Effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin E or vitamin C on egg hatchability, performance, carcass traits and immunity in broiler chickens.

The effect of in ovo feeding of different levels of vitamins C and E on egg hatchability, immune response, growth and carcass traits of broiler chickens were investigated. A total of 672 fertilized eggs were assigned to one of eight experimental groups having three replicates with 28 eggs as follows: (1) negative control (not injected); (2) positive control (injected with 0.2 mL deionized water); (3) vitamin C at 1 mg; (4) vitamin C at 3 mg; (5) vitamin C at 6 mg; (6) vitamin E at 0.5 IU; (7) vitamin E at 0.75 IU; and (8) vitamin E at 1.0 IU. At the end of incubation, the number of chicks hatched, and their individual body weight were recorded. Among hatched birds, a total of 240 mixed chicks were randomly selected (30 subject per group equally shared in three pen floors). Chicks were vaccinated against Avian Influenza, Gumboro, Bronchitis, and Newcastle disease virus. Performance parameters were weekly evaluated until 42 days of age. At days 28 and 42, broiler serum and spleen and Bursa of Fabricius relative weight were assessed as well as on day 42 the carcass traits. From results, in ovo injection with 3 mg of vitamin C or 0.75 IU of vitamin E, increased significantly (p < .05) the embryos hatchability when compared to the negative control. However, body weight at hatch and growth performance parameters showed no differences among treatments. Similarly, in ovo concentrations of vitamins C or E showed no differences on carcass traits, immunity-related organs weight or immune response for anti-Newcastle disease hemagglutination-inhibition and total immunoglobulins against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) when compared to the control groups. Based on findings, it can be concluded that in ovo feeding vitamins E and C supported positively chicken embryos hatchability demonstrating the key-role as antioxidant agents; however, further studies are currently being evaluated.

The effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on productive performance, blood constituents, immunity and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens.

A total of 320 one-day-old broiler chickens were used in a 42-day feeding trial to evaluate the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on-growth performance, blood constitutes, immunity and intestinal microflora. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet (control); control + prebiotic (Fermacto™); control + 0.1% peppermint; control + 0.1% chicory, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake was found at 21 and 42 days of growth period in broilers fed diet supplemented with 0.1% chicory compared with other groups. Feeding of prebiotic or chicory led to higher (p < 0.05) feed intake. Chickens fed control diet had higher (p < 0.05) abdominal fat compared with the other groups. Serum blood constituents indicated that broilers fed prebiotic or supplemented with peppermint or chicory had reduced (p < 0.05) levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein than control group. Immunity-related parameters showed that chicken fed chicory had lower (p < 0.05) heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with the other groups. Intestinal microflora revealed that chickens fed prebiotic or herbals had higher count of Lactobacillus and lower E. coli than control. Thus, it can be concluded that broiler dietary supplementation with prebiotic or chicory can improve performance supporting positively health status.

Effect of dietary flaxseed meal supplemented with dried tomato and grape pomace on performance traits and antioxidant status of laying hens.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary flaxseed meal (FSM) supplemented with dried tomato pomace (DTP) and dried grape pomace (DGP) on performance, egg quality, biochemical parameters traits and antioxidant status of laying hens. Birds (1825 ± 87 g of body weight) were divided into 12 dietary groups with six replicates per group (eight birds per replicate), under a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement 2 × 3 × 2 consisted of two levels of DTP (0 and 15%), three FSM levels (0, 4 and 8%) and two levels of DGP (0 and 5%). As a result of this study, there were no significant differences in egg production and weight as well in feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments (p > 0.05). Feeding of DGP reduced significantly feed intake and egg mass when compared to control group (p < 0.05). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of dietary treatment on shell thickness and strength, shape index, Haugh unit and egg specific gravity. Hens consuming 15% DTP and 5% DGP revealed a significantly higher yolk color compared to the other dietary treatments (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no difference among dietary treatments in terms of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol, atherogenic index, triglycerides, total cholesterol levels (p > 0.05). Serum antioxidant parameters as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were not influenced by treatments (p > 0.05). Based on findings, FSM and DTP supplements did not significantly impact most of hens' performance indicators and egg quality parameters, whereas significant improvements were observed by feeding of 15% DTP and 5% DGP on egg traits, in particular on egg-yolk color that plays a key-role in consumer's choice. However, the supplementation of FSM and DTP or DGP even in laying hen diet is still controversial and further research is needed.

Effects of different levels of dietary black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and their combination on productive traits, selected blood constituents, microbiota and immunity of broilers.

The effects of inclusion of powdered seeds of black cumin (B) (Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek (F) (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on productive traits, selected blood constituents, microbiota and immunity of broilers were studied. A total of 648 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatments, with four pen replicates, each with 18 birds, including three levels of B seed powder (BSP; 0, 5 or 10 g/kg) and three levels of F seed powder (FSP; 0, 5 or 10 g/kg) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Neither powder affected feed intake. The FSP increased (p = 0.048) feed conversion ratio (FCR), but decreased daily BW gain (p = 0.02) between days 0 and 21, while BSP increased daily gain between days 22 and 42 and overall (both p = 0.005). Abdominal fat was decreased (p = 0.003) by BSP. Blood constituents were unaffected by either powder, but ileal Escherichia coli were decreased (p = 0.039) at day 42. The BSP increased a range of immunological titers, where BSP affected positively the measured variables. The interactions between BSP and FSP, specifically on broiler carcass cuts, suggested that where BSP is included at 10 g/kg, the inclusion of FSP at the same level may provide no additional benefit. Thus, while either powder could be included separately, the co-inclusion of both at 10 g/kg is not recommended.

Effects of dietary Silybum marianum powder on growth performance, egg and carcass characteristics, immune response, intestinal microbial population, haemato-biochemical parameters and sensory meat quality of laying quails.

The study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary Silybum marianum (SM, milk thistle) powder levels on growth performance, productivity, immunity, small intestine, haemato-biochemical parameters, meat quality, and egg and carcass characteristics of laying quails. The experimental subjects consisted of one hundred and eight 43-day-old quails divided into 3 treatments (0, 0.75, and 1.50% SM) with 4 replicates each. The egg characteristics and growth performance of the quails were evaluated. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcasses, microbiota, and sensory characteristics of meat. Blood samples were analyzed for haematology and biochemical profile. SM at 0.75% and 1.50% significantly (P < 0.05) increased feed intake, enhanced egg characteristics (number, weight, width, length, volume, weight of egg yolk, and eggshell thickness), jejunum and ileum length, spleen weight, lactobacillus population, sensory characteristics of meat, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, erythrocytic indices, concentration of albumin, globulin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). SM at 0.75% and 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) carcass weight (abdominal fat, heart, neck, and pancreas), feed conversion ratio (FCR) based on eggs produced, percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes, concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, population of coliforms clostridia, and Escherichia coli. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase were not significantly (P > 0.05) altered by 0.75% and 1.50% SM. SM at both levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve growth, egg characteristics, immune response, intestinal morphology and microbiota, meat quality and erythropoiesis, and also lead to decreased cholesterol in laying quails. Economics can be improved, too. The authors recommend adding 1.0% of SM to quail diet.

Lactulose with synergists supplementation improving a health of chicks and reducing the environmental burden in poultry industry.

Objective: The study aims to understand the effect of new antibiotic-substituting supplements in feeding chickens of the Hisex Brown cross in industrial conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 216 hatched chicks were randomly selected and distributed into Control, Test I, and Test II groups, with 3 replicates of 24 birds in three treatments. Results: At the end of the experiment, BW of T1/T2 birds was higher by 6.12% (p <0.01) and 10.29% (p <0.001) than CON. In comparison with the control hens, T1/T2 birds had a higher feed conversion rate and digestibility of nutrients. The blood indicators of T1/T2 hens exceeded those in control. Prebiotic supplementations were positively influenced in the immune indices of birds. IgA, IgG, IgM increased in groups T1/T2. Similar regularity was found in the natural resistance of chicks fed S1/S2. In the caecum, the Lactobacilli number was higher than in CON by 17.03% (p <0.01) in T1 and by 18.47% (p <0.01)-in T2; Bifidobacteria-by 17.94 (p <0.001) and 19.09% (p <0.01), respectively; at the same time, the number of E. coli decreased by 21.05% (p <0.01) and 24.21% (p <0.01). The concentration of emitted excreta noxious gases decreased: ammonia by 22.40%-24.95% (p <0.01); hydrogen sulfide by 10.67%-16.00% (p <0.01); and mercaptans by 12.90%-17.74% (p <0.05). Conclusion: These findings support the use of lactulose-based supplements as antibiotic alternatives to improve production in poultry farming and to reduce the toxic load on the environment.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Natural Feed Additives for Meat Chickens.

Broiler chickens are increasingly kept in large numbers in intensive housing conditions that are stressful, potentially depleting the immune system. With the prohibition of the use of antibiotics in poultry feed spreading worldwide, it is necessary to consider the role of natural feed additives and antibiotic alternatives to stimulate the chickens' immune systems. We review the literature to describe phytogenic feed additives that have immunomodulatory benefits in broilers. We initially review the major active ingredients from plants, particularly flavonoids, resveratrol and humic acid, and then describe the major herbs, spices, and other plants and their byproducts that have immunomodulatory effects. The research reviewed demonstrates the effectiveness of many natural feed additives in improving the avian immune system and therefore broiler health. However, some, and perhaps all, additives have the potential to reduce immunocompetence if given in excessive amounts. Sometimes additives are more effective when given in combination. There is an urgent need to determine tolerance levels and optimum doses for additives deemed most suitable to replace antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens. Effective replacement is most likely with readily available additives, such as olive oil byproducts, olive leaves and alfalfa. It is concluded that effective replacement of antibiotic function with plant-derived additives will be possible, but that further research is necessary to determine optimum doses.

Effect of Dietary Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) Supplemented with Enzyme Blend on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Status in Laying Hens.

A feeding trial was performed to assess the effects of dietary raw amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) grain (RAG), with or without an enzyme blend, on the productive performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status in laying hens. The trial was conducted following a completely randomized design by factorial method, including five levels of RAG (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively) and two levels of enzyme blend (0 -E and 0.025 +E %). A total of 960 White Leghorn (Hy-line W-36) laying hens (56 weeks of age) were divided into 10 groups with eight repetitions, including 12 birds. The trial period was ten weeks. Results showed that RAG levels in feed (>10%) led to a significant decrease in blood total cholesterol (TC), but they also significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p ˂ 0.05) as measured by feed intake (FI), hen daily production (HDP), egg weight (EW), and mass (EM), leading to overall worse productivity compared to the control group. On the contrary, the addition of the enzyme blend led to an improvement in the investigated production traits (p ˂ 0.05), with the exception of HDP. The enzyme blend was also capable of recovering productive performance when combined with low concentrations of RAG (10%) (p ˂ 0.05), and RAG × enzyme blend groups showed the lowest values of TC (p ˂ 0.05). Moreover, the interaction effects for atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) indicated a significant and promising reduction in response to the addition of RAG both in the presence and absence of the enzyme blend (p ˂ 0.05), and this additive also significantly reduced levels of egg yolk cholesterol (p ˂ 0.05). In summary, the evidence gathered in this trial showed that dietary RAG had positive effects on egg quality characteristics, leading to the production of low-cholesterol eggs, and, at the same time, it may improve the health status of laying hens. Furthermore, the addition of an enzyme blend allowed feeding up to 10% RAG in the diet, leading to an optimal balance between animal productivity and the beneficial effects of RAG.

A Comparison of the Effects of Raw and Processed Amaranth Grain on Laying Hens' Performance, Egg Physicochemical Properties, Blood Biochemistry and Egg Fatty Acids.

In order to investigate the effects of using different levels of either raw or processed amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) grain on performance productivity, egg physicochemical properties, blood biochemistry and egg fatty acids, a trial was conducted using 168 Hy-line W-36 laying hens (67 week of age) in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and six replications of four birds for eight weeks. The trial treatments included the control group receiving no amaranth and the test groups receiving 5, 10 and 15% of raw or autoclaved (120 °C for 5 min) amaranth grain based on dry matter. The results showed that the use of processed amaranth up to the level of five and ten percent of the diet compared to raw amaranth resulted in a better performance than the control group (p < 0.05). The consumption of amaranth decreased blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride of trial birds without having a negative effect on their health and blood antioxidant status (p < 0.05). The use of different forms of amaranth in diets of laying hens had no negative effects on the physicochemical properties of eggs and led to the production of eggs with reduced yolk cholesterol and triglyceride; however, the omega-6 content in eggs and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of amaranth grain at low levels in the diet of laying hens can enhance the health of the bird and the production of quality and useful eggs.

The effects of green tea in the diet of broilers challenged with coccidiosis on their performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal mucosal morphology, blood constituents and ceca microflora.

BACKGROUND: Coccidiosis is an endemic protozoal disease of chickens normally controlled by ionophores. However, coccidiostats are also antibiotics, and evidence of resistance in both coccidia and bacteria may develop and reduce antibacterial activity in humans. This has led to a search for natural coccidiostats, such as green tea. OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of supplementing broilers with various levels and types of green tea, in comparison to use of a conventional coccidiostat or a control, unsupplemented diet. METHODS: A total of 360 male, day-old Ross 308 broilers (days 1-42) were used to evaluate the gut morphology and performance when challenged with coccidiosis and fed varying dietary levels of green tea powder or extract. Treatments were Negative control (NC, unsupplemented control diet); positive control (PC, control diet + commercial coccidiostat); control diets with 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 g/kg green tea extract (GTE 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4); and control diets with 1, 2 or 3 g/kg green tea powder (GTP 1, 2 and 3). RESULTS: Compared with NC, PC and all green tea treatments, but particularly GTE0.4, increased feed intake and growth rate, with the best feed conversion ratio at GTE0.4. As a proportion of carcase weight, higher inclusion rates increased intestine weight and decreased abdominal fat. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds fed green tea, and particularly GTE0.4, had longer, wider villi, and shallower crypts. Epithelium thickness was reduced by green tea and PC, compared to NC. Clostridium perfringens and coliform populations decreased in proportion to green tea inclusion rate and decreased in PC. Lactobacilli increased with green tea and were more for NC than PC. Green tea at the highest concentrations reduced blood glucose and LDL and VLDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Green tea offers a possible replacement for conventional ionophores to control coccidiosis in broiler chickens. The best inclusion rate was 0.4 g/kg.

Biomedical evaluation of antioxidant properties of lamb meat enriched with iodine and selenium.

The article presents a study of the antioxidant properties of meat from lambs that received organic forms of iodine and selenium during growth. This meat was included in diets of laboratory animals using a model of acute toxic hepatitis. The experiments resulted in developing and testing a technique that was effective in enriching lamb with bioorganic elements of iodine and selenium and contributed to the activation metabolism in the bodies of animals consuming the meat. The purpose of the presented investigation was to compare the roles of bioorganic iodine and selenium and their combination as antioxidants in rat rations using a model of acute toxic hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride. The experimental studies have established a hepatoprotective effect of lamb meat enriched with selenium and iodine on rats suffering from toxic xenobiotic effects. This was confirmed by normalized hematological and biochemical measures in the blood of the experimental rats.

Effects of Using Processed Amaranth Grain with and without Enzyme on Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Status and Lipid Profile of Blood and Yolk Cholesterol in Laying Hens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys grain (AG) with (+E) and without enzyme (−E) on performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and lipid profile of blood serum and yolk cholesterol in laying hens. A total of 960 white leghorn (Hy-line W-36) commercial layers (56 weeks) were divided into 10 groups with 8 replicates per group (12 birds per replicate, including 3 adjacent cages with 4 birds each). A completely randomized design was implemented with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of five levels of AG (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g/kg) and two levels of multienzyme complex addition (0 −E and 0.25 +E g/kg) fed to the hens for 12 weeks (2 wk. adaptation + 10 wk. main experiment). Feed intake (FI) and percentage of hen day production (HDP) were not affected by main effect of the AG level, but egg mass (EM) and egg weight (EW) were decreased (p < 0.01), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was impaired (p < 0.01). EM, EW and FCR were improved by enzyme addition (p < 0.01). EM, EW and FCR were affected (p < 0.01) by the interaction of AG and enzyme addition. The highest value of EM and the lowest value of FCR were observed in hens on the diet containing 200 g/kg AG with enzyme addition. Egg yolk cholesterol content was reduced (p < 0.05) by up to 10% with increasing levels AG in experimental diets. The egg quality traits, including Haugh units of protein quality, strength and shell thickness, were not affected by the main effects or interaction of AG and enzyme consumption. Amaranth feeding led to a decrease (p < 0.05) in triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) while also promoting increases (p < 0.05) in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the blood. A comparison of the effects of contrasts showed that functional parameters (except FI), yolk cholesterol, antioxidant parameters (except MDA) and blood lipid profile had differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the hens fed amaranth versus those not fed amaranth. These findings indicate that feeding a diet containing up to 200 g/kg of AG with enzyme addition can improve EW, EM and FCR. Feeding laying hens diets containing AG also positively influenced blood traits and antioxidant status in laying hens while reducing egg yolk cholesterol content.

Effects of Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) Dietary Supplementation on Laying Hens Productivity and Oxidative Status.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and spirulina (Spirulina platensis) supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant status of laying hens. A total of 648, 63-week-old Hy-Line W-36 layers were divided into nine groups with eight replicates per group (nine birds per replicate). A feeding trial was conducted under completely randomized design with factorial arrangement 3 × 3 consisting of three different dietary levels of horsetail supplementations (0, 0.25, and 0.50%, respectively) in combination with three levels of spirulina (0, 1, and 2%, respectively). Results showed that feed intake, egg production, egg weight and mass, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Eggshell thickness, strength, and yolk color were significantly improved in diets supplemented with 0.5% horsetail and 2% spirulina and their interactions. Egg yolk cholesterol was not significantly different among groups; however, a significant reduction was found when fed 2% spirulina. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration decreased by supplementing 2% spirulina in diet; also, spirulina increased total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in laying hens. Overall, the findings indicated that the combination of horsetail and spirulina could have potential for improving the egg's physical parameters, whereas spirulina was more effective in improving blood traits and oxidative status.

The use of some plant-derived products as effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in organic poultry production: a review.

Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable ingredients to the feed or drinking water of poultry flocks. Because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in animal nutrition were prohibited. Additionally, consumer preferences tend towards purchasing products from livestock raised without antibiotics. Therefore, there is a critical need to find effective growth promoter alternatives and treatment methods for common poultry diseases. Some spice plants play important roles in improving the taste, aroma, and color of human food and their positive effects on human and animal health. The current review aimed to provide a broader perspective on some spice crops which can be effective alternatives to antibiotics in organic poultry production. These spices were including Thymus vulgaris, Cichorium intybus, Coriandrum sativum, Aloe vera, Heracleum persicum, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Polymorphism of CLPG gene in three sheep breeds grown in the steppe zone of the Russian Federation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the callipyge gene (CLPG) polymorphism in sheep of Edilbay, Volgograd, and Kalmyk breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms method. The objects of the study were Edilbay fat-tailed sheep (n = 500) at the breeding plant Volgograd-Edilbay (Volgograd region), Volgograd fine-wool sheep (n = 500) at the breeding plant Romashkovskiy (Volgograd region), and Kalmyk fat-tailed sheep (n = 500) at the breeding plant Kirovsky (the Republic of Kalmykia, Yashkul rayon). To conduct the research, tissue samples of 1 cm² from sheep of Kalmyk and Edilbay breeds were taken from the auricle. RESULTS: The allelic CLPG gene variants have been determined and genotypes of representative sampling of the three breeds of livestock grown in the steppe zone of Russia. The presented results of the CLPG gene polymorphism in these sheep breeds grown in Russia were obtained for the first time. The research study has revealed that in terms of the CLPG gene, the Edilbay, Volgograd, and Kalmyk sheep breeds have only a homozygous form. CONCLUSION: The results obtained expand the current understanding of the molecular markers that characterize the meat qualities of sheep.

Synbiotic yoghurt with walnut and cereal brittle added as a next-generation bioactive compound: Development and characteristics.

The article presents a technology developed for the production of synbiotic Yoghurt with new bioactive filler based on natural components. The Yoghurt has prebiotic and sorption properties. A higher consumer appeal of the product developed has been substantiated; its characteristics compared with the Yoghurt of traditional production technology have been presented. The brittle, containing peeled walnuts, as well as barley, wheat, rye, oatmeal and buckwheat flakes, sugar, and water, was used as a filler. Optimum time and temperature regimes of boiling caramel mixtures and brewing raw walnut-cereal mass in the brittle have been selected. The formulation developed enables increasing the nutritional and biological values of the finished product. The research studies of the finished product involved an analysis of organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological points. When performing the tasks, the approved regulatory and technical documentation (GOST) was applied. Each measurement was carried out in triplicate. The physicochemical characteristics of the samples developed were compared with the requirements for the quality of fermented milk products. The nutritional and biological values were calculated. The increase in consumer properties, and nutritional and biological values of the finished dairy product was scientifically substantiated and experimentally confirmed.