Transportation stress: Impact on behaviour and welfare in meat-type chickens under indian scenario.

In order to find standard transport time and its effect on the welfare, 480 marketable commercial broiler chickens (CARIBRO VISHAL; avg. 2.0 kg body weight) were transported for 2, 4, 8h and without transport in crates in three replicates in a completely randomized design. Transport affected welfare as well as behaviour of broiler chickens. Transport stretch impacted the gait score and tonic immobility with maximum aggravation with extended duration. Runaway results shown that 8h group exhibited more run-away time (279.20sec). Number of birds affected by physical injuries increases with the duration. Bodyweight change was significant among transported groups, especially 8h travelled group exhibited more (-8.21%) body weight loss. It is concluded that a transport period of more than 4h in Indian conditions is not recommended as its causing a significant level of stress in the birds leading to stress, production loss and hampering welfare of broilers.

Production and Evaluation of Encapsulated Zinc Oxide on Performance, Ileal Digestibility and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Broiler Chicken.

The present study was undertaken for the production of encapsulated zinc and its evaluation in broiler chicken diet. The process of microencapsulation involved the use of polymers, gum arabic and maltodextrin with a maximum encapsulation of efficiency of 66%. Encapsulated material contained about 20% zinc oxide (ZnO) as core material following the freeze-drying process. One hundred and ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four groups in six replications having eight birds in each. The four groups comprised control (inorganic source of zinc), En-Zn-100 (encapsulated zinc at 100% of control), En-Zn-50 (encapsulated zinc at 50% of control), and Org-Zn-50 (Zn-methionine at 50% of control). The experiment was carried out for 35 days following standard management practices. The live weight gain, feed intake and FCR were comparable among groups. Plasma and muscle zinc (ppm) content was unaffected by the level or source of zinc supplementation. The zinc apparent ileal digestibility coefficient was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in En-Zn-50 fed groups, while crude protein digestibility was not affected by the level or form of Zn supplementation. Bone weight, length, and zinc content were comparable, and bone ash content was significantly different among the groups. Relative expression of ZnT2 was significantly upregulated in encapsulated zinc-fed groups. From the study, it could be concluded that supplementation of zinc either as encapsulated or organic form at 50% of inorganic source (ZnO) could be sufficient to maintain the growth performance, serum, tissue and bone mineral content in broiler chicken.

Supplementary nucleosides improve the performance through enhanced enzyme activity, intestinal development and transporter genes in broiler chickens.

A biological experiment was carried out to evaluate dietary nucleoside supplementation on growth performance, digestive enzymes activities, immune response, and intestinal transporter genes expression in broiler chicken. A total of 720 newly hatched CARIBRO VISHAL broiler chicks were weighed and randomly divided into eight groups with nine replicates. The dietary treatments were as follows: Group I: diet without antibiotic supplement (control), group II: diet supplemented with antibiotic (positive control), groups III, IV and V: diet supplemented with combination of nucleosides at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg feed, respectively, for 14 days, groups VI, VII and VIII: diet supplemented with nucleosides at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg feed, respectively, for 21 days. The combination of nucleosides (equal proportion (1:1:1:1) adenosine, guanosine, cytosine, and uridine with 99% purity) were used in the study. Body weight was significantly higher in the birds fed diets containing antibiotics and 1.5 g/kg nucleosides fed groups. The supplementation had positive effect on the activity of amylase and lipase enzymes and the absorptive surface (villi length). It could be concluded that, the dietary supplementation of nucleosides improved the performance of broilers with better cellular and humoral immunity than control. The study further confirmed that nucleosides supplementation improved gut development and could be an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production.

Seasonal variations on semen quality attributes in turkey and egg type chicken male breeders.

A biological experiment was carried out in twenty-four adult healthy breeder males each in turkey (Beltsville small white) and egg type chicken (White Leghorn Babcock) in order to assess the seasonal influence on semen production and quality. The birds were maintained in individual cages under uniform husbandry conditions throughout the year. The birds were fed with breeder ration and water ad libitum was offered with a constant photoperiod of 14 h/day. Physical and biochemical characteristics of semen, serum hormones (testosterone and thyroxine), and antioxidant activity (catalase and lipid peroxidation) were evaluated throughout the year (January-December). Based on the THI calculations, the observations were classified under three different seasons, namely, winter (November-February), spring (March, April, and October), and summer (May-September). Semen physical parameters, sperm concentration, motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity were superior during the winter season. In seminal plasma, biochemical parameters (phosphorus, ALT, ALP, AST, and uric acid) had a significant (P < 0.05) difference between seasons. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) among serum hormones (testosterone and thyroxine) that were higher during the winter season. Significant variation was observed in catalase and lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme activities (seminal and blood plasma) in winter than in the other two seasons. Both the turkey and egg type chicken breeders exhibited superior seminal characteristics, sex hormone profile, and antioxidant enzyme activity during winter seasons.

Effect of Supplementation of Zinc-Methionine on Egg Production, Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Hatchability in Broiler Breeders.

A biological study was conducted to explore the effect of zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on productive, reproductive, and immunological response in broiler breeders. Adult healthy 45-week breeder males (192) and females (288) were used in a completely randomized design. Birds were randomly divided into four treatments consisting of six replicates and fed basal diet (control, 40 mg/kg), basal diet supplemented with Zn-Met 20 (T1), 40 (T2), and 60 mg/kg (T3). There was no effect (P > 0.05) on body weight and feed consumption among the breeders due to the supplementation of organic Zn. The T3 group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and live sperm count. The seminal plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol and aspartate transaminase levels were low in the T3 group. Birds fed with additional supplementation of Zn (60 mg/kg) had improved both cellular and humoral immunity. Throughout the experimental period, the hen day egg production was comparable (P > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Organic Zn-supplemented group showed significant difference in both the internal and external egg qualities-albumen, yolk index, and shell thickness. The higher dose of organic Zn-fed groups had a significant difference in estrogen and progesterone concentration, and the highest testosterone concentration was observed in the T2 group. Supplementary organic Zn had a significant effect on the concentration of Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma. Serum Zn and Cu concentration was significantly increased due to the supplementation of organic zinc in both male and female breeders. The fertility and hatchability percentage were higher (P < 0.05) in the T2 group. It could be concluded that the additional supplementation of organic Zn (zinc-methionine) at 40 mg/kg to the basal diet improved the reproductive performance in broiler breeders.

In ovo Administration of Nucleosides Improved the Performance, Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Gut Development in Broiler Chickens.

An in ovo study on the effect of the administration of a combination of nucleosides (25, 50, and 100 mg/egg) on hatchability, growth performance, energy metabolizability, and intestinal morphology in broilers was carried out. Four hundred eighty (480) fertile eggs were divided into four groups (in four replicates each having 30 eggs). On the 18th days of incubation of the eggs, candling was carried out and the fertile eggs were selected and given one of the four in ovo administrations. Group one served as control and was injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The other groups were given in ovo administration of nucleosides (25, 50, and 100 mg/egg) at 100 µl through the yolk sac route, and chicks of respective groups were hatched out. Among the experimental groups, the hatchability was comparable; however, the hatchability was affected in the group injected with a higher level of nucleosides at 100 mg/egg. The hatched out chicks from higher doses of nucleosides (50 and 100 mg) had higher body weight (BW) (P < 0.05) than the control. Higher energy metabolizability (%) was observed in nucleoside-injected groups. Plasma protein concentration was higher in groups administered with nucleosides (50 and 100 mg). Histologically, the intestinal villi length was maximum in 100 mg-injected group followed by 50 and 25 mg. Relative expression of homeobox (Cdx) in the jejunum was significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in all the injected groups at 3, 7, and 14 days of age. Nucleoside-administered groups had better performance, energy metabolizability, and intestinal morphology. Among the experimental groups, the administration of nucleosides at 50 mg/egg resulted in higher growth performance, plasma protein, intestinal surface, and villi development in broiler chickens.

Effect of polyphenol extract on performance, serum biochemistry, skin pigmentation and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens fed with different cereal sources under hot-humid conditions.

This study investigated the interaction between polyphenols with different cereal sources and their effects on performance, serum biochemistry, corticosterone levels and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens reared under hot-humid environment. Newly hatched coloured broiler chicks (n = 240) were randomly divided into six groups with five replicates of two different cereal sources, namely corn and broken rice-sorghum combined, and three levels of pomegranate peel polyphenol extracts (PPP) 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg in each cereal groups. Birds were maintained under standard management conditions for six weeks during hot-humid environment (Temperature: 29-36 °C; Relative Humidity: 69-80%). Fortnight body weight and feed consumption were recorded and serum biochemical constituents were estimated at 28 and 42 days of age. The body weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in broken rice-sorghum diet than in corn diet. The supplementation of polyphenols increased the skin and shank pigmentation. Serum protein, lipids and minerals showed significant difference due to cereals, polyphenols and their interactions. Corn-fed birds had significantly higher visceral organs weight than the alternate grain-fed broilers. The serum corticosterone levels were significantly reduced in the PPP supplemented groups than the control, it could be concluded that, supplementation of 50 mg/kg polyphenol extract from pomegranate peels improved production performance in broilers fed broken rice-sorghum as cereal source under hot-humid conditions.

Role of acidifiers in livestock nutrition and health: A review.

Ever since the European ban on use of in-feed antibiotics in food animals, the search for alternate antibiotic-free growth promoter is undertaken worldwide. There are few alternatives such as probiotics, pre-biotics, phytochemicals, enzymes and organic acids. Among these alternatives, the organic acids or simply acidifiers play an important role in gut health in animals. The acidifiers could be used to favourably manipulate the intestinal microbial populations and improve the immune response, hence perform an activity similar to antibiotics in food animals in countering pathogenic bacteria. Acidifiers also improve the digestibility of nutrients and increase the absorption of minerals. The incorporation of organic acids also leads to thinning of the intestinal lining which facilitates better absorption of nutrients and its efficient utilization. However, their effect will not be similar among all types of organic acids as their mechanism of activity is based on its pKa value. Moreover, there are claims about the neutralization of acids by the secretion of bicarbonates in the initial part of intestine, reactivity with metallic items in feed mills and reduced palatability due its bitter taste demands non-reactive and targeted delivery for better performance. Currently, coated salts of acidifiers are available commercially for use in food animals especially pigs and poultry. The present review highlights the role of different acidifiers in livestock nutrition with their potent applications in improving nutrient digestibility, mineral utilization, meat quality, enhancing immunity, antimicrobial effects in countering pathogenic bacteria, boosting performance and production, and thus safeguarding health of livestock animals and poultry.

Rosmarinic acid: modes of action, medicinal values and health benefits.

The supplementation of livestock rations with herbs containing bioactive components, such as rosmarinic acid (RA), have shown promising results as a natural feed additive in promoting growth, productive and reproductive performance, feed utilization, fertility, anti-oxidant status and immunologic indices. Furthermore, RA reportedly reduces the risks of various animal diseases and mitigates side effects of chemical and synthetic drugs. RA is a natural polyphenol present in several Lamiaceae herbs like Perilla frutescens, and RA is becoming an integral component of animal nutrition as it counters the effect of reactive oxygen species induced in the body as a consequence of different kinds of stressors. Studies have further ascertained the capability of RA to work as an anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, hepato- and renal-protectant agent, as well as to have beneficial effects during skin afflictions. Additionally, RA is favored in meat industries due to enhancing the quality of meat products by reportedly improving shelf-life and imparting desirable flavor. This review describes the beneficial applications and recent findings with RA, including its natural sources, modes of action and various useful applications in safeguarding livestock health as well as important aspects of human health.

Beneficial health applications and medicinal values of Pedicularis plants: A review.

Pedicularis plants (Orobanchaceae), popularly known as lousewort, are found in Asia, Europe, and North America, and have been used in Sowa-Rigpa, the Himalayan art of healing and a traditional system of medicine for treating various ailments in humans. A comprehensive compilation on this valuable medicinal plant is not available, however. The present extensive review provides insight into the salient medicinal properties of Pedicularis plants with respect to various health issues and diseases. Our previous studies on Pedicularis plants from the Changthang region of Ladakh (India) and research advances leading to new developments in this field have prompted this review. The information presented here has been compiled and analyzed from authenticated published resources available on Medline, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. The Pedicularis genus consists of approximately 600 species (83 of which are found in India), with commonly reported species being Pedicularis longiflora Rudolph, P. bicornuta Klotzsch, P. oederi Vahl, P. cheilanthifolia, and P. pectinata. The major phytoconstituents of the Pedicularis sp. are phenols, phenylethanoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, and alkaloids, among others. The existing literature highlights that these compounds possess antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, muscle-relaxing, antifatigue, diuretic, antipyretic, antithrombus, antihemolysis, and DNA-repairing properties. This medicinal herb is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, fevers, sterility, rheumatism, general debility, collapse, and urinary problems, and for revitalizing the blood circulation, improving digestion, and maintaining vitality. This review emphasizes the various medicinal aspects of Pedicularis sp. plants containing a variety of phytoconstituents. Besides phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, tannins, iridoid, and phenylpropanoid glycosides are among the active constituents responsible for multiple health effects. However, further extensive research is required to characterize the various phytoconstituents of Pedicularis to explore their modes of action at a molecular level and identify other beneficial applications that can exploit the tremendous medicinal potential of this important herb.

Effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the growth rate, carcass characters and cost effectiveness of broiler fed with three energy levels.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of dietary supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 on broiler growth rate, carcass characteristics and cost of production. A biological trial was carried out with 270 broiler chicks fed with coenzyme Q10 at 0, 20 and 40 mg/kg of diet at each of the three energy levels. At the end of 42 days growth period the birds were sacrificed and the samples were analysed. Feed intake was comparable in all the energy and CoQ10 combinations, but higher body weight gain and better feed efficiency with less feed cost per kilogram weight gain was observed in high energy group supplemented with 20 mg of CoQ10/kg diet. The dressing percentages, weight of giblet, liver, spleen, abdominal fat, intestinal length were not significantly altered by CoQ10 supplementation. The heart weight, gizzard weight and ascites heart weight (AHI) were significantly decreased due to CoQ10 supplementation. Hence, birds fed with high energy diet supplemented with 20 mg CoQ10 per kg of diet had higher production performance.