Pre-starter Phase Research Articles

EFFECTS OF VARYING DIETARY ENERGY AND PROTEIN LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PRE-STARTER BROILER CHICKS

This study was aimed at assessing and ascertaining the energy and protein levels needed by broilers reared in the southern rainforest of Nigeria for its optimal performance. Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) day old broiler chicks of Abor Acre strain were used for the experiment. These birds were allocated to sixteen treatment groups of eighteen birds each with three replicate of six birds each. The experiment lasted for three weeks at the pre-starter phase. Sixteen (16) diets were formulated comprising of four (4) Metabolizable Energy(ME) levels (2800, 3000, 3200 and 3400kcalME/kgDM) and four (4) protein levels (18, 20, 22 and 24%CP). The data obtained from the research was subjected to descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of 4x4 factorial arrangement and the means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) of GENSTAT (2005). The result obtained showed that daily feed intake reduced with an increasing dietary energy level. The daily body weight gain increased with an increasing crude protein level and dietary energy level. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced with an increasing crude protein level along with dietary energy level. Daily protein intake increased with an increasing crude protein level while dietary energy intake level increased with an increasing energy level. Protein and energy levels had highly significant (p<0.05) effect on body weight gain. Chicks fed diet with 3400kcalME/kgDM and 22%CP (treatment 15) had the least feed conversion ratio and the least cost of feed intake per kg body weight gain and is more economical.

Comparative analysis of early growth phase performance in F3 crossbred Indonesian chickens

Body mass and ratio of feed conversion (FCR) are crucial factors for assessing production potential in local chickens. This study utilized a total of 116 F3 crossbred chickens resulting from the mating of Indonesian local chicken breeds, including Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan, Murung Panggang, Merawang Bangka, and Merawang Sembawa. The chickens were divided into six crossbred groups: BS1 (n = 19), BS2 (n = 19), BS3 (n = 20), BS4 (n = 19), BS5 (n = 20), and BS6 (n = 19), all managed under uniform conditions. Measurements of body mass and feed consumption during the pre-starter phase were taken at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 using a digital scale. Data from this study were subjected to ANOVA analysis, followed by a Duncan multiple range test The findings showed notable variations in body mass and FCR among all BS chicken groups (P < 0.05). Notably, BS5 exhibited the highest performance in both body mass and FCR analyses, achieving 392.50 ± 42.76g at week 4, and an overall FCR of 2.01 ± 0.80.

152 The Effect of a Multi-Enzyme Containing Xylanase, β-Glucanase, Protease and Amylase Added to a High-Fiber Corn-Based Diet in Comparison to a Conventional Diet, on the Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of a multi-enzyme complex on growth performance in weaned pigs fed a wheat-barley-rye-based diet containing fiber-rich by-products and with a low level of highly digestible protein and energy ingredients. Two experimental runs were performed, each with 96 (DE x DL) × Pi pigs [24–26 days of age; 8.0 ± 0.06 kg initial body weight (BW)] assigned to two treatments in 24 pens per run (4 pigs/pen, 2 males and 2 females; 12 pens/treatment/run) in a randomized block design. Pigs were allocated to treatment on the day of weaning. Treatments comprised: 1) a nutritionally adequate wheat-barley-rye-soybean meal-based diet with added wheat bran and rapeseed meal, containing 750 FTU/kg of a commercial Buttiauxella sp. phytase (ALT), and 2) the same diet supplemented with a multi-enzyme containing 4,000 U/kg xylanase, 200 U/kg β-glucanase, 2,000 U/kg protease and 100 U/kg amylase (ALT+multi-enzymes). Diets were formulated in two phases (Pre-starter, d 0–14; starter, d 15–42) and fed ad libitum as pelleted diets for 42 days. The analyzed content of crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber in ALT diets were, respectively, 4.0% and 11.5% in pre-starter, and 4.2% and 14.8% in starter phase. Body weight was measured at the start and end of each phase, feed intake was determined weekly. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using IBM SPSS 21 including run as a random effect. During pre-starter phase, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were greater in pigs fed ALT+multi-enzymes vs. ALT, by 8.4% (232 vs 214 g/day) and 6.7% (300 vs. 281 g/day), respectively, although this was not statistically significant (Table 1). During starter phase, pigs fed ALT+multi-enzymes exhibited increased ADG vs. ALT (+35 g/day or 5.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05). For the overall period (d 0 to 42), pigs fed ALT+multi-enzyme were, on average, 1.3 kg heavier than pigs fed ALT (P &amp;lt; 0.05), ADG was increased by +32 g/day (4.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and FCR tended (P = 0.07) to be reduced (1.48 vs 1.44). Total feed costs per kg BW gain, exclusive of the cost of the enzymes, tended to be reduced in ALT+multi-enzymes vs. ALT, (-0.014 USD/kg BW gain, overall; P = 0.09). These results demonstrate that the multi-enzyme supplemented on top of phytase improved growth performance. Given the established mode of action of the individual enzymes, this may have been mediated by enhanced digestibility and utilization of nutrients in the ALT diet. In conclusion, supplementing a high-fiber mixed diet containing by-products and low inclusion of highly digestible energy and protein ingredients with a multi-enzyme complex improved growth performance in weaned pigs and led to economic benefit.

151 The Effect of a Multi-Enzyme Containing Xylanase, β-Glucanase, Protease and Amylase Added to a High-Fiber Wheat-Barley-Rye-Based Diet Containing by-Products, on the Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of a multi-enzyme complex on growth performance in weaned pigs fed a wheat-barley-rye-based diet containing fiber-rich by-products and with a low level of highly digestible protein and energy ingredients. Two experimental runs were performed, each with 96 (DE x DL) × Pi pigs [24–26 days of age; 8.0 ± 0.06 kg initial body weight (BW)] assigned to two treatments in 24 pens per run (4 pigs/pen, 2 males and 2 females; 12 pens/treatment/run) in a randomized block design. Pigs were allocated to treatment on the day of weaning. Treatments comprised: 1) a nutritionally adequate wheat-barley-rye-soybean meal-based diet with added wheat bran and rapeseed meal, containing 750 FTU/kg of a commercial Buttiauxella sp. phytase (ALT), and 2) the same diet supplemented with a multi-enzyme containing 4,000 U/kg xylanase, 200 U/kg β-glucanase, 2,000 U/kg protease and 100 U/kg amylase (ALT+multi-enzymes). Diets were formulated in two phases (Pre-starter, d 0–14; starter, d 15–42) and fed ad libitum as pelleted diets for 42 days. The analyzed content of crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber in ALT diets were, respectively, 4.0% and 11.5% in pre-starter, and 4.2% and 14.8% in starter phase. Body weight was measured at the start and end of each phase, feed intake was determined weekly. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using IBM SPSS 21 including run as a random effect. During pre-starter phase, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were greater in pigs fed ALT+multi-enzymes vs. ALT, by 8.4% (232 vs 214 g/day) and 6.7% (300 vs. 281 g/day), respectively, although this was not statistically significant. During starter phase, pigs fed ALT+multi-enzymes exhibited increased ADG vs. ALT (+35 g/day or 5.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05). For the overall period (d 0 to 42), pigs fed ALT+multi-enzyme were, on average, 1.3 kg heavier than pigs fed ALT (P &amp;lt; 0.05), ADG was increased by +32 g/day (4.4%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and FCR tended (P = 0.07) to be reduced (1.48 vs 1.44). Total feed costs per kg BW gain, exclusive of the cost of the enzymes, tended to be reduced in ALT+multi-enzymes vs. ALT, (-0.014 USD/kg BW gain, overall; P = 0.09). These results demonstrate that the multi-enzyme supplemented on top of phytase improved growth performance. Given the established mode of action of the individual enzymes, this may have been mediated by enhanced digestibility and utilization of nutrients in the ALT diet. In conclusion, supplementing a high-fiber mixed diet containing by-products and low inclusion of highly digestible energy and protein ingredients with a multi-enzyme complex improved growth performance in weaned pigs and led to economic benefit.

Feed particle size and amylase supplementation in diets for nursery piglets: Digestibility and growth performance

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diet particle size, amylase supplementation, and their possible interaction on nutrient digestibility and performance of nursery pigs. A total of 352 whole male piglets (28-d-old) were distributed in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial scheme: 2 feed particle sizes; with or without inclusion of 80 kg-novo units (KNU) of amylase/kg. Initial weight was the blocking factor. The diets were pelleted, based on corn and soybean meal, and divided into pre-starter (28 to 42 d) and starter (43 to 63 d). The tested particle sizes were 339/588 µm and 696/920 µm for pre-starter and starter phases, respectively, and were obtained through grinding of the corn. Diets were fed ad libitum. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were evaluated. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), as well as digestible energy (DE) were additionally evaluated in the starter phase. No interaction between factors was observed throughout the experiment. In the pre-starter phase, piglets fed finer diets (339 µm) had lower FCR (P < 0.05), although ADFI and ADWG were not affected. In the starter phase, the use of a coarser diet (920 µm) led to greater ADFI and ADWG (P < 0.05), but with no effect on FCR, similarly to what was observed in the total period (28 to 63 days). Reducing the particle size increased EE digestibility (P < 0.05) but had no influence on DM and CP digestibility nor DE. Amylase supplementation increased ADFI and ADWG and reduced FCR in the pre-starter phase and total period (P < 0.05), and led to greater digestibility of DM, CP, and EE, as well as DE (P < 0.05). As a conclusion, fine grinding of diets can be applied to reduce FCR and increase fat digestibility in younger nursery pigs (up to 42-d-old), but coarser diets should be used at an older age (post-42-d) to prevent losses in ADFI and ADWG. Supplementation of 80 KNU/kg of exogenous amylase is recommended through the nursery phase (28 to 63 d) to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and DE, regardless of diet particle size.

Supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid in feed with different levels of protein on intestinal histomorphology, serum biochemistry, and meat quality of broiler

This study aimed to investigate the effect of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) with different protein levels in feed on intestinal histomorphology, serum biochemistry, and meat quality of broiler chicken. GAA is the only direct precursor of creatine and is involved in the synthesis of bioenergy cellular. This research used 1.176 day-old chicks of the Lohmann Indian River strain that were reared for 35 days. The supplementation effect was investigated using six treatments, i.e., two levels of feed protein and three levels of GAA, with seven replications. Broiler chickens were fed with 23% and 21% crude pro-tein during the pre-starter phase, 21% and 19% during the starter phase, and 19% and 17% during the finisher phase, with a GAA addition of 0 g/ton, 600 g/ton, and 1200 g/ton, respectively. The result showed GAA supplementation with different protein levels reduced triglyceride (P&lt;0,05), cholesterol levels in serum (P&lt;0,05), increased surface area of the microvilli (P&lt;0,05), pH of breast meat (P&lt;0,05), but did not affect the chemical quality of breast meat (P&gt;0,05). In conclusion, GAA supplementation in different level protein diets increased the surface area of the microvilli, pH of breast meat, reduce se-rum cholesterol and triglycerides, without affecting the chemical quality of broiler meat.

Effects of early feeding of enzymatically treated yeast on growth performance, organ weights, intestinal histomorphology, and ceca microbial metabolites in broiler chickens subjected to Eimeria challenge

The study evaluated effects of early feeding of enzymatically treated yeast on growth performance and selected physiological responses in broiler chickens. A total of 480-day-old (male) Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in 24 floor pens (20 birds per pen) and allocated to 2 diets (control vs. yeast) in a completely randomized block design (n = 12). Diets were formulated for a 5-phase feeding program: Pre-starter; d 0 to 6 Starter; d 7 to 15, Grower: d 16 to 28, Finisher 1; d 28 to 42 and Finisher 2; d 43 to 56. The yeast was applied in pre-starter and starter diets at 0.6 and 0.2%, respectively. Birds received a common diet from d 16 to 56. Feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were recorded by phase for calculation of BW gain (BWG) and FCR. On d 10, all birds received an oral dose of 25,000 E. acervullina and 5,000 E. maxima sporulated oocysts in 1 mL of sterile saline. On d 15 post-hatch, one bird per pen was sacrificed for organ weights (gizzard, small intestine, ceca, liver, spleen, liver, and bursa), jejunal tissues for histomorphology and ceca digesta for microbial activity. On d 56, one bird per pen was sacrificed for organs and breast weight. In pre-starter phase, yeast fed birds showed improved (P < 0.05) BWG and FCR than control fed birds. Combining pre-starter and starter phases, the FCR of yeast fed birds showed improved FCR (1.115 vs. 1.135; P < 0.05) than control. The overall BWG (d 0–56) was 3.920 and 3.962 kg/ bird and corresponding values for FCR were, 1.808 and 1.755, for the control and yeast, respectively. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on physiological responses evaluated on necropsied birds except that yeast birds had (P < 0.05) lighter bursa than control birds on d 15. The current data indicated that yeast could support growth in early life of broiler chickens, but these effects were not sustained after the transitioning birds to common grower and finisher diets.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids of protein sources associated with exogenous enzymes for broilers.

ObjectiveTwo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of enzyme complex (EC) on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in corn gluten meal (60%) (CGM), soy protein concentrate (SPC), dried bovine plasma (DBP), and poultry offal meal (POM). Experiments I and II were conducted with broilers in the pre-starter (1 to 7 days of age) and starter (1 to 21 days of age) phases, respectively.MethodsThe treatments consisted of a protein-free diet (PFD) containing feedstuffs either supplemented with EC (xylanase, amylase, and protease) or not. In Experiment I, a total of 360 one-day-old male Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly housed in 45 pens, resulting in five replicates with eight birds each, totalizing eight treatments and one PFD group. In Experiment II a total of 270 one-day-old male Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly housed in 45 pens, resulting in five replicates with six birds each, totalizing eight treatments and one PFD group. The PFD groups were used to assess the endogenous AA losses. The birds were slaughtered to collect the ileal content.ResultsIn the pre-starter phase, the SID of arginine, branched chain-aminoacids, glycine, serine, aspartate, and glutamic acid increased with EC addition. The EC improved the SID of arginine and glutamic acid of CGM; the SID of valine and cystine of SPC; the SID of leucine, glycine, and aspartate of POM and the SID of isoleucine of DBP. In the starter phase, the SID of isoleucine, phenylalanine and glycine increased in EC-supplemented diets. The EC improved the SID of isoleucine of DBP; the SID of phenylalanine of CGM and POM. The SID of AA of SPC was not influenced by the EC.ConclusionThe addition of an EC to broiler pre-starter and starter diets is efficient in increasing the SID of AA on SPC, POM, and DBP.

Partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside in diets for piglets

Context Vitamin D supplementation plays a key role because its actions positively affect the animal’s overall health for optimal performance. Aims To assess partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside for piglets on nutrient digestibility and daily balance of calcium and phosphorus, growth performance and blood metabolites. Methods To test digestibility, a total of 36 whole male piglets (18.79 ± 3.37 kg BW) were assigned in a randomised complete block design, with four treatments: (1) D3 (100% of the vitamin D supplemented with 1969 IU of cholecalciferol), (2) no supplemental sources of vitamin D (control), (3) D3 (50% of requirement + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside) or (4) 100% supplemented with 0.750 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. Nine replicates were performed, with one animal per experimental unit. For growth performance (Experiment II), a total of 128 whole male piglets (6.82 ± 0.38 kg BW) were distributed in a randomised complete block design, with four treatments: (1) 100% D3 (2707 IU in the pre-starter phase I, 2405 IU in the pre-starter phase II and 1969 IU in the starter phase), (2) 50% D3 + 0.25 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside, (3) 25% D3 + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside or (4) 100% supplemented with 0.50 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. Eight replicates were conducted, with and four animals per experimental unit. Key results The apparent digestibility of nutrients and mineral balance were not influenced (P &gt; 0.1). The results of Experiment II indicate effects (P &lt; 0.1) of vitamin D supplementation on the growth performance evaluated during the nursery phase. Plasma calcium concentrations in the pre-starter II phase showed (P &lt; 0.1) the highest concentration in the 50/50 treatment. Alkaline phosphatase showed (P &lt; 0.001) a difference between treatments in the starter phase, with treatment 25/75 promoting the lowest plasma value. Conclusions Cholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside resulted in similar digestibility and balance of calcium and phosphorus, even though the combination increased plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase concentration in piglets. In addition, the partial replacement reduced the voluntary feed intake of piglets during nursery phase. Implications This investigation provided new information on partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside in piglet starter as an alternative in post-weaning nutrition.

Performance and intestinal development of chicks submitted to different rations and different types of incubation

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of two types of incubation and two types of feeding on the performance of chickens and intestinal development of chicks during the pre-starter phase (1 to 7 days of age). One-year-old male Ross® chicks were used. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, in a 2x2 factorial design, with two types of feed processing (bran and micropelleted) and two types of incubation machines (single and multiple stage), totaling four treatments, with four treatment repetitions each. Twelve birds per experimental unit were used, totaling 192 animals. Performance evaluations were conducted, such as mean weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, bowel weight and size, and percentage of intestine in relation to live weight. Histomorphometric tests on the height of the villi and depth of the duodenal crypts were also performed. The two incubation machines did not influence any of the analyzed variables. Even though both had the same composition, the micropelleted feed resulted in positive gains for the performance variables: average weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion when compared to the meal, but was unable to significantly influence the morphometric measurements of the duodenum of chicks in the pre-starter phase.

Use of different combinations of enzyme complexes in broiler diets

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of “on top” addition of different enzyme complexes, the enzyme α-galactosidase and three sources of the enzyme phytase available on the market, in broiler diets. In the first experiment, 1260 one-day-old Cobb 500® chicks were distributed into seven treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates and 30 birds/replicate. Treatments consisted of combinations of different enzyme complexes, namely, complex A (phytase, protease, xylanase, ß-glucanase, cellulase, amylase, pectinase), complex B (protease and cellulase) and complex C (xylanase, amylase and protease); isolated α-galactosidase (GAL); and three sources of phytase (P1, P2 and P3) in the diet. The treatments were formulated as follows: T1 - basal diet (BD); T2 - BD + enzyme complex A + enzyme complex B (BDAB); T3 - BDAB + GAL; T4 - BD + complex A + GAL; T5 - BD + complex C + P1 + GAL (BDCG); T6 - BDCG + P2; and T7 - BDCG + P3. The following variables were measured in the experimental period of 42 days: feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), average final weight (AFW), feed conversion (FC), and carcass yield. Significant differences occurred for AFW, WG and FC in the pre-starter phase. In the second experiment, 112 Cobb 500® chicks aged 25 days were distributed into seven treatments in a CRD with four replicates and four birds/replicate. Treatments were the same as in the first experiment. Nutrient digestibility was evaluated in an experimental period of seven days. Differences were found in the metabolism coefficient of ether extract (MCEE). Dietary inclusion of enzyme complexes improves the AFW and WG of chickens from 1 to 7 days of age and MCEE in the grower phase.

Simultaneous feeding of calcium butyrate and tannin extract decreased the incidence of diarrhea and proinflammatory markers in weaned piglets.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of associating calcium butyrate with tannin extract, compared to an antimicrobial on the growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, intestinal histology, immune-expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in piglets.MethodsSeventy-two piglets (36 barrows and 36 gilts) weaned at 28±2 d and initial body weight of 7.17±1.07 kg were allocated to 3 treatments in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicates per treatment and 3 animals per experimental unit. Treatments were composed of NC, negative control: basal diet without additives; PC, positive control: basal diet + 40 mg/kg of colistin sulfate; or BT, basal diet + calcium butyrate + tannin extract. The butyrate and tannin inclusion levels were 0.15% in the pre-starter phase and 0.075% in the starter phase. Incidence of diarrhea was monitored daily, and on d 14 and 35 of experiment, 1 animal from each experimental unit was slaughtered to collect intestinal samples.ResultsNo significant differences were observed for growth performance. The butyrate- and tannin-based additive resulted in reduced (p<0.05) incidence of diarrhea in piglets during d 1 to 14 and d 1 to 35 in comparison with the other treatments. Piglets that consumed the diet containing the calcium-butyrate and tannin showed a lower (p<0.05) crypt depth in the duodenum than those receiving the NC treatment at 14 d of experimentation. The BT treatment provided a lower (p<0.05) immune-expression of COX-2 at 14 d and TNF-α at 35 d in the duodenum.ConclusionAssociation between calcium butyrate and tannin extract resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of diarrhea and inflammatory process in the duodenum of piglets. Therefore, calcium-butyrate combined with tannin could be a part of an alternative program to reduce the use of antimicrobials in the diet of weaned piglets.

Effect of Edema Disease Vaccination on Mortality and Growth Parameters in Nursery Pigs in a Shiga Toxin 2e Positive Commercial Farm.

Diseases caused by Escherichia coli are recognized as major problems in the swine industry, one of them being edema disease (ED). Importantly, the current decrease in antibiotic use may cause difficulties in controlling the disorders caused by E. coli. Therefore, this study assessed the efficacy of a commercial vaccine against ED in nursery pigs from a farm with previous history of ED. A total of 1344 pigs were monitored; half of them were randomly assigned to a vaccinated group (VG) and the other half to a non-vaccinated group (NVG). The vaccine was administered at 7 days of age. Animals received a pre-starter feed with 2500 ppm of zinc oxide (ZnO) for 2 weeks and a starter feed without ZnO for another 3 weeks. Pen-group weights were recorded at 28 (weaning), 42 (end of pre-starter phase), and 63 days of life (end of nursery phase). Death/culling rates, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were calculated for each group at each phase. The overall relative risk of dying/being culled for a pig in the NVG was 5 times higher than that of the VG group but increased to 12 times higher during the starter period. ADG and ADFI were also significantly higher in the VG group for that period. Vaccination against ED significantly reduced pig losses and improved ADG and ADFI, particularly when ZnO was not used.

Uso de butirato de sódio em rações pós-eclosão para pintos de corte

ABSTRACT This study was designed to determine adequate levels for sodium butyrate inclusion in pre-hatching and pre-starter feed in order to minimize the negative effects of post-hatch delayed placement on broiler chicks. Newly-hatched chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design, with five treatments, each comprising five replicates of ten birds each. Five dietetic levels of sodium butyrate (control, 0.050, 0.075, 0.100 and 0.200%) were used in the pre-starter feed offered to the chicks in the transporting box and during the pre-starter phase. Performance, yolk sac retraction, plasma glucose concentration, weight and histomorphometry of the small intestine were evaluated after 24 hours of feed access and at 7 days of age. A metabolic trial was performed when the chicks were seven to ten days of age. Supplementation of 0.1% sodium butyrate increased the development of broiler chicks’ intestinal villi at seven days of age but was not able to improve performance in the pre-starter phase. Supplementation with sodium butyrate in a diet offered in the transportation box does not improve broiler performance in the pre-starter phase. Supplementation of up to 0.16% is recommended, in order to improve the metabolizability of the ether extract for broilers at seven days of age.

Orange essential oil in the diet of broilers: performance, organ biometrics, bone characteristics, and intestinal morphometry

Growth performance, organ biometrics, bone characteristics, and intestinal morphometry were evaluated in broilers fed a diet containing orange (Citrus sinensis L.) essential oil. A completely randomized design was used, with five treatments with orange essential oil (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg−1 diet) and six replications with 20 birds per experimental unit. In the pre-starter phase, feed intake and weight gain of all birds linearly increased, while feed conversion decreased with the addition of orange essential oil [...]

Different enzymatic associations in diets of broiler chickens formulated with corn dried at various temperatures

The effect of supplementation of different enzymatic associations in the feed of broiler chickens formulated with corn dried at 80°C or 110°C on growth performance and carcass yield was evaluated. In addition, the influence of the different enzymatic associations on the cecal microbiota was studied. One-day-old male broiler chicks (1,320) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (6 replicates; 22 birds/replicate). The treatments were 2 corn drying temperatures (80°C and 110°C) and 5 diets. The diets consisted of a positive control (PC), a negative control (NC) with a reduction of 100 kcal/kg of apparent metabolizable energy, and 3 enzyme combinations added to the NC diet: amylase, amylase + xylanase, and amylase + xylanase + protease. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 1 to 7 d of chickens fed diets formulated with corn dried at 80°C was better (P = 0.045) than that of chickens fed diets dried at 110°C. Regardless of the enzymatic association, the supplementation improved body weight gain (P = 0.01) of the NC group to the same level as the PC group. The FCR of the NC was similar to that of the PC only when the 3 enzymes were included from 1 to 21 d (P = 0.001) and regardless of the enzymatic association for the period from 1 to 42 d (P = 0.007). Regarding cecal microbiota, the alpha diversity was similar among the groups (P > 0.05). The beta-diversity analysis showed that the microbiota of the birds receiving the combination of the 3 enzymes was similar to that of birds fed the PC diet (P = 0.18; R = 0.074), with a similar effect observed for the predicted metabolic functions (Linear discriminant analysis effect size). In conclusion, chickens fed diets formulated with corn dried at 80°C had better FCR during the prestarter phase. The enzymatic supplementation improved the FCR of the birds, which may partially be explained by the modulation of the cecal microbiota.

Performance, bone characteristics, and physiological parameters of broilers fed nutrient-restricted diets supplemented with multicarbohydrase complex associated with high levels of phytase

An experiment was conducted to evaluate high doses of phytase associated with multicarbohydrase complex in diets with a nutritional reduction on feed cost, performance, intestinal morphometry, digesta viscosity, blood and bone parameters, and carcass yield of broilers. For this purpose, 1,540 1-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, with 14 replicates and 22 birds each. The treatments consisted of the following: positive control (PC), a diet meeting the nutritional requirements without enzymes; negative control (NC), a PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal/kg AME, 0.15% available P, 0.12% Ca, 4% digestible lysine, and 5% Na; NC diet + multicarbohydrase complex (MCC) + phytase at 3 levels (1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 FTU/kg). The results demonstrated that the use of phytase associated with MCC in nutrient-restricted diets maintained broiler performance in the prestarter phase. From 1 to 42 d, broilers fed enzyme-supplemented diets had a better performance than those receiving nutrient-restricted diets without enzymes. The different levels of phytase associated with MCC affected the serum biochemical parameters of broilers; however, these modifications did not influence bone characteristics. The mode of action of enzymes is substrate-dependent, which may have limited enzyme activity. As a result, no improvements in carcass yield or intestinal and bone parameters were observed. It is concluded that diets with nutritional reduction and addition of 1,000 FTU/kg phytase in association with MCC maintain the performance and is a feasible strategy to reduce feed cost.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ БРОЙЛЕРОВ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ СХЕМ ФАЗОВОГО КОРМЛЕНИЯ И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СУПЕРПРЕСТАРТЕРНОГО РАЦИОНА

Differentiated broiler feeding consists of four main phases: pre-starter, starter, growth, and finishing. Further improvement of the feeding schemes of meat chickens aims at dividing the main phases into shorter periods that differ in the nutritional value and energy value or physical structure of compound feeds. The most important are the pre-starter (the first seven days of the chicken life) and the final (25 days and before slaughter) phases of broiler feeding. In the performed studies, the practicality and effectiveness of meat chicken feeding schemes with the division of the finishing period into three phases (experiment 1) and the use of the super-starter period in the pre-starter phase (experiment 2) are scientifically justified in two experiments. The object of the study was broilers of the cross “Cobb-500”. In experiment 1, two groups of oneday-old chickens were formed: a control group and an experimental group with 6-and 7-phase feeding, respectively. In group 1, the finishing period was divided into two phases, in group 2 – into 91 three phases. The results of growing broilers showed that the growth rate, the safety of livestock, and the yield of meat per unit area in group 2, respectively, were 0.7 g; 0.6% and 1.1 kg were higher. The comprehensive final indicators – the broiler productivity and meat production efficiency indices were 11 and 13 units or 3.0 and 11.7% higher in group 2, respectively, and the level of profitability of meat production was 0.5% higher in group 2 compared to group 1. In experiment 2, six groups of one-day-old chickens were formed. Groups 1k, 2k, and 3k are the control ones, while groups 4, 5 and 6 – experimental ones. Broilers 1k and 4 were separated from the parent herd of 29 weeks of age, groups 2k and 5 – from the bird of 32 weeks, and groups 3k and 6 – from the parents of 34 weeks of age. In the control groups, pre-starter feed was fed to chickens from the daily to 7-day-old age. In the experimental groups, broilers received super–starter feed in the first four days and pre-starter feed in 5–7 days. In the future, the chickens of all groups will be fed equally according to the 6-phase feeding scheme. The study results showed that broilers who received superprestarter in the first four days on average reached 2528 g of live weight at the pre-slaughter age (39 days), which is 66 g or 2.6% more in comparison with chickens of the control groups. According to the average weight of gutted carcasses, there was a significant superiority of the experimental groups. The broiler productivity and meat production efficiency indices in the experimental groups averaged 385 and 116 units, respectively, which is 16 and 20 units more than in the control groups. The level of profitability of meat production in groups 4, 5, and 6 was 1.3%.; 2.4 and 0.1% higher than in groups 1k, 2k, and 3k, respectively. The results obtained in the studies allow us to conclude that the use of a 7-phase scheme in the feeding of broilers with the division of the finishing period into three phases (25–30, 31–34, and 35–39 days) with the level of metabolic energy of 318, 322 and 325 kcal per 100 g of feed and raw protein 19.0, 18.5 and 18.2%, respectively, is appropriate. The use of superstarter in the first four days of the prestarter phase and prestarter in 5–7-day-old meat chickens increases the zootechnical and economic efficiency.

Effect of varying level of ginger powder in the diet of starter turkeys on performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices

Dietary inclusion of various phytogenic additives has been used as alternative growth promoters in poultry. They enhance performance and stabilize health status of farm animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of ginger powder to the diets of pre starter and starter turkeys at different levels (0g/kg, 2g/kg and 4g/kg) on its performance and some blood parameters. A total of one hundred and twenty day- old British United Turkey (BUT) poults were allotted on weight equalization basis into the 3 dietary treatments in a complete randomised design. Forty poults were assigned to each treatment group replicated four times with 10 poults per replicate. The study lasted for 56 days comprising of the prestarter (0-28 days) and starter (29-56 days) phases. At the pre-starter phase of the experiment, growth performance was not affected (p&gt;0.05) by ginger powder inclusion while the starter phase showed improved (p&lt;0.05) final weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Final weight increased (p&lt;0.05) with ginger inclusion in the diets, while feed intake reduced linearly as ginger inclusion increased. Supplementation with ginger reduced haemoglobin and RBC of the pre starter turkeys. The RBC increases linearly (p&lt;0.05) as ginger supplementation increases with starter turkeys. Serum albumin improved significantly (p&lt;0.05) following dietary inclusion of 2 g/kg ginger powder at the starter (3.37g/dl) phase. In conclusion, starter turkeys fed diet containing ginger at 2 g/kg showed improved growth with improvement in hepatic enzyme activities.

Effects of putrescine injection in broiler breeder eggs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of putrescine injected in ovo on hatchability, intestinal morphology and pre-starter performance of broilers. For this purpose, 720 eggs from broiler breeders were separated into a negative control (no injection) and injection treatments with increasing doses of putrescine (0.05; 0.1; 0.15 and 0.2%), totalling five treatments of 144 eggs each. Eggs were distributed in a completely randomized design inside the setter and the injection of solutions occurred at 17days of incubation. After hatch, 330 birds were housed in mixed lots following the original treatments, totalling 5 treatments of 6 replicates with 11 birds each. Six birds per treatment were weighed and euthanized by cervical dislocation to collect the liver, intestine and breast 24hr after injection, at hatch and 24hr after hatch. At 2days of age, intestines were collected from 4 animals per treatment to analyse histomorphology. The effects of putrescine levels were evaluated by polynomial regression models, ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% probability. The hatchability decreased linearly in response to increased doses of putrescine. The percentage of residual yolk was lower in animals that received putrescine compared to the control. After injection, the percentage of breast increased linearly, and the percentage of intestine had a quadratic response to increased doses of putrescine. However, 24hr after hatch, the percentage of intestine linearly decreased, and the percentage of liver linearly increased in response to increased doses of putrescine. Villus height increased quadratically, crypt depth decreased linearly, and goblet cells increased linearly in response to the putrescine dose. FI and BWG were not affected in the pre-starter phase; however, FCR increased in response to increased levels of putrescine. Due to putrescine effects on embryos, it is recommended that the doses injected in ovo not exceed 0.1%.