Effects of finisher diet nutrients density and slaughter age on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and meat quality of broilers.

BACKGROUND: The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients-dense diets for maximum potential. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. METHODS: A total of 600 23-day-old broiler male chicks (Cobb-500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. RESULTS: Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio-economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken-line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%-102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. CONCLUSIONS: Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

Effect of crossbreeding on growth performance, meat quality, and the economics of production of the pure and reciprocal crosses between the Sasso and Wassachie chickens.

The interplay between genetics and economics is important in understanding how crossbreeding can be harnessed to optimize sustainable poultry production, meat quality, and economic viability. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of crossbreeding on growth performance, meat quality, and production economics. A total of 451 unsexed day-old chicks were raised for 12 wk in a pure (Sasso X Sasso [SS]; Wassachie X Wassachie [WW]) and reciprocal cross (Sasso X Wassachie [SW]; Wassachie X Sasso [WS]) design. Data was collected on growth performance, meat quality, sensory evaluation, proximate analysis, and production economics. Genotype did not affect (P > 0.05) moisture, dry matter, ash, sensory evaluation, pH, and meat temperature. The carcass weights, final body weight, and cumulative weight gain of the hybrids were intermediate while the SS recorded the highest (P < 0.05) values. Drip loss between the WW and the reciprocal crosses was similar (P > 0.05) but lower (P < 0.05) than the SS genotype. Protein contents between the purebreds were similar likewise the crossbreds (P > 0.05). The SW cross recorded a higher (P < 0.05) lipid content compared to the WW cross while the WS recorded a higher (P < 0.05) protein content compared to the SS. The SS incurred higher feeding costs, and gross and net returns followed by the SW and then the WS with the WW having the lowest values. Crossbreeding improved growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, chemical composition, and the gains in the crossbreds with the SW genotype having better results. The SW cross is recommended for better performance.

Performance and economic efficiency of laying hens in response to adding zeolite to feed and litter.

This study investigated the effect of different levels of zeolite in laying hen (Silver Montazah) diet and litter on productive performance, egg quality criteria, and economics during the second stage of production (40-56 wk of age). An experiment with a 3 × 4 factorial design was performed to study the effects of four levels of zeolite (0, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg feed) in the diet and three levels of zeolite (0, 1.5, and 2 kg/m2) in the litter. Adding zeolite to diet and litter significantly improved final BW and BW change, egg number, egg weight, egg mass, laying rate, feed consumption (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as egg quality criteria when compared to the unsupplemented group. Additionally, adding zeolite at a level of 2 kg /m2 litter and 20 g/kg diet achieved the greatest enhancement in productive performance features. Therefore, it can be suggested that the greatest results were obtained in laying farms when zeolite was added as a litter addition and as a supplement to feed.

A comparative review on Ayam Cemani chicken - A comparison with the most common chicken species in terms of nutritional values, LCA, price and consumer acceptance.

Chickens are definitely among the most prevalent and broadly distributed domestic species. Among these, Ayam Cemani, also known as black chicken, is a rare Indonesian chicken breed originating from the island of Java. The main characteristic of this breed is that the body, both internally and externally, is entirely black. This is due to a condition named fibro melanosis, in which there is an over accumulation of melanin pigment in body tissues. In addition to this, Ayam Cemani meat results to be also higher in protein content and lower in fat. Moreover, Ayam Cemani meat is also known to have antioxidant and glucose-binding capacities. These properties make it very desirable within the market and consequently very expensive. Their meat is also used traditionally by tribal healers in the treatment of some chronic illnesses. In general, compared to other chicken species, the Ayam Cemani showed an higher genetic resistance to some infectious diseases commonly affecting poultry species. As regard the breeding, Ayam Cemani is a unique breed which may only be raised in specific locations, characterized to be a slowly growing breed with a lower body weight in comparison to the other poultry breeds. Nowadays, due to an improvement in the management, the nutrition and diseases control, it is possible to enhance their productivity. To date, there are not many studies in the literature on the specific breed of Ayam Cemani. For this reason, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the knowledge of the Ayam Cemani breed, the nutritional composition of the meat and consumer acceptance.

A true facultative carnivore? Effects of replacing ground chicken carcasses with soybean meal on the growth of captive broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and its economics implications.

A specific diet for broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris has not been designed despite the value of farm-raised caiman as an aquaculture product. To fill this gap, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance dietary replacement of ground chicken carcasses by of soybean meal (SM) as diet complement for C. latirostris. We conducted a 3-month growth trial to determine effects of graded levels of dietary SM on caiman growth as measured by increase in body length, body weight gain, food consumption (FC) and food conversion rate (FCR). Forty-eight hatchling caimans were fed with diets, composed primarily of practical feed ingredients, with 0, 25, or 40% dietary SM. Diets were fed three times per week for 90 days under temperature controlled. Body lengths and body weights were measured at 30-day intervals, and FC samples were taken between the 31-60-day interval. The results of this study indicate that the inclusion of SM in the diet of C. latirostris at levels of 25% increases in body length, body weight gain, FC and improve the FCR indicated that a concentration of 25% dietary SM (as fed) was adequate for growth of caimans under the conditions of this study. Results suggest that SM have a real nutritional contribution in the diet of broad-snouted caiman and can be used as an ingredient of the diet of the crocodilians raised in captivity, reducing production costs for sustainable use and conservation programs of this species.

Carcass traits and meat quality assessment of two slow-growing chicks strains fed Acheta domesticus larval meal.

Presently, there has been a noticeable rise in the consumption of poultry meat within the general population, particularly focusing on poultry sourced from alternative rearing systems as opposed to intensive ones. This study evaluated the impact of incorporating house cricket (Acheta domesticus,AD) larvae meal into the diet of 2 slow-growing chicken strains on their carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 256 one-day-old male chicks were utilized, with 128 belonging to the Red (R) strain and 128 to the Naked Neck (NN) strain. Chicks from each strain were randomly assigned to 16 replicates of 8 chicks each. Eight replicates were allocated to 2 distinct treatments (n=64 chicks/treatment) based on the diet employed: the control treatments for the Red (R-C) and Naked Neck (NN-C) strains were fed soybean meal, while the other 2 treatments were fed AD meal (R-AD and NN-AD). Three different rations were used throughout the growth cycle of the animals, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of the birds. All chickens were slaughtered at 95 d of age, and eight chickens per treatment were randomly chosen to assess carcass traits and meat quality. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was employed to classify meat based on the feed and the chick strain, achieving a correct discrimination of 100% of the samples. The carcass traits exhibited significant alterations due to the inclusion of insect larval meal in the diet, resulting in reduced values across all parameters for chickens consuming AD meal, irrespective of genotype. The pH and cooking losses were generally higher for chicks fed cricket meal, as occurred with moisture. However, protein content was lower in the meat of chicks consuming cricket meal. Fat content showed lower values for NN chickens. There were minimal differences in the fatty acid profile, with lower C18:3n-3 values for chickens fed cricket meal. Therefore, including Acheta domesticus meal in the diets of slow-growing chick strains is a viable alternative to replace soybean meal. It provides meat quality characteristics comparable to those obtained in conventional systems.

Assessment of selective breeding effects and selection signatures in Qingyuan partridge chicken and its strains.

Qingyuan partridge chicken (QYM) is a highly regarded native breed in China, highly esteemed for its exceptional breeding characteristics. However, the investigation into the selection signatures and its strains remains largely unexplored. In this study, blood sampling, DNA extracting, and high-depth resequencing were performed in 27 QYMs. Integrating the genomic data of 14 chicken (70 individuals) breeds from other researches, to analyze the genetic structure, selection signatures, and effects of selective breeding within QYM and its 3 strains (QYMA, QYMB, and QYMC). Population structure analysis revealed an independent QYM cluster, which exhibited distinct from other breeds, with each of its 3 strains displaying distinct clustering patterns. Linkage disequilibrium analysis highlighted QYMB's notably slower decay rate, potentially influenced by selection pressure from various production indicators. Examination of selection signatures uncovered genes and genetic mechanisms associated with genomic changes resulting from extensive selective breeding within the QYM and its strains. Intriguingly, diacylglycerol kinase beta (DGKB) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) were identified as commonly selected genes across the 3 QYM strains, linked to energy metabolism, muscle development, and fat metabolism. Our research validates the substantial impact of selective breeding on QYM and its strains, concurrently identifying genomic regions and signaling pathways associated with their distinctive characters. This research also establishes a fundamental framework for advancing yellow-feathered broiler breeding strategies.

Evaluation of thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and saving strategies / [Avaliação do consumo de energia térmica em granjas de frango e estratégias de economia]

The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal energy consumption in broiler farms and provide solutions to reduce it. This study was performed with a completely randomized design under 4 climatic conditions, including Ardabil (cold climate representative), Khuzestan (warm climate representative), Isfahan (dry climate representative) and Guilan (temperate climate representative) in 4 replicates (4 broiler farms in each climate) and with 5 repetitions (5 periods of breeding per unit) and a capacity of 492,700, Ross 308 broiler in each breeding period. According to the results, in all climates, the proposed solutions to save thermal energy were able to create a significant difference (P<0.05). The experimental results also showed that the difference in thermal energy consumption in cold and dry climates wasmuch higher than in temperate and warm climates (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present study show that, by optimizing andmodernizing construction equipment in broiler farms, thermal energy losses can be reduced in all climatic conditions.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o consumo de energia térmica em granjas de frangos de corte e fornecer soluções para reduzi-lo. Este estudo foi realizado com um desenho inteiramente casualizado em 4 condições climáticas, incluindo Ardabil (representante do clima frio), Khuzestan (representante do clima quente), Isfahan (representante do clima seco) e Guilan (representante do clima temperado) em 4 réplicas (4 granjas de frangos em cada clima), com 5 repetições (5 períodos de criação por unidade) e capacidade de 492.700 frangos Ross 308 em cada período de criação. De acordo com os resultados, em todos os climas, as soluções propostas para economizar energia térmica criaram diferença significativa (P <0,05). Os resultados experimentais também mostraram que a diferença no consumo de energia térmica em climas frios e secos foi muito maior do que em climas temperados e quentes (P <0,05). De forma geral, os resultados do presente estudo mostram que, com a otimização e modernização dos equipamentos de construção em granjas de frangos, as perdas de energia térmica podem ser reduzidas em todas as condições climáticas.(AU)

Avaliação do efeito de ácidos orgânicos via água de bebida durante o manejo pré-abate sobre a microbiota do inglúvio, ingestão de água e perda de peso de frangos de corte / Assessment of the effect of organic acids via drinking water during management in the pre-slaughter on the crop microbiota, water intake and weight loss of broiler chicken / Evaluación del efecto de ácidos orgánicos vía agua bebida durante el manejo prematanza sobre la microbiota del inglúvio, ingestión de agua y pérdida de peso en pollos de engorde

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de ácidos orgânicos comerciais na água de bebida 24 horas antes do abate sobre a perda de peso, a ingestão de água e a microbiota do inglúvio de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 900 frangos da linhagem Cobb com 45 dias de idade, distribuídos em cinco tratamentos com seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de: A – Controle (sem adição de ácido); B – produto comercial composto por Ácido 2-Hidroxi-4-Metil-Tio- -Butanóico (HMTba), ácido propiônico e fórmico, C – produto comercial composto por ácido fórmico, acético e formiato de amônio, D - produto comercial a base de ácido acético (vinagre branco) e E – produto comercial composto por ácido lático e fórmico. Os produtos testados foram diluídos de acordo com a recomendação do fabricante até o pH estabilizar em 4,0. Após a diluição, os produtos foram administrados nos bebedouros por 24 horas antes do abate. Nas últimas oito horas antes do abate, as aves foram pesadas e submetidas ao jejum alimentar. Ao final do período de jejum, as aves foram novamente pesadas, o volume de água ingerido foi registrado e amostras do conteúdo do inglúvio foram coletadas para análises microbiológicas. Não houve diferenças (p>0,05) na perda de peso em relação à independente da adição de ácidos orgânicos na água de bebida. A ingestão de água pelas aves tratadas com diferentes ácidos orgânicos foi maior (p<0,05) que de aves não tratadas. A adição de diferentes composições de ácidos orgânicos na água de bebida alterou a ocorrência de E. coli, Proteus spp e Salmonella spp., mostrando que estes aditivos podem ser efetivos, principalmente em condições de desafio sanitário e ambiental em criações comerciais de frangos de corte...

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of using commercial organic acids in drinking water 24 hours before slaughter on weight loss, water intake and crop microbiota of broiler chicken. A total of 900 Cobb broiler chickens at 45 days of age divided into five treatments with six replicates were used. The treatments consisted of: A - Control (without acid); B - commercial product composed of 2-Hidroxy-4-Methyltio-Butanoic acid (HMTba); acid propionic and formic acid; C - commercial product composed of acid formic, acid acetic and ammonium formate; D - commercial product based on acetic acid (white vinegar); and E - commercial product consisting of lactic and formic acid. The products tested were diluted according to the manufacturer’s recommendation until the pH stabilized at 4.0. After dilution, the products were administered in drinking water for 24 hours before slaughtering. In the last eight hours before slaughter, the birds were weighed and subjected to fasting. At the end of the fasting period, the birds were weighed again, the volume of water ingested was recorded and samples from the crop content were collected for microbiological analyzes. No changes (p > 0.05) were observed in weight loss, regardless of the addition of organic acids in the drinking water. The water intake of birds treated with different organic acids was higher (p<0,05) than the one for untreated birds. The addition of different organic acid compositions in drinking water altered the occurrence of E. coli ,Proteus spp and Salmonella sp., showing that these additives can be effective, mainly in challenging sanitary and environmental conditions in commercial broiler flocks...

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de ácidos orgánicos comerciales en el agua potable, 24 horas antes de la matanza, acerca de la pérdida de peso, la ingesta de agua y la microbiota del ingluvio en pollos de engorde. Se ha utilizado 900 pollos Cobb con 45 días de edad, distribuidos en cinco tratamientos con seis repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistieron de: A - Control (sin adición de ácido); B - producto comercial compuesto por Ácido 2-Hidroxi-4- -Metil-Tio-Butanoico (HMTBA) ácido propiónico y fórmico, C - producto comercial compuesto por ácido fórmico, acético y formiato de amonio, D - producto comercial a base de ácido acético (vinagre blanco) y E - producto comercial compuesto por ácido láctico y fórmico. Los productos analizados fueron diluidos según las recomendaciones del fabricante hasta que el pH se estabilizó en 4,0. Después de la dilución, los productos fueron administrados en los bebederos durante 24 horas antes de la matanza. En las últimas ocho horas antes de la matanza, las aves fueron pesadas y sometidas al ayuno alimentar. Al final del período de ayuno, las aves fueron nuevamente pesadas, el volumen de agua ingerido fue grabado y muestras del contenido de ingluvio fueron recogidos para análisis microbiológicos. No hubo diferencias (P> 0,05) en la pérdida de peso en comparación a la independiente de la adición de ácidos orgánicos en el agua de bebida. La ingestión de agua por las aves tratadas con diferentes ácidos orgánicos fue mayor (p<0,05) que las aves no tratadas. La adición de diferentes composiciones de ácidos orgánicos en el agua potable alteró la incidencia de E. coli, Proteus spp y Salmonella spp., mostrando que esos aditivos pueden ser eficaces, especialmente en condiciones de reto sanitario y ambiental en explotaciones comerciales de pollos de engorde...