Soybean Meal In Broiler Diets Research Articles

Partial replacement of soybean with alternative protein sources: Effects on meat quality, sensory attributes, and fatty acids and amino acids content of breast meat of a local chicken strain.

The environmental sustainability of soybean cultivation has been questioned as it has been linked to deforestation, eutrophication, pesticide use, and carbon dioxide footprint. Agri-industrial byproducts and black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal are promising alternative protein sources that can be used to partly replace soybean in broiler diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of partial replacement of soybeans with agro-industrial by-products with or without the addition of BSF dried larvae meal on the meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid content, and sensory traits of breast meat of local chickens. A total of 252 one-day-old mixed-sex chicks from the Anadolu-T pure dam line were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets; a soybean-based Control diet, a diet in which soybean meal was partly replaced (SPR) with brewers' dried grain, sunflower seed meal, and wheat middlings and an SPR + BSF diet in which 5% of BSF dried larva meal was added to the SPR diet. All birds were slaughtered at a commercial slaughterhouse at 55 days and breast and drumstick muscles were sampled for meat quality analysis from 18 chickens/dietary treatments. No significant effects of diets were observed for the pH24 and lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast and leg meats. Thawing loss significantly decreased and cooking loss increased in the breast meat of chickens fed the SPR + BSF compared with those fed Control and SPR diets. Diets did not affect either texture profile or consumer sensory properties of breast meat. The chickens fed the SPR + BSF had the highest total saturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid content in breast meat than those fed the Control and SPR diets. The essential and nonessential amino acid content of breast meat decreased by the SPR diet compared with the SPR + BSF diet. The chickens fed SPR + BSF diet had higher values of tasty, aromatic, and umami-related amino acids than those fed SPR and Control diets. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that agri-industrial byproducts with or without BSF larvae meal could be used to partially replace soybean meal in broiler diets without affecting technological meat quality traits. The addition of BSF larvae meal to the diet along with agri-industrial by-products improved the amino acid content of the breast meat of chickens but reduced polyunsaturated fatty acid levels.

Fermented soybean meal in broiler diets exposed to stress induced by corticosterone: Effect on growth performance, gut health and immune response

Aim of study: To investigate the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on responses of broiler chickens exposed to stress condition. Material and methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight day-old male chickens were allocated to six treatments in a 2 × 3 completely randomized factorial design involving two factors: factor 1 was the subcutaneous injections of CORT or corn oil (as control) at 2 mg/kg body weight twice per day during 3 days; and factor 2 were 3 levels (0, 10 and 20%) of FSBM in replacement of the original soybean meal. Main results: The replacement of soybean meal by FSBM increased FI and BWG without any significant effect on FCR (10 days), while FCR was increased significantly by CORT injection. Corticosterone injection caused a significant decrease in the ratio of villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD) in the duodenum and jejunum. The height of villi in the duodenum increased significantly at 20% FSBM replacement. The antibody titers against Newcastle disease (28 and 2 day), coliform count (28 day) and activity of digestive enzymes (10 day) were not affected by either FSBM replacement or CORT injections. Corticosterone injection significantly increased tall-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression, while decreased heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) expression. FSBM replacement down-regulated the expression of TLR4, HSP70, and IgA in small intestine compared to the control group. In stress condition induced by CORT injection, 10% FSBM replacement decreased HSP70 and IgA expression in the jejunum and ileum, while had no effects on TLR4. Research highlights: Partial replacement of soybean meal by FSBM in diets had positive effects on performance, intestinal morphology and immune response in chicks exposed to stress.

The apparent metabolisable energy and ileal amino digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal for broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and standardised amino acid digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for broiler chickens. 2. The BSFL contained, on a g/kg dry matter basis: crude protein, 486; crude fat, 320; ash, 58.5; neutral detergent fibre, 181; calcium, 6.8 and phosphorus, 9.1. 3. In Experiment 1, an AME assay was performed wherein broilers were fed two experimental diets (a maize-soy basal diet and a test diet containing 250 g/kg BSFL) for 4 d from d 18 posthatch. The AME of BSFL was calculated based on the difference between the AME values of basal and test diets. The AME and nitrogen-corrected AME were determined to be 19.1and 18.0 MJ/kg of dry matter, respectively. 4. In Experiment 2, the ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of BSFL was determined using 22-d-old broilers by the direct method and the digesta was collected on d 25. The ratios between the AA and titanium in the diet and digesta were used to calculate the apparent digestibility and then standardised using previously published endogenous losses to estimate the SIDC of AA. The SIDC of Lys, Met, Thr, Val and average SIDC of AA in our BSFL sample were 0.85, 0.90, 0.91, 0.87 and 0.84, respectively. 5. The findings showed that the BSFL meal is a good source of available energy and digestible AA, and could be a potential substitute for soybean meal in broiler diets.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant state, ileal histomorphometry, and cecal ecology of broilers fed on fermented canola meal with and without exogenous enzymes

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets that includes fermented canola meal on performance, nutrient digestibility, biochemical indication, antioxidative capacity, digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and gut health. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (5 replicate/group), the first group: a control (CON) contained a basal diet, and the second to the fifth groups were fed diets as follows: containing 20% canola meal (CM), contains 20% fermented canola meal (FCM), contains 20% canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (ECM), and contains 20% fermented canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (EFC), respectively. At the finisher phase, the best body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient utilization were associated with chickens fed EFC compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and superoxide dismutase levels increased (P < 0.05), while cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels decreased in chickens fed on EFC. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and antibody titer against Newcastle disease, whereas the weight of abdominal fat decreased in the EFC group compared to other groups. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the activity of lipase and amylase enzymes (P < 0.05) in the EFC group. Fermented canola meal addition improved gut health (decreased Escherichia coli, increased Lactobacillus, and the highest values of villus height). Overall, these results confirmed that supplementing a fermented canola meal diet with exogenous enzymes improved growth performance through enhancing nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut health. Thus, adding enzymes to a diet containing fermented canola meal can be recommended as an alternative protein source that could be safely used to replace up to 20% soybean meal in broiler diets.

Effects of Lupin Kernel (Lupinus angustifolius) and Faba Bean (Vicia faba) on Growth Performance and Hepatic Fatty Acid Profiles in Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding lupin kernel and faba bean as an alternative to soybean meal on the growth performance, blood profiles, relative organ weight, and hepatic fatty acid composition of broiler chicks. A total of 525, 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly assigned into five groups with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of five experimental diets; corn-soybean meal without lupin or faba bean (as control), diets with lupin 5% or 10%, and diets with faba bean 5% or 10%. The body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were not significantly different among the groups during starter period. However, BW and ADG of chicks fed diets with 10% lupin and faba bean were significantly higher than those of 5% lupin and faba bean during grower period (p<0.01). The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in the group fed diets with 10% lupin and faba bean than the control during total rearing periods (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in blood profiles among the groups. As for the hepatic fatty acid composition, the levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total ω6 in chicks fed lupin and faba bean were significantly higher than the control. It was suggested that dietary lupin and faba bean could enhance the incorporation of the beneficial fatty acids into liver fraction. In conclusion, supplementation of lupin and faba bean up to 10% can be used as an alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets.

Effect of dietary incorporation of peanut and linseed meals with or without enzyme mixture on physiological performance of broilers

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of feeding peanut meal and linseed meal (LSM) with or without enzyme mixture on growth, plasma metabolites, muscle amino acid (AA) profile, nutrient digestibility, and expression of nutrient absorption-related genes in broilers. A total of 560 one-day-old Cobb-500 male broiler chicks were distributed into eight experimental treatments (7 replications of 10 chicks each) as follows: This study was designed by using 560 one-day-old Cobb-500 male broiler chicks were distributed into eight experimental groups (7 replications of 10 chicks each) to evaluate the differences in body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion rate, carcass parts, blood biochemical and mRNA expression genes. Group 1 (C) control fed the basal diet without supplements, Group 2 (C + E) is control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture, Group 3 (C + PNM100) is control group fed 100 kg/ton peanut meal, Group 4 (C + E + PNM100) is a control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture and 100 kg/ton peanut meal, Group 5 (C + LSM100) is a control group fed on 100 kg/ton linseed meal, Group 6 (C + E + LSM100) is a control group fed on 350 g/ton enzyme mixture and 100 kg/ton linseed meal, Group 7 (C + PNM50 + LSM50) is control group fed on 50 kg/ton peanut meal and 50 kg/ton linseed meal. Group 8 (C + E + PNM50 + LSM50) is the control group fed on 50 kg/ton peanut meal and 50 kg/ton linseed meal. Each gram of the enzyme mixture contains 11,000 U Xylanase, 6000 U Cellulase, 700 U β-Mannanase, 1500 U Phytase, 5 mg α-Amylase, and 2 mg Protease. No differences in Bodyweight, Bodyweight gain, Feed intake, and carcass parts were noticed among experimental groups, while abdominal fat (%) and FCR were reduced (P < 0.05) in PNM50 + LSM50 + E and LSM100 groups. Plasma metabolites were not altered except total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL, reduced (P < 0.01) in treated birds. Dietary inclusion of 100 kg PNM or LSM reduced (P < 0.05) methionine concentration in muscle, while all remaining AA and ammonia concentrations were unaffected. Hepatic MDA contents were reduced (P < 0.001) in treated groups. Nutrient digestibility was not altered among groups except for protein digestibility, which was elevated (P < 0.05) in PNM50 + LSM50 + E, E, and PNM100 + E groups. The highest mRNA expressions of PepT1, APN, SGLT1, HMGCR, GHr, and IGF-1 genes were noticed in PNM50 + LSM50 + E. Conclusively, PNM and LSM can efficiently substitute corn and soybean meal in broiler diets, particularly when fortified with exogenous enzymes, without negative impacts on broiler performance.

Growth performance, carcass traits and gut health of broiler chickens fed diets incorporated with single cell protein.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate single cell protein (SCP), produced from Methylococcus species, as a protein source on the growth performance, carcass traits and gut health of broiler chickens.MethodsTen iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets containing 0 (Control), 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% SCP replacing either soybean meal (T1 to T5) or fish meal (T6 to T10) were formulated. Each diet prepared for starter (0 to 14 days), grower (15 to 21 days), and finisher (22 to 42 days) phases was offered to four replicates of 10 chicks each (n = 400). Growth performance at different phases and carcass characteristics and intestinal morphology on 42nd day of trial were measured.ResultsBody weight gain in groups fed 2.5% and 5% SCP diets were comparable to control during different phases and cumulatively, however lower (p<0.01) in 7.5% and 10% SCP diets. Feed conversion ratio was better (p<0.01) in 2.5% and 5% SCP diets. Dressing percentage, abdominal fat percentage and meat:bone ratio were not affected (p>0.05) by SCP inclusion in the diets. However, breast percentage was higher (p<0.01) in 2.5% and 5% SCP groups and thigh percentage higher in 7.5% and 10% SCP groups. Total microbial count in duodenum, jejunum and ileum were not affected (p>0.05) by SCP inclusion up to 10% in diets. Duodenal villi length and crypt depth were highest (p<0.01) in group fed 5% SCP diets and lowest in group fed 10% SCP diets. Jejunal villi length and crypt depth as well as ileal villi length were lowest (p<0.01) in group fed 10% SCP diets. Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and gut health were better (p<0.01) in broilers fed fish meal based diets compared to soybean meal based diets.ConclusionIt was concluded that inclusion of SCP up to 5% replacing soybean meal in broiler diets is beneficial in improving growth rate, breast yield and gut health status.

Evaluation of Muscle Chemical and Amino Acids Composition in Broiler Chicks Fed Sorghum or Sorghum-Pea Diets

ABSTRACT The study evaluated the chemical and amino acids (AA) composition of breast and thigh muscle in broilers fed sorghum and sorghum-pea diets, as partial substitute of corn and soybean meal (SBM). A total of 540 3-wk-old broilers (Cobb 500) randomly assigned to three groups were fed with corn-SBM control diet (C), corn-sorghum-SBM diet (S) and corn-sorghum-peas-SBM diet (SP) for finisher phase. At slaughter, muscle samples were collected for chemical analyses. The results showed that dietary sorghum or sorghum-pea inclusion did not affect (p>0.05) the chemical composition (dry matter, protein, fat and ash) of broilers muscle tissue. The total AA (TAA), essential AA (EAA) or flavour-related AA (FAA) concentrations from breast or thigh muscle did not differ (p>0.05) between treatments. A significant effect (p<0.05) was found for some individual EAA. The valine and phenylalanine concentrations were higher, and cysteine and methionine levels were lower in both muscles than the C group. The higher deposition (p<0.05) was found for most AA, except glycine and arginine, in the breast vs thigh, as an effect of muscle tissue. As results, the TAA, EAA, NEAA, FAA and EAA/NEAA ratio increased in the breast vs thigh muscle. Interactions between diets and muscle tissue were noticed for serine, threonine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine, TAA and EAA. In conclusion, sorghum or sorghum-peas can partially substitute the corn and SBM in broiler diets, with no adverse effects on chemical composition and beneficial nutrients, such as EAA and FAA that are important for the nutritional quality of meat.

The effects of high-oleic peanuts as an alternative feed ingredient on broiler performance, ileal digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy, and histology of the intestine.

Locally grown feed ingredients of high energy and protein content, such as peanuts, maybe economically feasible alternatives to corn and soybean meal in broiler diets. Even though normal-oleic peanuts have been demonstrated to be a viable feed ingredient for poultry, few studies to date have examined the use of high-oleic peanuts (HO PN) as an alternative feed ingredient for broiler chickens. Thus, we aimed to determine the effect of feeding HO PN on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Three isocaloric, isonitrogenous experimental diets were formulated with 1) dietary inclusion of ~10% coarse-ground whole HO PN; 2) a corn-soybean meal control diet with 5.5% added poultry fat; and 3) a control diet supplemented with 5.5% oleic fatty acid oil. Three-hundred Ross 708 broilers were randomly placed in 10 replicate pens per treatment with 10 chicks per pen and raised until 42 d. Body weights (BW) and feed intake were determined weekly, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Jejunum samples were collected at 42 d for histomorphometric analysis. Analysis of variance was performed on all variables using a general linear mixed model in JMP Pro14. Broilers in the HO PN group had lower (P < 0.05) BW and higher FCR than other treatment groups at weeks 2 and 6. There were no significant differences in the jejunum villi surface area between the treatment groups. However, broilers fed the HO PN diet had greater (P = 0.019) apparent metabolizable energy relative to the other treatment groups, suggesting improved nutrient uptake of dietary fats and/or carbohydrates in the HO PN treatment group. However, additional studies are warranted to further define the nutritional value of HO PN as an alternative poultry feed ingredient.

Effects of partial replacement of soybean meal in broiler diets with gelatin and mono-component protease on growth performance, carcass and blood biochemical characteristics, lipid oxidation of meat, and economics

Context Gelatin, presently a waste material from animal tissues and bones, may be suitable as a partial dietary replacement for soybean meal. In combination with protease, it may enhance growth performances of broiler chickens. However, limitations when introducing gelatin, are its unusual amino acid profile and digesta viscosity. Aim An experiment was conducted to elucidate effects on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass and meat characteristics, and feed costs of partial replacement of soybean meal with gelatin and protease in broilers diets. Methods The experimental design was a factorial arrangement of two levels of mono-component protease (0 and 200 g/t diet) and four levels of gelatin (0%, 2.82%, 4.23% and 5.64% of the diet) with six replicates and 15 male broiler chickens in each pen. Key results The higher levels of gelatin inclusion decreased bodyweight and increased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001), whereas addition of enzyme improved both parameters (P < 0.001). Higher gelatin inclusion levels decreased abdominal fat, and enzyme addition resulted in greater carcass yield (P < 0.001). European performance efficiency factor reduced with incremental gelatin levels but increased with enzyme inclusion (P < 0.001). Feed cost per bird was reduced at higher gelatin inclusion levels, more so in the protease-treated diets up to 4.23% inclusion level. Lipid peroxidation values for breast and thigh meat decreased significantly with gelatin inclusion in the absence of protease but increased in the presence of protease. Breast and thigh lipid peroxidation was reduced (P < 0.001) by supplementation of protease in the control diet. Conclusions The results suggest that the performance-depressing effects of gelatin can be overcome to some extent by inclusion of a protease. Implications The use of gelatin may reduce dependence on soybean meal and reduce costs by using what is at present a waste material. Consideration is needed of the digestible amino acid profile of gelatin, and choice of more effective enzymes to reduce deleterious effects of gelatin.

Efficiency of using high-protein soybean meal in feeding broilers of cross-breed ROSS-PM3

The use of high-protein soybean meal in broiler diets provided for 38 days of fattening obtaining live weight of 2,336 g, average daily gain in live weight of 60.4 g, which is higher than in the control group by 135 g and 3.5 g, respectively. The highest rates were observed in chickens that consumed compound feed with high protein soybean meal, which was characterized by a high content of crude protein (47.0%) and good protein solubility (77.8%). It is proved that the use of soybean meal with a high content of SP 47.0% versus 42.0%, increases the live weight of chickens and reduces feed costs per 1 kilo of live weight gain.

Partial replacement of soybean products with canola meal in indigenous chicken diets: size of internal organs, carcass characteristics and breast meat quality

While the use of canola meal (CM) as an alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets is well-documented, there is no information on the utility of this valuable by-product for slow-growing indigenous chickens. This study was, therefore, conducted to evaluate the effects of partially replacing soybean products in a chicken grower diet with graded levels of CM on carcass characteristics, relative organ sizes and meat quality in Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) cockerels. A total of 175 PK cockerels (342.6 ± 15.2 g body weight, 5 wk old) were randomly allocated to 25 pens. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic grower diets containing 0, 3.75, 6.25, 8.75, and 17.5% of CM were then randomly allocated to the pens (experimental units). After 12 wk of feeding, chickens were slaughtered to measure carcass traits, size of internal organs and meat quality traits. There were no effects of graded levels of CM on carcass weights. Wing weight increased quadratically [y = 6.27(±0.23) + 0.23 (±0.063) x–0.009 (±0.0003) x2; R2 = 0.28] in response to incremental levels of dietary CM. Drumstick, vertebrae, liver, and small intestine weights linearly increased (P < 0.05) in response to incremental levels of dietary CM. Redness (a*), initial meat pH (pHo), and shear force linearly increased (P < 0.05) but lightness (L*) and water holding capacity decreased with an increase in CM inclusion levels. However, there were no significant linear and quadratic trends for yellowness (b*), ultimate pH (pHu), drip loss, and cooking loss in response to incremental levels of CM. There were also significant quadratic trends for mineral contents of the meat with the exception of iron (Fe). It can be concluded that inclusion of CM in place of soybean products had no negative impact on carcass traits, organ size and meat quality traits of indigenous PK chickens.

Additivity of apparent and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of corn and soybean meal in broiler diets.

A total of 144 male Ross 308 broiler chickens were used in a digestibility bioassay to determine the additivity of apparent or standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility values for corn, soybean meal (SBM), or a mixture of corn and SBM. Following the receipt of a standard commercial starter diet from days 1 to 21, broilers were divided into 4 treatments (6 cages per treatment; 6 birds per cage) and received semi-purified diets based on corn, SBM, or a mixture of corn and SBM or a nitrogen-free diet (for the estimation of basal endogenous AA losses). Apparent and standardized ileal AA digestibility values were determined on day 28 and the measured values for the mixture of corn and SBM were statistically compared to calculated values based on the digestibility of the individual raw materials and their concentration in the mixed diet. The use of apparent ileal AA digestibility values for single ingredients resulted in an underestimation (P < 0.05) of the digestibility of the mixed feed for nitrogen, Lys, Arg, Thr, Asp, and Gly. Correction of apparent digestibility values to standardized values entirely corrected the underestimation in the mixed feed and resulted in a predictable linearity from single ingredients to the mixed diet. It can be concluded that standardized ileal AA digestibility values are more additive than apparent values and should be used, where possible, to enhance the accuracy of feed formulation and reduce both the diet cost and the environmental impact of nitrogenous pollution.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens

A research was conducted with four weeks old mixed sex Arbor Acres strain of broiler chickens (n = 200) to study the effect of equi-protein replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) on carcass characteristics and meat quality potentials of broiler finishers. Five experimental diets were formulated in which the dietary SBM was partially replaced with MLM at 0, 12.50, 25, 37.50, and 50% graded levels to form T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Each treatment was allotted 40 birds with 10 birds per replicate to make up 4 replicates in a treatment. The experiment lasted for 28 days during which feed and water were offered without restrictions. At the end of the feeding trial, 2 birds per replicate were sacrificed after initial mechanical stunning to assess carcass and organ characteristics, skin and shank pigmentation and palatability of cooked meat. The weight of broiler prime cuts such as the thigh, breast and drum stick were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Abdominal fat pad reduced significantly (p&lt;0.05) with increased level of MLM supplementations in broilers’ diets. No significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in the values recorded for cooking loss, however, in thaw loss, breast and drumstick recorded the highest (p&lt;0.05) values of 15.48±1.81 and 4.05±0.78 in T1 respectively. Skin and shank pigmentation scores increased (p&lt;0.05) with increased levels of dietary MLM but the general acceptability scores of boiled chicken meat revealed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference. The present results indicate that MLM replacing SBM in broiler diets can improve significantly (p&lt;0.05) carcass yield and abdominal fat reduction. Skin and shank colouration improved (p&lt;0.05) and no adverse effect was observed in various internal organs compared with birds on the control diet.

Humic acid and enzymes inclusion in canola-based diets generate different responses in growth performance, protein utilization dynamics, and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of a humic acid and enzymes on growth performance, protein utilization, and blood parameters in broilers fed canola-based diets. Canola meal (CM) is characterized as low protein compared to soybean meal. Two-hundred-twenty broiler chickens were randomly allotted to the following 5 dietary treatments: 1. Control (commercial broiler diet); 2. CM (17.5% canola meal inclusion); 3. CMEnz (CM + 0.3g/kg enzymes [Axtra XAP]); 4. CMPh (CM + 1.5% potassium humate, PH) and 5. CMEnzPh (CM + 1.5% PH + 0.3g/kg Axtra XAP). Each treatment was replicated 4 times with each pen holding 11 birds as the experimental unit. The feeding trial was conducted over a grower (15 to 28 d) and a finisher phase (29 to 42 d). Diet did not affect (P > 0.05) feed intake across either grower or finisher phase but affected average daily gain (ADG) in the grower phase. In the grower phase, broilers fed CM had the highest ADG (71± 1.08g/d), while the control (63.75 ± 1.08g/d) had the lowest. However, control chickens had the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.65), while those fed CM (1.47) had the lowest. Diet significantly affected total white blood cell and white blood cell differential, which were consistently high in broilers fed CMEnzPh. With regard to serum metabolites, CM had the highest levels (P < 0.05) of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (406.86 ± 38.07 IU/L), while CMEnzPh (254.17 ± 41.11 IU/L) had the lowest levels. Additionally, broilers fed CMPh had the highest (P < 0.05) serum sodium content (150.57 ± 0.69mmol/l). Overall, canola meal, in the presence of enzymes and humic acid, was shown to have great potential as an alternative replacement of soybean meal in broiler diets. The findings from the study can, therefore, contribute to the design of low-cost canola-based feed formulations that will improve growth performance and health status in poultry farming systems in the future.

The influences of feeding broilers on graded inclusion of sunflower meal with or without Avizyme on growth, protein and energy efficiency, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility

The present study aimed to investigate the substituting effect of sunflower meal (SFM) for soybean meal (SBM) with or without supplemental Avizyme on growth performance, protein and energy efficiency ratios, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A 4 × 2 factorial design experiment was conducted with four levels of SFM replacing SBM (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) and two levels of supplemented Avizyme (0 or 0.1 g/kg diet). Results revealed that increasing SFM substitution for SBM up to 50% was associated with an increase in body weight (P < 0.01). Daily weight gain was statistically (P < 0.01) enhanced with increasing SFM up to 50% through 22 to 42 and 7 to 42 days of age. Feed conversion ratio improved (P < 0.01) in groups given SFM at 25% and 50% compared to the control. No carcass values were affected by SFM inclusion or Avizyme. The inclusion of 25% or 50% SFM increased (P < 0.01) protein efficiency at periods of 7?21 and 22?42 days of age. Energy efficiency ratio improved (P < 0.01) due to SFM incorporation at levels of 25% or 50% in all periods. The interaction effect between SFM and Avizyme was not significant on a majority of studied parameters. The digestion coefficients of crude fiber, N-free extract, and organic matter increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with increased levels of SFM. In conclusion, the incorporation of SFM as a substitute for SBM in broiler diets improved the growth performance of broilers. The use of SFM up to 50% without Avizyme supplementation could be recommended in broiler diets from 7 to 42 days of age.

Meat Quality Derived from High Inclusion of a Micro-Alga or Insect Meal as an Alternative Protein Source in Poultry Diets: A Pilot Study.

The effects on meat quality resulting from alternative dietary protein sources (Spirulina and Hermetia meal) in poultry diets are studied to determine the overall suitability of these ingredients considering state-of-the-art packaging practices—highly oxygenated modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx MAP). We monitored standard slaughterhouse parameters, such as live weight, carcass weight, dressed yield, and pH at 20 min and 24 h post mortem. In addition, we studied the effects that 3 and 7-day storage in HiOx MAP has on the overall product physico-chemical and sensory properties. In addition to previously supported effects of HiOx MAP, we found that meat quality could be improved when Spirulina replaces 50% of the soy protein in broiler diets; however, this substitution results in a dark reddish-yellowish meat colour. On the other hand, the substitution with Hermetia larval meal results in a product that does not differ from the standard fed control group, with the exception that the breast filet has a more intense flavour that decreases over storage time. All-in-all Spirulina and Hermetia meal have the potential to replace soybean meal in broiler diets without deteriorating meat quality.

Supplementation of broiler diets with high levels of microbial protease and phytase enables partial replacement of commercial soybean meal with raw, full-fat soybean.

A 3×3+1 factorial, involving three levels of protease (0, 15,000 or 30,000 PROT/kg) and three levels of phytase (1,000, 2,000 or 3,000 FYT/kg), was used to evaluate the effect of replacing commercial soybean meal (SBM) with raw, full-fat soybean (RFSB) at 75g/kg of diet for broilers. A control diet was used for comparison. Each treatment was replicated six times, with nine birds per replicate. The concentration of trypsin inhibitors (TIs) in the test diets was approximately 10,193.4TIU/kg. Regardless of enzyme supplementation, feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) of birds in the control group were superior to those on the test diets. Birds that received the protease-free test diets had reduced FI and BWG, but when supplemented with protease, were similar to the control diet in BWG, FI (except 0-35days) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). When the test diet was supplemented with elevated levels (extradose) of protease and phytase, the BWG was improved during 0-10days (p=.05) and 0-24days (p<.01). Regardless of protease supplementation, the weight of thighs was lower for birds fed the test diets. Birds that received the control diet had smaller weight of pancreas. Increasing the level of phytase supplementation reduced (p<.05) the weight of the pancreas. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of CP and AA was higher in birds on the control diets, but this was also improved in test diets by protease supplementation. The activities of trypsin (7%), general proteolytic (11%) and lipase (12%) were slightly increased because of protease supplementation. Mucosal depth and apparent villus surface areas were increased by about 2.9% and 20%, respectively, due to supplementation of elevated level of phytase. It can be concluded that RFSB could partially replace SBM in broiler diets, provided the diets are supplemented with elevated levels of protease and phytase.

Yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor, L.) as a possible alternative to soybean meal in broiler diets

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with Tenebrio molitor larvae (TML) meal in broiler diets.A total of 80 30-d-old male Shaver brown broilers were divided into two groups fed on two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets differing for protein source (SBM vs. TML).Up to 62 d of age, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and European efficiency factor (EEF) were calculated. At 62 d, blood samples were collected from 16 birds/group for evaluation of blood profiles.Feed intake was not different between groups considering the entire period of the trial. The FCR was more favourable in the TML than SBM group from 46 d of age and in the entire period of the trial (4.13 vs. 3.62). The PER was higher in the SBM than in the TML group (1.92 vs. 1.37) while the EEF was higher in broilers fed on the TML diet (132.6 vs. 156.2).Albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher in broilers fed on SBM than in the other group (0.44 vs. 0.30). aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher in TML than SBM (195.1 vs. 178.6 U/l and 82.07 vs. 46.71 U/l, respectively). Uric acid was higher in broilers fed on SBM than TML (5.40 vs. 4.16 mg/dl).TML did not affect feed intake and growth rate of broilers from 30 to 62 d of age when compared to an isoproteic and isoenergetic SBM diet, but FCR of the TML group was more favourable than that of the SBM group. The lowest albumin-to-globulin ratio in broilers fed on TML suggests a higher immune response, probably due to the prebiotic effects of chitin.

Evaluation of the partial replacement of high-protein feedstuff with fermented soybean meal in broiler diets

SUMMARY High inclusion of dietary fermented soybean meal (FSBM), as reported in previous studies on poultry production, is less applicable because of the increased cost. Therefore, we sought out a new cost-effective application strategy in which FSBM was incorporated into broiler diets at a low inclusion rate (1 to 3%) to replace a portion of other dietary high-protein feedstuff sources, including fish meal, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal. The ADG was not adversely affected by partial replacement of FSBM. However, birds fed the diets containing 3% FSBM had an improved FCR during the starter period (P 0.05). In conclusion, equal replacement of other high-protein feedstuff sources with 2 or 3% FSBM in broiler diets is a new and cost-effective application strategy, which spares the use of fish meal or corn gluten meal and soybean meal in the current study.