Search Results (312)

This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and immune response (serum IgG) in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) commercial-level inorganic trace minerals (ILI; Zn 100 ppm; Cu 15 ppm; Fe 100 ppm; Mn 80 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm); (2) low-level organic trace minerals (LLO; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.225 ppm; I 3 ppm), and (3) low-level inorganic trace minerals (LLI; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with 16 birds per replicate, and diets were provided in two phases: starter (days 1–21) and grower (days 22–35). The results showed that the LLO group demonstrated a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase, 2.4% better than that of the ILI and LLI groups (p = 0.02). Additionally, filet and thigh muscle yields in the LLO group were higher by 11.9% (p = 0.03) and 13.9% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the ILI group. Other carcass traits, as well as pH and drip loss, were not significantly affected. However, tibia breaking strength at day 35 was 15.1% lower in the LLO group compared to the ILI group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress markers or IgG levels among groups. This study demonstrated that reducing the inclusion level of inorganic trace minerals did not negatively affect broiler growth performance, whereas supplementation with low levels of organic trace minerals improved both growth performance and carcass quality. Full article

Restaurants and open markets generate considerable quantities of organic waste. Converting these residues into poultry feed ingredients offers a sustainable disposal route. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and sensory viability of a novel feed complement formulated from Bonito fish meal (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis) and Única potato peel flour (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Única). This study was conducted in three phases: (i) production and nutritional characterization of the two by-product flours; (ii) formulation of a 48:52 (w/w) blend, incorporated into broiler diets at 15%, 30%, and 45% replacement levels over a 7-week trial divided into starter (3 weeks), grower (3 weeks), and finisher (1 week) phases; and (iii) assessment of growth performance (weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion ratio), followed by a sensory evaluation of the resulting meat using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) analysis. The Bonito fish meal exhibited 50.78% protein, while the Única potato peel flour was rich in carbohydrates (74.08%). The final body weights of broiler chickens ranged from 1872.1 to 1886.4 g across treatments, and the average feed conversion ratio across all groups was 0.65. Replacing up to 45% of commercial feed with the formulated complement did not significantly affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Sensory analysis revealed that meat from chickens receiving 15% and 45% substitution levels was preferred in terms of aroma and taste, whereas the control group was rated higher in appearance. These findings suggest that the formulated feed complement may represent a viable poultry-feed alternative with potential sensory and economic benefits, supporting future circular-economy strategies. Full article

Colibacillosis is a poultry disease caused by the pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study is an experimental cross-sectional study using herbal-based test materials from Javanese cardamom and turmeric rhizome as treatments to replace the role of antibiotics that experience drug resistance in several types of bacteria. A total of 32 samples were utilized in this study, separated into two control groups and six treatment groups. The analysis was carried out by an histopathological examination of the lung organs using H&E and ImageJ staining to calculate the area of the slide image. The data results were analyzed statistically with one-way ANOVA method and qualitatively. The outcome of the statistical test showed that the differences were not statistically significant p value = 0.922 [p > 0.05] in all groups, and findings from qualitative histopathology showed morphological differences in the alveoli, parabronchi, and vasculature in the lung organs. Full article

The demand for sustainable animal production is increasing. Microalgae such as Chlorella and Spirulina show promise as sustainable and functional ingredients in animal (poultry) feed. However, little is known about consumer perceptions regarding the use of algae in broiler diets and potential effects of algae on chicken meat. Residents of Flanders (Belgium) were surveyed to evaluate consumer knowledge, attitudes and willingness to buy chicken meat produced with algae-supplemented feed. Demographic data were collected, and both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess influencing factors (n = 275 respondents who purchase chicken meat). While most respondents (69.6%) had tasted macroalgae (seaweed), only 11.4% and 24.6% indicated having tasted Chlorella and Spirulina before, respectively. Health, taste and safety were the most important drivers for consuming algae. Meat quality was the most important factor when purchasing chicken meat, while organic production was least valued. Regarding algae-fed chicken, 72.5% expressed willingness to purchase meat labeled as such, and 83.7% would buy algae-fed chicken regardless of its color. Sustainability beliefs significantly influenced willingness to accept a yellower meat color (β = 0.42 to 0.66, p < 0.001). Educational level and age also played a role, with higher-educated consumers showing greater acceptance. The influence of age was also related to the price of the meat, with consumers over 30 expressing a greater willingness to pay more than young people (under 30). Despite limited general knowledge about microalgae, the consumers surveyed are open to the idea of algae-fed chicken meat, particularly when it is framed as more sustainable. Clear ingredient labeling and consumer education may further support market acceptance. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of biochars on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass yield, bone mineralization, litter quality and footpad lesions in broilers. Eight hundred day-old chicks were randomly divided into four treatments, 10 replicates per treatment (20 birds/replicate) for 35 days. Treatments were basal diet (control), a control diet with corncob (CC) biochar (1%), a control diet with wheat straw (WS) biochar (1%) and a control diet with sugarcane bagasse (SCB) biochar (1%). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly. Nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization and carcass parameters were determined on the 21st and 35th days, while footpad lesions and litter quality were also assessed. The results revealed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in FI, BWG and FCR with supplementation. Nutrient digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in the SCB biochar group. Tibia calcium and phosphorus levels were enhanced (p < 0.05) in the WS and SCB biochar groups, respectively. Footpad lesions were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the CC biochar group, while litter quality was improved (p < 0.05) in the WS biochar group. Lymphoid organ relative weight results revealed that spleen weight was not affected by biochar supplementation in diet (p > 0.05), while dietary supplementation of CS and WS biochar in the diet resulted in the highest relative weights of thymus and bursa (p < 0.05). However, dietary supplementation of WS, SC and SCB biochar supplementation had affected positively the log value of the ND virus and IBV titers in birds. Overall, dietary supplementation of 1% biochars enhances growth performance, bone mineralization, footpad health immunity and litter quality in broilers. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral in poultry nutrition, but its low bioavailability from conventional feed ingredients presents a significant challenge for efficient utilization. This study investigated the effects of different P sources (monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and calcium humophosphate (CHP)) and three phytase concentrations (0, 1000, or 2000 FTU/kg of feed) on broiler performance and ileal nutrient digestibility. A total of 600 Cobb 500 male broilers were fed one of six different dietary treatments with 10 replicates per treatment from 11 to 21 d of age. The birds and feed were weighed at 1, 10, and 21 d of age to determine growth performance. At 21 d of age, ileal digesta was collected from all the birds to determine dry matter, organic matter, Ca, P, and ash digestibility. The results indicated that phytase supplementation at 1000 and 2000 FTU/kg improved the feed conversion ratio and P digestibility compared with the non-supplemented group. The broilers fed CHP showed superior P digestibility compared to those fed MCP, regardless of phytase concentration. The results also indicated interactive effects between P source and phytase concentration on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and ash. The findings suggest that CHP enhances nutrient digestibility and could optimize P utilization in broiler diets with phytase inclusion. This report reveals a better understanding of the effects of P sources and phytase concentration on feed digestibility. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and support improvements in broiler performance under commercial production conditions. Full article

The objective of this study was to validate the energy matrix of guanidinoacetic acid (AGA) in broiler diets, assessing its effects on performance, carcass traits, organ development, and meat quality. The experiment was conducted at the UNOESC Xanxerê poultry facility using 480 COBB broilers in a completely randomized design with three treatments: positive control (standard energy level), negative control (75 kcal/kg reduction in metabolizable energy—ME), and negative control + AGA (600 mg/kg). Male broilers in the positive control and negative control + AGA groups showed improved feed conversion, higher weight gain, and greater feed intake (p < 0.001) compared to the negative control group. A significant difference in relative liver weight (p = 0.037) was observed between the positive and negative control groups. Birds supplemented with AGA had higher blood glucose levels and lower levels of cholesterol (p = 0.013), triglycerides (p = 0.005), total proteins (p < 0.001), and creatinine (p = 0.056). Regarding meat quality, the AGA-supplemented group showed higher crude protein content and greater lipid peroxidation in breast meat. In conclusion, the inclusion of AGA using an energy matrix reduced by 75 kcal/kg ME is feasible, maintaining performance and carcass characteristics while improving meat quality in broiler chickens. Full article

The Argentine Campero-INTA slow-growing chicken, a widely used breed in family poultry farming, faces high coccidiosis prevalence, impairing productivity. Control often relies on management and drugs due to vaccination costs. This pilot study assessed the breed’s susceptibility to local Eimeria and the impact of good animal welfare practices (AWPs) and an organic fermented additive, locally produced, combined with AWPs (OF-AWPs). Two trials evaluated productive (body weight gain and feed conversion), infection (oocyst excretion and lesion score), and histopathological parameters (villus height and crypt depth). The productivity (PI) and anticoccidial (ACI) indexes were calculated. Metagenomic analysis of the additive was also conducted. Mild to moderate coccidiosis significantly reduced PI (7.99–16.83 vs. 29.29 in unchallenged controls). In the second trial, AWPs showed good anticoccidial efficacy (ACI 173.9), while OF-AWPs demonstrated high efficacy, especially in birds of 28 days (ACI 180.6), improving productive parameters, reducing oocyst shedding, and enhancing the villus height to crypt depth ratio. Over a 75-day cycle, the OF-AWP increased the PI by 24.44% compared to untreated chickens (108.8 vs. 87.43). Lactic acid bacteria were the main component of the organic fermented additive. This research highlights the potential of an agroecological strategy to manage coccidiosis in Campero-INTA chickens. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of zootechnical additives in combination with antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on broiler performance, leukocyte differential activity, phagocytic activity, intestinal histomorphometry, and the inside index. A total of 1400 one-day-old Cobb 500 male chicks were assigned to a completely randomized design with seven treatments and eight replicates of 25 birds per unit. The treatments included a basal diet without AGPs, a basal diet with AGPs, and AGPs combined with different zootechnical additives: prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, beta-glucans, and mannan-oligosaccharides), probiotics (Bacillus subtilis LFU160), essential oils (cashew nut shell liquid), and organic acids (butyric acid glycerides). The results showed the treatments combining AGPs and zootechnical additives had better effects (p < 0.05) on weight gain, feed intake, the feed conversion ratio, and the productive efficiency index. The phagocytic activity was worse in birds without AGPs and with AGPs but without additives. However, birds that received AGPs in combination with zootechnical additives exhibited a poorer intestinal histomorphometry and lower inside index compared to those fed only AGPs or diets without AGPs. In conclusion, zootechnical additives can be used alongside AGPs to enhance broiler performance and immune function, particularly during early growth stages, with essential oils showing the most promising results. Full article

Thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis is a promising non-pharmacological strategy to enhance physiological resilience in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the impact of thermal conditioning of fertile eggs on growth performance, inflammatory responses, and molecular stress markers following a post-hatch lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Fertilized eggs (average weight 62 ± 3 g) were obtained from 35-week-old Indian River broiler breeder hens. A total of 720 eggs were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 360) or the TM group (n = 360), with each group consisting of two replicates of 180 eggs. Control eggs were maintained under standard incubation conditions (37.8 °C, 56% RH), while TM eggs were subjected to elevated temperature (38.8 °C, 65% RH) for 18 h daily from embryonic day 10 to 18. On post-hatch day 15, control and TM groups were administered either saline or LPS via intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Body weight and temperature, internal organ weights, and splenic mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptors, transcription factors, and heat shock proteins were assessed. TM did not alter hatchability (p = 0.633), but significantly shortened hatch time (p < 0.05) and improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05). While LPS induced marked inflammatory responses in all birds, those subjected to TM exhibited attenuated proinflammatory cytokine expression, enhanced anti-inflammatory signaling, and differential regulation of stress-associated genes, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and heat shock factors (HSFs). These findings suggest that TM during incubation promotes a more regulated immune response and improved stress adaptation post-hatch. This approach offers a potential antibiotic-free intervention to enhance broiler health, performance, and resilience under immunological stress. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the net energy (NE) and lysine ratio in low-protein diets on growth performance, intestinal development, and cecal microbiota of male and female broilers. A 4 × 2 factorial design was used with lysine levels at 1% and 1.5%, and net energy levels at 8.93 MJ/kg and 9.76 MJ/kg were used to form four diets with net energy/lysine ratios: Group I (8.93), II (5.95), III (9.76), and IV (6.50), respectively. A total of 960 AA broilers at age of 1 d were selected; then, 480 male and 480 female broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with eight replicates per group and 15 birds per replicate. The trial lasted for 17 days, with slaughter tests conducted separately at d 7 and 17 to measure growth performance and slaughter performance. The results are as follows: (1) At d 17, broilers in high NE/lysine groups had significantly higher final weights and average daily gain compared to other groups (p < 0.01), with males weighing more than females. (2) High NE/lysine ratios (8.93 and 9.76) significantly increased the relative lengths of the jejunum and ileum from d 1 to 17 (p < 0.05). At d 7, female broilers had greater relative lengths of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to males (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01), while at d 17, male broilers had greater relative lengths of the duodenum and ileum than females (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). (3) At d 7 and 17, the villus height to crypt depth ratio in male broilers was significantly lower than that in females (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect between NE/lysine ratios and sex on intestinal morphology. (4) High NE/lysine ratios (8.93 and 9.76) resulted in higher levels of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Male broilers had higher levels of Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia compared to females. Therefore, when lysine was at an appropriate level, a high NE/lysine ratio was more conducive to the growth and development of broilers through improving intestinal development and microbiota abundance. Female broilers showed faster intestinal development at the early age but weaker absorption capacity, while males showed dominance in intestinal length development. There were differences in characteristic gut microbiota between male and female broilers, with males having a higher abundance of energy metabolism-related microbiota. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal in poultry nutrition is gaining attention as a sustainable protein source with a high nutritional value, an efficient bioconversion of organic waste, and potential functional benefits for intestinal health. This study evaluated the dietary effects of including 5% BSF larvae meal on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and energy utilization as well as on the intestinal integrity, gene expression, lipid profile, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of broilers under an intestinal challenge. Methods: Eight hundred one-day-old male broilers were assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates (25 birds/pen) and reared until day 40. Birds were fed either a Basal corn–soy diet or a BSF diet (5% BSF larvae meal replacing energy- and protein-yielding ingredients). Diets were provided to a non-challenged group and a challenged group, which was orally gavaged with Eimeria spp. on day 1 and Clostridium perfringens on days 11 and 14. The growth performance was evaluated up to day 40, while the nutrient digestibility, meat lipid profile, intestinal histomorphology, and gene expression were assessed at 21 days. The SCFAs were determined at both 21 and 40 days. Results: It was observed that the intestinal challenge induced dysbiosis and negatively affected growth performance, whereas the BSF meal inclusion partially mitigated these adverse effects. Broilers fed the BSF larvae meal showed increased cecal SCFA concentrations and a lower interleukin-6 gene expression, along with higher lauric and myristic acid levels in breast muscle (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The inclusion of 5% BSF larvae meal improved performance without impairing nutrient digestibility or intestinal histomorphology, while increasing cecal concentrations of butyric and acetic acids and promoting a beneficial lipid deposition. Full article

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites that frequently contaminate poultry feed, posing significant risks to animal health, productivity, and food safety. In broiler production, mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone have been shown to impair growth performance, damage key organs, and disrupt immune function. This review explores the multifaceted impact of mycotoxin exposure in broilers, with particular emphasis on immunosuppression, decreased vaccine efficacy, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, including coccidiosis, salmonellosis, E. coli, and viral infections like infectious bursal disease and infectious laryngotracheitis. Mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed can lead to direct economic losses through reduced feed conversion efficiency, increased mortality, and reproductive disorders, while also resulting in the transfer of toxic residues into meat and eggs, thereby threatening consumer health. The review further examines the synergistic interactions between mycotoxins and pathogens, the physiological and histopathological changes in exposed birds, and the implications for public health. Finally, it discusses current mitigation strategies, including mycotoxin binders, probiotics, and regulatory approaches to reduce exposure. An integrated management strategy combining feed hygiene, monitoring, and targeted nutritional interventions is essential to safeguard poultry health, enhance vaccine responses, and ensure the safety of poultry-derived food products. This review offers actionable insights for veterinarians, nutritionists, and policymakers, reinforcing the importance of mycotoxin mitigation strategies within a One Health framework. Full article

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of applying a 50% wheat grain diet with those of a diet with 3% additional dietary fibre from various sources on the development of broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tract and its related organs and to model this phenomenon based on data obtained from 35-day-old chickens using multiple regression equations. The use of various structural components, including oat hull (OH), sunflower hull (SH), sugar beet pulp (SBP), and wheat bran (WB), in proportions of 3% of the diet not only affects digestive processes in broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tract but also causes a change in the length of their intestinal sections or the weight of related organs. These effects can be taken into account when creating an experimental model, the results of which can at least be partially applicable to human studies. The use of OH and SH (3%) in the birds’ diets resulted in a significantly higher body weight (p < 0.05) compared with the use of SBP and WB. OH in the diet significantly increased (p < 0.01) the weight of the chicken’s gizzards compared with the other dietary fibre sources, apart from SH. On the other hand, the weight of the proventriculus in chickens fed the diet containing OH was significantly lower than that of the chickens fed the diet containing SBP (p < 0.05). The use of SH in the diet caused a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the weight of the chickens’ heart. Compared with other additional sources of dietary fibre, OH in the diet also significantly increased (p < 0.05) the lengths of the small and large intestines, as well as the total length of the intestines. A correlation analysis showed a significant, average, positive relationship (p < 0.05) between the content of TDF in the diet and the weight of the gizzard and indicated a significant positive correlation between the lengths of the jejunum and the remaining sections of the intestines. Additionally, the regression equation models indicated a significant effect (p < 0.01) of all the independent variables on the jejunal, ileal, and caecal lengths and the liver weight. The application of the regression model confirmed significant changes in the small intestine and liver weight depending on the type of dietary fibre and other independent variables, which can also be taken into account when assessing diseases in people with thin intestines. However, further studies with separate models still need to be conducted using experiments including both soluble and insoluble fibre. Full article

The liver accounts for almost 95% of lipid metabolism in broilers and serves as a crucial metabolic organ. Stress, which occurs when broilers are exposed to a heated environment, inhibits liver metabolism, significantly impacting their growth. This experiment investigated the combination of GBE with TP to improve hepatic lipid metabolism in heat-stressed broiler chickens by inhibiting the AMPK/SREBP-1C/ACC pathway. Three hundred broilers were reared usually until 21 days and randomly divided into six groups, namely CON group, HS group, TP group (300 mg/kg), GBE100 group (GBE100 mg/kg + TP300 mg/kg), GBE300 group (GBE 300 mg/kg + TP 300 mg/kg), GBE600 (600 mg/kg + TP 300 mg/kg) groups, where the CON group was kept at 23 °C, and the HS group and the TP, GBE100, GBE300, and GBE600 groups of each medication group were kept at 35 ± 2 °C for 10 h per day. Liver and serum samples were extracted at 28 and 42 days of age, respectively. The results showed that, at 42 days of age, the GBE600 group exhibited significantly superior performance to the HS group in ADG, ADFI, and F/G (p < 0.01). Serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels were significantly lower (p < 0.01), while HDL-C levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of LKB1, AMPK, SREBP-1C, and ACC were markedly reduced (p < 0.01). In contrast, the mRNA expression of HSL and CPT1A was significantly elevated (p < 0.01), indicating that the GBE600 was more effective in mitigating heat stress in broiler chickens at 42 days of age. It showed that the GBE600 was more effective in ameliorating heat stress in broilers at 42 days of age, thus providing an ethical basis for ameliorating the flocculation of hepatic lipid metabolism in heat-stressed broilers. Full article