Using Natural Zeolite as a Feed Additive in Broilers' Diets for Enhancing Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality Traits.

BACKGROUND: Using natural zeolites as a food additive in poultry diets offers an intriguing perspective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite addition and particle size on broiler performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, moisture of excreta and litter, and intestinal measurements during 35 days. METHODS: A total of 560 1-day-old female Ross-308 broilers were divided into five treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g zeolite/kg diet) (n = 16 replicates/treatment, n = 8 replicates /particle size of each treatment). Performance was calculated weekly. Carcass characteristics, meat quality, small intestine (SI) measurements, litter pH, and moisture content were determined on day 35. RESULTS: Litter pH, breast redness, cooking loss, chewiness, total weight, and SI length were all affected by zeolite treatments (p < 0.05). Particle size had an impact on the gastric pH and texture analysis. Their interaction had an effect on color redness, litter pH, and cooking loss. Performance was unaffected by either the main or interaction effects. CONCLUSION: Zeolite as a feed additive may be useful in broiler diets, particularly large particles. The performance and production efficiency factor improved numerically (p > 0.05) with increasing zeolite doses up to 10 g zeolite/kg diet.

Effects of Rumex nervosus leaf powder supplementation on carcasses compositions, small intestine dimensions, breasts color quality, economic feasibility in broiler chickens.

Carcass characteristics, product quality, and the conversion of feed into meat with higher performance and feasibility are important determinants of the profitability and sustainability of any poultry enterprise. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effect of Rumex nervosus leaf powder (RNLP) on carcass composition, small intestine dimensions, breast color quality, and economic feasibility of Ross broiler chickens. A total of 122 broilers were randomly distributed evenly among 4 treatments (0, 1, 3, and 5 g RNLP/ kg diet, n = 5 replicates per treatment, with 6 broilers per replicate: 3 ♀ and 3 ♂). Performance and economic data were collected in each replicate during the experiment. One male bird from each replication was examined for other criteria on d 34. Results showed that broilers fed 3 g of RNLP had a higher eviscerated carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.05) than the control. The RNLP-fed broilers had higher weights and thicknesses in the duodenum and jejunum of up to 5 g and in the ileum and overall small intestine of up to 3 g. Broilers fed the lowest levels of RNLP had the highest revenue and net gain and the lowest cost-benefit ratio compared with those fed the highest levels of RNLP. The results indicate that the addition of RNLP has a positive effect on carcass processing, the intestinal measurements, and profitability ratios of the broilers. The 1 g RNLP/kg feed is the recommended dose to increase productivity and economic profitability ratios per kilogram of meat.

The Effect of Gum Arabic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Indicators, Immune Response, Cecal Microbiota, and the Duodenal Morphology of Broiler Chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) belongs to the Fabaceae family and contains indigestible soluble fibers (80-85%) that could be fermented by commensal bacteria to enhance performance, immune response, and intestinal integrity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GA on performance, serum biochemical indicators, microbiota, immune-related gene expression, and histological changes in chickens. Six GA levels (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0%) were allocated using a total of 432 1-day-old male chickens (12 replicates with 6 chickens each). Growth performance was evaluated on days 10 and 24 of age. Blood parameters, organ pH levels, and intestinal health were determined on day 10 of age. Results showed that GA at 0.12% increased weight gain and 0.12 to 1.0% decreased feed intake but was best in feed conversion ratio and production efficiency except for 1.0% on day 1-10 of age. There was an increase in the thymus weight at GA level 0.25 to 0.75%. GA decreased the pH value of the proventriculus (at 0.50 and 1.0%) as well as the duodenum and cecum (at 0.12 and 1.0%). Chickens fed GA between 0.25 to 1.0% had higher protein and HDL, but lower cholesterol, LDL, and creatinine. Globulin was increased at 0.50% GA, while glucose and triglycerides were decreased (at 0.25 and 0.75% GA, respectively). The immune-related gene expression was reduced, except for 0.25% GA, which increased IL-10. Furthermore, chickens fed GA (0.25 to 0.75%) had higher Lactobacillus spp. and lower Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. When chickens received GA, the villus length and length to crypt ratio were higher, which also improved the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells and early duodenal development. We conclude that using GA (0.25 to 0.75%) as a natural prebiotic positively affects the performance, microbiota, immune response, morphology, and gut health of post-hatched chickens. More studies are needed to determine the potential mechanism of GA on broiler chickens.

Evaluation of gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve growth performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural product containing soluble fiber that is indigestible in the gastrointestinal tract and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as intestinal inflammation, kidney disease, and liver disorders, which may be reflected in the improved performance of broiler chickens when used. Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of GA on the performance, immune system, visceral organs, functional tests, and histological changes of the ileum, liver, and kidneys of broilers. A total of 432 1-day-old male broilers were allocated to six dietary treatments (0.0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0% GA) for 35 days. Performance, internal organs, and blood biochemical indices were measured. Morphology and histometry of the intestine were also performed. Meanwhile, tissues of the ileum, liver, and kidney were examined and evaluated microscopically to observe histological changes. All levels of GA (0.12 to 1.0%) had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio. In addition, GA had no effect on the relative weight of lymphoid and visceral organs, except for a linear response in the bursa and liver. The levels of GA (0.12 and 0.25%) showed the potential to decrease serum uric acid, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. The remarkable increase in small intestinal morphology of chickens fed GA and an increase in all histometric values of the ileum. All histological changes in the intestine, liver, and kidneys improved in chickens fed the basal diet containing 0.12 to 0.50% GA. These results provide useful evidence for the potential use of GA powder (Acacia senegal) as a natural prebiotic to improve performance and intestinal, liver, and kidney health in broiler chickens.

Dietary Cinnamon Bark Affects Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Breast Meat Quality in Broiler Infected with Eimeria tenella Oocysts.

A total of 150 broiler chicks were used to determine the impact of dietary cinnamon bark powder (CBP; Cinnamomum verum) on breast meat quality, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of birds under coccidiosis, as one of the protozoan parasitic diseases. A total of 5 replicates of birds received 1 of the following 6 groups for 34 days: control groups (1 and 2) received a basal diet without the addition of CBP or salinomycin; group 3 received a basal diet with 0.066 g salinomycin; groups 4-6 were given a basal diet supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 g CBP/kg feed, respectively. On day 21, 4 × 104/100 µL of Eimeria tenella oocysts/bird were challenged, except for the negative control (NC). At the end of the experimental trial, five birds/group were sampled for carcass characteristics and breast attributes. Overall, emeriosis negatively affects slaughter body mass, carcass yield, and the majority of carcass characteristics in birds, and cinnamon can mitigate these effects. Cinnamon groups, particularly at the 2 g level, alleviated the negative effect on performance caused by coccidia infestation to the same or greater extent as the negative control and salinomycin treatment groups. Furthermore, when compared with the other experimental groups, the addition of cinnamon improved some physicochemical properties with some affecting meat quality, such as decreasing MFI and increasing toughness in cinnamon-treated groups. In summary, it can be concluded that CBP can enhance the shelf life, carcass, and quality of birds' meat by maximizing the productive performance efficiency and breast meat productivity of birds under coccidiosis infestation. Further research is required to investigate the use of cinnamon to optimize the quality of meat and the productivity of both healthy and diseased broilers.

In vitro phytochemical analysis and antibacterial and antifungal efficacy assessment of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Rumex nervosus leaves against selected bacteria and fungi.

Background and Aim: Scientists are interested in identifying natural antibiotic substitutes that are effective against drug-resistant pathogenic microbes and spoilage fungi to counter pathogens and reduce the major public health problem of antibiotic residues in animal products. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Rumex nervosus leaves (RNLs) as a medicinal herb against four bacterial and two fungal strains using absolute ethanol, 50% ethanol, and aqueous extracts. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activities of various RNL extracts against selected microbes were evaluated using the disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum fungicidal concentrations, and the poisoned food technique. Results: The absolute ethanol RNL extract showed the best bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity against Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC/MBC: 0.20/0.40, 0.20/0.40, and 0.32/0.65 mg/mL, respectively). The diameter of the zone of inhibition was larger (p < 0.05) for the 100% ethanol RNL extract (8.17 mm) against Salmonella Typhimurium, the 50% ethanol-RNL extract (11.5 mm) against E. coli, and the aqueous RNL extract (14.0 mm) against S. aureus than for any other bacterial isolate. The aqueous RNL extract strongly (p < 0.0001) inhibited the mycelial growth of Aspergillus fumigatus (100%) and Aspergillus niger (81.4%) compared with the control. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that RNL is a promising new natural antimicrobial agent for food preservation. To date, most research on the antimicrobial properties of natural herbs has been conducted in vitro, with few exceptions in vivo and intervention-based research.

Effect of Rumex nervosus Leaf Powder on the Breast Meat Quality, Carcass Traits, and Performance Indices of Eimeria tenella Oocyst-Infected Broiler Chickens.

This work aimed to assess the effect of using the RNL on performance indices, carcass trait, and meat quality of broiler chicken infected with Eimeria tenella compared with commercially used anticoccidials salinomycin. Moreover, we compare these selected variables between infected medicated groups and a non-infected unmedicated group (UUT) and an infected unmedicated group (IUT). A total of 150 1-day-old Ross 308 mixed-sex broilers were divided into 6 groups. Birds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed basic diets supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g of RNL/kg diet, respectively. Group 4 received a basic diet with 66 mg of salinomycin. The control groups (5 and 6) were given a basic diet with no RNL or salinomycin added. All groups except the negative controls were challenged with Eimeria tenella at 21 days old. Birds in RNL groups outperformed those in the IUT group in performance indices, and they have a similar effect to the salinomycin group. Enhancement-infected birds with RNL affected some chickens' carcass traits. Drip loss, water-holding capacity, and meat tenderness were improved by RNL inclusion (1 g) in the diet. In conclusion, the meat of infected birds receiving 1 g RNL had increased quality attributes, with preferable tenderness and springiness when compared to the IUT group. RNL could therefore also be considered a promising non-conventional feed source in the future. Further research is needed to optimize the use of RNL to improve broilers production and meat quality in both infected and non-infected conditions.

The effects of clove seed (Syzygium aromaticum) dietary administration on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and sensory attributes of broiler chickens.

Previous studies have shown positive outcomes associated with the incorporation of cloves into broiler chicken diets. This study aimed to evaluate carcass characteristics, meat quality, and sensory attributes of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with different clove seed levels. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were fed 1 of seven dietary treatments. The control group diet contained 0% clove seeds, whereas the treatment group diets contained up to 6% clove seeds. The chickens' final BW was significantly different between the treatments, which decreased linearly with increasing levels of clove seed inclusion. Broiler chickens fortified with clove seeds did not significantly affect the chickens' carcass characteristics and body composition. However, an increment in weights of carcass components (liver, heart, and gizzard) was observed in low clove seed levels. In addition, water-holding capacity, cooking loss percentages, and tenderness of the meat were improved owing to clove seed inclusion (1 or 2%) compared with the control group. Further studies are warranted to optimize the outstanding use of cloves toward broiler chicken performance enhancement and to produce a high quality of meat.

Anticoccidial effectivity of a traditional medicinal plant, Cinnamomum verum, in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella.

The anticoccidial influences of various amounts of Cinnamomum verum powder were compared with that of salinomycin as standard synthetic anticoccidial drug on the anticoccidial indicators and production performance in broilers experimentally exposed to coccidiosis. Broiler chicks at 1 d of age (n = 150) were arbitrarily distributed into 6 groups. Birds from groups 1-3 were received the starter and finisher diets plus 2, 4, and 6 g of cinnamon/kg of the diet, respectively. Birds from group 4 were fed the starter and finisher diets plus 66 mg of salinomycin, group 5 constituted the positive control (PC), with the coccidial challenge, and group 6 constituted the negative control (NC), without the coccidial infection, which were both maintained on diets without any cinnamon. The results showed that BW gain, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency factor declined considerably (P < 0.05) in the PC compared with the NC. At seventh day postinfection (DPI), the lesion score was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the ceca of salinomycin-treated birds than the PC. The anticoccidial index was moderate in the chickens treated with salinomycin and 6 g cinnamon at 7 DPI compared with those in the PC group. In addition, cinnamon- or salinomycin-treated birds exhibited lower oocyst values and higher oocyst reduction rate than those in the PC. We concluded that C. verum at level 6 g cinnamon/kg diet moderately reduced coccidiosis and attempted to improved BW, feed conversion ratio, and production efficiency at 7 DPI compared with the infected groups.

Anti-Coccidial Effect of Rumex Nervosus Leaf Powder on Broiler Chickens Infected with Eimeria Tenella Oocyst.

Coccidiosis a huge economic burden in poultry farms where the pathogen Eimeria harms animal well-being and survival. Besides synthetic anti-coccidial drugs, natural herbs appear to be an alternative way to prevent avian coccidiosis. Rumex nervosus (RN), a phytogenic shrub, has received considerable attention in recent years due to its significant anti-microbial effects; however, limited knowledge exists about its potential anti-coccidial functions. This study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic activities of RN leaf powder in broilers infected with Eimeria tenella. Infected chickens received a commercial diet containing 1, 3, or 5 g RN powder/kg diet compared to infected broilers that treated with Sacox (PC) or compared to uninfected broilers that received a commercial diet alone (NC). Results showed that RN powder significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the lesion scores and suppressed the output of oocysts per gram (OPG) in chickens' feces. Although RN was unable to minimize the weight gain loss due to emeriosis, RN at level 1 g improved the feed conversion ratio. Therefore, RN powder, at 5 g, possesses moderate anti-coccidial effects and hence could be used to treat avian coccidiosis in field conditions; however, further studies are required to investigate, in vitro or in vivo, the anti-coccidial potential of active ingredients.

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.

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.

Rumex nervosus leaves meal improves body weight gain, duodenal morphology, serum thyroid hormones, and cecal microflora of broiler chickens during the starter period.

A total of 192 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 4 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 6 chicks (3♀ and 3♂) per cage according to a completely randomized block design. The dietary treatments were a basal diet (control) and a control diet supplemented with 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 mg/kg Rumex nervosus leaves meal (RN). Gallic acid and some volatile compounds were detected in the RN extract. On day 10 of age, BW was improved (P = 0.016) with supplemental RN (1,000-5,000 mg/kg). On day 14 of age, dietary application of RN up to 3,000 mg/kg increased BWG (P = 0.003) compared with control, while a 1,000 mg/kg RN had the best feed conversion ratio (P = 0.016). On day 10 of age, samples were taken on a single female bird per replicate. The addition of RN (1,000-5,000 mg/kg) increased (P < 0.001) serum albumin and triiodothyronine levels and maximized the relative weight of breast meat (P = 0.003). Feeding a diet with 1,000 mg/kg RN resulted in greater duodenal villus height (P < 0.001) than control and the diet with 5,000 mg/kg RN. Broilers fed diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg RN had the best duodenal villus surface area (P < 0.001). Feeding a diet with 1,000 mg/kg RN decreased (P < 0.001) cecal Escherichia coli count compared with control and the diet with 5,000 mg/kg RN. Salmonella spp. count tended to increase with 5,000 mg/kg RN leaves meal (P = 0.069, linear P = 0.026). In conclusion, R. nervosus leaves meal could be considered as a phytogenic feed additive in broiler diets up to a 1,000-mg/kg inclusion rate because of its combined positive effects on BWG, feed conversion ratio, villus height, villus surface area, serum albumin and triiodothyronine hormone, and cecal E. coli during the starter period (day 10-14 of age). Further study is required to elucidate its molecular mechanism.

Inhibitory Activity of Illicium verum Extracts against Avian Viruses.

This study aimed at screening the inhibitory activity of Illicium verum extracts against avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). The cytotoxic and antiviral actions of 3 extracts, absolute methanol (100MOH), 50% methanol (50MOH), and aqueous extracts (WA.), were evaluated by MTT assay. The Illicium verum extracts were added to the cultured chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) with tested viruses in three attacks, preinoculation, postinoculation, and simultaneous inoculation. The three extracts showed antiviral inhibitory activity against all tested viruses during simultaneous inoculation and preinoculation except 100MOH and 50MOH that showed no effect against IBDV, thereby suggesting that the extracts have a preventive effect on CEF against viruses. During postinoculation, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against NDV and avian reovirus, while no effect against IBDV recorded and only the 100MOH showed an inhibitory effect against ILTV. The initial results of this study suggest that Illicium verum may be a candidate for a natural alternative source for antiviral agents.

Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Live Performance, Selected Blood Parameters, and Expression of Water Channel and Stress-Related mRNA Transcripts of Delayed Placement Broiler Chicks.

This study examined the effect of supplemental betaine on live performance, selected blood parameters, and gene expression of water channel proteins (Aquaporins, AQP) of broiler chicks delayed in placement for 48 h post-hatch. In total, 540 newly-hatched male broiler chicks were obtained from a local hatchery and were randomly allotted to one of five treatments with nine replicates per treatment (12 chicks per replicate). Chicks were either placed immediately, control; held for 48 h post-hatch with no access to feed or water, Holdnull; held for 48 h with free access to drinking water only, HoldW; held for 48 h with free access to drinking water supplemented with 1 ml per L of betaine solution (40% betaine), HoldB1; or held for 48 h with free access to drinking water supplemented with 2 ml per L of betaine solution (40% betaine), HoldB2 group. The results showed that post-hatch holding for 48 h depressed feed intake and body weight gain during the entire 15 d study period with no beneficial effect of supplemental betaine. Chicks in the HoldB2 group had elevated serum glucose, triglycerides, and aspartate aminotransferase 48 h post-hatch. Early water deprivation directly affected the brain proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and hepatic glucocorticoid receptors (GR) expression and induced significant changes in various aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2, AQP4, and AQP9). In conclusion, betaine supplementation to chicks held for 48 h post-hatch resulted in some changes in blood biochemical indices with no effects on performance during the first 15 days of life. The results suggest that betaine supplementation could ameliorate the stressful effects of water deprivation on POMC and GR expression and maintain cellular osmosis through interactions with variable aquaporins expression, particularly the AQP1 and AQP2. Further investigations are required to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the selective regulatory expression of different aquaporins in relation to betaine supplementation.