Performance Of Male Broiler Chickens Research Articles

Effect of dietary L-tryptophan supplementation and‏ ‏light-emitting diodes on growth ‎and immune response of broilers ‎.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lights are more energy-efficient and provide adequate illumination compared to compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps and incandescent light (ICD) bulbs. However, as new light sources, the LED lights may have a stress effect on broiler chickens. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of dietary L-tryptophan (Trp), as an anti-stress agent and different color temperatures of light-emitting diodes on immune responses and growth performance of male broiler chickens. Four hundred and eighty day-old Ross 308 male chicks were used from day 1 to 42. The chicks were randomly distributed into six treatment groups in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement [0 or 1 g Trp per kg diet along with neutral-white (4286 K), warm-white (2990 K), and incandescent (2790 K) light bulbs] with four replicates of 20 chicks each. Results showed that dietary Trp and Trp×light interaction did not affect growth performance, immune responses, a total number of leukocytes, and different leukocytes count (heterophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte) of male broiler chickens. However, LEDs’ different color temperatures significantly affected the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and primary antibody of sheep red blood cell (SRBC). The FCR was the lowest in the warm-white light, and primary SRBC antibody titers of the chicks were the highest. In conclusion, although adding Trp to male broiler diets did not affect the growth performance and immune responses of chickens, the warm-white light improved the FCR and primary SRBC.

The effect of supplementary ultraviolet wavelengths on the performance of broiler chickens

Qualities of the light environment, such as the spectral composition of light, have been shown to impact growth and performance of broiler chickens. UVA light is visible to broiler chickens, whereas UVB wavelengths promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis, which could support their rapid development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impacts of supplementary UVA and UVB wavelengths on performance indicators of broiler chickens.Day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 638), reared to a target stocking density of 33 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 lighting treatments: A) White light emitting diode (LED) and supplementary UVA LED lighting (18-h photoperiod); B) White LED with supplementary UVA and UVB fluorescent lighting providing 30 μW/cm2 UVB at bird level (lights on for 8 h of the total photoperiod to avoid overexposure of UVB); and C) White LED control group, representative of farm conditions (18-h photoperiod).Mortality was recorded, and broiler chickens were individually weighed at 8, 15, 22, 27, and 34 D of age. Generalized linear models and nonlinear mixed effects models (Gompertz curve) were fitted to determine the effects of UV wavelengths on broiler mortality and growth performance.UV did not impact breast or leg weight of broiler chickens but was associated with differences in mortality, growth, and end weight. Broiler chickens provided with UVA for the full 18-h photoperiod had slower initial growth than control broilers and a reduction in mortality. Results from male broilers reared with supplementary UVA + UVB for 8 h indicated they could reach finishing weights sooner than controls, which supports the potential for UVA + B to improve the growth performance of males.Results suggest that the provision of supplementary UVA + UVB wavelengths may improve the performance of male broiler chickens. The reduction in mortality in the UVA only treatment may warrant further investigation. The inclusion of UV wavelengths within poultry lighting regimes represents a promising area of further study.

Influence of turmeric rhizome and black pepper on blood constituents and performance of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) and black pepper (BP) on blood components and performance of male broiler chickens. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of TRP (0 and 0.5 g/kg) and three levels of BP (0, 0.5 and 1 g/kg) were used to provide six dietary treatments. Each diet was randomly fed to four groups of 12 chicks each, and performance and hematological criteria were measured. The results showed that weekly body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers were not influenced by TRP. The addition of 0.5 g TRP to diet significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, but did not affect aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, and concentration of low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides in serum. Serum chloride and total electrolyte balance significantly decreased by TRP, whereas sodium and potassium concentrations were unchanged. Supplementation of diet with 1 g BP significantly reduced FCR in the first week; however, this pronounced effect was not observed in the later weeks. The BWG and FI were not influenced by BP. Even though, the serum metabolites such as LDL, HDL, cholesterol, electrolytes and activity of AST, ALT and LDH enzymes were not influenced by the addition of BP to diet, serum triglycerides significantly reduced in birds fed diet containing 1 g BP as compared to those fed control diet. There was no significant interaction between TRP and BP on blood metabolites and performance of male broiler chickens.

Efecto de la inclusión en la dieta de una levadura comercial (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) sobre parámetros productivos de pollos de engorde. Experiencia desde el aula de clase

To comply with Nonruminant Nutrition and Feeding subject an experiment was conducted in “Ecoparque Pinares de Tenjo”, property of Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia - uniagraria to evaluate the effects of two levels (0 and 0.5%) of granular commercial yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Levapan® on productive parameters in broiler chickens during an experimental period (1-13 days of age). One hundred day-old commercial Ross male broiler chicks were divided to 4 groups of 25 chicks each. Then 2 groups were allocated to one of the 2 experimental diets, randomly. Data were collected for body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and mortality ratio during the experimental period. Results showed that the use of commercial yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diets of day-old Ross broilers to 13 d old had no significant effect on the performance of male broiler chickens (p > 0.1), but that level of yeast had positive influence on mortality. However, treatment containing 0.5% of commercial yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in comparison to the control group had the loweest feed intake (p < 0.001) during each experimental period and there was a tendency to improve feed conversion ratio from 11 to 13 d old in favor of treatment with yeast. The results suggested that yeast had no significant effect on weight gain, but did have an effect on feed intake, consequently we could include that level in broiler chicks diet safely, saving in their food. Key words: Yeast, probiotic, broiler chicken, productive parameters, nutrition.

Effect of dietary crude protein level on performance and lysine requirements of male broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate crude protein level on lysine requirements and performance of male broiler chickens. From 21 to 42 day old chicks were fed one combination of dietary lysine and CP (18, 20 and 22% crude protein and 0.08, 0.9, 1 and 1.1% lysine) in a diet containing 3.200 kcal/kg ME. Variables measured consisted of feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, percentage of fat pad carcass, breast and thigh weight. The lysine requirement was estimated by broken line methodology based on body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass and breast weight recorded in the grower period. There were significant effects of crude protein level on body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percentage of fat pad that existed. The body weight gain and feed intake increased and percentage of fat pad decreased as crude protein increased in the diet. However, increasing lysine in the diets significantly increased body weight gain, breast meat, thigh and carcass weight and decreased feed conversion ratio and percentage of fat. Body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and percentage of fat pad were significantly affected by lysine × crude protein interaction. Predicted lysine requirements for body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass and breast meat weight with increasing crude protein level were increased as percentage of the diet. The quadratic-broken line model estimated higher requirements than the straight-broken line model for all response criteria. The highest (1.097±0.073) and the lowest (0.907±0.0046) lysine requirement with straight-broken line analysis were estimated for breast meat weight at 22% crude protein level and body weight gain at 18% crude protein, respectively. The results suggest that lysine requirement affected by dietary crude protein level, and for estimation lysine requirement must be defined best criterion response. Key words: Lysine, crude protein, broiler, broken line.

Mixture of formic and propionic acid as additives in broiler feeds

The presence of Salmonella species in feeds and ingredients is an important source of salmonella contamination for animals. Organic acid mixtures have shown to be an effective alternative to eliminate salmonellas in feeds and chickens. In the present study, the performance of male broiler chickens receiving levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 2.0%) of a mixture of organic acids (OAs) (70% formic acid and 30% propionic acid) in the diet was evaluated from the age one to 42 days, in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and five replications of 40 birds each. Diets were based on corn, soybean meal and soybean oil. Body weight, weight gain and feed intake from the age one to 21 days were affected by the treatments; 2% OAs in the diet reduced body weight and weight gain. Feed intake increased with concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5% and was reduced with 2% of OAs. From the age one to 42 days, only feed intake was affected, showing a quadratic effect, increasing at the levels of 0.25 and 0.5% and decreasing at 2% of OAs. The mixture of OAs at doses which are effective for the control of salmonella did not affect chicken performance, and the inclusion of 1% OAs in the diet resulted in a performance similar to that of untreated birds.

Effects of dietary inclusion of plant extracts on the growth performance of male broiler chickens

(2003). Effects of dietary inclusion of plant extracts on the growth performance of male broiler chickens. British Poultry Science: Vol. 44, No. sup1, pp. 43-44.

Effect of different choice feeding methods based on whole wheat on performance of male broiler chickens

A total of 480 1-week-old male broiler chicks of a commercial breed (Ross 308) were allocated randomly to four treatment groups. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates each of 40 chicks. Chicks were fed with the standard compound feed (CP: 230 g/kg and ME: 13.19 MJ/kg as fed basis) during the first week. The treatments were (a) control; (b) compound feed and whole wheat mixture (MF; the content of whole wheat in the mixture was 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg in weeks 2–6, respectively); (c) free choice between compound feed and whole wheat in separate troughs (FCF); (d) standard compound feed (18 h) and whole wheat (6 h) sequentially (SF). FCF increased live weight (LW) and weight gain of chickens when compared to MF and SF ( P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio of MF was higher than those of control, FCF and SF ( P<0.05). Wheat intake was higher in MF than FCF and SF ( P<0.05). Carcass weight of chickens in control and FCF were higher than that of MF and SF, and also carcass weight of chickens in SF was higher than that of MF ( P<0.05). Full gut weight, abdominal fat, empty gizzard weight and edible inner organs (g/100 g LW) were increased by choice feeding treatments when compared to control ( P<0.05). It is concluded that the FCF method can be used effectively with broiler chicks.

Effects of dietary inclusion of plant extracts on the growth performance of male broiler chickens

Effects of dietary inclusion of plant extracts on the growth performance of male broiler chickens

Quantitative and qualitative feed restriction on growth characteristics of male broiler chickens

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative feed restriction on the performance of male broiler chickens. In the first experiment, broilers fed identical pelleted diets were feed-restricted from 5 to 42 d by giving 95, 90, or 85% of the feed consumed ad libitum by control birds the previous day. In a second experiment, broilers were fed pellet or mash diets from 1 to 7 wk. In Experiments 3 and 4, broilers were feed-restricted to 90% of the ad libitum intake of a control group during different intervals. Results from Experiment 1 indicated that live body weight at 42 d was significantly different between unrestricted and restricted broilers (P < 0.01). A reduction in mortality was noted when feed intake was reduced (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, broilers fed mash had lower body weights and breast meat yields at 42 and 49 d (P < 0.05). Cumulative mortality at 42 and 49 d was reduced in broilers fed mash (P < 0.05). Results from Experiment 3 indicated that body weight and mortality were not significantly different (P > 0.05) at 42 d across treatments. There was a significant (P < 0.01) linear improvement on feed conversion at 42 d due to duration of feed restriction. Breast meat yield at 42 d was less in broilers subjected to mild feed restriction (P > 0.05) (Experiments 3 and 4). Broilers appeared able to recover from mild feed restriction, and there was always an associated reduction in mortality.

Research Note: Effect of Posthatch Holding Time on Performance and on Residual Yolk and Liver Composition

An experiment was carried out to determine the importance of holding time after hatching on the performance of male broiler chickens. This was done by transferring the chicks from the hatchery to the poultry house at intervals of 24 h. The weight and composition of the yolk residue on time of transfer were also determined. At 21 and 40 days of age, feed intake and body weight were inversely related to the period of holding. The chicks did not compensate for their posthatching body weight loss. The growth retardation caused by 24- and 48-h holding was equivalent at market age to 1 or 2 days body weight gain, respectively. There were no differences among treatments for feed utilization or mortality.

Effect of dietary levels of rapeseed meal and polyethylene glycol on the performance of male broiler chickens

Abstract 1. In a 5 × 2 factorial experiment, the performance of male broiler chickens given starter (1 to 21 d) and finisher (21 to 42 d) diets containing five concentrations (0, 74.5, 149.0, 223.5 and 298.0 g/kg) of rapeseed meal (RSM) and two concentrations (0 and 15 g/kg) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) was measured. 2. Bodyweight gain and food intake decreased (P<0.01) with increasing dietary RSM both in the starter and finisher phases. 3. The relative weights of thyroid glands, liver, heart and the ratio of water to food intake increased (P<0.01) while the dressing percentage, abdominal fat‐pad weight and the feather condition score decreased (P<0.01) with increasing dietary RSM. 4. The mortality rate was increased (P<0.05) on diets containing 149 g/kg or more of RSM. The main causes of deaths and culling on the high RSM diets were enlarged livers and hearts, liver haemorrhage and leg disorders. 5. The inclusion of 15 g/kg PEG in the starter diets increased (P<0.01) bodyweight gains and food intake. It ...

Effect of an Evaporative Cooling and Dust Control System on Rearing Environment and Performance of Male Broiler Chickens ,

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a micromist, high pressure, evaporative cooling and dust control system on rearing environment characteristics and performance of broiler chickens. Air of rearing chambers with the cooling and dust control system had significantly lower dust concentrations than that of chambers without the system.Birds reared with the cooling and dust control system were 45 and 165 g heavier at 4 and 7 wk of age, respectively, and had significantly higher 7-wk bursa weights than those reared without the system. Presence of the cooling and dust control system had no effect on mortality or lung weights.

Compatibility of Sulfadimethoxine and Ormetoprim with Lasalocid and Monensin on Performance of Male Broiler Chickens

We studied the effect of sulfadiomethoxine and ormetoprim (Rofenaid 40) in combination with lasalocid (Avatec) and monensin (Coban) on mortality, weight gain, and feed conversion of 2592 male broilers to 47 days of age.Four shuttle treatments were utilized: 1) monensin feeding for the entire trial; 2) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by lasalocid for the remainder of the trial; 3) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding for the first 2 weeks, followed by monensin; and 4) sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim feeding through week 3, then lasalocid for the remainder of the trial.No significant (P> .05) differences were observed in mortality among the four treatments. The combination of sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus lasalocid significantly (P<.01) improved weight gain and final body weight, but the length of time that sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim were fed did not have any effect. Sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim plus monensin treatment resulted in better feed conversion as compared with the other treatments.