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The effects of feeding strategies during rearing (0–16 wk) of brown laying hens on mid and end laying performance (30–89 wk) were studied. The rearing feeding strategies followed a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with feed form; mash with inclusion of 3% finely ground wheat straw (MWS), crumbles with inclusion of 3% finely ground wheat straw (CWS), and crumbles with inclusion of 3% unground oat hulls as fiber sources (COH) at 2 dietary Ca and P levels (high or low Ca–P). Feed conversion ratio improved with COH and MWS compared with CWS from 30 to 59 wk. Rate of lay and egg mass production showed a feed form × Ca–P interaction from 60 to 89 wk. Low Ca–P led to a higher egg production, but only when COH and MWS were fed. BW at 89 wk was higher with CWS compared to COH and MWS. BW uniformity was better with COH compared to MWS at 51 wk and both CWS and MWS at 67 wk. Tibia characteristics were not clearly affected by treatment, although there was a feed form × Ca–P interaction on compression at 89 wk, where compression was lower with MWS and low vs. high Ca–P. Low Ca–P during rearing led to higher eggshell thickness, compared to high Ca–P at 45 wk of age, but breaking strength was lower with low vs. high Ca–P at 75 wk. Although eggshell quality was affected by Ca–P and there were some interactions with feed form at some ages, the effect was not consistent. There was no clear relationship between eggshell quality and tibia characteristics. It was concluded that feeding low Ca–P in combination with COH and MWS during the rearing period positively affects egg production during late lay. Also, dietary Ca–P levels, compared to commercial practice, can be lowered during rearing, as this will not affect eggshell quality and bone mineralization at later ages.

Body composition plays an important role in reproduction in broiler breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamics in body composition and energetic efficiency in broiler breeders, using different dietary strategies. About 1,536-day-old pullets were randomly allotted to 24 pens in a 2 × 4 factorial design with 2 growth curves (standard or elevated (+15%)) and 4 diets, with a step-wise increment in energy (96, 100, 104, and 108% apparent metabolizable energy nitrogen corrected [AMEn]) fed on a pair-gain basis. Body composition was determined at 10 time points from 0 to 60 wk of age. Body protein mass was linearly related to body weight (BW) in growing breeders, which can be expressed as −6.4+0.184*BW (R2 = 0.99; P < 0.001). Body fat mass was exponentially related to BW in growing breeders, which can be expressed as −42.2+50.8*1.0006BW (R2 = 0.98; P < 0.001). A higher energy-to-protein ratio resulted in higher body fat mass at the same BW (P < 0.001). Sexual maturation was related to body protein mass at 21 wk of age, where each 100 g of body protein mass extra advanced sexual maturation by 5.4 d (R2 = 0.83). Estimates of energetic efficiency for growth (kg) and egg production (ke) appeared not constant, but varied with age in a quadratic manner between 0.27 and 0.54 for kg and between 0.28 and 0.56 for ke. The quadratic relationship could be expressed as kg=0.408−0.0319*Age+0.00181*Age2 (R2 = 0.72; P < 0.001) and ke=−0.211+0.034*Age−0.00042*Age2 (R2 = 0.46; P < 0.001). Body protein mass in broiler breeders is tightly regulated and mainly depended on BW and seems to be the main determinant for sexual maturation. Body fat mass is exponentially related to BW, where an increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio results in a higher body fat mass. Treatments had minimal effects on estimated energetic efficiencies in breeders.

There is a trend toward broiler production systems with higher welfare requirements, that use slower growing broiler strains, apply a reduced stocking density and provide environmental enrichment. Although these separate factors each contribute to increased broiler welfare, there is little information on their combined effect on broiler welfare under commercial conditions, and on the variation in welfare performance of flocks within production systems. The aim of this study was to compare the welfare performance and the between-flock variation in welfare of 3 Dutch commercial broiler production systems differing in welfare requirements: Conventional (C), Dutch Retail Broiler (DRB) and Better Life one star (BLS). We applied a welfare assessment method based on the Welfare Quality broiler assessment protocol, in which we used 5 animal-based welfare measures collected by slaughterhouses and hatcheries (mortality, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, breast irritation, scratches), and 3 resource- or management-based measures (stocking density, early feeding, environmental enrichment). Data were collected for at least 1889 flocks per production system over a 2-year period. To compare the different measures and to generate an overall flock welfare score, we calculated a score on a scale from 0 to 100 (bad-good) for each measure based on expert opinion. The overall flock score was the sum of the scores of the different welfare measures. The results showed that with increasing welfare requirements, a higher total welfare score was found across production systems (BLS > DRB > C; P < 0.0001). Regarding individual measures, C generally had lower (worse) scores than BLS and DRB (P < 0.05), except for scratches where C had highest (best) score (P < 0.001). Both welfare measure scores and the total welfare score of flocks showed large variation within and overlap between systems, and the latter especially when only the animal-based measures were included in the total flock score. Total flock score ranges including animal-based measures only were: 112.1 to 488.3 for C, 113.0 to 486.9 for DRB, 151.3 to 490.0 for BLS (on a scale from 0 [bad]–500 [good]), with median values of 330.8 for C, 370.9 for DRB, and 396.1 for BLS respectively. This indicates that factors such as farm management and day-old chick quality can have a major effect on the welfare performance of a flock and that there is room for welfare improvement in all production systems.

A robust model that estimates the ME intake over broiler breeder lifetime is essential for formulating diets with optimum nutrient levels. The experiment was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories, which were designed with 2 levels of cumulative BW gain in prepubertal growth phase and 5 levels of timing of growth around puberty. This study investigated the effect of growth pattern on energy efficiency of birds and tested the effects of dividing data into daily, 4-d, weekly, 2-wk, and 3-wk periods and the inclusion of random terms associated with individual maintenance ME and ADG requirements, and age on ME partitioning model fit and predictive performance. Model [I] was: MEId = a × BWb + c × ADGp + d × ADGn + e × EM + ε, where MEId was daily ME intake (kcal/d); BW in kg; ADGp was positive ADG; ADGn was negative ADG (g/d); EM was egg mass (g/d); ε was the model residual. Models [II to IV] were nonlinear mixed models based on the model [I] with inclusion of a random term for individual maintenance requirement, age, and ADG, respectively. Model [II] – 3 wk was chosen as the most parsimonious based on lower autocorrelation bias, closer fit of the estimates to the actual data (lower model MSE and closer R2 to 1), and greater predictive performance among the models. Estimated ME partitioned to maintenance in model [II] – 3 wk was 100.47 ± 7.43 kcal/kg0.56, and the ME requirement for ADGp, ADGn, and EM were 3.49 ± 0.37; 3.16 ± 3.91; and 2.96 ± 0.13 kcal/g, respectively. Standard treatment had lower residual heat production (RHP; -0.68 kcal/kg BW0.56) than high early growth treatment (0.79 kcal/kg BW0.56), indicating greater efficiency in utilizing the ME consumed. Including random term associated with individual maintenance ME in a 3-wk chunk size provided a robust, biologically sound life-time energy partitioning model for breeders.

To explore the potential use of seaweed co-products for broiler diets, this study investigates whether an enzyme treatment of seaweed co-products improves performance, in vivo digestibility and health in broilers. In total, 360 Ross 308 male broilers were fed one of 5 experimental diets: a basal diet, or a basal diet including the U. laetevirens or S. chordalis co-product, with or without proteolytic enzyme treatment of the seaweed, using 6 replicate pens of 12 birds each. The starter (d 0–13) and grower (d 14–21) diet contained 5 and 10% (w/w) seaweed product, respectively. A general linear model with contrast statements was used after model assumptions and goodness of fit were evaluated through normal distribution of residuals. Inclusion of seaweed in the broiler diets increased body weight gain (+14%; P = 0.002), and feed intake (+12%; P = 0.001) in the third week of the experiment. Birds fed the U. laetevirens compared to the S. chordalis diets had a higher body weight gain (+11%; P = 0.007), and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR; -7%; P < 0.001). Seaweed inclusion reduced apparent pre-cecal digestibility of all nutrients (P < 0.05). Birds fed U. laetevirens vs. S. chordalis diets had a 10% reduced villus length (P < 0.001). Enzymatic treatment reduced the digestibility of most nutrients, and increased crypt depth in birds fed the U. laetevirens diets, whereas the opposite was observed for the birds fed the S. chordalis diets (Seaweed × Enzyme P = 0.035). Untreated vs. treated seaweed in the diets led to lower (−60%) plasma Interleukin-13 levels (P = 0.035). In conclusion, the proteolytic enzyme treatment of the seaweed co-products did not improve performance nor health-related parameters, and reduced digestibility of the diets. Dietary inclusion of U. laetevirens co-products did improve performance based on growth and FCR, whereas inclusion of S. chordalis did not. Inclusion of U. laetevirens in broiler diets slightly reduced duodenal villus length and crypt depth. The inflammation response was strongly reduced, specifically in birds fed the untreated U. laetevirens diet, making the U. laetevirens co-product of interest for future research.

Fasting older broiler chickens (>7 d of age) enlarges the intestinal tight junction (TJ) pore size, resulting in high paracellular intestinal permeability. Broiler chickens often do not receive feed and water (nutrition) directly after hatch, which may result in fasting up to 72 h of age. Whether perinatal fasting affects intestinal permeability is minimally studied. We therefore investigated whether delayed access to nutrition after hatch increases intestinal permeability, compared with broilers receiving early access to nutrition. Therefore, 432 hatched broilers received nutrition 72 h after hatch (delayed nutrition [DN]) or directly after hatch (early nutrition [EN]) and were reared under similar conditions until 14 d of age. Two hours after application of an oral pulse dose (3.85 mg) of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (4000 Da) at 4, 10, and 14 d of age, blood plasma concentrations of the marker were measured in 24 to 36 broilers per treatment and time point. Marker concentration in plasma did not differ between DN and EN broilers at any age. The villus width measured in at least 8 broilers per treatment was smaller in DN than in EN broilers at 4 d for both the ileum (92 ± 3 μm vs. 121 ± 4; P

The novel chelator, L-glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) can be used as a dietary ingredient to safely reduce Zn supplementation in complete feed, without compromising the Zn status of farm animals. The objective of this study was to study dietary tolerance, bioaccumulation, and evaluate the safety of GLDA when supplemented in broiler diets at 0, 100, 300, 1000, 3,000, and 10,000 mg/kg. A total of 480 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly allocated to 48 pens and fed one of the 6 experimental diets. Production performance was used to assess tolerance to the additive. At trial end, toxicity was evaluated using hematology, plasma biochemistry (n = 144) and gross necropsy (n = 48). Residue levels of GLDA were assessed in liver, kidney and breast tissue of birds used for necropsy. Performance showed an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight for GLDA inclusion at 300 mg/kg. A decrease on the measured performance parameters was found for the 10,000 mg/kg GLDA inclusion level (P < 0.05). The additive was added as a tetra-sodium salt, leading to sodium levels being 2.5 times higher in the latter treatment compared to the control diet which may have led to impaired intestinal barrier function. Mortality was not different between treatments. Residue levels for GLDA at the highest inclusion indicate that 0.0005% of total GLDA consumption is accumulated in breast tissue. Higher values of GLDA were found in kidney and liver at the highest inclusion level, potentially confirming that the small fraction of GLDA absorbed was readily excreted by the animal. At 100 and 300 mg/kg GLDA inclusion there were negligible amounts of GLDA present in all tissues measured. The present experiment demonstrated a high dietary tolerance to GLDA in broilers and indicated that GLDA does not pose a significant risk to food safety when supplemented below 3,000 mg/kg.

The impact of growth curve (GC) and dietary energy-to-protein ratio on productive performance of broiler breeder females was investigated from 0 to 60 wk of age. One-day-old pullets (n = 1,536) were randomly allotted to 24 pens according to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with 2 GC (standard growth curve = SGC or elevated growth curve = EGC, +15%) and 4 diets, differing in energy-to-protein ratio (96%, 100%, 104%, or 108% AMEn). Feed allocation per treatment was adapted weekly based on the desired GC, meaning that breeders fed the different diets within each GC were fed according to a paired-gain strategy. Linear and quadratic contrasts for energy-to-protein ratio for each GC were evaluated. Elevated growth curve breeders had an earlier sexual maturity (∆ = 4.1 d) than SGC breeders. Egg weight was higher for EGC breeders (∆ = 2.3 g) than for SGC breeders over the whole laying phase (22–60 wk). No differences between EGC and SGC breeders were observed on settable egg production. An increase in dietary energy-to-protein, at a similar BW, led to a linear increase in age at sexual maturity (β = 0.14 d/% AMEn). From 22 to 40 wk of age, an increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease in egg weight (β = -0.06 g/% AMEn), regardless of GC. An interaction between GC and dietary energy-to-protein ratio was observed on settable egg production in this phase. An increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease on settable egg production, which was more profound in EGC breeders (β = -0.70 eggs/% AMEn) than in SGC breeders (β = -0.19 eggs/% AMEn). From 41 to 60 wk of age, an interaction between GC and dietary energy-to-protein ratio was observed on egg weight. In the EGC, an increase in dietary energy-to-protein ratio led to a linear decrease in egg weight (β = -0.13 g/% AMEn), whereas in the SGC, a linear increase in egg weight was observed (β = 0.03 g/% AMEn). From 41 to 60 wk of age, no differences between diets were observed on settable egg production. It can be concluded that a higher GC of breeders has beneficial effects on egg weight, while maintaining settable egg production. Feeding breeders a lower dietary energy-to-protein ratio stimulated productive performance of broiler breeder hens, mainly during the first phase of lay. This effect was more profound when breeders were fed according to a higher GC.

Egg characteristics have an impact on embryonic development and post-hatch performance of broilers. The impact of growth curve (GC) and dietary energy-to-protein ratio of broiler breeder hens on egg characteristics was investigated. At hatch, 1,536 pullets were randomly allotted to 24 pens in a 2 × 4 factorial dose-response design with 2 GC (standard growth curve = SGC or elevated growth curve = EGC (+ 15%)) and 4 diets, differing in energy-to-protein ratio (defined as 96%, 100%, 104% and 108% AMEn diet). Feed allocation per treatment was adapted weekly to achieve the targeted GC and to achieve pair-gain of breeders within each GC. Breeders on an EGC produced larger eggs (∆ = 2.3 g; P

This study determined the effects of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels on ammonia emission (NH3), litter and manure composition, nitrogen (N) losses, and water intake in broiler breeders. A total of 480 females and 64 males (Ross 308) 20 wk of age were randomly allotted to 2 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 30 females and 4 males per replicate. Birds were fed either high CP (CPh) or low CP diets (CPl) supplemented with free amino acids (AA). Both diets consisted of 3 sub-diets; 1 for each phase of the laying period. Diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and calculated CP content of the CPl diets was 15 g/kg lower than the CPh diets (Breeder 1 (23 to 34 wk): 135 vs. 150, Breeder 2 (35 to 46 wk): 125 vs. 140 and Breeder 3 (47 to 60 wk of age): 115 vs. 130 g/kg, respectively). Pens consisted of an elevated slatted floor (25% of the floor surface) and a litter floor. Water and feed intake were recorded daily. Litter (floor) and manure (below slatted floor) composition and ammonia concentration were measured at 34, 44, and 54 wk of age. Ammonia concentration was measured using a flux chamber on top of the litter or manure. Estimated N losses were calculated. Dietary protein level did not affect water intake and dry matter (DM) content of the litter or manure. Compared to birds fed the CPh diets, the litter and manure samples of broiler breeders fed the CPl had 8% lower total-N and 13% lower ammonia-N content resulting in a 9% lower ammonia concentration, 9% lower ammonia emission, and 11% lower total-N losses. In conclusion, this study shows that reducing CP level in the diet of broiler breeders reduces ammonia emission and total N-losses from litter and manure.

Different combinations of gut health-promoting dietary interventions were tested to support broilers during different stages of Eimeria infection. One-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 720) were randomly assigned to one of 6 dietary treatments, with 6 pens per treatment and 20 birds per pen, for 35 d. At 7 d of age (d7), all birds were inoculated with 1000, 100, and 500 sporulated oocysts of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella, respectively. A 4-phase feeding schedule was provided. The dietary treatments (TRT) 1 to 4 included the basal diet supplemented with multispecies probiotics from d0 to 9 and coated butyrate and threonine from d28 to 35 but received four different combinations of prebiotics and phytochemicals from d9 to 18 and d18 to 28. The basal diet for the positive control (PC, TRT5) included diclazuril as a anticoccidial. The negative control (NC, TRT6) contained no anticoccidial. Performance was assessed for each feeding phase, and oocyst output, Eimeria lesion scores, cecal weight, litter quality, and footpad lesions were assessed at d14, d22, d28, and d35. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were not affected by dietary treatment. PC broilers had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of all treatments from d0 to 35 (P < 0.001). None of the dietary treatments resulted in better litter quality or reduced footpad lesions compared to the PC. Moreover, the PC was most effective in reducing oocyst output and lesion scores compared to all other treatments. However, broilers that received the multispecies probiotics (d0 to 9), saponins (d9 to 18), saponins, artemisin, and curcumin (d18 to 28), and coated butyrate and threonine (d28 to 35) had the best FCR (P < 0.001) and lowest oocyst output and lesion scores compared to other dietary treatments. This study suggests that although the tested compounds did not perform as well as the anticoccidial, when applied in the proper feeding period, they may support bird resilience during coccidiosis infection.

The impact of addition of an Ulva laetevirens (previously Ulva rigida) co-product treated with a broad-spectrum endo-protease when added to a standard corn-soy (S) based diet and a diet based on European protein sources (EU) on performance, in vivo digestibility and multiple gastrointestinal characteristics was investigated in broilers. In total, 624 Ross 308 one-day-old male broilers were fed one of 6 experimental diets (8 replicates) consisting of a basal diet (S or EU), or a basal diet including the U. laetevirens co-product (U) treated without (U-) or with (U+) a proteolytic enzyme. Starter diets contained 0 (wk 1) and 2.5 (wk 2), and the grower diets (wk 3 and 4) 5% seaweed co-product. In the last 2 wk, birds fed the S vs. EU grower diets showed a higher BW, BWG, and FI, as well as a lower FCR (−0.05 g/g) in wk 3 (P < 0.05). Heavier gizzards (+13%; P < 0.001) and heavier gizzard contents (+92%; P < 0.001) were observed in birds fed the EU vs. S diets, as well as longer villi (+8%; P = 0.010). U diets had a higher water holding capacity than the basal diets (+19%). In wk 4, U inclusion resulted in increased FCR (+0.06 g/g; P < 0.001), water intake (+7%; P < 0.001), and duodenal cross section (+5%; P = 0.033). Enzyme treatment did not affect digestibility of any nutrients, except for ash which was increased in birds fed U+ vs. U- diets (+60%; P < 0.001). U in S diets led to higher, and U in EU diets led to lower apparent pre-cecal digestibility of all nutrients (P < 0.001 for all nutrients). Although for both diet types performance was decreased, dietary U. laetevirens inclusion had different effects when added to a standard corn-soy diet and a diet based on European protein sources. No obvious health effects were observed, leading to the conclusion of the absence of performance of health promoting bioactive components in the U. laetevirens co-product, or of diminishing of these effects due to the proteolytic enzyme treatment.

Total replacement of dietary inorganic phosphate (Pi) by a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) in phytate-rich diets (>0.3% phytate-P) was investigated in 2 trials using growth performance and bone quality as outcome measures. Both trials utilized a completely randomized design with 5 dietary treatments across 4 phases: starter (0–10 d), grower (10–21 d), finisher 1 (21–35 d), and finisher 2 (35–42 d). Treatments comprised a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC) diet containing monocalcium phosphate and 4 experimental diets (IPF1, IPF2, IPF3, and IPF4), all containing no added Pi and reduced in Ca by 0.2 to 0.3% units vs. PC. IPF1contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases); IPF2 contained PhyG at 1,000 FTU/kg (all phases) and was additionally reduced in digestible AA, ME, and sodium (−0.2 to −0.4% points, −74 kcal/kg, –0.04% points, respectively, vs. PC); IPF3 contained PhyG at 3,000 FTU/kg in starter, 2,000 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases; and IPF4 contained xylanase (2,000 U/kg) and PhyG (2,000 FTU/kg in starter, 1,500 FTU/kg in grower, and 1,000 FTU/kg in finisher phases) and was additionally reduced in ME (–71 kcal/kg vs. PC). Ross 308 broilers were used (trial 1: n = 1,200 mixed sex; 24 birds per pen × 10 replicates; trial 2: n = 1,300 males; 26 birds × 10 replicates). During all phases in both trials, all IPF treatments maintained or improved BW, ADG, ADFI, FCR and BW-corrected FCRc and bone quality parameters vs. PC. vs. PC, treatment IPF3 increased ADG during starter phase (+10.8%) and reduced overall FCRc (−12 points, P < 0.05) in Trial 1, and increased overall ADG (+4.4%), day 35 and day 42 BW (+3.5%, +4.9%), and reduced overall FCRc (−11 points) in Trial 2 (P < 0.05). IPF4 produced equivalent performance to IPF3 (both trials). These are the first data to demonstrate total replacement of Pi by microbial phytase during an entire growth cycle in broiler diets.

Eggshell quality of broiler breeders’ eggs decreases at the end of the laying period. Feeding a limited daily allowance of feed in the morning does not supply the necessary nutrients, particularly calcium for eggshell formation, at the right time of the day. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the effects of providing a standard diet twice a day or split feeding (special morning and afternoon diet) in broiler breeders on production performance, eggshell quality, incubation traits, and behavior. At 50 wk of age (WOA) 576 females and 48 males were randomly allotted to 24 floor pens and assigned to one of three treatments: 1) Standard breeder diet fed once a day (100% at 0730 h) (CON1x), 2) Standard breeder diet fed twice a day (50% at 0730 h and 50% at 1400 h) (CON2x), and 3) Split feeding fed twice a day, with a special morning (0730 h) and afternoon (1400 h) diet composition (SP2x). The morning diet was energetically comparable with the control diet, but it contained more protein and phosphorus (P) and less calcium (Ca). The afternoon diet had a lower energy, protein and P and a higher Ca content than the control and morning diet. The SP2x birds tended to have a higher egg production between 51 and 55 WOA (27.0 vs. 25.9 eggs; P = 0.088) compared to the CON1x birds, while the CON2x birds (26.6 eggs) did not differ from the other treatments. No differences were found on egg production for the total period (51–60 WOA) and on other production parameters. The different feeding strategies did not affect eggshell quality and incubation traits. However, the feeding strategies affected the behavioral patterns considerably. Twice a day feeding (CON2x and SP2x) resulted in more time spent on eating and sitting, and in less time spent on foraging and object pecking (P ≤ 0.05) compared to feeding once a day (CON1x). In conclusion, twice a day feeding improves behavior and split feeding improves both egg production and behavior in broiler breeders, however, no effects were observed on eggshell quality and incubation traits.

In a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, effects of feed form (crumbles (CWS), mash (MWS), both with inclusion of 3% finely ground wheat straw, or crumbles with inclusion of 3% oat hulls (COH)), and dietary Ca and P (high and low Ca-P) from 0 to 16 wk of age were studied on growth performance, bone characteristics, and gizzard development of egg-type pullets. The cross-over effect of feeding strategy during rearing on laying performance and egg shell quality was studied from 19 to 32 wk of age. From 0 to 16 wk, ADG, ADFI, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved with CWS and COH compared to MWS, but ADG and FCR were improved with MWS compared to CWS and COH from 11 to 16 wk. Uniformity of BW till 11 wk, and tibia breaking strength at 6 and 16 wk were higher with CWS and COH compared to MWS. Tibia ash content at 11 wk and relative empty proventriculus + gizzard weight (EPG) were lower with CWS and COH compared to MWS, also relative EPG at 11 and 16 wk was higher with COH compared to CWS. At 25 wk BW was lower with MWS compared to CWS and COH, but BW was equal for all treatments at 32 wk. The FCR for egg production was improved with COH compared to MWS. Egg shell parameters were not affected by feed form during rearing. Low Ca-P decreased BW uniformity at 6 wk, relative keel bone weight and ash content at 11 wk, tibia ash content at 11 and 16 wk, increased relative EPG at 6 wk, and improved egg shell quality at 32 wk of age. It was concluded that feeding CWS and COH compared to MWS increased growth performance, but had no clear cross-over effect on egg production. Low dietary Ca-P led to a lower bone mineralization during rearing, nevertheless improved egg shell quality at 32 wk.

Growth models describe body weight (BW) changes over time, allowing information from longitudinal measurements to be combined into a few parameters with biological interpretation. Nonlinear mixed models (NLMM) allow for the inclusion of random factors. Random factors can account for a relatively large subset of the total variance explained by bird-specific measurement correlation. The aim of this study was to evaluate different NLMM using birds from 2 heritage chicken lines; New Hampshire (NH) and Brown Leghorn (BL). A total of 32 birds (16 mixed sex birds from each strain) were raised to 17 wk of age. After 12 wk, half were continued on ad libitum (AL) feed intake, and half were pair-fed, using a precision feeding system; they were given 95% of the AL intake of a paired bird closest in BW. Residual feed intake (RFI) of birds, as an indicator of production efficiency, was increased in pair-fed BL birds as a result of minor feed restriction. Growth data of the birds were fit to a mixed Gompertz model with a variety of different bird-specific random coefficients. The model had the form: B W = W m × e x p − e x p − b ( t − t i n f ) ; where Wm was the mature BW, b was the rate of maturing, t was age (d), tinf was the inflection point (d). This fixed-effects model was compared with NLMM using model evaluation criteria to evaluate relative model suitability. Random coefficients, Wmu ∼ N(0,VWm) and bu ∼ N(0,Vb), were tested separately and together and their differences, for strains, sex, and feeding treatments, were reported as different where P ≤ 0.05. The model with both random coefficients was determined to be the most parsimonious model, based on an assessment of serial correlation of the residuals. NLMM coefficients allow stochastic prediction of the mean age and its variation that birds need to achieve a certain BW, allowing for unique new decision support modeling applications; these could be used in stochastic modeling to evaluate the economic impact of management decisions.

The hypothesis was tested that an increased digestion of coarse compared with fine limestone can alleviate the negative effects of a low dietary Ca/P ratio on the growth performance and characteristics of tibia strength (CTS) in broilers. A total of 1,152 Ross 308 broiler chickens received a standard commercial starter feed from day 0 to 13. From day 14 onward, birds received 1 of 12 diets containing 1 of 6 Ca/P ratios (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, and 1.75) and 1 of 2 limestone particle sizes (

The hypothesis was tested that butyrate presence in the digesta of distinct gastrointestinal tract (GIT) segments of broilers leads to differential effects on digesta retention time, gut morphology, and proteolytic enzymatic activities, ultimately resulting in differences in protein digestibility. A total of 320 male day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments: 1) control (no butyrate), 2) unprotected butyrate (main activity in the crop and gastric regions), 3) tributyrin (main activity in the small intestine), 4) fat-coated butyrate (activity in the whole GIT) and 5) unprotected butyrate combined with tributyrin, each replicated 8 times. Rapeseed meal was used in combination with a fine dietary particle size in order to challenge the digestive capacity of young broilers. Birds were dissected at 22, 23, and 24 d of age and samples of digesta at various GIT locations as well as tissues were collected. Butyrate concentration varied significantly across GIT segments depending on treatment, indicating that the dietary contrasts were successful. The apparent ileal digestibility of methionine tended to increase when butyrate and/or propionate was present in colonic and cecal contents, possibly due to modifications of GIT development and digesta transit time. Butyrate presence in the digesta of the crop, proventriculus and gizzard, on the contrary, decreased the apparent ileal digestibility of several amino acids (AA). In addition, butyrate presence beyond the gizzard elicited anorexic effect that might be attributable to changes in intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells secretory activities. The present study demonstrates that, in broilers, effects of butyrate on digestive processes are conditioned by the GIT segment wherein the molecule is present and indicates its influence on digestive function and bioavailability of AA.

The importance of optimal early life conditions of broilers to sustain efficient and healthy production of broiler meat is increasingly recognized. Therefore, novel husbandry systems are developed, in which immediate provision of nutrition post hatch is combined with on-farm hatching. In these novel systems , 1-day-old-chick handling and transport are minimized. To study whether early nutrition and reduced transport are beneficial for broiler performance and behavior , the effects of early or delayed nutrition and post-hatch handling and transport were tested from hatch until 35 d of age, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. In total, 960 eggs were hatched in 36 floor pens. After hatch, chicks were given immediate access to water and feed (early nutrition) or after 54 h (delayed nutrition). Eighteen hours after hatch, chicks remained in their pens (non-transported control), or were subjected to short-term handling and transport to simulate conventional procedures. Subsequently, chicks returned to their pens. Compared with delayed-fed chickens, early-fed chickens had greater body weight up to 21 d of age, but not at slaughter (35 d of age). No effects of transport or its interaction with moment of first nutrition were found on performance. At 3 d post hatch, transported , early-fed chicks had a greater latency to stand up in a tonic immobility test than transported, delayed-fed chicks, but only in chicks that were transported. At 30 d post hatch, however, latency was greater in transported, delayed-fed chickens than in transported, early-fed chicks. This may indicate long-term delete-rious effects of delayed nutrition on fear response in transported chickens. It is concluded that early nutrition has mainly beneficial effects on performance during the first 2 wk post hatch, but these beneficial effects are less evident in later life. The combination of transport and early nutrition may influence the chicken's strategies to cope with stressful events in early and later life.

The impact of transgenerational effects on growth performance and immunity has not yet been studied extensively within the poultry husbandry sector. An important factor is the impact of the hens on the physical well-being and fitness to the environment of the offspring. This study is the first to investigate the effect of stimulating the maternal innate immune system with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or β-glucan on growth performance and immune responses in the next generation. Transgenerational effects and consequences of these maternal treatments were further examined using a necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge model in the offspring. We show that offspring of LPS-treated broiler breeders have a higher feed efficiency from 14 to 21 days of age, that is, the period just after the NE challenge. Moreover, more broiler chickens with intestinal lesions after the NE challenge were found in the offspring of the LPS-treated broiler breeders. Both the LPS and β-glucan maternal treatments resulted in transgenerational effects on blood-derived monocytes by showing a tendency of decreased IL1β mRNA levels after ex vivo LPS stimulation. These data are a first indication that broiler breeder hens can affect immune responsiveness and feeding efficiency of their offspring in a transgenerational manner.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of rye, a model ingredient to increase gut viscosity, between 14 and 28 d of age on immune competence-related parameters and performance of broilers. A total of 960 day-old male Ross 308 chicks were weighed and randomly allocated to 24 pens (40 birds per pen), and the birds in every 8 replicate pens were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental diets including graded levels, 0%, 5%, and 10% of rye. Tested immune competence-related parameters were composition of the intestinal microbiota, genes expression in gut tissue, and gut morphology. The inclusion of 5% or 10% rye in the diet (d 14 to 28) resulted in decreased performance and litter quality, but in increased villus height and crypt depth in the small intestine (jejunum) of the broilers. Relative bursa and spleen weights were not affected by dietary inclusion of rye. In the jejunum, no effects on number and size of goblet cells, and only trends on microbiota composition in the digesta were observed. Dietary inclusion of rye affected expression of genes involved in cell cycle processes of the jejunal enterocyte cells, thereby influencing cell growth, cell differentiation and cell survival, which in turn were consistent with the observed differences in the morphology of the gut wall. In addition, providing rye-rich diets to broilers affected the complement and coagulation pathways, which among others are parts of the innate immune system. These pathways are involved in eradicating invasive pathogens. Overall, it can be concluded that inclusion of 5% or 10% rye to the grower diet of broilers had limited effects on performance. Ileal gut morphology, microbiota composition of jejunal digesta, and gene expression profiles of jejunal tissue, however, were affected by dietary rye inclusion level, indicating that rye supplementation to broiler diets might affect immune competence of the birds.

The objective of this ring test was to investigate the prececal phosphorus (P) digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) in broiler chickens using the trial protocol proposed by the World's Poultry Science Association. It was hypothesized that prececal P digestibility of SBM determined in the collaborating stations is similar. Three diets with different inclusion levels of SBM were mixed in a feed mill specialized in experimental diets and transported to 17 collaborating stations. Broiler chicks were raised on commercial starter diets according to station-specific management routine. Then they were fed the experimental diets for a minimum of 5 d before content of the posterior half of the ileum was collected. A minimum of 6 experimental replicates per diet was used in each station. All diets and digesta samples were analyzed in the same laboratory. Diet, station, and their interaction significantly affected (P < 0.05) the prececal digestibility values of P and calcium of the diets. The prececal P digestibility of SBM was determined by linear regression and varied among stations from 19 to 51%, with significant differences among stations. In a subset of 4 stations, the prececal disappearance of myo- inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate)-P; InsP6-P) also was studied. The prececal InsP6-P disappearance correlated well with the prececal P digestibility. We hypothesized that factors influencing InsP6 hydrolysis were main contributors to the variation in prececal P digestibility among stations. These factors were probably related to the feeding and housing conditions (floor pens or cages) of the birds in the pre-experimental phase. Therefore, we suggest that the World's Poultry Science Association protocol for the determination of digestible P be should extended to the standardization of the pre-experimental period. We also suggest that comparisons of P digestibility measurements among studies are made only with great caution until the protocol is more refined. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Two experiments were conducted in which effects of floor eggs, washed floor eggs, and clean nest eggs were investigated on incubation characteristics and performance in later life of broiler chickens. In both experiments, a young and an older breeder flock were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design during incubation. In the second experiment, male and female chickens were reared separately until d 35 of age in floor pens. During this grow out trial, an extra group was created in which chickens obtained from clean nest eggs were mixed with chickens obtained from floor eggs, meaning that grow out period was set up as a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial design with 4 egg types, 2 breeder ages, and 2 sexes. In both experiments, fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs were lower in floor and washed eggs than in clean nest eggs (hatchability: experiment 1: 74.4 vs. 70.6 vs. 92.6% for floor eggs, washed floor eggs and clean nest eggs, respectively, P

A study with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was conducted to determine the effects of 2 dietary crude protein levels, high (CPh) or low (CPl), supplemented with free amino acids (AA), and 2 ages at photo stimulation (PS)—early (21 wk; PSe) or late (23 wk; PSl)—on reproduction traits of broiler breeders and progeny performance. Diets were isocaloric, and calculated CP content of the CPl diets was 15 g/kg lower than the CPh diets during all phases. A total of 480 female and 64 male Ross 308 breeders of 20 wk of age were used. Total egg production was similar between CPl and CPh birds during phase 1 and 2 but was reduced by 2.8 eggs for CPl birds during phase 3. For the overall laying period, CPl birds tended (P = 0.075) to produce 4.7 fewer total eggs. Hatchability of set eggs was similar between CPl and CPh birds during phases 1 and 2 but tended (P = 0.064) to be lower for CPl birds in phase 3. PSe birds showed an advanced age at sexual maturity and age at peak production of 4.6 and 5.3 d, respectively, resulting in 2.5 more total eggs during phase 1. During phase 1, PSe birds showed an almost 5% increased fertility. Chick production in phase 1 was higher for PSe birds resulting in a tendency (P = 0.071) to higher overall chick production of almost 8 chicks. Progeny from early PS breeders showed an overall significant lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). It was concluded that egg and chick production during phases 1 and 2 were not affected by dietary CP level, but egg and chick production was reduced for CPl birds during phase 3. On the other hand, PSe birds showed an increased number of chicks. It is possible to decrease CP level of breeder diets with comparable reproduction from 22 to 46 wk; however, this is questionable for phase 3. For maximal chick production, early PS is recommended.

An experiment with 288 male (Ross 308) 1-d-old broilers was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse diet supplemented with butyric acid (BA) and fermentable carbohydrates (FC) improves performance of broilers with a poorly digestible protein source. The interaction effects of diet structure (fine or coarse), FC supplementation (with or without), and BA supplementation (with or without) in a poorly digestible diet based on rapeseed meal (RSM) were tested in a factorial arrangement of 8 (2 × 2 × 2) dietary treatments. The coarseness of the diet affected feed intake (FI) (P < 0.001), BW gain (P = 0.001), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.001) positively. Broilers fed the coarse diets had, on average, 14% heavier gizzards and 11, 7, 5, and 6% lower relative empty weights of the crop, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared with those fed the fine diets. Dietary coarseness resulted in, on average, 6% greater ileal protein digestibility, 20% lower gizzard pH, 19% greater villus height, 18% lower crypt depth, and 23% reduced cecal branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) compared with chickens fed the fine diets. Broilers fed BA-supplemented diets had an improved FCR (P = 0.004) and decreased crypt depth (P < 0.001) compared with those fed diets without BA. Fermentable carbohydrate supplementation did not influence growth performance, gut development, or contents of total BCFA and total biogenic amines in the cecal digesta (P > 0.05). Supplementation with FC, however, decreased the cecal concentration of spermine by approximately 31% compared with broilers fed diets without FC (P = 0.002). In conclusion, feeding a coarse diet supplemented with BA improved performance of broilers fed a diet containing a poorly digestible protein source. The negative effects of a poorly digestible protein source can thus be partly counterbalanced by coarse grinding and BA supplementation in the diet.

Unprocessed and acid-extruded rapeseed meal (RSM) was fed to broiler chickens, with and without addition of commercial pectolytic enzymes. Nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) fermentability and unfermented NSP structures from RSM were studied in the excreta in detail. From unprocessed RSM, 24% of the nonglucose polysaccharides could be fermented. Acid treatment did not have a significant effect, but enzyme addition did improve fermentability to 38%. Most likely, the significant increase in NSP fermentability can be ascribed to the addition of pectolytic enzymes, which decreased branchiness of the water-soluble arabinan. Mainly xyloglucan, (glucurono-)xylan, (branched) arabinan, and cellulose remained in the excreta. The proportion of unextractable carbohydrates increased in excreta from broilers fed acid-extruded RSM. Probably, acid extrusion resulted in a less accessible NSP matrix, also decreasing the accessibility for pectolytic enzymes added in the diet. During alkaline extraction of the excreta, 39 to 52% (wt/wt) of the insoluble carbohydrates was released as glucosyl- and uronyl-rich carbohydrates, probably originally present via ester linkages or hydrogen bonding within the cellulose-lignin network. These linkages are expected to hinder complete NSP fermentation and indicate that digestibility of RSM may benefit substantially from an alkaline treatment or addition of esterases.

Litter moisture contents vary greatly between and within practical poultry barns. The current experiment was designed to measure the effects of 8 different dietary characteristics on litter and excreta moisture content. Additionally, free water content and water activity of the excreta and litter were evaluated as additional quality measures. The dietary treatments consisted of nonstarch polysaccharide content (NSP; corn vs. wheat), particle size of insoluble fiber (coarse vs. finely ground oat hulls), viscosity of a nonfermentable fiber (low- and high-viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose), inclusion of a clay mineral (sepiolite), and inclusion of a laxative electrolyte (MgSO4). The 8 treatments were randomly assigned to cages within blocks, resulting in 12 replicates per treatment with 6 birds per replicate. Limited effects of the dietary treatments were noted on excreta and litter water activity, and indications were observed that this measurement is limited in high-moisture samples. Increasing dietary NSP content by feeding a corn-based diet (low NSP) compared with a wheat-based diet (high NSP) increased water intake, excreta moisture and free water, and litter moisture content. Adding insoluble fibers to the wheat-based diet reduced excreta and litter moisture content, as well as litter water activity. Fine grinding of the oat hulls diminished the effect on litter moisture and water activity. However, excreta moisture and free water content were similar when fed finely or coarsely ground oat hulls. The effects of changing viscosity and adding a clay mineral or laxative deviated from results observed in previous studies. Findings of the current experiment indicate a potential for excreta free water measurement as an additional parameter to assess excreta quality besides total moisture. The exact implication of this parameter warrants further investigation.

Marker methodologies to measure ileal and total tract digestibilities of diets varying in content and degradability of dietary fiber in broiler chickens were evaluated. Chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3) and cobalt-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (Co-EDTA) were used as markers of solid and soluble fractions, respectively, and compared with digestibility values obtained with the total collection method. Groups of broilers (n = 17, 11 broilers/group) were assigned to a low-fiber diet or 1 of 2 high-fiber diets, the latter 2 containing 35% rapeseed meal (RSM). Pectolytic enzymes were added to one RSM diet to improve degradability of the fiber fraction. Excreta were quantitatively collected for 96 h, and contents from ileum and ceca were collected at slaughter at 29, 30, or 31 d of age. Chromium recovery in excreta ranged between 86 and 95%, whereas cobalt recovery was considerably lower (66 to 70%). Chromium:cobalt ratio was higher in ileal digesta than in feed. Hardly any chromium was found in the ceca, indicating that separation of the marker and specific digesta fractions occurs. Estimates of apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) were lower when calculated using the marker method compared with the total collection method, particularly in high-fiber diets. Using Cr2O3 as a marker, differences were relatively small and effects due to enzyme addition were generally similar. Using Co-EDTA as a marker, ATTD of all components were lower compared with values obtained using the collection method (3 to 45 percentage units, P

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dilution sources and levels on feather damage, performance, feeding behavior, and litter condition in rearing pullets. It was hypothesized that dietary dilution increases feeding-related behavior and improves feather condition, particularly if insoluble nonstarch polysaccharides are used as the dilution source. In total, 864 Lohmann Brown 1-d-old non-beak-trimmed pullets were used until 18 wk of age. Four dietary treatments, a control diet without any dilution (R_0%), 7.5% diluted diet with sunflower seed extract/oat hulls (R_7.5%), 15% diluted diet with sunflower seed extract (R_15%_S), and 15% diluted diet with oat hulls (R_15%_O), with 6 replicates (1 replicate is a pen with 36 pullets) per treatment were used. On 4-wk intervals, behavioral parameters, including eating time, feather pecking, feather condition, and general behavior were evaluated. Pullets fed the control diet showed increased feather, comb, and wire pecking compared with pullets fed diluted diets. The level of feather damage decreased with increasing dietary dilution level. Pullets receiving R_15%_S and R_15%_O showed more feeding-related behavior than the pullets on R_7.5% and R_0%. Oat hulls were more effective in preventing feather damage than sunflower seed extract. Pullets did not fully compensate their feed intake if fed a dietary dilution, resulting in a proportionally reduced available ME intake. The R_15%_O pullets had 2.9% lower average BW gain compared with those fed R_0%. Average eating duration increased by 12.8, 33.2, and 42.1% in R_7.5%, R_15%_S, and R_15%_O fed pullets, respectively, compared with R_0%, whereas eating rate [feed intake (g)/pullet per eating min] was decreased in R_15%_S and R_15%_O pullets. Relative weights of empty gizzards were 3.95, 10.30, and 62.72% greater in R_7.5%, R_15%_S, and R_15%_O pullets compared with pullets fed R_0%. It was concluded that dietary dilution affected time budgets of the pullets, as shown by more feeding-related behavior, resulting in less feather pecking behavior. Based on our results, application of this feeding strategy could improve production and welfare in pullets.

In alternative systems for laying hens, concentrations and emission rates of particulate matter (PM) give reason for concern with regard to working conditions, bird health and productivity, and health of residents living near farms. Previously, we found that spraying a film of rapeseed oil onto the litter of broilers could substantially reduce PM concentrations and emissions. The objective of this study was to establish dose-response effects of oil spraying in aviaries on concentrations and emission rates of PM with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 μm (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5), on stockmen's exposure to PM10, on egg production, exterior quality and behavior of the hens, and on the litter. An experiment was carried out with 4 treatments: 0 (control), 15, 30, and 45 mL/m2 per d (oil treatments). Each treatment was applied in 2 rooms with different aviary systems (8 rooms in total). The experiment was repeated during a second period, both lasting 35 days. From d 11 to d 35, oil was applied daily using a spraying gun. Applying 15, 30, or 45 mL/m2 per d significantly reduced emission rates of PM10 by 27, 62, and 82%, and emission rates of PM2.5 by 71, 83, and 94%, respectively. No significant effects of oil spraying were found on mortality, egg production, dust bathing behavior, scratching behavior, plumage soiling, DM content of the litter, or friability of the litter. A significant worsening of the plumage condition was found only for the body spot back/wings/tail (not for: throat/neck, chest/breast, or legs) in the 45 mL/m2 per d treatment. Egg quality shifted significantly towards more second-class eggs in the oil treatments (1.9% versus 1.4%; P = 0.004). Remarkably, foot soiling decreased with increasing oil application. In conclusion, PM concentrations and emission rates in aviaries can be effectively reduced by spraying 15 to 30 mL/m2 per d with minor side effects within a 25 d application period.

Feed restriction in broilers is aimed at preventing metabolic disorders, increasing feed efficiency, or manipulating carcass conformation. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of modest graded levels feed restriction during the second and third wk of life. Mixed-sex chickens were raised in pens with 4 replications per treatment to 35 d of age. Chickens were fed ad libitum throughout the trial, or 90, 80, or 70% of expected ad libitum feed intake during the second wk of life, or 95, 90, 85, or 80% of expected ad libitum feed intake during the third wk of life. Feed intake, BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured and weekly dissections were conducted to characterize allometric growth of the breast muscle, legs, abdominal fat pad, liver, gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), and heart. Feeding 70% of ad libitum during wk 2 and 80% during wk 3 reduced ADG during the restriction period and reduced BW at the end of the restriction period, but chickens exhibited complete compensatory growth within one wk after the restriction period. No significant effects of restriction treatment were found on BW, FCR, fat pad, empty GIT, breast muscle, heart, legs, and liver weight at d 35, but allometric growth curve for breast muscle was lower in birds fed 80 and 85% of ad libitum during wk 3, and for birds fed 70% of ad libitum in wk 2. Allometric growth curves for all body parts were different between males and females, except for the liver. Females had higher relative fat pad, breast muscle, and liver weight and a lower GIT and heart and leg weight compared with males at d 35. Feed restriction could differentially affect males and females. This study showed that feeding 70% of ad libitum in wk 2 might be beneficial to reduce fat pad, but later feed restriction in wk 3 may reduce breast muscle weight at broiler processing age.

This study investigated the effect of 2 different dietary amino acid treatments and feed restriction in early life versus a control treatment on development of the small intestine segments (weights), mortality, and broiler performance. Each treatment was applied to 6 cages with Ross 308 male broilers and to 6 cages with Cobb 500 male broilers with 24 birds per cage. A control treatment (100% ideal protein) was compared with a treatment with 30% extra ideal protein, a treatment with daily adjustment of the dietary amino acid level and profile, and a feed restriction treatment. The protein treatments were applied from 0 to 14 d of age. The feed restriction was applied from 4 to 21 d of age. Restriction was 15% from d 4 to 14 of age and diminished with equal daily steps thereafter to 5% at 21 d of age. Birds were weighed and dissected for evaluation of small intestine weights at 6, 9, 14, and 36 d of age. Feed intake restriction reduced leg problems in Ross and Cobb broilers. Extra dietary protein reduced leg problems in Ross broilers only. The present experiment does not show that small intestinal weight development is related to mortality. Thirty percent extra dietary ideal protein increased duodenum weight between 6 and 9 d of age. This was not further increased by the daily optimization of the dietary amino acid level and profile. The increased duodenum weights coincided with an improved BW gain. This indicates that duodenum weight may be important in facilitating BW gain in young broilers. Thus, it may be worthwhile to pay more attention to the relation between nutrition and duodenum weight and duodenum function in further studies.

The hypothesis tested was that dietary vegetable fats rich in saturated fatty acids, when compared with a vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid, increase fat deposition in broiler chickens and affect synthesis or oxidation, or both, of individual fatty acids. Diets with native sunflower oil (SO), a 50:50 mix of hydrogenated and native SO, palm oil, and randomized palm oil were fed to broiler chickens. Intake of digestible fat and fatty acids, whole body fatty acid deposition, hepatic fatty acid profile, and hepatic enzyme activities involved in fatty acid oxidation and synthesis were measured. The fat deposition:digestible fat intake ratio was significantly lower for the SO group in comparison with the groups fed the vegetable fats rich in saturated fatty acids. The difference between digestible intake and deposition of C18:2, reflecting its maximum disappearance rate, was highest for the SO group and lowest for the palm oil- and randomized palm oil-fed birds. The calculated minimal rate of de novo synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), calculated as deposition minus digestible intake, was more than 50% lower for the SO group than for the other 3 dietary groups. Based on the fatty acid profiles in the liver, it would appear that increasing contents of C18:2 decrease the desaturation of saturated fatty acids into MUFA. It is concluded that a diet rich in C18:2 in comparison with different kinds of vegetable saturated fatty acids decreases the deposition of fat, especially of MUFA. It appears to be caused by a higher β-oxidation and a reduced de novo synthesis of MUFA, but this conclusion is not fully supported by the measured activities of enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation.

A total of 5,000 one-day-old male broiler chickens were assigned to 8 different treatments in a 4 x 2 factorial design. Four wheat cultivars (Amiro, Guadalupe, Isengrain, and Horzal) and 2 levels (0 or 1 kg/t of feed) of an enzyme cocktail (Avizyme 1300, xylanase, 2,500 U/kg and protease, 800 U/kg) were used. Nutritionally complete mash diets contained 65 and 70% of the test wheat for the starter and grower period, respectively. Test wheats were used in diets for broilers, and growth performance and AME contents were measured. Broiler performance was measured in 4,800 broilers allocated to floor pens with 75 birds each and fed from 1 to 42 d of age. Digestibilities and AME contents of diets were measured in 200 broilers from 6 to 27 d of age individually allocated to battery cages. Chromic oxide (Cr(2)O(3)) at an inclusion rate of 0.5% in the diet was used as an indigestible marker. Apparent metabolizable energy was corrected by zero N balance to obtain AME(n). Wheat cultivar strongly influenced animal performance during the starter period (1 to 21 d of age). During the grower period (21 to 42 d of age), only BW and daily feed intake were influenced by wheat cultivar. Differences in daily feed intake were associated with differences in AME(n) intake during the starter period, but not during the grower period. Nutrient digestibility was higher with the use of enzyme. Animal performance was not affected (i.e., wheat cultivar differences were not eliminated by using enzymes). During the grower period, significant interactions were detected with regard to nutrient digestibility and AME(n). Differences in AME(n) content of wheat could not be explained by digestible starch.

An experiment with 210 male (Ross 308) 1-d-old broilers was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse diet improves performance of broilers fed a poorly digestible protein source. A highly digestible diet based on soybean meal was gradually replaced by a low digestible diet based on rapeseed meal (RSM) in 5 steps (RSM-0%, RSM-25%, RSM-50%, RSM-75%, and RSM-100%). Two diet structures (fine and coarse) were used as an additional factor. These 2 factors and their interactions were tested at different ages in a factorial arrangement with 10 dietary treatments. An increase in indigestible dietary protein negatively affected feed intake (P = 0.003), BW gain (P = 0.008), and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.034). This increase in dietary indigestible protein contents resulted in a decrease (P = 0.001) in total cecal volatile fatty acid concentration from 209.1 to 125.9 mmol/kg of DM digesta in broilers with increasing RSM in diets. Increase in the indigestible protein level, from RSM-0% to RSM-100%, resulted in a decrease (P = 0.042) in villus heights (1,782 vs. 1,574 µm), whereas crypt depths increased (P = 0.021; 237 vs. 274 µm). A coarse diet improved feed intake (P = 0.006), BW gain (P = 0.014), and feed conversion ratio (P = 0.009). Broilers fed coarse diets had approximately 11, 24, and 10% lower relative empty weights of the crop, proventriculus, and jejunum, respectively, whereas a 15% heavier gizzard was found compared with those fed the fine diets. Dietary coarseness resulted in approximately 16% lower gizzard pH, 21% greater villus heights, 27% lower crypt depths, 24% reduced branched-chain fatty acids, and 12% lower biogenic amines in the cecal digesta compared with broilers fed fine diets. In conclusion, feeding coarse particles improved broiler performance irrespective of digestibility of the diet. Hindgut protein fermentation can be reduced by coarse grinding of the diet.

The effects of ambient temperature (T; 18 vs. 28 degrees C), dietary energy level [E; 90, 100, and 110% of NRC (1994) recommendations], and dietary lysine level [LYS; 105 vs. 120% of NRC (1994) recommendations], and their interactions on feed intake, BW gain, feed:gain ratio, and carcass yields of male turkeys were studied from 29 to 140 d of age. The experiment was designed as a split plot, including T as the main plot and E and LYS as the subplot, with 60 pens containing 10 male turkeys each. Overall, feed intake, BW gain, and feed:gain ratio were significantly lower at high compared with low T. Feed intake decreased linearly as E increased and was more pronounced at low compared with high T. Metabolizable energy intake increased more at high compared with low T as E increased. Turkeys that were fed the highest E gained less weight until 84 d of age than those fed the lowest E. Dietary lysine was not the limiting amino acid because birds showed no response to extra lysine. Feed:gain decreased linearly as E level increased. Until 84 d of age, feed:gain decreased more at low compared with high T as E level increased. Breast meat yields were lower, and thigh, drum, and wing yields were higher at high than at low T. The highest E resulted in lower cold carcass yields, and breast meat yields, and higher thigh and drum yields than the lowest E. Dietary lysine level did not affect carcass yield. The results imply that when dietary lysine levels are adequate, dietary energy may be increased above NRC (1994) to improve feed efficiency, but some of the limiting amino acids after lysine may be increased in high-density diets to optimize breast meat yield. Particularly at high temperature in the period after 16 wk of age, dietary energy contents may be increased to at least 110% of NRC (1994) because turkeys will need more energy to dissipate heat.

Low-density diets may improve welfare of restricted fed broiler breeders by increasing feed intake time with less frustration of feed intake behavior as a result. Moreover, low-density diets may promote satiety through a more filled gastrointestinal tract, and thus feelings of hunger may be reduced. Broiler breeders were fed 4 different diets during the rearing and laying periods. Behavioral and physiological parameters were measured at different ages as indicators of hunger and frustration of the feeding motivation. A diet of 8.4 MJ/kg as compared with a standard diet of 10.9 MJ/kg extended feeding time and reduced stereotypic object pecking at 6 and 10 wk of age. Furthermore, compensatory feed intake at 12 wk of age was reduced. During lay, differences in behavior were observed between the treatments that could be attributed to differences in feeding time. However, birds fed the diet with the lowest energy content (i.e., 9.2 MJ/kg) had higher heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L) at 40 wk of age compared with the other treatments, indicating that they experienced more stress during the laying period than the other treatments. This result could have been due to the very long feeding time of this treatment group during lay, which may be stressful. In conclusion, a low-density diet of 8.4 MJ/kg may reduce hunger and frustration in the first half of the rearing period. However, for substantial improvement of broiler breeder welfare during rearing, more extreme diet modifications are required.

This experiment was conducted to test whether dietary soybean meal oligosaccharides (SMO) and water-soluble polysaccharides (SMP) can assist broiler chickens in resisting Eimeria tenella, and to determine the survival of lactic acid bacteria in cecal contents postinfection. All birds received a soybean meal-free diet. The 6 experimental treatments were as follows: positive (COR) and negative (COW) control groups, 2 groups fed diets containing either 1% SMO or 0.5% SMP from 1 to 11 d of age; a vaccinated group (VAC), and an anticoccidial medicated group (ANT). Chickens of all treatments except COW were orally infected with 1000 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella on d 15. Fecal oocyst shedding was monitored per treatment group between d 5 and 13 postinfection. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in cecal contents were evaluated by a real-time PCR technique on d 7 postinfection. The results showed that the SMO and SMP groups had a lower number of oocysts per gram of feces during the monitoring period than the COR group. Threshold cycles were 22.21, 27.68, 13.99, 14.92, 12.97, and 14.85, for COW, COR, SMO, SMP, VAC, and ANT groups, respectively; specific PCR products were confirmed by the results of melting curve analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results suggest that these LAB communities were promoted by SMO and SMP and have a competitive exclusion function when broiler chickens are infected with E. tenella.

We investigated the effects of polysaccharide extracts from 2 mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (LenE) and Tremella fuciformis (TreE), and an herb, Astragalus membranaceus (AstE), on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens. A total of 150 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups: 3 groups were infected with E. tenella and fed with extracts (LenE, TreE, and AstE), and 2 control groups were infected with or without E. tenella. The 3 extracts were given at the level of 1 g/kg of the diet from 8 to 14 d of age. Specific systemic and cecum mucosal antibody production, proliferation of splenocytes, and peripheral T and B lymphocytes were measured during the 3 wk following Eimeria infection. A significantly higher production of specific IgA, IgM (at d 14 and 21 postinfection), and IgG (at d 21 postinfection) were detected in the Eimeria-infected groups fed with the extracts than in the infected group not fed with the extracts. Of the 3 extracts, TreE stimulated a slightly higher production of specific IgM (P = 0.052), and a significantly higher IgG production at 21 d postinfection. The cecal antibody production showed a similar trend to that of serum antibodies. The overall mean levels of cecal-specific IgA and IgG of the groups fed with extracts were significantly higher at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with extracts. Of the 3 extracts, the AstE-fed group showed the highest IgG production at d 7 postinfection. Both TreE- and LenE-fed groups had significantly higher IgM and IgG levels compared with the AstE group at d 21 postinfection. The extract-fed groups also showed a significantly higher antigen-specific proliferation of splenocytes at 14 and 21 d postinfection compared with the group not fed with the extracts. The overall mean of erythrocyte rosette-forming cells (ERFC %) (at d 14 and 21) and erythrocyte-antibody-complement cells (EAC %) (at d 14) of the groups fed with the extracts was significantly higher compared with the group not fed the extracts. It is concluded from this study that supplementation with mushroom and herb extracts resulted in enhancement of both cellular and humoral immune responses in E. tenella-infected chickens.

In vitro fermentabilities of two mushrooms (Lentinus edodes - LenS; Tremella fuciformis - TreS), an herb (Astragalus membranaceus - AstS), and their polysaccharide fractions (LenE, TreE, and AstE) were investigated using microflora from chicken ceca. Polysaccharides were extracted using the hot water method. The mushrooms had lower polysaccharide yields (8 to 10%) than the herb (31%). Fermentation kinetics were determined using the in vitro cumulative gas production technique. End-products, such as gas, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia, were also determined. The gas profiles of intact materials were similar for AstS and LenS. The TreS had a diphasic digestion pattern. The extracts had similar profiles to the intact materials though gas production rates were faster. Intact materials tended to produce less VFA than the extracts though LenS and AstE had the highest total VFA production overall. Intact materials contained more protein than the extracts, and therefore resulted in more branched-chain fatty acids and ammonia. Fermentation kinetics and end-point products demonstrated differences in availability of substrates between the mushrooms and herb. These medicinal mush-room and herb materials, particularly their polysaccharide extracts, show promise in altering microbial activities and composition in chicken ceca. In vivo experiments are necessary for confirmation of this hypothesis.

Two experiments of similar design were conducted with male broiler chickens over two body weight ranges, 200 to 800 g in Experiment 1 and 800 to 1,600 g in Experiment 2. The data were used to test the hypothesis that protein deposition rate increases (linearly) with increasing amino acid intake, until energy intake becomes limiting for protein deposition rate. Additional amino acid intake above this point would be deposited less efficiently. An increase in energy intake would increase lipid deposition rate, but should, at low amino acid intakes, not affect protein deposition rate. Each experiment consisted of 18 treatments: two levels of protein-free energy (energy(pf)) intake, combined with nine amino acid to energypf ratios. Protein was balanced for amino acid content and lysine was the first limiting amino acid in the diet. Protein deposition rate increased with additional amino acid intake. No evidence was found that energy(pf) intake limited protein deposition rate at high amino acid intake. Extra intake of energy(pf) increased lipid deposition rate, which was independent of amino acid intake. Where amino acid intake was limiting, additional intake of energy(pf) had generally no effect on protein deposition rate. The marginal efficiency of amino acid utilization for protein deposition did not depend on body weight. The facts are relevant to the modeling of the growth of broiler chickens.

Rapeseed meal (RSM) contains a high level of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) that are not well degraded in poultry and interfere with digestion of other nutrients as protein, starch, and fat. By altering physicochemical properties of NSP from RSM, processing and enzyme technologies might improve digestive utilization of RSM, enhancing its potential as a source of nutrients in poultry diets. The effects of wet milling and extrusion in combination with pectolytic enzymes on the degradability of RSM in broilers were investigated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Wet milling and extrusion did not affect total tract apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude fat, and nonglucose polysaccharides (NGP). Addition of pectolytic enzymes did not affect total tract apparent digestibility of CP and crude fat, but improved degradability of NGP by 9 to 20% units (P

Government targets for ammonia emission and for N and P loss per hectare (ha) of agricultural land were used to assess carrying capacity for poultry production in The Netherlands with data from 1990. In addition, the effect of alternative management strategies on carrying capacity was determined. Ammonia emission from poultry production in 1990 [20.5 gigagrams (Gg) N] exceeded the target for 2000 (i.e., 6.9 Gg N). Targets defined for 2000 and 2010 (i.e., 4.6 Gg N) can be achieved, however, without reducing poultry numbers, assuming national introduction of measurements studied. Measures that reduced ammonia emission directly, i.e., introduction of low-emission housing or manure application techniques, were most effective. In 1990, N and P losses equalled 215 kg/ha for N and 31 kg/ha for P. The N loss was slightly lower than the target for 2000 (219 kg N/ha) but exceeded the target for 2010 (144 kg N/ha). Reduction of application of artificial N fertilizer, however, reduced N loss effectively from 215 to 22 kg/ha. National P loss in 1990 exceeded the target for 2000 (15.3 kg P/ha). Reduction of application of artificial P fertilizer reduced P loss most effectively from 31 to 14 kg/ha. To achieve the target for 2010 (8.7 kg P/ha), additional reduction in P excretion by poultry is required. This reduction can be achieved by use of phytase in layer and br oiler feed and by use of a coarse Ca source in layer feed. Unlike pig production, carrying capacity for poultry production in The Netherlands is not limited by governmental targets for acidification, eutrophication, or drinking water contamination.

The effects of ambient temperature (T; 15 C vs. 30 C from 6 wk of age onwards), dietary Arg:Lys ratio (Arg:Lys ratio; 1.00 vs. 1.25), dietary electrolyte balance (DEB: 164 vs. 254 meq/kg), and their interactions on growth performance and carcass yields of male turkeys were studied. The experiment was designed as a split plot, including T x DEB as the main plot and Arg:Lys ratio as the sub-plot, with 24 pens containing 35 male turkeys each. Feed consumption, BW gain, mortality, and processing yields were measured. Temperature had a clear effect on performance during all age periods. Feed intake was significantly lower for the high T group compared with the low T group (322.7 vs. 432.3 g/bird per day; P < 0.001). Consequently, BW gain during the experimental period (28 to 140 d of age) was significantly lower for the high T group compared with the low T group (14.54 vs. 18.74 kg; P < 0.001). Feed:gain during the period of 28 to 140 d of age was significantly lower for the high T group compared with the low T group (2.51 vs. 2.61; P < 0.001). The high dietary Arg:Lys ratio increased feed intake significantly until 56 d of age (200.6 vs. 197.6; P is less than or equal to 0.034). A high Arg:Lys ratio resulted in significantly higher BW gain until 98 d of age (10.03 vs. 9.84 kg; P is less than or equal to 0.024). The Arg:Lys ratio did not affect feed:gain throughout the experiment. Dietary electrolyte balance did not affect performance parameters. No consistent two- or three-way interactions were observed. Processing yields were only affected significantly by T, and not by Arg:Lys ratio or DEB main effects. High T resulted in lower cold carcass (73.2 vs. 74.9€and breast meat yields (33.5 vs. 36.0Œ and higher thigh (18.9 vs. 18.1Œ drumstick (14.5 vs. 13.2Œ and wing yields (11.7 vs. 10.6€compared with low T. We concluded that growth performance is compromised by higher T, and altering the Arg:Lys ratio or DEB does not alleviate this impaired performance. Dietary Arg levels seem to be important when dietary Lys is marginal relative to the requirement.

Microbiota plays a role in the release and absorption of nutrients from feed components, thereby affecting digesta composition and moisture content of the excreta. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of 5 different diets varying in ingredients (medium-chain fatty acids, nonstarch polysaccharides, and starch) on the microbiota composition of ileal digesta of broiler chickens and excreta DM content. Each treatment was repeated 6 times in cages each containing 18 Ross 308 broilers, with growth performance measured from 0 to 34 d of age and excreta DM and ileal microbiota composition analyzed at 34 d of age. Microbiota composition was evaluated using a novel ribosomal RNA microarray technology containing 370 different probes covering various genera, groups of microbial species, and individual species of the chicken gut microbiota, of which 321 had a signal above the background threshold. Replacing part of the animal fat and soybean oil in the wheat-based diet with mediumchain fatty acids (MCFA; 0.3% C10 and 2.7% C12) improved feed efficiency compared with the other dietary treatments. This coincided with a suppression of gram-positive bacteria belonging to the phylum of the Firmicutes, including Lactobacillus species, and species belonging to the family of the Enterococcaceae and Micrococcaceae, whereas the gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family of the Enterobacteriaceae were promoted. None of the other diets used in the present study notably changed the ileal digesta bacteria composition. Excreta DM content was not affected by dietary treatment. The variation between individual birds per dietary treatment was more pronounced than variation caused by feed composition, with the exception of the digesta microbiota of the birds fed the MCFA diet. It is concluded that a diet with MCFA significantly changes the ileal microbiota composition, whereas the effect of the other diets on the composition of the microbiota and excreta DM content is small in broiler chickens. © 2013 Poultry Science Association Inc.

11 páginas., This contribution focuses on applying mathematical models based on systems of ordinary first-order differential equations to synthesize and interpret data from egg production experiments. Models based on linear systems of differential equations are contrasted with those based on nonlinear systems. Regression equations arising from analytical solutions to linear compartmental schemes are considered as candidate functions for describing egg production curves, together with aspects of parameter estimation. Extant candidate functions are reviewed, a role for growth functions such as the Gompertz equation suggested, and a function based on a simple new model outlined. Structurally, the new model comprises a single pool with an inflow and an outflow. Compartmental simulation models based on nonlinear systems of differential equations, and thus requiring numerical solution, are next discussed, and aspects of parameter estimation considered. This type of model is illustrated in relation to development and evaluation of a dynamic model of calcium and phosphorus flows in layers. The model consists of 8 state variables representing calcium and phosphorus pools in the crop, stomachs, plasma, and bone. The flow equations are described by Michaelis-Menten or mass action forms. Experiments that measure Ca and P uptake in layers fed different calcium concentrations during shell-forming days are used to evaluate the model. In addition to providing a useful management tool, such a simulation model also provides a means to evaluate feeding strategies aimed at reducing excretion of potential pollutants in poultry manure to the environment.

The combined effects of growth pattern (GP) and dietary CP level during rearing (2 to 22 wk of age) on body composition and performance were investigated in broiler breeder females from 0 to 40 wk of age. One-day-old pullets (n = 768) were randomly allotted to 48 pens according to 2 growth patterns (standard = SGP and high = HGP) and fed using 1 of 3 dietary CP levels (high = CPh, medium = CPm, and low = CPl). From 19 to 22 wk of age, feeding level was gradually adjusted to obtain a similar target BW for all birds, and then until 40 wk of age, all birds received similar amounts of a standard breeder diet. During the rearing period, the HGP pullets were fed a higher feed intake level (6.5%) than SGP pullets. To meet BW targets at 22 wk of age, feed intake from d 14 onward had to be increased for the CPm (4.6%) and CPl (10.0%) treatments. Breast muscle percentages of HGP and SGP pullets were similar at any age, although abdominal fat pad at 20 wk was 0.18% higher for HGP pullets. Pullets fed the CPl diet had a lower breast muscle percentage compared with pullets fed the CPm and CPh diets (0.46 and 0.85% at wk 10, 0.81 and 1.45% at wk 20, respectively). Abdominal fat pads in CPl pullets were 0.18 and 0.22% (wk 10), and 0.24 and 0.42% (wk 20) higher compared with CPm and CPh pullets, respectively. At 40 wk of age, no effects on breast muscle and abdominal fat pad were found among all treatments. Egg production, sexual maturation, and egg weight were not affected by GP and CP levels during rearing. It was concluded that a low CP diet during rearing decreased breast muscle and increased abdominal fat pad, whereas a high GP only increased abdominal fat pad, at the end of the rearing period. Decreasing dietary CP level seems to be more effective in increasing abdominal fat pad than increasing GP.

To investigate the effect of incubation conditions on layer hatchlings, an experiment was performed in which layer eggs were incubated at a normal (37.8 degrees C) or high (38.9 degrees C) eggshell temperature (EST) and a hole was punctured in the air cell of half of the eggs in both EST treatments from d 14 of incubation onward. Chick development, plasma metabolites, and hepatic glycogen were measured at 12 h after emergence from the eggshell. Embryo mortality was not affected by the EST or hole treatment. At the high EST, yolk-free body mass was 0.7 g lower and residual yolk weight was 0.7 g higher than at the normal EST. This may be related to the shorter incubation duration at the high EST. Relative heart, lung, stomach, liver, spleen, and intestinal weights were lower in the high EST than in the normal EST group. Yolk-free body mass did not differ between eggs with or without a hole, but residual yolk weight was slightly lower in eggs with a hole (0.3 g). Relative lung weights were higher in eggs with than without a hole, whereas no effect on other organs was found. Plasma glucose, lactate, and uric acid concentrations did not differ between the EST or hole treatments. Hepatic glycogen was lower in the high EST (7.3 mg) than in the normal EST group (11.2 mg) at 12 h after emergence from the eggshell, and this effect may be related to the shorter hatching process at the high EST. Hepatic glycogen levels were lower in eggs with a hole (8.6 mg) compared with eggs without a hole (10.0 mg), and this may be related to the longer period between external pipping and hatching in eggs with a hole. In conclusion, the EST and hole treatment did not interact, and neither treatments affected embryonic survival. High EST negatively affected hatchling development and seemed to change the carbohydrate metabolism in layer embryos. The effect of a hole in the air cell was limited.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the differences in starch digestion rate (KDS) among wheats from different cultivars and origins and to verify if chickens would benefit from a certain digestion rate of starch. In the first experiment, 192 chickens (21 d) were assigned to 4 diets containing 55% of each wheat sample (3 cultivars, one of them from 2 origins). Starch and protein digestion were calculated from the remaining starch and protein in 4 segments of the small intestine and in excreta, using chromic oxide as a marker. Mean retention time was measured in each segment, which enabled calculations of digestion rates. In the second experiment, 2,600 chickens were assigned to 5 isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets (with KDS from 1.80 to 2.56 h−1) and growth performance was determined (1 to 34 d). In 3 treatments, dietary starch was provided each by the wheat cultivars (same origin), whereas in the other 2 treatments, 25 and 50% of the wheat starch with the highest KDS was substituted by pea starch. Clostridium perfringens and Lactobacillus in the cecal chyme and glucose in the blood (glycemic index) were measured in broilers at d 19 and 25, respectively. Starch was gradually digested along the small intestine, mainly in the jejunum (48.5 and 80.4% at proximal and distal jejunum) where the largest differences among wheat samples were found. Starch digestion rate varied with origin (from 1.96 to 2.56 h−1) and cultivar (from 2.17 to 2.56 h−1). Crude protein digestion rate (average 2.21 h−1) was not affected by either cultivar or origin. Broiler growth and feed conversion ratio improved in a quadratic way with KDS. The maximum broiler performance was observed with KDS around 2.2 h−1. Blood glucose response (glycemic index) was not affected by KDS; therefore, it cannot be used to predict broiler performance. In conclusion, the rate of starch digestion varies among wheats, depending on both genetic and environmental conditions of the grain, and affects broiler performance.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient involved in most metabolic processes. Most of the interest in Ca metabolism relates to eggshell formation. Although the eggshell is composed of Ca carbonate, metabolism of both Ca and P is closely related such that a deficiency in one can interfere with proper utilization of the other. To understand Ca and P metabolism properly, modeling can be of paramount importance. A new dynamic and mechanistic model of P and Ca metabolism in layers has been developed to simulate diurnal changes in Ca and P and the hourly requirement of the layer for those minerals. The model consists of 8 state variables representing Ca and P pools in the crop, stomachs, plasma, and bone. The flow equations are described by Michaelis-Menten or mass action forms. An experiment that measured Ca and P uptake in layers fed different Ca concentrations during shell-forming days was used for model evaluation. The experiment showed that Ca retained in body and egg decreased from 62.5 to 50.5% of Ca intake when the Ca in diet was increased from 25 to 45 mg/g of feed. The model simulations were in agreement with the trend. Predictions of Ca retention in bone and egg were 63.2, 56.1, and 55.3% for low, medium, and high dietary Ca concentrations. The experimental results showed that P retention in body and egg increased significantly from 11.5% of absorbable P intake at the lowest Ca inclusion concentration to 24.1% at the highest. The model also predicted an increase in P retention in bone and egg from 8.4 to 25.4% of absorbable P intake at the lowest and highest concentration of Ca inclusion, respectively. The advantage of the model is that absorption and utilization can be monitored on an hourly basis and that adjustments can be made accordingly. The model successfully showed how the availability of one mineral affects the utilization of the other and is a useful tool to evaluate feeding strategies aimed at reducing P excretion to the environment in poultry manure.