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Eggshell and bone quality were investigated at 72 wk of age (WOA) using Lohmann Brown and Dekalb White hens raised with a rearing spacing allowance (SA) of 247 and 299 cm2·bird−1 from days 0 to 16 before being transferred to a common SA (755 cm2·bird−1) for lay cycle. Eggshell thickness, breaking strength, along with tibia and femur weight, breaking strength, length, and ash were measured at 72 WOA. Strain and SA did not interact on any above parameter (P > 0.05). Hens reared in high SA during the pullet phase had heavier tibia and more femur ash, indicating rearing environment during the pullet phase influences the bone quality of hens in the late laying stage (P

Chicken Farmers of Canada has been progressively phasing out prophylactic use of antibiotics in broiler chicken production. Consequently, hatcheries, veterinarians, and nutritionists have been mandated to contend with less reliance on the use of preventive antibiotics. A topical concern is the increased risk of proliferation of enteric pathogens leading to poor performance, increased mortality, and compromised welfare. Moreover, the gut harbors several taxa such as Campylobacter and Salmonella capable of causing significant illnesses in humans via contaminated poultry products. This has created an opportunity for research and development of dietary strategies designed to modulate gastrointestinal environment for enhanced performance and food safety. Albeit with inconsistent responses, literature data suggest that dietary strategies such as feed enzymes, probiotics/prebiotics, and phytogenic feed additives can bolster gut health and function in broiler chickens. However, much of the efficacy data were generated at controlled research settings that vary significantly with the complex commercial broiler production operations due to variation in dietary, health, and environmental conditions. This review will summarize implications of mandated restrictions on the preventative use of antibiotics and emerging Canadian broiler production programs to meet processor specifications. Challenges and opportunities for integrating alternative dietary strategies in commercial broiler production settings will be highlighted.

The effects of rearing cage type and dietary Ca, available P and vitamin D3 (VitD3) on body and skeletal development were studied. A total of 3,420 Lohmann LSL-Lite day-old chicks were reared in conventional (CON) or furnished cages (FUR) to 16 wk of age. Initially, 40 and 150 chicks/cage were placed in CON and FUR and transitioned to 20 and 75 chicks/cage at 8 wk of age, respectively. Three diets: Diet 1, Diet 1.5 and Diet 2 were formulated to meet nutrient specifications with Diet 1.5 and Diet 2 containing 1.5 and 2 times more Ca, P and VitD3 than Diet 1, respectively. Diets were allocated within cage type to give 6 replicates and fed in 3 feeding programs: starter, grower and developer. At 4, 12 and 16 wk of age, BW was recorded, and femur, tibia and blood samples for bone quality and related parameters. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) of cage type, diet and pullet age on BW, plasma Ca and inorganic P, femur and tibia morphometry, mineral density (MD), breaking strength (BS) and ash concentration (AC). Concentration of Ca, P and VitD3 linearly decreased BW (P

Effects of feeding ISA brown and Shaver white breeders sources of n-3 fatty acids (FA) on egg components, apparent embryonic uptake (AEU) of egg components, and hatching body composition were examined. A total of 240 females and 30 males per each strain were fed either: (1) control (CON); (2) CON + 1% of dried microalgae (DMA), as a source of docosahexaenoic acid; or (3) CON + 2.60% of dry extruded product consisting of full-fat flaxseed (FFF), as a source of α-linolenic acid for 30 d. Eggs were incubated and the residual yolks (RY) sampled at hatch for AEU of dry matter (DM), minerals, and organic matter (OM). Feeding n-3 FA sources reduced the AEU of OM and minerals resulting in a higher ratio of RY to body weight (P = 0.002). Feeding FFF increased body fat and decreased lean in Shaver white hatchlings compared with CON (P

We investigated efficacy of in ovo application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on intestinal expression of EGF receptor (EGFR) during embryogenesis (experiment 1) and posthatch growth performance and gastrointestinal development in broiler chickens (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 450 fertile Ross 708 eggs were allocated to 3 groups (150 eggs/group): 1) control, 2) 160 μg EGF/kg of egg, and 3) 640 μg of EGF/kg of egg. Eggs were candled for live embryos on day 16 and injected with the respective treatment solutions on day 17 and sampled for jejunal tissue from day 17 to hatch for EGFR analyses. There was no effect of EGF (P > 0.05) on EGFR expression on day 17 to 20; however, on day 21, EGF increased (P < 0.05) EGFR expression in EGF birds relative to control birds. In experiment 2, 600 fertile Ross 708 eggs were allocated to 5 treatments: 1) intact, no puncture or injection, 2) punched but not injected, 3) control, no EGF, 4) 80 μg of EGF/kg of egg, and 5) 160 μg of EGF/kg of egg. The eggs were incubated and candled for live embryos on D 19, treated, and subsequently transferred to the hatcher. Upon hatching, chicks were weighed, and 90 chicks per treatment placed in cages (15 birds/cage) and allowed free access to a standard antibiotic-free corn-soybean diet for 21 D. Feed intake and body weight were monitored on a weekly basis. Samples of birds were necropsied on D 0, 7, 14, and 21 for measurements of intestinal weight and jejunal histomorphology and excreta samples taken on D 3 to 5 and 17 to 19 for apparent retention of dry matter. There was no EGF effect (P > 0.05) on any posthatch response criteria. In conclusion, in ovo application of EGF increased EGFR expression but had no effect on posthatch growth performance, DM retention, and intestinal development. The lack of EGF effect on posthatch response was surprising but suggested in ovo application of EGF may not be a viable approach.

We investigated effects of rearing cage type and dietary limestone particle size (LPS) on egg production, egg weight, eggshell, and bone quality in laying hens. The pullets were reared in conventional (CON; 20 chicks/cage, 270 cm2/chick) or furnished (FUR; 30 chicks/cage; 636 cm2/chick) cages and fed 3 LPS (fine, 0.05) between rearing cage type and dietary LPS on response variables. At 19 and 20 woa, HDEP was higher (P < 0.01) for FUR than CON reared hens but was similar (P > 0.05) afterward. At 40 woa, FUR reared hens had higher (P 0.05) on HDEP, BW, EW, and eggshell quality. Although, rearing dietary LPS did not affect (P > 0.05) femur and tibia BMD and BMC; at 24 woa, hens reared on medium LPS tended to have higher femur BMD (0.17 vs. 0.14 g/cm2; P = 0.079) and BMC (0.99 vs.0.78 g; P = 0.088) than hens reared on fine LPS. In conclusion, hens reared in furnished cages had better eggshell quality but had marginal effects on femur and tibia quality, whereas rearing dietary LPS had no effects on eggshell and bone attributes in hens.

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) in samples of organic corn and soybean meal (SBM) were determined. Conventional corn (CC) and SBM (CSBM) samples were tested for comparison. A total of 560, fourteen-day-old male broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were weighed, placed in cages (10 birds per cage), and allocated to seven (n = 8) semi-purified wheat-starch-based diets. Diets were (1) CC, (2) imported organic corn, (3) local organic corn, (4) CSBM, (5) imported organic SBM (OSBMI), (6) local organic SBM (OSBML), and (7) nitrogen-free wheat starch. Only few differences were observed on SID of AA; SID of lysine was lower (P = 0.002) in organic corn samples relative to CC, and SID of methionine was lower (P = 0.002) in OSBML sample relative to CSBM and OSBMI samples. The AMEn of CC was higher (P

Effects of rearing cage type and dietary limestone particle size (LPS) on growth, apparent retention (AR) of nutrients, and bone quality were investigated. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with cage (conventional, CON and furnished, FUR) and LPS (fine, < 0.595 mm, F; medium, 0.595 to < 1.68 mm, M; and 1:1 mixture of F and M wt/wt; FM). A total of 900-day-old Lohmann LSL-Lite chicks were placed in CON (20 chicks/cage) and FUR (30 chicks/cage) based on BW. The diets were formulated according to breeder's nutrient specifications for starter, grower, and developer phases. At the end of 4, 12, and 16 wk of age (woa), 2 pullets/cage were euthanized for samples. At 12 and 16 woa, 1 pullet/cage was transferred to metabolism cages for AR measurements. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between cage type and LPS on response variables. At 4 woa, body (P = 0.002) and bone (P < 0.05) weight was higher for CON than FUR pullets, but this was reversed (P

1. A total of 864 d old (male) Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks were allocated to 48 floor pens (12 pens/treatment and 18 birds/pen) to investigate dose-response of a blend of seaweeds (SB) on growth performance, breast yield, jejunal histomorphology, microbial metabolites and community and plasma biochemical profile. 2. A maize-soybean meal diet was formulated with 0, 5, 10 or 20 g/kg of SB. Diets were formulated for a three-phase feeding programme (starter: d 0-10, grower: d 11-24, and finisher: d 25-42) and met or exceeded Aviagen nutrient specifications. Diets were allocated to pens (n = 12) balanced for body weight (BW). Birds had free access to feed and water, BW and feed intake (FI) were monitored by phase. One bird per pen was randomly selected on d 42, bled for plasma, and samples for intestinal tissue and caecal digesta were taken. Microbial DNA was extracted and submitted for microbial community profile using the Illumina Miseq® platform. 3. In the starter phase, SB linearly (

The effects of coextruded full-fat flaxseed and pulses (FFF; 1:1 wt/wt) mixture on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enrichment in egg yolk, hepatic attributes, apparent retention (AR) of components, and ceca metabolites were evaluated in broiler breeder hens. The diets were as follows: 1) corn–soybean control, 2) control diet plus 18% FFF (FFF−), and 3) FFF plus enzyme supplement (FFF+) containing galactanase, protease, mannanase, glucanase, xylanase, amylase, and cellulase activities. Twenty-six-week-old Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens were allocated to 30 identical cages (2 hens/cage) and given 1-week adaptation period. The 3 diets were assigned to 10 replicate cages based on postadaptation BW and fed based on breeder curve for 30 D. Excreta samples were collected from day 24 to 27 for determination of AR of components, and eggs were collected from day 28 to 30 for yolk polyunsaturated fatty acids analyses. On day 30, birds were weighed, killed via cervical dislocation, liver weighed, and stored for fat analyses. Ceca digesta samples were taken for concentration of short-chain fatty acids. Liver and yolk weights as well as total yolk FA were not influenced by diets (P > 0.05). Control birds had lower yolk concentration of α-linolenic acid than birds fed either FFF− or FFF+ (P

The present study evaluated production performance responses to Ile supplementation in laying hens fed low crude protein (LCP), amino acid (AA) balanced diets. A total of 179 Shaver white pullets were distributed into 30 battery cages (6 birds/cage, n = 6) and observed over the course of 27 wk in a 2-phase (20 to 27 and 28 to 46 wk of age) feeding program. Five isocaloric diets were formulated for standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys intake of 750 and 710 mg/D in phase 1 and 2, respectively, and included a positive control with standard levels of crude protein (CP) (CON; 18 and 16% CP for phases 1 and 2), and 4 LCP diets (16 and 14% CP for phase 1 and 2, respectively) with graded levels of Ile to satisfy SID Ile:Lys ratios of 70 (Ile70), 80 (Ile80), 90 (Ile90), and 100% (Ile100). Based on analyzed dietary AA, the calculated SID Ile:Lys of LCP diets were 75, 84, 88, 99% and 66, 72, 82, 95% for phase 1 and 2, respectively. Dietary treatments significantly (P < 0.05) affected feed intake, hen-day egg production (HDEP), egg weight (EW), feed conversion ratio, and egg quality (Haugh unit) and composition (yolk to albumen). Lowering dietary CP negatively affected HDEP with a 3.3 and 1.5% reduction in phase 1 and 2, respectively, and this was restored with the addition of Ile (P < 0.001) suggesting that Ile was limiting in the LCP basal diet. Average EW was reduced in Ile100 only; however, the Ile:Lys appeared to influence egg size uniformity, with Ile90 producing a greater proportion of large (56 g ≤ EW > 63 g) eggs, suggesting that Ile may be used to manipulate EW at the expense of HDEP. Overall, the results indicated that CP in laying hen diets can be reduced by 2% units if fortified with synthetic AA (Met, Lys, Thr, Trp) + Ile, with optimal responses observed between 82 and 88% SID Ile:Lys.

There is limited information on feeding egg-type chick breeders n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and its impact on hatching egg quality and embryonic fatty acid (FA) utilization. We investigated the effects of feeding brown and white egg-type chick breeders diets containing sources of n−3 PUFA on egg composition, apparent embryonic FA utilization, and intestinal FA transporter in hatchlings. Twenty-six-week-old ISA brown and Shaver white breeders were fed either 1) control (CON); 2) CON + 1% of microalgae (DMA, Aurantiochytrium limacinum) fermentation product, as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); or 3) CON + 2.60% of coextruded full-fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (FFF, 1:1 wt/wt) as a source of α-linolenic acid (ALA). Test diets had similar total n−3 and n−6:n−3 ratio. Eggs were hatched, and residual yolk (RY) samples taken for FA analyses. Apparent embryonic FA utilization was calculated by subtracting concentration of FA in RY from concentration of FA in yolk before incubation. There was an interaction between strains and diets (P 0.05). Embryos from hens fed n−3 PUFA sources used less total FA in phospholipid fraction (P

Effects of total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on egg production and quality, organ weight, and apparent retention (AR) of components were investigated in Shaver White hens from 28 to 43 wk of age. A total of 108 birds, (6 birds/cage) were assigned to three diets (6 replicates/diet). Diets were control corn–SBM diet and two additional diets made with the addition of either 10 or 15% BSFLM. Diets met or exceeded breeder specifications, contained TiO2 as an indigestible marker, and were prepared in pellet form. Birds had free access to feed and water throughout the experiment. Hen-day egg production (HDEP) was monitored daily. Feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were monitored in 4-wk intervals. All eggs laid on the sixth day of wks 31, 35, 39, and 43 were used for egg weight (EW), Haugh units (HU), yolk color (YC), shell breaking strength (SBS), and shell thickness (ST). Excreta samples were collected for 3 consecutive days on wk 33 for AR and two birds/cage were necropsied at the end. There were no (P > 0.05) diet effects on HDEP, FI, and HU. Inclusion of BSFLM linearly decreased (P < 0.05) egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) BW. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between diet and sampling time point on egg quality parameters. Inclusion of BSFLM increased SBF and YC linearly (P < 0.05) and ST quadratically (P = 0.028). Inclusion of BSFLM quadratically (P ≤ 0.01) reduced empty ceca weight and increased liver weight and had no effect (P > 0.05) on gizzard, small intestine, and pancreas weights. Feeding BSFLM linearly (P = 0.001) and quadratically (P = 0.007) increased apparent metabolizable energy (AME). Data showed that defatted BSFLM resulted in deeper orange yolks and improved eggshell quality; however, unfavorable FCR linked to lighter eggs as well as heavier birds and liver warrants further investigations.

Due to genetic selection for fast growth and high breast meat yield, commercial strains of broiler chickens and broiler breeders are predisposed to high feed intake; however, feeding broiler breeders ad libitum impairs their health and reproductive performance. Broiler breeders are feed-restricted throughout rearing to maintain health and performance, yet feed restriction results in hunger, feeding frustration and lack of satiety. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of alternative feeding strategies, including feed additives (separately or combined) and a fixed non-daily feeding schedule, on the feeding motivation and welfare of broiler breeders during rearing. At 3 weeks of age, 180 Ross 308 breeder pullets were allocated to 90 cages and fed with one of five isocaloric treatments: (1) daily control diet (control), (2) daily calcium propionate diet (CaP), (3) daily soybean hull diet (SBH), (4) daily alternative diet (alternative: CaP + SBH) and (5) 4/3 control diet (four on-feed days and three non-consecutive off-feed days per week). The CaP diet included calcium propionate at 1.4% from 3 to 6 weeks of age, and at 3.2% from 7 to 12 weeks of age, and the SBH diet contained soybean hulls included at 40%. The alternative diet included both soybean hulls and calcium propionate at the same inclusion rate as the SBH and CaP diets, respectively. Pullets were weighed and scored for feather coverage every week. A feed intake test was conducted at 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11 weeks of age for 10 min during on- and off-feed days. At 12 weeks of age, feather samples were analysed for fault bars. Data were analysed using linear mixed regression models, with cage nested in the models and age as a repeated measure. At 4 weeks of age, pullets fed soybean hull-enriched diets (SBH and alternative diets) and those on the 4/3 schedule had lower feed intake than control pullets (P = 0.02). Feathers from pullets fed the SBH diet had fewer fault bars than those fed the CaP diet (P = 0.04). The results indicated that the inclusion of soybean hulls (alone or combined with calcium propionate) and a 4/3 feeding schedule can reduce feeding motivation of broiler breeders during early rearing.

Production and metabolic consequences of feeding 49-wk-old Shaver white hens a high-energy low-crude-protein (HELP) diet were investigated over 6 wk. The test diets included standard diet [2750 kcal kg−1apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and 17.5% crude protein (CP)], HELP (3000 kcal kg−1of AME and 13.0% CP) diet, and HELP top dressed with selenium (HELP + Se). All diets had 0.3 mg Se kg−1as part of premix. Hens (33) were procured, three birds necropsied for baseline liver samples, and the rest placed in individual cages and allocated diets (n = 10). Feed intake (FI), hen day egg production (HDEP), and egg weight (EW) were monitored weekly. Plasma and liver samples were collected from all birds. Birds fed standard and HELP diets had similar (P > 0.05) FI (with exception of weeks 4 and 5) and HDEP, whereas HELP + Se depressed (P 0.05) diet effects on hepatic weight and crude fat content. Birds fed HELP diets had lower (P > 0.05) concentration of plasma total protein, macrominerals, and some enzymes. Overall, HELP diet had minimal impact on production and metabolism; however, addition of Se had negative effects on hen performance.

To study the effects of pre-lay dietary Ca and strain on Ca utilization and femur quality at 1st through to 50th egg, 30 Lohmann Brown (LB) and 30 Lohmann Selected Leghorn-Lite (LSL) pullets (14 weeks of age, woa) reared under same management regimen were used. Six pullets/strain were necropsied for baseline femur samples and the rest (24 pullets/strain) placed in individual cages (65 × 30 × 45 cm3) and fed 1% Ca developer diet for 2 wk. At 16 woa, all pullets were weighed and allocated within strains to pre-lay diets (2.5 vs. 4.0% Ca) effectively creating a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The pullets were offered pre-lay diets for 2 wk and switched to 4% Ca diet at 18 woa. The diets contained TiO2 to determine apparent retention (AR) of Ca. The age, BW, and feed intake (FI) at 1st, 25th, and 50th egg were recorded. Excreta samples were taken during pre-lay, at 1st and 25th egg and 4 hens per treatment were necropsied for femur samples at 1st, 25th, and 50th egg. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between pre-lay Ca and strain on Ca intake, femur mineral density (FMD), mineral content (FMC), breaking strength (FBS), and ash (FA) content at 1st, 25th, and 50th egg. At 1st egg, pre-lay Ca interacted with strain on AR of Ca (P = 0.014) such that LB hens retained more Ca at 2.5 vs. 4.0% Ca or LSL at 2.5% Ca. Pre-lay Ca had no effect (P > 0.05) on FMD, FMC, FBS, and FA at 1st, 25th, and 50th egg lay. Compared with LB hens, LSL hens had higher FMD (0.30 vs. 0.19 g/cm2; P = 0.010) and FA (51.9 vs. 42.5%; P < 0.01) at 1st egg and FBS (259.4 vs. 173.8 N, P < 0.01) at 25th egg. In conclusion, except at 25th egg, pre-lay Ca and strain had independent effect on Ca utilization. Femur attributes to 1st egg suggested innate need for LSL birds to accumulate critical bone mass prior to first oviposition.

Nucleotide-rich yeast extract (YN) was investigated for its effects on growth performance, jejunal histomorphology and mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA), immune organs weight and apparent retention (AR) of components in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. A total of 336 day-old male chicks (Ross x Ross 708) were placed in floor pens and provided a corn-soybean meal-based diet without or with YN (500 g/mt) (n = 14). On day 10, 7 replicates per diet were orally administered with 1 mL of sporulated E. acervulina and E. maxima oocysts and the rest (non-challenged control) administered equivalent distilled water creating a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for the post-challenge period (day 11 to 35). Feed intake (FI), BWG, and FCR responses were measured in pre- and post-challenge periods. Excreta samples were collected on day 14 to 17 and 31 to 34 for oocyst count and AR of components, respectively. On day 15 and 35, 5 birds/pen were necropsied for intestinal samples. Spleen, bursa, and thymus weights were also recorded at both time points and breast yield on day 35. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on pre-challenge growth performance. Interaction (P = 0.046) between Eimeria and YN on FI was such that Eimeria challenge increased FI (day 11 to 35) in non-YN birds. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and YN on other post-challenge responses. Eimeria reduced (P

Yeast bioactives (YB) may stimulate broiler breeders (BB) to increase deposition of immunoglobulins (Ig) in eggs. We investigated the effects of feeding YB (mixture of derivatives from whole yeast subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis) to BB and/or their offspring on growth performance, gut development, and immune function in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. The BB (Ross 708 ♀ and Ross ♂) were assigned to 2 groups (60 ♀ and 10 ♂) and fed basal or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. A total of 250 fertile eggs per treatment were collected, incubated, hatched, and sexed. Additional egg samples were analyzed for IgA and IgY contents. A total of 160 broiler chicks (80 ♀ and 80 ♂) from each breeder experimental group were placed in cages based on sex and BW resulting in 32 cages for each BB treatment group. Cages (16 per BB treatment group) were allocated to basal broiler chick diet or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. On day 9, half of each BB by broiler chick dietary treatments was challenged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of Eimeria acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima). On day 14, all birds were necropsied for intestinal lesion scores and samples. Feeding YB to BB increased (P < 0.05) IgA concentration in egg yolk. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) pancreas weight, jejunal villus height (VH), and growth performance but increased spleen weight, intestinal mass and jejunal mucosa IgA concentration. Independent of Eimeria challenge, feeding YB to BB and/or to chicks resulted in higher (P < 0.001) jejunal VH compared with feeding it to BB only or not at all. In conclusion, Eimeria challenge reduced growth performance and had negative effects on indices of intestinal function and health. Feeding YB to BB increased deposition of IgA in hatching eggs and improved jejunal VH independent of Eimeria challenge when fed to BB and/or to broiler chicks.

We determine interactive effect of a combined model of housing systems for rearing pullets and raising adult birds on bone quality. The LSL-Lite pullets were reared in either an aviary system (A) or conventional cages (C). At week 16, the birds were transferred either to the same housing type through the adult stage (A-A or C-C, for rearing and adult phase, respectively) or to enriched system (A-E or C-E, respectively). In the rearing stage, C cages housed 16 pullets/cage (week 0 to 6) and 8 pullets/cage (week 6 to 16) with a space allowance of 145 and 290 cm2/pullet, respectively; the rearing aviary housed 756 pullets/enclosure allowing 285 cm2/pullet (week 0 to 6) and 754 cm2/pullet (week 6 to 16). In the adult phase, C cages were 58.4 cm wide × 66.0 cm deep (482 cm2/pullet, 8 pullets/cage). For adult A, a commercial multi-tier aviary provided a space allowance >1000 cm2/hen system with litter area. Enriched system housed 60 birds/cage at 750 cm2/bird with perches, nest, and scratch mat. Bone samples were collected from the adult phase (week 73) and analysed for bone quality indices including bone breaking strength (BBS), total bone weight (TBW), ash content of the medullary (femur and tibia), pneumatic (humerus and keel), and radius bones. The A-A hens had the greatest (P

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) in defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) were determined in broiler chicks. A total of 180-d-old male broiler chicks (Ross 708) were fed a commercial broiler starter diet to day 13 of age. On day 14, birds were weighed and placed in cages (10 birds per cage; n = 6) and allocated one of two semi-purified cornstarch-based diets. The diets were nitrogen-free diet (NFD) for estimating endogenous AA losses and 20% crude protein test diet with BSFLM as the sole source of AA. All diets had 0.5% titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an indigestible marker and the ratio of cornstarch to sucrose and soy oil in the test diet was identical to NFD to calculate AMEn by difference method. Birds were given feed and water ad libitum. Excreta samples were collected on days 17–20 and ileal digesta on day 21. The SID of lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine, isoleucine, and valine was 86.3%, 88.7%, 72.8%, 85.5%, 89.6%, and 88.6%, respectively. Apparent retention of gross energy in BSFLM was 64.5% ± 2.27% and AMEn was 2902 ± 101 kcal kg−1 dry matter. The data will aid in accurate incorporation of BSFLM in poultry feeding programs.

There is limited information on the effects of enteric pathogen on bone quality in rapidly growing broiler chicks. We examined tibia and femur attributes (length, diameter, relative weight of ash content [AC] to the BW, ash concentration [AP]) and serum bone-turnover markers including receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) for resorption, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for mineralization, and selected serum metabolites in 14-day-old broilers challenged with Eimeria. A total of 160 (80 males and 80 females) 1-day-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were used. Based on BW, birds were placed within sex in cages (5 birds per cage) and fed chick starter diets to day 9 of age. On day 9, half of the cages were orally gavaged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of E. acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of E. maxima) and the other half (unchallenged control) received 1 mL 0.9% saline in distilled water. On day 14, 2 birds were randomly selected and necropsied for intestinal lesion score, blood, tibia, and femur samples. Data were analyzed in a 2 (challenged vs. unchallenged) × 2 (males vs. females) factorial arrangement. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and sex on any measurement. Whereas there were no intestinal lesions in unchallenged birds, Eimeria resulted in lesion score (0 to 4) of 3.35, 2.59 and 0.11 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum, respectively. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) tibia AC and AP by 10 and 8.2%, respectively but had no (P > 0.10) effect on femur attributes. Generally, males showed (P < 0.05) longer and wider bones with more AC compared with the female. Circulating serum RANKL concentration increased (P = 0.017) in response to Eimeria challenge and was negatively correlated with tibia AC (–0.731; P = 0.021). Our findings showed that Eimeria damage to the intestinal physiology had adverse effects on long bone attributes linked to increased resorption.

Nucleotide-rich yeast extract (YN) was investigated for effects on growth performance, jejunal physiology, and cecal microbial activity in Eimeria-challenged broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old male chicks (Ross × Ross 708) were placed on floor pens and provided a corn-soybean meal-based diet without or with YN (500 g/MT; n = 12). On d 10, 6 replicates per diet were orally administered with 1 mL of E. acervulina and E. maxima sporulated oocysts and the rest (non-challenged control) were administered with 1 mL of distilled water. On d 15, 5 birds/pen were then necropsied for intestinal lesion scores, histomorphology and cecal digesta pH, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and microbial community using Illumina Miseq platform. Supplemental YN improved (P = 0.01) Feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the prechallenge phase (d 0 to 10). In the postchallenge period (d 11 to 15), Eimeria depressed (P < 0.05) Body weight gain (BWG) relative to non-challenged birds, whereas YN-fed birds had a higher (P = 0.05) BWG compared to that of non-YN-fed birds. There was an interaction between YN and Eimeria on jejunal villi height (VH) (P = 0.001) and expression of cationic amino acid transporter 1(CAT1) (P = 0.04). Specifically, in the absence of Eimeria, YN-fed birds had a shorter VH (892 vs. 1,020 μm) relative to that of control but longer VH (533 vs. 447 μm) in the presence of Eimeria. With respect to CAT1, YN-fed birds had a higher (1.65 vs. 0.78) expression when subjected to Eimeria than when not challenged. Independently, Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) the jejunal expression of maltase, Na glucose transporter 1 and occludin genes, ceca digesta abundance of genus Clostridium cluster XlVa and Oscillibacter but increased (P < 0.01) jejunal proliferating cell nuclear antigen and interleukin 10. Interaction between YN and Eimeria was observed for ceca digesta pH (P = 0.04) and total SCFA (P = 0.01) such that YN increased SCFA in the absence of Eimeria but reduced SCFA and increased pH in the presence of Eimeria. In summary, Eimeria impaired performance and gut function and shifted gut microbiome; YN improved performance independently, attenuated Eimeria damage on indices of gut function, and modulated cecal microbiome.

We investigated the effects of adding up to 11% rice bran (RB) in corn-soybean meal diets fed to broiler chickens without or with a multi-enzyme supplement (MES). The MES supplied xylanase, β-glucanase, invertase, protease, cellulase, α-amylase and mannanase with targeted activity of 2,500, 300, 700, 10,000, 1,200, 24,000, and 20 U/kg of feed, respectively. The study used a two-phase feeding program (starter, d 0 to 24; finisher, d 25 to 35) with RB added at 5% and 11%, respectively creating 4 diets in each phase. Diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous and contained phytase (500 FTU/kg) and TiO2 as a digestibility marker. Three hundred and sixty d-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in cages based on BW (15 birds/cage) and allocated to 4 diets (n = 6). Birds had free access to feed and water. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. Excreta samples were collected 3 d prior to the end of each phase for apparent retention (AR) of components. Samples of birds were sacrificed on d 24 and 35 for gut weight and ceca digesta for organic acid content. There was no interaction (P > 0.10) between RB and MES on BWG and FCR in starter or finisher phase. In finisher phase, birds fed MES had better BWG (961 versus 858 g) and FCR (1.69 versus 1.86) than birds fed non-MES diets (P

Calcium and vitamin D are critical in attenuating metabolic Ca insufficiency often observed in older hens. We investigated interactive effects of dietary Ca and top-dressed 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) on egg production, eggshell quality (thickness, EST, and breaking strength, ESBS), serum Ca, kidney, liver, and bones attributes in 74-wk old Lohmann LSL-lite layers. A total of 4 levels of Ca (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5%) and 3 levels of 25OHD3 (0, 69, and 138 μg/kg) were tested. All diets had basal level of 3,300 IU of vitamin D3/kg, were allocated to 84 individually housed hens (n = 7), and fed to 81 wk of age. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in left ulna, femur, and tibia at week 74 (13 spare birds, baseline) and week 81. Birds fed diets containing 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5% Ca consumed 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.8 Ca g/b/d. Interaction (P 0.05) between Ca and 25OHD3 on the rest of the parameters. Calcium increased EST and ESBS quadratically (P < 0.05), EST increased with Ca intake up to 4.1 g of Ca/b/d whereas Ca intakes (3.4 and 4.8 g of Ca/b/d) had poor ESBS relative to intermediate Ca intakes. Kidney ash concentration increased linearly (P = 009) with Ca intake. However, BMC and BMD in ulna, tibia, and femur declined (P < 0.05) at week 81 relative to baseline. In conclusion, top dressed 25OHD3 linearly increased egg weight at various Ca intakes with no negative effect on eggshell quality or bone attributes. Feeding 4.1 to 4.2 g of Ca/b/d improved eggshell quality, however, higher intake deteriorated eggshell quality and increased renal ash accumulation with no benefit on skeletal integrity.

Structural bone depletion over the course of lay cycle predisposes hens to skeletal problems. We investigated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) and top-dressed 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25OHD3) on attributes [relative weight, ash content (AC), and ash concentration (ACN)] in whole ulna, femur, tibia, and subparts of femur and tibia (epiphysis, medullary, and cortical) in 74-wk-old Lohmann LSL-lite layers. Four levels of Ca (3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, and 4.5%) and three levels of 25OHD3 (0, 69, and 138 μg kg−1) were tested. All diets had basal level of 3300 IU of vitamin D3 kg−1. Eighty-four, 74-wk-old hens were placed in individual cages, and 13 spare hens were sacrificed for baseline samples. Diets (n = 7) were fed to 81 wks of age, and hens were sacrificed for bone samples. There were no (P > 0.05) diet effects on whole bone attributes. Interaction (P

Comparative efficacy of deoxynivalenol (DON) detoxifying feed additives (FA) was evaluated in growth performance (exp. 1) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD; exp. 2) nursery pig studies. Six corn–soybean meal-based diets were used: 1) positive control (PC, formulated with 0.05) to that of pigs fed PC diet but greater (P = 0.01) than for pigs fed NC without or with other FA. Pigs fed NC and NC + FA2 had lower (P = 0.026) average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs fed PC and NC + FA3. Pigs fed NC + FA4 had greater (P = 0.003) G:F than pigs fed the other diets. Diets had no effect (P > 0.05) on ADG, ADFI, and G: F after first week, plasma concentration of urea and creatinine or liver and spleen weight. Pigs fed NC diets had greater (P = 0.01) jejunal mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 relative to pigs fed PC or NC plus FA. Jejunal histomorphology and mRNA expression of nutrient transporters, inflammatory cytokines, and tight junction proteins and ceca digesta concentration of short-chain fatty acids were not affected (P > 0.05) by the diet. In exp. 2, 24 barrows (BW 10.2 ± 0.3 kg) were individually placed in metabolism crates and allocated to four diets: PC, NC, NC + FA3, and NC + FA4 (n = 6) containing TiO2 as digestibility marker. Pigs were adjusted to diets for 5 d, followed by a 2-d grab fecal sample collection. Pigs fed PC and NC + FA4 diets had higher ATTD of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein than NC fed pigs. The FA3 was intermediate in digestibility response. In conclusion, FA containing sequestering component plus fungal extract or SMB in DON-contaminated feed resulted in commensurate nursery pig performance to PC. The tested FA mitigated intestinal oxidative stress through decreased expression of genes for superoxide dismutase.

Cranberry and blueberry pomaces are rich in antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. They have been identified as potential antibiotic alternatives in animal feed, but their antioxidative capacity for maintaining or improving the meat quality in broilers is not well documented. This study was to determine whether cranberry and wild blueberry pomaces in diets could positively influence the broiler meat quality. A total of 3,150 broilers were randomly allotted to 10 dietary treatments with bacitracin methylene disalicylate, wild cranberry pomace (CRP) (0.5 and 1% of the basal diet), and wild blueberry pomace (BLP) (0.5 and 1% of the basal diet) alone or in combination with a mixture of feed enzymes. The results showed that supplementation with the CRP or BLP did not affect meat lightness and yellowness, while the deeper red meat (higher a∗ values) was observed in the birds receiving the diet containing 0.5% BLP against those in CRP treatments (P = 0.015). In addition, inclusion of CRP or BLP in the diet did not change meat texture and proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat, ash) irrespective of pomace concentrations. Although there were no obvious effects of CRP or BLP supplementation on meat antioxidant capacity and the incidence of myopathies (P > 0.05), the upward trend of antioxidant capacity and less severity of woody breast were observed in birds fed with 0.5% CRP. Furthermore, supplementation of 0.5 or 1.0% CRP without the enzyme resulted in higher mRNA levers of Nrf, Gpx2, and HO-1 (P

To meet the growing consumer demand for chicken meat, the poultry industry has selected broiler chickens for increasing efficiency and breast yield. While this high productivity means affordable and consistent product, it has come at a cost to broiler welfare. There has been increasing advocacy and consumer pressure on primary breeders, producers, processors, and retailers to improve the welfare of the billions of chickens processed annually. Several small-scale studies have reported better welfare outcomes for slower-growing strains compared to fast-growing, conventional strains. However, these studies often housed birds with range access or used strains with vastly different growth rates. Additionally, there may be traits other than growth, such as body conformation, that influence welfare. As the global poultry industries consider the implications of using slower growing strains, there was a need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary examination of broiler chickens with a wide range of genotypes differing in growth rate and other phenotypic traits. Tomeet this need, our team designed a study to benchmark data on conventional and slower-growing strains of broiler chickens reared in standardized laboratory conditions. Over a 2-year period, we studied 7,528 broilers from 16 different genetic strains. In this paper, we compare the growth, efficiency, and mortality of broilers to one of two target weights (TW): 2.1 kg (TW1) and 3.2 kg (TW2). We categorized strains by their growth rate to TW2 as conventional (CONV), fastest-slow strains (FAST), moderate-slow strains (MOD), and slowest-slow strains (SLOW). When incubated, hatched, housed, managed, and fed the same, the categories of strains differed in body weights, growth rates, feed intake, and feed efficiency. At 48 d of age, strains in the CONV category were 835 to 1,264 g heavier than strains in the other categories. By TW2, differences in body weights and feed intake resulted in a 22 to 43-point difference in feed conversion ratios. Categories of strains did not differ in their overall mortality rates. Global Animal Partnership, Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, and Protekta

The accompanying dataset for this article is available at: Santos, Midian N.; Rothschild, Daniel; Widowski, Tina M.; Barbut, Shai; Kiarie, Elijah G.; Mandell, Ira; Guein, Michele T.; Edwards, A. Michelle; Torrey, Stephanie, 2022, "Replication data for: In pursuit of a better broiler: carcass traits and muscle myopathies in conventional and slower-growing strains of broiler chickens", https://doi.org/10.5683/SP3/T36W8L, Scholars Portal Dataverse. Selection for accelerated growth rate and high breast yield in broiler chickens have been associated with an increase in myopathies, including wooden breast (WB) and white striping (WS). To investigate effects of growth rate on carcass traits and incidence of myopathies, 14 strains were evaluated, encompassing 2 conventional(CONV; strains B and C: ADG0-48 > 60 g/d)and 12 slower-growing (SL) strains. The latter were categorized based on growth rate: FAST (strains F, G, I and M; ADG0-62=53−55 g/d), MOD (strains E, H, O and S; ADG0-62=50-51 g/d), and SLOW (strains D, J, K and N; ADG0-62

Modern broiler chickens are associated with rapid growth rates and superior feed efficiency. However, they are also susceptible to physiological and metabolic disorders (e.g., skin lesions, lameness, sudden death, enteric diseases, myopathies) that exert substantial economic losses to producers. This is further exacerbated by consumer pressure and mandated cessation of production practices such as indiscriminate use of antimicrobial growth promoters. Manipulation of broiler breeder (BB) nutrition and management can influence chick quality, robustness, and resilience to stressors in the production environment. The present review examines the role of feeding BB functional polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and subsequent impact on the indices of immunocompetence, skeletal, and gastrointestinal (GIT) development in broiler chickens. Research in mammalian and avian models led evidence that perinatal feeding of long chain n-3 PUFA such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) engender transgenerational effects through regulation of a variety of biological processes including development of vital organs such as skeleton, brain and GIT. It is shown that feeding poultry breeders n-3 PUFA decreases inflammatory states and enriches hatching eggs with n-3 PUFA and immunoglobulins. Further evidence also shows that after 15 days of incubation, chicken embryos preferentially utilize long chain n-3 PUFA-critical for optimal cell, tissues, and organ development. Enrichment of n-3 PUFA in newly hatchling tissues reduce proinflammatory eicosanoids with consequences of enhanced bone mineralization. Dietary n-3 PUFA also modulates breeder GIT microbiota with consequences of microbial colonization and succession in chicks. As well, research shows that feeding poultry breeders n-3 PUFA bolsters progeny immunocompetence through enhanced passive immunity and antibody titres against routine vaccination. In conclusion, it appears that chicks may benefit from the incorporation of n-3 PUFA in the breeder diets; however, little attention is paid to fatty acids composition in breeder nutrition. We also highlight gaps in knowledge and future research perspectives.

Indigestible fiber–protein–phytate complexes reduce the feeding value of soy products. We investigated the effects of multienzyme supplement (MES, Victus) on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and minerals in roasted full-fat soybean (FFSB) seeds and expelled-extruded soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing pigs. The crude protein (CP) was 33.4% and 42.8% dry matter (DM) in FFSB seeds and SBM, respectively and corresponding values for crude fat were 17.4% and 11.8% DM. Semi-purified diets with 50% of either FFSB seeds or SBM as the sole source of AA were prepared without or with MES supplying phytase, protease, xylanase, and β-glucanase at 2,200, 8,300, 400, and 100 U/kg of feed, respectively. Diets had TiO2 as an indigestible marker and the ratio of cornstarch to sucrose and corn oil was identical to calculate DE by the difference method. Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (22.1 ± 0.61 kg) were fed diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to give eight replicates per diet. The period lasted for 9 d: 5 d for acclimation, 2 d for fecal, and 2 d for ileal digesta samples. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between soy type and MES or MES effect on SID of AA; SBM had higher (P < 0.05) SID of CP, His, Leu, and Lys. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between soy type and MES on energy digestibility. The FFSB seeds had higher ATTD of gross energy (GE, 80.2% vs. 76.6%; P < 0.01) than SBM. Pigs fed MES had higher (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM (91.3% vs. 87.7 %), GE (87.5% vs. 82.4%), CP (86.4% vs. 82.9%), crude fat (70.6% vs. 54.9%), Ca (63.2% vs. 60.2%), and P (67.5% vs. 63.2%). In conclusions, differences on AA and energy digestibility in soy products could be linked to processing and compositional differences. Although MES had no effect on SID of AA, the effects on the utilization of minerals and energy demonstrated the value of fiber-degrading enzymes, protease, and phytase in improving the nutritive value of soy products independent of processing.

Benzoic acid (BA) supplement was evaluated as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP). Ninety-six piglets (21-d-old at weaning) were placed in pens (four piglets pen−1) based on body weight (BW) and allocated (n = 8) to either control corn–soybean meal diet or control + in-feed antibiotic (AGP, 220 mg chlortetracycline hydrochloride and 31.2 mg tiamulin kg−1) or control + 0.5% BA. Feed intake and BW were measured weekly. Fecal scores for incidence of diarrhea and fecal samples for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of components were taken in week 2. One pig per pen was euthanized on day 14 for jejunal histomorphology and digesta for pH and short-chain fatty acids concentration. In weeks 1–6, pigs fed AGP and BA had better (P 0.05) with control pigs. In conclusion, BA supported piglet growth performance to the same extent as AGP.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of adding flaxseed meal (FM) or oat hulls (OHs) in pigs' diets on digestibility of dietary fiber (DF) and fatty acids (FAs), and gastrointestinal flows of FA and bile acids (BAs). Twelve Genesus [(Duroc ♂ × Yorkshire-Landrace ♀)] cannulated barrows (initial BW: 35.1 ± 0.44 kg) were individually housed and offered diets in a two-period cross-over design (n = 8). In each period, four pigs were assigned to one of the three corn-soybean meal-based diets without (control), or with FM or OHs. Soybean oil was added in each diet to give an FA content of 4.56%, 6.02%, and 6.05 % in the control, FM, and OH diets, respectively. Feces and ileal digesta contents were collected to determine apparent ileal (AID), total tract (ATTD) digestibility of dietary components and flows of FA and BA. Pigs fed the control diet had greater (P < 0.05) AID of SFA and insoluble DF and ATTD of SFA than pigs offered the OH and FM diets. The AID of total FA and MUFA in FM diet-fed pigs was lower (P = 0.02) compared to those fed the control and OH diets. The ATTD of CP, NDF, insoluble and total DF was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the OH diet than in pigs that consumed the control and FM diets. In the terminal ileum, pigs fed OH and FM diets excreted more (P < 0.05) primary BA and all secondary BA (except lithocholic acid) compared to control diet-fed pigs. The intestinal flows of lithocholic acid in pigs fed the FM diet were higher (P < 0.05) than in pigs offered the control diet. Pigs fed FM and OH diets excreted more (P = 0.001) fecal ursodeoxycholic and total BAs compared to pigs that consumed the control diet. The ileal flows of eicosapentaenoic and erucic acids in pigs fed the FM and OH diets were greater (P < 0.05) than in pigs fed the control diet. The flow of all SFA, and palmitoleic, palmitelaidic, oleic, nervonic, linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, erucic, docosatetraenoic and docosapentaenoic acids in feces were greater (P < 0.05) in OH diet-fed pigs compared to pigs fed other diets. In conclusion, addition of FM and OHs in pig diets reduced FA digestibility, increased gastrointestinal flows of FA and excretion of BA. Dietary supplementation with FM and OHs induces variable effects on digestibility of DF fractions and fecal flows of unsaturated FA. Future studies are needed to quantify the contribution of endogenous FA losses from the host to gastrointestinal flows of FA.

A combination of in vivo (ileal cannulated pigs) and in vitro (fecal inoculum-based incubation) methodologies were used to predict the effects of dietary supplementation with soluble or insoluble dietary fiber on hindgut VFA production and absorption. Energy contribution from hindgut VFA and apparent ileal (AID) and total tract (ATTD) digestibility of energy and DM was also investigated. Twelve ileal cannulated Genesus barrows (initial BW: 35.1 ± 0.44 kg) were allocated to 1 of the 3 corn-soybean meal-based diets without (control), or with flaxseed meal (FM) or oat hulls (OH) in a 2-period cross-over design. Flaxseed meal and oat hulls were used as sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, respectively. In each period, 4 pigs were offered 1 of the 3 diets, for 12 d followed by fecal (day 13 and 14) and ileal digesta collection (day 15 and 16) (n = 8). Ileal digesta were collected, freeze-dried, and subjected to in vitro fermentation using fecal inoculum, to predict production and absorption of VFA and energy production, and digestibility of DM and energy. The quantity of acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids produced by in vitro fermentation was higher (P < 0.05) for the diet containing flaxseed meal compared with the control and OH diets. The predicted quantity of VFA produced and absorbed in the hindgut was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs that consumed the FM diet than those fed the control or OH diet. Pigs fed the control diet had greater (P < 0.05) AID and ATTD of DM than pigs offered the OH or FM diet. The determined disappearance of DM was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the control and OH diets than in pigs that consumed the FM diet. The quantity of digested energy in the upper gut was reduced (P < 0.05) more in pigs fed the OH diet than in pigs fed the FM diet. The consumption of the FM diet increased (P < 0.05) the quantity of digested energy, energy produced and absorbed from VFA in the hindgut, and the percentage contribution of VFA from fermentation to total tract digestible energy, compared with the control and OH diets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with insoluble fiber from oat hulls reduced ileal digested energy more than soluble fiber from flaxseed meal. Addition of soluble fiber to pig diets increased the energy contribution from VFA produced by hindgut fermentation to the total tract digestible energy, compared with dietary addition of insoluble fiber.

We examined egg production and quality responses of adding up to 7.5% defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in a corn–soybean meal diet fed to pullets (19 to 27 wk of age). The concentration of CP and crude fat in BSFLM sample was 59.3 and 7.0% DM, respectively. A corn–soybean meal diet was formulated with 0 or 5.0 or 7.5% BSFLM and fed (n = 6) to a total of 108, 19-wk-old Shaver White pullets placed in conventional cages (6 birds/cage). The birds had free access to feed and water. Hen-day egg production (HDEP) and average egg weight were monitored daily and feed intake (FI) weekly. Egg quality parameters were assessed on individual eggs collected on the 5th d of wk 22, 24, and 26 and included individual EW (IEW), albumen height (HU), yolk color (YC), egg shell-breaking strength (SBS) and thickness (ST). A quadratic response (P < 0.02) was observed for HDEP, EW and egg mass. Specifically, birds fed 0 and 7.5% BSFLM diets had similar (P > 0.05) values for these parameters with birds fed 5.0% BSFLM showing lower (P < 0.05) HDEP than 0 or 7.5% BSFLM fed birds. The HDEP was 89.4, 84.8, and 87.8 for 0, 5.0, and 7.5% BSFLM, respectively. Feeding BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) increased FI and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (FI/egg mass). There was no diet effect (P > 0.05) on IEW and HU, however, BSFLM linearly (P = 0.02) reduced CV of IEW. The IEW was 53.7, 52.3, and 53.0 g for 0, 5.0, and 7.5% BSFLM-fed birds, respectively and corresponding CV values of IEW were 7.9, 5.2, and 5.1%. Feeding BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) increased YC, SBS, and ST. In conclusion, birds fed 7.5% BSFLM had similar HDEP and egg mass but poor FCR relative to corn–soybean meal diet without BSFLM. The effects of BSFLM on egg quality characteristics warrant further investigations.

A total of 72, 65-week-old broiler breeder hens (Ross 308, BW 4,190 ± 45 g) was placed in individual cages to investigate utilization of fiber in soy hulls (SH), oat hulls (OH), and flax meal (FM). Birds were adapted to cages for 10 d prior to allocation (n = 18) to broiler breeder ration (control) or control mixed with either of the 3 fiber sources (wt/wt) added to supply equal amounts of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ∼21% and TiO2. The daily feed allocation was based on 4% BW. Feed intake (FI) was monitored daily, and grab excreta samples were taken on d 16 and 17. On d 18, all birds were weighed and killed 2 h post feeding to measure ceca digesta pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Relative to the control birds, birds receiving fiber lost (P0.05) BW due to decreased (P0.05) FI. The BW changes were respectively +80, -174, -133, and -585 g/bird for control, SH, OH, and FM, and corresponding FI was 1,062, 918, 885, and 590 g/bird. Birds fed FM retained higher (P0.05) NDF than birds fed either SH or OH. The ceca digesta pH was lower (P0.05) in birds receiving added fiber relative to control. However, ceca digesta pH of FM fed birds was lower (P0.05) than in birds fed either SH or OH, which were in turn similar (P0.05). Birds fed FM had higher (P0.05) concentration of butyric acid than birds fed the control diets, while birds fed SH and OH had intermediate butyric acid concentration. Acetic acid and total SCFA concentrations were higher (P0.05) in birds fed OH diet than in birds fed control but was similar (P0.05) to that in birds fed either SH or FM. In conclusion, short term feeding of fibrous feed ingredients reduced BW linked to reduced FI. Fiber sources exhibited differences in utilization reflective of chemical characteristics.

The establishment of a healthy gastrointestinal milieu may not only offer an opportunity to reduce swine production costs but could also open the way for a lifetime of human health improvement. This study investigates the effects of feeding soluble fibre from flaxseed meal-containing diet (FM) and insoluble fibre from oat hulls-containing diet (OH) on histomorphological characteristics, digesta- and mucosa-associated microbiota and their associations with metabolites in pig intestines. In comparison with the control (CON) and OH diets, the consumption of FM increased (P P

The study was conducted to determine the coefficient of apparent (CAID) and standardized ileal digestibility (CSID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA), the digestible energy (DE), metabolisable energy (ME) and calculated net energy (NE) values of flaxseed meal (FM) fed to growing pigs. Nine ileal-cannulated Genesus [(Yorkshire-Landrace♀ × Duroc ♂)] barrows (46.0 ± 1.66 kg BW) were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental diets in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three pigs per diet per period to give nine replicates per treatment. The experimental diets were; a corn-soybean meal diet (Basal), FM plus corn-soybean meal-based diet (Basal-FM) and low N-casein diet. The basal diet was formulated to meet nutrient requirements for growing pigs. The Basal-FM was formulated by replacing a portion of corn and soybean meal in the basal diet with 278 g/kg of FM. Titanium dioxide (TiO2; 3 g/kg) was added in all diets as an indigestible marker. The CAID and CSID of AA and CP as well as the DE and ME values of FM were calculated by the difference method. The NE value of FM was calculated using the determined ME value and analysed macronutrient content according to Noblet et al. (1994): NE = (0.726 × ME) + (13.3 × % Ether extract) + (3.9 × % starch) − (6.2 × %CP) − (8.3 × % ADF). The GE, CP, Lys, Met, Thr, ether extract, NDF, ADF, water holding capacity, swelling capacity and bulk density of FM were 19.5 MJ/kg, 339, 12.21, 6.01, 12.21, 78, 416, 147 g/kg, 8.31 mL/g, 4.05 mL/g and 0.737 g/mL, respectively. The CAID of CP, Lys, Met and Thr for FM were 0.59, 0.62, 0.65 and 0.58, respectively. The CSID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, Trp, Phe and Val for FM were 0.71, 0.79, 0.66, 0.72, 0.71, 0.63, 0.70, 0.68, 0.72 and 0.68, respectively. The DE, ME and calculated NE values of FM were 12.6, 11.4 and 7.5 MJ/kg, respectively. In conclusion, using the CSID of AA and calculated NE values obtained in the current study, flaxseed meal can be incorporated in growing pig diets as an alternative source of dietary protein and energy.

Growth performance, organ weight, ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA), jejunal histomorphometry, tibia ash, apparent retention (AR) of components and caloric efficiency were investigated in broiler chicken strains differing in growth rate fed diets with multienzyme supplement (MES). The strains differed in estimated time to reach 2.1 kg BW: 37, 43, 47, and 50 d and were designated C, F, J, and N, respectively. A corn-soybean meal diet was formulated for 2-phase program (starter and grower) and fed without or with MES containing phytase, protease and fiberdegrading enzymes. A total of 640-day-old chicks (42.3 + 0.01 g/bird) were housed in cages (5 cockerels and 5 pullets/cage) and allocated to give 8 replicates/ strain and diet combination. Equal amount of feed was fed based on observed ad-libitum intake of C strain in the starter (d 0−14) and grower (d 15−28). Body weight was monitored, grab excreta samples taken and at completion of allocated feed one bird per cage necropsied for samples. With exception of P, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) and ceca digesta acetic acid, there was no (P > 0.05) interaction between strain and MES on examined responses. Strains differed (P < 0.01) on growth, FCR, gizzard weight, tibia ash, breast weight, ceca digesta concentration of lactic, propionic, and isobutyric acid and caloric efficiency. The final body weight (BW) was 1,344, 1,134, 959, and 916 g/bird for C, F, J, and N, respectively. Corresponding caloric efficiency was 4,930, 5,807, 6,680 and 7,199 kcal/kg BW gain, respectively. Birds fed MES had higher BW gain (P < 0.05) in grower phase, larger gizzard, higher AR of CP, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and Ca than non-MES birds. In conclusion, growth rate influenced organ attributes, nutrient, and caloric utilization. Enzyme supplementation improved growth in grower phase and nutrient utilization independent of strain, suggesting that effects of feed enzymes are not influenced by inherent growth rate. Global Animal Partnership, Canada First Research Excellence Fund, Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and DSM nutritional products

Effects of fiber on growth performance, gizzard attributes, ileal digesta viscosity, plasma uric acid (PUA) and excreta characteristics were investigated in broiler chickens (experiment 1) and turkey poults (experiment 2) fed corn or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement (MES). Fibrous diets were created by adding 10% corn distillers dried grains with solubles or wheat middlings in corn or wheat-based diets, respectively. The MES had main activities of xylanase and β-glucanase. A total of 960-d old Ross x Ross 708 male chicks and 720-d old male Hybrid toms were allocated to eight grain, fiber and MES combinations to give 6 replicates per combination. In each experiment, birds had free access to feed and water for 28 days. Excreta samples were collected for 3-d prior to the end and on d 28, body weight and feed intake were recorded, birds bled and subsequently necropsied for gastrointestinal samples. There was an interaction (P ≤ 0.036) between grain, fiber and MES in broilers final body weight (FBW) and BW gain (BWG). In this context, high fiber corn diets reduced FBW and BWG and supplementation of MES improved these parameters. Broilers fed corn had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,462 vs. 1,424 g) and BWG (1,416 vs. 1,378 g) than birds fed wheat diets. Broilers fed corn-based diets without fiber diets had a higher ileal viscosity and excreta moisture compared to birds fed wheat-based and high fiber diets. Broilers fed low fiber wheat diets without MES had higher (P < 0.05) PUA concentration compared to birds fed low fiber corn diets without MES. Poults fed wheat diets had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,441 vs. 1,408 g) and BWG (1,376 vs. 1,343 g) than poults fed corn diet. The MES supplementation in corn-based diets rich in fiber increased (P = 0.03) gizzard weight in poults. In conclusion, there were varied growth and physiological responses in broilers and turkey suggesting the need for refining enzyme application for different poultry species.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein known for its mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects was fed to broiler chickens to evaluate growth performance, gastrointestinal measurements, and apparent retention (AR) of components upon challenge with Eimeria. A total of 216, d old male broiler chicks (Ross 708) were placed in cages (6 birds/cage) and allocated to treatments. The treatments were: 1) control (Lactotobacilli lactis fermentation supernatant without EGF), 2) 80 μg of EGF/kg BW/d, and 3) 160 μg of EGF/kg BW/d. A basal antibiotic-free corn-soybean diet containing TiO2 was used. Birds were offered fresh feed with respective treatments on daily basis and had free access to drinking water for 14 d. On d 5, birds (6 replicates per treatment) were challenged with 1 mL of E. acervulina and E. maxima mixture via oral gavage and the other 6 replicates were given sham. Growth performance was measured in pre- (d 0 to 5) and post- (d 6 to 14) challenge periods. Two birds per cage were necropsied on d 10 for intestinal lesion scores and tissue samples for histomorphology and expression of select intestinal genes. Excreta samples for AR of components and oocyst shedding were taken d 10 to 13 and all birds were necropsied on d 14 for gastrointestinal weight. The EGF linearly (P 0.05) on growth performance, AR of GE, and intestinal histomorphology; the main effects were such that Eimeria depressed (P

The effects of adaptation (AD) to xylanase-supplemented diets on nutrient and fiber utilization in 21-d-old broilers were investigated. Six treatments, arranged in two levels of AD (starting at d 0 or d 14 of age) and three levels of xylanase (0 or 2,500 or 5,000 xylanase units/kg feed) were used. All diets had 500 phytase U/kg and 0.3% TiO2 as indigestible marker. A total of 384 d old male broiler (Ross 308) chicks were divided into two groups. The first group was assigned on weight basis to 24 cages (8 chicks per cage) and randomly allocated to the diets from d 0. Birds in the second group were reared on a commercial starter diet in the same room for 13 d. On d 14, the birds were individually weighed, assigned on weight basis to 24 cages (8 chicks per cage), and randomly allocated to the diets. Birds had free access to experimental diets and water. Excreta samples were collected from d 18 to 21. On d 21, all birds were euthanized to access ileal digesta. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between AD and xylanase on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent retention (AR) of components. The main effect of AD was such that the birds exposed to diets for 7 d (d 14 to 21) had higher (P

Chemical composition and, therefore, potential nutritive value of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is constantly evolving as the ethanol industry innovates processing techniques. We determined standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA (Exp. 1) and DE (Exp. 2) contents in high-protein (HP; >40% on a DM basis) DDGS samples. Two HP DDGS (HP-A and HP-B) samples and 1 conventional DDGS (CON) sample were selected for this study. Three semipurified corn starch-based diets (minimum 18% CP, as-fed basis) were formulated with DDGS as the sole source of AA. A fourth, N-free diet was prepared to estimate basal ileal endogenous AA losses. The corn starch:sucrose:oil ratio was kept constant across diets to allow calculation of DE content in DDGS by the difference method. In Exp. 1, 8 ileal-cannulated barrows (23.9 kg initial BW) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design ( = 8). Pigs were fed at 2.8 × maintenance energy requirement. In each period, pigs were adjusted to diets for 5 d followed by a 2 d of 8 h each grab continuous ileal digesta collection. In Exp. 2, 9 barrows (24.9 kg BW) were assigned to the 4 diets in a repeated 9 × 4 Youden square design to give 9 replicates per diet. In each period, pigs were adjusted to diets for 7 d followed by 5 d of fecal grab sample collection. The analyzed CP was 30.1, 42.3, and 43.1% (on a DM basis) in the CON, HP-A, and HP-B samples, respectively; the corresponding values for GE were 5,067, 5,425, and 5,407 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The concentrations of fat and NDF were comparable among the DDGS samples. Except for Arg and Val, the SID values for indispensable AA were not different ( > 0.05) among the 3 DDGS samples. However, HP samples had higher ( < 0.05) SID values for indispensable AA and CP compared with the CON sample. The SID of Lys content was 4.9, 6.1, and 7.4 g/kg DM for the CON, HP-A, and HP-B, respectively; the corresponding values for Met and Thr were 4.6, 6.8, and 7.4 g/kg DM, respectively, and 6.8, 9.5, and 10.7 g/kg DM, respectively. The DE content in HP samples was greater ( < 0.01) than in the CON (3,614, 4,494, and 4,555 kcal/kg DM for the CON, HP-A, and HP-B, respectively). In conclusion, HP DDGS had higher SID content of AA and DE compared with the CON.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of flaxseed meal and oat hulls supplementation on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of fat, serum lipids, and concentrations of VFA, bile acids (BA), and neutral sterols (NS) in digesta and feces in growing pigs. Forty-eight Genesus [(Duroc boar × Yorkshire-Landrace sows] barrows (25.0 ± 0.32 kg initial BW) were housed in pairs. Pigs were assigned to 1 of the 3 corn-soybean meal-based diets-a basal corn-soybean meal-containing diet (control), a flaxseed meal-containing diet (FM), or an oat hulls-containing diet (OH)-in a completely randomized design. All diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and to contain similar standardized ileal digestible AA contents and meet other nutrient requirements for growing pigs. The experiment lasted for 28 d. Average daily feed intake; ADG; G:F; ATTD of fat, serum lipids, and digesta; and fecal VFA, BA, and NS concentrations were determined. Pigs fed the control or OH had greater final BW ( < 0.001), ADFI ( = 0.005), and ADG ( < 0.001) than FM-fed pigs. The ATTD of fat in the FM was lowest at 70.1% followed by 79.2% in OH and was greatest at 92.4% in the control ( = 0.020). Total serum cholesterol content was 2.25 and 1.99 mmol/L and lower ( < 0.001) in pigs fed FM and OH, respectively, than the 2.36 mmol/L in pigs fed the control. Pigs fed the FM and OH had greater ileal and cecal total VFA ( < 0.001), ileal deoxycholic acid ( < 0.01), and cecal ( < 0.001) and fecal cholesterol ( = 0.002) concentrations than those fed the control. Pigs fed the FM excreted more fecal lithocholic acid ( = 0.002) and ursodeoxycholic acid ( = 0.001) compared with those that consumed the control and OH. The concentrations of coprostanol in cecal digesta ( < 0.001) and feces ( = 0.011) were higher in pigs fed the FM and OH than in pigs fed the control. In conclusion, feeding flaxseed meal and oat hulls induced intestinal fermentation; however, the former depressed growth performance whereas the latter did not have any effect. Addition of flaxseed meal and oat hulls in growing pig diets reduced fat digestibility and serum cholesterol and stimulated malabsorption of primary BA and excretion of secondary BA and NS.

Effects of substituting cornstarch with D-xylose on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, serum metabolites, and expression of select hepatic genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism were investigated in broiler chickens. A total of 360 one-day-old male Ross chicks were fed 3 diets (n = 24; 5 chicks/cage) for 21 days. A control corn-soybean meal-based diet with 25% cornstarch was formulated to meet specifications. Two additional diets were formulated by substituting cornstarch with 5 or 15% D-xylose w/w. Growth performance and digestibility by index method were determined in 12 replicate cages. Birds in these replicates had free access to feed and water, the BW and feed intake (FI) were monitored weekly and the excreta samples were collected on d 18 to 20. The other 12 replicates were used for blood and liver sampling by serial slaughter. On d 18, baseline (t0) birds were sampled following a 12 h overnight fasting and birds allowed 30 min access to the feed; samples were subsequently taken at 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min post feeding. Serum metabolites (glucose, xylose, and insulin) were assayed at all time points, whereas expression of hepatic transcripts was evaluated at zero, 180 and 300 min. Xylose linearly reduced (P

Impact of feeding n-3 fatty acids (FA) to ISA brown and Shaver white breeders and their progeny on bone development in pullets was investigated. Breeders were fed Control (CON); CON + 1% microalgae (DMA: Aurantiochytrium limacinum) as the source of docosahexaenoic acid; and CON + 2.6% of a co-extruded mixture of full-fat flaxseed (FFF) and pulses mixture as source of α-linolenic acid. Test diets (DMA and FFF) were balanced for total n-3 FA and n-6: n-3 FA ratio. Samples of day-old progeny were euthanized for bone mineral content (BMC) and tibia collagen type II. The remaining pullets were fed posthatch treatments as follows: from breeder CON: CON (CON-CON), DMA (CON-DMA), and FFF (CON-FFF), from breeder DMA: CON (DMA-CON) and DMA (DMA-DMA) and from breeder FFF: CON (FFF-CON) and FFF (FFF-FFF). A total of 60 pullets per posthatch diets were reared in cages (12 pullets/cage, n = 5) with free access to feed and water, bled at 6, 12, and 18 wk of age (WOA) for bone turnover markers and necropsied at 18 WOA for tibia and femur samples. Day-old pullets from breeder fed CON had greater BMC (P

Emerging market differentiation for broiler meat from strains exhibiting a range of growth rates is necessitating comparative research on various physiological and production aspects of these strains. The objective of the present study was to compare select gastrointestinal, tibial, and plasma attributes in a sample of 48-day-old (50 male and 50 female) broilers obtained from fast-and slow-growing flocks maintained under similar feed and management regimens. Eight birds were randomly selected from a fast (B; representative of modern commercial strains) and each of the 4 slow-growing strains (SG; D, H, M, and E). The strains differed by estimated time to reach 2.2 kg bodyweight corresponding to 36, 50, 42, 44, and 50 D for B, D, H, M, and E, respectively. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma metabolites, and birds were subsequently euthanized, weighed, and necropsied for gizzard and small intestine weight, jejunal tissue for histomorphology, ceca digesta samples for concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and left tibia for ash content. Gizzard was heavier (P 0.05) strain differences on SCFA, jejunal villus height and crypt depth, plasma proteins, and electrolytes. Strains D, H, and M exhibited higher (P = 0.01) tibia ash concentration than B; E was intermediate and not different (P > 0.05) from any strain. Specifically, the tibia ash for B, D, H, SG 3, and E were 1.24, 1.44, 1.43, 1.49, and 1.39 g/kg BW, respectively. The B birds showed higher (P

This study investigated the efficacy of a single strain of Bacillus subtilis (SSB) in modulating the composition of cecal microbiota and its link to the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and apparent retention (AR) of components. A total of 720, 4-week-old Shaver White chicks were allotted to control (CON), 1.1E+08 (low, LSSB), 2.2E+08 (medium, MSSB), or 1.1E+09 (high, HSSB) CFU/kg of diet groups. At grower (10-week), developer (16-week), and laying (28-week) phases, excreta and cecal digesta samples were taken for AR, microbial, and SCFA analyses. Microbial analysis involved high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity decreased (P

Growth performance and physiological responses of feeding modified soy protein concentrate (MSPC, 72% CP) in the starter phase were investigated. A total of 1,216 d old male Ross x Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in 32 floor pens based on BW, fed one of 4 (n = 8) corn-soybean meal-based diets formulated with 0, 7.7, 10.0 or 12.5% MSPC for 10 d and transitioned to common diets to d 42. Feed intake, BW, and mortality were measured. Samples of birds were bled on d 10 for plasma uric acid (PUA) and subsequently necropsied for organs weight and samples of pancreatic tissues for enzyme activity, jejunal tissues for enzyme activity and histomorphology and ceca digesta for microbial activity. Litter moisture was determined on d 36 and 42 and sample of birds were necropsied on d 42 for breast yield and ceca digesta sample for microbial activity. Feeding MSPC linearly (P < 0.001) increased starter growth performance. Overall (d 0–42), MSPC linearly (P = 0.05)improved FCR; The FCR was 1.566, 1.535, 1.488 and 1.527 for 0.0, 7.7, 10.0, and 12.5% MSPC, respectively. Feeding MSPC linearly (P ≤ 0.04) increased breast yield and decreased small intestine length, gizzard digesta pH, and PUA. Breast yield was 230, 238, 246, and 252 g/kg BW for 0.0, 7.7, 10.0, and 12.5% MSPC, respectively. Pancreatic and jejunal chymotrypsin and trypsin activities and histomorphology were not (P > 0.10) influenced by the diets. On d 10, MSPC linearly (P < 0.05) reduced ceca digesta abundance of Ruminococcaceae, E. Coli, and Clostridium but increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and the ratio of Lactobacilli and E. Coli. Birds fed MSPC showed linear (P = 0.01) increase in abundance of Bifidobacterium on d 42. Feeding MSPC linearly increased ceca digesta acetic (P = 0.01) and reduced propionic (P = 0.048), and iso butyric (P = 0.003) in 10 d old broiler chicken. In conclusion, up to 12.5% MSPC inclusion in the starter phase increased growth performance through to d 42 linked to enhanced gut health through reduction of enteric pathogens.