Insoluble fibre and enzyme supplementation in mash or pellets diets on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed barley containing diets.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme supplementation and the inclusion of fibre in the barley-based diets have been some of the alternatives proposed to improve productivity in the absence of growth promoters. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the effect of adding sunflower hulls (SFH), a multi-enzyme carbohydrate, and feed forms (mash and pellet) on performance and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens fed barley containing diets. METHODS: Treatments were two feed forms (mash vs. pelleted), and four diets consisted of a barley-based diet (control, CTL) or test diets which contained either SFH at 30 g/kg, enzyme (ENZ; 0.2 g/kg) or combination of SFH and enzyme (SFH + ENZ). RESULTS: The results showed that average daily feed intake and average daily gain were significantly increased in chickens that were fed ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest digestibility of ether extract (EE) was observed in the treatment containing SFH and SFH + ENZ (p < 0.05). The highest population of Lactobacillus spp. was observed in the treatment containing SFH (p < 0.05). The villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratios of duodenum and jejunum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed pellet diets compared to the mash. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that pellet diets reduce digesta viscosity and harmful microorganisms (Escherichia coli), increase growth performance, and improve intestinal morphology in barley-based diets. Moreover, SFH and ENZ had favourable effects on EE digestibility and caecal microbial population of broilers fed with barley containing diets.

Evaluation of various levels of sweet almond meal as a source of protein on the production variables and immune response of broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of a sweet almond meal (SAM) as a source of protein on performance and immune responses of broiler chickens. Treatments consisted of different levels of SAM (7%, 14%, 21% and 28% of diet) and control diet that was performed in a completely randomized design in 42 days. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were recorded weekly. Carcass characteristics and blood variables were measured on the 42 day of age. Immune response to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) was assessed at d 35 and d 42 (7 days after each injection). White blood cell count was done at d 28. The results showed that chickens fed 28% of SAM had lowest FI during the experiment. During grower period and also whole period of experiment, BWG was highest in chickens that consumed 7% SAM. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly increased in chickens fed 28% SAM compared to the other treatments during grower period and also whole period of the experiment. The relative weight of thigh and breast significantly decreased and the relative weight of GIT increased by increasing levels of SAM in the diet. The concentration of cholesterol and LDL significantly decreased in chickens that consumed SAM in the diet. However, the highest glucose and HDL concentration were observed in chickens fed 28% SAM in the diet. Treatments did not have a significant effect on the immune response of broilers (primary and secondary SRBC antibody titres, relative weights of spleen and bursa of fabricius and white blood cell count) (p > 0.05). The results of this study show that a diet supplemented with SAM at the level of 14%, due to the improved FCR and decreased blood cholesterol and LDL concentration, can be a good replacement for soybean meal in broiler chicken's nutrition.

The effect of different levels of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) powder and extract on performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune responses of laying hens in second production cycle.

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of fenugreek powder (FP) and extract (FE) on performance, egg quality, blood parameters and immune responses of laying hens. One-hundred and fifty Leghorn laying hens were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates for eight weeks. Treatments were various levels of FP and FE including zero (control; T1), 1.00% FP (T2), 2.00% FP (T3), 0.10% FE (T4) and 0.20% FE (T5). The results of this experiment showed that feed intake was increased linearly by the inclusion of FP compared to the control group. Supplementation of laying hens diet with 2.00% FP adversely affected feed conversion ratio (FCR). The FCR was decreased by 0.10% inclusion of FE compared to 0.20%. Egg yolk color was the highest when 1.00% FP added to laying hens diets compared to the other treatments. Serum metabolites and immune responses of laying hens were not affected significantly by fenugreek supplementation. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that using 1.00% FP can improve feed intake by supporting FCR. Inclusion of 1.00% FP in laying hens diet enhanced egg yolk color of laying hens in the second production cycle.

Response of broiler chickens reared at high density to dietary supplementation with licorice extract and probiotic.

This study evaluated the effects of licorice extract and probiotic on performance, excreta characteristics and welfare-related parameters of broiler chickens reared in high stocking density. Three hundred and thirty-six 1-day old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates for 42 days. Treatments were as follows: (a) positive control (PC, 12 chicks/m2 ); (b) negative control (NC, 18 chicks/m2 ); (c) NC + 500 ppm licorice extract (LE); (d) NC + 200 ppm probiotic (P); (e) NC + ppm LE + ppm P. Body weight gain (BWG) was affected negatively by increased density in the growing period (p < 0.05). At high density, BWG was increased in the growing and whole period by adding LE and P separately and in combination (p < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was not affected by stocking density. Excreta weight (g/bird) and dry matter (DM, %) were reduced by increasing density (p < 0.01). Use of feed additives at high stocking density had no significant effect on excreta weight, but DM content of excreta was higher in NC + LE + P than NC. Gait problems and footpad and hock burns were increased by increased stocking density, but were not altered by feed additives. In conclusion, licorice extract and probiotic improved BWG of broilers reared at high stocking density; however, these birds had some disorders in footpad, hock and walking ability.

Effect of radiation on chemical composition and protein quality of cottonseed meal.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of electron beam (EB) and gamma ray (GR) irradiation treatments at doses of 10, 20 and 30 kGy on chemical composition, protein quality and protein digestibility of cottonseed meal (CSM). GR irradiation in all doses significantly decreased the crude fiber of samples compared to raw CSM. Free and total gossypol content of CSM was decreased significantly by utilizing both types of irradiation in a dose-dependent manner. Also, EB irradiation caused decrease in free and total gossypol content more than that of GR irradiation. GR irradiation at doses of 20 and 30 kGy, and EB irradiation at doses of 10, 20 and 30 kGy can significantly decrease protein solubility of CSM compared to that of a raw sample. GR irradiation at a dose of 30 kGy significantly increased apparent digestibility of protein compared to raw and EB irradiation of CSM at a dose of 10 kGy in Leghorn cockerels. Maximum increase in protein digestibility of CSM was observed in GR irradiation at a dose of 30 kGy. In conclusion, the present study showed that EB and GR irradiation reduced gossypol and crude fiber and increased protein digestibility of CSM but had no effect on protein quality of CSM.

The assessment of undergraduate medical students' satisfaction levels with the objective structured clinical examination.

BACKGROUND: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been introduced as an efficient method for the assessment of medical students. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the satisfaction level of undergraduate medical students of internal medicine department with the OSCE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, performed on all available undergraduate students at the end of their internal medicine training period in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The students responded to 15 multiple-choice questions with confirmed validity and reliability. RESULTS: The majority of the students (94.5%) had a positive attitude toward the OSCE and mentioned that the OSCE format was a more appropriate type of exam than other methods of testing; however, 79.1% thought that the OSCE format was stressful. In addition, the participants' sex had no effect on their level of satisfaction with the examination. Likewise, there was no significant correlation between their level of satisfaction and their age, marital status, or lack of previous experience with this type of exam. CONCLUSIONS: If the exam standards are met and a uniform dispersion of the scientific content is maintained, the OSCE method of assessment can be recommended as an efficient and applicable method for assessing medical students.