Poultry Diets Research Articles

Optimising growth performance, nutrients digestibility, immunity and gut health in broilers through ginger-derived phyto-protease enzyme (zingibain) supplementation

This study investigated the impact of ginger-derived phyto-protease enzyme on growth performance, immunity, gut health and nutrient digestibility in broilers. A total of 360 day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates each: a control group (T1) and groups supplemented with 50 g/ton (T2), 100 g/ton (T3) and 150 g/ton (T4) of the enzyme. Over a 35-day period, birds were provided with free access to feed and water under controlled conditions. The highest feed intake was observed in T3 during the second week, while T4 showed the lowest intake overall. Body weight gain was significantly highest in T4, demonstrating enhanced growth performance. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowest in T4, indicating improved feed efficiency. Carcase quality analysis revealed higher dressing percentages and organ weights (bursa, spleen and thymus) in T4 compared to the control. Gut pH levels were significantly lower in T3 and T4 across different segments of the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing nutrient absorption. Antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus were significantly higher in T4 on days 21 and 35, indicating improved immunity. Histomorphological analysis of the intestines showed increased villus height and width in T4, with reduced crypt depth, further supporting enhanced nutrient absorption. These findings suggest that the highest inclusion rate of ginger-derived phyto-protease enzyme (150 g/ton) optimally enhances growth performance, immunity, gut health and nutrient digestibility in broilers. This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating ginger-derived phyto-protease in poultry diets to improve overall health and performance.

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Grown to 3 Kg under Antibiotic Free Diets1,2

Background: Stocking densities could have a significant impact on birds when reducing or eliminating antimicrobials (antibiotic-free; ABF) in poultry diets. This study investigated the effects of stocking densities on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed antibiotic-free diets grown to 3 kg. Methods: A total of 888 1-d-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens. The treatments were four stocking densities including 29, 33, 39 and 42 kg of BW/m2; each treatment was represented by six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used bedding was obtained from commercial farms to simulate commercial conditions and litter microflora. Birds were fed antibiotic-free (ABF) diets and provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d and Finisher: 29-42 d). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds and feed were weighed on 1, 14, 28 and 42 d of age to measure growth performance. On d 43, 10 (5 males and 5 females) birds from each pen were processed to determine weights and yields. Result: The BW and BW gain, live weight, carcass weights and carcass yield percentage were not affected by stocking density. Also, mortality was not affected by stocking density. However, FI and FCR for the starter period were significantly elevated (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001, respectively) at lower stocking densities, but were not different for the remainder of the growout. In conclusion, stocking densities evaluated from 29 to 42 kg/m2 with appropriate environmental management has a negligible effect on overall production and processing yield in ABF broilers.

Evaluating the efficacy of probiotics and ascorbic acid as anti-stress agents against heat stress in broiler chickens.

Heat stress poses a substantial challenge to poultry production worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies. This study investigated the efficacy of probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and ascorbic acid as antistress agents using cloacal and body surface temperatures (CT and BST) as heat stress biomarkers in broiler chickens. A total of 56 broiler chicks were used for the experiment and were divided into four distinct groups: control, probiotics (1 g/kg of feed), ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg of feed) and the combination of probiotics and ascorbic acid (1 g/kg and 200 mg/kg of feed, respectively). The study lasted 35 days; measurements were taken for ambient temperature (AT), CT, and BST. The ambient temperature in the pens consistently exceeded the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) established for broiler chickens. The CT values for broiler chickens in the probiotic group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Additionally, the BST values in the probiotic and probiotic + ascorbic acid groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the control group. The findings suggest that incorporating probiotics, with or without ascorbic acid, can effectively reduce CT and BST values in broiler chickens thereby, enhancing thermoregulation when compared to the control group. This implies that using probiotics in poultry diets may enhance health and growth performance, potentially leading to better feed efficiency and reduced reliance on antibiotics. Implementing these dietary strategies could improve the productivity and welfare of broiler chickens in commercial settings.

Long story from past to present: calcium, phosphorus, and phytase

Abstract Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), two main elements, have vital physiological and metabolic roles in animal bodies. Accurate comprehension of the interaction of these two elements and their value in various resources helps to obtain their optimal formulation in poultry diets. Hence, in previous studies, the hormonal axes controlling Ca and P homeostasis have been primarily investigated. However, to estimate Ca and P requirements in modern broiler chickens, in addition to growth performance, other parameters such as Ca and P digestibility, bone strength, and excretion into the environment should also be considered. Since a large amount of P in poultry feed ingredients is bound to phytate, phytases are added to poultry diets to release the P from phytate. However, many nutritionists need clarification on what dose of dietary phytase is required to release the maximum phytate P and how phytase activity will be optimized. Therefore, the present review study has attempted to explore the factors that affect the digestibility of different resources of Ca and P. In addition, the effect of excess dietary Ca on phytase activity and studies related to super dosing of phytase in broilers are provided. Finally, the values of phytate P in standard poultry feed ingredients and the latest update of the studies on determining Ca and P requirements are summarized.

Analysing the effects of feeding black soldier fly on broiler growth performance: a meta-analysis

Context The black soldier fly has been found to be a rich protein source, containing high amounts of protein and lipids, making them a valuable and sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources, such as fish and soybean meals, for broilers, which has also been demonstrated by multiple studies. Aims A meta-analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed published research on the use of black soldier flies in poultry diets to test the hypothesis that it enhances growth performance as a sustainable alternative to plant-based protein sources. Methods To this end, we used publicly available databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Embase) to identify peer-reviewed papers. Retrieved articles were screened for relevance and quality using established criteria. The studies were largely rejected due to non-reporting of variance measures or reporting pooled measures of variance that could not be used. As a result, eight studies were used to extract data for growth performance, including body weight gain. Key results The meta-analysis showed that the effect of feeding black soldier fly meals on body weight gain was non-significant. However, the subgroup analysis showed that utilisation of the frozen form of the black soldier fly lowers body weight gain compared with the birds fed basal diets. Furthermore, the feed intake was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced when the broilers were fed with diets containing black soldier fly meals. The feed conversion ratio showed non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences with the supplementation. Conclusions The inclusion level of black soldier fly larvae meal in any form was seen to be safe up to 10%, and the effective duration of the supplementation was ≤35 days. Implications The utilisation of black soldier fly as a sustainable protein source should be encouraged to facilitate farmers in terms of being less dependent on soybean meal, as well as to reduce the competition between humans and animals for plant protein sources.

Vitamin A source variability: a mini review on stability and bioavailability in poultry

Vitamin A is essential for poultry health, influencing vision, growth, antioxidant defense, reproduction, and immune function. However, it is highly sensitive to degradation when exposed to light, moisture, heat, and oxygen. To address this, vitamin A is typically formulated as retinyl acetate in small beadlets. These beadlets are commonly included in premixes for industrial poultry diets. However, variations in beadlet formulations among different producers can lead to differences in stability and bioavailability, potentially impacting their effectiveness and biological value for poultry. Understanding the stability and bioavailability of various vitamin A sources is crucial for optimizing poultry feeding strategies and ensuring adequate vitamin A supply. The stability of vitamin A can be evaluated through several methods, including premix stability, stability during pelleting, storage stability in feed, and the stability of pure vitamin A products. Bioavailability, which reflects how effectively vitamin A is absorbed and utilized by the animal, is typically assessed through in vivo studies, with liver retinol levels serving as a key indicator. To enhance poultry production, it is important to select vitamin A sources that offer both high stability and bioavailability. Effective feed management, including the use of stable and readily absorbed forms of vitamin A, can improve poultry health, growth rates, and overall production efficiency.

Effects of including different levels of equal mix of soybean and flaxseed oils in Japanese quail diets on the growth, carcass quality, and blood biomarkers

Corn, the primary ingredient in modern poultry feeds, contains high levels of ω-6 fatty acids but lacks sufficient ω-3 fatty acids, creating an imbalance. Maintaining a balance between ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids in poultry diets is crucial due to their competition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations of an equal mix of soybean oil (SO) and flaxseed oil (FO) into quail diets on growth performance, carcass quality, and blood biochemistry. One-week-old Japanese quail birds (n=200) were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, each comprising five replicates with 10 chicks per replicate. Four isonitrogenous/isocaloric basal diets were formulated. Group 1 (control) received a basal diet without SO or FO, while Groups 2-4 received basal diets supplemented with an equal mix of SO+FO at levels of 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, respectively. The inclusion of oil mixes significantly increased body weight (BW) at five weeks and daily weight gain (DWG) during weeks 3-5 and 1-5. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with the addition of oil mixes throughout the trial period. Supplementing quail diets with oil mixes resulted in reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol, elevated serum HDL cholesterol, and no significant effect on triglycerides (TG) and VLDL cholesterol levels. Quails fed oil-supplemented diets showed lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine levels, while urea and uric acid were significantly affected. Birds fed diets with oil mixes also had increased serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgY), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). However, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels did not significantly change across experimental groups. Overall, adding up to 2% of the SO and FO mix in growing quail feeds improved growth performance, blood lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers, immune response, and antioxidant defense. The highest level of oil mix (2%) yielded the most beneficial effects.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals and comparison of their effect on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers

In the current study, the nutritional value of various hydrolyzed feather meals (HFM) was investigated in two separate experiments (an in vitro and an in vivo experiment). The in vitro experiment was based on a completely randomized design with five replications and seven treatments including (1) Raw feather meal (RFM), (2) HFM by autoclave (Au-HFM), (3) Fermented feather meal (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), (4) FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), (5) FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), (6) FFM by Bacillus licheniformis + Bacillus subtilis + Aspergillus niger (Co-FFM), and (7) HFM by an enzyme (En-HFM). The highest in vitro pepsin-pancreatin and apparent ileal CP digestibility were observed in Co-FFM, and the lowest amount belonged to RFM (P < 0.05). For the in-vivo experiment, 480 1-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were distributed in the experimental units in a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 5 replicates (12 chicks/replicate). The treatments were: (1) Control diet (without feather meal (FM)), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8), diets containing 4 % RFM, Au-HFM, Bl-FFM, Bs-FFM, An-FFM, Co-FFM, and En-HFM, respectively. For the in-vivo study, the birds fed control and Co-FFM diets had the highest feed intake, body weight gain, and the lowest feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). The broilers fed the control and FFMs diets had the lowest relative weight of abdominal fat and liver compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Therefore, our findings advise the poultry feed industry to look for Co-FFM as an effective alternative and cheaper feed ingredient to replace part of soybean meal in poultry diet.

Isolation and Identification of Tannin-Degrading Bacteria From Goat Feces, Ruminal Fluid, and Rumen Gut

Tannins are toxic polyphenols present in various plants, contributing to microbial attacks and plant protection due to their astringence and bitter taste. However, high tannin inclusion in poultry diets will result in dyspepsia, hampering nutrient absorption and digestion. Interestingly, several bacteria occupying the rumen and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals may tolerate tannins and degrade them by wielding tannase enzymes. The study aims to isolate and characterize potential tannin-degrading bacteria (TDB) from several ruminant specimens. The TDBs were isolated based on their tannin hydrolyzing ability on a minimal salt medium (MSM) agar complemented with 0.2% tannic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy. The maximum tannin tolerance of the isolates was characterized using increased tannin concentrations on the MSM agar plates. Furthermore, the tannase activity was also evaluated over a five-day incubation. A total of 42 tannin degraders were isolated, and 10 TDBs were chosen for further characterization based on the hydrolyzed zone produced. Molecular identification revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus (TDB536), Lysinibacillus macroides (TDB17), Acinetobacter nosocomialis (TDB18, 20, 23, 24, 30, 35), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (TDB40). TDB17, TDB18, and TDB24 showed the highest tannic acid tolerance at 1.0%, while TDB36 and TDB40 exhibited the lowest tolerance at 0.4%. Each TDB displayed varying tannase activities, ranging from 11.56 to 42.08 U/mL over a five-day incubation period. TDB5 and TDB35 demonstrated significantly higher tannase activity on day 2 (p&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, TDB23 and TDB24 showed the highest tannase on day 4 (p&lt;0.05). Among the isolates, A. nosocomialis strain AE6 (TDB24) from feces exhibited the highest tannase activity (42.08 U/mL) and represented the best TDB. The isolated strains demonstrate their capabilities in reducing tannin's antinutritional effects in poultry feed.

Assessment of Phytochemical Characteristics of Walnut (Juglans regia) Leaves: Determination of Nutritional Value and Quantitative Content of Phenolic Compounds

This study aimed to assess the nutritional value of walnut leaves (Juglans regia), investigate the content of major polyphenolic compounds in walnut leaves, and assess the potential of walnut leaves as a phytogenic supplement to poultry diets. The nutritional composition of dried ground walnut leaves (crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, b-carotene) was assessed according to generally accepted methods. The quantitative content of individual groups of polyphenols, such as total phenols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and juglon, was determined spectrophotometrically. The content of the sum of tannins was determined by the titrimetric method. Walnut leaves contain a high content of b-carotene (295.0 μg/g) and natural antioxidant vitamin E (128.8 μg/g). The protein content was noted at the level of 12.5%, the fiber content - 12.86%. In a significant amount, calcium and phosphorus accumulated in walnut leaves - 2.04% and 0.23%, respectively. The content of the total hydroxycoric acids in terms of chlorogenic acid in walnut leaves was 24.3 mg/g, the total content of phenolic compounds in gallic acid equivalent was 14.4 mg/g, flavonoids in rutin equivalent was 20.2 mg/g, and juglone was 2.72 mg/g. The content of total tannins in walnut leaves was 124.5 mg/g. The high nutritional value of walnut leaves compared to alfalfa meal and the presence of a number of biologically active polyphenolic compounds in a significant amount give grounds to consider this phyto-raw material not only as a valuable feed component, but also as a source of natural antioxidants.

PSII-19 Effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase on growth performance and intestinal measurements in broiler chickens

Abstract Poultry feeds primarily comprise plant ingredients such as cereal grains and cereal by-products that are high in non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). However, poultry has limited digestive enzymes to efficiently utilize NSPs, and therefore, exogenous NSP-degrading enzymes (NSPase) are typically supplemented to poultry diets. Xylanase is the most widely used as NSPase in poultry diets because xylanase degrades arabinoxylans which is in increased amounts in most feed grains like corn and wheat, thereby improving dietary nutrient utilization and subsequent productive performance. β-glucanase is another potential exogenous NSPase used to degrade β-glucans present in plant ingredients. Although the benefits of dietary xylanase are well-documented, limited information regarding effects of dietary xylanase and β-glucanase complex is available. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase on growth performance and intestinal measurements in broiler chickens. A total of four hundred 8-d-old male and female Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates. Each replicate had 5 male and 5 female birds. Dietary treatments included a positive control (PC) diet with adequate energy and nutrients, a negative control (NC) diet with high NSP-containing ingredients and less AMEn by 100 kcal/kg than PC diet, and 2 NC-based diets supplemented with 0.1% xylanase (4,000,000 units/kg) or 0.1% xylanase-glucanase complex (4,000,000 units/kg xylanase and 2,000,000 units/kg β-glucanase). The experiment lasted for 28 d. For intestinal measurements including jejunal morphology and ileal digesta viscosity, 1 male chicken per replicate was selected based on the body weight at the end of the experiment. Results indicated that birds fed PC diets had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FCR than those fed NC diets (Table 1). Birds fed diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase had also less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FCR than those fed NC diets. No difference in FCR was observed between birds fed PC diets and those fed diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase. However, dietary treatments had no effects on body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler chickens. Jejunal villous height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for birds fed PC diets or diets supplemented with combination of xylanase and β-glucanase than those fed NC diets (Table 2). Feeding diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ileal digesta viscosity as compared with feeding NC diets (Table3). In conclusion, feeding high NSP and low energy diets supplemented with either 0.1% xylanase alone or 0.1% xylanase and β-glucanase complex results in similar productive performance of broiler chickens as compared with feeding typical corn-soybean meal-based diets possibly due to improved intestinal structure and decreased digesta viscosity.

489 Antibiotic Resistance of cecal Escherichia coli isolates from Lohmann LSL lite pullets and laying hens fed omega-3 fatty acids or yeast bioactives, reared at different spacing allowance

Abstract Poultry diets provide components that alter gut microbiota composition. We investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes of E. coli isolates from ceca digesta of pullets and hens reared at different spacing allowance (SA) and dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids (N-3 FA) and yeast bioactives (YB) from placement to 17 wk of age (woa). A total of 2,632-day old chicks were placed in cages at two SA (24 cages each): High SA (HSA, 348 cm2/bird; ~50 birds/cage) and Low SA (LSA, 284 cm2/bird; ~68 birds/cage). Birds were fed corn and soybean-based diets (C), C + 3% co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (N-3 FA) and C + 0.05% YB processed with β-1,3-glucan hydrolase. At 4, 16 and 35 woa, ceca samples were collected to isolate E. coli using Chromocult agar. Their susceptibility to 14 antibiotics were determined by automated Sensititre system according to CLSI and CIPARS guidelines to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Number of antibiotics resistant E. coli isolates were analyzed using general linear mixed model procedure of SAS with diets, SA, sampling age and associated interactions as fixed factors. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to determine the relationship between these treatments, and differences between treatments were considered significant at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Out of 428 presumptive E. coli isolated, 153 of 428 isolates (35.7%) were resistant to one antimicrobial class but no resistance against ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and nalidixic acid were detected. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant E. coli decreased as the birds aged from wk 4–35 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At wk 4 (P = 0.002) and 16 (P = 0.011), the least prevalence of ampicillin (AMP) resistance was in ceca digesta from N-3 FA-fed birds. At 35 woa, no AMP and cefoxitin (FOX) resistance were detected in birds fed YB (Table 2). At 16 woa, the prevalence of streptomycin resistance was greater in N-3 FA-fed than in YB-fed birds (P = 0.02), which was less than control-fed birds. Of the 428 isolates, 59 (13.8%) were resistant to more than two antimicrobial classes, with most from TIO-FOX-AMP-TET and STR-SULF-TET. At wk-4, SA had a significant effect on multiple resistance spectrum with LSA having the lowest MDR E. coli (P = 0.02) mainly from N-3 FA-fed pullets. This study showed an overall low AMR prevalence which decreases with age of the bird. This study is the first to report that feed additives (N-3 FA or YB) influence the AMR profile of cecal E. coli in pullets and layers. Prevalence of AMP resistance was least in N-3 FA-fed birds, whereas least STEP- and SULF resistance was observed in YB-fed birds. Our next study would help understand the molecular and evolutionary aspect of this resistant E. coli and their potential to cause colibacillosis.

Utilization of Biscuit Waste in Poultry Diet- A Review

Utilization of Biscuit Waste in Poultry Diet- A Review

Prediction of the apparent ileal digestible amino acid contents of canola meal for broilers from crude protein content

Context Canola meal is a protein-rich feedstuff with an amino acid profile that is reasonably well balanced and has the potential to replace soybean meal in poultry diets. Aim The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the crude protein content and apparent ileal digestible amino acid contents of Australian canola meals. Methods Thirteen canola meal samples, processed by expeller or solvent extractions, were collected. The digestibility assay diets were based on dextrose and contained canola meal as the sole source of protein. The proportions of dextrose and canola meal were varied in each diet to obtain ~200 g/kg crude protein. Each diet was fed to three cages of six 35-day-old broilers for 7 days. At the end of the assay, digesta from the terminal ileum was collected for digestibility determination. Key results Crude protein contents were positively correlated with amino acid contents (P &lt; 0.05 to 0.001), except that of serine (r = 0.43; P = 0.11). Significant correlations between the crude protein content and ileal digestible contents were observed for most of amino acids, with coefficients of &gt;0.80 (P &lt; 0.05 to 0.001). Low correlation coefficients were observed for lysine (r = 0.48; P = 0.11) and serine (r = 0.55; P = 0.06). The poor correlation for lysine may be reflective of reduced lysine availability during processing. Conclusions The results showed that the crude protein content of canola meal could serve as a predictor of apparent ileal digestible content of most amino acids for broiler chickens. Implications Regression equations developed in the present study could be used to predict the content of ileal digestible amino acids in canola meal by using analysed crude protein contents.

Treatment of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infected broilers with aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in a challenge experiment

Colibacillosis, which is the leading cause of infectious diseases resulting in mortality and economic losses in poultry is triggered by Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Conventionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) are incorporated into poultry diets to control infectious diseases and boost performance. However, because of the problem of antimicrobial resistance, synthetic antibiotics are now restricted or banned in animal production in some countries. In this study, we carried out a challenge experiment by inoculating healthy broilers with APEC (106 cfu/mL) by oral gavage on day 21 of the experiment and orally administering various treatments five days post challenge for five days; synthetic antibiotics (T2), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) extracts (T3), no treatment (T4), which were compared with the control that wasn’t challenged (T1). The experiment lasted for 42 days. Performance, hematological and histological studies were carried out. The results show that the challenged birds became diseased with the development of visible lesions, which ameliorated over time to varying extents with the use of synthetic antibiotics and Vernonia treatments. Overall, the performance of the birds with the use of Vernonia (T3) was comparable with that of synthetic antibiotics (T2) without eliciting any adverse hematological effects on the broilers. We therefore conclude that Vernonia can be safely used as a supplement for disease prevention in broiler chicken production

Cocoa Pod Husk Meal as a Feed Ingredient for Livestock

ABSTRACTCocoa pod husk (CPH) is a by‐product of cocoa. Whilst this by‐product is converted into animal feed in some countries, it is largely left to decompose and cause environmental issues in most South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. The husk represent 70%–80% of the whole fruit. Its use as animal feed is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors, of which, theobromine is the most prominent. Other antinutritional factors include tannin and phytate. Feeding value of the CPH is improved by reducing these antinutritional factors through broiling, alkaline, and microbial treatment. Exogenous feed enzymes are used to hydrolyze crude fiber. Up to 10% of this by‐product is included in broiler feed and 15% with supplementation of exogenous feed enzymes in layer feed. In pigs, up to 20% can be included into diets of both the sow and growing pig. In ruminants, up to 35% can be used in cattle diet if treated with urea, molasses and/or fermented. The by‐product is widely used as an ingredient and/or energy/protein sources in Africa and Asia. There is scanty literature on its use in the South Pacific countries. In this review, I compiled existing literature on its chemical composition, use in livestock and poultry diets, and existing strategies to improve feeding value. The aim of this review is to project cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as a potential feed ingredient as well as energy/protein sources for livestock and poultry in the South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu.

Determining the optimal level and the effect of different zinc sources on performance, egg quality and the immune system of laying hens at the end of the production period.

Trace elements, such as zinc, magnesium and copper, are essential for improving the performance and health of broiler breeders and the development of chicken embryos. These elements are integral to various proteins involved in metabolism, hormone secretion and the immune system, necessitating their inclusion in small amounts in poultry diets. This study aimed to determine the optimal level and effect of different zinc sources on performance, egg quality and the immune system of laying hens at the end of the production period. The experiment involved 520 Lohmann LSL laying hens, aged 80 weeks, divided into 13 treatments with 5 replications and 8 birds per replication. The hens were fed diets supplemented with 40, 60 and 80mg/kg of zinc from various sources: mineral zinc oxide, mineral zinc sulphate, organic zinc chelated with glycine and organic zinc chelated with an organic acid. Key parameters measured included body weight, egg weight and immune response. The basal diet contained 63.58mg/kg of zinc, with the requirement per the Lohmann LSL guideline being 80mg/kg. Zinc supplementation significantly increased body weight in the second month, with 80mg/kg being the optimal dose. Zinc oxide notably increased egg weight compared to the control. The hens utilized zinc from all sources, resulting in weight gain and improved parameters such as egg quality. Immune parameters were also positively influenced by zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation at appropriate levels enhances the performance and egg quality of laying hens, particularly at the end of the production period. It improves bioavailability, enriches eggs and mitigates age-related declines in productivity.

Gastrointestinal tract morphology, nutrient digestibility, and digesta mean retention time in laying hens of two different breeds fed with fine or coarse oat hulls

The inclusion of fiber-rich ingredients in poultry diets is expected to increase due to societal-, ecologic-, and economic developments. Particle size of dietary fiber sources, such as oat hulls (OH), has been shown to play a key-role in nutrient digestibility and digestion process, but the response may depend on the genetic background of the bird. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that laying hens varying in genetic background respond differently to the particle size of OH regarding gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD), and digesta mean retention time (MRT). A total of 224, 29-wk-old Dekalb White (DW) and Bovans Black (BB) laying hens were assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments (fine vs. coarse OH). The diets were formulated to contain 150 g/kg OH as the main dietary fiber source. Titanium dioxide (3 g/kg) and cobalt-EDTA (2 g/kg) were added as inert tracers. Bovans Black hens had greater relative weights of the gizzard (+3.9% of BW, P = 0.015), ceca (+14.3% of BW, P < 0.001), and colon (+9.1% of BW, P < 0.001) compared with DW hens. Moreover, AID of nitrogen (+3.5%; P < 0.001) was greater in BB vs. DW hens, whereas AID of starch was only greater in BB when fed the fine OH diet (breed × diet, P = 0.037). In contrast, ATTD of NSP (-11.2%, P = 0.035) was lower in BB vs. DW hens and digesta MRT was longer in proventriculus + gizzard (solids: +25 min, P < 0.001; liquids: +5 min, P < 0.001) and ileum (solids: +53 min, P = 0.001; liquids: +38 min, P < 0.001). Birds fed coarse OH only had a greater relative weight of the gizzard (+3.9%, P < 0.001) compared with those fed fine OH. In conclusion, our study indicates that gastrointestinal tract traits, nutrient digestibility and digesta transit behavior differed between breeds, regardless of the particle size of OH in the diet.

The effectiveness of using plant-based feed supplement made of Astragalus cicer in the diets of laying hens

Agricultural producers are increasingly using plant-based feed additives in the diets of livestock and poultry as a way to increase animal productivity and stabilize the protective functions of the body. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of using Astragalus cicer feed supplement in the diets of laying hens of the Lohmann Brown-Light cross at the age of 25-51 weeks. The composition of the compound feed included a phytoadditive made from Astragalus cicer in the volume: I experimental group – 3.60 %, II experimental – 7.20 % by the weight of the compound feed. The duration of the scientific and production experiment was 183 days. The analysis of the content of biologically active substances in the Astragalus cicer phytoadditive has revealed a high content of dihydroquercetin – 336.25 mg/100g of absolutely dry substance.image As the result of the research, it was found that laying hens of the II experimental group, which received 7.20 % of Astragalus cicer phytoadditive in the compound feed, had more intensive metabolic processes in the body, which contributed to obtaining a greater effect from them. Laying hens of the II experimental group compared with the control and I experimental groups had 2.19 and 2.18 % higher values of nitrogen utilization out of taken feed, egg production was higher by 2.81 and 1.10 %, the cost of compound feed decreased by 10 pcs. eggs, that was by 4.76 and 2.38 %, respectively. The profitability level of egg production in the II experimental group was higher compared with the control and I experimental groups by 3.83 and 5.16%, respectively.

Full-Fat Soybean Meals as an Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredient-Feed Processing Methods and Utilization-Review and Perspective.

On a global scale, the poultry industry expands its wings in terms of meat and egg production to the masses. However, this industry itself requires a sustainable and permanent supply of different inputs, one of which is poultry feed and nutrition. Soybean is a versatile protein that is offered to poultry in different inclusion rates in commercial diets after being processed using various thermal and mechanical processing methods. Conventional commercial soybean meal is usually prepared by the extraction of oil from whole soybeans using solvents, producing a meal that has approximately 1% crude fat. Without oil extraction, full-fat soybean (FFSBM) is produced, and it is an excellent source of dietary energy and protein for poultry with a nutritional profile of 38-40% protein and 18-20% crude fat, on average. FFSBM has less crude protein (CP) than solvent-extracted soybean meal (SE SBM) but higher metabolizable energy due to higher fat content. Alternatively, extruded expeller processing produces defatted soybean meal containing approximately 6-7% crude fat. Studies have demonstrated that FFSBM can be used in poultry diets to improve poultry nutrition, performance, and quality of the poultry meat and eggs produced. This review aims to evaluate the nutrition and use of meals prepared from conventional and high-oleic soybeans using various feed processing methods.