Performance Of Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Growth performance, meat quality and hematological parameters of broiler chickens fed safflower seed.

The aim of the current study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of safflower seed (SS) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler birds along with the physicochemical, textural and sensory attributes of chicken meat. A total of 200 male chickens (7-days-old) were distributed into 5 groups (40 chickens in each) with 5 replicates of 8 chicks in a 42-day experiment. Each group was allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments, i.e., 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% SS. The experimental diets were formulated for starter (7 to 21 days) and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases. Inclusion of SS in the diet improved growth performances in treatment groups between 7 and 42 days. The highest and lowest body weights were observed at the 5% SS and 0% SS levels, respectively. The physicochemical attributes of breast and thigh meat were found (P > 0.05) except for crude fat. The crude fat was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The inclusion of SS in the diet did not negatively impact the textural properties, i.e., hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force of breast and thigh meat. There was no significant difference in the sensory parameters of cooked chicken meat with increasing levels of SS in the diet. The results demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in hematological parameters in the blood samples of broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with various levels of SS for five weeks. These findings suggest that, SS may be used as an oil seed for broiler chicken feed.

Bone characteristics, pre-caecal phytate degradation, mineral digestibility and tissue expression were marginally affected by zinc level and source in phytase-supplemented diets in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study determined the effect of dietary Zn concentration and source in phytase-supplemented diets on bone mineralisation, gastrointestinal phytate breakdown, mRNA-level gene expression (in jejunum, liver and Pectoralis major muscle) and growth performance in broiler chickens. 2. Male Cobb 500 broilers were housed in floor pens (d 0-d 21) to test seven treatments with six replicate pens (12 birds per pen). Diets were arranged in a 2 × 3 + 1-factorial arrangement. The experimental factors were Zn source (Zn-oxide (ZnO) or Zn-glycinate (ZnGly) and Zn supplementation level (10, 30 or 50 mg/kg of diet). A maize-soybean meal-based diet without supplementation and formulated to contain 28 mg Zn/kg (analysed to be 35 mg Zn/kg), served as a control. 3. Zinc source and level did not influence (p > 0.05) bone ash concentration and quantity or mineral concentrations in bone ash. Tibia thickness was greater in the treatment ZnO10 than in the treatments ZnO30 and ZnGly50 (Zn level × Zn source: p = 0.036), but width and breaking strength were not affected. 4. Pre-caecal P digestibility and concentrations of phytate breakdown products in the ileum, except for InsP5, were not affected by Zn source or level. Only the expression of EIF4EBP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1) and FBXO32 (F-box only protein 32) in Pectoralis major muscle was affected by source, where expression was increased in ZnO compared to ZnGly diets (p < 0.05). 5. In conclusion, Zn level and source did not affect gastrointestinal phytate degradation and bone mineralisation in phytase-supplemented diets. The intrinsic Zn concentration appeared to be sufficient for maximum bone Zn deposition under the conditions of the present study but requires validation in longer-term trials.

Lysolecithins improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immunity, and antioxidant ability in broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with lysolecithins (LPC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, immunity, and liver health in broiler chickens. A cohort of 240 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers of comparable weight was divided into four treatment groups, each comprising six replicates of 10 birds. The groups were defined as follows: positive control with recommended metabolizable energy (PC+ME), negative control with 90 kcal/kg reduced ME (NC+ME), PC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (PC+LPC), and NC supplemented with 300 mg/kg LPC (NC+LPC). LPC supplementation led to a statistically significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.05) and a decrease in the proportion of abdominal fat and the liver (p<0.05). Digestibility of dry matter was also enhanced (p<0.05). Malondialdehyde concentrations in the liver were significantly reduced by LPC (p<0.01), with a noteworthy interaction between energy levels and LPC affecting this reduction (p<0.05). Serum levels of interleukin-6 were reduced on day 21, and both endotoxin and interleukin-6 levels were lower on day 42. Notably, a significant interaction was observed between the energy levels and LPC on relative liver weight and endotoxin concentrations in the serum (p<0.05). The study concluded that LPC positively affects growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and antioxidative capacity in broiler chickens, affirming its value as a beneficial feed additive in poultry nutrition.

MicroRNA expression and oxidative stress markers in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with phytobiotics composition

Phytobiotic compositions are commercially used in broiler production, mostly to improve general health and the production parameters. Moreover, some of their active substances may change the expression of miRNA in different tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the phytobiotic composition (PBC) containing white mustard, calamus, turmeric, and common ivy on production parameters, oxidative stress markers and expression of selected miRNAs in pectoral muscle of broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on broiler chickens fed the control diet (without PBC), and a diet supplemented with 60 or 100 mg/kg of PBC for 35 days. After the experiment, samples (blood and muscle) were collected for analyses. The analyzed production parameters included: feed conversion ratio, feed intake and body weight. There was no effect on growth performance of broiler chickens but feeding diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased the expression of miR-30a-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-206, and decreased that of miR-99a-5p, miR-133a-5p, miR-142-5p, and miR-222 in pectoral muscle of chickens. The addition of 100 mg/kg phytobiotics significantly increased miR-99a-5p and miR-181a-5p expression, and caused down-regulation of the expression of miR-26a-5p and miR-30a-5p. Chickens fed diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg PBC had lower level of lipid peroxidation products in blood, while in the muscle tissue it was higher in birds fed a diet with the addition of 60 mg/kg as compared to the control group. The results suggest that this unique composition of phytobiotics does not affect productive traits but can change expression of miRNAs that are crucial for muscle physiology and pathology in broiler chickens. This additive may also protect against the oxidative stress but the effect is dose dependent.

Effect of inclusion of zinc-glycine chelate and zinc sulphate on live performance, immunity and lipid peroxidation in broilers

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) is a biologically significant trace mineral, serving as a cofactor in various metabolic functions. This study aimed to assess the relative effectiveness of organic and inorganic Zn on the growth performance, lipid peroxidation and humoral immune response in broiler chickens (Ross 308). A total of 450 d-old broilers were divided into five groups: the control group, a group receiving a basal diet with 50 mg/kg organic Zn (T1), another with 60 mg/kg organic Zn (T2), and two groups with basal diets supplemented with inorganic Zn at rates of 50 and 60 mg/kg zinc sulfate for the fourth (T3) and fifth (T4) groups, respectively. The experiment spanned 35 days. Results indicated that zootechnical characteristics such as weekly weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to both the control and the inorganic Zn supplementation groups. Additionally, the antibody titre against Newcastle disease was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 compared to the control and the inorganic Zn supplementation groups. In conclusion, broilers supplemented with 50 mg/kg organic Zn exhibited significantly improved growth performance, reduced MDA levels, and enhanced humoral immune response.

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis model may have a greater impact than dietary anti-interleukin-10 on broiler chicken systemic immunometabolic responses

Dietary egg yolk-derived anti-interleukin (IL)-10 may preserve broiler chicken performance during coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. infection while effects on secondary Clostridium perfringens (necrotic enteritis) are unknown. Some necrotic enteritis models implement Salmonella Typhimurium to improve repeatability; however, Salmonella upregulation of IL-10 may be a confounder when evaluating anti-IL-10. The study objective was to investigate anti-IL-10 effects on systemic cytokine concentrations and immunometabolism during E. maxima ± C. perfringens challenge in models ± S. Typhimurium. Three 25 d replicate studies using Ross 308 chicks were conducted in wire-floor cages (32 cages/ replicate) with chicks assigned to diets ± 0.03% anti-IL-10. 640 chicks (20/ cage; replicates 1 and 2) were inoculated with sterile saline ± 1×108 colony forming units (CFU) S. Typhimurium while 480 chicks (15/ cage) were placed in replicate 3. In all replicates, blood samples were collected on d 14 (6 chicks/treatment) before administering 15,000 sporulated E. maxima M6 oocysts to S. Typhimurium-inoculated (replicates 1 and 2) or challenge-designated chicks (replicate 3). Half the E. maxima-challenged chicks received 1×108 CFU C. perfringens on d 18 and 19. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 7, and 11 d post-inoculation (dpi) with E. maxima and 1, 3, and 7 dpi with secondary C. perfringens. Plasma cytokines were determined by ELISA while immunometabolic assays evaluated peripheral blood mononuclear cell ATP production and glycolytic rate responses. Data were analyzed with diet and challenge fixed effects plus associated interactions (SAS 9.4; P ≤ 0.05). Replicates 1 and 2 showed few immunometabolic responses within 3 dpi with E. maxima, but 25 to 31% increased ATP production and 32% increased compensatory glycolysis at 1 dpi with C. perfringens in challenged vs. unchallenged chicks (P ≤ 0.04). In replicate 3, total ATP production and compensatory glycolysis were increased 25 and 40%, respectively, by the E. maxima main effect at 1dpi (P ≤ 0.05) with unobserved responsiveness to C. perfringens. These outcomes indicate that model type had greater impacts on systemic immunity than anti-IL-10.

Fermented bamboo powder activates gut odorant receptors, and promotes intestinal health and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens

The present study investigated the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FPB) on gut odorant receptors (OR), intestinal health, and growth performance of dwarf yellow-feathered broiler chickens. Six hundred (600) healthy 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned into 2 groups, with 10 replicates consisting of 30 chicks each. The control group was fed a basal diet. In contrast, the experimental group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg FBP for 4 different phases, namely phase I (1-22 d), phase II (23-45 d), phase III (46-60 d), and phase IV (61-77 d), respectively. The first 2 phases were considered pretreatment (0-45 d), and the remaining were experimental (46-77 d) periods. The tissue samples were collected from phase IV. The chickens in the FBP supplementation group exhibited a significant increment in body weight gain, evisceration yield, breast, thigh, and liver weight, while also experiencing a decrease in the FCR (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the villus height, crypt depth, and villus area exhibited significant increases in the FBP group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the secretion levels of gut hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine were significantly elevated in the serum, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum tissues in the FBP group (P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR indicated that ORs had responsive expression in the gizzard, proventriculus, and small intestine of chickens when fed with the FBP diet (P < 0.05). Notably, the expression of the COR1, COR2, COR4, COR6, COR8, COR9, OR52R1, OR51M1, OR1F2P, OR5AP2, and OR14J1L112 genes was stronger in the small intestines compared to the gizzard and proventriculus. In conclusion, these results suggest that the FPB plays a crucial role in growth performance, activation of ORs, and gut health and development.

The Effectiveness of Utilizing Certain Ingredients that Enhance the Characteristics of the Old and Used Litter on the Productive Performance of Broilers

Research aims to determine if certain modifications can improve the quality of litter and the growth and health of broiler chickens. The trial used various litterimprovement agents selected for their antibacterial properties, moisture absorption, and ability to create a favorable environment for broilers. The study found that broilers raised on treated and reused litter performed considerably better than those raised on untreated litter. These additives reduced microbiological contamination and increased litter absorption, creating a cleaner environment for the broilers. Improved litter conditions also improved broiler development, feed efficiency, and health. Adding specific components to recycled litter may enhance broiler productivity. This benefits the poultry industry by providing a cost-effective and ecologically friendly way to maximize the use of aged and utilized litter and improve broiler performance. The research indicates that litter control is crucial for sustainable poultry production and the health and performance of broiler chickens.

Bromelain can reduce the negative effects of a subclinical necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of a bromelain-based supplementation coded ANR-pf on growth performance and intestinal lesion of broiler chickens under necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. A total of 540 Ross 308 day-old male chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments of 6 replicates. The bromelain formulation was delivered to chickens through gavaging and/or in drinking water method twice, on d 8 and 13. Non-challenged groups included (1) without or (2) with the specific bromelain formulation gavaged at 0.8 mL/kg. NE-challenged groups included (3) without the specific bromelain formulation; (4) gavaged with 0.4 mL/kg; (5) gavaged with 0.8 mL/kg and (6) supplemented with 0.8 mL/kg via drinking water. Birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens (NE-18 strain) on d 14 and 15. On d 14 and 19, fresh faecal contents were collected for the determination of oocyst counts. Intestinal lesion scores were determined on d16. Performance and mortality were recorded throughout the entire experiment. Among challenged groups, birds received additive via drinking water had higher weight gain (WG) compared to the remaining groups (P < 0.001) in the grower phase and had lower FCR compared to 0.4 mL/kg inoculated group in the grower and finisher phases (P < 0.001). Bromelain supplementation via drinking water improved the WG of challenged birds, similar to that of the non-challenged birds (P < 0.001), and lowered FCR compared to other challenged groups (P < 0.001). Non-challenged birds and birds that received bromelain formulation in drinking water did not have lesions throughout the small intestine whereas challenged birds, either un-supplemented or supplemented with bromelain via inoculation route recorded similar lesion score levels in the jejunum. At d19, birds received bromelain in drinking water had lower faecal oocyst numbers compared to challenged birds without additive (P < 0.001). In conclusion, bromelain administration via drinking water could ameliorate the negative impacts of NE-infection in broilers by improving performance, lowering the oocyst numbers and lesion scores.

Effects of dietary digestible amino acids and a novel exogenous sfericase protease on growth performance of broilers

Two experiments (Exp.) were conducted to evaluate the effects of a novel exogenous sfericase protease on growth performance and ileal digestibility of broiler chickens until day 35 of age. In Exp. 1, 1350 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens and fed one of the three dietary treatments, with 18 replicates of 25 birds each in a completely randomized design. Diets consisted of positive control [PC; commercially relevant ME and balanced amino acids (AA)]; negative control (NC; with reduction of 6% dig. Lys and proportional reductions for adjacent AA compared to the PC), and NC supplemented with sfericase protease [30,000 New Feed Protease units (NFP)/kg]. On day 35, ileal digesta was collected to determine apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (N). In Exp. 2, 1620 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated in 54 floor pens having three treatments and 18 replicates of 30 birds each in a completely randomized design from day 1–35. Broilers were fed a control basal diet (Control); Control supplemented with sfericase at 30,000 NFP/kg and at 60,000 NFP/kg. In Exp. 1, from day 1–35, body weight gain (BW gain) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers improved 3.4 and 2.5% when diets were supplemented with sfericase, respectively, whereas the digestibility of N increased by 2.7% compared to the NC. In Exp. 2, diets with usual protein and AA levels and supplemented with 30,000 NFP/kg had 2.3 and 1.75% improved BW gain and FCR from day 1–35, respectively. When diets were supplemented with 60,000 NFP/kg, BW gain and FCR were enhanced by 3.9 and 3.2%, respectively compared to the Control. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the novel sfericase protease could be successfully used in corn-soy diets with protein and AA reductions or in feed formulations with usual digestible AA levels to enhance growth performance of broilers.

Investigating the effect of sesame meal replacement for soybean meal in diets with different levels of calcium and phytase enzyme in broiler chickens.

As a major part of the cost of broiler farms is related to their feed, breeders are looking for diets at a reasonable price. One of these affordable ingredients is sesame meal (SM), which can be used to replace soybean meal (SBM) in diets. This study aims to investigate the effect of replacing SBM with SM in diets with different levels of calcium (Ca) and phytase (Phy) during the grower (11-24 days), finisher (25-42 days) and whole phases (11-42 days) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood serum parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks were randomly dispensed to 12 dietary treatments with five replicates (10 birds per replicate) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 3×2×2 with 3 levels of SM (0%, 10% and 20%), 2 levels of Ca (standard (0.87% and 0.79% for grower and finisher phases, respectively) and 0.2% higher than the standard amount) and 2 levels of Phy (0 and 700FTU/kg diet). During the study, the significant effects of SM, Ca and Phy on the daily average body weight gain (DAWG) and daily feed intake (DFI) were observed, whereas for the feed conversion ratio, only the effect of SM was significant (p<0.05). During the finisher and whole phases, the SM and Ca levels influenced the DAWG and DFI, whereas the interaction between Phy and Ca was also significant for DAWG (p<0.05). The main effects of SM and Ca on the relative weights of breast, heart and liver were significant (p<0.05). Application of 20% of SM significantly reduced serum Ca concentration (p<0.05). Generally, the inclusion of more than 10% of SM in the broilers diet is not recommended. In addition, the use of Phy and Ca levels 0.2% higher than standard in broilers diet could improve the birds' performance.

Golden mussel shell (&lt;i&gt;Limnoperna fortunei&lt;/i&gt;) flour contaminated with cadmium as a calcium source for broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-¹) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-¹ caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-¹ in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption

Performance of broiler chickens fed wheat offal and maize based diets

Food crisis in the developing countries especially Nigeria is affecting both man and domesticated animals. The use of grain such as maize in feed production for poultry is creating more shortage of maize for man with the growing population and high demand in the country. There is a need for alternative products for producing poultry feeds from agricultural waste to reduce the competition. This study was conducted to determine the growth response of broiler chickens to feeds produced from wheat offal (agricultural waste product from wheat) and maize. A total of 50 broiler chickens (day-old) were used with 25 birds (5 birds in each replicate) fed with feed made from wheat offal and 25 birds fed with feed made from maize and monitored for 12 weeks. The body weight of the broilers was recorded weekly for 12 weeks, and the feed conversion ratio was also determined. The mean weights of the broilers fed with wheat offal for day-old, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 were 76.6, 115.6, 144.0, 186.0, 305.6, 462.6, 562.0, 693.6, 758.8, 814.4, 866.4, 956.8 and 1,032.8 g/broiler while the corresponding weights for broilers fed with maize feed were 99.6, 129.6, 151.2, 188.8, 234.8, 300.0, 386.8, 466.8, 550.8, 646.8, 732.4, 804.0 and 882.8 g/broiler, respectively. Wheat offal feed increased the body weight of the broilers by 16.99% at 12-week compared to broilers fed with maize feed. Broiler feed should be produced from wheat offal to reduce the competition and make more availability of maize for human consumption.

Potensi Umbi Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain) Sebagai Pakan Ayam Broiler

Porang tuber (Amorphophallus oncophyllus Prain) contains glucomannan as a prebiotic source which can be used as animal feed to improve the performance of broiler chickens. The aim of the study was to determine the potential of porang, to analyze the nutritional content and its use as a feed ingredient for broiler chicken rations. The research was conducted at Rumah Mbacang Pancur Batu Village, from April-June 2022. This data was obtained from the results of proximate analysis at the Laboratory of Small Ruminant Instrument Standard Testing Workshop, Sei Putih, Galang. Data is processed manually and presented descriptively. The preparation of the ratio formulation consists of P0 (0% porang flour), P1 (5% porang flour), P2 (10% porang flour) and P3 (15% porang flour). The parameters studied: water content, crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), crude fat (EE) and NNFE. The results showed that the results of the proximate analysis on porang flour: moisture 12.92%, ash 8.22%, CP 4.19%, CF 4.79%, EE 0.62%, NNFE 69.26%. The water content and CP met the requirements according to SNI 7939: 2013, namely quality I. The conclusion from the results of formulation preparation was obtained a good composition of the formulation with nutritional content, starter phase: CP 20.08-20.59%, ME 2948.00-2985.08 Kcal/kg, CF 4.11-4.15%, EE 4.25-4.63%, Ca 0.78-0.79%, P 0.61-0.62% and finisher phase: CP 18.34-19.07 %, ME 3017.49-3050.65 Kcal/kg, CF 3.79-3.83%, EE 4.19-4.59%, Ca 0.56-0.68%, P 0.53-0.56%.

Phytosome-conjugated carvacrol: A novel approach for improving growth performance, intestinal morphology and economics of production in Broiler Chicken

Essential oils are plant-derived aromatic volatile oils, and they contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve poultry nutrition. However, considering problems associated with the solubility and bioavailability of polyphenolic compounds, the study was planned to find out the effect of the novel feed-grade delivery system, phytosomes for conjugation of plant-derived polyphenolic compound carvacrol on the growth performance of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted, on 240 broiler chicks for a period of 6 weeks. The chicks were divided into 4 groups having 4 replicates of 15 birds each. The birds in the control group (T0) offered a standard diet as per BIS (2007) specification. Group T1 received a standard diet supplemented with Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD) antibiotic at standard dose and group T2 received a standard diet supplemented with carvacrol essential oil @100 mg/kg feed. Group T3 received a standard diet supplemented with phytosome-conjugated carvacrol essential oil (carvacrol @16.6%) @100 mg/kg feed. The performance of all the treatment groups was assessed with respect to the different performance parameters. The supplementation of phytosome-conjugated carvacrol essential oil (carvacrol @16.6%) @ 100 mg/kg feed was found beneficial in terms of growth performance, feed efficiency, and intestinal morphometry. In terms of economics of broiler production, the results revealed that the addition of phytosome- conjugated carvacrol essential oil and carvacrol essential oil in diets was found beneficial in reducing the cost of broiler production, thereby enhancing the margin of profit in broiler production and fetching higher net profit than the control group.

Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria

We evaluated a single strain Bacillus subtilis BS-9 direct-fed microbial (BSDFM) isolated from camel dung in Eimeria challenged broiler chickens. Seven-hundred d-old Ross 708 male chicks were placed in pens (25 birds/pen) and allocated to 2 treatments (n = 14). From d 0 to 13, control pens received untreated water (-BSDFM), and 2 treated pens received water and 2 mL x 108 colony forming unit/bird/d (+BSDFM); daily water intake (WI) was recorded. On d 9, birds in half (+Eimeria) of pens per treatment received of 1 mL of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocysts orally, and the other half (-Eimeria) sterile saline solution. Birds had ad libitum access to feed and a water line from d 14. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and mortality were recorded for calculating BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). On d 14 and 35, samples of birds were necropsied for organ weight and intestinal measurements. Excreta samples were collected from d 14 to 19 for oocyst count. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance or WI on d 0 to 9. There were interactions between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 19 (P = 0.014) and 29 (P = 0.036) BW with unchallenged +BSDFM birds being heavier than birds in the other treatments. The main effects (P < 0.05) on d 10 to 35 FI, BW, and BWG were such that +BSDFM increased and Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) these parameters. There was interaction (P = 0.022) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 10 to 35 FCR such that the FCR of challenged -BSDFM birds was poor than that of unchallenged counterparts, but none differed with +BSDFM birds. There was an interaction (P = 0.039) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 14 bursa weight with challenged birds exhibiting heavier bursa than unchallenged +BSDFM birds. Eimeria reduced (P = 0.01) and BSDFM (P = 0.002) increased the villi height to crypt depth ratio. Results showed that BSDFM supplementation via water can support the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria and may be a strategy to reduce adverse effects of coccidiosis.

Dietary supplementation of Capsicum powder affects the growth, immunoglobulins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, meat, and liver histology of aflatoxin B1 exposed broiler chickens

The effects of dietary supplementation with Capsicum annuum fruit pericarp powder (CPP) and Capsicum annuum fruit seed powder (CSP) on the health and performance of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Four dietary groups were established: CON (control), AFT (0.5 mg/kg AFB1), CPAF (0.5 g/kg CPP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1), and CSAF (0.5 g/kg CSP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1). The AFT group shows a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the relative growth rate compared to CON, CPAF, and CSAF. In contrast, the latter two groups exhibit growth rates similar (P > 0.05) to CON. Additionally, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in the AFT group are significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared to the other treatment groups. Serum interleukin-6 levels in the CPAF and CSAF groups were similar (P > 0.05) to CON but higher (P < 0.05) than in AFT. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in AFT compared to the other treatment groups. Interferon-gamma concentrations in AFT were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the other treatment groups. The liver histology reveals that the AFT treatment group has periportal hepatic inflammation. In contrast, the CPAF and CSAF treatment groups exhibit normal hepatic microanatomy. In conclusion, 0.5 g/kg CPAF dietary supplementation may help to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 exposure on broiler chicken health, specifically the growth, immune parameters and liver histology.

Ammonia (Nh3) Excrete Production And Performance Of Broker Chickens With The Addition Of Turmeric Rhyme (Curcuma Longa) Flour To Drinking Water

Ammonia is a gas resulting from the decomposition of protein residues in broiler chicken excreta. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant that has antibacterial properties from the curcumin content and essential oils found in its rhizomes. The aim of this research was to determine the levels of ammonia excreta and the performance of broiler chickens by adding turmeric rhizome flour to their drinking water. There were 32 broiler chickens used. The feed used is starter and finisher phase feed. There were four treatments with four replications, namely treatment K0 (control), K1 (drinking water + 0.5 g/L amoxitin), K2 (drinking water + 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour), K3 (drinking water + 20 g/L turmeric rhizome flour). The data obtained were analyzed for variance using a completely randomized design. Turmeric flour was given for three consecutive days before carrying out weekly performance measurements at the same time interval for four weeks. The parameters observed were performance (drinking water consumption, feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and final body weight), as well as ammonia production of broiler chickens. The results showed that giving turmeric rhizome flour had no significant effect of p&gt;0.05 on the performance and ammonia production of broiler chickens with the best performance and lowest ammonia production in treatment K2 (drinking water + 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour), namely drinking water consumption (197 .54±7.58 mL/e/d), feed consumption (83.57±5.14 g/e/d), feed conversion (1.65±0.14), body weight gain (51.08± 5.61 g/e/d), final body weight (1229.75±107.07 g/e) and ammonia production (33.20±7.54 mM). It can be concluded that the addition of 16 g/L turmeric rhizome flour (K2) to drinking water tends to produce better performance and less ammonia production

Effect of supplementation of synbiotic plus betaine and selenium on behavior and performance of broilers stocked at high stocking density pens

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of synbiotic plus betaine and selenium supplementation on the behavior, blood profile and performance of broiler chickens reared at stocking density pens. For 21 days, a total of 330 broilers with body weight of 929.67 ± 21.15 g were randomly assigned to 35 experimental units (pens) with a normal stocking density (NSD) of 9 birds/m2 as a positive control and high stocking density (HSD) of 15 birds/m2. A total of 7 treatments were applied, consisting of 1 NSD treatment (CONTR-) and 6 HSD treatments, i.e., CONTR+ (positive control); SYN (1% synbiotic), BET (betaine 2 g/kg feed), SYNBET (synbiotic 1% + betaine 2 g/kg feed); SE (selenium 0.4 mg/kg feed); SYNSE (1% synbiotic + selenium 0.4 mg/kg). Parameters including behavior, blood profile and performance were measured at week 4 (d 28) and week 5 (d 35). The results showed that the supplementation of synbiotic, betaine, selenium, or their combination improved (P&lt; 0.05) the behavior, blood profile (eritrocytes, hemoglobin) and performance of broiler chickens at high stocking densities. The conclusion of the study was synbiotic plus betaine (SYNBE) supplementation can improve behavior and produce the best performance in broilers reared at high stocking densities.

Growth performance, carcass, and meat quality traits in broiler chickens reared on plastic-grid flooring, wood shavings, and zeolite-supplemented wood shavings.

This study aimed to assess the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens raised on plastic-grid floors, traditional wood shavings, and wood shavings enriched with zeolite. The experimental design included the allocation of 504-day-old chicks to three different bedding materials, namely wood shavings, plastic-grid floors, and zeolite litter, each with four replications (42 birds per replicate). The chicks were individually weighed at birth and grouped according to their average body weights. An experiment involving 504 chicks was conducted, with each replicate consisting of 42 male chicks of similar body weight. At the end of the experiment, a total of 120 chickens were slaughtered with 10 chickens selected from each replicate for processing carcass and meat quality traits. The effects of different bedding materials on mortality (P = 0.812), body weight (P = 0.565), and body weight gain (P = 0.569) were not significant. The ANOVA test was conducted to compare the main effects of performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. The feed intake was significantly affected in the 2nd, and 3rd weeks (P = 0.001; 0.023); in addition, the feed conversion ratio was significant in the 2nd, 4th, and overall period (P = 0.003; P = 0.026; P = 0.038) by the bedding materials. The breast yield (P = 0.001), thigh yield (P = 0.028), and wing yield (P = 0.023) were significant. The type of bedding material used in broiler production significantly influenced the pH24 (P = 0.030), L* (P = 0.037), a* (P = 0.000), and CL (P = 0.028). It was concluded that both a plastic-grid floor and zeolite supplementation to wood shaving litter did not significantly affect overall growth performance in broiler chickens. However, the plastic-grid floor showed superior effects on breast meat yield and quality characteristics, particularly reducing cooking loss, when compared to zeolite supplementation in wood shaving litter. The plastic-grid floor led to a slight increase in the feed conversion ratio. Consequently, adopting a plastic grid floor emerges as a viable alternative to traditional wood shavings in broiler farming.