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Background: Chronic heat stress (CHS) is a detrimental environmental stressor with a negative impact on the meat quality of broilers. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigates the effects of CHS on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression and muscle injury in broilers, with a focus on its implications for meat quality. Results: The results showed that CHS diminished breast muscle yield, elevated abdominal fat deposition, induced cellular apoptosis (P < 0.05), and caused myofibrosis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 151 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs when comparing the normal control (NC) and HS groups, 214 DE lncRNAs when comparing the HS and PF groups, and 79 DE lncRNAs when comparing the NC and pair-fed (PF) groups. After eliminating the confounding effect of feed intake, 68 lncRNAs were identified, primarily associated with cellular growth and death, signal transduction, and metabolic regulation. Notably, the apoptosis-related pathway P53, lysosomes, and the fibrosis-related gene TGF-β2 were significantly upregulated by lncRNAs. Conclusions: These findings indicate that chronic heat stress induces cellular apoptosis and muscle injury through lncRNA, leading to connective tissue accumulation, which likely contributes to reduced breast muscle yield and meat quality in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The poultry meat industry is a significant agri-food sector worldwide. Preslaughter operations are crucial as they impact animal welfare, meat quality, and food safety. Despite their importance, few studies focus on broiler preslaughter processes in hot environments. Effective planning, handling, and monitoring are essential to improve conditions and reduce stress, ensuring better meat quality and animal welfare. Poultry production faces significant challenges, including high feed prices, diseases, and thermal stress, which impact broiler welfare and productivity. Despite advances in cooling technologies and ventilation, preslaughter operations still lead to considerable losses. This review highlights the need for the improved management of thermal environments and animal logistics. Preslaughter operations typically involve fasting broilers for 8–12 h to reduce gastrointestinal contents and contamination. Following fasting, broilers are caught, crated, and transported. Stress levels vary based on distance and conditions, with manual catching often causing stress and injuries. Catching should occur during cooler periods to minimise these issues, and transport conditions must be carefully managed. Lairage, the waiting period after transport, should be kept short (1–2 h) in climate-controlled environments to avoid stress and deterioration. Proper handling and efficient unloading are essential to prevent injuries and reduce economic losses. Stunning methods, such as electronarcosis and a controlled atmosphere, aim to minimise suffering before slaughter, though practices vary culturally and religiously. Logistics and real-time monitoring technology are crucial for enhancing animal welfare during transportation. Effective planning and the optimisation of transport processes is vital for reducing stress and losses, especially with regard to rising global temperatures and production demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Insufficient endogenous nutrients in the broiler embryo can lead to muscle gluconeogenesis, which ultimately affects the post‐hatching performance of chicks. This study investigated the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of N‐carbamylglutamate (NCG) on the growth hormones, carcass yield, and meat quality in broilers. Fertile eggs from a 30‐week‐old Ross 308 breeder flock were divided into three treatment groups: NC (non‐injection), SC (100 μL saline‐injection), and NCG (2 mg NCG injection). Each group had six replicates, with 70 eggs per replicate during incubation. Injections were administered on the 17.5th day of embryonic development. After hatching, 270 chicks were selected for 42‐day rearing for further sampling. RESULTS: Chicks in the NCG group had significantly higher body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) at the growing phase, increased growth and testosterone hormone in both feeding phases (21 and 42 days), and improved average daily gain (ADG) and food conversion ratio (FCR) in both grower and entire feeding phases (P < 0.05). Triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) levels, carcass yield, dressing, drum weight, breast muscle weight, drumstick weights, thighs, pectoralis major, and their part percentage of carcass were improved in the NCG group (P < 0.05), these effects were varied along feeding phases. Moreover, IOF of the NCG also improved pectoralis breast muscle color values at 24 h post mortem (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NCG injection at the late embryonic age of broiler enhances growth performance and meat quality throughout the lifespan and this can probably be attributed to an increase in thyroid and testosterone hormones, indicating potential involvement in metabolic and nutrient partitioning pathway regulation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION Rhamnolipids (RLS) are surfactants that improve the growth performance of poultry by improving the absorption of nutrients. This study aims to investigate the effects of RLS replacement of chlortetracycline (CTC) on growth performance, slaughtering traits, meat quality, antioxidant function and nuclear‐factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in broilers. A total of 600 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres chicks were randomly assigned to five groups with eight replicates in each group, raised for 42 days. Broilers were respectively fed a basal diet with no CTC or RLS, 75 mg kg−1 CTC, and 250, 500, 1000 mg kg−1 RLS.Dietary supplementation with RLS linearly increased the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, carcass yield, eviscerated yield, ether extract, enhanced total superoxide and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, overexpressed the relative expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase 1, Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, Manganese superoxide dismutase, GPx and catalase and decreased the lightness value at 24 h, drip loss and malondialdehyde contents of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, broilers fed 1000 mg kg−1 RLS reduced the drip loss and broilers fed 500 mg kg−1 RLS increased muscle crude fat content (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTC group, dietary supplementation with 1000 mg kg−1 RLS increased eviscerated yield (P < 0.05).RLS could improve growth performance, crude fat content, meat quality and antioxidant capacity and activate relative expression of genes in the Nrf2 signaling pathway in broilers. It could be used as an antibiotic substitute in diets and the recommended supplemental dose of RLS in feed of broilers is 1000 mg kg−1. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The global supply of the primary component of poultry feed, i.e., soybean meal, has dwindled due to an imbalance between demand and supply. Hence, there is an urgent need for exploring some cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative protein sources to ensure sustainable poultry production. The outcomes of the present study exhibited that replacing 12% of soybean meal with either Periplaneta americana or Hermetia illucens improves the growth, blood hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of broilers. Consequently, these insects can serve as a viable alternative to traditional protein sources in poultry nutrition, offering a promising solution to meet the rising demand for animal protein, while mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional feed ingredients. Insects are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source in poultry feeds, due to their high protein content, low environmental impact, and efficient feed conversion rates. Using insect-based feeds can reduce the need for traditional protein sources like soybean meal (SBM), which often contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation and high water consumption. The current experiments were devised to assess the impacts of the partial replacement of SBM with the American cockroach Periplaneta americana and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens on the performances, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of male broilers (Ross 308). A total of 350, 1-day-old chicks weighing 40.05 ± 0.27 g were divided into 7 dietary treatments (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen) at random, i.e., a 4, 8, or 12% SMB replacement with P. americana and H. illucens. Soybean meal was used as a basal diet and taken as a control. The results indicated that broilers fed on 12% P. americana or H. illucens showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio, live weight, and daily weight gain. Hematological traits significantly improved (p < 0.05). A gut histology showed increased villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratios, indicating improved nutrient absorption. Broiler meat fed on 12% P. americana meal had significantly higher redness and yellowness (p < 0.05). Substituting soybean meal with up to 12% P. americana or H. illucens meal in poultry feed can enhance the broilers' growth performance, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality. Hence, these findings imply that P. americana or H. illucens meal are viable and constructive alternative protein sources in poultry nutrition, offering a sustainable approach to meet the increasing demand for animal protein across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the ban on the use of antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the opinion of nutritionists turned to their alternatives. Garlic and mushroom are the two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition. Objectives: This experiment was done to investigate the effect of garlic powder (GP) and mushroom powder (MP) on the growth performance, meat quality, serum lipid profile, and intestinal morphology of broilers. Methods: Five hundred and seventy‐six one‐day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments with six replications based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4*2 with four levels of GP (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00, 1.00%). Results: No significant effects of GP and MP on the performance were observed. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the lightness and redness of breast meat decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing the amount of GP on the reduction of total cholesterol level was similar in the absence or presence of MP. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) increased. The use of MP in the diets significantly increased VH and VH: CD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of GP and MP to the broilers' diets did not have any negative effect on the performance. These pharmaceutic herbs improved intestinal morphology. In addition, increasing the level of GP amended the meat color and reduced the level of serum cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rosemary is a spice plant with a long traditional history, and its flavor and antioxidant properties play an important role in animal diets and healthy growth. Many studies have focused on the effects of rosemary extracts and essential oils on livestock and poultry, with few studies using fresh-leaf rosemary powder in animal feeds. Therefore, our experiment investigated the effects of direct use of fresh rosemary leaf powder on growth performance, meat quality, fatty acid content, intestinal flora, and antioxidant properties of broilers. The scope of our experiment provides a basis for the development and utilization of rosemary as a natural plant feed ingredient. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1–42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 200 day-old COBB-500 chicks were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments with five replications and ten birds per replicate for 28 days to select the most effective forms of plantain herb for broiler performance and meat quality. The control diet (CL-D) and different forms of plantain diets were based on corn-soybean meal that was iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The different forms of plantain diets were fresh plantain-diet (FP-D): CL-D + fresh-plantain, shade-dried plantain-diet (SP-D): CL-D + shade-dried plantain powder, and blanched-dried plantain-diet (BP-D): CL-D + blanched-dried plantain powder. Plantain herb was given at a 1.0% dry matter basis. Daily feed consumption and weekly body weight were noted, whereas blood samples were taken and a meat panel test was confirmed by specialists in meat on day 28. Birds given the different forms of plantain diets revealed a 6-10% greater body weight gain compared to the CL-D (P < 0.05). Plantain diets in different forms showed a 3–6% better feed, crude protein, and metabolizable energy conversion ratio compared to the CL-D (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between BP-D and SP-D (P > 0.05). Compared to the CL-D, birds fed the different forms of plantain diets reduced serum triglyceride and total cholesterol by 4–11% and 6–9%, respectively (P < 0.05). Birds that were fed the different forms of plantain diets had a lower meat ether extract and a greater meat saturation index (redness) than the CL-D (P < 0.05). Compared to the CL-D, birds fed the redifferent forms of plantain diets showed better meat juiciness, tenderness, and acceptance (P < 0.05). Therefore, fresh plantain demonstrated superior broiler performance and improved meat quality, whereas both blanched-dried and shade-dried plantain powder might be considered for inclusion in feed formulations to enhance broiler performance and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 200 day-old COBB-500 chicks were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments with five replications and ten birds per replicate for 28 days to select the most effective forms of plantain herb for broiler performance and meat quality. The control diet (CL-D) and different forms of plantain diets were based on corn-soybean meal that was iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The different forms of plantain diets were fresh plantain-diet (FP-D): CL-D + fresh-plantain, shade-dried plantain-diet (SP-D): CL-D + shade-dried plantain powder, and blanched-dried plantain-diet (BP-D): CL-D + blanched-dried plantain powder. Plantain herb was given at a 1.0% dry matter basis. Daily feed consumption and weekly body weight were noted, whereas blood samples were taken and a meat panel test was confirmed by specialists in meat on day 28. Birds given the different forms of plantain diets revealed a 6-10% greater body weight gain compared to the CL-D (P < 0.05). Plantain diets in different forms showed a 3–6% better feed, crude protein, and metabolizable energy conversion ratio compared to the CL-D (P < 0.05), but no difference was observed between BP-D and SP-D (P > 0.05). Compared to the CL-D, birds fed the different forms of plantain diets reduced serum triglyceride and total cholesterol by 4–11% and 6–9%, respectively (P

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different proportions of dietary fermented sweet potato residue (FSPR) supplementation as a substitute for corn on the nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and intestinal microbes of yellow-feathered broilers. Experiment 1 (force-feeding) evaluated the nutrient composition and digestibility of mixtures with different proportions of sweet potato residue (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) before and after fermentation. In Experiment 2 (metabolic growth), a total of 420 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated to 4 groups and fed corn-soybean meal-based diets with 0, 5%, 8%, and 10% FSPR as a substitute for corn. The force-feeding and metabolic growth experiments were performed for 9 and 70 d, respectively. The treatment of 70% sweet potato residue (after fermentation) had the highest levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude fiber and improved the digestibility of crude protein and amino acids (P

This study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing the diet of broilers with Neolamarckia cadamba leaf extract (NCLE) on meat quality by evaluating antioxidant parameters and the expression of genes in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant responsive element (p38 MAPK/Nrf2/ARE) signaling pathway, coupled with LC–MS-based metabolomic analysis. A total of 480 one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to four treatment groups—a control (CON) group, which was fed a basal diet, and three NCLE treatment groups, which were fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg NCLE (N1, N2, and N3 groups, respectively) for 42 d. Compared with the CON group, meat quality was improved in the N2 and N3 groups, as evidenced by the higher pH45min (P

Microbial fermentation feed can reduce the contents of toxin and anti-nutrient factors, promote nutrient digestion and absorption, improve animal immunity, reduce breeding pollution and promote food intake. The use of microbial fermentation of unconventional raw materials can alleviate the current problems of the shortage of conventional raw materials in the sustainable development of animal husbandry and the pollution of the environment by breeding waste. The common strains and fermentation methods of microbial fermentation feed and the application of microbial fermentation feed in broiler production were reviewed, in order to provide reference for the development and application of microbial fermentation feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms may lead to treatment failure and economic losses in the poultry industry and threaten public health. One of the main factors involved in the increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance is the non-judicious use of antimicrobial agents as growth promoters in poultry and animal production. The search for natural alternatives to growth promoters to antimicrobial agents is continuous and crucial. This investigation focused on the probiotic strains extracted from the gastrointestinal tracts of poultry reared in various habitation types. The selected strain with antioxidant properties was Bacillus toyonensis (BT) M44, used as a probiotic dietary supplement and antibiotic alternative, then investigated its effects on growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, immune response, gut microbiota, and meat quality of IR broilers. Bacillus toyonensis M44 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against MDR microorganisms, as evidenced by MICs ranging from 5% to 10%. A total of 160 IR chicks were allocated into four groups randomly, each consisting of (10 x 4) chicks. The control group was administered a basal diet; the remaining three groups were provided the control diets containing BT at concentrations of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg. The results indicated that BT-supplemented groups showed increased body weights, weight gain, growth rate, and performance index and reduced feed conversion ratio during the two growth periods compared to control. The best results were obtained with BT 1.6 mg/kg for the antecedent growth metrics. Chicks receiving BT (0.4 mg/kg) had improved renal functions and lower uric acid and creatinine levels than the other groups. Moreover, ALT and AST levels P<0.05 decreased with BT doses compared to the control. BT 1.6 mg/kg produced the best liver function results; the histopathological studies confirmed that BT addition didn't affect the liver and intestine structure. Adding Bacillus toyonensis M44 to the diet formulation improved (P<0.05) lipid profile, immune response, thyroid functions, and gut microflora compared to the control group. Additionally, BT enhanced the chicken meat's juiciness and tenderness characteristics and improved its moisture and protein content; the meat color was also enhanced. Generally, supplementing IR chicken with BT could improve growth performance and blood biochemistry, modulate the gut microflora structure, and enhance the meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients‐dense diets for maximum potential. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. Methods: A total of 600 23‐day‐old broiler male chicks (Cobb‐500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. Results: Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio‐economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken‐line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%–102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. Conclusions: Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of breeder age on growth performance, gait and breast meat characterictics of broilers. The study was carried out with a total of 288 chicks randomly selected from 32-week-old, young (YB) and 60-week-old, older (OB) broiler breeder flocks of Ross 308 genotypes. In the experiment, weekly growth performance of broilers, gait scores at 38 days of age and some breast meat and leg bone characteristics of broiler chickens slaughtered at 42 days of age were determined. The results of the study showed that the chicks in OB group were heavier than those in the YB group at the 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age, but the difference between the live weights of the broilers in the groups was not significant at the 35 and 42 days of age. Breeder age affected the feed intake and feed conversion ratio of chicks at the period of 0-21 days of age. The effect of breeder age on gait scores of broilers was found to be insignificant. However, it was determined that the rate of normal-fluent gait was higher in the OB group. In the present study, it was revealed results the values of pH and colour of breast meat were within normal ranges, and the size and breaking strength of leg bones were not affected by breeder age. As a result, it was observed that broiler chicks obtained from young breeders were able to compensate for the body weight difference occurred at the beginning of the rearing period compared to older breeders until slaughter age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Salmonellosis affects the poultry industry globally and is a major cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans. A Salmonella infection in broiler chickens can result in lower growth rates, decreased feed efficiency and higher mortality rates. The inclusion of probiotics in chicken diets enhances their intestinal microbiota and enhances different patterns of cytokine production in response to Salmonella infection. The increasing demand from consumers for chicken products devoid of antibiotics has increased the need to identify alternatives to antibiotics for the management of Salmonella infection, colonization, and carcass contamination in poultry. Through the process of competitive exclusion, probiotics have been shown to inhibit the colonization of the gut by harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. Probiotic supplementation also regulates the gut flora to protect the host from infections as well as to create bacteriocins, which directly prevent the growth of pathogens. This study was therefore carried out to ascertain whether the supplementation of Pediococcus pentosaceus GT001 can influence the growth performance, meat quality, intestinal development and cecum microbiota of Salmonella typhimurium-challenged broiler chickens. This study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus GT001 on Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium)-challenged broiler chickens. Two hundred Ross 708 broiler day-old chicks with comparable weight were distributed at random into four treatments with five replicates and ten chicks per replicate. The following were the treatment groups: (B) basal diet (control); (B + S) basal diet and birds were challenged with S. typhimurium at 1.0 × 107 cfu/g; (B + P) basal diet + Pediococcus pentosaceus GT001 at 4.0 × 108 cfu/g; (B + P + S) basal diet + P. pentosaceus GT001 at 4.0 × 108 cfu/g and birds were challenged with S. typhimurium at 1.0 × 107 cfu/g. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the body weight of the Salmonella-infected birds compared to the other treatment groups. However, the FCRs of the broilers were comparable among the different treatment groups (p > 0.05). The lipid profile and liver function indices measured were significantly enhanced in the P. pentosaceus GT001-supplemented groups (B + P and B + P + S) compared to the group that was Salmonella-challenged (p < 0.05) but were similar to those in the control group. The serum antioxidant activities, such as the T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GHS-Px and MDA, were significantly improved in the P. pentosaceus GT001-supplemented groups (B + P and B + P + S) (p < 0.05). The MDA was similar in the B + P and B + P + S groups, but both were significantly lower than the control and the Salmonella groups. The administration of P. pentosaceus GT001 enhanced the lipase and amylase levels in both the serum and intestine of the broilers (p < 0.05). The immunoglobin (IgA, IgG, IgM) and cytokine (IL-10 and IL-6) levels in the serum were significantly higher in the B, B + P and B + P + S treatment groups (p < 0.05). The immune-related organs (bursa and spleen) were significantly influenced in the birds fed with P. pentosaceus GT001. No significant variation was noted among all the dietary treatments in terms of the measured meat quality indices. The small intestinal digesta content of the Salmonella load was below a detectable range after 14 days of infection (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the different treatment groups in terms of the breast pH, drip loss and meat color (p > 0.05). The inclusion of P. pentosaceus GT001 also modified the community structure in the cecum. This indicates that it has health benefits and could be incorporated in the broiler diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of in ovo nicotinamide riboside (NR) feeding on high-yield broiler growth and meat quality. Methods: Fertilized Cobb 700 by-product eggs (N = 3,240) were randomly assigned to one of four in ovo treatments and injected with 0 (0NR), 250 (250NR), 500 (500NR), or 1,000 (1,000NR) mM NR at incubation-day 10. Chicks were hatched, vent sexed, and randomly placed 18 per pen in one of 32 floor pens. On day 48, birds were processed and deboned. Results: There were dose effects for all part weights (p < 0.05). Pectoralis major weight of 250, 500, and 1,000NR carcasses were heavier than 0NR (p < 0.03) but did not differ from remaining NR doses (p > 0.26). Pectoralis minor weight of 250NR carcasses was greater (p < 0.01) than 0NR and did not differ from other NR tenders (p > 0.21). Pectoralis minor weight of 500 and 1,000NR carcasses was greater than 0NR (p < 0.09), but did not differ (P = 0.82) from each other. There were no dose effects for all Pectoralis major and minor myopathy scores and incidence except incidence of tenders scoring "0" and "1" for woody-like tender. Percentage of NR1,000 tenders scoring 0 and 1 for woody-like tender were less than and greater than all other treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no differences among remaining NR doses and NR0 tenders (p > 0.10). There were dose effects for muscle fiber number (P = 0.03). There tended to be more muscle fibers within 250 and 1,000NR muscles compared to 0NR (p < 0.09). Pectoralis major muscle from 500NR did not differ in muscle fiber number compared to 250 and 1,000NR (p > 0.18), but had more (p < 0.01) fibers than 0NR muscle. There tended to be more fibers in 250 and 1,000NR muscles compared to 0NR muscle (p < 0.09). Discussion: Nicotinamide riboside in ovo feeding caused birds to produce heavier parts; however, myopathy scores and incidence were minimally affected which may have been due greater muscle fiber number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of the multi-probiotics consisting of Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium butyricum with varying doses (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and cecal microbes of male broiler chickens. Seven hundred and twenty Ross 308, 1-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed into four dietary groups. Over 35 days of feeding, the average daily gain (ADG) was linearly elevated (P < 0.05) during days 1–21 and 1–35 as probiotic doses increased. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) tended to be linearly (P = 0.059) increased from day 22 to 35, and was improved from day 1 to 35 (P = 0.031). Ascending doses of multi-probiotics tended to (P = 0.060) reduce Clostridium perfringens counts on day 35 and prompted (P = 0.001) the proliferation of Lactobacillus. Moreover, broilers fed a 0.1% dose of multi-probiotics had a higher pH and water-holding capacity (P < 0.05) in the breast meat. In conclusion, the 0.2% multi-probiotics could boost ADG by improving ADFI and modulating the cecal microbe. The dietary 0.1% multi-probiotics contributed to better meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary metabolizable energy levels (EL) and stocking density (SD) on growth performance, blood indices, jejunal morphology and meat quality in Arian broiler chickens. A total of 672 Arian one-dayold chicks were used in a completely randomized design with 2×4 factorial arrangement, including two stocking density (12, 16 birds/m²) and four energy levels (EL1: Arian recommendation energy level, EL2: 3.5% higher energy level for finisher2, EL3: 3.5% higher energy level for all periods, EL4: 3.5% higher starter, grower and finisher1 and 6.1% higher energy level for finisher2) with eight treatments and six replicates. The results showed that recommendation Arian catalogue energy level with 16 birds/m² decreased body weight gain in the finisher2 (42-36 days) and the whole period (1-42 days) and had highest feed conversion ratio in the finisher2 (P<0.001). Increased energy level (EL3) significantly decreased feed intake in finisher2 period. The carcass efficiency, breast relative weight and abdominal fat as increased as energy levels enhanced. In HSD, EL2 compared to EL3 increased relative weigh of heart. Also, EL3 increased low-density lipoprotein and alanine transaminase concentration in HSD. Concentration of albumin, total protein and high-density lipoprotein were decreased by stock density, on the contrary, Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased (P<0.05). The lowest height of villi was related to EL1 in HSD, and the highest villi height was observed in EL4 and low stock density. High energy level increased the villus width, the ratio of the villus height to the crypt depth (VH/CD) and the absorption area (P<0.05). HSD significantly reduced villus height and width, VH/CD and absorption area of villus (P<0.05). The interaction of energy level and SD did not affect any of the meat quality indicators. Furthermore, the findings of the present study showed there is no significant difference between 12 and 16 birds/m² during the whole of period. The HSD decreased the growth performance and had a negative effect on the feed conversion ratio, whereas improved the performance of Arian broiler chickens when increased the energy level by 3.5% in the finisher 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background With the ban on the use of antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the opinion of nutritionists turned to their alternatives. Garlic and mushroom are the two important phytobiotic compounds in poultry nutrition. Objectives This experiment was done to investigate the effect of garlic powder (GP) and mushroom powder (MP) on the growth performance, meat quality, serum lipid profile, and intestinal morphology of broilers. Methods Five hundred and seventy‐six one‐day‐old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to eight treatments with six replications based on a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement of 4*2 with four levels of GP (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50%) and two levels of MP (0.00, 1.00%). Results No significant effects of GP and MP on the performance were observed. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the lightness and redness of breast meat decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). The effect of increasing the amount of GP on the reduction of total cholesterol level was similar in the absence or presence of MP. With increasing levels of GP in the diets, the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio (VH: CD) increased. The use of MP in the diets significantly increased VH and VH: CD (p < 0.05). Conclusion The addition of GP and MP to the broilers’ diets did not have any negative effect on the performance. These pharmaceutic herbs improved intestinal morphology. In addition, increasing the level of GP amended the meat color and reduced the level of serum cholesterol.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare the effects of various dietary selenium (Se) sources (0.5 mg/kg) on performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broilers as well as essential trace elements concentrations in their blood and tissues. A total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens (37.00 ± 0.17 g) were randomly allocated to 5 diet treatments: the basal diet (CON) and 4 diets supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), selenomethionine (SM), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) for 56 d, respectively, with 6 replicates per treatment and 12 chickens per replicate. Dietary Se supplementation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers (P > 0.05). Supplemental SM enhanced the redness in the pectoral muscle compared to CON and NS (P < 0.05). Supplementation of SY and NS improved the concentrations of Se, copper, manganese, and zinc in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SS also elevated the zinc content in the serum (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the SY diet showed increased Se content in the liver and pectoral muscle compared to those fed CON, SM, and NS diets (P < 0.05). Also, SY improved the pectoral muscle Se concentration compared to SS (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary Se supplementation increased the Se content in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), with SY showing highest Se deposition. Dietary supplementation with SS, SM, and NS improved the activities of total superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the serum (P < 0.05). Supplemental SY also elevated the T-AOC in the serum (P < 0.05). Additionally, SS and SM enhanced the T-AOC in the liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplemental SM affected meat color. Supplementing diets with various Se sources increased antioxidant capacity and Se content in the thigh muscle of broilers, with SY showing a more pronounced deposition efficiency. Besides, diets supplemented with different Se sources had variable effects on the concentrations of essential trace elements in the serum and tissues of broilers.

In the present study, the chronic heat stress (CHS) broiler model was developed to investigate the potential protection mechanism of organic selenium (selenomethionine, SeMet) on CHS-induced skeletal muscle growth retardation and poor meat quality. Four hundred Arbor Acres male broilers (680 ± 70 g, 21 d old) were grouped into 5 treatments with 8 replicates of 10 broilers per replicate. Broilers in the control group were raised in a thermoneutral environment (22 ± 2 °C) and fed with a basal diet. The other four treatments were exposed to hyperthermic conditions (33 ± 2 °C, 24 h in each day) and fed on the basal diet supplied with SeMet at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg Se/kg, respectively, for 21 d. Results showed that CHS reduced (P

SUMMARY: Ganoderma Lucidum (G. lucidum) is an edible mushroom and it has been used as a medicinal fungus for centuries. We evaluated the efficacy of G. lucidum on the growth performance, biochemical blood parameters, antioxidant and immunity status, and meat quality in slow-growing broilers. A total of 216 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: a basal control diet with 0 mg/kg (G. lucidum), 300 mg/kg (G. lucidum), and 600 mg/kg (G. lucidum) for 50 d. The findings showed that G. lucidum showed an insignificant improvement in body weight and average body weight gain (P = 0.06 (during the early fattening period, and reduced the mortality rate (P < 0.001). In addition, dietary G. lucidum imposed changes in plasma indices, in a dose- and age-dependent manner. G. lucidum treatments increased plasma levels of superoxide dismutase activity (T-SOD) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) at 21 d of age and decreased plasma activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 50 d of age. Compared to the control group, the levels of plasma urea nitrogen (UN) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) decreased (P < 0.05) at a low dose of 300 mg G. lucidum/kg and interleukin 6 (IL-6) increased at a high dose of 600 mg G. lucidum/kg at 21 d of age. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels increased (P < 0.05) at a high dose of 600 mg G. lucidum/kg, while malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased at a low dose of 300 mg G. lucidum/kg at 50 d of age. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity in the liver was observed in birds fed 600 mg G. lucidum/kg. G. lucidum treatments increased (P = 0.003) mRNA expressions of jejunal B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2). No differences were observed in the physicochemical indices of meat, except for redness (a*), which was lower (P = 0.02) in birds fed G. lucidum at a high dose of 600 mg/kg compared to the control diet. The findings suggest that G. lucidum would be considered as a feed supplement inclusion with possible ameliorative changes on broilers health status.

This study investigated the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes of broilers fed with different doses of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves. A total of 400 one-day-old unsexed Greenleg partridge broilers were randomly divided into 4 dietary which were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, 10% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, and 10% Moringa oleifera leaves, respectively. Each group had 5 replicates of twenty birds each. The whole trial lasted for 63 d. The results indicated that a high dose of Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in broiler diet reduced the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes (P < 0.05). While the addition of the same dose of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves reversed this adverse effect, and the 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifer leaves supplement was found to be more effective (P < 0.05). In addition, Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves improved the concentration of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, which could be beneficial for human health. We conclude that, a 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in the diet is beneficial in terms of improved growth performance and the functional attributes of meat than sole Moringa oleifera leaves supplement.

ABSTRACT: After different vaccinations, the study aimed to assess carcass composition, meat quality, and the level of the infectious bursal disease antibody titers in broiler chickens. In the experiment, 4 (30 chicks per group, 120 total) groups of Ross 308 broiler chickens (males and females) were included. Then, they were vaccinated at the hatchery. Group I was immunized against infectious avian bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND) using vaccine A (20 mL/100 birds) and vaccine B (20 mL/100 birds), respectively, with injectable vaccine C (0.2 mL/each) targeting Infectious bursal’ and Marek's diseases (MD). Group II received the same vaccinations for IB and ND, with separate injectable D vaccines for MD (0.2 mL/unit) and E for infectious bursal’ disease (0.2 mL/each). Group III was similarly vaccinated for IB and ND; however, they received only vaccine D (0.2 mL/each) for MD, and on d 23, vaccine F was administered via drinking water against Gumboro disease (0.05 mL/each). Group IV served as the control and was not vaccinated. Ten carcasses from each group on d 42 were taken for carcass composition analysis and meat quality, including pH, color, and water-holding capacity (WHC). During rearing, on d 14, 28, and 42, blood was collected to determine the level of antibodies against infectious bursal’ disease. Additionally, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), and red blood cells were analyzed. In group I, a higher bursa of Fabricius weight than in the other groups was found (P < 0.001), and the liver weight was lower compared to group II (P = 0.020). In breast muscle, the pH24 was higher in the control group than in group I (P = 0.036). Lightness (L*) in breast and leg muscles from group I was higher than in group II (P < 0.05). WHC was higher in group I than in group II (P = 0.025). The antibody titers of infectious bursal’ disease was higher in group I on d 28 than in other groups (P < 0.05). Vaccine C (1 dose 0.2 mL/1 bird) of the reconstituted vaccine with the live recombinant virus strain vHVT013-69, not less than 3.6 - 5.0 log10 PFU) had a beneficial effect.

The development and characteristics of muscle fibers in broilers are critical determinants that influence their growth performance, as well as serve as essential prerequisites for the production of high-quality chicken meat. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is a crucial endogenous substance in animal creatine synthesis, and its utilization as a feed additive has been demonstrated the capabilities to enhance animal performance, optimize muscle yield, and augment carcass quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the regulation and molecular mechanism underlying muscle development in broilers at different levels of GAA via multiple omics analysis. The 90 Cobb broilers, aged 1 day, were randomly allocated into three treatments consisting of five replicates of six chickens each. The control group was provided with a basal diet, while the Normal GAA and High GAA groups received a basal diet supplemented with 1.2 g/kg and 3.6 g/kg of GAA, respectively. After a feeding period of 42 days, the pectoralis muscles were collected for histomorphological observation, transcriptome and metabolomic analysis. The results demonstrated that the addition of 1.2 g/kg GAA in the diet led to an augmentation in muscle fiber diameter and up-regulation of IGF1, IHH, ASB2, and ANKRD2 gene expression. However, a high dose of 3.6 g/kg GAA in the diet potentially reversed the beneficial effects on chicken breast development by excessively activating the TGF-ß signaling pathway and reducing nucleotide metabolite content. These findings would provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing the performance and meat quality of broilers by incorporating GAA as a feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Broilers are important poultry, and recent muscle abnormalities in broilers, such as the emergence of spaghetti meat (SM), have posed challenges to the poultry industry. This condition has received less research attention compared to similar abnormalities, such as wooden breast and white striping. Therefore, in this study, we systematically compared the differences in appearance, meat quality, muscle fiber characteristics, and metabolic components between SM and normal tissues. The results showed that compared with the normal group, the SM group had softer meat quality, and significantly higher yellowing and brightness, while pH and protein levels were significantly lower. Key differential metabolites, including 14,15-DiHETrE and L-malic acid, as well as key metabolic pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, phenylalanine, and histidine metabolism, are associated with SM. This study provides valuable insights into the muscle characteristics of SM and helps identify potential mechanisms and nutritional regulatory targets of SM myopathy. Spaghetti meat (SM) is a newly identified muscle abnormality that significantly affects modern broiler chickens, consequently exerting a substantial economic impact on the poultry industry worldwide. However, investigations into the meat quality and the underlying causative factors of SM in broilers remain limited. Therefore, this study was undertaken to systematically evaluate meat quality and muscle fiber characteristics of SM-affected meat. To elucidate the disparities between SM-affected and normal (NO) muscles in broiler chickens reared under identical conditions, we selected 18 SM-affected breast tissues and 18 NO breast tissues from 200 broiler chickens raised according to commercial standards under the same conditions for our study. The results showed that compared with the NO group, the muscle surface of the SM group lost integrity, similar to strip and paste. The brightness and yellowness values were significantly higher than those of the NO group. On the contrary, the shear force and protein were significantly lower in the SM group. Microscopic examination revealed that the muscle fibers in the SM group were lysed, necrotic, and separated from each other, with a large number of neutrophils diffusely distributed on the sarcolemma and endometrium. Thirty-five significantly different metabolites were observed in the breast muscles between both groups. Among them, the top differential metabolites—14,15-DiHETrE, isotretinoin, L-malic acid, and acetylcysteine—were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways, including linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, phenylalanine, and histidine metabolism. Overall, these findings not only offer new insights into the meat quality and fiber traits of SM but also contribute to the understanding of potential mechanisms and nutritional regulators for SM myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various immunoprophylaxis programs aimed at protecting chickens from different pathogens and reducing production losses due to mortality or disease are increasingly important in broiler rearing. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different commercial prophylactic vaccination programs (H1 vs. H2), using vaccines against Marek's disease (MD), infectious bursal disease (IBD), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, meat texture, and biometric characteristics of the digestive system and leg bones of Ross 308 broiler chickens. The study material consisted of 20 carcasses (10 male and 10 female) of 42-day-old broiler chickens. After determining the weight of the eviscerated carcass (H1 - 1822.8±212.4; H2 - 2295.6±275.6), the breast and leg muscles were cut out of the dissected elements of the carcass, followed by the measurements of pH24, L*, a*, b* color attributes, electrical conductivity (EC24) and cooking loss. The basic chemical composition and texture characteristics were determined. Measurements of the femur and tibia were taken after separating the meat from the bone. Measurements of the lengths and diameters of the individual intestinal segments were also carried out. The H2 vaccination program had a significant positive effect on the carcass weight of 42-day-old broilers. Chickens subjected to the H1 vaccination program were characterized by significantly lower water and collagen content, pH24, and meat tenderness (higher WB shear force) in the breast, as well as significantly higher protein content in the breast and leg muscles, and a lower percentage of fat in the leg muscles compared to chickens subjected to the H2 vaccination program The dimensions of femur and tibia bones in 42-day-old broiler chickens administered vaccines according to the H2 vaccination program were significantly higher than in chickens on the H1 vaccination program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chito-oligosaccharide is a class of small molecule compounds with good water solubility, high biocapacitivity, low toxicity, and easy intestinal absorption, which are prepared by chitosan deacetylation and have various physiological effects such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. As a new feed additive, chito-oligosaccharide has a significant role in improving the production of animals, which can effectively improve production performance and product quality, which is in line with the development trend of healthy breeding. Therefore, the paper reviews the physicochemical properties and physiological functions of chito-oligosaccharides, and expounds the role of chito-oligosaccharides in broiler production from meat quality, immune function, growth performance, and intestinal barrier, aiming to provide a reference for chito-oligosaccharides to be used as a green and efficient feed additive in broiler production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens raised on plastic-grid floors, traditional wood shavings, and wood shavings enriched with zeolite. The experimental design included the allocation of 504-day-old chicks to three different bedding materials, namely wood shavings, plastic-grid floors, and zeolite litter, each with four replications (42 birds per replicate). The chicks were individually weighed at birth and grouped according to their average body weights. An experiment involving 504 chicks was conducted, with each replicate consisting of 42 male chicks of similar body weight. At the end of the experiment, a total of 120 chickens were slaughtered with 10 chickens selected from each replicate for processing carcass and meat quality traits. The effects of different bedding materials on mortality (P = 0.812), body weight (P = 0.565), and body weight gain (P = 0.569) were not significant. The ANOVA test was conducted to compare the main effects of performance, carcass, and meat quality characteristics. The feed intake was significantly affected in the 2nd, and 3rd weeks (P = 0.001; 0.023); in addition, the feed conversion ratio was significant in the 2nd, 4th, and overall period (P = 0.003; P = 0.026; P = 0.038) by the bedding materials. The breast yield (P = 0.001), thigh yield (P = 0.028), and wing yield (P = 0.023) were significant. The type of bedding material used in broiler production significantly influenced the pH24 (P = 0.030), L* (P = 0.037), a* (P = 0.000), and CL (P = 0.028). It was concluded that both a plastic-grid floor and zeolite supplementation to wood shaving litter did not significantly affect overall growth performance in broiler chickens. However, the plastic-grid floor showed superior effects on breast meat yield and quality characteristics, particularly reducing cooking loss, when compared to zeolite supplementation in wood shaving litter. The plastic-grid floor led to a slight increase in the feed conversion ratio. Consequently, adopting a plastic grid floor emerges as a viable alternative to traditional wood shavings in broiler farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) have attracted considerable attention in poultry research due to their diverse biological activities and possible effects on the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens. A thorough examination of many studies indicates that the influence of COS on indices such as antioxidative functions, growth performance, immunological responses, and metabolic implications in broilers is significant. For example, specific dosage levels of COS have significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, regulation of cholesterol levels, and improved growth performance. The research findings have provided evidence for COS's antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to mitigate the effects caused by stress. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of reactions might be influenced by the dosage and may demonstrate variances. Broiler chickens are suggested to consume dietary COS levels between 350 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg feed to obtain antioxidant and immunological advantages. Nevertheless, the most favourable results regarding growth and the ability to absorb nutrients are typically found when the intake ranges from 0.5 g/kg to 1.0 g/kg feed. For yellow-feather broilers experiencing heat stress, it is advisable to administer a dosage of 200 mg/kg feed of COS. However, it is essential to closely observe dosages exceeding 2.5 g/kg since they may significantly impair growth performance. The diverse research on using COS in broiler management has provided valuable insights into its intricate nature. This review has highlighted the potential benefits of COS in enhancing chicken health and nutrition. However, it has also underscored the need for additional research to optimize its effectiveness entirely in broiler performance. It can be concluded that dietary COS in broiler chickens in doses ranging from 200 mg to 1000 mg/kg feed has a positive effect on growth performance, antioxidative properties, regulation of lipid metabolism, ability to mitigate stress, impact on meat quality, and carcass traits, but exceeding 2.5 g/kg feed may significantly impair in growth performance in the broiler chickens strain Cobb 500. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) can improve the meat quality of poultry. However, the specific mechanism by which MCE regulates the meat quality has not been clarified yet. Sanguinarine (SAN) is one of the important natural active components in MCE. Our study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of dietary SAN supplementation on meat quality through transcriptomic and gut microbiome analysis, thereby providing a basis for regularing meat quality with MCE. 240 1-day-old broilers were divided into 4 groups according to different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.75, and 2.25 mg/kg). The results indicated that SAN significantly improve the physicochemical quality indicators of breast and thigh muscle in broilers, improved the serum biochemical indexes. Through transcriptome sequencing analysis of the liver and ileum tissues of broilers, we found that the differentially expressed genes induced by SAN were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, which were related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. It reconfirmed that SAN can regulate lipid metabolism in the body by promoting the expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid transport and oxidation by RT-PCR, this ultimately affects the physicochemical quality of muscle. Additionally, through 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, we found that dietary addition of SAN increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, while decreased the relative abundance of Alistipes in ceca. To further investigate the impact of gut microbiota on lipid metabolism, we conducted a correlation analysis of PPAR pathway factor expression in cecum tissue and microflora structure. The results showed that Bacteroides exhibited a positive correlation with the expression of most genes in the PPAR signaling pathway. Unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae is positively correlated with PPARγ, Cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 (ACSL5). In conclusion, dietary addition of SAN can promote the genes expression of the PPAR pathway, target the regulation of intestinal microflora structure and abundance and regulate lipid metabolism, thereby improving meat quality of broilers.

Abstract Background The current broilers have been greatly optimized for weight gain and breast yield, which necessitates the provision of nutrients‐dense diets for maximum potential. Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of finisher diet nutrients density (ND) on energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance and breast meat quality of broilers raised until different slaughter age. Methods A total of 600 23‐day‐old broiler male chicks (Cobb‐500) were assigned to 10 treatments with six replicates and 10 birds each. Experimental treatments were included factorial arrangement of five increment (2.5%) levels of finisher diet ND (92.5%, 95%, 97.5%, 100% and 102.5% as strain recommendation) and slaughtered at 38 or 46 days of age. The relative difference in the energy level of experimental diets was used to increase ND levels at the same ratio. Results Feed intake (FI) and breast meat quality traits exception water holding capacity (WHC) were not affected by finisher diet ND. In response to increasing finisher diet ND, energy and protein efficiency, productive traits, bio‐economic index (BEI) and breast relative weight (BRW) linearly improved. However, residual feed intake and breast meat WHC improved with a quadratic trend. By using broken‐line regression analysis, the optimum dietary ND was obtained at 97.5%–102% of strain recommendation. Energy and protein efficiency, feed conversion ratio and BEI deteriorated by prolonging rearing period. The BRW, meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), hue angle (h*) and WHC values for the birds slaughtered at 46 days of age were significantly higher, and cooking loss was lower than those slaughtered at 38 days old. Conclusions Broilers during the finisher period are not able to regulate their FIs with diet ND. The energy and protein efficiency, productive and economic performance were reduced when broilers were fed diluted diet or the rearing period was prolonged.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the meat quality characteristics of broilers that were brought to the slaughterhouse from different transport distances and received post-slaughter carcass electrical stimulation. For this purpose, broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse from different distances, from farms belonging to the same enterprise. Broilers coming from different distances were randomly divided into two subgroups after slaughter. Electrical stimulation was applied to one of the groups, on the pectoral muscle. After electrical stimulation, pH measurements of the carcasses were made in both groups in the first 15 minutes. The carcasses were then cut, and the breast and thigh meats were separated. Subsequently, these samples were kept at +4°C for 24 hours, and pH measurements, electrical conductivity, color parameters, cooking loss and texture profile analyses were made. For the breast meat samples, it was determined that the difference in transport distance between the groups caused a difference in crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash values. It was detected that as the transport distance to the slaughterhouse increased, the protein and ash values decreased, while the fat value increased. pH15min was measured to be lower in breast meat samples taken from a closer distance to the farm. In thigh meat samples, the difference in transport distance was significant in crude fat and crude ash values. It was determined that the difference between the groups in the values obtained as a result of the electrical stimulation applied after slaughter were not significant, except for redness values of thigh meat.

ABSTRACT: Meat quality traits are essential for producing high-quality broilers, but the genetic improvement has been limited by the complexity of measurement methods and the numerous traits involved. To systematically understand the meat quality characteristics of different broiler breeds, this study collected data on slaughter performance, skin color, fat deposition, and meat quality traits of 434 broilers from 12 different breeds in South China. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the live weight and slaughter weight of various broiler breeds at their respective market ages. Commercial broiler breeds such as Xiaobai and Huangma chickens had higher breast muscle and leg muscle rates. The skin and abdominal fat of Huangma chickens cultivated in the consumer market in South China exhibited significantly higher levels of yellowness compared to other varieties. Concerning fat traits, we observed that Wenchang chickens exhibited a strong ability to fat deposition, while the younger breeds showed lower fat deposition. Additionally, there were significant positive correlations found among different traits, including traits related to weight, traits related to fat, and skin color of different parts. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that fast-growing and large broiler Xiaobai chickens formed a distinct cluster based on carcass characteristics, skin color, and meat quality traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract multiple principal components as substitutes for complex meat quality indicators, establishing a chicken meat quality evaluation model to differentiate between different breeds of chickens. At the same time, we identified 46, 22, and 20 SNP loci and their adjacent genes that were significantly associated with muscle mass traits, fat deposition, and skin color through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The above results are helpful for systematically understanding the differences and characteristics of meat quality traits among different breeds.

Dendrobium officinale leaves (DOL) contain many active ingredients with various pharmacological effects, but are still ineffectively utilized. To investigate the feasibility of developing DOL as a feed additive, it is necessary to determine whether dietary supplementing DOL had any effect on meat quality and flavor. Our results showed that supplementation with DOL decreased the shear force while increased the pH and fat content in breast meat. Meat from DOL-fed chickens had higher levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs, but lower n-6/n-3 ratios. Moreover, volatile compounds profile indicated that contents of aldehydes, including hexanal, pentanal, and heptanal, etc.), which were identified as the key volatile compounds in chicken meat, exhibited noteworthy rise in DOL intake groups. Octanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-pentylfuran also contributed greatly to the meat overall aroma. These data provide a foundation for the comprehensive utilization of DOL as a feed additive with antibiotic substitution potential.

This trial was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of dry dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. -Mazz.) on carcase traits, breast meat quality, muscle fatty and amino acid composition and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. A total of 120 Arbour Acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted to three groups and fed basal diet (CON), basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg (LD) or 1.0 g/kg (HD) of dandelion. The results showed that compared with LD group, the eviscerated percentage of HD group tended to be higher (p = 0.090), while the abdominal fat yield tended to be lower (p = 0.078). In addition, dandelion quadratically increased redness, water loss rate, the proportion of C20:2, C20:4n-6, C22:6n-3 and the sum of n-3 PUFA and decreased cooking loss of Pectoralis major (PA) muscle (p

This study aimed to investigate the effect of wooden breast (WB) myopathy on chemical composition, meat quality attributes and physiochemical characteristics of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) of broiler pectoralis major (PM) muscle. Thirty-six fillets were classified into varying degrees of WB condition, including normal, moderate and severe. Results show that WB myopathy altered the collagen profile in PM muscle by increasing total collagen content and decreasing collagen solubility. The composition of macromolecules in IMCT, including hydroxylysyl pyridoxine cross-linking, decorin and glycosaminoglycans, were increased with the severity of WB myopathy. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated higher denaturation temperatures and lower denaturation enthalpy of IMCT for WB. Secondary structures of α-helix and β-sheet in the IMCT of WB were changed to β-turn and random coil. In addition, chemical composition and meat quality attributes showed a correlation with collagen profile and IMCT characteristics. Overall, this study emphasizes the effect of WB myopathy on IMCT and their contributions to meat quality variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was made to examine the effect of supplementation of black garlic powder on growth performance, carcass yield and some breast meat quality characteristics of broiler chickens. The study included two main groups as control and experimental groups, with three replicates each. In the study, a total of 60 day-old male broiler chickens of Ross PM3 genotype were used, 10 in each replicate group and 30 in each main group. While the animals in the control group were fed with standard broiler feed, the animals in the experimental group were fed with black garlic powder added to the standard ration at the rate of 1%. At the beginning of the experiment, the chicks were weighed individually and distributed homogeneously to experimental groups. Live weight development was monitored weekly, feed consumption and deaths were recorded when needed and occurred. The animals in the groups were slaughtered under standard conditions at the end of the experiment. Post-slaughter carcass weight, breast weight, edible organ weights, breast meat pH and color characteristics were determined after slaughter. Differences between groups in terms of live weight, carcass and breast meat weight were analyzed with t-test, differences between groups in terms of feed conversion were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test, and differences between groups in terms of survival rate were analyzed with chi-square test. Differences in growth performance in the control and black garlic powder groups were found to be statistically no significant. The effect of black garlic powder on carcass yield, edible organ weights and meat quality characteristics was found to be insignificant. When evaluated the whole data obtained from the study; it has been concluded that black garlic powder at the rate used in this study might be used in chicken meat production without having a negative effect on growth performance and carcass yield. It may be useful to further studies in larger populations especially to determine the optimum rate into the feed etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the customers desire to improve their healthy diet enriched in Omega-3, researchers included ingredients such as flaxseed in poultry feed. The study was conducted on a commercial farm to compare the organoleptic qualities of broilers' meat using dietary flaxseed and alfalfa. The broilers (44.000 heads) divided into two groups (C, E) were fed with compound feed containing 6% flaxseed + 2% alfalfa (growth phase) and 12% flaxseed + 2% alfalfa (finishing phase). At the end of the experiment, the organoleptic and physico-chemical (color and pH) meat parameters of breast and thigh were assessed for storage period (24, 48, 72 and 168 h). The results showed no significant differences (p≥0.05) concerning the pH of the thighs and breast, but significant differences (p≤0.05) were observed for all color parameters (L*, a*, b*) within the storage period*group interaction. In conclusion, using combined dietary rich Omega-3 sources (flaxseed) and xanthophyll (alfalfa) contributes to meat quality enrichment by increasing the beneficial fatty acid concentration and meat color, important criteria in customer decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin (a predominant flavonoid) is considered to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of graded doses of quercetin (QS) on growth efficiency, nutrient retention, faecal score, footpad lesion score, tibia ash and meat quality. In a 32‐day feeding test, a total of 576 1‐day‐old Ross 308 broilers (male) were allocated arbitrarily with an average body weight of 41 ± 0.5 g. The trial had four dietary treatments with eight repetitions of 18 birds per pen and a basal diet incorporating 0%, 0.02%, 0.04% and 0.06% of QS. As the QS dosage increased, body weight gain tended to increase linearly on Days 9–21 (p = 0.069) and overall period (p = 0.079). Similarly, feed intake increased (p = 0.009) linearly with the increasing doses of QS on Days 9–21. Likewise, there was a linear improvement in dry matter (p = 0.002) and energy (p = 0.016) digestibility after QS administration. Moreover, the inclusion of QS supplement (0%–0.06%) linearly increased (p = 0.012) tibia ash in broilers. However, the faecal score and footpad lesion score showed no significant outcome (p > 0.05). By giving broilers a graded amount of QS, the relative organ weights of breast muscle (p = 0.009) and spleen (p = 0.006) improved linearly, meat colour lightness increased (p = 0.015), redness tended to improve (p = 0.065) linearly and drip loss decreased (p = 0.015) linearly. The inclusion of QS in the graded‐level diet led to improvements in growth efficiency, nutrient absorption, meat quality and tibia ash, which recommended it as a beneficial feed additive for the broiler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of feeding a new hybrid of sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) in broiler chickens on growth, health, meat, and litter quality was evaluated from 1–42 d. A total of 360-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks (40.1 ± 2.3 g) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets: 100% corn-based diet (S0), partial replacement of corn with 50% sorghum (S50), total replacement of corn with sorghum (S100). All diets were calculated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with similar content of total lysine, total sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorous. The results indicated that partial or total replacement of corn by sorghum is suitable for broiler chicken diets with no adverse effects on growth, and slaughter performance, as well as litter quality over the whole trial period. Moreover, the substitution of corn with sorghum, reduced (p =.007) abdominal fat associated with an increase in breast and thigh meat colour (L* values; p <.001). Also, a significant (p =.002) decrease in plasma triglyceride was found in broilers fed sorghum-based diets. Except for collagen and hardness in the breast and thigh, and gumminess only in the thigh muscle, there were no differences in fundamental physicochemical (pH, protein, fat, moisture) or textural attributes of meat due to dietary treatment. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microflora, resulting in a lower count of E. coli in the caeca. It can thus, be concluded that sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) can be included in broiler feeds from hatching to day 42, without any adverse effects on the broiler's performance. Climate changes become a threat to the livestock sector and finding novel nutritional solutions for feeding farm animals became a priority. New sorghum varieties are valuable in terms of drought-resistant plants. Replacement of corn with sorghum in broiler diets maintains growth performances and carcase characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial was performed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of dry dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand. -Mazz.) on carcase traits, breast meat quality, muscle fatty and amino acid composition and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. A total of 120 Arbour Acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted to three groups and fed basal diet (CON), basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg (LD) or 1.0 g/kg (HD) of dandelion. The results showed that compared with LD group, the eviscerated percentage of HD group tended to be higher (p = 0.090), while the abdominal fat yield tended to be lower (p = 0.078). In addition, dandelion quadratically increased redness, water loss rate, the proportion of C20:2, C20:4n-6, C22:6n-3 and the sum of n-3 PUFA and decreased cooking loss of Pectoralis major (PA) muscle (p < 0.05). The crude protein content of PA muscle showed a linear decrease trend with increasing dandelion levels (p = 0.057). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values on d 3 and d 5 were linearly and quadratically decreased (p < 0.05). The results indicated that dandelion could be used as natural antioxidant in broiler chickens' diets to benefit meat quality and lipid oxidative stability. Dietary dandelion quadratically increased redness value and proportion of PUFA, while decreased cooking loss of Pectoralis major muscle. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values of Pectoralis major muscle on d 3 and d 5 were linearly and quadratically decreased by dietary dandelion supplementation. The beneficial effect of 0.5 g/kg of dandelion was superior to 1.0 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To reduce the risks of using antibiotics in poultry diets, using of some medicinal plants as an alternative has attracted the attention of researchers. Considering the known antimicrobial properties of the fennel plant and to know the effects of adding its root powder in the diet on performance, immune responses, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens, this research was carried out. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with six treatments, four replications, and 20 birds per each for 42 days. The experimental groups included: 1- control (basic diet ) 2- basic diet + 2 g/kg fennel root powder 3- basic diet + 4 g/kg fennel root powder 4- basic diet + 6 g/kg fennel root powder 5- basic diet + 250 mg/kg antibiotic (lincomycin 0.88%) and 6- basic diet + 200 mg/kg probiotic. The probiotic used was a multi-strain probiotic with the brand name TAKGENE. At the end of each seven days and two hours after cutting the grain, the birds of each replicate were weighed as a group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) at each rearing stage was obtained by dividing the amount of feed consumed by the weight of the bird at the same age. In order to investigate the blood immune condition of the birds, the changes in the antibody titer were assessed at one time at the age of 28 days. For this purpose, two birds from each replicate were injected with 0.5 ml of 10% sterile sheep red blood cell suspension solution as a non-pathogenic antigen into the wing vein, and seven days after the injection, blood was drawn from the birds for the immune response. The thiobarbituric acid test was used to measure the peroxidation of meat fats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a secondary product of oxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid method. Results and Disscusion: The experimental treatments had no significant effect on the live weight of broilers at the end of the experimental period. The average feed intake in the whole period in treatments containing fennel and antibiotics significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the whole period, only experimental group containing probiotics significantly improved the FCR compared to the control group. The livability percentage and the production index were not affected by the experimental treatments during the whole period. The antibodies against sheep red blood cells and immunoglobulin G were higher in the treatments using fennel root powder compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). The experimental treatments did not have a significant effect on the pH of bird meat after keeping it at four degrees Celsius for seven days in the refrigerator. The use of fennel root powder at all levels, reduced MDA after seven days of keeping meat in the refrigerator at four degrees Celsius (P<0.05). Conclusion: Regarding the positive effects of using fennel root powder on the immune responses and meat preservation of broilers, it is recommended to use it at the rate of two grams per kilogram of diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of in ovo nicotinamide riboside (NR) feeding on high-yield broiler growth and meat quality.Methods: Fertilized Cobb 700 by-product eggs (N = 3,240) were randomly assigned to one of four in ovo treatments and injected with 0 (0NR), 250 (250NR), 500 (500NR), or 1,000 (1,000NR) mM NR at incubation-day 10. Chicks were hatched, vent sexed, and randomly placed 18 per pen in one of 32 floor pens. On day 48, birds were processed and deboned.Results: There were dose effects for all part weights (p < 0.05). Pectoralis major weight of 250, 500, and 1,000NR carcasses were heavier than 0NR (p < 0.03) but did not differ from remaining NR doses (p > 0.26). Pectoralis minor weight of 250NR carcasses was greater (p < 0.01) than 0NR and did not differ from other NR tenders (p > 0.21). Pectoralis minor weight of 500 and 1,000NR carcasses was greater than 0NR (p < 0.09), but did not differ (P = 0.82) from each other. There were no dose effects for all Pectoralis major and minor myopathy scores and incidence except incidence of tenders scoring “0” and “1” for woody-like tender. Percentage of NR1,000 tenders scoring 0 and 1 for woody-like tender were less than and greater than all other treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no differences among remaining NR doses and NR0 tenders (p > 0.10). There were dose effects for muscle fiber number (P = 0.03). There tended to be more muscle fibers within 250 and 1,000NR muscles compared to 0NR (p < 0.09). Pectoralis major muscle from 500NR did not differ in muscle fiber number compared to 250 and 1,000NR (p > 0.18), but had more (p < 0.01) fibers than 0NR muscle. There tended to be more fibers in 250 and 1,000NR muscles compared to 0NR muscle (p < 0.09).Discussion: Nicotinamide riboside in ovo feeding caused birds to produce heavier parts; however, myopathy scores and incidence were minimally affected which may have been due greater muscle fiber number.

ABSTRACT: Artemisia argyi (AA) is promising as a potential feed additive. Microbial fermentation is beneficial to the degradation of cell walls and the better release of bioactive compounds of AA. However, there are few reports on the application of fermented AA as a feed additive for broilers. The present study intended to evaluate the application value of fermented AA as a feed additive for broilers by examining the effects of the dietary supplementation of Aspergillus niger-fermented AA and unfermented AA on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of brokers. A total of 360 newly hatched (1-day-old) broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: basal diet group as control (C) group, basal diet +3% unfermented AA (E1) group, basal diet + 1% fermented AA (E2) group, basal diet + 3% fermented AA (E3) group, basal diet + 5% fermented AA (E4) group. Each group included 6 replicates with 12 broilers per replicate, and the feeding trail lasted for 48 d. Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 2 wk, and the feed gain ratio was calculated to assess growth performance. At 42 d, 6 broilers from each group were slaughtered, and the carcass traits were calculated. The results showed that compared with the control group, Aspergillus Niger could effectively destroy AA fiber, which contributed to better release of AA bioactive compounds. Moreover, dietary supplementation with AA could improve the growth performance of broilers (P < 0.05), and the effect of fermented AA was better than unfermented AA, especially 3% fermented AA. From 28 to 42 d, compared with the control group, the average daily gain of broilers in the group supplementation with 3% fermented AA was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio was decreased (P < 0.05). At 42 d, the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated carcass percentage, eviscerated carcass percentage, and breast muscle percentage of broilers in the groups of 1, 3, and 5% fermented AA diets were significantly improved (P < 0.05), and the thigh muscle percentage of broilers in the group with 3% fermented AA diets was significantly improved (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the meat quality of broilers in the group with fermented AA diets was also significantly improved. Birds in AA groups had higher a* value and lower shear force of breast muscle, especially the group supplementation with 3% fermented AA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, fermented AA has good application value as a potential feed additive for broilers, dietary supplementation of fermented AA can improve the production performance and meat quality of broiler chickens, of which 3% fermented AA is more effective.

ABSTRACT: Intermittent cold stimulation (ICS) enhances broilers’ resistance to cold stress. Nonetheless, further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that enhance cold stress resistance. A total of 160 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 2 groups (CC and CS5), with the CC group managing temperature according to the standard for broiler growth stages, while the CS5 group were subjected to cold stimulation at a temperature 3℃ lower than the CC group for 5 h, every 2 d from 15 to 35 d. Sampling was conducted at 36 d (36D), 50 d (50D) and after acute cold stress for 24 h (Y24). First, we examined the effects of ICS on broiler growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism. The results demonstrated that ICS enhanced the performance of broilers to a certain degree. Specifically, the average weight gain in the CS5 group was significantly higher than that of the CC group, and the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased compared to CC at 4 W and 6 W (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, cold stimulation significantly reduced drip loss, shearing force, and yellowness (a* value) of chicken meat, while significantly increased redness (b* value) (P ≤ 0.05). At Y24, the levels of T-AOC and GSH-PX in the serum of the CS5 group were significantly higher than those of the CC group, while the level of MDA was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). The content of TG, FFA, and VLDL in the serum of the CS5 group was significantly elevated, whereas the level of TC and HDL was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, we further explored whether AMPK-mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of changes in lipid metabolism and the possible regulatory mechanisms downstream of the signaling pathway. The results showed that ICS significantly upregulated the expression levels of AMPK mRNA and protein in the liver of the CS5 group at 36D and Y24, while significantly down-regulating mTOR (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, ICS significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of lipid synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (SREBP1c, FAS, SCD, ACC, GRP78 and PERK) at 36D and Y24, while significantly up-regulating the mRNA expression levels of lipid decomposition and autophagy-related genes (PPAR and LC3) (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, at Y24, the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (GRP78) in the CS5 group were significantly lower, while autophagy-related genes (LC3 and ATG7) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). ICS can affect meat quality and lipid metabolism in broilers, and when broilers are subjected to acute cold stress, broilers trained with cold stimulation have stronger lipid metabolism capacity.

This study aims to evaluate the feeding of broilers with ALA-rich purslane supplementation on meat and carcass quality and sensory quality. A total of 180 one-day old, unsexed Cobb broilers were used in this research, and they were divided into 30 pens, with each pen containing 6 birds. Broiler feeding was randomly divided into five treatments based on a basal corn-soybean feed. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) in one direction with five treatments and five replications. The experimental diets were a basal diet (A0) and basal diets containing 1.5% fish oil and 0% purslane meal (w / w) (A1), 6% (A2), 12% (A3), and 18% (A4). Performance parameter data were recorded and measured over a 35-day period. As many as 30 chickens (n = 6 for each treatment) were slaughtered and processed as carcass and breast meat (Pectoralis Major) samples were collected for meat quality evaluation. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and if there was a significant effect of the treatments then the analysis was continued using Tukey Test. The results showed that adding 12% purslane flour had no a significant effect on carcass weight and cut yields. The diet enriched with purslane flour to a level of 18% for 35 days did not change the water holding capacity (WHC), but it did increase the fat content of the meat. Purslane meal-containing diets reduced cooking losses. The tenderness of the meat produced from chickens fed with purslane meal at a level of 18% (1.93) was higher than those fed purslane meal 12% (1.12). Panelists gave the same perception of preference for meat produced from chickens fed dietary treatments. In conclusion, diets containing purslane meal up to 12% has no negative effect on carcass quality, physicochemical quality and consumer preference for broiler chicken meat.

Insects are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source in poultry feeds, due to their high protein content, low environmental impact, and efficient feed conversion rates. Using insect-based feeds can reduce the need for traditional protein sources like soybean meal (SBM), which often contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation and high water consumption. The current experiments were devised to assess the impacts of the partial replacement of SBM with the American cockroach Periplaneta americana and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens on the performances, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of male broilers (Ross 308). A total of 350, 1-day-old chicks weighing 40.05 ± 0.27 g were divided into 7 dietary treatments (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen) at random, i.e., a 4, 8, or 12% SMB replacement with P. americana and H. illucens. Soybean meal was used as a basal diet and taken as a control. The results indicated that broilers fed on 12% P. americana or H. illucens showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio, live weight, and daily weight gain. Hematological traits significantly improved (p < 0.05). A gut histology showed increased villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratios, indicating improved nutrient absorption. Broiler meat fed on 12% P. americana meal had significantly higher redness and yellowness (p < 0.05). Substituting soybean meal with up to 12% P. americana or H. illucens meal in poultry feed can enhance the broilers’ growth performance, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality. Hence, these findings imply that P. americana or H. illucens meal are viable and constructive alternative protein sources in poultry nutrition, offering a sustainable approach to meet the increasing demand for animal protein across the world.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1–42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices.