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Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Poultry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2021) | Viewed by 27005

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Dr. Marco Zampiga

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Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Via del Florio 2, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Bologna, Italy
Interests: broiler chicken; laying hen; turkey; nutrition; feed additive; feed efficiency; sustainability; meat quality; myopathy; muscle abnormality; nutrigenomics; omics technology; egg quality; housing system

Special Issue Information

The poultry industry is facing the crucial challenge of providing high-quality protein for a growing world population while remaining economically and environmentally sustainable. In poultry, feeding represents one of the greatest production costs and has important implications in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, improving the ability by which animals convert ingested feed into edible products (i.e., feed efficiency) through calibrated nutritional approaches represents a crucial step toward sustainable poultry production. In this context, an accurate understanding of the nutritional requirements of poultry species along with the rational use of certain feed additives can provide beneficial outcomes in terms of productive efficiency, resource utilization, and environmental burden. On the other hand, the need to preserve animal biodiversity as well as increasing consumer demand for poultry products derived from alternative production systems has strengthened the utilization of unconventional genotypes (e.g., slow- or medium-growing genotypes, dual-purpose strains, and certain local breeds), which are typically less efficient than conventional ones. The identification of nutritional strategies aimed at sustaining the productive efficiency of these birds will take center stage in the poultry industry in the coming years. The aim of this Special Issue is, therefore, to publish original research papers or reviews dealing with the effects of nutrition on the overall productive efficiency and sustainability-related traits of commercial poultry species raised in either conventional or alternative systems or exposed to challenging conditions that can reduce performance efficiency (e.g., heat stress). In addition, the Special Issue also welcomes original research papers investigating the molecular mechanisms elicited by dietary treatments through appropriate omics approaches, providing further information that can help to shed light on the molecular basis of feed efficiency in poultry species.

Dr. Marco Zampiga
Guest Editor

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Keywords

poultry
nutrition
feeding
feed efficiency
productive performance
sustainability
environmental impact
feed additive
omics technology

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sunflower Meal Inclusion Rate and the Effect of Exogenous Enzymes on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

by Mbuso Jethro Mbukwane, Thobela T. Nkukwana, Peter W. Plumstead and Natasha Snyman

Animals 2022, 12(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030253 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2945

Abstract

The study examined the effect of de-hulled sunflower meal (SFM) inclusion rate and exogenous enzymes (EE) on broilers production performance. A four-feeding phase of pre-starter (1–9 d), grower (10–20 d), finisher (21–28 d) and post-finisher (29–35 d) was used with SFM included as low (BSL) and high (BSH) in all phases. BLS inclusion was 3% throughout phases and BSH inclusion was 7.5%, 10%, 13% and 13.5% for the 4-phases. Each SFM had a negative control (NC) (BSL− and BSH−) and positive (PC) (BSL+ and BSH+) control with additional 80 kcal Apparent Metabolizable Energy. Enzymes: xylanase (X), xylanase + beta-glucanase (XB), xylanase + beta-glucanase + protease (XBP) and xylanase + amylase + protease (XAP) were added to the NC and PC to give 6 treatments. Pen body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were determined at 9, 20, 28 and 35 d and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated accordingly. Diets were fed ad libitum to 1920 male Ross 308 broilers. Diet type, enzyme and diet by enzyme interactions were not significantly different amongst treatment diets. During the pre-starter and the grower phase, all studied parameters did not significantly differ from each other. All studied parameters were significantly influenced by enzyme addition and diet-type and enzyme interaction at 35 d except for diet type on FCR. Broilers fed BSH supplemented with XAP recorded the highest BWG (2.69 kg), whereas broiler chickens on BSL and supplemented with XBP recorded the lowest BWG (2.60 kg). SFM can be increased to 13% and 13.5% finisher and post-finisher diets without negatively affecting performance, and X and XAP enzymes can improve BWG of broilers grown to 35 d. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

12 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Precision Biotic on the Growth Performance, Welfare Indicators, Ammonia Output, and Litter Quality of Broiler Chickens

by Vincent Jacquier, Maria Carol Walsh, Ghislain Schyns, Joshua Claypool, Britt Blokker, Cristiano Bortoluzzi and Jack Geremia

Animals 2022, 12(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030231 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1821

Abstract

A dietary glycan-based precision biotic (Glycan PB) was evaluated on the performance, welfare indicators, and litter characteristics of broiler chickens. In Trial 1, the main effects of Glycan PB dose (0, 250 and 500 g/metric ton (MT)) and xylanase supplementation (0 or 100 g/MT) were tested, as was their interaction. In Trial 2, pens located inside a commercial house were used to test the effect of Glycan PB supplementation (500 g/MT) versus a control diet. In Trial 1, Glycan PB supplementation at 250 and 500 g/MT improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 7 and 11 points when compared to diets without Glycan PB (p < 0.001). At 35 d, Glycan PB reduced the pH and ammonia concentration in diets with xylanase. In Trial 1, the supplementation with 500 g of Glycan PB/MT of feed reduced litter scores (p < 0.05). In both trials, 500 g of Glycan PB/MT of feed increased the proportions of birds without footpad lesions (Trial 1: 72.2% vs. 82.7%; p < 0.001; Trial 2: 14 to 27.3% (p = 0.05) or gait defects (Trial 1: 96.1% vs. 98.4%; p < 0.001) and decreased the proportion of birds with footpad lesions (Trial 2: 86% vs. 72.7%; p = 0.05). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

19 pages, 1162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supplemental Effects of Phytase on Modulation of Mucosa-Associated Microbiota in the Jejunum and the Impacts on Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology, and Bone Parameters in Broiler Chickens

by Vitor Hugo C. Moita, Marcos Elias Duarte and Sung Woo Kim

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123351 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

This study aimed to determine supplemental effects of phytase on modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, bone parameters, and growth performance of broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty newly hatched broiler chickens (Ross 308) (44 ± 2 g BW) were randomly allotted in 6 treatments with 10 birds per cage based on a completely randomized design and fed for 27 d. The treatments consisted of one negative control (NC), diet formulated meeting the requirements suggested by Ross recommendations (2019), and without phytase supplementation. The other treatments consisted of a positive control diet (PC) formulated with 0.15% deficient Ca and P and split into 5 treatments with different phytase inclusion levels (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 FTU/kg feed). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to feeds as an indigestible marker to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. On d 27, 3 birds were randomly selected from each cage and euthanized to collect samples for analyzing the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, oxidative stress status, AID, and bone parameters. Data were analyzed using the proc Mixed of SAS 9.4. Phytase supplementation tended to have a quadratic effect (p = 0.078) on the overall ADG (maximum: 41 g/d at 2833 FTU/kg of feed). Supplementation of phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and reduced (p < 0.05) Pelomonas. Moreover, it tended to reduce Helicobacter (p = 0.085), Pseudomonas (p = 0.090) Sphingomonas (p = 0.071). Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and the AID of CP; and tended to increase (p = 0.086) the AID of P. Phytase supplementation increased (p < 0.05) breaking strength and P content in the tibia. In conclusion, phytase supplementation showed potential benefits on the modulation of the mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum by tending to reduce harmful bacteria (Pelomonas, Helicobacter, and Pseudomonas) and increase beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). In addition, it showed positive effects increasing apparent ileal digestibility of CP and P, enhancing intestinal morphology (villus height), and improving the bone parameters (bone breaking strength, ash, and P content). Phytase supplementation at a range of 38 to 59 FTU/d or 600 to 950 FTU/kg of feed provided the most benefits related to nutrient digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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11 pages, 2245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Probiotics and Wheat Bran Supplementation of Broiler Diets on the Ammonia Emission from Excreta

by Nikoletta Such, Gábor Csitári, Petra Stankovics, László Wágner, Ilona Anna Koltay, Valéria Farkas, László Pál, Patrik Strifler and Károly Dublecz

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092703 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

Ammonia emission is a concern for the poultry industry from both environmental and animal welfare points of view. The objective of this research was to determine whether probiotics or wheat bran supplementation of broiler diets can modify the N composition of the excreta and the dynamics of ammonia volatilisation emission from the manure. A total of 120-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were fed six different diets. The treatments included a corn and soybean meal-based control diet (C) and diets containing wheat bran (WB). Both diets were fed alone and with supplementation of a lactic acid (Lactobacillus farciminis, LAB) and a butyric acid (Clostridium butyricum, BAB) producing bacterial strain. Treatment BAB had a significant effect on the dry matter content of the excreta and both probiotics decreased the amount of excreted uric acid. Treatment WB resulted in a significantly lower NH⁺₄-N concentration of excreta and a tendency toward reduced uric acid content. Treatment LAB reduced the urinary N ratio of excreta. Among dietary treatments, WB resulted in the highest urease producing cell numbers in the excreta, but this difference was not significant. Based on our results, similar to pigs, the soluble fibre fraction of poultry diets can also modify the urinary to faecal N ratio of the excreta. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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14 pages, 2642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Intestinal Immunity and Permeability of Broilers on Partial Replacement Diets of Two-Stage Fermented Soybean Meal by Bacillus velezensis and Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 367

by Chia Fen Tsai, Li Jen Lin, Chao Humg Wang, Ching Sung Tsai, Shang Chang Chang and Tzu Tai Lee

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082336 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

The effect of soybean peptides from fermented soybean meal on the intestinal immunity and tight junction of broilers was assessed. Roughly, two-stage fermented soybean meal prepared with Bv and Lb (FSBM_B+L), which has nearly three times higher soluble peptides than soybean meal (SBM), and reduced galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content and allergen protein. The one-stage fermented by Bv (FSBM_B) has the highest soluble peptides, while commercial lactic acid bacteria (FSBM_L) has the highest Lactic acid bacteria count; these were used to compare the differences in the process. Ross308 broilers (n = 320) were divided into four groups: SBM diet and a diet replaced with 6% FSBM_B+L, FSBM_B, or FSBM_L. The growth performance was recorded during the experiment, and six birds (35-day-old) per group were euthanized. Analysis of their jejunum and ileum showed that the fermented soybean meal significantly improved the villus height in the jejunum (p < 0.05) and reduced the crypt hyperplasia. The FSBM_B group had the highest reducing crypt depth; however, the FSBM_B+L group had the highest villus height/crypt depth in the ileum (p < 0.05). In the jejunum, the relative mRNA of CLDN-1 and Occludin increased 2-fold in the treatments, and ZO-1 mRNA increased 1.5 times in FSBM_L and FSBM_B+L (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the level of NF-κB and IL-6 mRNAs in FSBM_L increased, respectively, by 4 and 2.5 times. While FSBM_B, along with FSBM_B+L, had a 1.5-fold increase in the mRNA of IL-10, that of NF-κB increased 2-fold. FSBM_B+L and FSBM_B singly led to a 2- and 3-fold increase in IL-6 mRNA, respectively (p < 0.05). FSBM_B and FSBM_B+L can also upregulate MUC2 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). In short, using the soybean peptides from two-stage fermented soybean meal can ameliorate the negative factors of SBM and effectively regulate immune expression and intestinal repair, which will help broilers maintain intestinal integrity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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16 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Energy-Restricted Feeding during Rearing on the Performance, Uniformity, and Development of Rugao Layer Breeders at the Initiation of the Laying Period

by Jian Lu, Liang Qu, Yongfeng Li, Meng Ma, Manman Shen, Xingguo Wang, Jun Guo, Yuping Hu, Taocun Dou, Zhi Yang and Kehua Wang

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2222; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082222 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3089

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the performance, uniformity, and development of layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period. A total of 2400 8-week-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of five groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of five diets that were nutritionally equal with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AME_n) content (2850, 2750, 2650, 2550, and 2450 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2850 kcal AME_n per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 21 weeks of age, all hens were fed a basal diet ad libitum. The body weight (BW) of the laying pullets decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001) but recovered within 3 weeks of ad libitum feeding (p = 0.290). A gradual increase in the degree of energy restriction resulted in a gradual decrease in average daily weight gain (ADG) and a gradual increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and energy conversion ratio (ECR) from 8 to 18 weeks of age (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008). In contrast, the ADG and ADFI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually increased, while the FCR and ECR (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually improved from 18 to 21 weeks of age. From 8 to 21 weeks of age, ECR improved (p = 0.005) with an increasing degree of energy restriction. The energy-restricted feeding for 6 weeks to the end of the trial improved BW uniformity (p < 0.05). The relative length and circumference of tarsus (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caeca increased linearly (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.007, p = 0.012, p = 0.040; p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.032, p = 0.029, p = 0.040) with increasing energy restriction at 18 weeks of age. After switching to ad libitum feeding for 3 weeks, the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, and jejunum of laying pullets increased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.011; p = 0.009, p = 0.028, p = 0.032). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2450 vs. 2850 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age and switching to ad libitum feeding from 18 to 21 weeks of age can be used to improve BW uniformity and stimulate the development of the duodenum and jejunum of native layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period without compromising BW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Citrullus colocynthis Seeds: A Potential Natural Immune Modulator Source for Broiler Reared under Chronic Heat Stress

by Mohamed I. Alzarah, Fayez Althobiati, Ahmed O. Abbas, Gamal M. K. Mehaisen and Nancy N. Kamel

Animals 2021, 11(7), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071951 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4149

Abstract

There is an extensive search for natural products that can be introduced to broiler rations to improve performance, especially during the unfavorable breeding conditions. Under heat-stress conditions, the immune response seriously deteriorates, which consequently impairs broiler production performance. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the potentials of Citrullus colocynthis seeds (CCs) supplementation to modulate the immune response of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress. A total of 300 Cobb-500 male broiler chickens aged 21 days were randomly divided into two equal groups and reared under either thermo-neutral condition (24 ± 1 °C) or subjected to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h). Each group was further divided into two groups (5 replicate × 15 chicks) and was fed either the basal diet or the basal diet with 0.1% CCs supplementation. The results showed that heat stress impaired the production performance by lowering the final body weight and feed intake as well as impairing feed conversion. The levels of stress markers (i.e., malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α and corticosterone) increased (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased in broilers exposed to heat stress. Further, heat stress caused direct suppression of broiler humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes proliferation, as well as the antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by heat-stress exposure. However, CCs supplementation to broilers subjected to heat stress improved (p < 0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), compared to the non-supplemented stressed group. The cellular and cell-mediated immune response indicators significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) with CCs supplementation. Supplementation of CCs to broilers reared under similar environmental conditions elevated the total white blood cells (TWBCs) count and the broiler stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes. It can be concluded that CC seeds can be effectively used to stimulate the immune response and improve the production performance of broilers reared under heat-stress condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulatory Effects of Bacillus subtilis on the Performance, Morphology, Cecal Microbiota and Gut Barrier Function of Laying Hens

by Guangzhi Zhang, Hao Wang, Jianwei Zhang, Xinming Tang, Abdul Raheem, Mingyan Wang, Weidong Lin, Lin Liang, Yuzhuo Qi, Yali Zhu, Yaxiong Jia, Shangjin Cui and Tong Qin

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061523 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2776

Abstract

We investigated the efficacy of a single bacterium strain, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) YW1, on the performance, morphology, cecal microbiota, and intestinal barrier function of laying hens. A total of 216 28-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were divided into three dietary treatment groups, with six replicates of 12 birds each for 4 weeks. The control group (Ctr) was fed a basal diet and the treatment groups, T1 and T2, were fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis at a dose rate of 5 × 10⁸ CFU/kg and 2.5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg, respectively. Dietary supplementation with B. subtilis did not significantly affect overall egg production in both groups, with no obvious changes in average egg weight and intestine morphology. B. subtilis administration also improved the physical barrier function of the intestine by inducing significantly greater expression levels of the tight junction protein occludin in T1 (p = 0.07) and T2 (p < 0.05). Further, supplementation with B. subtilis effectively modulated the cecal microbiota, increasing the relative level of beneficial bacteria at the genus level (e.g., Bifidobacterium p < 0.05, Lactobacillus p = 0.298, Bacillus p = 0.550) and decreasing the level of potential pathogens (e.g., Fusobacterium p < 0.05, Staphylococcus p < 0.05, Campylobacter p = 0.298). Overall, B. subtilis YW1 supplementation cannot significantly improve the egg production; however, it modulated the cecal microbiota towards a healthier pattern and promoted the mRNA expression of the tight junction protein occludin in laying hens, making B. subtilis YW1 a good probiotic candidate for application in the poultry industry, and further expanding the resources of strains of animal probiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 1690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytogenic Water Additives Improve Broiler Growth Performance via Modulation of Intermediary Metabolism-Related Signaling Pathways

by Joshua J. Flees, Nima K. Emami, Elizabeth Greene, Bhaskar Ganguly and Sami Dridi

Animals 2021, 11(3), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030750 - 09 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2001

Abstract

A ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has fueled and promoted scientific research towards the identification of reliable and effective alternatives. The supplementation of phytogenics AV/SSL12 (AVSSL) and Superliv Gold (SG) in water has been shown to improve broiler feed efficiency (FE) via modulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides. However, their effects on peripheral metabolic pathways are still unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of AVSSL and SG on lipid and protein metabolism-associated pathways in various tissues. Day-old male Cobb 500 chicks (n = 288) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups, with 8 replicates of 12 birds each. The treatment groups were fed a basal diet and supplemented with AVSSL or SG in the drinking water at a rate of 2, 4, and 7 mL/100 birds/d during the starter, grower, and finisher phases, respectively. The control group were fed a basal diet with no additive supplementation. On d 35, liver, adipose, and muscle tissue were collected from one bird per pen (8 birds/group). Data were analyzed using Student’s T-test to compare one treatment group to the control using Graph Pad Prism version 6.0 for Windows. In the liver, the levels of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) were significantly increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. The hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) was significantly downregulated in both treated groups compared to the control. AVSSL supplementation downregulated the hepatic expression of SREBP-2 and adiponectin (AdipoQ), while SG administration upregulated hepatic AdipoR1/R2 mRNA abundances compared to the untreated group. Both AVSSL and SG treatments upregulated hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) gene expression compared to their untreated counterparts. In the adipose tissue, the levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) at Ser855/554 site were increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. However, ATGL protein expression was decreased in SG compared to the untreated group. In the muscle, the levels of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were increased in the AVSSL, but decreased in the SG group compared to the control. Collectively, these data indicate that supplementation of the phytogenics AVSSL and SG in water reduced hepatic lipogenesis-related proteins and increased adipose tissue lipolysis- and muscle protein synthesis-associated targets, which might explain, at least partially, the improvement in FE observed in previous research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Poultry Production Efficiency and Sustainability)

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