Visceral Organ Weights Research Articles

Dietary Chlorella vulgaris mitigates aflatoxin B1 toxicity in broiler chicken: Toxicopathological, hematobiochemical and immunological perspectives

Mycotoxins are the chemical substances, produced as the secondary metabolites of some toxigenic species of fungi which cause critical health issues in humans, birds and different animal species while Chlorella vulgaris (CV) is a unicellular microalga which contains plenty of important nutritional ingredients. This study was planned to evaluate the toxicopathological, hematobiochemical and immune changes incurred by dietary supplementation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and their mitigation through CV in broilers. For this study to be conducted, 180 broiler birds of one day old were uniformly distributed into six (06) groups and administered various combinations of AFB1 (200 μg/kg) or CV (0.5 and 1.0%) and the duration of the experiment was 42 days. Parameters deliberated were body weight, feed intake, relative visceral organ weights, gross and histopathological examination, hematological parameters (erythrocytic and leukocytic count, hematocrit and hemoglobin), serum biochemical analysis (serum total proteins, ALT, globulin, albumin, creatinine and urea), humoral response against sheep RBCs, response to subcutaneous injection of phytohemagglutinin-P and phagocytic system function assay. The results of this experiment confirmed that 1.0% CV efficiently mitigated AFB1 induced alterations in the studied parameters while this mitigation was partial when 0.5% CV was used with AFB1. Further studies in this regard are still needed to investigate the exact AFB1:CV ratio responsible for complete amelioration.

Effects of Carica Papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on the Production Performance of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: Poultry feed management requires novel dietary additives to enhance chicken performance and manage feed availability. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on different growth indicators, such as body weight, carcass yield, feed intake, and conversion rate of Bovans brown male broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A randomized complete block design with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used to study the effect of the combination supplementation of the 10% CPL with FW at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Both additives combination treatment was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, a total of 160-day-old male Bovans brown broilers with 39-40g body weight were used in the current study. The duration of the study was 20 days (from the 16th to 35th days of age). Results: Studies have revealed that CPL negatively impacted the final body weight, whereas FFW positively influenced feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Moreover, 15% of FFW supplementation resulted in noteworthy increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control group, with significant interactions identified between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW had an impact on the weights of edible visceral organs. The palatability of meat quality assessment showed no significant difference among the treatments. Adding CPL and FFW increased weights and profits, with the best rate of intake observed in broilers given the standard diet plus 15% of FFW supplementation. Conclusion: These results indicated that using CPL and FFW at 10% and 15%, respectively was a financially feasible approach to improve broiler development, carcass quality, and profitability while capitalizing on nutritional advantages and reducing environmental waste.

Impact of Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth, visceral and lymphatic organ weights, intestinal histo-morphology, and pathogenic bacteria of broilers

Abstract This work aimed to examine the impacts of dietary Bacillus subtilis (BS) supplementation on several parameters. Twelve groups of six hundred-day-old male Ross chicks were created for the study. Each treatment was allotted into five replicates, with ten birds each. Four distinct diet treatments were provided for 42 days: diet A served as the control, whereas diets B, C, and D had 125, 250, and 500 mg of BS per kg of feed. Every diet was fed in three stages: continuous (days 1-42) and starter only (days 1–21), finisher only (days 22–42), and both. The results showed that the D-3 and C-3 groups had significantly higher feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), livability, and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF).juo09 The D-3 and C-3 groups also showed the largest relative weights of the liver, gizzard, pancreas, bursa, and spleen, as well as the enhanced weights of these organs. Groups D-3 and C-3 had high villus height, decreased crypt depth, and enhanced VH: CD in the ileum, jejunum, and duodenum. The high levels of BS (D-3 and C-3) eliminated Salmonella, C. perfringens, and E. coli from the ileum, caecum, and colon. From the results above, a conclusion could be drawn that dietary BS supplementation could be a safe substitute for AGPs in broiler diets.

Comparative effects of dietary zinc nanoparticle and conventional zinc supplementation on broiler chickens: A meta-analysis.

Zinc (Zn) is important for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The gastrointestinal absorption of Zn in broiler chickens was notably low. One approach that has been explored for enhancing the bioavailability of Zn is the development of Zn nanoparticles (NPs). Zn is required for various physiological processes in broiler chickens, including protein and carbohydrate metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of conventional Zn and Zn NPs on broiler chickens using a meta-analysis methodology. A database was built from published literature to evaluate the effects of the addition of Zn NPs and conventional Zn on broiler chicken responses, including the following parameters: production performance; carcass cuts; visceral organ weight; lymphoid organ weight; nutrient digestibility; intestinal villi; mineral Zn, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations; hematology; blood parameters; immunoglobulin; and intestinal bacterial population. Various scientific platforms, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, were used to search for peer-reviewed articles. A database was created from 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The data were then processed for a meta-analysis using a mixed-model methodology. Different types of Zn (NPs versus conventional) were considered fixed effects, different studies were treated as random effects, and p-values were used as model statistics. Across the parameters observed in this study, the use of Zn NPs was more efficient in Zn utilization than conventional Zn, as evidenced by the average dose of Zn NPs being much lower than that of conventional Zn (79.44 vs. 242.76 mg/kg) yet providing similar (p > 0.05) or even significantly better effects (p < 0.05) compared to conventional Zn usage. This investigation revealed the beneficial influence of Zn NPs in broiler chickens compared to the conventional utilization of Zn through an all-encompassing meta-analysis. Moreover, Zn NPs have proven to be more effective in Zn utilization when juxtaposed with conventional Zn, as demonstrated by the significantly lower quantity of Zn NPs administered compared to conventional Zn, while yielding comparable or even superior outcomes compared to the traditional utilization of Zn. A limitation of this study is that the Zn NPs used were sourced from inorganic Zn NPs. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating the efficiency of organic Zn NPs in broiler chicken feed.

Effects of Functional Pinealectomy on Immunity, Hematopoietic, Gastrointestinal and Urinary Systems in Experimentally Malnutritioned Rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate morphological changes in immunity, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal and urinary systems in different melatonin (MEL) release situations in a rat model of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). Methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four equal groups: normal control; PEM light/dark; PEM light, called functional pinealectomy (Px); and PEM dark. PEM was produced with a 50% restricted diet, Px was produced by keeping rats in continuous light environment for 24 hours, and complete blood count and serum albumin level were analyzed at the end of the 6-week experimental period. Measurements of weights of body and some visceral organs were obtained, biochemical and morphological parameters were analyzed in addition to measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutatione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in tissue samples. Results: A reduction in the weights of body and visceral organs of animals in the PEM groups was accompanied by hypoalbuminemia, anemia, leukopenia and lymphopenia, and higher MDA, GSH, TNF-α and IL-10 levels in visceral tissues. There was a significant decrease in parenchymal cells of the liver and spleen, duodenal villi, lymphoid structures and kidney glomeruli, but there was an increase in the spleen capsule thickness and renal Bowman’s space, sinusoidal congestion and fat accumulation in the liver. Importantly, these findings were milder in the PEM dark group, while they were prominent in the PEM light group. Conclusions: This study suggests that MEL has a protective role in reducing the negative effects of PEM, making it a potential therapeutic agent for further investigation.

A Study on Changes of Carcass, Bones and Muscles of Ningxiang Pigs

Background: Ningxiang pigs are known for tasty meat and high intramuscular fat content. Currently, the slow growth rate and low lean meat rate of Ningxiang pigs have greatly restricted the development of its market. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the changes in carcass traits, meat quality, visceral organ weight indices, bones and muscles development with slaughter ages of Ningxiang pigs. Methods: The experiment used 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days old Ningxiang pigs as the research objects, and 6 castrated male pigs in each group were randomly selected. The carcass traits, meat quality, visceral organs weights and skeletal muscle weights were measured. The correlation between carcass traits and meat quality were analyzed by bivariate analysis, and the regression equations between slaughter ages and these indicators were established. Result: The results showed that pre-slaughter weight and weights of carcass, head, feet, skeleton and muscle, loin eye area, cooking yield, marbling and the large intestine weight index at 0 d, backfat thickness at 60 d, fat percentages at 60 and 120 d, and the lean meat percentage at 240 d, redness at 120 d of Ningxiang pigs were lowest, the heart, lung, kidney and small intestine weight percentages were highest at 0 d (P less than 0.05). Carcass traits and meat quality had different significant correlation at different slaughter ages. So the indices of carcass, meat quality, bones and muscles of Ningxiang pigs changed with slaughter ages. In general, the overall performance of 300 d Ningxiang pigs is better.

Prophylactic efficacy of aqueous extract of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) fruit on hematological and biochemical parameters in induced hyperbilirubinemia Wistar rats

This research offers a comprehensive examination of hyperbilirubinaemia, characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream leading to jaundice. It presents a prevalent challenge during the neonatal phase, as bilirubin can accumulate in various body parts resulting in potential neurotoxicity. The discussion encompasses factors influencing bilirubin production, conjugation, and elimination in the organism, along with an overview of the causes and symptoms of hyperbilirubinaemia. The study delves into the potential advantages of utilizing Carica papaya, a tropical fruit, for the prevention of hyperbilirubinaemia. Traditional medical approaches for managing this condition are linked to numerous adverse effects, hence the necessity to develop more affordable, easily accessible, and efficacious drugs with minimal or no side effects. Blood samples were procured and subjected to full blood cell count analysis via an automated hematologic analyzer, while serum samples were utilized for quantifying liver enzymes and bilirubin employing a spectrophotometric technique. Additionally, the weight of visceral organs was determined using a Mettler weighing balance. The outcomes of an experimental study conducted on rodents revealed that pretreatment with Carica papaya extract notably decreased bilirubin and liver enzyme levels in the subjects. This highlights the potential role of Carica papaya in the preventive management of hyperbilirubinaemia, underscoring the imperative for further investigation in this domain. In essence, this research serves as a valuable repository of knowledge for healthcare practitioners and researchers keen on addressing hyperbilirubinaemia.

Synergic Effects of Carica papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, Sensory Attributes, and Profitability in Broiler Production

Poultry production sustainability requires innovative dietary supplements to improve performance while addressing environmental concerns. This research investigates the effects of supplementing broiler chicken diets with Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on various growth parameters, carcass traits, sensory attributes, and profitability. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was employed, evaluating two factors: CPL dietary supplementation at 10% and FFW water supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each treatment combination was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, totaling 160-day-old broilers. Results indicated that while CPL negatively influenced final body weight and weight gain, FFW positively impacted feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Additionally, FFW supplementation led to significant increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control, with notable interactions observed between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW affected the weights of edible visceral organs. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in meat quality attributes across treatments. Despite increased production costs, supplementation with CPL and FFW resulted in higher dressed weights and profitability, with the highest return on investment achieved by broilers receiving the standard diet plus 15% FFW supplementation. These findings suggest that optimized utilization of CPL and FFW at 10% and 15% respectively, presents an economically viable strategy for enhancing broiler growth, carcass quality, and profitability while leveraging nutritional benefits and reducing environmental waste.

Complementing Plant and Animal Protein Sources for Broiler Production: Effects on Growth, Carcass Traits, and Economics

This study investigated the effects of complementing plant-based Sesbania grandiflora meal (SGM) and animal-based fermented golden apple snail extract (FGASE) protein sources on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic profitability of broiler chickens. A 2x4 factorial experiment was conducted, with SGM levels (0 and 15g kg-1) and FGASE levels in drinking water (0, 10, 20, and 30 mL L-1). SGM diet increased feed and water intake but did not affect final body weight or weight gain. FGASE in water did not influence feed or water intake. The combination of SGM and FGASE improved feed conversion ratio, but higher FGASE levels reduced dressing percentage. Neither SGM nor FGASE significantly impacted most meat cut weights or visceral organ weights, except for a significant interaction on back weight. Economic analysis revealed positive returns on investment for all treatments, with the highest net profit obtained from broilers fed a standard diet supplemented with 10 mL L-1 FGASE. The findings suggest the potential for incorporating SGM and FGASE in broiler diets to improve feed efficiency and profitability, though optimal inclusion levels and processing methods require further investigation.

Supplementation of dietary nano zinc phytogenic on growth performance and carcass traits of the growing Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan chickens

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate productive performance during the growing period in Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan (KUB) chickens fed on low- and high-nutrient diets containing different levels of dietary nano zinc phytogenic (NZP). The experiment followed a randomized 2 × 6 factorial design, with nutritional content of the diet (high vs low), and dietary NZP (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 150 mg Zn/kg) as factors. Each treatment was repeated six times. The feeding trial was carried out until ten weeks of age. Productive performance (feed consumption, FC; body weight gain, BWG; body weight, BW; mortality, feed conversion ratio, FCR; zinc consumption, ZnC; dressing percentage, carcass cut weight; visceral organ weight; and European production efficiency factor, EPEF) was measured. Up to the age of four weeks, dietary NZF dosage impacted BW, BWG, FC, and ZnC. NZP dosage had no effect on mortality. Combination of a high-nutrient diet with 90 mg Zn/kg NZP resulted in the best FCR and EPEF. Up to six weeks, dietary NZP dosage affected BW, BWG, and EPEF. Up to ten weeks of age, addition of NZP (from 30 mg Zn/kg) improved BW, FC, and EPEF. NZP at 30 mg Zn/kg resulted in the best FCR and EPEF. Dietary NZP increased production performance (BW, FC) and economic index (EPEF) in growing KUB chickens fed low- and high-nutrient diets. The recommended use is a high-nutrient diet and 90 mg Zn/kg of NZP.

Effects of Salvinia as a broiler litter material on growth performance, behavior, welfare parameters, litter characters, and ammonia emission

The type of litter material has direct impacts on production, behavioral, and welfare parameters of broilers. The price of conventionally-used litter materials is increasing. Salvinia molesta is a fast-growing aquatic plant which has become an environmental issue in some areas. This study assessed the suitability of air-dried Salvinia plants (SAL) as an alternate litter material to paddy husk (PH). Resulting in a completely randomized experiment, a total of 240 broilers was raised in 12 floor-pens each provided with either PH or SAL as litter materials, from 11 to 36 d. Scan sampling technique was employed to record the birds' engagement in 15 predetermined behaviors. Foot pad dermatitis (FPD), hock burn damage (HBD) and plumage cleanliness (PC) were assessed using Welfare Quality Scoring System. Litter samples were analyzed for pH, dry matter%, water holding capacity, porosity, N%, tapped-density and ammonia emission rate. The litter material had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on mortality, growth performance parameters, dressing % and visceral organ weight. The scores for FPD and PC were unaffected by the litter materials. SAL litter reported significantly lower (P < 0.05) HBD scores. The percentages of birds engaged in eating and wing flapping behaviors were significantly lower on SAL. Litter type had no significant influence on the color, aroma, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of breast meat. Air-dried Salvinia plants reported acidic pH. SAL litter gave a significantly higher tapped-density. Ammonia emission rate of SAL litter was significantly lower than that of PH. However, the final litter N content was higher for PH (3.7%) than SAL (3.2%). The study proposes air-dried Salvinia plants as a litter material for broilers since it gives growth performance comparable to PH with reduced hock burn damage incidences. Effects of SAL on behavior and the fertilizer value of the spent litter are to be studied further.

Effect of feeding rice distillers dried grains solubles on carcass characteristics and visceral organ weight in commercial broilers

Effect of feeding rice distillers dried grains solubles on carcass characteristics and visceral organ weight in commercial broilers

Effect of exogenous emulsifier (Glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate) in energy reduced diet on carcass characteristics and visceral organ weight in broilers

Effect of exogenous emulsifier (Glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate) in energy reduced diet on carcass characteristics and visceral organ weight in broilers

Sub-acute toxicity effects of &lt;i&gt;Garcinia kola&lt;/i&gt; on serum electrolytes, haematological, visceral organ weights and histopathological profiles in Wistar rats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity effects of root extract of G. kola on serum electrolyte, haematological and histological parameters of rats. Rats of both sexes were randomized into groups and orally administered daily with determined doses of G. kola extract using distilled water as a control for 21 days. On the 22nd day, all the animals were sacrificed and dissected to collect blood and selected organs. The serum and whole blood were assayed for serum electrolytes and haematological parameters respectively while selected organs were examined for their weight and histopathological lesions. The extract of G. kola did not cause significant alteration in majority of the serum electrolytes and hematological indices. However, the extract significantly elevated the mean corpuscular heamoglobin concentration. On the other hand, the extract reduced mean corpuscular volume, haematocrit (150 and 600 mg/kg), mean platelet volume (150 and 600 mg/kg) and procalcitonin (150 mg/kg). In the vital organs, there were no significant lesions observed except at the highest dose. The root extract of G. kola is relatively safe in rats when repetitively administered orally in small doses for a prolonged period of time to ensure that its use is free of toxicity to humans.

Visceral Organ Weight of Pengging Duck after the Addition of Nanochitosan as Feed Additive

The productivity of pengging ducks is determined by optimizing the function of the body's organs. The feed consumed greatly determines the growth and development of the internal organs in the pengging duck. Nanochitosan is a polysaccharide that has potential as a feed additive which functions to increase feed digestibility, nutrient absorption, promote growth to help optimize the function of visceral organs. This study aims to analyze the effect of nanochitosan as a feed additive on the function of the visceral organs of pengging ducks in terms of the weight of the visceral organs. The visceral organs studied included the ventriculus, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, and heart. This study was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments (0; 2.5; 5; 7.5; 10 g nanochitosan/kg feed) with 5 replications. Nanochitosan feed additive treatment was given for 8 week. Variables that were measured in this study included weight of ventriculus, intestinal, liver, pancreas, spleen, and heart of pengging ducks. The research data showed that nanochitosan as a feed additive had no significant effect on visceral weight of pengging ducks (P0.05). The conclusion of this study is that nanochitosan as a feed additive does not cause changes in the function of the visceral organs based on the indication of the weight of the visceral organs measured, namely the ventricles, intestines, liver, pancreas, spleen, and heart. The novelty of this research is the use of nanochitosan as a feed additive to improve the performance of penging ducks by maintaining the size of the visceral organs. It is hoped that the results of this research on nanochitosan feed additive can be used by local laying duck farms in Indonesia because it is safe and as an effort to improve the performance and productivity of ducks.

Response of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Forms of Tanzania-type Diets with Microbial Enzymes

A study was conducted to assess the effect of feed form and microbial enzyme supplementation on performance, endogenous enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed Tanzania-type diets. A total of 480 day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to a 2 (mash or pellet) × 4 (no enzyme, Axtra XB, Quantum Blue or Axtra XB + Quantum Blue) factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design with 10 birds per replicate. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 10, 24 and 35 days of age. Visceral organ weight was measured at 10 d and 24 d, and meat parts yield was assessed at 35 d. Feed intake (FI) was highest in birds fed the pelleted diets at 24 d and 35 d, and it was increased further when enzymes were supplemented individually and in combination. Body weight gain was comparatively higher in the birds fed pelleted diets. Enzyme supplementation was found to increase BWG at 24 d and 35 d. The FCR was reduced in birds fed the pelleted diets compared to the mash-fed birds. Birds provided with a combination of Axtra XB and QB responded with lower FCR. The relative weight of gizzard plus proventriculus, pancreas and small intestine were higher in birds fed on mash; however, the effect of enzymes was only observed on the pancreas at 10 d. The relative weights of most body parts (breast, thighs and drumsticks) were significantly higher in birds fed pelleted diets with inclusion of microbial enzymes. The dry matter (DM) digestibility was neither affected by feed form nor by enzyme supplementation while the digestibility of gross energy (GE), starch, protein, and fat were higher in birds fed pelleted diets than those on mash. Addition of microbial enzymes positively influenced the digestibility of all nutrients that were assessed. Endogenous enzyme activities at 10 d were higher in birds supplied with pelleted diets, except for sucrase, which was not affected by feed form. Exogenous enzyme inclusion in diets only affected the activities of sucrase and aminopeptidase at 24 d. The results indicated that both pelleting of diets and microbial enzyme supplementation increased FI and BWG and improved FCR in broiler chickens. The activities of pancreatic and most of the jejunal enzymes were increased by feeding of pelleted feeds, resulting in better nutrient digestibility.

Effect of Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on Carcass Traits and Visceral Organ Weights in Commercial Broiler

Effect of Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on Carcass Traits and Visceral Organ Weights in Commercial Broiler

The Effect Medicinal Plants on Performance, Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding dietary Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric and their powders mixture in broiler chicken’s diet on performance, carcass characteristic and meat quality. A total of 400 (200 male and 200 female) day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks were distributed into 5 dietary treatments; (T1) 0% powder, (T2) 0.5% Garlic powder, (T3) 0.5% Ginger powder , (T4) 0.5% Turmeric powder and (T5) 0.5% mixture of these powders with 4 replicates and each replicates included 10 man and 10 female having similar body weight. The results of this study showed that adding of this medicinal and aromatic plants powder in broiler chicken’s diet caused significant effect on broiler chickens performance at the 7, 14 and 21 days of age (P&amp;lt;0.05) and also have a beneficial effect on mortality. On the other hand, it was observed that the adding of 0.5% medicinal and aromatic plants in broiler chicken’s diet had no a significant effect on hot carcass, cold carcass, breast, thigh, wings and visceral organs weight (P&amp;gt;0.05), but have a significant effect on carcass yield (P&amp;lt;0.05). Also, adding of this medicinal and aromatic plants powder had a significant effect on meat breast colour values (P&amp;lt;0.05). İt may be concluded that adding of these medical and aromatic plants powder in broiler chicken’s diet have beneficial effects on performance, carcass characteristic and meat quality

Hempseed meal as a feedstuff in the diet of growing meat rabbits

Though currently not approved in the USA as an agricultural animal feed ingredient, our objective was to determine the effects of hempseed meal replace- ment of traditional CP sources in the diet of growing meat rabbits on intake, growth performance, and visceral organ weights. Pelleted rations were formu- lated in which hempseed meal replaced alfalfa meal and soybean meal at 4 levels (CON, LOW, MED, and HIGH, representing 0, 25, 50, or 75% of the ration CP, respec- tively). Weaned Californian rabbits (n = 64) were pen fed (4 rabbits per pen, 2 pens per treatment) in each of 2 periods for 35 d. After feeding, rabbits were slaughtered via cervical dislocation. Dry matter intake was great- est (P < 0.05) from LOW, followed by MED and then CON, and was least (P < 0.05) from HIGH. Similarly, total weight gain and ADG were greatest (P < 0.05) from LOW (1,230 g and 35.1 g/d, respectively), followed by MED (1,163 g and 33.2 g/d, respectively) and then CON (1,067 g and 30.5 g/d, respectively), and were least (P < 0.05) from HIGH (725 g and 20.7 g/d, respectively). There was a quadratic response (P = 0.03) of treatment for DM digestibility, whereby DM digestibility decreased by 10% from CON to LOW before increasing by 14% with HIGH. Results suggest that hempseed meal may be included in the ration of growing meat rabbits (once legally approved) at low concentrations (25% of dietary CP) for enhanced production.

Optimal substitution of black soldier fly larvae for fish in broiler chicken diets

In pursuit of finding the optimum substitution level of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as an alternative protein source for fish meal (FM) in broiler diets, the effect of partial or complete substitution on feed utilization efficiency, growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and marginal economic benefits was assessed. 150 Cobb500 day old chicks were randomly allocated to five treatment diets in which graded levels of BSFLM substituted. FM; SD1 (control diet with only FM), SD2 (250), SD3 (500), SD4 (750), and SD5 (1000 g/kg DM), for 28 days. Subsequently, a conventional FM-based finisher diet was fed until day 42. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were determined and the second derivative of the FCR regression function used to determine the optimal inclusion of BSFLM. Further, marginal analysis was used to evaluate the marginal economic benefit of including BSFLM. The response to increasing amounts of BSFLM in the diet followed a quadratic trend (P<0.05) with a reduction in feed intake, FCR and weight gain (P<0.05) occurring after 500 g/kg substitution and reaching the nadir at complete substitution. However, birds exhibited a compensatory growth when switched to fish-based finisher diet (day 28–42). No effect of substitution was observed on carcass parts except for a decrease in dressing percentage and an increase in visceral organ weights (P<0.05) at complete substitution. The optimal substitution based on FCR was calculated to be 540 g/kg. Proximate and fatty acid analysis of muscle indicated that Substitution of FM with BSFLM, reduced (p<0.05) protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Additionally, increasing BSFLM in the diet up to 500 g/kg DM resulted in a 23% decrease in feed cost per bird and higher net marginal benefits. Therefore, replacement of FM with up to 540 g/kg BSFLM in starter diets, does not compromise growth and meat quality in broiler chickens.