Weeks Of Birds Research Articles

Effect of Spirulina and Probiotic on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail

The aim of current project is to fortify the quail feeds with various types of supplements such as spirulina, Used as a substitute for Prob. & study the growth performance to recognize the best formula of spirulina for best production. untreated was feed on standard diet, Spirulina group was feed with Spirulina , Probiotics complex group was feed with probiotics complex, Mix Spirulina with probiotic complex group was feed with above Spirulina & probiotic. complex. BW, BWG, FI & FCE were daily recoded. Results noted at highest significant increase (P≤0.05) for the addition of spirulina occurred in the average body weight of Japanese quail compared to the control and other treated groups. The highest significant increase (P≤0.05) occurred in the BWG rates of birds treated with the addition of spirulina for weeks (1 and 4) and the cumulative (1-6) weeks. the highest rate (p≤0.05) of feed consumption was recorded in the group of birds treated with spirulina for weeks (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). and the cumulative feed consumption rate from (1-6) weeks compared with the other treatments and the control group. Rresults showed FCE rates recorded a significant improvement in adding spirulina during (1,2,3,4,6) weeks and the cumulative feed conversion efficiency average (1-6) weeks for birds. From this research, we concluded that adding spirulina to quail diets improved productive traits.

Growth performance of broiler chickens fed maize offal and crayfish-waste based diets

This study was conducted to evaluate the value of maize offal and cray fish waste meals as the main energy and protein sources respectively in broiler chicken diets. One hundred and twenty day-old Lohmann Brown broiler chicks were randomly allotted into two treatment groups of three replicates of 60 and 20 birds, respectively. Maize offal and crayfish waste meals were used to replace maize and soybean/fishmeal, respectively in the control diet (T1 ) to form (T2 ). Growth parameters monitored were final live weight, daily weight gain, feed 2 conversion ratio, internal and external body linear measurements were evaluated were statistically analysed using the studentized t-test at 5% and 1% probability. Results showed significantly (P<0.05) higher values in all the parameters apart from feed intake for birds on the control diet. The final live weight of birds on the test diet (T2 ) only reached that of the control at 10 weeks of age. The phenotypic correlation of body weight and linear body measurements for birds on both the control and test treatment diets were high and positively significant (P<0.01). However, birds on the control diet had the longest body parts than those of the test diet, likewise the internal body parts. When expressed based on percentage body weight, birds on the test diet tended to have longer external and internal body parts. It is concluded that if maize offal and crayfish waste are to be used as total replacement for maize, soybean and fishmeal, the period of broiler production should be extended from 8 weeks to 10 weeks for birds to reach market weight and with attendance lower cost of production.

Field evaluation of maternal antibody transfer from breeder turkey hens to egg yolks, egg whites, and poults

Immunoglobulins, which are passed vertically from hens to their progeny, are first present in the eggs but with time also in the developing embryos and eventually in the serum of hatching chicks, and have protective function during embryogenesis and in the first few weeks of birds' life, before the immune system becomes fully efficient. Considering the above fact, the aim of this study was to determine total levels of IgM and IgY as well as specific IgY antibody titers against selected pathogens in the serum of breeder turkeys and their progeny, as well as in egg yolks and egg whites. Study results demonstrated that the level of IgY antibodies in the serum of turkey breeder hens reached 22.04mg/mL on average in the whole egg laying cycle. In addition, the mean transfer percentage of IgY antibodies from turkey layers to their progeny reached approximately 31.4%, but the level of this transfer differed depending on pathogen character and accounted for 33.2%, 51.9%, 45.1%, and 44.3% in the case of antibodies against avian metapneumoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, Ornithobacterium rhinortacheale, and Pasteurella multocida, respectively. Antibody percentage transfer differed also as affected by the stage of the egg production cycle. Study results confirmed the earlier observed dependency concerning the class of antibodies transferred to eggs from laying hens, and while the IgY were mainly detected in the egg yolk extracts, the IgM were found only in egg white extracts; in comparison to IgY, the IgM antibodies were not transferred to the serum of turkey poults. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that describes in detail the phenomenon of maternal antibody transfer in turkeys.

The Week in Birds

The Week in Birds

A comparison of the annual cycles in testicular size and moult in captive European starlings Sturnus vulgaris during their first and second years

There is considerable evidence that reproductive success improves with age in birds. It is often suggested that improved performance of older birds is because they are more experienced. Less consideration has been given to the possibility that improvements may be a consequence of age‐related changes in reproductive physiology. One factor that consistently changes with age is laying date – first year birds lay later than older birds. In European starlings Sturnus vulgaris, older males begin reproductive activity earlier than first year males and dominate available nest sites. I monitored changes in testicular volume in captive starlings exposed to natural changes in day length and temperature, from their first autumn through the next two annual cycles. Testicular maturation was advanced by 3–4 weeks in birds during their second year compared to the first, and testicular regression occurred about 2 weeks later. The period of full sexual maturation was 50% longer during the second year. The timing of the post‐nuptial moult was the same. A possible physiological mechanism to explain this is discussed. The results show that earlier reproductive activity in older birds can be explained, at least in part, by intrinsic physiological mechanisms. This does not preclude additional effects of experience of an individual in the improvement in reproductive performance between first and second year birds.

Long term effects of boron on layer bone strength and production parameters

1. The effects of dietary boron (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) on bone strength characteristics and egg production of white leghorn layers were investigated. 2. The shear fracture energy increased in the tibia and radius at 72 weeks for birds started on the 200 mg/kg supplement at 32 weeks of age. 3. The shear force, stress, and fracture energy of the tibia and radius increased for the non-egg producing birds at 72 weeks. 4. Bird body weight, food consumption, egg weight, and egg production all decreased at 400 mg/kg boron. 5. Boron concentrations in the breast, liver, thigh and bone tissue increased with increasing concentrations of supplemental boron.

The effect of dietary corn oil, vitamin E, and selenium on lipid peroxidation and hemorrhage in chicken liver

The involvement of lipid peroxidation in the development of liver hemorrhages in egg-producing chickens was investigated. Two white leghorn strains of birds, a commercial layer strain and strain UCD-003, which is predisposed to the development of liver homorrhages, were fed diets containing 5% corn oil with or without added vitamin E (11 IU/kg) and selenium (0.1 mg/kg). The extent of liver hemorrhage increased in the UCD-003 birds, particularly after they were fed the diet without added vitamin E and selenium for 3 weeks. Hepatic levels of malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides increased by feeding with the experimental diets, with higher levels obtained in UCD-003 birds than in normal birds. The highest levels of malondialdehyde were found in UCD-003 birds after feeding the diet without added vitamin E and selenium for 3 weeks. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity decreased during the first week in normal birds and the first 2 weeks for UCD-003. The activity of catalase also tended to decrease in the first 2 weeks in the birds fed the diet without supplemental antioxidants. Superoxide dismutase activity increased dramatically in UCD-003 birds by 2 weeks, while smaller changes in activity were found in normal birds. We conclude that increased lipid peroxidation occurs in birds fed diets containing 5% corn oil along with increased liver hemorrhage in UCD-003 birds. Supplementary vitamin E and selenium decrease the amount of lipid peroxidation and lower the incidence of liver hemorrhage in UCD-003 birds fed these diets.

Plasma prolactin and luteinizing hormone during photoperiodically induced testicular growth and regression in starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris)

Male European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris), caged individually, were exposed to different light-dark cycles. Blood samples were taken regularly, and the concentrations of prolactin and luteinizing hormone (LH) measured by radio-immunoassay. Levels of both hormones were low in starlings kept on short days (8L:16D) for 11 weeks. Levels of LH rose significantly ( P < 0.03) within the first week in birds transferred from 8L:16D to either 12.5L:11.5D or 16L:8D. Prolactin also rose significantly but the increase was less rapid, maximum levels being reached after 35 days in birds on 16L:8D and 69 days in those on 12.5L:11.5D. In starlings kept in a room where the photoperiod was increased by 0.5 hr per week (starting from 8L:16D) to simulate the natural annual cycle, LH levels had risen by the time the daylength was 11.5L, and prolactin started rising by 14.5L. Maximum prolactin concentrations occurred 5–6 weeks after those of LH, by which time levels of LH were falling and the testes were regressing. The possible role of prolactin in the onset of photorefractoriness and the regression of the reproductive system is discussed.

Endocrine Responses of White-Crowned Sparrows to Environmental Stress

Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to assess the effects of selected stressors on White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii and Z. l. pugetensis). Within a few minutes after capture during the non-breeding winter phase, the birds' plasma corticosterone increased, whereas their already low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and dihydrotesterone (DHT) declined further. In contrast, in the summer, or breeding phase, corticosterone levels increased much more slowly (sometimes not at all in females) during the first hour after capture. Plasma levels of LH in breeding birds were unaffected by capture and handling, as were levels of DHT in males and estrogen in females. In some cases, however, circulating levels of testosterone declined in males. In photostimulated, caged, male Z. l. gambelii circulating levels of corticosterone, LH, and DHT appeared to be unaffected by ambient temperatures between 5° and 32°C, but the level of testosterone was significantly depressed at 32°C. Capture, transport for 250 km, and subsequent caging of male and female Z. l. gambelii in autumn and winter within 24 h increased plasma corticosterone, and decreased LH and DHT. As the birds acclimated to captivity, a decrease in levels of corticosterone was followed by transient elevations of LH and DHT after which concentrations of these hormones stabilized at capture levels. Males transferred from outdoor aviaries and held one, two, or three per cage on short days also developed elevated concentrations of corticosterone and depressed levels of LH and DHT. Corticosterone decreased within two weeks in birds held one or two per cage, and within three weeks in those housed three per cage. As corticosterone levels decreased, transient increases occurred in LH and DHT, with the highest levels in birds held three per cage.

Plasma thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels during the development of photorefractoriness in Willow Ptarmigan ( Lagopus lagopus lagopus) exposed to different photoperiods

Changes in the concentrations of plasma thyroxine (T4) triiodothyronine (T3), and luteinizing hormone (LH) are measured in photosensitive Willow Ptarmigan ( Lagopus lagopus lagopus) transferred from a 6-hr daylength (6L:18D) to 14-hr (14L:10D), 18-hr (18L:6D), or continuous (LL) daylengths. The increase in plasma LH, and the moult from white to pigmented plumage, observed after transfer to the three stimulatory photoperiods, are not associated with any immediate changes in the concentrations of plasma T4 or T3 except for an increase ( P < 0.01) in T4 levels in birds transferred to 18L:6D. As indicated by a fall ( P < 0.01) in concentrations of plasma LH, the birds exposed to LL and 18L:6D are becoming photorefractory after 8 to 9 weeks of photostimulation. At this time, the concentration of plasma T3 but not of T4 increases significantly ( P < 0.001) and remains high for 5 and 9 weeks in birds exposed to LL and 18L:6D, respectively. Thereafter, levels of plasma T3 begin to fall concomitant with an increase in the levels of plasma T4. In birds exposed to 14L:10D, LH levels remain elevated during the 20-week study and minor increases are observed in the levels of plasma T3 and T4. These observations do not suggest a major role for thyroid hormones in the initiation of photorefractoriness in the Willow Ptarmigan.

Reproductive performance and endocrine responses to ingested petroleum in domestic ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos)

The onset of lay by Khaki Campbell ducks transferred from a short-day (8L:16D) to a long-day photoperiod (16L:8D) was delayed by at least 4 weeks in birds fed 5 ml of North Sea Crude Oil per 100 g day wt of food, compared with birds fed an uncontaminated control diet. Over a 20-week period the oviposition rate and shell thickness of eggs laid by the birds fed 5% oil were greatly reduced. Refeeding the oil-fed birds with the uncontaminated diet increased oviposition rate and egg-shell thickness but not to the level in the controls. Throughout the experiment the plasma levels of prolactin and corticosterone in blood samples taken at weekly intervals were invariably less than those in the control birds. During photostimulation the mean plasma thyroxine concentration in the oil-fed birds was higher than the level in the controls but significant increases in the weekly concentration were only observed after the effects of petroleum on reproduction were manifest. The circulating concentrations of triiodothyronine were unaffected by oil ingestion. These results suggest that decreased ovarian activity in the oil-fed birds was not due to antigonadal effects of increased prolactin secretion or adrenocortical activity and an endocrine dysfunction of the thyroid is unlikely to be causally responsible for the effects of petroleum on avian reproduction.

Evaluation of rabbit excreta as an ingredient in broiler diets

1. Dry rabbit excreta were found to contain 188.1 g crude protein, 6.6 g non‐protein nitrogen, 0.3 g ammonia, 89.8 g moisture, 8.0 g ether extractives, 135.2 g crude fibre, 266.9 g ash and 19.18 MJ gross energy/kg. Methionine and lysine contents were 3.95 and 4.29 g/100 g protein, respectively. 2. In one experiment, 0, 50, 100 or 200 g rabbit excreta/kg were substituted for maize in a broiler diet. Chickens receiving the diet containing 200 g rabbit excreta/kg gained significantly less weight to 8 weeks of age than those receiving other diets. 3. In a second experiment, 0, 100, 150 or 200 g rabbit excreta/kg were substituted primarily for maize in a broiler diet to provide equal energy and protein contents. Weight gains to 8 weeks of birds receiving these diets did not differ significantly. The uncorrected metabolisable energy content of the excreta was 9.15 MJ/kg. 4. There were no gross pathological changes in the birds fed on the experimental diets.

The effect of dietary bacitracin on the incidence ofstreptococcus faecalissubspeciesliquefaciensand related streptococci in the intestines of young chicks

abstract 1. A study has been made of changes occurring in the numbers and types of faecal streptococci in the intestines of chicks from hatching to 23 d of age, when fed on a diet containing 50 mg bacitracin/kg. 2. It was found that Streptococcus faecalis sub‐species liquefaciens predominated in chicks prior to feeding and in control birds the organism remained as a significant part of the flora throughout the experiment. 3. Strep. faecalis s.s. liquefaciens was not found after the first week in birds given dietary bacitracin. 4. Although outnumbered initially in the caeca by Strep, faecalis s.s. liquefaciens, other streptococci were present at 106 to 107/g contents from 14 d onwards in both control and bacitracin‐treated birds; these included Strep. faecium biotypes and two other unidentified but related groups. 5. Tests made in vitro showed that Strep. faecalis s.s. liquefaciens was more sensitive to bacitracin than Strep. faecium. 6. The possible effects of Strep. faecalis s.s. liquefaciens on the deve...

Ontogeny of a circadian rhythm in the lipacidaemic response of Gallus domesticus to glucagon

1. 1. A circadian rhythm in the glucagon-mediated lipacidaemic response was absent in the newly-hatched chick but was present in the bird aged 1 week. 2. 2. The peak plasma FFA concentrations of morning and afternoon birds aged 1 week were similar but that of the former was maintained for a longer period. 3. 3. The circadian rhythm did not develop in birds subjected to constant illumination; the hyperlipacidaemia was also decreased, irrespective of the time of day. 4. 4. The apparent sensitivity of the bird to glucagon increased during the first week in birds subjected to either 12- or 24-hr photoperiods.

Feed Consumption and Protein Efficiency by Bobwhite Quail in Response to Dietary Energy Levels

Two experiments were conducted to determine if Bobwhite quail chicks would adjust feed consumption according to energy intake from hatching to five weeks of age. Three starter diets, which were calculated to contain 2850, 3010 and 3170 Kcal. M.E./Kg., were fed throughout the five-week experiments. As energy was increased, the protein level was increased proportionally. Each treatment group consisted of four replicate pens containing 125 chicks each.Body weight at two and five weeks of age was not affected by treatment, except for a reduction at two weeks for birds on the 3170 Kcal./Kg. diet. There were no significant treatment effects on mortality. The feed consumed/bird/day decreased as dietary energy was increased. The calculated energy consumption/bird/day was 15.44, 15.31 and 14.79 Kcal., respectively, for the 2850, 3010 and 3170 Kcal. M.E./Kg. diets during the five-week period. The energy and protein consumption per gram of body weight was slightly reduced at the high energy level indicating a more efficient use of energy and protein of the high energy diet. These data indicate that the Bobwhite quail adjusts feed intake according to the energy content of the diet.

Antibiotic Growth Promotion: Effects of Zinc Bacitracin and Oxytetracycline on the Digestive, Circulatory, and Excretory Systems of New Hampshire Cockerels

High (500 g./ton [907.2 kg.] of feed) and low (10 g./ton of feed) levels of zinc bacitracin (B) or oxytetracycline (OT) were incorporated into the diet fed specific-pathogen-free New Hampshire cockerels. Weights of the liver, heart, and kidneys were recorded, and weights and lengths of segments of the digestive system were recorded for birds about 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, with the following results: 1.Crop weight relative to live weight was increased by feeding bacitracin at either level. Gizzard weight was increased on diets supplemented with high levels of B or OT.2.A diet containing 500 g. OT/ton of feed induced a significant increase in size of the proventriculus (at 2 and 8 weeks) and decreased weight of the liver (at 4 and 8 weeks).3.Erratic growth patterns were noted for the other visceral organs, and occasional significant differences were observed among the various diets, e.g., at 2 weeks, heart and kidney weights were lowest in birds fed diets containing high and low levels of bacitracin, respectively.4.Shapes (weight/10 units length) of the small intestine and cecum were altered significantly by both antibiotics. Cecum shape changed from thickest at 2 weeks to thinnest at 8 weeks in birds fed a high level of either antibiotic.