20). The study on HS supplementation in broilers revealed no significant impacts on feed intake during the starter (p = .2294) and finisher phases (p = .2294), or overall (p = .0944), though numerical increases were noted with higher HS levels. Body weight gain showed no significant influence in the starter and finisher phases, with overall weight gain also not significantly different (p = .0944), but numerically higher with increased HS. Feed conversion ratio was unaffected in the starter (p = .6986) and finisher phases (p = .6425), and overall (p = .2218). Dressing percentage (p = .1062) and mortality (p = .1631) were not significantly altered, but HS-20 had the highest dressing percentage and lowest mortality numerically. White blood cell counts increased significantly (p = .0377), especially in HS-15 and HS-20 groups. IgM and IgG production was higher in HS-20 on day 28 (p = .021). Gut pH (p > .05) and intestinal histomorphology (p > .05) were not significantly affected, although villus height increased numerically with higher HS levels. These results suggest potential benefits of HS, especially at higher inclusion levels. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that HS incorporation into the diet of broilers did not affect the growth performance and gut health; however, the immune responses were significantly higher at 15 and 20% levels.

The effects of Artemisia Sieberi, Achillea Fragrantissima, and Olea Europaea leaves on the performance and physiological parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

High temperatures have detrimental effects on the performance and physiology of broiler chickens. Medicinal plants have various biological activities and may enhance the heat resistance of chickens during heat waves. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of using specific local medicinal plants to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress (HS) in broilers. In this study, 180 day-old chicks were used to investigate the effects of HS and dietary indigenous medicinal plants on growth performance, antioxidant biomarkers, and intestinal health. The chicks were assigned to six groups (18 pens with 10 chicks per pen) with three replicates each. In the first group, the chicks were kept under thermoneutral conditions (CON) and fed a basal diet. The other five groups were exposed to recurrent heat stress and fed a basal diet (T1, HS group) or supplemented with Artemisia Sieberi (1.25 g/kg of feed; T2), Achillea Fragrantissima (15 g/kg of feed; T3), Olea europaea (10 g/kg of feed; T4), and all the previous additives (all-in-one) combined at the same dose levels mentioned above (T5). At 21 days of age, the chicks from each group were exposed to two phases of heat stress: phase 1 from days 21 to 34 (34 ± 1°C) followed by phase 2 from days 35 to 39 (37 ± 1°C). The results indicate that HS significantly increased rectal temperature and respiration rate in broiler chickens. Feed intake and body weight gain were improved in all supplemented groups, while the feed conversion ratio was decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of medicinal plants. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase and immunoglobulin G levels were increased in the T3, T4, and T5 groups compared to the other groups. HS induced significant upregulated in the mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70 and interleukin-8, while the mRNA of occludin was decreased. The T3, T4, and T5 showed significantly decreased expression of hepatic HSP70 and ileum IL-8 genes and increased ileum mRNA occludin levels relative to the CON and T1 groups. In conclusion, supplementation with these plants enhances growth performance and maintains intestinal health sustaining the productivity of broiler chickens under HS conditions.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics and digestibility coefficient of finisher broiler chicken fed varying levels of Fennel seed powder

A 28-day trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different levels of fennel seed powder as a feed additive on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of finisher broiler chickens. The study involved 200 finisher broiler chickens divided into four groups of 50 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated with fennel seed powder at 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The treatment groups were further subdivided into five replicates with 10 birds in each group. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance. The results indicated significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in final weight gain (FWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the groups. Birds in T4 group showed the highest FWG and DWG values (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, T4 had the lowest FCR values (p&lt;0.05), significant differences in feed intake (p&lt;0.05) were similarly observed. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) were recorded in dressed weight, live weight, dressing percentage, and various cut-parts for the birds, birds in T4 recorded superior values for all carcass traits. The internal organs were not affected by the feed (p&gt;0.05). However, the diet significantly influenced abdominal fat, with T4 showing the lowest values (p&lt;0.05). The nutrient digestibility coefficients were significantly affected by the diet, with T4 showing the highest values in all proximate composition parameters analyzed (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that adding fennel seed powder at 450g per 100kg of feed can enhance the growth performance, carcass quality, internal organ traits, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens.

Effect of Cumin Seed Powder on the Growth Performance, Carcass and Organ Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

This study was carried out to determine the response of broiler chicken to various levels of cumin seed powder as feed additive on performance characteristics. A total of 160 one-day old chicks were utilized for this investigation. Four diets were compounded for the starter and finisher phases, incorporating cumin seed powder at levels of 0g, 150g, 300g, and 450g per 100kg of feed, labelled as treatment 1, treatment 2, treatment 3, and treatment 4, respectively. The chicks were divided into four groups of 40 birds each and assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further subdivided into 4 replicates of ten birds. Feed and water were provided without restriction, and the collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. During the starter phase, significant differences.

Effect of dietary organic selenium on growth performance, antioxidant status and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken reared in the tropics

Effect of dietary organic selenium on growth performance, antioxidant status and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken reared in the tropics

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

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

Performance of Commercial Broilers under Separate Sex Rearing and Feeding during the Finisher Period

The performance of commercial broiler chicken was evaluated under separate sex rearing and feeding during the finisher stage (22-42 days age). A total of 210, (21 days-old) commercial broilers were randomly allocated to five groups, viz., A (male &amp; female mixed), B (male), C (male), D (female), and E (female) containing 42 birds in each group. The birds from groups A, C, and E were fed with a commercial broiler finisher diet containing 3250 kcal ME/kg, 19.5% CP, 1.00% Dig. Lysine (Dig. Lys) and 0.49% Dig. Methionine (Dig, Met). The males in group B were fed a special male diet containing 3000 kcal ME/kg, 18% Crude Protein (CP), and females from group D were fed a special female diet containing 3100 kcal ME/kg, 19.5 % CP. The Dig. Lys and Dig. Met levels in group B and D finisher diets were 2% higher than in group A. The results of the study concluded that the separate sex rearing of broilers may be followed by feeding special finisher diets to males (B) and females (D) to achieve similar body weight, weight gain, and feed efficiency to that of males (C) and females fed with a commercial finisher diet. Separate sex rearing of commercial broilers with special feeding is more economical than commercial diets fed to mixed and separate sex. Females fed on a special finisher diet had significantly (P &lt; .05) higher serum total protein, albumin, and A/G ratio than males fed on a special finisher diet.

Effects of emulsifiers on lipid metabolism and performance of yellow-feathered broilers

BackgroundReducing production costs while producing high-quality livestock and poultry products is an ongoing concern in the livestock industry. The addition of oil to livestock and poultry diets can enhance feed palatability and improve growth performance. Emulsifiers can be used as potential feed supplements to improve dietary energy utilization and maintain the efficient productivity of broilers. Therefore, further investigation is warranted to evaluate whether dietary emulsifier supplementation can improve the efficiency of fat utilization in the diet of yellow-feathered broilers. In the present study, the effects of adding emulsifier to the diet on lipid metabolism and the performance of yellow-feathered broilers were tested. A total of 240 yellow-feasted broilers (21-day-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 replicates per group, 10 broilers per replicate, half male and half female within each replicate). The groups were as follows: the control group (fed with basal diet), the group fed with basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg emulsifier, the group fed with a reduced oil diet (reduced by 1%) supplemented with 500 mg/kg emulsifier, and the group fed with a reduced oil diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg emulsifier. The trial lasted for 42 days, during which the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed-to-gain ratio were measured. Additionally, the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver, abdominal fat and each intestinal segment were assessed.ResultsThe results showed that compared with the basal diet group, (1) The average daily gain of the basal diet + 500 mg/kg emulsifier group significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the half-even-chamber rate was significantly increased (P < 0.05); (2) The mRNA expression levels of Cd36, Dgat2, Apob, Fatp4, Fabp2, and Mttp in the small intestine were significantly increased (P < 0.05). (3) Furthermore, liver TG content significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression level of Fasn in liver was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the expression of Apob, Lpl, Cpt-1, and Pparα significantly increased (P < 0.05). (4) The mRNA expression levels of Lpl and Fatp4 in adipose tissue were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the expression of Atgl was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). (5) Compared with the reduced oil diet group, the half-evading rate and abdominal fat rate of broilers in the reduced oil diet + 500 mg/kg emulsifier group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the serum level of LDL-C increased significantly (P < 0.05)0.6) The mRNA expression levels of Cd36, Fatp4, Dgat2, Apob, and Mttp in the small intestine were significantly increased (P < 0.05). 7) The mRNA expression levels of Fasn and Acc were significantly decreased in the liver (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of Lpin1, Dgat2, Apob, Lpl, Cpt-1, and Pparα were significantly increased (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that dietary emulsifier can enhance the fat utilization efficiency of broilers by increasing the small intestinal fatty acid uptake capacity, inhibiting hepatic fatty acid synthesis and promoting hepatic TG synthesis and transport capacity. This study provides valuable insights for the potential use of emulsifier supplementation to improve the performance of broiler chickens.