Determination of performance response of broilers to fermented tropical leaf meal supplementation using meta-analytical method.

Fermented tropical leaf meals (FTLM) are currently added to chicken feed to improve chicken productivity due to their reported nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, the effects of FTLM on broiler productivity and health are less clear. Thus, this meta-analysis was designed to assess the effects of FTLM on the performance outcomes of broilers Eleven controlled studies were retrieved and used to explore the impacts of dietary FTLM supplementation on growth performance [feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG)], blood lipids, slaughter performance (abdominal fat, breast and thigh muscles weight), meat quality [pH, drip loss, shear force, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)], and intestinal histomorphology [villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and VH/CD values] of broilers. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses of the effects of moderators (i.e., leaf meal type, supplementation level, broiler strains, rearing phase, and fermentation microbes) on the growth performance of broilers were also assessed. Results show that dietary FTLM supplementation increased FI [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02, 0.20; P < 0.0001], improved ADG (SMD = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.43; P < 0.0001) and FCR (SMD = - 0.21; 95% CI: - 0.30, - 0.11; P < 0.0001) in broilers. In addition, FTLM enhanced slaughter performance, meat quality, and intestinal histomorphology of broilers. Broilers fed 0-5 g/kg feed FTLM had better FI, FCR, and ADG than the controls taking significant heterogeneity into account. Meta-regression revealed that analysed moderators influenced growth performance results and accounted for some of the sources of heterogeneity. It can be concluded that up to 5 g/kg of FTLM can be added to broiler feed to improve growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, slaughter performance, and meat quality without adverse effects on dressing percentage and blood lipid profiles.

Meta-analysis of blood indices and production physiology of broiler chickens on dietary fermented cassava intervention.

The effects of dietary fermented cassava on the blood constituents and production parameters of broiler chickens have been reported with variable outcomes. Therefore, this investigation aimed to explore the impacts of dietary fermented cassava on growth traits, blood constituents, visceral organ, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Four databases were searched for studies that assessed responses of broiler chickens dietary fermented cassava. Eleven articles were used for the investigation, and data generated were analysed using OpenMEE software. A random effects model was used, and effect sizes were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95 % confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using the following modifiers: broiler strain used, cassava form, feeding duration, type of microbes used for the fermentation, and inclusion level of cassava. Results indicate that fermented cassava-based diets increased feed intake (SMD = 0.38; 95 % CI: 0.11, 0.65; P = 0.006), feed conversion ratio (SMD = 1.26; 95 % CI: 0.91, 1.61; P < 0.001), white blood cells (SMD = 1.26; 95 % CI: 0.54, 1.98; P < 0.001), total serum protein (SMD = 1.23; 95 % CI: 0.41, 2.05; P = 0.003), serum cholesterol (SMD = 0.43; 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.85; P = 0.050), serum creatinine (SMD = 2.53; 95 % CI: 0.53, 4.53; P = 0.013), and serum uric acid (SMD = 4.33; 95 % CI: 6.25, 2.41; P < 0.001), but lowered average daily gain and carcass yield, taking heterogeneity into account. Results reveal that studied modifiers were responsible for the inconsistent results among authors. In conclusion, dietary fermented cassava negatively influenced carcass yield, growth performance, and aspects of blood indices of broiler chickens, but did not affect abdominal fat content, visceral organ weights, and cut-part weights. However, more innovative research is needed to improve the feeding quality of cassava using other biotechnological tools in order to maximise its potential as an energy source in broiler chickens.

Utilisation of cassava as energy and protein feed resource in broiler chicken and laying hen diets.

A detailed understanding of the nutrient contents of cassava products is crucial to fully maximise their utilisation in animal feed. This study aimed to review published data on the nutritional quality of cassava products and their use as a source of energy and protein in broiler chicken and laying hen diets. Cassava is a tuber crop that grows abundantly in tropical countries, and its products are classified as energy or protein feed resources based on their protein and energy levels. Cassava starch residue (CSR), cassava root meal (CRM), cassava peel meal (CPM), ensiled cassava peel meal (ECPM), fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM), cassava pulp, and cassava root sievate meal (CRSM) were classified as an energy source in chicken feed, whereas cassava leaf meal (CLM) is classified as a protein source. Nutritional analysis indicates that cassava leaves are high in protein, fibre, minerals, vitamins (B1, B2, and C), and carotenoids, while CRM is rich in energy but low in crude protein (CP). Additionally, cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially linamarin, and lotaustralin, which release toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) upon tissue disruption. The utilisation of cassava as an energy or protein feed resource in the chicken diet is limited by its high fibre, presence of HCN, nutrient imbalance, and dusty nature of its dried meals. Efforts have been made to enhance the nutrient quality of cassava and increase their utilisation in chicken feed using different processing techniques with some success. Available information on the nutrient contents of differently processed cassava and its effect on chicken performance is vast and dispersed, making it hard to use such information in the decision-making process. Therefore, this review aimed to aggregate published articles on the nutrient contents of cassava products and their impacts on the health and productive indices of broiler chickens and laying hens into a single document for ease of comparison and decision-making.

A Meta-analysis of Responses of Broiler Chickens to Dietary Zinc Supplementation: Feed Intake, Feed Conversion Ratio and Average Daily Gain.

The importance of zinc (Zn) in broiler chicken nutrition is gaining attention due to the realization of its role in several enzymes and metabolic functions. This meta-analysis, therefore, aimed to synthesize pooled evidence on the effectiveness of Zn supplementation on enhancing feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG) in broiler chickens. Thirty-seven peer-reviewed studies out of 436 identified from the search carried out in Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases met the criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Data were pooled and then disaggregated for moderators: broiler strains, sources of Zn, duration of Zn supplementation and Zn supplementation levels. All the analyses were conducted in Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software. Pooled results indicate that Zn supplementation increased feed intake [standardised mean differences (SMD) = 0.34 g/bird/day; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27, 0.42)] and ADG (SMD = 0.43 g/bird/day; 95% CI 0.35, 0.50) in broiler chickens in comparison with the controls. Dietary Zn supplementation improves FCR (SMD = - 0.16 g/g; 95% CI 0.20, - 0.11), taking heterogeneity and publication biases into account. Restricted subanalysis showed that studied moderators influenced the outcomes of the meta-analysis. Meta-regression revealed that moderators explain about 38% of the sources of variations in the present study. This meta-analysis suggests that dietary zinc supplementation had a positive effect on growth performance indices in broiler chickens.

Enhancement values of cassava by-product diets on production and haemato-biochemical indices of sheep and goats: a review.

The competition for maize and soybean between humans and livestock for food has led to an increase in the cost of livestock feeds. Therefore, this has necessitated the search for alternative non-competitive feedstuffs in order to partially replace maize and soybean in small ruminant diets. The use of cassava products as a partial replacement for maize and soybean in small ruminant diet has been investigated. Cassava is a tropical crop, and its fodder is rich in crude protein (CP), minerals and vitamins with about 85% of the CP fraction exist as true protein. Cassava by-products are also high in nutrients and could contribute significantly to the nutritional needs of sheep and goats. Specifically, cassava leaves are high in CP (25.10%) with an amino acid composition similar to soybean. Evidence also exist that ruminal degradability of cassava fodder is similar to that of maize and soybean with comparable outflow rates (75%). However, the use of cassava fodder in livestock production is limited by the presence of cyanogenic glucosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) that releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN) known to cause pathophysiological changes in the liver of sheep and goats. Importantly, several processing techniques are well known to reduce or eliminate the concentrates of cyanogenic glucosides in cassava with great success. Blood chemistry and production indices of sheep and goats fed differently processed cassava by-product-based diets have been evaluated by different authors. This review revealed that cassava root sievate meal, cassava root meal and cassava peel meal are low in CP (2.29, 3.40 and 7.05%, respectively), while cassava leaf meal is high in CP (32.43%). Feed conversion efficiency of sheep and good fed cassava leaves were 9.49 and 11.24, respectively, indicating that goats utilize cassava leaves better than sheep. It is concluded that cassava by-products are low in quality protein and should be supplemented with other rich protein sources before their use in ruminant diets.

Prediction of responses of indigenous Boschveld chickens to probiotic-yeast additive levels using a quadratic optimisation model.

This experiment was performed to determine the nutrient content of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and effect on carcass characteristics, relative internal organ weights, digesta pH, and lengths and weights of the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of indigenous Boschveld chickens. Six hundred-day-old unsexed Boschveld chicks were divided into six groups of 100 birds with each group replicated five times. Birds were fed broiler starter from 1 to 49 days and grower diet from 50 to 91 days. Each group was allotted to commercial broiler mash diet supplemented with yeast designated 0 g kg-1 feed (T0), 2.5 g kg-1 feed (T1), 5.0 g kg-1 feed (T2), 7.5 g kg-1 feed (T3), 10.0 g kg-1 feed (T4) and 12.5 g kg-1 feed (T5) in a completely randomised design. Proximate composition of yeast was assessed using the standard method. Live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights, digesta pH and the lengths and weights of the different segments of the digestive tract were measured and analysed statistically. Probiotic-yeast levels for optimal productivity were determined using a quadratic optimisation model. Results revealed that probiotic-yeast is rich in crude protein (496.0 g kg-1), ash (61.60 g kg-1) and moderate in crude fibre (29.0 g kg-1). Birds in groups fed with diets supplemented with yeast at 7.5 and 10.0 g kg-1 feed gave the best (p < 0.05) carcass characteristics, organ weights, length and weight of the different sections of the digestive system in Boschveld chickens. The optimal inclusion rates of probiotic-yeast that gave the best live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights and linear measurement of the GIT were found 6.9 and 8.5 g kg-1 feed, suggesting that no single inclusion level optimised all the parameters measured in Boschveld chickens in the present study. In conclusion, yeast is suitable for use as a feed additive and for optimal productivity; it should be included at the rates of 7.5 and 10.0 g kg-1 feed in Boschveld chicken diet. It is recommended that yeast supplementation level beyond 10.0 g kg-1 feed may not be well-tolerated by the Boschveld chickens for best live weight, carcass characteristics, organ weights and linear measurement of the GIT.

Supplementation of vitamin A to local chicken diets in tropical environment enhances seminal quality and blood testosterone concentration.

There is insufficient information on the role of micronutrient supplementation on the productivity of local breeder cocks in a tropical environment. The target of this research, thus, was to deduce the impact of dietary vitamin A incorporation on semen traits and testosterone concentration of local breeder cocks in a tropical environment. One hundred twenty-eight-matured Nigerian local breeder cocks aged 10-12 months were alloted to 4 groups (n = 32): a control group (A) was fed experimental diet supplemented with vitamin A at 0 IU/kg feed and supplemented groups (B-D) fed commercial poultry diet supplemented with vitamin A at 250, 500 and 750 IU/kg feed for 16 weeks. Every group was replicated 4 times with 16 birds in every a replicate. A quadratic typed optimization function was employed to determine the optimum vitamin A supplementation that statistically improved serum testosterone and semen quality indices in local breeder cocks. Semen profiling and serum testosterone concentration were analysed at week 4 (pre-supplementation period), and thereafter at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (supplementation period). Serum testosterone and semen quality indices at pre-supplementation period were similar (p < 0.05) among the groups. Birds on 500 IU vitamin A/kg diet produced sperm with highest (p < 0.05) active motile cells and normal morphology compared to birds on the other 3 diets. Local breeder cocks fed diets having 500 and 750 IU vitamin A/kg diet produced sperm with lowest (p < 0.05) sluggish motile cells compared with those fed the control diet. Semen pH, volume, sperm concentration (SC), acrosome morphology defects and serum testosterone concentration were not affected by vitamin A supplementation. The result of the quadratic optimization model revealed that sluggish motile sperm (Y = 41.098-10.230x + 0.903x2; r2 = 0.943, p = 0.039) and normal sperm morphology (Y = 82.665 + 8.834x - 1.500x2; r2 = 0.965, p = 0.001) was optimized (p < 0.05) at 5664 and 2945 IU/kg feed, respectively. However, other parameters estimated were not significantly influenced. It is concluded that vitamin A supplementation enhanced sperm quality in local breeder cocks.

Meta-analysis of the influence of phytobiotic (pepper) supplementation in broiler chicken performance.

The aim of the study is to use meta-analytical procedure to resolve uncertainty, identify knowledge gaps, and create new insights using published data on the phytobiotic effect of dietary pepper intervention on daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler chickens. The authors accessed AGORA, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for primary studies published between 2011 and 2018 using combinations of different search terms. Fifteen studies were included to assess phytobiotic effect of pepper on DFI, FCR, and ADG in broiler chickens. Random-effects model (REM) was used to generate pooled effect estimates at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis was performed using Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software, while publication bias and source of heterogeneity were assessed using standard methods. Dietary pepper supplementation enhanced ADG (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.576, 95% CI 0.444 to 0.707, p < 0.001) and FCR (SMD = 0.325, 95% CI - 0.453 to - 0.196, p < 0.001) considering the presence of heterogeneity and publication bias. DFI (SMD = 0.052, 95%CI - 0.069 to 0.173, p = 0.403) was not significantly influenced by dietary pepper supplementation. Restricted subgroup analysis revealed that both black and red pepper increased ADG (p < 0.001). Broilers on black pepper intervention had better FCR (p = 0.002) than broilers on red pepper treatment. Higher (p < 0.05) DFI was obtained on broilers fed pepper-based diet at the rate of > 6 g/kg feed for 35 days. There was no association between DFI and explanatory variables (broiler strain used and number of broilers used), whereas study country influenced DFI (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an association between outcome of interests (ADG and FCR) and explanatory variables (supplementation level, study country, number of broilers used per treatment group, and broiler strain used). Broilers on dietary pepper intervention for 42 days had higher ADG (SMD = 62.2 g/bird/day, p < 0.001) than those on dietary pepper intervention for 56 days (SMD = 35.7 g/bird/day, p = 0.002). There is evidence of heterogeneity, and meta-regression analysis showed that study country, supplementation level, and broiler strain used explained most of the sources of heterogeneity. The results of the present study revealed the potential of dietary pepper intervention to improve production efficiency in broiler chickens. The current meta-analysis also set the steps for standardized experimental designs on the use of dietary pepper intervention in broiler feeding trials in the future.

Impact of on-farm feeding practices on the reproductive indices of pigs reared under educated smallholder system in Imo State, Nigeria.

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of on-site feeding practices on the reproductive indices of pigs reared under educated smallholder system in Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. The smallholder pig farms (S1, S2, M, L1, and L2) visited were divided into small-, medium-, and large-size farms, with small farms stocking 70-80, medium 120-130, and larger 230-270 pigs. In each farm, six weaner pigs comprising Large White, Landrace, and Duroc breeds were selected and their ages and initial body weights determined. The feeds offered to the weaner pigs were physically characterized for their ingredient components. Thereafter, representative samples of the feeds were subjected to proximate biochemical analysis on the 1st, 7th, and 13th weeks of the study using standard methods. Results showed that all the farms utilized palm kernel cake as their major energy feedstuffs, in addition to soybean, common salt, local fish meal, and vitamins premix. Data generated were analyzed using analysis of variance and descriptive statistics (mean and percentages). The mean crude protein values of the feed samples collected from these farms were of similar range (13.49-14.20%), while crude fiber and ether extract values were very high. Data on calculated metabolizable energy values were also relatively low for growing pigs. There was significant (p < 0.05) differences in the final body weights of the grower pigs after 14 weeks of feeding across the farms. There were significant (p > 0.05) changes in weight gain, with farms S1, S2, M, L1, and L2 returning 24.50, 10.00, 67.50, 11 00, and 7.50 kg mean weights, respectively. There is a slight increment in birth weight of piglets in farms S1, S2, M, and L2 when compared with those in farm L1. Direct observations revealed that farms S1, L1, and L2 practiced flushing techniques which invariably resulted in higher litter size recorded in these farms. The dams in farms S1, L1, and L2 were observed to gain more weight during gestation and shed little during lactation.

Potential of leaf and seeds of tropical plants in chicken diets: effect on spermatozoa and egg production.

The projected human population growth of 9 billion by the year 2050 has placed greater demand on food security. This calls for an increased supply of foods, especially of animal origin in order to prevent food scarcity in the future. Poultry which would have been a solution to this increased demand for foods of animal origin had suffered from the rising costs of conventional feed ingredients, and this emphasizes the interest to develop local feedstuffs. In view of this, there is increased interest by livestock farmers especially in developing countries to harness the potential of leaf and seeds of tropical browse plants. Data abound that leaf and seed meal of tropical plants are rich in beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. From previous studies, it can be deduced that leaf and seed meal of tropical browse plants improve chicken performance, but their use in animal feed has been limited owing to constraints imposed by antinutrient factors (ANFs). In this review, the biochemistry of leaf and seed meal of tropical plants, mechanism of actions, methodologies for detoxifying their ANFs, and their effect on chicken reproduction is discussed.

Performance and economy of production of broilers fed Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal (SWLM).

A 49-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Siam weed leaf meal (SWLM)-based diets on growth, organ, and carcass weight characteristics and economics of production of broilers. Proximate biochemical composition of SWLM and the appropriate inclusion level of SWLM for optimum productivity were also determined. Ninety-six-day-old Chi broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 24 birds, and each group replicated three times. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design marked T1 (0%), T2 (4%), T3 (8%), and T4 (12%). Proximate biochemical results revealed that SWLM is rich in protein (20.52%) and minerals (9.29%). Birds on diets T1 and T2 had similar (p > 0.05) final live weights (FLW), which were higher (p < 0.05) than those on diets T3 and T4. Birds on diet T2 had the highest (p < 0.05) daily feed intake (DFI) and daily weight gain (DWG), while birds on diet T1 had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed by birds on diet T2. The result of quadratic model regression analyses showed that SWLM levels of 1.48, 1.50, 1.47, and 1.56% supported optimum final live weight, DFI, DWG, and FCR. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the dressing percentage, but there were significant differences in the carcass weight between birds on diet T4 and the other three diets. Similarly, pancreas and spleen had similar (p > 0.05) weights across the treatments. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) between birds on diets T1 and T4 in gizzard weight. Cost-benefit ratio was influenced (p < 0.05) with T4 birds having better income of US$1 per US$10.18 invested. It is concluded that SWLM is rich in essential nutrients and therefore suitable for inclusion in broiler diets at level not beyond 2% for best final live weight, daily weight gain, and thigh weight.

Performance and meat quality characteristics of broilers fed fermented mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake as replacement for maize.

Performance and meat quality characteristics of broilers fed fermented mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake (FCP-mix) as a replacement for maize were studied. One hundred and eighty (180), 7-day-old broiler chickens were divided into six groups of 30 birds, and each group replicated thrice. Six experimental diets were formulated for both starter and finisher stages with diets 1 and 6 as controls. Diet 1 contained maize whereas diet 6 contained a 1:1 mixture of cassava root meal (CRM) and palm kernel cake (PKC). In diets 2, 3, 4, and 5, the FCP-mix replaced maize at the rate of 25, 50, 75, and 100%, respectively. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design. The proximate compositions of the diets were evaluated. Live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight, and sensory attributes of the meats were obtained from each replicate and data obtained was analyzed statistically. The results showed that live weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and FCR of birds on treatment diets were better than those on the control diets (Diets 1 and 6). The feed cost per kilogram weight gained decreased with inclusion levels of FCP-mix. Birds on diet 1 recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher dressing percentage than those on the other five treatments. The sensory attributes of the chicken meats were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of FCP-mix in the diets. FCP-mix is a suitable substitute for maize in broiler diet at a replacement level of up to 100% for best live weight, carcass weight yield, and meat quality.

Principal Component Analysis of Conformation and Blood Marker Traits at Pre- and Post-Weaning Stages of Growth in F2 Crossbred Nigerian Indigenous X Landrace Pigs.

Linear body measurements and blood hematology and biochemistry parameters were taken on 92 and 15 grower pigs, respectively, chosen randomly from a crossbred F2 population of Nigerian Indigenous (NI) x Landrace pigs to evaluate body conformation and blood marker traits using a multivariate approach. For linear body measurements at pre-weaning stage (4 weeks old), two principal components accounted for 91.63% of the total variation in body conformation traits, while at post weaning stage (12 weeks old), one principal component accounted for 73.63% of the total variations in body conformation traits. The first factor (principal component) accounted for 72.34% of the total variance (body weight) while the second factor accounted for 19.29% (ear length) at pre-weaning stage. While at post-weaning stage only one factor contributed to the total variability of the original six traits tested, with 73.63% (body length). For blood parameters, three principal components accounted for 81.85% of the total variation at pre-weaning stage while 89.44% of the total variation at post-weaning stage was accounted for by four principal components. The first factor (principal component) accounted for 38.048% (Packed cell volume), the second accounted for 24.72% (hemoglobin) and the third accounted for 19.08% (aspartate transaminase). While at the post-weaning stage, the first factor was influenced by red blood corpuscles (37.17%), the second factor had its loading for hemoglobin (25.80%), the third factor had loading for white blood corpuscles (13.67%), while the fourth factor had loading for alkaline phosphatase only (12.80%). Using communality extraction factors, ear length best described body conformation at the pre-weaning stage; whereas, at post-weaning stage, body length was the best descriptor. In blood parameters, packed cell volume best described blood marker traits at the pre-weaning stage; whereas, at the post-weaning stage, red blood corpuscles best described it. Hence, the two extracted factors in linear body measurements and in blood parameters could be considered in breeding programs to improve and predict body conformation in crossbred pigs, as well as predict blood marker traits.