Physiological responses and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens treated with encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract and chitosan.

Background and Aim: The ban on antibiotic growth promoters adversely affects the physiological condition and health of poultry. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract, chitosan, or a combination of both on the physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 280 Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four groups: Basal feed without additives (CNTL), basal feed with 0.01% encapsulated A. australis leaf extract (EALE), 0.01% chitosan (CHIT), and 0.01% EALE and 0.01% chitosan (EACH). Sample collection and data measurement were conducted on day 36. Results: There was a tendency (p = 0.08) for EACH bird to have a higher body weight than the other groups. Feed consumption was higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in EALE and CHIT. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE, CHIT, and EACH than in CNTL. Erythrocyte numbers were lower (p < 0.05) in EALE than in CNTL and EACH. Hematocrit was lower (p < 0.05) in EALE and CHIT groups than in the other two groups. There was a tendency (p = 0.09) for heterophils to be higher in EACH than in CNTL. Thrombocyte counts were lower (p < 0.05) in EACH group than in the other groups. Serum globulin levels were higher (p < 0.05) in EACH than in CNTL and CHIT. The albumin-to-globulin ratio was higher (p < 0.05) in CNTL than in EALE and EACH. Coliform bacteria tended to be lower (p = 0.05) in the cecum of EACH broilers than that of other broilers. Similarly, the ratio of Lactic acid bacteria to coliforms tended to be higher (p = 0.08) in the cecum of EACH group than that in the other groups. Treatments did not influence the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A combination of EALE and chitosan as feed additives enhanced the final body weight and feed efficiency (FCR) of broilers. These additives also increased the levels of heterophils, serum globulin, the ratio of LAB to coliforms, and reduced thrombocytes, albumin-to-globulin ratio, and cecal coliform bacteria. Hence, EALE and chitosan blend improved the growth performance, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Plankton diversity and its heavy metal content in Ratai Bay of Pesawaran district, Lampung, Indonesia.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) activity in Way Ratai River produces heavy metal wastes; therefore, further information regarding heavy metal concentrations in the water was needed, especially in plankton samples. Furthermore, the determination of plankton diversity was also carried out in the waters of Way Ratai to determine the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Eight sampling sites were chosen along the river reaching the coast of Way Ratai. The research was conducted in November 2020 and March 2021. Ten heavy metals, Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn that are commonly found in mining areas, were determined in the water and plankton samples by using ICP-OES. The results indicated that the highest concentration found was Fe in plankton samples (0.725 mg/L in the river and 1.294 mg/L on the coast). Meanwhile, contents of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the river exceeded the predetermined water quality standards, while Ag and Pb metals were not detected. The Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn content in seawater also exceeded quality standards. The highest BCF value (12.96) was found for Fe at station G, whereas the lowest BCF value (0.13) was found for Ag at stations G and H.

Effect of unripe banana flour as a functional feed ingredient on growth performance, internal organ relative weight and carcass traits of broilers.

BACKGROUND: Following the prohibition of in-feed antibiotics, poultry nutritionists are increasingly interested in the use of functional feed. Unripe banana flour (UBF) contains significant amounts of oligosaccharides (which may act as prebiotics) and antioxidants, making it a potential functional feed for broilers. However, research on the use of UBF as a functional feed ingredient for broilers is limited. OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the effect of UBF with or without probiotic and multienzyme on growth, internal organ weight and carcass characteristics of broilers. METHODS: A total of 392 broiler chicks were distributed into 4 groups included CONT (chicks receiving control feed), UBF (chicks receiving 5% UBF in feed), UBFPRO (5% UBF plus 0.05% probiotics) and UBFZYM (5% UBF plus 0.05% multienzyme). Data on growth performance were weekly recorded, whereas data on internal organs and carcass were collected on day 38. RESULTS: Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) in UBF, UBFPRO and UBFZYM than that in CONT chicks, with no significant difference in body weight, body weight gain and feed intake. There was a tendency that gizzard was higher (p = 0.08) in CONT than in UBF chicks. Also, pancreas tended (p = 0.09) to be lower in UBFZYM than in CONT birds. There was a notable effect (p < 0.05) of dietary treatments on the yellowness (b*) values of thigh meats, in which UBFPRO had lower b* values than that of CONT but did not differ from that of UBF and UBFZYM. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in carcass and commercial proportion of broilers. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding of 5% UBF with or without probiotic and multienzyme improved FCR, without negatively affecting the carcass characteristics of broilers.

Safety evaluation of an antimalarial herbal product from Andrographis paniculata (AS201-01) in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: Andrographis paniculata tablets (AS201-01) have previously been shown to have potent bioactivity as an antimalarial and to produce no unwanted side effects in animal models. Here, we present the phase 1 clinical trial conducted to evaluate the safety of AS201-01 tablets in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The study was a randomized, double-blind controlled cross-over, a placebo-controlled design consisting of a 4-day treatment of AS201-01 tablets. A total of 30 healthy human volunteers (16 males and 14 females) were divided into two groups, and each group was given 4 tablets, twice daily for 4 days. Group 1 received AS201-01, while group 2 received placebo tablets. Volunteers were given a physical examination before the treatment. The effects of AS201-01 on random blood glucose, biochemical, and hematological as well as urine profiles were investigated. RESULTS: There were no changes in observed parameters as a result of AS201-01 being administered. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the test and control group regarding hematology profile, biochemical profile, and random blood glucose. Increased appetite and better sleep, which categorized as grade 1 adverse event was reported after treatment with AS201-01 tablet. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome supports our previous observation that the AS201-01 tablet, given twice a day for 4 days, is safe and nontoxic.

Germinated papaya seed alone or in combination with chitosan on growth, health and meat quality of broilers during grower period.

The study investigated the effect of a mixture of germinated papaya seed flour and chitosan (GPS-CH) in comparison to the germinated papaya seed flour (GPS) alone on growth, blood profile, intestinal indices and meat quality of broilers. A total of 288 14-day old Cobb chicks were divided into three groups with 8 replications, including CONT (chicks receiving basal feed with no additive), GPS (chicks receiving basal feed supplemented with 0.5% GPS), and GPS-CH (chicks receiving basal feed supplemented with 0.5% GPS and 0.2% chitosan). Treatments had no effect (p > 0.05) on broiler growth. Spleen was lower (p < 0.05) in GPS and GPS-CH than in CONT. Thrombocytes were lower (p < 0.05) in GPS and GPS-CH than in CONT. Total triglyceride and protein were higher (p < 0.05) in GPS and GPS-CH than in CONT. Jejunal villi height (VH) and ileal VH to crypt depth ratio of GPS-CH were higher (p < 0.05) than that of CONT and GPS birds. Total fat in breast meat was lower (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH than in CONT and GPS. The highest (p < 0.05) pH was found in GPS-CH breast. The yellowness values were lower (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH than in CONT and GPS breast. GPS thigh had lowest (p < 0.05) moisture and highest (p < 0.05) fat. Ash was higher (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH than in CONT thigh. Water holding capacity (WHC) was higher (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH than in CONT and GPS thigh meats. Cooking loss was lower (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH than in GPS thigh meats. Compared to GPS, the pH values of thigh meats were higher (p < 0.05) in GPS-CH and CONT meats. The yellowness values were lower in GPS and GPS-CH than in CONT thigh. In conclusion, GPS-CH was beneficial in improving immune responses, nutrient bioavailability, intestinal morphology and meat quality of broilers during the grower period.

Performance, gut morphology, and meat characteristics of broilers housed at a high-density pen and provided with fermented Averrhoa bilimbi fruit filtrate.

Objective: This study assessed the impact of fermented Averrhoa bilimbi fruit filtrate (FF) on growth, gut morphology, and meat traits of high-stocked broilers. Materials and Methods: A 2 × 2 factorial trial with stocking densities (9 or 18 birds/m2) and drinking 2% FF or plain water was conducted using 378 14-day-old broiler chicks. On day 35, samples were obtained and analyzed. Results: FF improved feed efficiency and income over the feed cost of high-stocked broilers by about 7.63% and 10%, respectively, compared to high-stocked broilers receiving only water. FF decreased duodenal crypt depth and meat water-holding capacity. Meats from high-stocked broilers receiving FF showed lower cholesterol than other meats. Lower cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and higher HDL/low-density lipoprotein were found in meats from broilers receiving FF. Total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) was higher in meats of high-stocked broilers receiving FF than others. The UFA/saturated fatty acid was lower in meats of high-stocked broilers receiving plain water. High-stocked broilers given FF had higher meat n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). FF enhanced meat n-6 PUFA levels. The n-3/n-6 PUFA increased with high density and drinking FF. Conclusion: Drinking FF improved gut morphology and meat qualities of broilers housed in high-density pens. FF may be an excellent alternative to improve the growth and meat qualities of broilers raised in high-density houses.

Growth performance, blood variables, intestinal bacterial content, and morphological measurements of broilers supplemented with Lactobacillus casei-fermented mixture of red rice and aromatic ginger.

Background and Aim: Natural feed additives are important for broiler sustainability during the post-antibiotic era. This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of the dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus casei-fermented mixture of red rice and aromatic ginger (FERMIX) on growth, blood profiles, intestinal bacterial content, and morphological measurements of broilers. Materials and Methods: Two hundred broiler chicks were allotted to four groups with five replications, including CONTROL (chicks provided with basal feed), FERMIX025 (basal feed supplemented with 0.25% FERMIX), FERMIX050 (0.50% FERMIX), and FERMIX100 (1.00% FERMIX). FERMIX is an anaerobic fermentation product from a mixture of red rice flour and aromatic ginger using L. casei. Blood, organs, digesta, and carcass were collected on day 35. Results: Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio did not differ (p>0.05) across treatments. FERMIX at 0.5% increased (p<0.05) spleen relative weight. Liver weight was lower (p<0.05) in broilers fed with 1% FERMIX. The liver weight linearly reduced (p<0.05) with the increased FERMIX levels. FERMIX at 0.25% elevated (p<0.05) broiler drumsticks' yield than that in other groups. Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and plasma total protein levels were quadratically higher (p<0.05) in FERMIX050 treated than in other groups. Increased FERMIX levels resulted in a linear decrease (p=0.08) in ileal lactose-negative Enterobacteriaceae counts. Villi height/crypt depth (CD) ratio was quadratically higher (p<0.05) in the duodenum of broiler supplemented with 0.5% FERMIX. The jejunal CD was quadratically lower (p<0.05) in FERMIX050 than in other groups. Conclusion: Although it did not influence growth, dietary FERMIX, especially at 0.5%, improved immune competencies, physiological conditions, and health of broilers' intestine.

Effect of acidified turmeric and/or black pepper on growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

The study investigated the effect of acidified turmeric, black pepper or its combination on growth and meat quality of broilers. The Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. fruit filtrate was used to acidify the herbs. A number of 392 day-old Lohmann broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four groups, including CONT (control diet), TRMC (diet supplemented with 1% acidified turmeric), BLPR (1% acidified black pepper) and TRPR (1% acidified turmeric and 1% acidified black pepper). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were weekly recorded. Internal organ weight and carcase traits were determined at day 35. The CONT and TRMC showed greater (p < 0.05) weight gain than BLPR and TRPR. The FCR was lower (p < 0.05) in TRMC than in BLPR and TRPR, but did not differ from CONT. The gizzard was greater (p < 0.05) in BLPR than that in CONT and TRMC. The BLPR had smaller (p < 0.05) pancreas than other chickens. Abdominal fat was lower (p < 0.05) in TRMC, BLPR and TRPR than that in CONT, of which BLPR was the lowest. Drumstick was greater (p < 0.05) in BLPR than in CONT. CONT had lighter and less yellow (p < 0.05) breast meats than other broilers. In thigh meats, the lightness (L*) values were higher (p < 0.05) in CONT than in TRMC and BLPR. The yellowness (b*) were lower (p < 0.05) in CONT than in TRPR meats. In conclusion, acidified turmeric reduced abdominal fat deposition and improved meat quality of broilers.

Effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal on immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemistry indices, and intestinal ecology of broilers.

AIM: The study investigated the effect of feeding fermented mixture of cassava pulp and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (FCPMO) on the immune responses, antioxidative status, biochemical parameters, and intestinal ecology of broiler chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred Lohmann broiler chickens were distributed to four groups of diets including CONT (corn-soybean-based feed with no additive), BACI (corn-soybean-based diet supplemented with 0.1% zinc bacitracin), FERM (diet containing 20% FCPMO), and FERB (diet containing 20% FCPMO and added with 0.1% Bacillus subtilis). At days 4, 14, and 19, the chicks were vaccinated using commercial Newcastle disease-infectious bursal disease (ND-IBD), IBD, and ND vaccines, respectively. At day 35, blood was sampled and digesta was obtained from the ileum and caecum. Furthermore, the duodenal segment was obtained. RESULTS: The BACI, FERM, and FERB groups had higher (p<0.05) serum superoxide dismutase activity than control. The malondialdehyde was lower (p=0.07) in BACI, FERM, and FERB than that in CONT. The BACI and FERM had lower (p<0.05) leukocytes and lymphocytes than CONT. The hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and hematocrit were lower (p<0.05) in BACI and FERM than those in CONT and FERB. Serum total triglyceride was lower (p<0.05) in FERM and FERB than that in CONT. The FERM and FERB had higher (p<0.05) albumin levels. Serum globulin level was lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in BACI, but did not differ from that in CONT and FERM. The numbers of coliform, lactose-negative-enterobacteria and enterobacteria were lower (p<0.05) in FERB than that in other treatment groups. Crypt depth (CD) was higher (p<0.05) in FERM, while the villi height to CD ratio was lower (p<0.05) in FERM than that in CONT and FERB. The treatments showed no effect (p>0.05) on cecal volatile fatty acids production. CONCLUSION: Feeding FCPMO improved immune responses, antioxidative status, and physiological conditions, but had less effect on the intestinal ecology of broilers.

Growth performance, haematological responses, intestinal microbiology and carcass traits of broiler chickens fed finisher diets containing two-stage fermented banana peel meal.

The study investigated the effect of finisher diets containing two-stage fermented banana peel (FBP) meal on growth performance, haematological responses, intestinal microbiology and carcass traits of broilers. From days 22 to 38, 200 broiler chicks were grouped to maize-soybean meal-based finisher diet as a control (CONT) and finisher diets containing either 5% FBP (FBP-5), 10% FBP (FBP-10) or 15% FBP (FBP-15). Birds were blood sampled and slaughtered at day 38. For microbial population and villi height measurement, digesta and intestinal segments were collected. Breast meat was obtained for meat colour determination. Data collected were analysed according to analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple-range test when there was significant effect. There was no effect of treatments on broiler growth performance. The relative duodenum weight tended (P = 0.08) to be lower in FBP than in CONT. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher (P < 0.05) in FBP-5 than in CONT and FBP-15. Uric acid concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in FBP-10 and FBP-15 than in CONT. Feeding FBP tended (P = 0.08) to decrease coliform population in the ileum. Compared to CONT, the ileal villi heights were higher (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) in FBP-10 and FBP-5, respectively. The relative weight of thigh (P < 0.05) and wings (P = 0.07) were higher in CONT than in FBP-fed birds, but the eviscerated carcass was not different (P > 0.05) among groups. The lightness (L*) values of meat were higher (P < 0.05) in FBP-10 and FBP-15 than in CONT and FBP-5. Compared with others, breast meat from FBP-10 birds had lower (P < 0.05) redness (a*) values. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of FBP at the levels of up to 15% had no detrimental effect on growth and health performances of broiler chickens.

Effect of fermentation using Chrysonillia crassa and Monascus purpureus on nutritional quality, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of used rice as a poultry feed ingredient.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of fermentation using Chrysonillia crassa and Monascus purpureus on nutritional qualities, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the used rice as a poultry feed ingredient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The used rice was soaked, steamed, and spread on a tray to cool. Suspension of M. purpureus or C. crassa was inoculated on the steamed used rice, and then mixed thoroughly. Afterward, the mixture was spread out on the tray, which was then covered with an aluminum foil. It was aerobically incubated for 7 and 4 days for the M. purpureus- and C. crassa-inoculated used rice, respectively. Subsequent to sun drying, the fermented used rice was grounded and analyzed. RESULTS: Crude protein and ash contents were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with C. crassa or M. purpureus than in the unfermented. Conversely, carbohydrate content was lower (p < 0.05) in the fermented compared with the unfermented. Gross energy and energy from fat were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with M. purpureus than the unfermented. Amino acids L-methionine, L-serine, L-glutamic acid, L-valine glycine, L-leucine, L proline, L-threonine, L-histidine, and L-Sistine were higher (p < 0.05) in M. purpureus-fermented used rice than in C. crassa-fermented and the unfermented used rice. However, amino acids L-isoleucine, L- alanine, L-lysine, and L-tryptophan were higher (p < 0.05) in the used rice fermented with both C. crassa and M. purpureus, compared with the unfermented. L-tyrosine content was higher (p < 0.05) in M. purpureus-fermented used rice than in the unfermented. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the fermented products were higher (p < 0.05) than that of the unfermented. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of the fermented products against Staphylococcus aureus were higher (p < 0.05) than that of the unfermented used rice. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the used rice fermented using C. crassa and M. purpureus improved the nutritional quality, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the products.

Hematological parameters and selected intestinal microbiota populations in the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens fed basal diet supplemented with multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals on the hematological parameters and selected intestinal microbiota populations in the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 one-day-old Indonesian indigenous crossbred chicks were raised for 10 weeks. The chicks were distributed to one of four groups, i.e., chicks receiving basal diet without any additive (CONT), chicks receiving basal diet with 0.04% of zinc bacitracin (AGP), chicks receiving basal diet with 0.01% of commercial probiotic Bacillus subtilis preparation (PROB1), and chicks receiving basal diet with 0.5% of multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals (PROB2). Blood was collected on the week 8, while the internal organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on the week 10. RESULTS: PROB2 tended (p=0.09) to have a lower body weight (BW) compared to CONT chicks. Feed conversion ratio was higher (p<0.05) in PROB1 and PROB2 compared to CONT birds. The number of thrombocytes tended (p=0.09) to be higher in CONT than in other groups. Antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was higher (p<0.05) in PROB1 and PROB2 than in CONT group. Serum triglyceride concentration was lower (p<0.05) in PROB2 than in other birds. AGP chicks had lower (p<0.05) serum total protein and globulin concentrations than CONT and PROB1 chicks. Serum albumin level was lower (p<0.05) in PROB2 than in CONT and PROB1 birds. Albumin to globulin ratio tended (p=0.06) to be higher in AGP than in other birds. Lactose-negative Enterobacteriaceae tended (p=0.07) to be lower in PROB1 and PROB2 than in CONT group. PROB1 and PROB2 tended (p=0.06) to have greater lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population than in CONT and AGP birds. CONCLUSION: Multi-strain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was able to improve immune response and control the potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the additive could not improve the growth performance of the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens.

The effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the basal diet on the growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological response of broilers.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals to the broiler chicken diets on their growth performance, hematological parameters, and carcass traits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-eight Lohmann 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four groups, i.e., control (without additional supplementation) and three experimental treatments where basal diet was enriched by 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals, respectively. Blood sampling was conducted on day 28, while the selected organs and eviscerated carcasses were collected on day 42. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation did not affect (p>0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Supplementation by 0.1% and 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals reduced (p≤0.05) heart relative weight of broilers. Dietary supplementation tended (p=0.07) to increase the relative weight of ileum and pancreas of broilers. Supplemented birds had lower (p≤0.05) numbers of leukocytes and eosinophils compared to unsupplemented birds. There were tendencies that supplementation of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p=0.07) counts of lymphocytes and heterophils when compared with no supplementation. Supplementation by 0.5% of multistrain probiotics in combination with vitamins and minerals resulted in lower (p≤0.05) serum concentration of uric acid when compared with control. There was no significant effect of dietary supplementation on carcass traits, pH, and drip loss of broiler breast muscles. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of commercial broiler feeds with 0.5% of multistrain probiotic preparation in combination with vitamins and minerals was potential to improve digestive functions and physiological status of broiler chickens.

Effect of two-step fermentation by Chrysonilia crassa and Bacillus subtilis on nutritional values and antioxidative properties of agro-industrial by-products as poultry feed ingredients.

OBJECTIVE: This current study was subjected to investigate the influence of two-stage fermentation by Chrysonilia crassa and Bacillus subtilis on nutritional values and antioxidative properties of agro-industrial by-products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-stage fermentation with Ch. crassa (inoculated in advance; single-step fermentation) and B. subtilis (inoculated later; two-step fermentation) was conducted on agro-industrial by-products, i.e., banana peel meals, cassava pulp, and rice bran. The pH measurement, microbial enumeration, proximate, and antioxidant analyses were conducted following 4- and 2-days aerobic incubation with Ch. crassa and B. subtilis, respectively. RESULTS: The pH of banana peels and cassava pulp increased with Ch. crassa-fermentation, but then decreased following B. subtilis-fermentation. Chrysonilia crassa-fermentationdid not change, but B. subtilis-fermentation decreased pH of rice bran. The number of lactic acid bacteria was higher in two-stage than in single-stage fermented by-products. Crude protein and fat were higher in fermented than in unfermented banana peels. Crude protein was higher in single- and two-stage fermented, while fat higher in single-stage fermented than in unfermented cassava pulp. Crude fat and ash contents increased with fermentation in rice bran. Single-stage fermentation increased some of amino acids contents in banana peels and cassava pulp. The concentration of polyphenols, tannins, and antioxidant potential of banana peels reduced with fermentation. Total polyphenols and tannins were higher, whereas antioxidant activity was lower in fermented than in unfermented cassava pulp. Total polyphenols, tannins, and antioxidant activity were lower in two-stage than in single-stage fermented and unfermented rice bran. CONCLUSION: Single-stage fermentation with Ch. crassa improved nutritional characteristics of agro-industrial by-products.

Intestinal microbial ecology and hematological parameters of broiler fed cassava waste pulp fermented with Acremonium charticola.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding Acremonium charticola-fermented cassava pulp (AC-FCP) on the intestinal microbial ecology and hematological indices of broiler chickens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 male Lohman day-old-chicks were randomly allotted to one of the four experimental diets including control diet, control diet + antimicrobials (neomycin; 300 mg/kg diet), diet containing AC-FCP (16 g/100 g diet) or diet containing AC-FCP + antimicrobials. At day 28, the birds from each pen were blood sampled, sacrificed and immediately the internal organs were removed and weighed. Digesta were obtained from the ileum and cecum. RESULTS: Birds fed AC-FCP had lower (p<0.05) coliform bacteria count in the ileal digesta than birds fed control diet or control diet + antimicrobials. Butiric acid was higher (p<0.05) in the cecal content of birds fed AC-FCP than in other birds. Propionic acid was also higher in AC-FCP fed birds than in other birds although statistically not significant. The percentages of lymphocytes and heterophils were higher (p<0.05) and tended (p=0.07) to be lower, respectively, in broilers fed control diet than in other birds. The birds provided control diet had lower (p<0.05) heterophils to lymphocytes ratio compared to those receiving AC-FCP or AC-FCP + antimicrobials. Serum total protein and globulin were higher (p<0.01) in birds fed control diet or control diet + antimicrobials compared to AC-FCP or AC-FCP + antimicrobials fed birds. Serum albumin was lower (p<0.01) in AC-FCP birds than that in other birds. There was a tendency (p=0.09) that birds fed AC-FCP diet had lower total serum cholesterol than other birds. CONCLUSION: Feeding AC-FCP has potential to improve the intestinal health and protect the birds from acute infections.