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The study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing chitosan, Bacillus subtilis or blends of both on broiler growth performance, immune response, biochemical variables, and intestinal ecology of broiler chickens. Two hundred and eighty day-old chicks were distributed into 4 experimental groups, including T0 (control, basal feed), T1 (basal feed + chitosan 0.1% feed), T2 (basal feed + B. subtilis 0.01% feed), and T3 (basal feed + chitosan 0.1% feed + B. subtilis 0.01% feed). Variables measurements and sample collection were conducted on day 35. The T3 did not differ from T0 and T1, but they consumed less (p=0.05) feed than T2 chickens. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p=0.05) in T1 and T3 compared to T0 and T2 groups. Leukocyte counts in T2 and T3 were higher (p=0.05) than those in T0. The T1, T2, and T3 had higher (p=0.05) lymphocyte counts than T0. The T3 had lower (p=0.05) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels than the T0 group. The T2 had higher (p=0.05) levels of total protein and globulin than T3 and T0. Compared to T0 and T3, serum albumin levels were greater (p=0.05) in T1 and T2. The T3 had higher (p=0.05) duodenal villi height than that in the other groups. The T2 and T3 chicks had higher (p=0.05) Newcastle disease titer than T0 and T1. Compared to T2 and T3, T0 and T1 showed a worse (p=0.05) microscopic structure of jejunum. The T2 and T3 showed lower (p=0.05) lesion score in bursa of fabricius than that in the other groups. In conclusion, the blends of chitosan and B. subtilis resulted in improved FCR, higher leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, lower LDL, higher duodenal villi height, higher Newcastle disease titer, better microscopic structure of jejunum, and lower lesion score in bursa of fabricius of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding Spirulina platensis to replace zinc bacitracin on performance, egg quality, blood profile, total gut bacteria, and liver histopathology of local indigenous Arab chicken (Gallus turcicus). One hundred and eight 28-week-old laying hens were distributed randomly to three treatments: T0 (control diet), T1 (T0 + 1% S. platensis), and T2 (T0 + 0.04% zinc bacitracin). The treatment was applied for 49 days. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin decreased feed intake (p<0.05), but the egg mass had no significant effect; this provides a good improvement in feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). S. platensis helped maintain persistent egg production (p<0.05). S. platensis and zinc bacitracin provided the best results on haugh unit (p<0.05). S. platensis increased the yolk score (p<0.05). Zinc bacitracin decreased erythrocytes (p<0.05) but was not significantly different from S. platensis. S. platensis and zinc bacitracin increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p<0.05). Blood chemical profile and total gut bacteria were not affected by the treatments. S. platensis was the best at maintaining liver's health (p<0.05). This research concludes that S. platensis can efficiently optimize feed consumption, enhance performance, maintain egg quality, and protect the liver damage of Arab chicken. Therefore, S. platensis could be considered to replace the use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restriction of synthetic antioxidants and prohibition of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have had an impact on impairing the growth rate of broiler chickens, and hence the alternatives for these additives are urgently needed by broiler farmers. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MOLE), whey protein or their combination on the growth, carcass and meat quality of broilers. A total of 336 broiler chicks were arranged into four groups, including T0 (basal diet with no additive), T1 (basal diet with 1% MOLE), T2 (basal diet with 1% whey protein powder) and T3 (basal diet with 0.5% MOLE and 0.5% whey protein powder). Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. Internal organs and meats were obtained on day 42. Results showed that MOLE impaired body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers (p<0.05). MOLE, whey protein and their blend decreased the abdominal fat content of broilers (p<0.05). Whey increased the moisture content of breast meats (p<0.05). Water holding capacity (WHC) was higher in T2 than in the other breast meats (p<0.05). Among the groups, pH value was highest in T2 breast meat (p<0.05). The lightness values of breast meat were lower in T2 than in the other groups (p<0.05), while the lowest yellowness values were found in T2 breast meat (p<0.05). The WHC was higher in T1 thigh meat than in T2 and T3 (p<0.05). The T1 thigh meat showed higher pH than the T2 group (p<0.05). The T1 thigh meat showed higher redness values than the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, MOLE reduced broiler growth and abdominal fat deposition. Whey reduced fat deposition and improved the meat quality of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary administration of Acalypha australis L. leaf extract, whey powder, or a combination of both on the growth, physiological condition, and carcass traits of broilers. A total of 392 broiler chicks was divided into four groups based on a fully randomized design, including (1) control (C, basal feed without additives), (2) basal feed supplemented with 1% Acalypha australis L. leaf extract (AALE), (3) basal feed with 1% whey powder (WHEY), and (4) basal feed with 1% Acalypha australis L. extract and 1% whey powder (AALEWHEY). Samples (i.e., internal organs, blood, intestinal digesta, small intestinal segments, and breast and thigh meats) were collected on day 33. Data were treated with an analysis of variance followed by Duncan's multiple analysis. Treatments did not affect body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p>0.05). Abdominal fat was higher in the treated broilers than in the control (C) (p<0.05). The serum high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were lower in AALE, WHEY, and AALEWHEY groups than in the control (C) (p<0.05). Serum creatinine concentrations were higher in WHEY and AALEWHEY groups than in C and AALE groups (p<0.05). The AALE, WHEY, and AALEWHEY groups had higher duodenal villi height than C group (p<0.05). The villi height to crypt depth ratios were higher in the jejunum of the WHEY and AALEWHEY group than in the C group (p<0.05). The pH of breast meat was higher in the C group than in AALE and AALEWHEY groups (p<0.05). The lightness values of breast meats were lower in the AALEWHEY group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The redness values of breast meats were lower in the C group than in the AALE, WHEY, and AALEWHEY groups, while the yellowness values were lower in C and AALE groups than in WHEY and AALEWHEY groups (p<0.05). The pH values of thigh meats were higher in the AALE group than in control (C), WHEY, and AALEWHEY groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the treatment of broilers with leaf extract of Acalypha australis L., whey powder, or a combination of both improved intestinal morphology and meat quality without affecting the growth performance of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of fermented Averrhoa bilimbi fruit filtrate (FABFF) on growth, blood indices, and gut ecology of broilers raised at a high stocking density. Using 378 chicks (14 days of age), the study was arranged based on a factorial design with stocking densities (normal with 9 birds/m2 or high with 18 birds/m2) and treatment with 2% FABFF from drinking water or not as the two factors. Live body weight and feed consumption were registered weekly, while blood and intestinal contents were collected at day 35. Broilers at high density receiving FABFF had the lowest (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Thymus was smaller (p<0.05) in high-stocked broilers receiving only drinking water. Birds administered FABFF had greater (p<0.05) bursa of Fabricius than birds given plain water. The FABFF elevated (p<0.05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of broilers. The malondialdehyde levels were higher (p<0.05) in high-stocked broilers given drinking water compared to normal-stocked broilers given drinking water or high-stocked broilers receiving FABFF. Drinking FABFF elevated (p<0.05) the ratio of lactic acid bacteria/coliform in the ileum. Cecal coliform was less (p<0.05) in chicks receiving FABFF than those receiving only water. High-stocked broilers receiving FABFF showed lower (p<0.05) Enterobacteriaceae counts than the other birds. The ratio of lactic acid bacteria/coliform increased (p<0.05) in broilers receiving FABFF. In conclusion, FABFF was capable of maintaining the development of immune organs and improving FCR, antioxidative status, and intestinal microbial balance of broilers stocked at high-density pens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A. bilimbi fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and S. cerevisiae contain bioactive components favorable to broiler health. The use of these compounds in combination was expected to exert synergistic effects on broilers. The study investigated the effect of a combination of A. bilimbi fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and S. cerevisiae on haematological indices and intestinal selected bacteria and morphology of broilers. A total of 280 broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups with 7 replications, including CONT (chicks offered diet without additive), TBLEND1, BLEND2, and BLEND3 (chicks offered diet with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% of the additive combination of A. bilimbi fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and S. cerevisiae]), respectively. For data collection, the chicks were blood sampled at day 21 and 35, and slaughtered at day 35. The data were statistically treated with analysis of variance according to a completely randomized design. On day 21, the erythrocytes and haemoglobin levels were lower in BLEND2 and BLEND3 than those in CONT and BLEND1 (p<0.05). The leukocytes and lymphocytes values were lower in BLEND2 and BLEND3 than those in CONT (p<0.05). On day 35, erythrocytes were lower (p<0.05) in BLEND3 than that in CONT and BLEND1. The increased additive levels linearly decreased (p<0.05) erythrocytes, haemoglobin, and haematocrits values. At day 21, total triglyceride was lower (p<0.05) in BLEND3 than that in BLEND1 and BLEND2. The LDL level was lower (p<0.05) in BLEND3, whereas the HDL level was higher (p<0.05) in CONT than that in other groups. Creatinine was higher (p<0.05) in BLEND3 than in other groups. The ileal lactose negative Enterobacteriaceae counts were lower in BLEND1, BLEND2, and BLEND3 than in CONT (p<0.05). The duodenal villi height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD ratio) was higher (p<0.05) in BLEND1 than that in CONT and BLEND2. In the ileum, the VH/CD ratio linearly increased (p<0.05) with the elevated additive levels. In conclusion, the combination of A. bilimbi fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and S. cerevisiae was beneficial in reducing intestinal pathogen load and improving intestinal morphology of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the influence of fermented papaya leaf and seed powder (FPLS) and/or multienzymes on the growth, physiology, antioxidant, and gut ecology of the Indonesian crossbred chicken (ICC) at high stocking density. Three hundred and seventy ICC were randomly allotted to LSD (chicks fed conventional feed at low stocking density), HSD (chicks fed conventional feed at high stocking density), HSD+mE (chicks fed conventional feed plus multienzyme at high stocking density), HSD+FPLS (chicks fed FPLS at high stocking density) and HSD+FPLS+mE (chicks fed FPLS plus multienzyme at high stocking density). Body weight and feed intake were determined weekly. Two ICC were taken from each pen (10 chicks per treatment group) at week 10 for sampling. The study was arranged based on a completely randomized design with five treatment groups, each consisted of five replicates. Except for performance, analysis of variance was conducted on two chicks from each replicate (10 chicks per treatment group). Chicks in LSD consumed more (p<0.05) feed and had a higher (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Platelet distribution width (PDW) was lower (p<0.05) in HSD, HSD+FPLS, and HSD+FPLS+mE chicks than in LSD chicks. Lymphocyte counts were lower (p<0.05) in HSD relative to HSD+mE chicks. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was higher (p<0.05) in HSD and HSD+FPLS+mE chicks than in LSD, HSD+mE, and HSD+FPLS chicks. High-density lipoprotein was smaller (p<0.05) in HSD+mE chicks than in LSD, HSD, and HSD+FPLS chicks. Compared to the other treatment groups of chicks, HSD+FPLS chicks had a lower (p<0.05) albumin level. Creatinine level was lower (p<0.05) in HSD chicks than in the other group of chicks. Enterobacteriaceae counts were lower (p<0.05) in HSD+FPLS cecal content of chicks than in LSD and HSD chicks. The redness values of breast meats were lower (p<0.05) in HSD+FPLS chicks than the chicks in HSD+mE and HSD+FPLS+mE dietary treatments. LSD chicks had higher (p<0.05) redness values of thigh meat than the other treatment groups of chicks. LSD chicks also had higher (p<0.05) yellowness values than HSD+mE and HSD+FPLS+mE chicks. In conclusion, high stocking density resulted in mild stress conditions, as was demonstrated by the increased SOD and decreased PDW and redness meat values. A combination of FPLS and multienzyme ameliorated the adverse influence of high stocking density in ICC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of administration of graded levels of fermented Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate in drinking water on the growth performance, hematological variables, intestinal ecology, and carcass characteristics of broilers. The experiment was arranged based on a completely randomized design. Two hundred day-old-Lohmann broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatment groups, each consisting of 5 replications with 10 chicks in each replication. The treatments were administration of fermented A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate through drinking water at concentrations of 0% (CONT), 0.5% (FAB05), 1.0% (FAB1), and 2.0% (FAB2). Blood was sampled on days 21 and 33, while intestinal segments and digesta were collected on day 33. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p<0.05) with the increased concentrations of fermented filtrate in drinking water. Body weight, cumulative feed intake, and mortality of broilers were not affected by the treatments. On day 21, thrombocytes decreased (p<0.05) with the increased concentrations of fermented filtrate. On day 33, leukocytes and lymphocytes were lower (p<0.05) in treated chicks than in control. On day 21, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p<0.05) with the enhanced fermented filtrate concentrations. On day 33, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased (p<0.05) following the increased fermented filtrate concentration in drinking water. Fermented fruit filtrate increased (p<0.05) jejunal villi height and ileal crypt depth. Fermented filtrate also resulted in higher (p<0.05) pH values of jejunum. The Enterobacteriaceae counts in the ileum decreased (p<0.05) with the increased fermented filtrate concentration in drinking water. Fermented fruit filtrate decreased (p<0.05) the liver and caeca weights and increased (p<0.05) the proventriculus weight. In conclusion, administration of 2% of fermented A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate (pH 1.83) through drinking water improved FCR, physiological condition, and intestinal ecology of broilers. The addition of fermented fruit filtrate up to 2% in drinking water did not exert a negative effect on the carcass characteristics of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of two-stage fermented cassava pulp (FCP) on growth, blood parameters, intestinal microbiology and carcass characteristics of broilers. Two hundreds Lohmann broiler chicks were used from days 22 to 38 and allotted to CONT (maize-soybean-mealbased finisher diet), FCP-10 (finisher diet containing 10% FCP), FCP-15 (15% FCP) and FCP-20 (20% FCP). FCP was included into finisher diet at the expense of maize. On day 38, one bird per replicate was blood sampled and slaughtered. Ileal and caecal digesta and duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments were obtained for intestinal microbiology and villi height measurements. Breast muscle was obtained for meat colour determination. FCP-10 had a higher (p.0.05) body weight gain than CONT. Feed intake was highest (p.0.05) in FCP-15 and the lowest (p.0.05) in CONT. Feed conversion ratio was lowest and highest in FCP-10 and FCP-15, respectively (p.0.05). FCP-20 had a lower (p.0.05) abdominal fat than CONT and FCP-10. CONT had lower (p.0.05) serum total triglycerides than FCP-15 and FCP-20. Duodenal villi height for FCP-20 was higher (p.0.05) than that for CONT and FCP-15. The ileal villi height for FCP-20 was lower (p.0.05) than that for CONT and FCP-15. The wings relative weight was higher (p.0.05) in FCP-20 than in FCP-10 and FCP-15. FCP-15 and FCP-20 had higher (p.0.05) L* (lightness) values than CONT. In conclusion, feeding two-stage FCP up to 20% had no deleterious effect on growth, haematological parameters, intestinal microbiology and carcass characteristics. Feeding two-stage FCP at a level of 20% reduced the abdominal fat content and increased duodenal villi height of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]