Breast Weight Research Articles

Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Duodenal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets Supplemented with Cinnamon Bark Powder at Prestarter and Starter Phases

Simple SummaryDuring the first days of chicks’ lives, chicks are still developing the thermoregulatory system, the gut function, and the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental Cinnamomum verum as a phytogenic feed additive in the starter diet. Our findings suggested that the addition of Cinnamomum verum at 2000 mg/kg might increase body weight gain over 1–10, 1–14, and 1–21 days of age by improving relative breast weight, elevating serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density at prestarter period.Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 240) aged 1 day were assigned to five groups for eight replicates (six chicks for each) (3♂ and 3♀). Basal dietary groups were supplemented by 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/kg cinnamon (CN) for 21 days. Basal diet alone was used as a negative control, and basal antibiotic diet (Colimox) was used as a positive control. At 10, 14, and 21 days of age, chicks that received 2000 mg CN and Colimox had a higher body weight, resulting in an increase in body weight gain. CN also resulted in the maximum improvement in the feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency over 1–21 days at the level of 2000 mg/kg. At days 10, the maximum relative breast weight was 2000 mg/kg of CN. Mean serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density increased (p < 0.05) by 2000 mg/kg of CN, and mean serum globulin and total protein concentrations and crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) by 6000 mg/kg of CN compared with control. Increased cecal Escherichia coli number was CN dose-dependent. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2000 mg/kg CN can be applied as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for broiler starter diet.

Effect of genetic background, pen size and outdoor access on meat quality in two slow growing broiler hybrids

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the effect of two different rearing systems, indoor small pens (S) and big pens with outdoor access (B), on meat quality and fatty acid (FA) composition of two slow growing broiler hybrids (Rowan Ranger [RR] and Hubbard CYJA57 [H]). In addition, changes in the phospholipid FA composition, due to the possibility of more movement, were investigated. The results regarding meat quality were exclusively influenced by genotype, where RR chickens had higher breast weight, higher Warner-Bratzler shear force and higher pH than H chickens. Differences in lipid composition were found both due to hybrid and to the rearing system. The H birds were slightly leaner and had, therefore, higher proportions of phospholipids. Rearing in a big pen resulted in lower concentrations of 16:0 and higher concentrations of both total n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and of individual long chain polyunsaturated FA.

Comparative Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Local Horro and Exotic Cockerels of Tropical Origin Fed Growers Diet

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of male chickens were evaluated using eight-week-old 360 cockerels from three exotic (Koekoek, Kuroiler and Sasso-R) and one Ethiopian indigenous (Horro) genotypes. Cockerels in each breed (90) were randomly allocated into three replications of 30 birds each and housed in deep litter pens for the experiment that lasted for 8 to 16 weeks. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. Seven birds per breed were slaughtered at the end to determine carcass yield, chemical composition and quality attributes of meat. The Kuroiler breed has higher body weight, body weight change (1621.8 g), average daily gain (28.9 g/day), daily feed consumption (127.4 g/day) and better feed conversion ratio (4.40) than other breeds. The Kuroiler breed has heavier slaughter weight (2716.3 g), dressed carcass weight (2201.0 g), eviscerated carcass weight (1905.1 g), breast weight (537.7 g), thigh weight (303.1 g) and drumstick weight (274.8 g) than other breeds. Total edible offal was higher for Kuroiler (324.2 g) and Sasso-R (306.1 g), intermediate in Koekoek (204.4 g) and low in Horro (152.4 g) breed. The relative proportion of breast and drumstick (% slaughter weight) were lower in Koekoek and Sasso-R (17.3 and 8.9) breeds, respectively. Abdominal fat weight (13.7 g and 1.02%) was lowest in Horro. Sasso-R showed higher percent edible offal weight (13.4%) than Horro breed (11.4%). The DM content in breast and thigh meat was higher for Horro breed than the rest. The CP content in the breast and thigh meat was lower for the Kuroiler and Koekoek breeds, respectively. Higher EE in the thigh meat was recorded for Sasso-R (8.9%), whereas, EE content in the breast meat was similar (3.4% - 3.7%) among the breeds. Flavor, tenderness, juiciness and general acceptability of breast and thigh meat were not affected by breed. The highest net return was observed in the Kuroiler breed. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that the Kuroiler breed can be used for cockerel meat production in Ethiopia where intensive broiler production is not well developed.

Feeding programs for commercial turkeys at the finishing stage

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of feeding management on performance and carcass yield of male turkeys during finishing stage. 920 male turkeys were used, which were housed in 40 pens; each pen was comprised of experimental unit. The birds, from 91 to 154 days, were submitted to four feeding managements, based on feed intake, that were: ad libitum, where feed was permanently available to birds; controlled with a daily supply of 100% of recommended feed amount; controlled with 95% of recommended daily feed amount, and controlled with 90% of recommended daily feed amount. Each feeding treatment had ten replicates of 23 birds each. Controlled or restricted feeding management reduced feed intake, average weight, and weight gain (P &lt;0.05), and worsened feed conversion (P &lt;0.05). Carcass and leg weight were reduced (P &lt;0.05) from the 5% restriction related to the recommended. Breast weight was reduced (P &lt;0.05) with a restriction of 10%. No differences were seen when compared to carcass and leg yield and fat deposition (P&gt; 0.05), only breast yield was reduced (P&lt;0.05) when the birds received 90% of that recommended by the lineage, compared to the ad libitum feed management. The feeding management of male turkeys with restriction of the recommended feed amount during the finishing stage had a negative effect on the performance of the birds. However, controlled feeding at 100% of recommended to the lineage reduced feed intake and did not change the carcass weight, breast or leg yield, or fat deposition.

Response of broilers to dietary balanced protein. 2. Determining the optimum economic level of protein

Context Tables of nutrient requirements assist nutritionists to formulate acceptable feeds for broilers but do not consider the objective of a business, namely, to maximise economic returns. Aims The objective of the present study was to demonstrate that the optimum economic level of balanced protein is not static, but varies according to economic conditions. Methods Responses of male and female broilers, reported in a companion paper, were used to calculate feed intake and weights of body, carcass, breast, leg and wing at 28, 42 and 56 days of age as functions of dietary balanced protein. Cost of feeding and revenue generated for live, dressed, and further-processed birds were calculated, from which the margin over feeding cost was generated separately for males and females at three ages and three revenue-generating scenarios. Key results Using baseline values for the cost of protein-containing ingredients and revenue for birds sold live, dressed or further-processed, the dietary protein content that maximised margin over feed cost was always higher for males than for females, and for birds sold further-processed than for those sold dressed or live. Using digestible lysine as the reference amino acid, the optimum in the starter period for males sold live, dressed and further processed was 12.6, 13.3 and 14.2 g lysine/kg respectively. For females, the equivalent values were 11.9, 12.6 and 13.3 g/kg respectively. Where the cost of protein-containing ingredients was increased by 25% or revenue generated from the sale of product was reduced by 25%, the optimum economic level of dietary protein decreased compared with the baseline value. The opposite pertained when ingredient costs decreased, or revenues increased by 25%. Conclusions These results demonstrated the extent to which economic factors influence the optimum economic level of dietary balanced protein to be fed to broilers. Implications We have demonstrated that the response of broilers to dietary balanced protein may be used to maximise economic returns of a broiler enterprise under different scenarios.

Effect of Dietary Lysine on the Meat Production and Behaviour of Broilers

Hubbard broilers were studied to investigate the influence of lysine on meats production and behavior performance. Total 300 day old chicks were divided into six groups (50 broilers each) i.e. A, B, C, D, E and F, fed ration containing 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 percent of synthetic lysine, respectively. Feed intake in broiler group A was higher (3572 g/b) (P&lt;0.05). Live body weight was higher in group F (2.234 kg/b). Broiler carcass weight and dressing of group F (1.298 kg/bird and 60.83 kg/bird) was higher as compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (1.538) in group D following by group A, B, C, E and F. Broiler breast, leg, neck, drum and head weights was higher in group D than other groups (p&lt;0.05). Broiler heart was heavier in group D, while liver and gizzard were heavier in group B than other groups, whereas, spleen and crop were heavier in group A, and gall bladder was heavier in group C. Mortality ratio increased in group A (p&gt;0.05). Group E broiler spent more time on feeding (8.31 min/h). Group F spent more time on drinking (4.76 min/h). Group A spent more time on standing/walking (13.38 min/h). Group A spent more time on lying/sleeping (37.37 min/h) than other groups. Hematological observations indicated that the average value for RBCs were enhanced (2.89 million/mm3) in group D, WBC (24.78 1000/mm3) in group C, PCV in group A (31.63 %) and serum cholesterol in group F (83.07 mg/100ml). Above findings suggest that 0.75% lysine in broiler ration is better for growth, as well as to achieve maximum net return of the farmers.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel powder meal supplementation in broilers: effect on growth performance, digestibility, carcase and organ weights, serum and some meat antioxidant enzyme biomarkers

This study determined the dietary effects of pomegranate peel powder meal (PPPM) supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, carcase and organ weights, serum, and some meat antioxidant enzyme indices of Cobb 500 birds. Birds (n = 432) were randomly assigned to six experimental groups of four replicates each and were fed either diets supplemented with 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg of PPPM (PPPM2, PPPM4, PPPM6 and PPPM8), 0% additives (Negative control; NEGCON), or with α-Tocopherol acetate at 200 g/tonne (Positive control; POSCON). The diet × week interaction effect on feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed that the POSCON diet promoted a better FI and FCR at week 3. However, the FCR of the POSCON birds was comparable to that of the NEGCON, PPPM4 and PPPM6 birds. The average final body weight and average daily weight gain was highest in the PPPM2 and PPPM4 birds, whereas, PPPM2 birds had improved FCR and protein efficiency ratio compared with the POSCON birds. Thigh weight was highest in the PPPM4 group, whereas PPPM8 birds had the highest breast weight compared with the POSCON. Birds fed the PPPM4 diet also had improved nutrient digestibility compared with the POSCON birds. Spleen and gizzard weights were highest in PPPM4 birds compared with the NEGCON group. The concentration of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was decreased in PPPM4 birds, whereas meat from PPPM8 group had the highest catalase enzyme activity. It can be concluded that birds fed 4 g/kg PPPM outperformed the birds that were fed α-tocopherol supplemented (POSCON) diets in terms of performance, digestibility, carcase and organ indices. The effect of pomegranate peel powder meal supplementation was also pronounced in decreasing the concentration of AST at 4 g/kg and increasing the activity of catalase enzyme at 8 g/kg compared with the POSCON and NEGCON diets. Highlights Dietary pomegranate peel powder can improve performance in broilers. Dietary pomegranate peel powder can enhance the enzyme activity of broiler meat.

Burow’s triangle advancement flap: a reliabletool on oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery

Oncoplastic techniques in breast cancer treatment allow increasing indications of breast-conserving surgery and improving cosmetic results. Breast tumors located at the superior edge of the upper quadrant or at the upper inner quadrant represent a challenge for conservative surgery due to insufficient breast thickness and risk of skin involvement. We present a modified Burow's triangle advancement flap for breast-conserving surgery in patients with breast tumors at these locations. This retrospective observational study analyzed 8 out of 213 patients submitted to major oncoplastic breast procedures, who underwent breast-conserving surgery with matrix rotation mammaplasty, using a modified Burow's triangle advancement flap. All patients were treated in public and private health systems in Santiago, Chile. The median age at diagnosis was 47 years. The average initial tumor size was 5.9 cm, and the mean excised breast weight was 117 g. Patients required neither symmetrization nor displacement of the nipple-areola complex. Only one patient had a minor complication (wound dehiscence). During follow-up, no local recurrences were reported. We conclude that the modified Burow's triangle advancement flap is a safe and effective technique to manage tumors at this complex location. It provides adequate oncological margins, good cosmetic results, and contralateral symmetry, with complication rates similar to those of standard conservative surgery.

Estimation of digestible sulphur amino acids requirements for growth performance and immune responses to Newcastle disease and avian influenza vaccination in broilers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of grower diet (d11-24) digestible sulphur amino acids (SAAs) levels on performance traits, blood metabolites, and immune responses to Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) vaccination in the broiler chickens. Additionally, digestible SAAs requirements were determined based on nutrient dose-response data. A total of 360, 11‐day‐old male Ross-308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments, graded levels of supplementary DL-methionine (+0.7 g/kg), but cystine (0.29%) was equal across groups, lead to levels of 0.59, 0.66, 0.73, 0.8, 0.87, and 0.94% dietary digestible SAAs, with six replicates and ten birds each. All birds were vaccinated with inactivated H9N2/ND and live-ND on days 5 and 11, respectively. Increasing dietary digestible SAAs level improved live body weight (LBW), weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE) with linear trends, and improved carcass yield, relative breast weight (RBW), and immune responses with quadratic trends. On day 24, a quadratic increase in blood serum albumin concentration was concomitant with decreasing triglyceride, whole cholesterol, low‐density-lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase concentration with increasing dietary digestible SAAs levels. Based on broken‐line regression models, the LBW, WG, FE, RBW, and immunity against ND and AI vaccination were optimised when dietary digestible SAAs levels were 0.73, 0.69, 0.78, 0.86, 0.73, and 0.72%, respectively. It is concluded, the digestible SAAs requirements of broilers vary according to what production parameter is taken considered for optimisation. The best grower diet digestible SAAs concentration achieved 0.86% for support performance, breast yield, and immune function. Highlights The present data highlight that a better breast meat yield could be obtained by supplementing DL-Met, which raised dietary digestible sulphur amino acids level to 0.86%.

Comparative Effects of Copper Sulfate and Zinc Sulfate on Performances of Broiler Chickens

To investigate the effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on growth performance, feed intake, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of commercial broiler an experiment was conducted. Total 80 Cobb-500 of 07 days old chicks were randomly divided into four dietary groups having four replications in each. Four diets were considered: control (T0); CuSO4.5H2O @ 150 mg/kg of commercial diet (T1); ZnSO4 @100 mg/kg on diet (T2); and combination of CuSO4.5H2O + ZnSO4 @ 150 mg/kg + 100 mg/kg of diet (T3), respectively. Initial live weight, live weight gain and feed intake were recorded. Carcass characteristics were observed after slaughtering of birds. The final live weight was significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed among the experimental groups where highest live weight was recorded in T2 (2440 g/bird) group. Broilers in T2 group showed the best feed efficiency (1.67) that varied significantly (P&lt;0.05). Daily live weight gain was differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) among the experimental groups where highest value at 3rd and 4th weeks of experiment was found in birds of T2 group. There were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences observed among the dietary treatment groups in terms of de-feathering percentages, liver, heart and abdominal fat weight. On the contrary, significant (P&lt;0.05) difference were observed in carcass weight, where highest value was recorded in T3 group. Thigh and breast weight was also differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) in T3 group compared to control and other groups. Use of copper sulfate pentahydrate in diet was economic in terms of cost benefit analysis.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(3): 465-474, December 2020

Effect of graded levels of differently processed Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

&#x0D; The study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of differently processed Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seed meal on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty (150), 28-day old birds were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments of 3 replicates of thirty birds each. Each replicate had 10 birds. The treatments were: T1 - control diet with 0% inclusion level of Roselle Seed Meal (RSM) while the four other diets had 50% of raw (T2: rRSM), soaked (T3: sRSM), boiled (T4: bRSM) and fermented (T5: fRSM) Roselle Seed Meal in a complete randomized design. At the end of the 28thday of the feeding (week 8), parameters measured were on performance and carcass characteristics. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA of SAS with the means, where significant, were separated using the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were highest in birds on T5. Birds on T5 had the least feed conversion ratio (FCR) value (2.62). Feed intake and percent mortality did not differ significantly among birds on the different dietary treatments. Birds on T5 had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher values for live weight (LW), thigh weight (TW) and neck weight (NW). Percentage eviscerated weight, breast weight, drumstick weight, shank weight, wing weight and back weight did not differ significantly among the birds on the different treatments. The gizzard (G), liver (L) and spleen (S) had the highest values in birds on T3 (G: 2.53%), T1 (L: 2.34%), T5 (S: 0.18) being significantly (p&lt;0.05) different from T&#x0D; 5 (G: 2.04% and L: 1.87%), T2 (S: 0.08%), T3 (S: 0.08%) and T4 (S: 0.09%) respectively. There were no significant (p&gt;0.05) differences observed among the treatments for percentage heart weight. It can be concluded that processing methods enhanced the utilization of Roselle seed meal with the best being the fermentation method as revealed by its feed conversion ratio, live weight and some carcass parameters when Roselle Seed Meal was substituted for 50% of soybean meal in the broiler finisher diets.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of varying energy and protein levels on carcass characteristics of helmet Guinea fowls in the tropics

The effect of energy and protein and their interaction on carcass characteristics of helmet Guinea fowls in the tropics was investigated using one hundred and thirty-five Guinea fowls. The experiment which lasted for 5 weeks involved a 3*3 factorial in completely randomized design. The birds were randomly assigned to experimental diets containing three energy levels: 2500, 2600 and 2700 kcal/kg denoted as E1 , E2 and E3 respectively and three protein levels: 15%, 16% and 17% CP denoted as P1 , P2 and P3 respectively. The factorial design involved nine treatment combinations. The birds were allocated to each diet and were replicated three times to contain five birds per replicate and 15 birds per treatment. The result revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in the main effects of protein on dressed weight, thigh weight and breast weight. The 17% CP recorded the most significant values for dressed weight (689.44 g) and breast weight (24.89g). The varying energy levels also affected significantly (P&lt;0.05) the dressed weight, thigh weight, wing weight, breast weight, back weight and gizzard weight of the birds. The 2600 kcal/kg recorded the highest dressed weight (717.22 g) compared to the other energy levels. However, the 2700 kcal/kg recorded the most significant values in thigh, wing, breast, back and gizzard weights. The interaction effect of protein x energy levels revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) effects on live weight, wing weight, breast weight, back weight and gizzard weight of the Guinea fowls. The findings from this experiment conclude that diet of Helmeted Guinea fowl containing 15% CP and 2700kcal/kg ME gave the best carcass performance.

Effect of dietary energy and protein on performance of guinea fowl reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria

The effects of varying levels of energy and protein on optimal performance of helmeted guinea fowl and carcass characteristics were investigated. Three hundred and twenty-four 7-week old guinea fowls were randomly allotted to treatments in a 3x3 factorial arrangement of a Completely Randomized Design. The birds were respectively assigned to the experimental diets of 10.46MJ, 10.87 and 11.29kcal of ME/kg diet with a corresponding protein content of 15, 16, and 17% CP. They were fed these diets from 7 to 12 weeks of age. Each dietary treatment had four replicates of 27 birds per replicate. Feed and water were provided adlibitum. The birds were observed for feed consumption, weight gain, final weight, water consumption and mortality. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) energy x protein interaction effect for the average final weight with birds on 10.87MJ/kg x 15%CP for FW and also for energy x protein main effects for FI, WI and WG. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) energy main effects and energy x protein interaction for gizzard weight, back weight and breast weight with constant energy levels of 10.87MJ/kg ME and 10.46MJ/kg ME at their interaction level. Birds on 1 1.29MJ/kg ME x 15CP and 1 1.29MJ/kg ME x 17%CP gave the heaviest gizzard of 922.66 and 19.09 and in other parameters, except in Neck weight which shows no significant (p&lt;0.05) energy and protein as well as the energy x protein interaction. But there were significant energy main effect and no significant protein main effects for wing weight as well as significant differences (p&lt;0.05) energy and protein main effects on total dressed with 10.887MLkg ME x 17%CP gave the highest value of 717.22g. There was also a significant (p&lt;0.05) interaction effects on average live weight with 1 1.29MJ/kg ME x 15%CP diet gave the highest value of 1.48kg/bird. The findings from this study that 10.87 MJ/kg ME and 15%Cp diet gave the best performance.

Carcass traits, haematology and serum biochemical parameters of Nigerian indigenous chickens and their crosses with marshall

This study investigated the genetic variation in carcass traits and blood parameters of local naked neck and normal-feathered chickens and their crosses with Marshall broiler chickens. Two hundred and sixty three chickens consisting of 50 purebred Marshalls (M), 38 naked neck (Nk) and 48 normal-feathered (N), 61Marshall x naked neck (MNk) and 66Marshall x normal-feathered(MN) chickens were used for the study. Data were collected on carcass traits, haematology and serum biochemical parameters and were analysed using the General Linear Model procedure of Statistical Analysis System. Carcass traits such as eviscerated weight and weights of thigh, drumstick, breast, wings and organs were significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) affected by genotype. Results showed that the purebred Marshall had the highest values in most of the traits followed by their crossbreds. In organs such as gizzard, liver and heart the local normal feathered ranked equal with its crossbred. Sex significantly (P&lt; 0.05) affected carcass traits. Males consistently had higher values than females in all the parameters measured. Genotype significantly (P

Effect of sex, polydactylism and rearing system on carcass parameters of Fulani- ecotype chickens in Southwestern Nigeria

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of sex, Polydactylism and rearing system on carcass parameters of Fulani-ecotype chickens. Thirty chickens (15 males and 15 females) were randomly selected at 16 weeks old for carcass evaluation from population of the intensively (deep litter and cage system of management) kept Fulani eco-type chicken and were used for determining carcass characteristics such as Live weight, dressed weight, eviscerated weight, breast weight, Proventriculus weight, gizzard weight, liver weight, lung weight, spleen weight, bile weight, pancreas weight, heart weight, wing weight, shank weight, drumstick weight, thigh weight, head weight, neck weight, back weight. Data generated from the carcass parameters were subjected to least squares means using SAS 9.2 version 2008. Result showed that sex and polydactyly were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) on all the carcass parameters measured except the organs. Birds kept in deep litter system had higher least squares means values than ones in cage system of management. This study revealed the effect of sex, polydactylism and rearing system on various carcass characteristics of Fulani ecotype chickens.

Prenatal and post-hatch assessment of two strains of broiler chickens reared under high natural ambient temperatures

Pre-natal (PN) and post-hatch (PH) assessments were carried out on two broiler chicken strains to examine possible origin of strain differences and response to heat stress. One hundred and forty fertile eggs incubated for 18 days as PN and 192 day-old broiler chicks as PH; were evenly divided between two strains (Arbor Acres [AA] and Marshal [MS]). For the PN assessment (day 18, 19 and 21 of incubation), embryos were dissected and organs weighed. Liver glycogen and moisture content of the carcass and residual yolk sac were also determined. Post hatch, average body weight (ABW), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured under high natural ambient temperatures. At d 18 of incubation, proportional breast weight and yolk moisture was higher in AA than MS (P &lt; 0.05), with the same trend observed at d 21 for yolk weight (%). Breast, gizzard, heart and liver weights were observed to increase linearly, in proportion to weight of embryo (P &lt;0.001), between d 18 and 21 on incubation, while the inverse was observed for yolk weight (%). Post-hatch, ADFI and FCR at the end of the starter phase were lower in MS compared with AA (P &lt; 0.05). However, at the end of the finisher phase, only ADFI was significantly influenced by strain of broiler (AA &lt; MS; P &lt; 0.05). Serum electrolytes and carcass characteristics did not differ between strains (P &gt; 0.05). Phenotype differences in were manifested prior to hatch, with Marshall exhibiting advantage to Arbor Acres under high ambient temperatures.

Determination of the optimal digestible arginine to lysine ratio in Ross 708 male broilers

Summary This study was conducted to establish the optimal digestible arginine (dArg) to digestible lysine (dLys) ratio of Yield Plus Male × Ross 708 male broilers from 1 to 14 d of age, 1 to 25 d of age (experiment 1), and 25 to 42 d of age (experiment 2) based on growth performance, feed utilization, and processing yields. Diets were comprised of corn, wheat middlings, corn gluten meal, poultry meal, and soybean meal, and formulated to be surfeit in limiting amino acids except dArg. For both experiments, dietary treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Optimum values calculated were obtained from quadratic broken line methodology. In experiment 1, the dArg/dLys ratio for optimizing BW gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was determined to be 106 for both variables from 1 to 14 d of age, and 105 and 108 from 1 to 25 d of age, respectively. In experiment 2, the optimum dArg/dLys value was estimated to be 129 and 116 for BW gain and FCR, respectively, during the 25 to 42 d period. Optimum dArg/dLys values for carcass yield, breast weight, and breast yield were estimated to be 136, 112, and 109, respectively. Absolute and relative weights of thighs increased linearly (P

PSX-37 Late-Breaking Abstracts: Effects of metformin on body temperature regulation and breast muscle growth in male broiler chickens

Abstract Chickens provide models for human physiology research, as their normal physiological status mimics mammalian obesity and human Type II diabetes. Metformin is a common medication used to treat Type II diabetes. Prior studies have demonstrated metformin’s ability to induce the “browning” phenomenon of white adipose tissue and promote non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). The objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation of metformin can promote NST to reduce body fat mass and increase metabolism in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks (n = 72) were randomly assigned to 12 pens (6 chickens/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to control basal diet (CON), basal plus 0.5 g/kg metformin (MET05), or basal plus 1.0 g/kg metformin (MET1). Two chicks were harvested from each pen on d7, d14, and d21. Total breast weight (TBW) and liver weight (LW) were recorded. IButton temperature loggers were implanted in chickens on d19. ADFI was highest in MET05 at d7 and d21, lowest in MET1 at d7, and highest in MET1 at d14. ADFI was lowest in CON group at d14 and d21. MET1 showed a negative effect on G:F at d7 and d14. MET05 group had the highest BW, TBW, and LW at all intervals. CON group had the lowest TBW at d14, but significantly higher than MET1 at d21. MET1 group had the lowest TBW at d7 and d21, lowest LW at d7 and d14, while CON group had the lowest LW at d21. CON had the highest breast/BW ratio, while MET1 group had the lowest. MET05 and MET01 had higher liver:BW ratio than CON group at d21. Data distribution showed less variation for internal body temperature in the MET05 group compared with CON and MET1. These results suggest that low dosage metformin helps regulate body temperature and increase breast muscle growth in broilers in earlier life stage.

EFEKTIVITAS KOMBINASI KEPALA UDANG, GAPLEK DAN MINYAK KELAPA SEBAGAI PENGGANTI SEBAGIAN JAGUNG TEPUNG TERHADAP PERFORMANS ITIK MOJOSARI JANTAN

The study was aimed to determine the effect of partially substitute corn with cassava flour, shrimp heads, and coconut oil on the performance of male Mojosari ducks. The 96 male daily old ducks were given treatment feed which was a combination of cassava flour, shrimp head, and coconut oil as corn substitutes with stratified proportions of 0, 5, 10, and 15. This was an experiment arranged according to a randomized block design with 4 treatments and 6 repetitions. The results showed that the combination of shrimp head, cassava, and coconut oil as corn to 15 percent has no difference in effect (P&gt; 0.05) on feed consumption, metabolic energy consumption and protein consumption, carcass weight, thigh weight, and breast weight of duck age 6 Sunday. The conclusion is that the combination of shrimp heads, cassava, and coconut oil up to 15% could not affect the performance of male Mojosari duck.

Effect of dietary digestible sulphur amino acids level on growth performance, blood metabolites and liver functional enzymes of broilers 1–11 days of age

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary digestible sulphur amino acids (DSAAs) level on growth performance, blood metabolites, and liver functional enzymes of broilers during 1–11 days of age. Additionally, DSAAs requirement was determined from dose nutrient response data. A total of 432 1‐day‐old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments, graded levels of supplementary DL-Met (+0.8 g/kg per level) while Cys was equal across groups, led to levels of 0.62, 0.70, 0.78, 0.86, 0.94 and 10.2% DSAAs, with six replicates and 12 birds each. Increasing levels of dietary DSAAs enhanced live body weight (LBW), weight gain (WG), feed efficiency (FE), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and relative breast weight (RBW), although there was no effect on feed intake. At the end of the starter period, a linear increase in blood serum total protein and albumin concentration was concomitant with decreasing in triglyceride, whole cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase concentration when dietary DSAAs level was increased. The DSAAs requirements estimated by linear broken-line (LBL) fit model to optimise LBW, WG, FE, EPEF and RBW were 0.80, 0.81, 0.93, 0.95 and 0.93%, although the estimated values by the quadratic broken line fit model were 14.32, 19.93, 16.85, 23.68 and 5.79% higher than those, respectively. It is concluded, a minimum of 0.95% DSAAs concentration in broiler starter diet is suggested to optimise growth performance. Estimation of DSAAs requirement depended on what production parameter and regression model are taken considered for optimisation. Highlights A minimum of 0.95% digestible sulphur amino acids level is suggested in the broiler starter diet to optimise growth performance.