Seed Powder Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of Milk Thistle Seed Powder Supplementation on The Performance of Growing Japanese Quail Fed Diet Polluted by Cadmium

Effect of Milk Thistle Seed Powder Supplementation on The Performance of Growing Japanese Quail Fed Diet Polluted by Cadmium

Feeding milk thistle (Silybum mariamum) seed powder to fattening lambs: Effects on growth performance, digestibility and rumen metabolism

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed powder supplementation in the diet on weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and physiological parameters in fattening lambs. In this experiment, thirty crossbred Shawl × Romanov male lambs were divided into three groups based on a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments included a control group receiving a diet without milk thistle seed powder (MSP), a group receiving a diet containing 1 % MSP, and a group receiving a diet containing 2 % MSP. Animals fed the diet containing 2 % MSP exhibited higher nutrient intake, average daily gain, and final body weight compared to the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Lambs receiving the 2 % MSP diet had the most favorable feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was highest in lambs fed the diet containing MSP compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Ruminal NH3-N concentration and populations of total protozoa and Entodinium genus were lowest in lambs fed the MSP-containing diets (P < 0.05). The molar concentrations of acetate and valerate in the rumen fluid of lambs receiving the diet containing 2 % MSP were lower compared to the control group, while propionate concentration was higher (P < 0.05). Feeding the diet containing 2 % MSP reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and liver enzyme activities compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Based on these results, supplementing lamb diets with 2 % MSP increased growth performance measures, nutrient digestibility coefficients, and reduced blood cholesterol and LDL concentrations.

Effect of Dietary Addition of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed on Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Profile and Faecal Microbiota of Kankrej Calves

The experiment was conducted during the month of February and March, 2023 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of dietary addition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and faecal microbiota of Kankrej calves. Eighteen Kankrej calves were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+5 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation and Basal diet+10 g animal-1 day-1 of fennel seed powder supplementation for a period of 60 days. Results revealed that there was numerically higher body weight gains were observed in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily than the control, the difference was statistically not significant (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups. The mean faecal counts (log10 cfu g-1 in fresh faeces) of lactobacillus were increased, while coliform were reduced in groups fed 5 and 10 g of fennel seed daily as compared to control group. There was no effect (p&gt;0.05) on the haemoglobin, haematocrit, total erythrocytes count and total leucocytes count among the treatment groups. No difference (p&gt;0.05) was found in serum levels of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT and AST concentrations among the treatment groups. It may be concluded that dietary fennel seed powder supplementation in calves improved growth performance and had beneficial effect on faecal microbiota with higher faecal lactobacillus count and lower faecal coliform count. Fennel seed supplementation did not affect haemato-biochemical profile of calves.

Evaluation of coriander seed powder supplementation on body composition, growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemical indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings.

This study aimed to investigate the role of coriander seed powder (Coriandrum sativum) on growth indices, feed utilization, body composition, and haemato-biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings over 84 days. One hundred and forty-four common carp (25.24±0.05 g) were assigned into four groups fed with different diets, namely 0 (basal diet), 1%, 2%, and 4% of coriander seed powder (CSP). In the current study, C. carpio fed with dietary CSP revealed significant improvement in weight gain, final weight, specific growth rate, total feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, feed conversion ratio, protein intake, and protein efficiency ratio, in comparison to control fish fed after 84 days (P>0.05). It was also found that fish fed with 1%CSP-supplemented dietary had the best growth performance and feed utilization. The crude protein of fish fed with CSP dietary treatments increased, and significant differences were only found in the fish fed with 1%CSP diet, in comparison to the control group. The CSP supplementation groups showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and globulin compared to the control group. Nevertheless, differential white blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, cholesterols, and triglycerides were significantly reduced in the CSP dietary group in comparison to the control group. It was also found that CSP dietary treatment significantly increased lipase and amylase in comparison to the control group (P>0.05). However, the highest lipase and amylase levels were obtained at 1%CSP and 2%CSP dietary treatment groups, compared to the control basal diet. Based on the results, CSP supplementation could improve the overall health status and growth performance of common carp fingerlings.

Red chili powder dietary supplementation regularized the performance, hematobiochemical indices, oxidative status, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine of aflatoxin B1 exposed broiler chickens.

The effects of red chili powder dietary supplementation on the performance, hematobiochemical indices, oxidative status, and DNA damage in broiler chickens fed aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated diets were studied. Two hundred and forty Cobb 500 breed day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into control group (CONT), 0.5mg/kg AFB1-exposed group (AFTB), 0.5g/kg red chili pericarp powder supplementation alongside the 0.5mg/kg AFB1 exposed group (RCPA), and 0.5g/kg red chili seed powder supplementation alongside the 0.5mg/kg AFB1 exposed group (RCSA). The red chili supplementation, in both pericarp powder and seed powder, positively influenced broiler performance by improving (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, with a reduction in mortality rates compared to the AFTB group. Hematological indices showed that AFB1 exposure decreased (P < 0.05) the red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, but the red chili supplementation mitigated these reductions. Additionally, total white blood cell counts were maintained (P > 0.05) in red chili-supplemented groups compared to CONT. Red chili supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the total protein and globulin concentrations and reduced (P < 0.05) liver enzyme levels compared to the AFTB group. The oxidative enzyme levels in RCPA and RCSA were similar (P > 0.05) to CONT groups. The red chili supplementations counteracted DNA damage, as reflected by similar (P > 0.05) 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels recorded in RCPA, RCSA, and CONT groups levels. These findings suggest that 0.5g/kg red chili supplementation has the potential to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 exposure on broiler chickens, improving their performance and health.

Influence of Citrus sinensis seed powder on growth performance, morphological and histological development of the small intestine of broiler chickens

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) seeds are sources of significant quantities of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber which have shown a range of biological activities in humans but are essentially discarded with abundant waste production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of C. sinensis seed powder on the morphological and histological development of the small intestine of broiler chickens. Four hundred and eighty (480) day-old Cobb 500 broilers chicks were divided into four groups with six replicates and 20 chicks per pen, namely control (T): fed only standard diet; CSS-0.25: standard diet + 0.25% C. sinensis seed powder; CSS-0.50: standard diet + 0.5% C. sinensis seed powder; CSS-0.75: standard diet + 0.75% C. sinensis seed powder over 42 days in a completely randomized design. The results indicated that a diet containing 0.75% of C. sinensis seed powder significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weight and length of the small intestine and its three segments. Furthermore, villi height, villi/crypt ratio, and crypt depth in the jejunal and ileal sections of the intestine increased significantly (p < 0.05) with 0.5% and 0.75% C. sinensis seed powder supplementation. In addition, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly affected in the 0.5 and 0.75% groups on days 21 and 42. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.5% and 0.75% C. sinensis seed powder improves intestinal development and intestinal health in chickens.

Food Application of Orange Seed Powder through Incorporation in Wheat Flour to Boost Vitamin and Mineral Profiles of Formulated Biscuits.

The significance of conducting research for its application has been noted as a result of the rising global food production and waste generation. As a result, there is increasing interest in fruits and vegetable seeds that contain bioactive chemicals, such as those that are obtained from orange seeds. In the current work, orange seed powder replaced wheat flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% levels, to observe changes in physicochemical features of developed biscuits. Proximate analysis of orange seed powder and wheat flour revealed that orange seed powder has high fat, fiber, protein, and ash contents as compared to wheat flour, whereas moisture contents in wheat flour were high. In developed biscuits, the highest values (percentage) of ash (9.68 ± 0.04), fiber (6.79 ± 0.12), protein (10.42 ± 0.25), and fat (36.90 ± 0.55) were found in biscuits developed with 10% orange seed powder. Orange seed powder was a comparatively good source of both macro and micro minerals, as compared to wheat flour. High contents of selenium (5.32 ± 0.03), iron (2.12 ± 0.05), zinc (3.88 ± 0.12), and manganese (2.25 ± 0.04) mg/100 g, present in orange seed powder, were the prominent findings of this research work, as wheat flours were observed to be deficient in these trace minerals. Contents of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, zinc, and selenium in control biscuits were found 20.51 ± 0.08, 17.29 ± 0.04, 46.12 ± 0.05, 1.06 ± 0.01, 1.97 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.01, and 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/100 g, respectively, and replacement of wheat flour with 10% orange seed powder increased values of these minerals to 103.90 ± 0.35, 44.35 ± 0.50, 71.29 ± 0.32, 2.59 ± 0.4, 2.75 ± 0.02, 1.31 ± 0.01, and 2.02 ± 0.05 mg/100 g, respectively. Vitamins E and K, which were not detected in wheat flour, were present in orange powder in high amount, whereas B group vitamins, which were also present in wheat flour, were observed in significantly high quantities in orange seed powder. Increment in vitamin A, D, E, K, and B complexes was significant as a result of orange seed powder supplementation, except for vitamins B1 and B2, which were slightly decreased. Sensory evaluation revealed that a 5% replacement of orange seed powder provided good quality biscuits with acceptable colour, flavor, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Orange seed powder could prove an important ingredient in the baking industry with the potential of promoting the nutritional value of foods.

Efficacy of Dietary Fenugreek and Kalonji Seed Powder on Carcass Traits of Guinea Fowls

A study was conducted on 100, day old guinea fowls (Pearl variety) for 12 weeks to study the efficacy of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and kalonji (Nigella sativa) seed powder supplementation on carcass traits and meat composition of thigh and breast. The experimental guinea fowls were randomly divided into five treatment groups viz. T1 control, T2 (2.0% fenugreek seed powder), T3 (1.0% kalonji seed powder), T4 (2.0% fenugreek +1.0% kalonji seed powder) and T5 (1.0% fenugreek + 0.5% kalonji seed powder), with two replications of ten guinea fowls each. The supplementation was done for 84 days. On 84th day, three guinea fowls from each replicate (6 guinea fowls/treatment) were sacrificed for study of carcass yield, cut up parts, organ weights and processing losses. The results indicated that dietary fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplementation in guinea fowls improved dressed yield in T4 group of guinea fowls. Cut up parts in terms of thigh weights were improved in fenugreek and kalonji seed powder supplemented groups with maximum weight observed in T5 group of guinea fowls whereas breast weight was significantly increased in T4 group of guinea fowls. From the results of present study, it can be concluded that combination of fenugreek (2%) and kalonji (1%) seed powder through feed may be advised to improve carcass yield in guinea fowls.

The effect of date seed powder supplementation on glycaemic markers and lipid profile in women with overweight and obesity: a randomised controlled trial

SummaryThis randomised controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of date kernel on glycaemic control, lipid profile, and weight in women with overweight and obesity. A total of 124 women with overweight or obesity were randomly assigned to receive the date kernel supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. In all, 98 subjects aged 40.7 years completed the trial (48 in the date kernel group and 50 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks, date kernel supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1c [mean (SD): −0.45 (0.36)] and fasting plasma glucose compared to the placebo [−0.16 (0.27)]. No significant change was observed in the lipid profiles of the total participants. However, date kernel decreased cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) in hypercholesterolaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic participants compared to the placebo. Date kernel improved glycaemic markers in overweight or obese women compared with the placebo. Furthermore, a significant reduction in total cholesterol and TG was observed only in hyperlipidaemic subjects. Date seed is a source of valuable components, including dietary fibre and bioactive compounds, that could provide economic, nutritional, and health benefits to the nutraceutical and food industries.

Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed powder on lipid profile: A single blind placebo controlled study

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the most prevalent risk factors contributing to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment of dyslipidemia reduces cardiovascular events. Fenugreek seed powder supplementation has lipid-lowering activity, but has not been studied extensively. In light of this, we undertook the present study at tertiary care hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, with the aim of studying the effect of fenugreek seed powder on serum lipid profile in patients with dyslipidemia &amp; to determine the adverse effects of it. Methods: The study was a single blind placebo controlled study conducted on 60 patients with dyslipidemia from June 2022 to November 2022, after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was found significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (237.32 to 204.51mg/dl) p value &lt;0.001, serum LDL cholesterol (154.69 to 133.88 mg/dl) p value &lt; 0.001 &amp; serum triglycerides (196.95 to 165.09 mg/dl) p &lt;0.01 with no effect on serum HDL cholesterol (41.11 to 38.92mg/dl) p &gt;0.05, without any major side effects. Conclusion: Fenugreek seed powder significantly lowers serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidemia patients, with no effect on serum HDL cholesterol levels. fenugreek seed powder supplementation considerably improves lipid Profile. Hence it could be well-thought-out as an effective lipid lowering nutritional supplement. Further high quality &amp; large scale studies are needed to decisively establish the clinical efficacy of fenugreek seed powder. Keywords: fenugreek seed powder; dyslipidemia; lipid profile; cholesterol; LDL; triglycerides; HDL

Performance of Broilers on Dietary Supplementation of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed During Monsoon Season

The present research work was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of black cumin seed feeding on the growth, feed efficiency, blood profile and economics of broiler production during summer season. For this, a total of 120 Cobb-400 strains of broilers were selected and subjected to four dietary treatments with 30 birds each having five replications per treatment. The birds of control group were offered standard broiler starter diet till 21 days and thereafter standard finisher diet up to 42 days. The birds of other groups were also offered the same diet as in control group along with black cumin seed powder supplementation at the rate of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% of the diet. In monsoon season, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in 2% and the poorest in 1% black cumin supplemented group. Black cumin seed had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on WBC, RBC, PCV and HDL.The haematological and biochemical parameters were found to have positive effect in the treatment groups as compared to control group. However, the control group had the highest net profit return as compared to the treatment groups at which positive effect of black cumin seed was not achieved in terms of economics. Hence, it was concluded that using of black cumin seed as herbal feed additive helps in the improvement of health condition of the birds.

Determination of Proximate Composition of Nigella sativa L. Seeds and its Effective Role in Improving Lipid Profile Among Hyperlipidaemic Women

Hyperlipidaemia is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of body’s plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol. Objective: To find out the proximate composition of Nigella sativa L. and its hypolipidemic effect on blood lipid profile among hyperlipidaemic women. Methods: To determine the proximate composition of Nigella sativa seed the kjeldhah method, soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, and AOAC procedure were used. For the identification of hypolipidemic impact, a total of 64 women with mild to moderate hyperlipidaemia, aged between 25-35 years were selected for the 8 weeks of study. The sample was selected from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. After removing physical contaminants like dirt, dust, and other foreign grains black seeds were air dried. After drying, seeds were grounded into fine powder by using commercial blender. Each capsule was prepared with 500mg powder of N. sativa, and was transferred in air tight jars. After screening the participants of experimental group, they were advised to use 2 capsules of N. sativa supplement before breakfast and two capsules in the afternoon prior to their meal for 8 weeks. Participants were also advised to follow the given 7-day diet plan for 8 weeks. The anthropometric measurements, biochemical evaluation (lipid profile), and dietary intake data were collected. Results: The mean age group of Hyperlipidaemic patients enrolled in study was 32.5±0.34 years. There was a significant reduction in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol level, and triglyceride levels with p-value less than 0.05. High density lipoprotein levels were also improved from 49.5±8.38mg/dl to 51.81±10.21mg/dl. Conclusion: The study concluded that Nigella sativa L. seed powder supplementation showed a significant improvement in lipid profile of hyperlipidaemia patients. The study found an increase in high density lipoprotein among patients.

Dietary Addition of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seed on the Performance of Broiler Chicken during Summer Season

A experiment was conducted with a total number of 120 Cobb-400 strains of broilers were selected and subjected to four dietary treatments with 30 birds each having five replications per treatment. The birds of control group 1were offered standard broiler starter diet till 21 days and thereafter standard finisher diet up to 42 days. The birds of other groups were also offered the same diet as in group 1 along with black cumin seed powder supplementation at the rate of 1.0 (Group 2), 2.0 (Group 3) and 3.0 (Group 4) % of the diet. The values for average body weight, gain in weight, feed consumption,feed conversion efficiency, performance index and carcass weight per bird during the summer season had not shown any impact irrespective of treatments but it had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on haemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and Cholesterol. There was no mortality and hence liveability percentage was 100 % in all groups. The dressing percentage, carcass yield and organ weight was found to be best in treatment groups than control. The haematological and biochemical parameters were found to have positive effect in the treatment groups than control. However, the control group had the highest net profit return than treatment groups. Hence, it was concluded that using of black cumin seed as herbal feed additive helps in the improvement of health condition of the birds.

Determination of Proximate Composition of N.Sativa L. Seeds and its Effective Role in Improving Lipid Profile among Hyperlipidemic Women

Objective: To find out the proximate composition of Nigella sativa L. and its hypolipidemic effect on blood lipid profile among hyperlipidemic women. Methodology: To determine the proximate composition of nigella sativa seed the kjeldhah method, soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether and AOAC procedure were used. To determine hypolipidemic impact a total of 64 mild to moderate hyperlipidemic women aged 25-35 years were selected for the 8 weeks of study. The sample was selected from the university of Lahore teaching hospital, Lahore. After removing physical contaminants like dirt, dust and foreign grains black seeds were air drayed. After drying seeds were ground into fine powder by using commercial blender. Each capsule was prepare containing 500 mg powder of N. Sativa, and transfer them in air tight jars. After screening the participants of experimental group were advised to use 2 capsule Nigella sativa supplement before breakfast and two capsules in the afternoon prior to their meal for 8 weeks .Participants were also be advised to follow the given 7-day diet plan for 8 weeks. The anthropometric measurements, biochemical evaluation (lipid profile) and dietary intake data were collected. Results: The mean age group of Hyperlipidemic patients enrolled in study was 32.5 ± 0.34 years. There was a significant reduction in Low density lipoprotein (LDL) Total Cholesterol levels and Triglycerides levels with p-value less than 0.05. High density lipoprotein levels were also improved from 49.5±8.38mg/dl to 51.81±10.21 mg/dl. Conclusion: The study concluded that Nigella sativa L. seed powder supplementation showed a significant improvement in lipid profile of hyperlipidemic patients. The study found an increase in high density lipoprotein among patients. Keywords: Nigella sativa L. seed powder, Black cumin, Blood Lipid profile, Hyperlipidemia, Hypolipidemia, Lipid ameliorating effect, Proximate analysis

Experimental study of the chemical and immunological properties of functional cookies fortified with pumpkin seed powder and its effects on hypoimmune experimental Rats

This study was conducted to estimate the influence of pumpkin seed powder supplementation on the chemical composition of cookies also immune system function in immunocompromised laboratory rats. The chemical composition of cookies made by replacing wheat flour with 15 and 30% of pumpkin seed powder was high in protein, fat, ash (minerals) and fiber, but low in carbohydrates. Twenty white male rats were divided into four groups, the first group, the negative control group (-V) were fed cookies made of 100% wheat flour. Laboratory animals were dosed in the following groups (the infected positive control group was fed cookies made from 100% wheat flour, groups (3 and 4) were fed cookies containing 15 and 30% of pumpkin seed powder, respectively) orally 0.3 μl Sandimmune Immunosuppressive for 7 days until symptoms of reduced immunity appear. The results indicated the immunocompromised rats that fed cookies containing (15 and 30%) of pumpkin seed powder led to a weight gain of the rats in groups 3 and 4, which was at 68 and 77 gm, respectively, compared to the infected control group, which was at 36 g. There was also a significant decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins and a significant increase (P &lt; 0.05) in high-density lipoproteins compared to the positive control group (infected). Moreover, immunosuppressed laboratory rats treated with cookies made with pumpkin seed powder had a significant effect on improving blood parameters (RBCs, Hb, HCT, WBC and Net) and the values average of immunoglobulins (IgM, IgA and IgG) compared to The positive (infected) control group. The current study recommended eating pumpkin seeds for patients with low immunity.

Impact of Flax Seed Powder Supplementation on the Anthropometry and Bio-chemical Parameters of Dyslipidemic Patients

Impact of Flax Seed Powder Supplementation on the Anthropometry and Bio-chemical Parameters of Dyslipidemic Patients

Effects of dietary fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, and carcass traits of broilers.

BackgroundWith the increasing demands in livestock and poultry breeding and the growing number of food-borne diseases, it is necessary to practice food safety and develop strategies to produce healthy livestock. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) has been used as an additive in poultry production by some researchers, but there are few studies on the systemic beneficial effects of dietary fennel seed powder supplementation on broilers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary fennel seed powder supplementation on feed intake, the apparent metabolic rate of nutrients, intestinal morphology, and carcass traits in Cobb broilers.MethodsA single-factor experimental design was used. In total, 160 1-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments, with four replicates each (n = 10/replicate). Broilers in the control (CN) group were fed a basal diet without fennel seed powder, and broilers in the treatment groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15% (LF), 0.30% (MF), or 0.45% (HF) fennel seed powder, respectively. Feeding trials lasted for 42 days under the conditions of ad libitum access to feed and water, and 24-h illumination. During the third and sixth weeks, digestive and metabolic assays were carried out. When the broilers were 42 days old, one chicken with a weight close to the average was selected from each repetition, euthanized by an intravenous injection of 5% sodium pentobarbital, and carcass traits were measured and intestinal samples were collected for morphological assessment.ResultsThere was no significant difference in growth performance of broilers (P > 0.05). The breast muscle percentage, fat width and fat width index, breast muscle area, and breast muscle area index of broilers in the LF group were higher than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Jejunum weight and length were higher in MF than in CN and LF broilers (P < 0.05). Additionally, duodenal villi height, ileal villi height, and ileal wall thickness were higher in MF than in CN broilers (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in nutrient utilization among all groups (P > 0.05), except that the ash apparent metabolic rate in MF broilers at 21 days of age was higher than that in LF broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a moderate concentration of fennel affects carcass performance, and intestinal morphology, and promotes the growth and development of broilers.

Dietary Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Seed Powder Supplementation Had No Adverse Effects on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

The present study was conducted to explore the usage of different levels of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed powder (CSP) in quail nutrition as a natural growth promoter. One hundred (one-day-old) unsexed quail chicks were randomly divided into five groups of similar mean weight (8.8 g), each with five replicates of four chicks. The control group received a basal diet. For the other groups, the basal diet was supplemented with 1, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg CSP. The observed variables included growth performance, carcass parts and internal organ weights. Results showed that CSP did not affect the observed variables statistically. However, the best FCR ratio was observed in an 8 g/kg CSP group. Similarly, the highest live weight among the animals slaughtered in all groups in the study was again in the same group (8 g/kg CSP: 304.9 g), but no statistical difference between was observed with all groups. There was no incidence of any mortality or any signs of the adverse effects of CSP during the experimental period. Dietary CSP supplementation had not any adverse effects on growth performance and carcass parts weight. Consequently, further studies are needed to investigate the effects of CSP on the meat quality and digestive system in poultry.

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with the Moringa oleifera Seed Powder on the Performance, Egg Quality, and Gene Expression in Japanese Laying Quail under Heat-Stress.

Simple SummaryThe debilitating effect of heat stress on egg production is well known, but its mechanism is not understood. Some studies attribute for this bad effect on the reduction in feed intake to high temperature or the relation between heat stress and reproductive and ovarian dysfunction, which cause a lowering in egg production. Heat stress directly affects ovarian function by altering the secretion of ovarian hormones such as prolactin. Moringa seed powder plays an effective role in overcoming the effect of heat stress, through the flavonoids and other phenolic compounds present in it. Hence, we investigated the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera seed powder with different concentrations, on egg production, egg quality trait, and the expression levels of selected ovarian genes in quail layers subject to heat stress. We found that supplementing laying Japanese quail feed with the Moringa oleifera seed powder at level 0.3% enhanced resistance to heat stress condition and consequently improved egg productivity.This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three concentrations of the Moringa oleifera seed powder as a feed supplement on the productive performance and egg quality traits of laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) exposed to heat stress. The expression patterns of the genes estrogen receptors (ESR2), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) were estimated in ovaries, using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 200 laying quail aged seven weeks were randomly allocated to the following four experimental groups—the control (CNT), T1, T2, and T3 groups; each group comprised 50 quail females with 5 replicates (10 per group). The CNT group was fed a basal diet, whereas the T1, T2, and T3 groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% M. oleifera seed powder, respectively. The results revealed that the T3 group showed the highest hen-day egg production (%) as well as the highest egg yolk index. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio improved significantly (p < 0.05) with increased concentrations of the M. oleifera seed powder supplementation. Furthermore, the mRNA expressions of ESR2, FSHR, and STAR increased significantly in the T3 group, compared to those in the CNT group. Alterations in ovarian gene expressions corresponded to the reproductive patterns of the treated Japanese quail. Thus, it was concluded that the supplementation of the Japanese quail feed with 0.3% M. oleifera seed powder during the laying period might enhance resistance to heat stress and consequently improve egg productivity.

Effects of Fennel Seed Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Economic Efficiency of Broilers under Thermoneutral and Chronic Heat Stress Conditions.

Simple SummaryNowadays, great attention has been given to phytogenic products as a growth enhancer due to their safety and eco-friendly influences on animal nutrition. Thus, this investigation looked at the use of fennel seed powder at 0, 1.6, and 3.2% as a dietary additive on the performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and efficiency of the production of broiler chickens raised under thermoneutral and chronic heat stress conditions. In essence, 3.2% fennel seed powder in the diet of broilers enhanced the growth rate under chronic heat stress and decreased breast meat redness and temperature, suggesting that 3.2% fennel seed could be used as an agent for enhancing the broiler’s tolerance during chronic heat stress (CHS) condition from 19 to 41 days of age.Nowadays, phytogenic products have received great attention as a growth promoter due to their safety and environmentally friendly effect as a replacement for classical growth promoters such as antibiotics in animal nutrition. Thus, this research seeks the possibility of using fennel seed powder (FSP) as a dietary additive from 19 to 41 days of age on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and production efficiency of broiler chickens raised under thermoneutral and chronic heat stress conditions. Thus, 216 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks were divided into two equal groups. The first group was placed in an independent temperature-controlled room at 23 ± 2 °C. The broiler chicks from the second group were placed in a heat-stressed room and exposed to chronic heat stress conditions (32 ± 2 °C) for seven hours per day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The experimental design was 2 × 3 factorial including two environmental temperatures (thermoneutral vs chronic heat stress) and three experimental diets that contained 0, 1.6, and 3.2% FSP. The chickens were randomly assigned to 18-floor pens per room temperature, representing six replicates per treatment and six birds per replicate. The results showed that dietary fennel seed powder during days 19–41 of age enhanced the growth rate of broiler chickens and improved breast meat redness and reduced temperature under chronic heat stress. In conclusion, 3.2% of fennel seed powder could be used as an agent for enhancing the broiler’s tolerance during chronic heat stress condition from 19 to 41 days of age. Moreover, it is necessary to study in further detail the nitrite and nitrate contents in FSP and their impacts on muscle redness (a*) as well as muscle temperature.