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Abstract Background Genetic selection applied to broilers results in fast growth and an increase in meat yield. However, this situation causes welfare problems in broilers. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the weekly changes in the tibia characteristics in broilers raised on their own commercial diets. Methods In the study, 168 (84 female and 84 male) slow‐growing (Hubbard‐Isa Red JA) and 168 (84 female and 84 male) fast‐growing (Ross‐308) day‐old broiler chicks were used. Six broilers from each genotype and sex group were weighed weekly and slaughtered to determine the tibia properties during the 10‐week fattening period. Results Fast‐growing broilers had higher tibia weight and longer length, diaphysis diameter and medullary canal diameter than those of slow‐growing broilers at the same age. In fast‐growing genotypes, the cortical index was low only in the 2nd week, and Robusticity and Seedor indices were observed to be better throughout the whole fattening. The ash content of the total tibia in the fast‐growing broilers was higher in all of the examined weeks except the 4th week and the 9th week of fattening than that in the slow‐growing broilers. Although the amount of ash per unit body weight in the 1st week of fattening was higher in fast‐growing broilers, this situation reversed after the 4th week. The level of all minerals examined in total tibia weight is high in fast‐growing broilers, and they differed according to the fattening period. Conclusions When comparing tibia characteristics of two different genotypes fed their own commercial diets, the tibia structure was found to be stronger in fast‐growing broilers compared to other genotypes at the same age, but slow‐growing broilers were more prominent in terms of body weight. It was observed that the mineral density was higher in male broilers, except in the 1st week.

Chronic stress is recognized as a secret killer in poultry. It is associated with systemic inflammation due to cytokine release, dysbiosis, and the so-called leaky gut syndrome, which mainly results from oxidative stress reactions that damage the barrier function of the cells lining the gut wall. Poultry, especially the genetically selected broiler breeds, frequently suffer from these chronic stress symptoms when exposed to multiple stressors in their growing environments. Since oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory damages are multi-stage and long-term processes, overshooting immune reactions and their down-stream effects also negatively affect the animal’s microbiota, and finally impair its performance and commercial value. Means to counteract oxidative stress in poultry and other animals are, therefore, highly welcome. Many phytogenic substances, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this review, firstly, the main stressors in poultry, such as heat stress, mycotoxins, dysbiosis and diets that contain oxidized lipids that trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, are discussed, along with the key transcription factors involved in the related signal transduction pathways. Secondly, the most promising phytogenic substances and their current applications to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in poultry are highlighted.

The gut microbiota has been designated as a hidden metabolic ‘organ’ because of its enormous impact on host metabolism, physiology, nutrition, and immune function. The connection between the intestinal microbiota and their respective host animals is dynamic and, in general, mutually beneficial. This complicated interaction is seen as a determinant of health and disease; thus, intestinal dysbiosis is linked with several metabolic diseases. Therefore, tractable strategies targeting the regulation of intestinal microbiota can control several diseases that are closely related to inflammatory and metabolic disorders. As a result, animal health and performance are improved. One of these strategies is related to dietary supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and phytogenic substances. These supplements exert their effects indirectly through manipulation of gut microbiota quality and improvement in intestinal epithelial barrier. Several phytogenic substances, such as berberine, resveratrol, curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, isoflavones and hydrolyzed fibers, have been identified as potential supplements that may also act as welcome means to reduce the usage of antibiotics in feedstock, including poultry farming, through manipulation of the gut microbiome. In addition, these compounds may improve the integrity of tight junctions by controlling tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory signaling pathways in the host animals. In this review, we discuss the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances in optimizing gut function in poultry.