Performance Of Broiler Breeders Research Articles

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on egg production and concentration of trace minerals in eggs, plasma, and excreta in female broiler breeders from 42 to 63 weeks of age

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride (HC) and organic (OR) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn on performance of broiler breeders (BB) between 42 and 63 weeks of age (WOA) was investigated. A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in 2 rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of 2 diets in a completely randomized block design (n=12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. Birds were fed and managed according to breeder guidelines. The egg count was recorded daily and categorized as normal or abnormal. Egg yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and eggshell breaking strength were assessed every 4 wk. Individual hen body weight (BW) was recorded at 5-wk intervals to determine BW uniformity. At 52 and 63 WOA, the eggs and excreta samples were collected. At the end of the trial, 4 hens per pen were bled for plasma concentration of trace minerals and organs (liver, gizzard, spleen, kidney, and thymus) weight. There were no interactions between source and age on any parameters (P > 0.05). There were no main effects of source on egg production, eggshell quality, BW, and organs weight (P > 0.05). Hens fed HO diets had darker yolk compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.014). The concentration of Zn in the eggs of OR BB was higher (P = 0.022) than for HO birds. However, there were no dietary effects on the concentration of trace minerals in the egg, plasma, and excreta (P > 0.05). The results indicated that a mixture of HC and O as sources for Zn, Cu, and Mn was as effective as OR sources in supporting egg production, egg quality, and trace mineral utilization in broiler breeders.

Dietary Chinese herbal mixture supplementation improves production performance by regulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of broiler breeders

Chinese herbs have been used as feed additives and are commonly utilized in domestic intensive livestock farming. However, their impact on the production performance and intestinal health of broiler breeders has yet to be thoroughly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Chinese herbal mixture (CHM) on the production performance of broiler breeders in terms of reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of broiler breeders. A total of 336 thirty-wk-old hens were randomly allotted to 4 groups with 6 replicates of fourteen hens each, which fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (CON), 500 (CHM500), 1,000 (CHM1000), and 1,500 (CHM1500) mg/kg CHM for 56 days, respectively. Our results showed that dietary supplementation with CHM1000 increased the laying rate and number of SYF and decreased the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). All CHM groups increased oviduct and ovarian indexes, serum E2 and T-AOC levels, and decreased serum TG and MDA levels compared with CON (P < 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, the CHM1000 and CHM1500 groups increased serum ALB, IgM, and IL-10 levels, whereas the CHM1000 group also increased serum TP and SOD levels, and the CHM1500 group increased serum P and decreased serum TNF-α (P < 0.05). The addition of CHM increased FSHR expressions in the ovary, Claudin-1 expressions in the jejunum, and SOD1 expressions in the liver and ovary, but decreased the mRNA expressions of INH in the ovary as well as IL-2 and IL-6 expressions in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Moreover, CHM500 and CHM1000 groups increased CAT, GPx, and HO-1 expression in the ovary, and SOD1 and GPx expression in the jejunum, while decreasing IL-17A expression in the jejunum (P < 0.05). In addition, CHM1000 and CHM1500 groups increased villus height, VCR, and the mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 in the jejunum, and IL-10 expression in the ovary, while decreasing IL-2 and IL-17A expression in the ovary, in addition to increasing GPx, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and IL-10 expression in the liver (P < 0.05). Supplementation with CHM1000 increased ESR-α, ESR-β, GnRH, Nrf2, and NQO1 expression in the ovary, but decreased IFN-γ expression in the ovary as well as crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Supplementing CHM1500 increased NQO1 and ZO-1 expression in the jejunum and decreased IL-2 in the liver (P < 0.05). The high-throughput sequencing results showed that dietary CHM1000 supplementation altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota, as evidenced by the regulation of the genera Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Phascolarctobacterium. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways of bacterial chemotaxis, butanoate metabolism, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies were enriched in the CHM1000 group. Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that the differentiated genera were significantly associated with the production performance, serum hormone, and gut barrier-related genes. Taken together, supplementation of CHM, especially at 1,000 mg/kg, could improve production performance by regulating reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and intestinal health of broiler breeders, and maybe provide insights into its application as a potential feed additive to promote the performance of broiler breeders.

Research Note: Effects of feeding corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone on reproductive performance of broiler breeders and growth performance of their progeny chicks

To evaluate the toxic effects of mycotoxin-contaminated corn (MC) on the breeders and their progeny chicks, a total of 480 fifty-wk-old Cobb broiler breeder hens were fed the following dies: 1) a corn-soybean meal diet (Control; containing 70.35% corn), 2) MC substituting for 50% of corn in Control (LM), 3) LM diet plus 2 g/kg 1 mycotoxin sequestrant, Toxy-Nil Plus (TNP) (LMT2.0), 4) MC substituting for 100% of corn in Control (HM), 5) HM diet plus 2 g/kg TN (HMT2.0), and 6) HM diet plus 2.5 g/kg TNP (HMT2.5). The MC contained 69.25 μg aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)/kg, 4,875 μg deoxynivalenol (DON)/kg, and 2,262 μg zearalenone (ZEN)/kg. At wk 4 after MC inclusion, all eggs laid were used for hatch, and all progeny chicks were fed the same mycotoxin-untreated diet for 14 d. Dietary MC inclusion decreased the hatchability of set eggs and increased embryo mortality during d 18 to 21.5. The TNP addition increased these aforementioned indices in MC-included diets. Maternal HM treatment decreased the BW of progeny chicks at age of 14 d and BWG of progeny chicks during d 1 to 14, whereas maternal LM treatment did not affect these indices. In parallel, maternal HM treatment decreased the concentrations of serum IgA, IgG, and lysozyme in the progeny chicks on d 14, but maternal LM treatment did not affect these indices. Overall, maternal dietary TNP treatments increased the growth of progeny chicks and had a trend to increase the concentrations of serum IgA and IgG on d 14 compared to maternal MC treatments. It was concluded that the feeding of relative high ratio of corn contaminated with low level of AFB1, DON, and ZEN negatively affected the reproductive performance of breeders and the growth performance of their progeny chicks, and TNP addition alleviated these toxic effects.

Impact of a Blend of Microencapsulated Organic Acids and Botanicals on the Microbiome of Commercial Broiler Breeders under Clinical Necrotic Enteritis.

Previously, the supplementation of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals improved the health and performance of broiler breeders under non-challenged conditions. This study aimed to determine if the microencapsulated blend impacted dysbiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler breeders. Day-of-hatch chicks were assigned to non-challenge and challenge groups, provided a basal diet supplemented with 0 or 500 g/MT of the blend, and subjected to a laboratory model for NE. On d 20-21, jejunum/ileum content were collected for microbiome sequencing (n = 10; V4 region of 16S rRNA gene). The experiment was repeated (n = 3), and data were analyzed in QIIME2 and R. Alpha and beta diversity, core microbiome, and compositional differences were determined (significance at p ≤ 0.05; Q ≤ 0.05). There was no difference between richness and evenness of those fed diets containing 0 and 500 g/MT microencapsulated blend, but differences were seen between the non-challenged and challenged groups. Beta diversity of the 0 and 500 g/MT non-challenged groups differed, but no differences existed between the NE-challenged groups. The core microbiome of those fed 500 g/MT similarly consisted of Lactobacillus and Clostridiaceae. Furthermore, challenged birds fed diets containing 500 g/MT had a higher abundance of significantly different phyla, namely, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Verrucomicrobiota, than the 0 g/MT challenged group. Dietary supplementation of a microencapsulated blend shifted the microbiome by supporting beneficial and core taxa.

Effects of a Vitamins D and C Supplement on Performance, Hatchability and Blood Profiles of Broiler Breeders

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in controlling Calcium and Phosphor homeostasis, bone mineralization, and modulation of immune responses. Vitamin C is a cofactor of enzymatic reactions with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to prevent and repair damage to cells in the body from exposure to free radicals and the immune system. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of 25(OH)D3 with vitamin C at different doses on broiler breeders’ blood profile, egg quality, and hatchability. The adaptation process before collecting the data was 2 weeks. A total of 6200 females and 620 male broiler breeders in the laying period aged 32-46 weeks were divided into 4 treatment groups with 5 replicates (each peach contained 310 female and 31 male breeders). The treatments included control as T0 (0 g/ton Nutricell HyC®), T1 (100 g/ton Nutricell HyC®), T2 (200 g/ton Nutricell HyC®), T3 (400 g/ton Nutricell HyC®) supplemented in feed. The observed variables were performance in breeding farms and hatcheries. The treatments with experimental doses indicated significant differences in the performance of broiler breeders, including feed intake, body weight, egg weight, egg mass, hen day production, hen house production, feed conversion ratio, and parameters of blood profile. The results showed a significant difference between the treatments and the control group in terms of hatch performance, clear eggs, exploding eggs, hatchability eggs, fertile eggs, salable chicks, and hatching of fertile eggs. However, no significant effects on fertility, culling of chicks, and embryonic mortality in the treatment groups were indicated. In conclusion, Nutricell HyC® with a dose of 400 g/ton in feed has indicated the best result in breeding farm and hatchery performance of broiler breeders in the laying period. Keywords: Blood profile, Broiler breeder, Calcidiol (25(OH)D3), Nutricell HyC®, Performance, Vitamin C

Dietary sodium butyrate improves female broiler breeder performance and offspring immune function by enhancing maternal intestinal barrier and microbiota

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on the reproductive performance of female broiler breeders under intensive rearing conditions and to analyze antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal barrier function of the female breeders and their offspring. A total of 96,000 40-wk-old Ross308 female broiler breeders were divided into the control (CON) and SB groups, each with 6 replicates of 8,000 birds. Each house with similar production performance characteristics was considered a replicate. The experiment lasted for 20 wk, whereupon sampling took place. Results showed that SB improved the egg production performance, egg quality of broiler breeders, and hatchability (P < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with SB substantially increased serum immunoglobulin A levels in broiler breeders and offspring (both P=0.04) and offspring immunoglobulin G (P < 0.001). The levels of interleukin-1β (P < 0.001) and interleukin-4 (P=0.03) in the offspring were downregulated, while the total superoxide dismutase in the offspring and the eggs increased (P < 0.05). The serum biochemical components in breeders and offspring were altered by SB, as evidenced by the reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high- and low-density lipoproteins (P < 0.05). The intestinal morphology of broiler breeders and offspring also improved by the SB with the decreasing the jejunal crypt depth (P=0.04) and increasing villus height in offspring (P=0.03). Maternal jejunal and ileal intestinal barrier-related genes were also shown to be significantly affected by SB. Furthermore, SB altered the microbial diversity in maternal cecal contents, thus increasing the abundance of Lachnospiraceae (P=0.004) and Ruminococcaceae (P=0.03). Dietary SB enhanced the reproductive performance and egg quality of broiler breeders and improved the antioxidant capacity and immune function of broiler breeders and offspring, with the benefits potentially arising from the regulation of the maternal intestinal barrier and gut microbiota by SB.

Effects of dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and L-Arg on reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (TP) and L-arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on sperm characteristics, reproductive performance, and semen biochemical components of aged commercial male broiler breeders. Thirty Ross 308 male broiler breeders (58 wk old) were provided and assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, including control (CON), 5% TP (TPS-5), 10% TP (TPS-10), 15% TP (TPS-15), and L-Arg supplemented (10% above the recommendation, LAS-10). The results indicated that the semen volume increased in the TPS-15 group compared to that of the LAS-10 (and CON on wk 9) throughout the study (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration significantly increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to the other experimental groups. On wk 5 and 7, the sperm viability increased in all TPS groups compared to the CON and LAS-10, while on wk 9, it only increased in the TPS-10 group in comparison to the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The hypo-osmotic swelling test decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups on wk 5 and all TPS groups on wk 7 and 9 (P < 0.05). The sperm total motility and forward progressive motility decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, unprogressive motility and immotile sperms were increased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the sperm penetration and fertility rate increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to CON and LAS-10 groups (P < 0.05). However, hatchability was reduced in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The semen adenosine triphosphate increased in TPS-10, TPS-15, and LAS-10 groups compared to the CON (P < 0.05). Finally, the semen TAC and superoxidase dismutase decreased in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05), while the glutathione peroxidase increased in the TPS-15 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 15% dietary TPS is recommended to improve the reproductive performance of aged commercial male broiler breeders.

Growth and reproductive performance of broiler breeders reared to puberty under the open-sided housing in a tropical environment

Context The paradox of broiler breeders combined with harsh environments is of significant concern, particularly to broiler breeder farmers in tropical environments. Despite this, there is a paucity of information on the comparison of the performance of broiler breeders in tropical climates. Aims The trial aimed to evaluate the comparative growth and reproductive performance of three common broiler breeders (Marshall (MS), Arbor Acres (AA) and Ross (RS)) raised in the tropical environment in Nigeria. Methods In total, 240 day-old female broiler breeder chicks were used, 80 each strain, in four replicates of 20 birds each. According to the breeders’ guides, the rearing of the chickens was conducted in an open-sided poultry house until puberty. Weekly determination of percentage mortality (%MORT), feed intake (FI), liveweight (LW), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was performed. Weekly hen-day egg production was monitored in each strain from oviposition. Key results The liveweights of chickens were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected by strain. Ross and Marshall had higher (P &lt; 0.05) weight gain than did Arbor Acre at the first 8 weeks of age. The feed intake of Arbor Acres was higher than that of Marshall, which was higher than the values recorded in Ross between the 8th and 16th weeks of age. The FCR of Arbor Acres and Ross was similar but lower (P &lt; 0.05) than that of Marshall breeders between Weeks 17 and 25. The rudimentary ovarian weights were higher in Ross than in Arbor Acres at the sixth week of age. However, at Week 20, the ovary weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in Ross than in Marshall and Arbor Acres. Hen-day egg production of Marshall breeder was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than Ross at Weeks 24 and 25. Conclusions The three broiler breeder strains had the potential for better reproductive performance under Nigerian tropical conditions, especially the MS if the liveweight could be harnessed. Implications The findings in this study may support farmers to make the right decision on the choice of broiler breeder strains so as to maximise productivity under conventional open-sided housing in tropical environments.

Effects of a Multi-Genus Synbiotic (PoultryStar® sol) on Gut Health and Performance of Broiler Breeders

In recent years, a rising interest has been directed towards the use of nutraceuticals in the zootechnical sector, including probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, as a way to support production efficiency and cope with the increasing limitations to the use of antibiotics. In poultry, however, most studies on these products have been conducted on broilers, while less information is available on their benefits to other productive categories. The present field study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-species synbiotic product (PoultryStar® sol) on the gut health and productive performance of broiler breeders. A total of 24761 day-old Ross 308 parent stock chicks were acquired from a single hatchery and placed on the same farm. Female chicks were divided into three groups and raised in different houses (A, B, and C), in which males were introduced at the age of mating and followed until 40 weeks of age. The synbiotic was provided by drinking water to the flocks in houses A and B, while house C was kept as control. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, the product was administered intermittently once every two weeks, except in the first and the twenty-first week when it was supplied for three consecutive days. Data on performance parameters, egg quality traits, bacterial enteritis scoring, intestinal morphometry, and histopathology were recorded, and the caecal content was collected at 15, 25, and 40 weeks of age to investigate the intestinal microbiota using high-throughput next-generation sequencing. Synbiotic-treated hens showed significantly higher survivability during production compared to the control group. No clear differences were observed between treated and control chickens in terms of egg production and quality, and the effect of the synbiotic on weight gain also appeared limited. From 25 weeks onwards, synbiotic-treated chickens scored better in terms of macroscopical lesions and had longer intestinal villi. Significant differences in crypt length and histopathological lesions were also found at multiple sampling points. A treatment effect on caecal bacterial composition was detected with a differential abundance of Gastranaerophilales, Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacter, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridia, among others. Taken together, obtained results support the beneficial effects of the intermittent administration of the synbiotic product PoultryStar® sol on the gut health of broiler breeders. Keywords: Broiler breeder, Gastrointestinal health, Histopathology, Microbiota, Synbiotic

The effect of fermented rapeseed meal on production performance, egg quality and hatchability in broiler breeders after peak production

ABSTRACT 1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of rapeseed meal (RSM) or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on performance, egg quality and hatchability in broiler breeders. 2. RSM was fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger for 25 d. A total of 140 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (52 weeks old; 20 per treatment, four hens per cage replicate) were assigned to seven dietary treatments in a completely randomised design involving a control (maize-SBM diet) and a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two types of meal (RSM and FRSM) and three replacement levels (33%, 66% or 100%) for SBM, with one cockerel housed within each cage replicate for 12 weeks. 3. Fermentation increased the population of lactic acid bacteria and crude protein and decreased pH, dry matter, crude fibre and anti-nutrients in FRSM meal compared to RSM (P < 0.05). 4. Body weight gain and egg weight were not affected by RSM or FRSM. Feeding FRSM compared to RSM increased egg production and egg mass (P < 0.05). FRSM or RSM at the level of 100% significantly decreased egg production and egg mass compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Neither types of meal nor levels of replacing significantly affected egg quality variables except eggshell strength. Yolk colour in all experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). By increasing the level of RSM or FRSM in the diet, hatching rate and chicken weight decreased (P < 0.05). 5. Microbial fermentation improved the nutritional value of RSM which could be used to replace SBM with RSM or FRSM at levels lesser than 66% as a suitable protein alternative for broiler breeders.

Effect of Dietary Chlorogenic Acid on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Immune Response of Broiler Breeders under Immune Stress and Stocking Density Stress.

Simple SummaryImmune stress and high stocking density stress are two major concerns in poultry production, as they can greatly impair the productive and reproductive performance of chickens with serious economic consequences. Chlorogenic acid has been widely used as a feed additive in poultry production due to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant function, and immune response in broiler breeders exposed to immune stress and high stocking density stress. Our study highlights that chlorogenic acid increased feed intake, downregulated serum corticosterone levels, and altered the immune and antioxidant functions of broiler breeders exposed to immune stress or high stocking density stress. Dietary inclusion of 1 g/kg chlorogenic acid could be used to increase feed intake of broiler breeders and alleviate the effects of immune stress and exposure to high stocking density in poultry.The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant function, and immune response of broiler breeders exposed to immune stress or high stocking density stress. The test was divided into two stress models. For the immune stress test, 198 birds were distributed into three experimental treatments with six replicates per treatment. The treatments were: (1) saline control (birds injected with saline and fed basal diet), (2) LPS group (birds injected with 0.5 mg LPS/kg body weight and fed basal diet), and (3) CGA + LPS group (birds injected with LPS and fed basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg CGA. LPS was intraperitoneally injected from day 14, and then daily for 10 days. For the high stocking density stress model, 174 birds were distributed into three experimental treatments with six replicates per treatment. The treatments were: (1) controls (birds fed basal diet and raised at a stocking density of 14 broilers per m2), (2) high-density group (birds fed with basal diet and raised at a stocking density of 22 broilers per m2), and (3) high density + CGA group (birds fed with 1 g/kg CGA and raised at a stocking density of 22 broilers per m2). Results showed that LPS injection and high stocking density significantly decreased the body weight and feed intake of broiler breeders, while CGA supplementation increased feed intake of broiler breeders under LPS injection and high stocking density stress. Moreover, LPS injection and high stocking density increased the concentration of corticosterone in serum, and CGA addition remarkably downregulated serum corticosterone levels. The GSH level decreased with LPS injection and CGA increased the GSH concentration in the intestines of immune-stressed broiler breeders. LPS injection promoted the production of circulating proinflammatory cytokines (serum IL-1β and TNF-α) by 72 h after LPS injection. Dietary supplementation with CGA prevented the increase in serum TNF-α caused by LPS. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of 1 g/kg CGA could increase the feed intake of broiler breeders and alleviate the effects of inflammatory mediator stress and exposure to high stocking density.

Implementation And Performance Of Partnerships In Closed And Open Houses In Mamuju Regency

This study aims to determine the implementation and performance of partnerships using open houses and closed house cage systems. This research was conducted in March-April 2022. The type of research used is descriptive quantitative research. The number of samples used was 5 closed house respondents and 5 open house respondents using the purposive sampling method. The methods of collecting data through observation and interviews. The data analysis used is descriptive analysis with qualitative data types and quantitative data types. Based on the research conducted, it is known that the implementation and performance of partnerships in the livestock business in Mamuju Regency, which consists of open house and closed house types, can be said to be mutually beneficial for both parties, both the core and plasma companies. The maintenance performance of plasma broiler breeders in open house type cages was lower, namely IP 387 and 5.06% compared to closed house type cages with IP 408 and a depletion of 3.81%. The FCR in the two types of cages is not much different, namely 1,549 in the open house type and 1,548 in the closed house type. The harvest process is the full decision of the core company, so that the harvest age is 36.41 days with a harvest period of 18.4 days in the open house type, which is longer than the closed house type, which is 18 days with a harvest period of 34.81 days.

Effect of supplementations of vitamin E and organic selenium on productive performance of broiler breeders

Nutrition supplementation in broiler breeder diets are necessary to provide the nutritional requirements for the optimal performance of the broiler breeder flock after significant genetic improvement of production performance. The study aimed to determine the effect of adding vitamin E and organic selenium to the diet of broiler breeder Rose 308 in the productive and reproductive traits. The experimental flock consist of 60 hens and 10 cocks at 41 weeks of age. The birds divided into four groups for treatments application, and each treatment had three replicates (five hens per replication). The first treatment T1 fed a standard diet without addition (control) containing 15% crude protein and metabolic energy 2775 kilocalories / kg of diet, and T2 used a standard diet and 500 mg vitamin E / kg of diet supplementation, and T3 used a standard ration plus 0.5 mg of organic selenium (Availa powder) / kg of diet supplementation, and T4 used a standard diet plus a mixture of vitamin E and organic selenium (Availa powder) in proportions 500 and 0.5 mg, respectively.

Effect of early photostimulation at 15-weeks of age and everyday spin feeding on broiler breeder performance

To prevent broiler breeders from growing too quickly and becoming too large for optimum reproduction, their dietary intake is restricted. While current restricted feeding programs, such as skip-a-day feeding (SAD), improve the economic efficiency of broiler breeder operations, this management practice impacts bird welfare. There is an interest in finding strategies that could reduce the impact of feed restriction during broiler breeder rearing. This research investigated the effects of feeding pullets on an advanced growth curve for early photostimulation at 15 wk (15P) or standard growth curve for photostimulation at 21 wk (21P), using either an every-day-spin feeding program (EDS) or SAD feeding, on the reproductive parameters of broiler breeder hens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Overall, advancing the growth curve (15P) decreased blood corticosterone levels compared to 21P, but EDS resulted in higher blood corticosterone levels compared to SAD. At the end of rearing in both 15P and 21P, EDS pullets weighed less than SAD pullets. The onset of egg production was 20 and 24 wk of age for the 15P and 21P hens, respectively. Despite an earlier onset, 15P hens did not produce more eggs than 21P hens through 65 wk of age. Egg weight was reduced for 15P compared to 21P until 30 wk of age. The 15P hens had a greater number of double yolk eggs than the 21P hens. Fertility and hatch were not impacted by the advanced growth curve and early photostimulation. Although the current research indicates the potential to reduce feed restriction associated welfare issues by rearing broiler breeder pullets for an earlier photostimulation onset, further research in needed to determine if this management technique can be improved to optimize hen reproductive efficiency.

Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acid and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) supplementation on semen quality, sperm fatty acids and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) and rooibos supplementation on semen quality, fatty acids composition and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders. Seventy-two 47-week-old Ross broiler breeder roosters were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangements to include two FO concentrations (0% and 2%) and 3 rooibos concentrations (0%, 1.5% and 3%) for 13 weeks consecutive. The different diets affected semen parameters significantly (p < 0.05), except for the semen concentration and abnormality of the sperm. The sperm of the FO and 3% rooibos-treated group showed better motility and viability when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The susceptibility of semen to lipid peroxidation was increased in roosters fed the rooibos-free diets (p < 0.05), but it was reduced (p < 0.05) when the diet was supplemented with 1.5% and 3% rooibos. In addition, at 64 weeks, the highest concentration of testosterone was observed in the roosters fed a diet that included 2% FO and 3% rooibos (p < 0.05); however, the difference in testosterone levels between Week 52 and Week 64 was not significant (p > 0.05). The fertility rate of collected eggs from the FO and 3% rooibos group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of the other groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of FO along with rooibos improved seminal quality and reproduction performance in aged roosters.

Effect of litter system and nest box type on egg production and performance of Ross 308 broiler breeders

Context Type of litter housing system is one of the most important factors affecting egg production and performance of broiler breeders. Aims The study aim was to determine the effect of litter and nest box type on selected production and performance traits of Ross 308 broiler breeders. Methods The study subjects consisted of male and female Ross 308 broiler breeders raised on a commercial poultry farm. In four poultry houses, birds were raised on a slat-litter floor, with a colony nest box type. In four other poultry houses, birds were raised on a litter floor with an open nest box type. Body weight (23 weeks and 57 weeks), feed intake and percent mortality (23–57 weeks), length of laying period, number of eggs, laying percentage and egg weight were determined or calculated and compared between housing systems. Key results Birds reared on a slat-litter floor with colony nest boxes had significantly lower (roosters) or higher (hens) body weight at 23 and 57 weeks of age compared to birds kept on a litter floor with open nest boxes. Both sexes housed on a slat-litter floor were characterised by significantly higher feed intake, significantly lower mortality during the reproductive period (23–57 weeks), and significantly lower egg weight compared to birds raised in the litter floor system. Litter and nest box type had no significant effect on length of laying period, number of eggs, laying percentage, and percent hatchability from set eggs. Conclusions Ross 308 broiler breeders kept on a litter floor with open nest boxes had some better performance parameters, but poorer liveability compared to birds kept on a litter floor and slats with colony nest boxes. The higher body weight of females kept on a slat-litter floor at the end of the reproductive period (57 weeks) compared to the same-age females kept on a litter floor is likely due to higher carcass fatness, which had an adverse effect on the number and weight of hatching eggs. Implications The results of this study may be useful for broiler breeder producers in their decisions about the litter system of these birds.

Broiler Breeder Performance in The Final Phase of Grower

One of the comestibles that have high nutritional value and are easy to obtain is chicken. The higher demand for chicken must be accompanied by an increase in production. It is important for the breeder of broiler chicken to choose high quality Day Old Chick (DOC) from the broiler breeder which also has high quality and productivity. The type of broiler breeder that is grown in PT. Karya Indah Pertiwi is Ross 308. Observations were made when the chickens were 18th to 21st weeks old in 6 henneries totaling about 10,000 chickens. The performance of broiler breeder observed were feed consumption, bodyweight gain, feed conversion ratio, and uniformity. Feed consumption of broiler breeder at 18th to 21st week was 659.4 g/chicken, 700,583 g/chicken, 742,116 g/chicken, 767.2 g/chicken. Bodyweight gain at 18th to 21st week was 143.51 g/chicken, 193.3 g/chicken, 63.43 g/chicken, 167.96 g/chicken. Feed conversion ratio at 18th to 21st week was 4.5, 3.6, 11.6, 4.5. The uniformity at 18th to 21st week was 77%, 81%, 81%, 81%. In conclusion, the value of feed consumption for broiler breeder at PT. Karya Indah Pertiwi was increasing every week. Bodyweight gain at 20th week was lower than 18th, 19th, and 21st week. The value of feed conversion ratio at 20th week was higher than at 18th, 19th, and 21st week. Chicken uniformity value at 18th week was not good it was at 77%, while at the 19th, 20th, and 21st week it was quite good at 81%.

Dietary tributyrin improves reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity, and ovary function of broiler breeders

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of dietary tributyrin on reproduction performance and ovary function of broiler breeders with different egg laying rate. Two hundred fifty-six AA broiler breeders (48-wk-old) were allocated to 4 treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main effects of tributyrin supplementation (0 and 1,000 mg/kg tributyrin [TRI]) and 2 egg laying rate levels (average [AR, 81.01 ± 0.79%] and low [LR, 70.98 ± 0.95%]). The results shown that the LR breeders presented higher egg weight, but lower egg laying rate, qualified egg rate and feed efficiency than the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Also, the superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity in magnum was lower while malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher in ovary and magnum of LR breeders than that in the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with tributyrin significantly enhanced egg weight (P(TRI) < 0.05), increased albumen height as well as Haugh unit (HU) in AR breeders (P(interaction) < 0.05), and also had higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lower MDA in ovary (P(TRI) < 0.05). The cell apoptosis rate and proapoptosis related gene expression (caspase 8, 9 and Bax) in the ovary of LR breeders was higher, while anti-apoptosis related gene (Bcl-2) expression were lower in LR breeders when compared with the AR breeders (P(laying) < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with tributyrin decreased the cell apoptosis rate and downregulated caspase 9 expression in LR breeders (P(Interaction) < 0.05), up-regulated the Bcl-2 expression in both 2 breeders (P(TRI) < 0.05). These findings suggest that the breeders with lower egg laying rate also characterized by deteriorate ovary function indicated by lower antioxidant capacity and higher cell apoptosis rate. Dietary supplementation with tributyrin increased egg albumen quality, decreased ovarian proapoptosis related gene expression to improve reproductive tract function; and the positive effect on egg albumen quality is more pronounced in average reproductive breeders.

Timing of growth affected broiler breeder feeding motivation and reproductive traits

The amount and timing of growth are important factors that affect age at first egg, body conformation, reproductive performance, and hunger in broiler breeders. To investigate the effect of growth pattern on feeding motivation and reproductive performance, 10 unique growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of early growth and 5 levels of timing of growth around puberty. A 3-phase Gompertz model that described growth in phase 1 (prepubertal), phase 2 (pubertal), and phase 3 (postpubertal) was used to design the growth trajectories. Second growth phase inflection point (I2) was advanced by 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% of the coefficient estimated from the breeder-recommended target BW. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 discrete levels of total gain in the prepubertal phase (g1); g1 was either the prepubertal phase gain coefficient, estimated from the breeder-recommended BW (Standard g1) target, or 10% higher (High g1). Forty females were randomly assigned to the growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. Analysis of covariance was conducted on dependent variables in ten 4-wk periods with g1 and periods as discrete fixed effects, I2 as a continuous fixed effect, and age as a random effect. Differences were reported at P ≤ 0.05. For every week of earlier I2, body weight at photostimulation (BWPS) increased by 126 g; BW at first egg (BWFE) increased by 94 g; 24 wk shank length increased by 0.038 and 1.495 mm in the Standard g1 and High g1 treatments; 24 wk body fat increased by 0.38%; pullets came to lay earlier by 0.49 d; egg weight (EW) increased by 0.27 g; egg production and egg mass (EM) increased by 0.33 egg/hen/d and 0.916 g/d in the High g1 treatment but decreased by 0.27 egg/hen/d and 0.29 g/d in the Standard g1 treatment, respectively. Increasing g1 reduced feeding motivation index by 1.6 and 0.8 visits/meal during rearing and laying phase, respectively. Earlier pubertal growth showed prominent effects on the reproductive performance.

The effect of different vegetable oils on energy content of table eggs yolk

Article Details: Received: 2020-08-31 | Accepted: 2020-11-16 | Available online: 2021-06-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.02.137-140 The aim of this study was to analyse the gross energy (GE) value of egg yolk from hens feed with different vegetable oils addition and based on gained results calculate the linear regression between GE and dry matter % (DM) in yolk. Total 66 hens Lohmann brown lite were divided in to 11 groups according to concentration and type of used vegetable oil (pumpkin oil 3%, flax seed oil 3%, indian hemp seed oil 2.5% and 5%, grape seed oil 2.5% and 5%, olive oil 2.5 and 5%, apricot seed oil 2.5% and 5%). Hens were in 40 th week of life and were housed per 6 in cage. From each group eight eggs were randomly selected. In total 88 egg yolks were separated and analysed for DM and GE content. The highest yolk GE was detected in group with 3% pumpkin oil addition (1639 kJ/100g) followed by groups with 2.5 and 5% indian hemp seed oil addition 1632 and 1632 kJ/100g, respectively. Difference between these three groups compared to yolk GE content (1584 kJ/100g) in control group was significant (P&lt;0.05). All other added oils increased the yolk GE (P&gt;0.05). GE concertation of yolk can be calculated as follows: GE = -17.34 + (32.73 * DM), R 2 = 0.819. Keywords: laying hens, egg yolk gross energy, regression References Antova, G. A. et al. (2019). Comparative analysis of nutrient content and energy of eggs from different chicken genotypes. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(13), 5890–5898. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9863 AOAC. (2000). Official methods of analysis AOAC. International 17th edition. Association of Analytical Communities, Gaithersburg. Benková, J. (2008). Artificial hatching of poultry is nothing simple. Slovenský chov, 13(6), 45-47. In Slovak. Gálik, B.et al. (2014). The effect of dietary Rhus coriaria L. on table eggs yolk nutrients composition. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 17(3), 93–95. https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2014.17.03.93-95 Herkeľ, R. et al. (2016). Fatty acid profile and nutritional composition of table eggs after supplementation by pumpkin and flaxseed oils. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 85(3), 277–283. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201685030277 Hrnčár, C. &amp; Bujko, J. (2012). Effect of pre-storage incubation of hatching eggs on hatchability of poultry. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 15(2), 34-37. http://www.acta.fapz.uniag.sk/journal/index.php/on_line/article/view/31 Javad, N. et al. (2011). Effects of amino acids and metabolizable energy on egg characteristics and broiler breeder performance. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(49), 10066–10071. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajb11.1268 Noble, R. C. et al. (1996). Yolk lipids and their fatty acids in the wild and captive ostrich (Struthio camelus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 113(4), 753–756. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(95)02097-7 Pearson, R. A. &amp; Herron, K. M. (1981). Effects of energy and protein allowances during lay on the reproductive performance of broiler breeder hens. British Poultry Science, 22(3), 227–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071688108447881 Pištěková, V. et al. (2011). The quality comparison of eggs laid by laying hens kept in battery cages and in a deep litter system. Czech Journal of Animal Science, 51(7), 318–325. https://doi.org/10.17221/3945-cjas Radu-Rusu, R. et al. (2014). Chemical features, cholesterol and energy content of table hen eggs from conventional and alternative farming systems. South African Journal of Animal Science, 44(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v44i1.5 Roe, M. et al. (2013). Nutrient analysis of eggs. Analytical Report (revised version). UK Government, Department of Health and Social Care. Retrieved December 10, 2020 from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads/attachment_data/file/167973/Nutrient_analysis_of_ eggs_Analytical_Report.pdf Roztočilová, A. et al. (2018). Effect of purple wheat RU 687- 12 on performance parameters of laying hens at the end of the lay. In NutriNET 2018. Proceedings of reviewed scientific papers. Mendel University in Brno (pp. 92–97). Vojtaššáková, A. et al. (2000). Milk and eggs. Food nutrition tables. Výskumný ústav potravinársky, Bratislava. In Slovak. Van der Wagt, I. et al. (2020). A review on yolk sac utilization in poultry. Poultry Science, 99(4), 2162–2175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2019.11.041 Zhang, Y. (2016). Studies on chicken hatchability and its relation with egg yolk metabolites. Dissertation thesis. GeorgAugust-University, Göttingen.