Efficacy and Growth Performance between Two Different Ionophore Coccidiostats (Narasin and Salinomycin) in Broiler Chickens after Challenge with Eimeria spp.

The objective of this study was primarily to assess the different performance impacts of two ionophore coccidiostats (narasin and salinomycin) used to manage coccidiosis. While both products may be efficacious in controlling disease challenges, previous literature has suggested that some ionophores are less well tolerated by the broiler chickens. In this study, we were particularly interested to know how the use of different coccidiostat programs translates into broiler health and performance, as measured by zootechnical parameters such as the feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and final body weight. A total of 352 male Ross 308 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into two treatment groups (T1 and T2). Treatment 1 included a basal diet (BD) + nicarbazin/narasin (Maxiban®, Elanco) at 100 ppm 0-24 days, narasin at 70 ppm 25-42 days, and (2) Treatment 2 included basal diet + nicarbazin/narasin at 100 ppm 0-24 days, salinomycin (Sacox®, Huvepharma) at 70 ppm 25-42 days. Efficacy and performance parameters, slaughter analysis, dry matter (DM) in litter, and intestinal integrity (I2) were measured for the broilers from both treatment groups. The findings demonstrated more favorable results for broilers reared in the group diet fed with narasin (in the finisher phase), including higher daily body weight gain, higher final body weight, lower feed conversion ratio value (improved feed efficiency), and higher European Production Efficiency Factor value, compared with the salinomycin-supplemented group.

Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Diets Containing Raw, Hydrobarothermally-Treated and Fermented Rapeseed Cake.

The present study was conducted to investigate how raw rapeseed cake (RRC), hydrobarothermally-treated rapeseed cake (HRC) and fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) fed to laying hens over a period of 12 weeks affected their performance, and the quality, fatty acid (FA) profile and oxidative stability of eggs. A total of 304 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 36 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design to four treatment groups with 38 replicates per treatment and two hens per replicate. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study. During the experiment, the birds were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets in mash form, with various protein sources. In the control group (C), soybean meal (SBM) was the main source of dietary protein, whereas the experimental groups were fed diets containing 20% of RRC, HRC or FRC. Hydrobarothermal treatment and fermentation decreased the glucosinolate (GLS) content of RC, and fermentation reduced the concentration of phytate phosphorus (PP). In comparison with the RRC group, layers from the HRC and FRC groups were characterized by higher laying performance, comparable with that in group C. Irrespective of its physical form, RC added to layer diets adversely affected eggshell quality in all experimental groups, whereas albumen quality was highest in the FRC group. In comparison with group C, diets containing RRC, HRC and HRC led to a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), an increase in the proportion of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the total FA pool in egg yolks, and a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The inclusion of RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in egg yolks, relative to group C. Group FCR eggs were characterized by the highest activity of catalase (CAT) and the lowest lipid peroxides LOOH concentration, compared with the remaining groups. The addition of RC to layer diets did not compromise the sensory quality of eggs, and eggs produced in group FRC received the highest overall score. It can be concluded that the inclusion of 20% RRC, HRC and FRC in layer diets does not compromise the sensory quality of eggs and has a beneficial influence on the FA profile and antioxidant potential of egg yolks. The use of FRC is recommended because it contributes to the highest laying performance, superior albumen quality and the highest sensory quality of eggs, relative to RRC and HRC.

Estimated intestinal absorption of phosphorus and its deposition in chosen tissues, bones and feathers of chickens receiving chromium picolinate or chromium nanoparticles in diet.

The aim of the study was to determine whether the level and form of Cr in the diet of chickens influences its accumulation in tissues as well as intestinal absorption of P and its deposition in tissues. The experiment was carried out on 405 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens that were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Control group was fed the diet without supplemental chromium; experimental groups were fed the diet with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) and with 3 or 6 mg/kg chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NP). Chromium was found to accumulate in the tissues of the ileum, liver, breast muscle, bones skin and in feathers of chickens. Chromium deposited in the ileum of chickens does not affect the ex vivo estimated intestinal absorption of P. The use of Cr in the diet of chickens carries the risk of lowering P levels in femur.

The Fermentation Process Improves the Nutritional Value of Rapeseed Cake for Turkeys-Effects on Performance, Gut Bacterial Population and Its Fermentative Activity.

This experiment investigated the potential inclusion of fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in turkey diets. The turkeys received diets either not supplemented (C) or supplemented with raw rapeseed cake (RRC) or FRC at 150 g/kg diet. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW comparable with that noted in the control group. The dietary inclusion of FRC increased the concentrations of propionic and valeric acid in the cecal digesta compared with the control group, and increased the proportion of butyric acid in SCFA profile compared with RRC group. The activities of glycolytic bacterial enzymes in the cecal digesta, were lowest in turkeys fed FRC. Experimental diets did not cause a shift in the relative abundances of the main bacterial phyla or orders in the cecal digesta. FRC increased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae at the family level, but decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level compared with birds fed RRC. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of FRC at 150 g/kg did not compromise bird performance, did not excessively stimulate bacterial activity, and did not cause shifts in the bacterial composition in the cecum. Actually, FCR exerted several beneficial effects that contributed to maintaining gut health in turkeys, which points to its advantage over RRC.

The Effect of Chromium Nanoparticles and Chromium Picolinate in the Diet of Chickens on Levels of Selected Hormones and Tissue Antioxidant Status.

: We have postulated that supplementation with Cr can increase serotonin levels and improve the antioxidant status of chickens, with no adverse effect on the secretion of other hormones. The study aimed to determine what form and dose of Cr more favorably affect the level of selected hormones (insulin, glucagon, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, histamine, T3 and T4) and the antioxidant status (level of malondialdehyde and lipid peroxides, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase) of chicken tissues. The experiment was carried out on chickens randomly divided into five treatment groups. The basal diets (control group) were supplemented with two levels of Cr (3 and 6 mg/kg) and two Cr sources: Cr-picolinate (Cr-Pic) and Cr-nano (Cr-NP) to obtain four experimental diets: 3 mg/kg Cr-Pic, 6.0 mg/kg Cr-Pic, 3.0 mg/kg Cr-NP. and 6.0 mg/kg Cr-NP. The addition of Cr in both forms increased the level of serotonin at a dose of 3 mg/kg and, at the same time, reduced the level of noradrenaline. The addition of Cr at 3 mg/kg, irrespective of the form used, regulated the level of hormones of carbohydrate metabolism (increasing insulin levels and reducing glucagon levels) and had an adverse effect on the antioxidant status of the liver and breast muscle. Due to the adverse effect of Cr at 3 mg/kg on the antioxidant status of chickens, this level of Cr should not be considered in both forms Cr-Pic and Cr-NP as a feed additive for broiler chickens. In the future, studies on the potential beneficial effects of Cr on the organism should take into account doses lower than 3 mg/kg.

The effect of raw and fermented rapeseed cake on the metabolic parameters, immune status, and intestinal morphology of turkeys.

This study evaluated the effects of including 15% of raw or fermented rapeseed cake (RRC and FRC, respectively) in turkey diets on the growth performance, antioxidant and immune status, and intestinal morphology of birds. Rapeseed cake was fermented using the commercial 6-phytase enzyme preparation, and dried. A total of 1,350 day-old female Hybrid Converter turkeys were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments with 9 replicates per treatment and 50 birds per replicate. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and contained various protein sources. In the control group (C), soybean meal was the main source of dietary protein, and the remaining groups were fed diets containing 15% of RRC or FRC. Fermentation considerably reduced the concentrations of phytate-phosphorus and glucosinolates in rapeseed cake. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved higher average final body weight (BW), comparable with that noted in the control group. Both RRC and FRC stimulated the antioxidant system of turkeys, which was reflected in a decrease in the concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and an increase in the total antioxidant potential (FRAP) and the concentration of total glutathione (GSH + GSSG) in blood plasma, compared with the control group. Turkeys fed diets with RRC were characterized by the highest blood vitamin C concentrations, the highest activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lower catalase (CAT) activity. The dietary inclusion of rapeseed cake contributed to an increase in villus height and mucosal thickness in the duodenum, and a more beneficial influence was exerted by RRC. It can be concluded that the fermentation of rapeseed cake considerably reduces the concentrations of glucosinolates and phytate-phosphorus, and increases the final BW of turkeys. Diets containing 15% of RRC and FRC do not compromise metabolic parameters or immune function, and exert positive effects on antioxidant status and intestinal histomorphology in turkeys.

Effect of nanoparticles of silver on redox status and the accumulation of Ag in chicken tissues.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that there are doses of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) that improve antioxidant defence in chickens without compromising their growth performance and health. RESULTS: The results of our study suggest that, irrespective of the concentration, the administration of Ag-NPs (5 nm) at a dose not exceeding 54 mg/bird has no negative effect on the growth performance of chickens. The administration of Ag-NPs (5 nm) in the amount of 2.87 to 63.74 mg/bird does not cause silver to accumulate in the breast muscle. The ingestion of 2.87 mg/bird was found to result in the accumulation of this element in the wall of the small intestine and in the liver, and a further increase in the dose increases the accumulation of Ag in these tissues. Accumulation of Ag in the heart of the chickens was not observed until the dose reached 22.5 mg/bird. CONCLUSION: Our research has shown that the application of Ag-NPs (5 nm), especially at doses greater than the 'no observable adverse effect level' (NOAEL) of 9.47 mg/bird, can induce oxidative reactions in the blood, small intestinal wall, liver and breast muscle of chickens. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of administration of four different doses of Escherichia coli phytase on femur properties of 16-week-old turkeys.

BACKGROUND: The enzyme phytase is able to initiate the release of phosphates from phytic acid, making it available for absorption within gastrointestinal tract and following utilization. The aim of the study was to determine effects of Escherichia coli phytase administration on morphological, densitometric and mechanical properties of femur in 16-week-old turkeys. One-day-old BUT Big-6 males were assigned to six weight-matched groups. Turkeys receiving diet with standard phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content belonged to the positive control group (Group I). Negative control group (Group II) consisted of birds fed diet with lowered P and Ca content. Turkeys belonging to the remaining groups have received the same diet as group II but enriched with graded levels of Escherichia coli phytase: 125 (Group III), 250 (Group IV), 500 (Group V) and 1000 (Group VI) FTU/kg. At the age of 112 days of life, the final body weights were determined and the turkeys were sacrificed to obtain right femur for analyses. Geometric and densitometric properties of femur were determined using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) technique, while mechanical evaluation was performed in three-point bending test. RESULTS: Phytase administration increased cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, mean relative wall thickness, cortical bone mineral density and maximum elastic strength decreasing cortical bone area of femur (P < 0.05). Reduced dietary Ca and P content decreased final body weight of turkeys by 6.5% (P = 0.006). The most advantageous effects of Escherichia coli phytase administration on geometric, densitometric and mechanical properties of femur were observed in turkeys receiving 125 and 250 FTU/kg of the diet. Phytase administration at the dosages of 500 and 1000 FTU/kg of the diet improved the final body weight in turkeys. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study indicate a possible practical application of Escherichia coli phytase in turkey feeding to improve skeletal system properties and function.