Performance Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effects of animal protein sources and sugarcane scraping-rumen content mixture on the performance of broiler chicken

The experiment was carried out to access the effect of animal protein sources (fishmeal and grasshopper meal) and sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture (SSRCM) on the performance of broiler chickens. The experiment lasted for 56 days. Two hundred and forty-one- day-old (Abor acre) was randomly allotted to eight dietary treatments with 30 birds per treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times in a 4 by 2 factorial arrangement having 10 birds per replicate, vaccinations was administered, feed and clean drinking water were provided ad libitum. The diets were compounded to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with two animal protein sources. Treatments (FM + 0% SSRCM) and (GM + 0% SSRCM) were formulated without sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture (SSRCM) while (FM + 5% SSRCM), (GM + 5% SSRCM), (FM + 10% SSRCM), (GM + 10% SSRCM), (FM + 15% SSRCM) and (GM + 15% SSRCM) were formulated with SSRCM at 5, 10 and 15% inclusion level respectively with two animal protein sources (fishmeal and grasshopper meal) with (FM + 0% SSRCM) serving as the control diet. The results obtained showed that there was no significant (p > 0.05) differences between fishmeal and grasshopper meal in growth performance of broiler chickens. The result also showed that there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between 0% SSRCM and 5% SSRCM on weight gain of broilers but there was significant (p < 0.05) difference in growth performance of broiler chickens as the inclusion levels of SSRCM increased (10% and 15%). Based on these results, broiler chickens can strive well either grasshopper meal or fishmeal and sugarcane scrapping-rumen content mixture at 5% inclusion level relative to the other treatment.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Enteric Avian-Origin Lactobacillus casei-Fermented Soybean Meal on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Broiler Chickens

The bacterial strain is key to fermentation, and the intestinal tract in livestock and poultry is a resource bank of good natural strains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soybean meal fermented using Lactobacillus casei, isolated from healthy broiler intestines with excellent organic acid production, on the intestinal health and growth performance of broilers. A total of 120 Arbor Acre male broiler chickens aged 21 days were fed until 42 days of age. These chickens were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates per group. Each replicate contained six broiler chickens. The specific groups were the control group (basal diet), the low-dose fermented soybean meal (FSBM) additive group (FSBML, basal diet + 0.2 kg/t FSBM), the middle-dose FSBM additive group (FSBMM, basal diet + 2 kg/t FSBM), and the high-dose FSBM additive group (FSBMH, basal diet + 5 kg/t FSBM). The results demonstrated a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of the FSBMH group (p < 0.05). The FSBMH group displayed a significantly increased villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD) ratio (VH/CD) for the duodenum (p < 0.05) and rectum (p < 0.05). The examination of the ileal mucosa showed that the FSBMH group (p < 0.05) had significantly higher levels of glutathione (GSH) activity, as well as higher relative mRNA expression of ZO-1, ZO-2, Occludin, IL-4, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ. However, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly lower in the FSBMH group (p < 0.05). The FSBMH group also showed higher levels of Nitriliruptoraceae and Ruminococcaceae. In conclusion, the addition of 5 kg/t FSBM to diets had an ameliorative effect on broiler growth performance and intestinal health.

Efficacy of supplementing Aspergillus awamori in enhancing growth performance, gut microbiota, digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant activity of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp

BackgroundGut microbes play a significant role in digestion, developing immunity, and intestinal health. Therefore, direct-fed microbials are used to modify gut microbiota, maintain a healthy digestive system, enhance immunity, and promote the broilers’ performance. In addition, it has a role in improving the utilization of unconventional feed ingredients (olive pulp, OP). This study provides the potential role of Aspergillus awamori in enhancing gut microbial content, nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status in heat-stressed broiler chickens fed diets containing olive pulp.MethodsThree hundred chicks (Ross 308; one day old) were divided into four treatment groups (75 chick/ group) randomly, as follows; CON: chicks fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, OP10: chicks fed a diet containing 10% OP, OA1: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 100 mg per kg, OA2: chicks fed a diet containing OP with A. awamori at 200 mg per kg.ResultsAdding A. awamori to the broiler diet that contains OP had a positive effect on productive performance via enhancing nutrition digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and carcass characteristics. A. awamori supplementation had a positive impact on immune responses by increasing serum immunoglobulin G and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Chickens fed A. awamori showed a noticeable improvement in the oxidative status through the increase in the level of serum superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and the decrease in the level of malondialdehyde. Feeding A. awamori also modified the intestinal microbial content by increasing the population of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study indicated that adding 200 mg A. awamori reduced the negative effect of heat stress by modifying the microbial content of the intestine, immune response, and enhancing feed utilization, thus improving broiler performance, as well as, improving the nutritional value of the olive pulp. Therefore, adding A. awamori to the OP diet can be effectively used in heat-stressed broiler diets.

Evaluation of Carcass, Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens Fed Additive of Onion Bulb Peel Powder

The study evaluated the effect of the powder of onion bulb peel waste (Allium cepa) as feed additives on growth performance, blood profile and carcass features of broiler chickens. A total of 150-day old Arbo acre strains of broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments group with 30 birds in each treatment with three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were reared on the floor of a pen partitioned into experimental units. The study was conducted in two phases; starter phase (0-28 day) and finisher phase (28-56 day). A basal experimental diet was formulated for the broiler chickens and varying levels of onion bulb peel powder was added as a supplement at 0mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg and 100mg/kg in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results obtained in this study revealed that there was significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in feed intake, body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hematological and bio-chemical parameters, carcass weight, non-carcass weight, percentage of carcass cut-part relative to the dressed weight and percentage non carcass relative to live weight between treatment diets. Onion bulb peel powder at 100mg/kg enhanced growth performance, reduced total blood cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improved carcass yield of the birds. Since the feeding of onion bulb peel powder up to 100mg/kg as feed additives did not constitute nutritional disorder or any adverse effect on heamatological parameters of broiler chickens, it can be concluded that onion bulb peel powder at this level of inclusion is good for broiler chicken production.

Effect of dietary supplementation with recombinant human lysozyme on growth performance, antioxidative characteristics and intestinal health in broiler chickens.

Lysozyme is often used as a feed additive to act as an antibacterial protein that boosts the immune system of livestock and poultry while protecting against pathogens. To investigate effects of recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ) rom Pichia pastoris and chlortetracycline on broiler chicken's production performance, antioxidant characteristics, and intestinal microbiota, a total of 200, one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens (46.53±0.42g) were selected for a 42-day experiment. Dietary treatments included: a basal diet of corn-soybean meal supplemented with either 0mg/kg (CON), 50mg/kg aureomycin (ANT), 20mg/kg rhLYZ (LOW), 60mg/kg rhLYZ (MEDIUM), or 180mg/kg rhLYZ (HIGH). Compared with CON, MEDIUM diet increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG)(= 67.40g) of broilers from day 22 to 42. In the early (= 1.29) and overall phases (= 1.69), MEDIUM led to a reduction (P<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens. Furthermore, in comparison to the CON and ANT, MEDIUM exhibited reduced (P<0.05) levels of INF-γ and TNF-α in the serum. In the cecum, the abundance of Monoglobus and Family_XIII_AD3011_group was lower (P < 0.05) in the MEDIUM treatment compared to CON. Overall, supplementation of 60mg/kg of rhLYZ improved growth performance, nutrient utilization efficiency, and serum immune function, while also influencing composition of intestinal microbiota. This suggests lysozyme's potential to replace antibiotic additives in feed.

Impact of Nanoencapsulated Rosemary Essential Oil as a Novel Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Broiler Chicken.

This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments, each having four replicates of fifteen chicks. The dietary treatments comprised control (CON) fed a basal diet only, AB (basal diet + 10 mg enramycin/kg), CS (basal diet + 150 mg chitosan nanoparticles/kg), REOF100 and REOF200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg free REO/kg, respectively), and REON100 and REON200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg nanoencapsulated REO/kg, respectively). Overall (7-42 d), REON200 showed the highest (p < 0.001) body weight gain (1899 g/bird) and CON had the lowest gain (1742 g/bird), while the CS, REOF100 and REOF200 groups had a similar gain, but lower than that of the AB and REON100 groups. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Overall, the feed efficiency increased (p = 0.001) by 8.47% in the REON200 group and 6.21% in the AB and REON100 groups compared with the CON. Supplementation of REO improved (p < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein digestibility, with the highest values in REON100 and REON200. Ether extract, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus digestibility values showed no difference among the groups. The dressing, breast, thigh % increased (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat % decreased (p < 0.001) more in the REON200 group than with other treatments and CON. In breast meat quality, water holding capacity and extract reserve volume increased (p < 0.05) while drip loss and cholesterol content decreased (p < 0.05) in REON100 and REON200. No change was observed in the breast meat color among dietary treatments and CON. The REON100 and REON200 groups had reduced (p < 0.05) meat lipid peroxidation as depicted by the decreased levels of TBARS, free fatty acids and peroxide value compared to other treatments and CON. The expression of the Mucin 2, PepT1 and IL-10 genes was upregulated (p < 0.001) and TNF-α downregulated (p < 0.001) by dietary addition of REO particularly in the nanoencapsulated form compared with the CON. In conclusion, nanoencapsulated REO, especially at 200 mg/kg diet, showed promising results as an antibiotic alternative in improving the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and upregulation of growth and anti-inflammatory genes.

Evaluation of clove powder as a feed additive on the performance, carcass traits, and internal organ weights of broiler chickens

This study investigated clove powder as a feed additive on the performance, carcass traits, and internal organ weights of broiler chickens. A total of 160-day-old (Arbo acre) broiler chickens were utilized for the study. Four diets, designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4, were formulated. T1 served as the control with no clove powder, while T2, T3 and T4 had clove powder included at 100 g, 200 g, and 300 g/100 kg of feed, respectively. The birds were distributed into 4 treatment groups, each comprising 4 replicates of ten birds each. Each treatment was randomly assigned one of the treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed in the final weight, weight gain, and feed intake of the birds at the starter phase. Birds in the T4 group recorded the highest values (P&lt;0.05) for the three parameters assessed. T1 had the lowest values for the parameters. There was no significant difference in the feed conversion ratio of the birds across treatments. T4 had the lowest but non-significant feed conversion ratio. In the finisher phase, the result of the performance of the birds followed the same trend. Final weight, weight gain, and feed intake values were observed to be highest (P&lt;0.05) in birds fed a T4-based diet. The feed conversion ratio also indicated no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference across treatments. Live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, primal cuts (thigh, breast, drumstick, back, and wing) and abdominal fat indicated significant differences (P&lt;0.05) across treatments. No significant differences (P&gt;0.05) were observed in the internal organs of the chickens. It was concluded that incorporating clove powder up to 300 g in the broiler chicken diet improved growth performance and carcass traits without adverse effects on the internal organs of the chickens.

The Impact of Varying Levels of Tectona grandis Leafmeal on the Performance of Broiler Chickens

This study assessed the impact of varying levels of Tectona grandis leafmeal (TGLM) dietary supplementation on the performance of broiler chickens. A basal diet divided into four portions designated diet 1 (the control) and diets 2, 3 and 4 supplemented with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%, respectively. One hundred and forty four broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (36 birds per diet; 9 birds per replicate) using a Completely Randomized Design. At the finisher phase the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the birds fed 0.2 and 0.6% TGLM supplemented diets was better (P&lt;0.05) than those fed control diet and 0.4% TGLM supplemented diets. Serum cholesterol concentration was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower in the birds fed 0.4 and 0.6% TGLM supplemented diets compared to control diet. The catalase concentration in the birds fed 0.4 and 0.6% TGLM supplemented diets were (P&lt;0.05) higher than those birds fed control diet and 0.2% TGLM supplemented diets while the glutathione peroxidase concentration in the birds fed 0.4% TGLM supplemented diets was higher (P&lt;0.05) than those fed control diet, 0.2 and 0.6% TGLM supplemented diet. The lipid peroxidation in the birds fed 0.6% TGLM supplemented diets was (P&lt;0.05) significantly lower compared to the control diet, 0.2% and 0.4% TGLM supplemented diets. The live-weight of the birds fed 0.4 and 0.6% TGLM supplemented diet was higher (P&lt;0.05) than those fed control diet and 0.2% TGLM supplemented diets. The colour score of birds fed 0.4% TGLM supplemented diets was higher (P&lt;0.05) than those fed other diets. The overall acceptability score thigh meat of birds fed 0.4% TGLM supplemented diet was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher compared to other experimental diets. It was concluded that TGLM supplementation in this study has phytochemicals of health benefits and possess antioxidant properties.

Improving Broiler Health through Cecal Microbiota Transplantation: A Comprehensive Study on Growth, Immunity, and Microbial Diversity.

Cecal microbiota has emerged as a prominent intervention target for improving the production and welfare of poultry. This is essential for the overall health and performance of broiler chickens. The current study focused on investigating the effect of cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) from healthy donor chickens on the growth performance, immunity, and microbial composition of newly hatched chicks and evaluated the effect of sample storage on the microbial diversity of the cecal samples. A healthy "Wannan Yellow Chicken line" was selected as the donor, and 180 1-day-old chicks from the same line were used as recipients for a 60-day feed trial. The chicks were randomly allocated to three groups (60 birds per group) with three replicates in each group. The three treatment groups were CMT-0 (control, normal saline solution), CMT-I (1:12 cecal content, normal saline supplemented with 10% glycerol), and CMT-II (1:6 cecal content, normal saline supplemented with 10% glycerol). The results of weight gain and absolute organ weight showed significant improvements in the CMT-II group compared with the CMT-0 group. Serum IgG level was significantly improved (p < 0.05) in CMT-I compared with that in the CMT-0. However, IL-6 levels increased in CMT-I and then significantly decreased in CMT-II. The cecal microbial diversity of CMT treatment was compared between two groups, fresh samples (FS) and stored samples at -80°C (SS). The results showed that beneficial taxa, such as Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobiota, were substantially more abundant in both CMT-I and CMT-II than in CMT-0 in both FS and SS. Microbial function analysis at levels 1, 2, and 3 showed improved metabolism, genetic information processing, cellular processes, environmental information processing, and organismal systems in CMT-I and CMT-II for both FS and SS groups. However, the SS group showed decreased microbial diversity and function. To conclude, cecal microbiota transplantation is a promising strategy for enhancing the productivity and health of broiler chickens.

Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed meal (ZBM), a novel plant protein raw material, has shown promising potential in enhancing the growth of broiler chickens as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in feed. In the artificial digestive experiment of vitro experiments, the digestibility of ZBM and SBM were assessed using the SDS-III Single Stomach Animal Biometric Digestion System. Subsequently, 180 1-day old AA chicks were divided into three groups for in vivo experiments: corn-soybean-meal-based diet (CON group); ZBM replacing 5% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-1 group); ZBM replacing 10% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-2 group). The experiment period lasted for 42 days. Compared to SBM, ZBM demonstrated higher crude protein content, dry matter digestibility, and extracorporeal digestible protein. Compared with the CON group, the broilers in the ZBM-2 group showed improved ADG and ADFI during the 1-21 d, 22-42 d, and 1-42 d periods (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ZBM groups exhibited significant increases in slaughter performance compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The substitution of ZBM for SBM also leads to a significant reduction in serum enzyme indicators (p < 0.05). Additionally, the lipoprotein and total cholesterol of the ZBM groups were significantly lower than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Substituting SBM with ZBM significantly enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of immunoglobulin G in broiler serum, while reducing the content of malondildehyde (p < 0.05). The ZBM groups showed significantly higher utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirmed that the substitution of SBM with 5-10% ZBM in broiler diets has a significant positive effect on growth, development, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and nutrient utilization. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the utilization of ZBM in broiler diets but also offers an effective approach for reducing reliance on soybean meal.

Supplemental effects of different production methods of pine needle additives on growth performance, intestinal environment, meat quality and serum of broiler chickens.

Pine needles are rich in many nutrients and exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant biological activities; however, the effects of different production methods of pine needle additives on the growth performance and intestinal flora of broiler chickens are not known. Normal diets were supplemented with PNF (Pine Needle Fermentation juice), PNS (Pine Needle Soaking juice), or PNP (Pine Needle Powder), and the associated effects on growth performance, relative organ weights, intestinal development, intestinal histological morphology, intestinal flora, meat quality, and serum indicators in broiler chickens were observed. The results showed that PNF, PNS, and PNP all significantly improved feed utilisation and promoted the growth and development of broilers. All three additives also significantly improved the structure of the intestinal flora, specifically increasing the diversity of bacteria; increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium, Rikenella, and Blautia; and decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus. The antioxidant properties of pine needles were also found to intensify lipid metabolic reactions in the blood, thus leading to lower TG and TCHO. Meanwhile, high doses of PNF reduced jejunum and ileum weights and also increased meat yellowness. Lastly, none of PNF, PNS, or PNP had an effect on relative organ weights or intestinal histological morphology. In conclusion, the addition of pine needles to the diet of broiler chickens can effectively promote their growth performance as well as improve their intestinal flora and serum status without side effects; in particular, the dose of 0.2% of either PNF and PNS is expected to have the capacity to replace growth-promoting antibiotics as diet additives.

The Effects of Pineapple Leaf Powder on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Noi Crossbred Broilers

To meet the increasing demand of consumers on poultry products, poultry feed does not only improve the growth performance but also enhance meat quality. By this reason, the study was to evaluate the effects of pineapple leaf powder on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Noi broiler chickens from 5-12 weeks of age. The study was conducted at Tra Vinh University – experimental farm involving with 120 Noi crossbred broilers from 4 weeks of age. The study was a completely randomized design with 04 treatment and 03 replicates, consisting of 0% (control treatment, T0), 0.1% (treatment 1), 0.3% (treatment 2) and 0.5% (treatment 3) of pineapple leaf powder in the diet. Birds were fed ad libitum throughout the experiment. The results showed that body weight (1603 g/bird at 12 weeks of age), daily weight gain (21.90 g/bird/day) had the highest performance while feed intake (55.28 g/bird at treatment 2) and feed conversion ration (2.610) showed the lowest performance in the treatment 3 (P&lt;0.05). However, the study did not record any significant changes in carcass traits, pH and cooking loss of broiler meat between treatments (P&gt;0.05). It can be concluded that the inclusive of pineapple leaf powder on diets could improve growth rate of Noi crossbred chickens from 5-12 weeks of age.

Can the use of phytase in feed improve the performance and health of broiler chickens?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phytase supplementation on feeds with reduced nutritional calcium and phosphorus on broiler chickens from 1 to 49 days of age. Chickens fed five experimental diets distributed in a completely randomized design, with eleven replicates of 20 chickens each, were used for evaluating performance, bone quality, and serum mineral levels. The diets consisted of one positive control (PC); one negative control (NC), with reduced levels of available phosphorus and calcium; and four diets consisting of NC feed supplemented with phytase at levels 0, 500, 1000, or 1500 U/kg. Supplementation with 1000 FU/kg of phytase in diets based on corn, and soybean meal is ideal for obtaining excellent performance and bird welfare results reducing nutrient excretion and improving digestion and absorption of nutrients by the animal.

Increasing concentrations of dietary threonine, tryptophan, and glycine improve growth performance and intestinal health with decreasing stress responses in broiler chickens raised under multiple stress conditions

The current study aimed to compare the effects of increasing concentrations of dietary threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), and glycine (Gly) on productive performance, stress biomarkers, and intestinal function in broiler chickens under multiple stress conditions. Five hundred sixty 21-d-old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 8 replicates. Birds in a positive control (PC) treatment were raised under low stock density (16.9 birds/m2) with recommended environmental conditions, whereas birds in 4 treatments were subjected to multiple stress conditions: a cyclic heat stress of 30 ± 0.3 °C for 10 h and 23 ± 0.2 °C for 14 h per day with high stock density (25.3 birds/m2). A basal diet was assigned to both PC and negative control (NC) treatments. Three additional diets were individually formulated to contain double concentrations of digestible Thr, Trp, or Gly + Ser compared with their concentrations in the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 14 d. Results showed that NC treatment had less growth performance (P < 0.001), goblet cell counts (P = 0.018), and trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER; P < 0.001), but greater (P = 0.026) feather corticosterone (CORT) concentrations than PC treatment. Thr treatment showed the least (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments under multiple stress conditions. Thr, Trp, and Gly treatments had less (P = 0.026) feather CORT concentrations, but had greater (P < 0.001) TEER than NC treatment. In conclusion, increasing concentrations of dietary Thr, Trp, or Gly improve the growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens with decreasing stress response under multiple stress conditions.

Effects of carriers for oils in compound feeds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Carrier materials for oils in compound feeds may be used in animal nutrition to supply liquid feed additives. However, implications of such carriers for the digestibility of the contained oil are unknown. This study investigated the potential of oil carriers in compound feed and their effect on performance, metabolizable energy, fatty acid (FA) retention, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens. Six experimental diets were formulated following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 20 g/kg or 40 g/kg of rapeseed oil supplied with no carrier or bound in a silica-based (SC) or lignocellulose-based (LC) carrier in a 1:1 mass ratio. The diets were assigned to 48 metabolism units with 15 animals each based on a randomized complete block design and fed from day 18 to 28 of the trial. Total excreta were collected from day 24 to 27 and used to determine total tract retention (TTR) of FA and MEn. On day 28, AA digestibility both by the distal half of the jejunum and the distal half of the ileum was determined, and microbiota of ileal and cecal digesta was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. There were significant interactions for ADG, ADFI, the gain:feed ratio (G:F), MEn, and the TTR of crude fat and most fatty acids (P≤0.046) except for C18, C18:2, and C22:0. Addition of SC decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P<0.001), while LC at 40 g/kg oil inclusion increased G:F and MEn (P<0.001) for both inclusion levels. The TTR of crude fat and the FA C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and C22:0 was increased by the addition of SC (P≤0.016), while LC increased the TTR of the FA C18:1 and C18:2 as well as the TTR of C18:3 at 20 g/kg oil inclusion (P≤0.016). Adding SC and LC increased the digestibility of seven and two AA by the distal half of the jejunum, respectively, and the digestibility of eight and 13 AA by the distal half of the ileum, respectively (P≤0.039). The β-diversity and abundance of some taxa were altered by addition of LC and SC in the ceca while no treatment effect on the ileal microbiota was found. The results give no indication of an incomplete release of the oil from the carriers because the TTR of most FA was increased upon addition of SC and LC. LC may be used to supply liposoluble feed additives without drawbacks for nutrient digestibility and growth while SC requires further examination.

Effects of in ovo feeding of xylobiose and xylotriose on growth performance, carcass traits, ileal histomorphometry, and immune-related gene expression in broiler chickens

Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) are known as prebiotics which promote beneficial gut microbes, improve gut health and the performance of broilers. Xylobiose (XOS2) and xylotriose (XOS3) are two compounds in the XOS group. In ovo feeding could deliver these prebiotics to the embryo, and this is considered as an effective method for studying the effects of the prebiotics during embryonic development and the post-hatch period. This study investigated the effects of in ovo feeding of XOS2 and XOS3 on growth performance, carcass traits, ileal histomorphometry, and immune-related gene expression in broilers. A total of 144 fertile eggs of Cobb 500 broilers were divided into three groups: (a) non-injected control (CON), (b) XOS2, and (c) XOS3. The eggs from XOS2 and XOS3 groups were injected with 0.5ml of 0.85% normal saline solution containing 3mg of XOS2 and 3mg of XOS3, respectively, into their amniotic sac on the 17th embryonic day. A total of 131 hatched chicks were raised in 18 replicate pens (5 or more chicks per pen) following standard management practices and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet for 21 days. The feed intake and body weight (BW) data were recorded weekly. The chickens were euthanized on day 7, day 14, and day 21 to collect ileum sections, and the carcass traits were recorded on only day 21. Total RNA was extracted from ileum tissues, and qPCR was performed to measure the gene expression. All the statistical analyses considered the significance level at a P value <0.05. The result showed that in ovo treatments did not affect the hatchability of the eggs. The XOS2 group showed a trend to increase the BW on day 0, compared to CON (P=0.052), and the XOS3 group improved FCR than the XOS2 group in the first week. There was no difference (P>0.05) among the groups for the weight of the breast muscle, drumsticks, gizzard, proventriculus, and carcass weight at the age of 21 days. The histomorphometry of the ileum on day 7 revealed a significant reduction (P<0.05) of villi height (VH), villi width (VW), and crypt depth (CD) in XOS2, compared to the CON group. On day 7, a lower CD and a higher VH to CD ratio were recorded in XOS3, compared to CON. On day 14, XOS3 showed an increase in VW and villi surface area (VSA) compared to XOS2 birds. On day 7, the expression of IL10 in XOS2 was higher compared to CON and XOS3, and CD56 was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the XOS2 compared to CON group. On day 21, the XOS2 and XOS3 significantly lower the expression of IFNγ. Overall, XOS2 and XOS3 significantly increased immunity until day 21. In conclusion, in ovo XOS demonstrated the potential to modulate gut morphology and immunity of the chickens during the post-hatch days.

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

Effect of Maize (Zea mays) Substitution by Sprouted Off-season Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on the Growth and Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Maroua, Far North, Cameroon

Physiological responses and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens treated with encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract and chitosan

Background and Aim: The ban on antibiotic growth promoters adversely affects the physiological condition and health of poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract, chitosan, or a combination of both on the physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 280 Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups: Basal feed without additives (CNTL), basal feed with 0.01% encapsulated A. australis leaf extract (EALE), 0.01% chitosan (CHIT), and 0.01% EALE and 0.01% chitosan (EACH). Sample collection and data measurement were conducted on day 36. Results: There was a tendency (p = 0.08) for EACH bird to have a higher body weight than the other groups. Feed consumption was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in EACH than in EALE and CHIT. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p &lt; 0.05) in EALE, CHIT, and EACH than in CNTL. Erythrocyte numbers were lower (p &lt; 0.05) in EALE than in CNTL and EACH. Hematocrit was lower (p &lt; 0.05) in EALE and CHIT groups than in the other two groups. There was a tendency (p = 0.09) for heterophils to be higher in EACH than in CNTL. Thrombocyte counts were lower (p &lt; 0.05) in EACH group than in the other groups. Serum globulin levels were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in EACH than in CNTL and CHIT. The albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in CNTL than in EALE and EACH. Coliform bacteria tended to be lower (p = 0.05) in the cecum of EACH broilers than that of other broilers. Similarly, the ratio of Lactic acid bacteria to coliforms tended to be higher (p = 0.08) in the cecum of EACH group than that in the other groups. Treatments did not influence the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: A combination of EALE and chitosan as feed additives enhanced the final body weight and feed efficiency (FCR) of broilers. These additives also increased the levels of heterophils, serum globulin, the ratio of LAB to coliforms, and reduced thrombocytes, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and cecal coliform bacteria. Hence, EALE and chitosan blend improved the growth performance, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Keywords: broilers, chitosan, herbs, immune system, intestinal health, synergistic effect.

Effect of dietary treatments on performance, oocysts shedding and lesion scores in broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Eimeria infection

Although anticoccidials effectively control coccidiosis, a needed reduction in the reliance on antimicrobials in animal production leads to the exploration of alternative compounds. The present study aimed to test five different dietary treatments to counteract the negative impact of coccidiosis on broiler chickens’ health and performance. One-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 960) were randomly assigned to one of eight treatments, with six cages per treatment (20 birds/cage). To the diet of the broiler chickens of treatments (Trt) 1–5, a synbiotic was added from d0-10. From d10–28, birds of Trt1 and Trt2 were fed synbiotics, whereas birds of Trt3 were fed diets with glutamine, and birds of Trt4 and Trt5 were fed diets with a combination of β-glucans and betaine. From d28-35 onwards, birds of Trt1 were fed a diet with a synbiotic, whereas birds of Trt2-4 received diets with glutamine, and birds of Trt5 were fed a non-supplemented diet. Birds of the positive control group (PC; Trt6) were fed a standard diet supplemented with an anticoccidial (Decoquinate). The challenged negative control (NCchall; Trt7) and non-challenged negative control (NC) Trt8 were fed a standard diet without anticoccidial or other dietary treatment. At 7 days (d) of age, all birds were inoculated with 1 023, 115, and 512 sporulated oocysts of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella respectively, except for Trt8. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed for each feeding phase (d0-10, d10-28 and d28-35) and overall experimental period (d0-35). Oocyst shedding, Eimeria lesion scores, caecal length and relative weight were assessed at d13, d22, d28 and d35. Additionally, oocyst shedding was determined at d9 and d17. Litter quality was evaluated at d27 and d34, and footpad lesions at d34. During the starter (d0-10) and finisher (d28-35) periods, performance did not differ between the treatments. During the grower period (d10-28), Trt6 (PC) and Trt8 (NC) chickens had the highest BWG of all treatments (P < 0.001). Dietary treatment had no effect on litter quality and severity of footpad lesions. In the PC group (Trt6) low oocyst excretion and lesion scores were found. When comparing Trt1-5 with NCchall (Trt7), none of the treatments significantly reduced oocyst output nor lesion scores. In conclusion, in this experiment none of the dietary treatments performed similar or better compared to the PC group (Trt6) regarding performance or reducing Eimeria oocyst shedding or lesion scores.

Effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin on broiler chicken growth performance, physiological status, fatty and amino acid profiles

Background and Aim: Natural antioxidants are crucial for preserving and enhancing the health, survival, reproduction, and reproductive function of poultry. Phycocyanin (PC) is a natural blue food colorant with various health benefits. The aim of this study was to extract Arthrospira platensis phycocyanin (ApPC) from A. platensis using simple and economical methods and investigate the impact of phytocyanin supplementation on the performance and fatty and amino acid profiles of broiler chicks. Materials and Methods: PC was extracted from A. platensis by freezing and thawing, and optimization conditions such as pH and temperature were applied during storage periods. A total of 270 1-week-old Ross breed broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the following three treatment groups: basal diet supplemented with 0 mg of PC/kg diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1 g PC/kg diet (T1), and basal diet supplemented with 2 g PC/kg (T2). In a completely randomized design, three cage replicates (30 birds each) were assigned to each of the three groups. The dietary effects of ApPC on growth performance (body weight gain [BWG], body weight [BW], feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum constituents, and antioxidant indices) in broiler chickens, free amino acids, and fatty acids in muscles were evaluated. Results: Total BWG and BW increased without a significant effect on the total feed consumption. Serum levels of total proteins and albumin increased with increasing ApPC supplementation. In addition, globulin levels significantly increased. There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol levels among the treatments. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity) is significantly increased. In contrast, an increase in ApPC caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde. The content and quantity of fatty acids and amino acids in the meat of broiler chicks supplemented with PC varies. Conclusion: The addition of PC to broiler chicken diets enhances antioxidant activities, BW, BWG, and meets quality requirements. Keywords: Antioxidant, fatty acid, Phycocyanin, poultry, protein, Spirulina.