Broiler Chicken Production Research Articles

Environmental life cycle assessment of Finnish broiler chicken production – Focus on climate change and water scarcity impacts

The production and consumption of poultry meat increases in Finland, but no updated information on the impact of broiler production on climate change has been available, and the impacts of broiler production on water scarcity have never been studied. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied to quantify the climate change and water scarcity impacts of Finnish broiler chicken meat. For water scarcity, the AWARE method was applied for the first time as a characterisation method in broiler chicken production. To harmonize the LCA calculation, the European Commission's Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) guidelines were followed when applicable. The comprehensive primary data accounted for 89% of Finnish broiler chicken production in 2018. The climate impact of Finnish broiler chicken meat was found to be 2.37 kg CO2 eq./kg of carcass weight (CW), including the effect of land use change (LUC), and 1.82 kg CO2 eq./kg of CW, excluding LUC. The relative share of the feed chain of the climate change impact of Finnish chicken meat was almost four fifths (79%). The water scarcity impact of Finnish chicken meat was 0.55 m3 eq. (AWARE)/kg CW. More than four fifths (82%) of the water scarcity impact of broiler production are formed in the feed chain. In addition to the national-level results, farm-specific results were calculated for 20 farms to indicate the variation and targets for improvements. In this study, we demonstrated that feeds were even more important in the water scarcity impact category.

Providing environmental enrichments can reduce subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence without affecting performance in broiler chickens.

Environmental enrichment can increase the occurrence of natural behavior and improve leg health and other animal welfare outcomes in broiler chickens. This study aimed to assess the effects of three environmental enrichments, specifically hay bales, step platforms, and laser lights, on subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence, productivity, behavior, and gait of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Twenty-four hundred day-old male Ross® AP95 chicks from a commercial hatchery were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and four replicate pens per treatment. Pens contained either a Control (C) treatment, an environment similar to a commercial broiler chicken system without environmental enrichments, or an environment with either additional hay bales (HB), additional step platforms (SP), or additional laser lights (LL). Performance, yield, behavior (frequencies), gait score, and subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalences were assessed. When raised with SP or LL access, fewer chickens had subclinical spondylolisthesis than chickens without enrichments (C) or with HB access. Chickens with access to SP exhibited higher wing yield and less abdominal fat than animals from the C group. Chickens from the LL and HB treatments explored more and rested less frequently than animals from the C and SP treatments. As chickens aged, they became less active, exploring less and increasing resting and comfort behaviors. Treatments did not affect gait. Gait was not associated with subclinical spondylolisthesis prevalence. Environmental enrichments benefitted chicken health (subclinical spondylolisthesis) and behavior (exploration) without negative consequences for performance and yield.

Impact of agricultural loans on the production of broiler chickens in the New Valley Governorate

impact of agricultural loans on the production of broiler chickens in the New Valley Governorate

Klasifikasi Tingkat Keberhasilan Produksi Ayam Broiler di Riau Menggunakan Algoritma K-Nearest Neighbor

Livestock is a crucial component of the Indonesian agriculture sector. One of the most widely practiced types of livestock farming is broiler chicken farming. The production of broiler chickens continues to increase due to the increasing consumption of broiler chickens. Presently, companies are facing an urgent requirement to support farmers, regardless of their level of experience, whether they are newly entering the sector or have been established for some time. Core companies encounter challenges in modeling the success rate of broiler chicken farmer production because of the vast quantity of data coming from collaborating farmers, which makes it arduous for the company to establish the success rate of broiler chicken production. Establishing the level of production success is very helpful in selecting the appropriate farmers to be guided, thus enabling accurate decision-making. A classification procedure utilizing data mining and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm is necessary to manage the growing volume of data. The study examined 927 livestock production data from Riau, where the data was divided into two sets, with 80% allocated for training and the remaining 20% for testing purposes. The findings of the confusion matrix analysis showed that the optimal result was achieved at k = 3, with an accuracy rate of 86.49%, precision of 75.00%, and recall of 70.21%.

Dietary Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) Oil Modulates the Growth, Intestinal Morphology, the Fatty Acid Composition of Breast Muscle, Immune Status, and Immunoexpression of CD3 and CD20 in Broiler Chickens.

This investigation explored the impact of dietary frankincense resin oil (FO) on growth performance parameters, intestinal histomorphology, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, and the immune status of broilers. We allotted 400, three-day-old, male chicks (Ross 308 broiler) into four treatment groups (ten replicates/group; ten chicks/replicate). They were fed a basal diet with different concentrations of FO (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg-1). FO supplementation increased the overall body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) by different amounts, linearly improving the feed conversion ratio with the in-supplementation level. Total feed intake (TFI) was not affected. Growth hormones and total serum protein levels also linearly increased with the FO level, while albumin was elevated in the FO600 group. Moreover, total globulins increased linearly in FO400 and FO600 treatment groups. Thyroxin hormone (T3 and T4) levels increased in all FO treatment groups without affecting glucose and leptin serum values. Different concentrations of FO supplementation in the diet increased the activities of Complement 3, lysozyme, and interleukin 10 levels in the serum. Dietary FO in broilers increased the total percentage of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. It also increased the ratio of n-3 to n-6 linearly and quadratically. Additionally, FO supplementation led to the upregulation of immune clusters of differentiation 3 and 20 (CD3 and CD20) in the spleen, along with improving most of the morphometric measures of the small intestine. In conclusion, FO up to 600 mg kg-1 as a feed additive in broiler chicken production is valuable for promoting their growth, intestinal histomorphology, and immune status along with enriching breast muscle with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Productivity and profitability of commercial broiler chickens under various farming conditions

Broiler farming plays a vital role in fulfilling global protein requirements. Although broiler farming is considered profitable, profitability might be affected by factors such as genetics, feed quality, and management practices. In the current study, the productivity and profitability of commercial broiler farming were studied under various farming conditions, such as farm size, location of the farm, and mortality of the broilers. Data were collected through farmers' interviews and farm record books and processed and analyzed to determine the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. Productivity and profitability did not differ significantly across farm sizes and locations. The results of the study reported mortality as a factor affecting productivity and profitability in broiler farming. It was manifest that mortality adversely affected the productivity and profitability of broiler farming. A significant positive relationship was recorded between mortality and feed conversion ratio. Moreover, mortality was negatively correlated with the gross margin of broiler farming, meaning that the low gross margin was due to the high mortality at broiler farms. The farms were more profitable when the mortality was <5%, compared to >10%. It is recommended to reduce the mortality percentage of broiler chickens as minimum as possible, preferably <5%. Good quality chicks, better management, and the prevention of diseases might play an important role in keeping the mortality rate at a minimum level in broiler farming.

Influence of a complex feed additive on increasing the productivity of broiler chickens

The purpose of the research was to study the eff ect of the complex feed additive “Zaslon 2+” as part of the basic diet on the growth rates of broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308, livability, productive traits and economic indicators. The scientifi c novelty of the research was to substantiate the possibility of increasing the productivity and livability of broiler chickens when using the complex feed additive “Zaslon 2+” in the diet. Comprehensive studies have been conducted to increase meat productivity through the use of a sorption feed additive with phyto- and probiotic properties “Zaslon 2+” with the basic diet. The research was carried out on broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308 under the conditions of the peasant farm “Krasnoe Podvorye” in the Shebekinsky area in the Belgorod region. During the experiment, the basic diet was used in the control group of broiler chickens. For the poultry of the experimental group during the 38-day study period the complex feed additive “Zaslon 2+” (0,5 kg/t of compound feed) was used to the basic diet. The infl uence of the studied feed additive in the diet of broiler chickens on the indicators of meat productivity, livability, and economic effi ciency of production was substantiated. The dynamics of live weight of poultry, growth intensity, uniformity, livability, morphological and biochemical parameters of chicken blood were studied. A comparative analysis of the meat traits of broilers was carried out, the chemical composition of the muscles and liver of poultry was determined, the eff ectiveness of the use of the complex feed additive “Zaslon 2+” in the diets of broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308 was determined. It was recommended, in order to increase productivity, uniformity, livability, activation of metabolic processes, improvement of the meat qualities of broiler chickens of the cross Ross 308, to reduce expenditures of feed per 1 kg of products, to introduce into the diet the complex feed additive “Zaslon 2+” in the amount of 0,5 kg/t of compound feed during the entire growing period.

Meat productivity of broiler chickens when feeding an enzyme drug

The purpose of the work was to study the meat productivity of broiler chickens of the cross Ross PM3 when feeding the enzyme drug VP-1. The work was carried out on the basis of the poultry farm of JSC “Lindovskaya poultry farm-breeding plant”. The control group of broiler chickens were fed with complete compound feed without additives. The poultry of the 1st experimental group received an enzyme additive in the amount of 0,4 kg/t of feed, the 2nd group received it 0,5 kg/t of feed, the 3rd group received it in the amount of 0,6 kg/t of feed. The enzyme additive was incorporated by stepwise mixing. The broiler chickens of the control group were characterized by a fairly high growth rate, which by the age of 38 days had a live weight of 2082,29 g. At the same time, the broiler chickens of the 1st experimental group had slightly better indicators. So, by the age of 38 days their average live weight was 232,42 g higher than their herdmates from the control group (P ≥ 0,999). The broiler chickens of the 2nd experimental group had the average live weight of 2271,72 g, which was by 189,43 g or 9,10 % (P ≥ 0,999) higher than in the control group. The maximum live weight for 38 days of rearing was gained by broiler chickens of the 3rd experimental group 2352,92 g, which exceeded broiler chickens of the 1st experimental group by 38,21 g or 1,65 %, as well as the live weight of chickens of the 2nd experimental group by 81,20 g or 3,57 %. The maximum positive dynamics of live weight was shown by broiler chickens of the 3rd experimental group, and the minimum was shown by chickens of the control group. Chickens of the 1st experimental group and the 2nd experimental group showed the dynamics of live weight gain significantly exceeding the growth rate of live weight of broilers of the control group.

Potential for Ammonia Generation and Emission in Broiler Production Facilities in Brazil

Air quality is one of the main factors that must be guaranteed in animal production. However, the measurement of pollutants is still a problem in several countries because the available methods are costly and do not always apply to the reality of the constructive typology adopted, as in countries with a hot climate, which adopt predominantly open facilities. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop predictive models for the potential generation and emission of ammonia in the production of broiler chickens with different types of litter, different reuse cycles and under different climatic conditions. Samples of poultry litter from thirty commercial aviaries submitted to different air temperatures were analyzed. The experiment was conducted and analyzed in a completely randomized design, following a factorial scheme. Models were developed to predict the potential for generation and emission of ammonia, which can be applied in facilities with ambient conditions of air temperature between 25 and 40 °C and with wood shaving bed with up to four reuse cycles and coffee husks bed with up to six reuse cycles. The developed and validated models showed high accuracy indicating that they can be used to estimate the potential for ammonia generation and emission.

Impact of stocking density on the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens reared to 34 d of age

Re-evaluating management practices to highlight opportunities for improving bird welfare is a necessary response to changing genetics, evolving standards, and increasing consumer interest in how poultry is raised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stocking density (SD) on the welfare and productivity of broilers. The SD treatments were 31, 34.5, 38, and 41.5 kg/m2. Litter moisture decreased and footpad dermatitis improved as SD was reduced, indicating an improvement in welfare. Results from the novel object test suggest birds reared at lower SD were less fearful. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratios were highest in the 31 and 41.5kg/m2 treatments, indicating these birds experienced more chronic stress. At 20 d as SD was decreased, birds spent more time at the drinker and less time resting. When older (31 d), birds preened more in the 31 and 41.5kg/m2 treatments. Stretching behaviour decreased while ruffling increased at lower SD. Final body weights were heaviest in the 31 and 34.5 kg/m2 treatments. Overall, body weight gain increased as SD was reduced, and feed intake was greatest in the 34.5kg/m2 treatment. From 21-24 d, infectious mortality was reduced in the low SD treatments. The impacts of SD are dependent on environmental management; however, even under research conditions, differences between treatments were observed. The results of this study suggest that reducing SD for broilers results in improved welfare and performance as evidenced by reductions in litter moisture, footpad dermatitis, fear, stress, and infectious mortality as well as greater market body weights and feed consumption.

Effects of gamma aminobutyric acid on performance, blood cell of broiler subjected to multi-stress environments.

Stress factors such as high temperatures, overcrowding, and diurnal temperature range exert profound negative effects on weight gain and productivity of broiler chickens. The potential of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) as an excitatory neurotransmitter was evaluated under various stress conditions in this study. The experiment was conducted under four different environmental conditions: normal, high temperature, overcrowded, and in an overcrowded-diurnal temperature range. The experimental groups were divided into (-) control group without stress, (+) control group with stress, and G50 group (GABA 50 mg/kg) with stress. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured, and stress reduction was evaluated through hematologic analysis. The effects of GABA on broilers in four experimental treatments were evaluated. GABA treated responded to environmental stress and improved productivity in all the experimental treatments. The magnitude of stress observed was highest at high temperature, followed by the overcrowded environment, and was least for the overcrowded-diurnal temperature range. Various stress factors in livestock rearing environment can reduce productivity and increase disease incidence and mortality rate. To address these challenges, GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, was shown to reduce stress caused due to various environmental conditions and improve productivity.

The effect of phytase and organic mineral supplements in the amount of 2.5% of the accepted norms on the productivity of broiler chickens and indicators of the quality of the pectoral muscle

In the FNC "VNITIP RAS", an experiment was carried out on broiler chickens of the cross breeding of the SGC "Smena 8". According to the principle of analogues, four groups of chickens were formed. The effect of an organic mineral supplement in the form of L-asparaginates (OMEC-broiler) in combination with and without phytase on broiler productivity and muscle tissue quality was studied. The results obtained show that the introduction of a complex of trace elements in the form of L-asparaginates in the amount of 2.5% of the guaranteed norms into the feed of broiler chickens has a positive effect on the metabolic processes of birds, contributing to an increase in live weight, with a similar average daily increase. At the same time, the feed costs per kg of gain for the experimental groups of chickens in comparison with the control group became less. The highest average daily increase in live weight for 5 weeks of broiler rearing was observed in chickens of the fourth group (56.31 g), who received feed without the inclusion of premixes (OR2), but with a content of 2.5% organic trace elements from the accepted norms and with the addition of phytase in the amount of 1 million units per ton. At the same time, there was a low feed conversion (1,652 kg/kg) and a productivity index (EPI) equal to 352.42 units. The indicators of the quality of muscle tissue, at the same time, remain at a good level.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF TAMARIND (TAMARINDUS INDICA L.) EXTRACT AND SYNTHETIC VITAMIN AS FEED ADDITIVES IN BROILER CHICKEN PRODUCTION

This study analyzed the comparative effect of T. indica L. extract and synthetic vitamin (probiotics) as feed additives in broiler chicken production. Forty (40) birds were used for the experimental trial; and divided into two treatments, T1 and T2, each replicated. Analytical techniques adopted include proximate and photochemical analyses, descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Proximate composition of dry tamarind pulp indicated the presence of moisture (15.20% ± 5. 79%), ash (3.95 ± 0.38%), protein (1.90% ± 0.15%), crude fiber (5.6% ± 0.35%), carbohydrate (70.9% ± 5. 98) and ascorbic acid (0.35% ± 0.13%). Phytochemical screening of the T. indica L. extract indicated seven positive chemical constituents (alkaloid, steroidal ring, flavoids, tannin, saponin, glycosides, protein and amino acids); with significant interactive effects. The survival rate of broilers for the duration of the feeding trial was significant for T1 (97%). Further, the average weight gain was significant for T1 in weeks 2 (1.15kg) to 3 (1.5kg); and significant for T2 (0.74kg) in week 1. Feed conversion ratio was significant for T2 in weeks 2 (2.27) to 3 (1.85); and significant for T1 (2.05) in week 1. Furthermore, both feed additives indicated progressive increase in the broilers growth parameters during the experimental trial. This study recommends cultivation of T. indica L. at commercial scale and intensifying utilization of its extract as a replacement or alternative to synthetic vitamin (probiotics) in broiler production. Improved extension services; and additional research on T. indica L. and other related plant parts as feed additives and their effects on carcass yield are required.

Modulating the Growth Curve in Broiler Chicken through Varying Balanced Protein Regimen (All Step-up, Designed to Get Compensatory Responses)

Background: Compensatory growth is a well-established characteristic even in broiler chicken having very short grow-out cycle. Feeding manipulations that take advantages of compensatory growth after a period of nutrient restriction might be beneficial to poultry industry. Methods: In total, 1400 one-day-old straight run broiler chicks (Hubbard) were allocated to 8 experimental treatments, replicated 7 times with 25 chicks in each, in a completely randomized design. The 3 isocaloric corn soybean meal experimental diets; a high BP (HBP) with 1.2% standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), a medium BP (MBP) with 1.1% SID Lys and a low BP (LBP) 1.0% SID Lys, were offered in starter, grower and finisher phases, as HML (conventional) and LHH, MHH, LMM, MMH, LLM, LLH and LMH as all steps-up. Result: Greater (P less than 0.05) BW and BWG were observed in HML groups during all phases. The MMH group had greater FI (P less than 0.05) during grower and finisher phases. The HML group had better FCR (P less than 0.05) during starter and grower phases. The LMM group had heavier (P less than 0.05) abdominal fat pad, whereas, MHH and HML groups had greater (P less than 0.05) dressed carcass, breast meat, drumstick and thigh yield. The MHH and HML groups, similarly, had higher (P less than 0.05) spleen, thymus, bursa weights, greater antibody titers against NDV and IBDV and total protein concentration. The LLH group had greater (P less than 0.05) blood glucose, urea and total cholesterol concentrations. It is, therefore, recommended that HBP (1.2% SID Lys) should be gradually step down to LBP (1.10% SID Lys) for efficient and sustainable production of broiler chicken.

Effect of sprouted whole pearl millet on growth performance, intestinal development, bacterial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of varying levels of sprouted whole grain pearl millet (SPM) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and fed to broiler chickens as starter (0 to 21 d) and finisher (22 to 42 d) diets. The diets comprised of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of SPM incorporated as whole grain. On 0 d, 180 unsexed broiler chickens were allocated to experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times; each replicate had 12 chicks. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric to meet the nutrient requirements of broiler chickens. Diets and water were provided ad libitum for 42 d. Results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) of broiler chickens on SPM compared favorably with those on the control diet. BWG showed trends in increment (P < 0.10) while FCR showed decreased trends (P < 0.10) with partial inclusion of SPM at 42 d and 0 to 42 d. The drumstick weight showed quadratic effect (P = 0.044) while the wing weight showed linear effect (P = 0.047) to treatment diets at 21 d. The liver weights of broiler chickens showed linear response (P = 0.018) at 21 d and (P = 0.004) at 42 d to SPM inclusion in diets. Sprouted whole PM consistently increased low-density lipoprotein concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05). Length and weight of small intestine and ceca showed decreasing trends on SPM levels in the treatment diets. Digesta pH assessment revealed that pH in the crop was lower (P < 0.05) on partial SPM while pH in proventriculus was reduced (P < 0.05) with inclusion of SPM in treatment diets. Lactobacilli count decreased linearly (P = 0.010) with SPM inclusion. This study suggests that SPM could be used as an alternative source of energy in production of broiler chickens. Therefore, partial replacement of maize with SPM in broiler diet had no negative effect on performance, physiological status, and overall health of broiler chickens.

Precision feeding for optimizing poultry production

Abstract Consumable poultry from the broiler chicken sector represents a highly complex production and processing supply chain system, yet poultry products are highly versatile, healthy, and affordable for consumers on a global scale. However, the accessibility of broilers to many in developing countries is insufficient to meet daily protein needs. As such, broiler chicken production markets will increase in the foreseeable future in the Americas due to available corn and soybean meal, and in developing countries where protein consumption falls below consumer needs. Feed represents the highest variable costs in broiler chicken production. Broiler diet balanced protein supply differs among producers geographically which is primarily dependent on soybean meal availability and price. In this review, dietary protein supply in terms of feed grade amino acids is discussed. Moreover, broiler diet formulation matrices on a dynamic versus static template are also discussed. In doing so, efficiency and profitability can be gleaned from optimizing the ingredient and nutrient matrices for the overall business as ingredient nutrient compositions and price vary via equations and models, respectively.

Encapsulation as a Way to Improve the Phytogenic Effects of Herbal Additives in Broilers – An Overview

Abstract The prohibition of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and the restriction of synthetic antioxidants have had a negative impact on the productivity and health of broiler chickens. To ensure sustainability in broiler production, poultry nutritionists continue to look for alternatives to AGP and antioxidants. Using herbal ingredients is one alternative that is widely used today. However, the use of herbal ingredients in small doses is often constrained by bioavailability problems, thereby reducing the effectiveness of using herbal additives for broiler chickens. At higher doses, the use of herbal ingredients can increase feed costs and negatively impact palatability, digestion and protein utilization, and liver health. Encapsulation is a method that can improve the stability, palatability, and bioavailability of herbal additives, which may enhance the efficacy of herbs as AGP and antioxidant alternatives for broilers. This review article provides a comprehensive insight into the application of and problems related to herbal additives, benefits of encapsulation technology on herbs, and use of encapsulated herbs in broiler production.

Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS BY FEEDING INORGANIC FORM OF SELENIUM

The addition of selenium is necessary to maintain the health and high productivity of broiler chickens and to improve the palatability and chemical composition of the meat. This helps to increase the content of dry matter, protein and fat in the breast and thigh muscles, and also increases the nutritional and biological value of poultry meat. Determination of the optimal dose of the inorganic form of selenium in the feed of broiler chickens remains a problematic issue. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of different doses of selenium (0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg) on the chemical composition, energy and biological value of muscle tissue of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens in the amount of 40 heads served as the research material. Poultry of the control group (10 heads) received compound feed according to the growing periods, and experimental groups (30 heads) received compound feed with the addition of different amounts of sodium selenite: group 2 – 0.2 mg/kg, group 3 – 0.3 mg/kg and group 4 – 0.4 mg/kg. Current methods were used to determine the chemical composition of the pectoral and femoral muscles of broiler chickens, in particular, the mass fraction of moisture, the total content of fat, nitrogen, and the mass fraction of total ash. The content of selenium was determined by the method of atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, the toxicological assessment was carried out using Tetrachimena piriformis strain WH14 ciliates, the energy value was determined by the calculation method, according to the chemical composition of muscle tissue. It was found that the fat content increased in the pectoral muscles of broiler chickens of experimental group 2 by 0.1% (p &lt; 0.05), 3 – by 0.3 (p &lt; 0.01) and 4 – by 0.3 % (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. The indicator of energy value of breast muscles of broiler chickens of experimental group 3 increased by 2.2% (p &lt; 0.05), and 4 – by 2.8% (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the control group. Selenium concentration increased in the pectoral muscles of broiler chickens of experimental group 2 by 21.7% (p &lt; 0.05), 3 – by 70% (p &lt; 0.01), 4 – by 106% (p &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. At the same time, the concentration of selenium in the femoral muscles of broiler chickens of experimental group 2 increased by 12.9% (p &lt; 0.01), 3 – by 57.1 (p &lt; 0.001), 4 – by 85.7% (p &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. Therefore, the concentration of selenium in the muscle tissue of the pectoral and thigh muscles depends on the dose of this trace element in feed. The quality of meat of broiler chickens improved with the addition of inorganic form of selenium to compound feed at a dose of 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg.

Productive and economic performance of broiler chickens fed diets with different nutritional levels.

The present study evaluated the productive characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and economic indexes of broiler chickens submitted to diets containing different nutritional levels, and identified advantages for the commercialization of poultry in the griller-type whole chicken model. A total of 180 COBB 500 chicks ™ were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2x3 factorial scheme: sex (male and female) and nutritional level (nutritional requirements for male, female or mixed flock); with 6 repetitions of 5 birds each. It was observed effect of the sex factor in the performance and the economic analysis, in which the male chickens presented the highest feed costs, in spite of exhibiting the best feed conversion rates and gross marketability, resulting from greater body weight. Considering nutritional levels, the most outstanding diet was that formulated according to the demands of the females, which did not affect the performance or carcass characteristics of the birds, obtained the highest gross margins with good feeding costs, showed good retention of dry matter and gross energy, regardless of sex. The diet of nutritional requirements of the females provides promising results for the production of broiler chickens. The female birds present marketing advantages in the griller-type chicken model.