Poultry Nutrition Research Articles

The Major Potential of Non-Conventional Feed Resources in Poultry Nutrition in Ethiopia: A Review

This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has a vast array of non-conventional feed resources that can be utilized in poultry nutrition. These resources have the potential to significantly contribute This review was conducted with the objective of assessing the major potential of non-conventional feed resources to the growth and development of the poultry industry in the country. Potentially available of non-conventional feed resources (NCFR) include plant materials, such as the leaves and seeds of Moringa, Cassava, Taro leaf, Mango seed kernels, Pigeon pea, potato peel and leaf and agro-industrial by-products like, Rice bran, Filter sugar cake and brewery grain. Most of these feedstuff materials are low in energy, protein and minerals. These feed resource contain high amounts of anti-nutritional component. Appropriate processing methods like soaking, boiling, or fermenting can help reduce these anti-nutritional factors, enhancing the digestibility and utilization of NCFR in poultry diets. There are also several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order to fully exploit the potential of these feed resources. Some of the common problems are like limited knowledge and awareness, lack of processing and preservation techniques, limited availability and seasonal variations, lack of infrastructure and storage facilities and limited research and data. To addressing these challenges through research, extension services, and policy support can help unlock the full potential of non-conventional feed resources in poultry nutrition in Ethiopia. This would not only contribute to improved productivity and profitability in the poultry sector but also enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the country.

Different forms of butyric acid in poultry nutrition – a review

Different forms of butyric acid in poultry nutrition – a review

Evaluation of Aflatoxin B1 Binding Capacity with Mix Toxin Binder using Central Composite Design

Aflatoxin B1 (afl B1) binding capacity of a mixed toxin binder used in poultry nutrition were determined using the central composite design technique. Experimental conditions such as pH, temperature and incubation time for the determination of the binding capacity of a mix binder were optimized for Central Composite Design. The impact of these three independent variables on the % binding of aflatoxin B1 was evaluated at different five levels (-1.68, -1, 0, 1, 1.68). The optimum experimental conditions were 5.8, 42°C, 94.11 min for pH, temperature and incubation time, respectively using quadratic model and desirability function. A significant effect of each independent variable was observed on the % binding efficiency of aflatoxin B1. In optimum experimental conditions, aflatoxin B1 binding capacity with mix toxin binder was found 97%. The results of the present study indicated that the mix binder is very suitable for binding of aflatoxin B1 and the central composite design can be used effectively in determining the optimized parameters for improving toxin binding capacity of aflatoxin B1.

Use of Some Industrial Plants in Poultry

The rapid increase in the human population has also increased the demand for raw materials in many fields. The increasing population has brought along the problem of opening agricultural areas to settlement. For this reason, versatile plants that bring high efficiency from the unit area without harming the existing natural resources and can contribute in many fields such as food, textile, biofuel and animal nutrition arouse excitement among scientists. Industrial plants also provide the diversification of agriculture, enable the simultaneous development of plant and animal production, and make significant contributions to local economies, especially in developing countries. Industrial crops play a crucial role in various aspects of human society, economy, and sustainability. Their importance extends beyond food production and consumption, as they contribute to a wide range of industries and offer several benefits. One of these sectors which affected by industrial plants is poultry nutrition. Industrial crops are utilized to meet the energy, protein, vitamin, fibre, Omega-3, antioxidant, phytochemicals, phosphorous and mineral requirements of poultries. Such as soybeans, sunflower, maize, cottonseed and flax are widely used in the feeding of poultries. They serve as high-energy and protein sources, promoting healthy growth and productivity. These crops are specifically cultivated to provide essential nutrients and meet the dietary needs of poultries. As a conclusion, industrial crops serve as essential ingredients of poultry feeding methods, providing the crucial nutrients, energy, and protein required for the appropriate growth, development, and productivity of poultries. Their inclusion in diets ensures the optimal health and well-being of poultries in various agricultural settings. This review article has examined some important industrial plants as poultry feed.

Algae as an alternative source of protein in poultry diets for sustainable production and disease resistance: present status and future considerations.

Integrating algae into poultry diets offers a promising avenue for enhancing nutrition, boosting sustainability efforts, and potentially stimulating disease resistance. This comprehensive review delves into the essence, diversity, chemical composition, and nutritional merits of algae, spotlighting their emergence as innovative nutrient sources and health supplements for poultry. The growing interest in algae within poultry nutrition stems from their diverse nutritional profile, boasting a rich array of proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thus positioning them as valuable feed constituents. A key highlight of incorporating both macroalgae and microalgae lies in their elevated protein content, with microalgae varieties like Spirulina and Chlorella exhibiting protein levels of up to 50-70%, outperforming traditional sources like soybean meal. This premium protein source not only furnishes vital amino acids crucial for muscular development and overall health in poultry but also serves as an exceptional reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), presenting multiple health benefits for both poultry and consumers alike. Moreover, algae boast antioxidant properties attributed to bioactive compounds like phycocyanin and astaxanthin, mitigating oxidative stress and boosting the bird's immune response, thereby fostering robust health and disease resilience. Incorporating macroalgae and microalgae into poultry diets yields positive impacts on performance metrics. Research evidence underscores the enhancement of growth rates, feed conversion ratios, carcass quality, and meat attributes in broilers, while in layers, supplementation promotes increased egg production, superior egg quality, and increased concentrations of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, algae hold promise for mitigating the environmental footprint of poultry production, though significant outcomes from trials remain sporadic, necessitating further research to elucidate optimal dosages and blends for different algae species in poultry diets. Standardizing the composition of algae utilized in research is imperative, paving the way for potential applications in poultry nutrition as growth stimulants and substitutes for antibiotics. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of dosage, combination, and mechanism of action through rigorous scientific investigation is key to unlocking algae's full potential within poultry nutrition.

Harnessing Enzymes for Optimal Poultry Feed Formulations (Mini Review)

This paper focuses on the use of enzymes in effective and efficient poultry feed formulations. The introduction highlights the importance of good nutrition for poultry and the increasing need for innovative feed formulations due to limited availability and rising prices of feed ingredients. Enzymes are introduced as protein compounds that enhance nutrient digestion and absorption in poultry, potentially reducing feed production costs. However, their widespread use in Indonesia is still limited due to a lack of knowledge. The paper discusses the role of enzymes in poultry nutrition, including their involvement in digestion and nutrient absorption. It also emphasizes the essential nutrients required for poultry growth and development and the factors influencing their nutritional needs. The types of enzymes commonly used in poultry feed formulations, such as phytase, amylase, protease, and lipase, are explored along with their mechanisms of action. Research findings demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of using enzymes in improving nutrient availability and feed efficiency, ultimately enhancing poultry production productivity and sustainability. The paper concludes with recommendations for the development and application of enzymes in poultry feed formulations, highlighting the need for careful enzyme selection, dosage adjustment, and consideration of environmental conditions. Furthermore, the importance of integrating enzymes with other feed ingredients and adopting a comprehensive nutrition strategy is emphasized. Overall, the use of enzymes in poultry feed formulations offers significant advantages for modern poultry farming, but careful implementation and further research are necessary to optimize their effectiveness and efficiency.

Development of compound feed recipes for broiler chickens (13-28 days) using vermiculite

Recently, in the CIS countries and abroad, to compensate for the mineral deficiency of feed rations and reduce their cost, substances of natural origin have increasingly begun to be used: zeolites, travertines, sapropels, bentonites, etc. The prlackblem of the widespread use of natural minerals in the diet of farm animals and poultry represents a pressing issue, given their distinctive properties, waste-free technology, environmental friendliness, and relatively low cost. One of these minerals suitable for use in poultry nutrition is vermiculite (hydromica, hydrous silicate of magnesium and iron of variable composition). The purpose of the study is to determine the physicochemical composition of vermiculite from the Kulantau deposit, and its use as a mineral in the production of animal feed and development of compound feed recipes for broiler chickens Cobb500. The physicochemical parameters of vermiculite, a natural mineral, have been determined. The research analyses were carried out in the research laboratory for assessing the quality and safety of food products of the Almaty Technological University. Feed recipes were developed at LLP “AGRO FIT KAPSHAGAY”. The compound feed recipes for Cobb 500 broiler chickens of 13-28 days were tested at JSC “Alel agro”, in poultry house No. 3.

Impact of high Spirulina diet, extruded or supplemented with enzymes, on blood cells, systemic metabolites, and hepatic lipid and mineral profiles of broiler chickens.

The impact of 15% dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in broiler chickens was explored, focusing on blood cellular components, systemic metabolites and hepatic lipid and mineral composition. From days 14 to 35 of age, 120 broiler chickens were divided and allocated into four dietary treatments: a standard corn and soybean meal-based diet (control), a 15% Spirulina diet, a 15% extruded Spirulina diet, and a 15% Spirulina diet super-dosed with an enzyme blend (0.20% porcine pancreatin plus 0.01% lysozyme). The haematological analysis revealed no significant deviations (p > 0.05) in blood cell counts across treatments, suggesting that high Spirulina inclusion maintains haematological balance. The systemic metabolic assessment indicated an enhanced antioxidant capacity in birds on Spirulina diets (p < 0.001), pointing toward a potential reduction in oxidative stress. However, the study noted a detrimental impact on growth performance metrics, such as final body weight and feed conversion ratio (both p < 0.001), in the Spirulina-fed treatments, with the super-dosed enzyme blend supplementation failing to alleviate these effects but with extrusion mitigating them. Regarding hepatic composition, birds on extruded Spirulina and enzyme-supplemented diets showed a notable increase in n-3 fatty acids (EPA, DPA, DHA) (p < 0.001), leading to an improved n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (p < 0.001). Despite this positive shift, a reduction in total hepatic lipids (p = 0.003) was observed without a significant change in cholesterol levels. Our findings underscore the need for further exploration into the optimal inclusion levels, processing methods and potential enzymatic enhancements of Spirulina in broiler diets. Ultimately, this research aims to strike a balance between promoting health benefits and maintaining optimal growth performance in poultry nutrition.

Dietary Iron Overload Triggers Hepatic Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation in Laying Hen.

Iron, an essential trace element, is involved in various physiological processes; however, consumption of excessive iron possesses detrimental effects. In practical feed production, the iron content added to feeds often far exceeds the actual demand, resulting in an excess of iron in the body. The liver as a central regulator of iron homeostasis is susceptible to damage caused by disorders in iron metabolism. A model of hepatic iron overload in laying hens was developed in this study by incorporating iron into their diet, and the specific mechanisms underlying iron overload-induced hepatic injury were investigated. Firstly, this study revealed that a high-iron diet resulted in hepatic iron overload, accompanied by impaired liver function. Next, assessment of oxidative stress markers indicated a decrease in activities of T-SOD and CAT, coupled with an increase in MDA content, pointing to the iron-overloaded liver oxidative stress. Thirdly, the impact of iron overload on hepatic glycolipid and bile acid metabolism-related gene expressions were explored, including PPAR-α, GLUT2, and CYP7A1, highlighting disruptions in hepatic metabolism. Subsequently, analyses of inflammation-related genes such as iNOS and IL-1β at both protein and mRNA levels demonstrated the presence of inflammation in the liver under conditions of dietary iron overload. Overall, this study provided comprehensive evidence that dietary iron overload contributed to disorders in glycolipid and bile acid metabolism, accompanied by inflammatory responses in laying hens. Further detailing the specific pathways involved and the implications of these findings could offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in poultry nutrition.

Effect of Cumulative Spirulina Intake on Broiler Meat Quality, Nutritional and Health-Related Attributes.

This work aimed to assess how different cumulative levels of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) intake influence individual broiler meat quality parameters, nutritional value and health-related traits. The data analysed showed varying cumulative Spirulina intake levels, ranging from 3.46 to 521 g/bird, with large changes in meat traits. The key findings indicate that Spirulina intake significantly enhances meat colour, primarily due to its rich carotenoid content. However, this enhancement shows a saturation effect at higher intake levels, where additional Spirulina does not further improve the colour. Regarding the meat nutritional profile, Spirulina increases beneficial n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduces lipid oxidation. These effects on meat, however, are not linear and become more complex at higher microalga intake levels. Regarding meat sensory attributes, moderate Spirulina levels positively influence flavour and texture. Still, higher levels may lead to changes not universally preferred by meat consumers, highlighting the need for balanced Spirulina inclusion in diets. Optimal Spirulina cumulative intake levels must be identified to balance meat's nutritional benefits with consumer preferences. Additionally, ensuring Spirulina's purity and adherence to regulatory standards is essential for consumer safety and market access. These findings provide valuable insights for poultry nutritionists and the food industry, emphasising the necessity of a balanced approach to Spirulina's incorporation in poultry diets.

Trace Minerals in Laying Hen Diets and Their Effects on Egg Quality.

With the advancement in the egg industry sector, egg quality has assumed great significance in certain countries. Enhancements in the nutritional value of eggs may have direct affirmative consequences for daily nutrient intake and therefore for human health. Thus, affirmative improvement in egg quality boosts consumer preferences for eggs. Also, the improvement in eggshell quality can avoid the disposal of broken eggs and consequently economic losses. Therefore, poultry nutrition and mineral supplements have a significant impact on egg quality. Minerals are crucial in poultry feed for a number of biological processes, including catalytic, physiologic, and structural processes. For instance, they contribute to the biological processes necessary for forming and developing eggshells. To produce high-quality eggs for sale, diets must therefore contain the right amount of minerals. This review aims to highlight the role of both organic and inorganic minerals in improving egg quality, in addition to reviewing the interactions of mineral supplements with intestinal microbiota and subsequent effects on the egg quality.

Additive effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder on productive performance, carcass attributes and histological morphology of ileum in Japanese quails

ABSTRACT The experiment aimed to evaluate the combined effects of supplementing Japanese quail diets with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) on growth, carcass quality and ileum histology. Four groups were formed: a control group, MOLM (0.2%), PPP (7.5%) and a combination of both (0.2% MOLM + 7.5% PPP). The control group exhibited the highest weight gain, followed by the MOLM group, with no significant differences in feed intake or conversion ratio. Carcass analysis showed significant differences in liver, heart and gizzard weights, with the mixed diet group having the highest values. However, wings and dressed weight percentages were unaffected by the treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed improved organoleptic properties in the mixed diet group. Histological examination demonstrated enhanced ileum morphology in the mixed diet group, with significant improvements in villi length and villus/crypt depth ratio. Overall, supplementation with 0.2% MOLM and 7.5% PPP positively impacted carcass quality, sensory attributes and bird health. These findings suggest the potential benefits of combining MOLM and PPP in quail diets to enhance growth and overall health, highlighting the importance of further research in poultry nutrition.

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.

Biological availability of mineral elements

The animal husbandry industry is the leading branch of our country’s agro-industrial complex, on the one hand, its development determines the level of public consumption of valuable food products, and on the other hand, the economic well-being of the agricultural sector of the economy. It is known that the productivity of farm animals depends on feeding and keeping conditions by 70–80 % and on genetic potential by 20–30 %. Balanced animal nutrition is an important part of the efforts to increase livestock productivity, it is based on meeting the energy and nutrient needs of animals and poultry at different ages. If this requirement is met, you can expect high growth and development of young animals, and high productivity. The application of biologically active substances, including minerals, as catalysts for metabolism is one of the means to increase animal productivity and resistance. Numerous studies have proven their significant role in the processes of tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, reproduction, nervous and endocrine system functions, and consequently in the processes of strengthening the natural immune defenses of animals. Breeders use different sources of macro- and microelements to compensate mineral deficiencies in the diet. It can be mineral additives of industrial production, or natural sources or industrial waste containing certain mineral elements. The availability of certain macro- and microelements in mineral sources, the cost of these additives, and the costs of their purchase and transportation are important. Particular attention is paid to the mineral nutrition of poultry, which has high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. Special attention is focused on the mineral nutrition of poultry, as they have high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. An unbalanced mineral nutrition significantly reduces the body’s productivity and resistance, causes significant metabolic disorders, reproductive disorders and diseases, which can often cause poultry death. The most common reason for the declining productivity and immune system is insufficiently balanced feeding in the conditions of production intensification. The intensive use of poultry causes changes in metabolism, reducing the content of micro and macro elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances in the body.

A Three-Year Study on the Nutritional Composition and Occurrence of Mycotoxins of Corn Varieties with Different Transgenic Events Focusing on Poultry Nutrition.

Corn is one of the most produced cereals in the world and plays a major role in poultry nutrition. As there is limited scientific information regarding the impact of transgenic technology on the quality and nutrient composition of the grains, this study investigated the effect of three major transgenic corn varieties-VT PRO3®, PowerCore® ULTRA, and Agrisure® Viptera 3-on the field traits, nutrient composition, and mycotoxin contamination of corn grains cultivated in southern Brazil during three consecutive harvests. VT PRO3®, while demonstrating superior crop yield, showed susceptibility to mycotoxins, particularly fumonisins. In contrast, PowerCore® ULTRA, with the lowest yield, consistently exhibited lower levels of fumonisins. VT PRO3® had higher AMEn than the other varieties, while PowerCore® ULTRA had the highest total and digestible amino acid contents over the three years. The study's comprehensive analysis reveals the distinct impact of transgenic corn technologies on both productivity and nutritional levels. Balancing the crops yield, mycotoxin resistance, and nutritional content of corn is crucial to meet the demands of the poultry feed industry. Such insights are essential for decision-making, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in agricultural production as well as meeting the demands of the poultry industry.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) powder: Investigation of performance, immune organs and humoural and cellular immune response in broilers.

Alternatives to antibiotics have been suggested by banning their use in the poultry industry. Garlic and mushroom are two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with garlic and mushroom powder (MP) on growth performance, humoural and cellular immunity, and white blood cell counts of broiler chickens. Five hundred and seventy-six 1-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 8 treatments with 6 replications (12 birds per replication) based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4×2 with 4 levels of garlic powder (GP; 0.00%, 0.50%, 1.00%, and 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00% and 1.00%). No significant effects of GP and MP on the growth performance and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity were observed (p>0.05). According to the regression equation, with increasing levels of GP in the diets, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus increased (p<0.05). The effect of increasing levels of GP on the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) titre was greater in the absence of MP (p<0.05). With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the percentages of lymphocytes and heterophils to lymphocytes ratio increased and reduced, respectively (p<0.05). This experiment has revealed that increasing the level of GP improved the immune response of broilers without affecting performance. The effect of increasing the level of GP on the NDV titre was more significant in the absence of MP.

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.

Flight toward Sustainability in Poultry Nutrition with Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), have emerged as a promising feed ingredient in broiler chicken diets, known for their high protein content, nutritional richness, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the effects of integrating BSFL into broiler feeds, focusing on aspects such as growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological responses, and immune health. The ability of BSFL to transform waste into valuable biomass rich in proteins and lipids underscores their efficiency and ecological benefits. Protein levels in BSFL can range from 32% to 53%, varying with growth stage and diet, offering a robust source of amino acids essential for muscle development and growth in broilers. While the chitin in BSFL poses questions regarding digestibility, the overall impact on nutrient utilization is generally favorable. The inclusion of BSFL in diets has been shown to enhance growth rates, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in broilers, with the larvae's balanced amino acid profile being particularly advantageous for muscle development. BSFL may also support gut health and immunity in broilers due to its bioactive components, potentially influencing the gut's microbial composition and enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health. Moreover, the capacity of BSFL to efficiently convert organic waste into protein highlights their role as an environmentally sustainable protein source for broiler nutrition. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of BSFL, ideal inclusion rates, and the impact of varying larval diets and rearing conditions. It is crucial for poultry producers to consult nutritionists and comply with local regulations when incorporating new feed ingredients like BSFL into poultry diets.

Effects of zinc supplementation from organic and inorganic sources on growth, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal microarchitecture in broilers

In poultry nutrition, zinc supplementation is typically achieved through the addition of zinc oxide or zinc sulfate to the feed. The alternative approach of organic sources utilizes an organic ligand to bind zinc (Zn), resulting in higher bioavailability. Thus, a study was conducted to assess and compare the impact of a methionine-complexed Zn versus an inorganic Zn on growth, blood biochemical profile, gut histomorphology, and fecal excretion of Zn in broilers. The experimental design included two treatments: the addition of a zinc amino acid complex or zinc oxide to the basal diet. The zinc amino acid complex was supplemented at a dose equivalent to the inorganic zinc (Zn-80), while the organic zinc was provided at levels of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg to a total of 400 broilers. There were five treatments in total, and each treatment was replicated four times. Broilers supplemented with an organic form of Zn at the level of 80 mg/kg had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio (F/G). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher Zn excretion was recorded in broilers supplemented with inorganic Zn supplementation. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher villus length and width, their ratio, and lower (p < 0.05) crypt depth were observed in birds supplemented with 80 mg/kg organic Zn. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that Zn from an organic source at the rate of 80 mg/kg was superior in terms of growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and less excretion of Zn to the environment in broilers.

A new approach to the horse nutrition: Nanoparticles

There has been a gradual increase in research on alternative feed materials and feed additives in animal nutrition. Since the purpose of animal nutrition is to ensure healthy and sustainable animal production, the primary objective is to ensure that the alternative substances are not only beneficial to disposal of waste, but also to the health and development of the animals. Particularly in horse farming, feeding is based on commercial diets supplemented with some vitamin additives. However, the specific digestive anatomy and physiology of horses create obstacles in the methods, which used to compensate for deficient feedstuffs and nutrients. Nanoparticles, which are widely used especially in human nutrition and discovered in search of alternative sources after various legal regulations in animal nutrition, have not yet opened a field for itself in equine nutrition. In this study, the aspects and possibilities of using nanoparticles, which are frequently used in ruminant and poultry nutrition, in equine nutrition were discussed and the pros and cons of nanoparticles were criticized.