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We evaluated the effect of prebiotic or probiotic as feed additives on florfenicol kinetic in broilers feed. Unsexed two hundred, thirty‐five‐day‐old broiler chickens, were put in four equal groups (n = 50). The first group was administrated florfenicol intravenous at 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) only once dosage without pre‐ or probiotic administration to determine the bioavailability. While, the second group was administrated florfenicol (intracrop routes; a dosage of 30 mg/kg BW for five progressive days) without pre‐ or probiotic co‐administration. The third and the fourth groups were administrated the same dose of florfenicol (intracrop route) for five successive days, followed by 10 days of prebiotic or probiotic treatment respectively. The plasma florfenicol % was identified by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) after the first florfenicol administration (intravenous or intracrop routes) in all groups. Then, the residual levels of florfenicol were determined in liver, kidney and muscle tissues from the second, third and fourth groups which were exposed to florfenicol orally. Our results demonstrated that broilers pre‐treated with prebiotic or probiotic significantly increased Cmax, AUC0–t, AUC0–inf as well as AUMC values, while significant drop was recorded in V/F and CL/F. Prebiotic or probiotic influenced the cumulative effect of florfenicol in liver and kidney tissues of treated birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current study was performed to study the efficacy of live Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) vaccine alone and with simultaneous administration of probiotic or prebiotic on broiler chickens. The using of probiotic or prebiotic products administered via drinking water enhanced the growth performance of broiler chickens experimentally challenged with SE at the 28th day of age. The use of probiotic or prebiotic simultaneously with the live Salmonella vaccine can diminish the negative effect of live vaccines in terms of the growth performance, mortality rate, fecal shedding and organ re-isolation of SE. It is therefore a good strategy to relieve the negative effect of the harmful bacterium and improve the growth performance of broilers. Salmonellosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases in poultry, causing heavy economic losses, increased mortality and reduced production. The aim of this study was the comparative efficacy of a commercial probiotic and/or prebiotic with a live attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) vaccine on the protection of broiler chickens from SE challenge. The efficacy of probiotic or prebiotic products, as well as a live Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) vaccine at the 7th day of age, administered via drinking water, were evaluated for clinical protection and effects on growth performance of broiler chickens experimentally challenged with SE at the 28th day of age. The use of probiotic or prebiotic simultaneously with the live Salmonella vaccine can diminish the negative effect of live vaccine growth performance, reducing mortality rate, fecal shedding, and re-isolation of SE from liver, spleen, heart and cecum. The use of probiotic or prebiotic simultaneously with the application of the live Salmonella vaccine is a good practice to diminish the negative effect of the harmful bacteria and improve the growth performance of broilers. Thus, further studies may be carried out with layers and breeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: One of the common approaches to alleviating heat-stress in poultry is nutritional manipulation using herbal extracts or their derivatives to maintain the health, welfare, and performance of birds. The present study investigated the protective effect of boldo leaf extract against the harmful effects of cyclic heat stress in two broiler strains (Arbor Acres; AA and Avian-48; AV). Administration of boldo in drinking water was able to restore growth and health traits to nearly normal values. Generally, AA chicks were better able to withstand heat stress and were also more likely to utilize boldo extract than AV chicks. The use of boldo leaf extract in poultry production can assist in mitigating the effect of heat stress, improving the antioxidant defense system, and increasing productivity and profitability. There is increasing interest in the use of natural antioxidant supplements in poultry diets as protection against the adverse effects of heat stress. The potential protective effect of boldo (Peumus boldus molina) leaf extract, which have antioxidant activity, were investigated against the harmful effects of heat stress in two broiler strains. Arbor Acres (AA) and Avian-48 (AV) chicks were divided into thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) groups and treated with 1 g boldo leaf extract/4 L drinking water during the heat stress period. HS reduced growth performance in both strains. The phagocytic index, phagocytic activity, and eosinophil and lymphocytes counts were significantly elevated in TN and HS AV birds but not altered in AA birds. Boldo extract treatment partially eliminated the previous negative impacts of heat stress. AA chicks were better able to withstand HS than AV chicks. Serum concentrations of total lipids and cholesterol were reduced in HS birds of both strains. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were elevated but restored with the administration of boldo leaf extract in HS birds of both strains. Economic parameters were negatively affected by HS but restored to values close to those of the control group in boldo-treated HS birds. In conclusion, the administration of boldo leaf extract in drinking water was effective in neutralizing the harmful effects of heat stress on growth performance, blood indices, and economic parameters and improved the antioxidant defense system in heat-stressed birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Yucca schidigera had a positive effect on the improvement of economic traits, performance, and carcass characteristics of broilers. Saponin is the main steroidal chemical constituent of Yucca schidigera extract, which physically binds ammonia and reduces its level. Use of natural antibiotic alternatives such Yucca schidigera is necessary to improve growth rates and feed utilization, as well as decreasing nitrogen losses, feed cost, and global environmental pollution. This study was done to determine the impacts Yucca schidigera supplementation to drinking water on the excretion of nitrogen, and subsequently the level of ammonia, intestinal bacterial count, hematological and biochemical parameters, and some performance parameters. A total of 270 one-day old Cobb 500 chicks were equally divided into three groups (90 chicks/group). The first control group (G1) was fed on the basal diets without any yucca supplementation. The 2nd and 3rd groups (G2 and G3) were fed on basal diets with Yucca Plus liquid®, at an 8 h/day supplementation rate of 0.5, and 1 mL/L to drinking water, respectively. The chicks that received yucca showed significant decreases in litter nitrogen content, when compared to controls. The chicks that received liquid yucca had reduced counts of total bacteria (TBC) (p < 0.05), Escherichia coli, and a non-significant increase in the number of lactic acid producing bacteria. They also showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, increased levels of immunoglobulins M and G, and decreased levels of lipid peroxidation biomarkers, without a harmful effect on liver and kidney function. The chicks that received yucca showed a better feed conversion ratio. In conclusion, the use of natural additives is necessary to decrease nitrogen losses, feed cost, and environmental pollution; without adverse impacts on animal performance. Liquid supplementation of saponins is valuable for the performance, gut health, and welfare of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current work evaluated the utilization of different sources of methionine either from DL-methionine (DL-Met) or L-methionine (L-Met) using different concentrations of dietary methionine plus cystine (Met + Cyst) in broiler chickens. Results showed that a better edible meat yield could be obtained by supplementing Met + Cyst at the rate of 80% of the digestible lysine. The objective of this work was to evaluate the utilization of methionine from DL-methionine (DL-Met) and L-methionine (L-Met) with different levels of dietary methionine plus cystine (Met + Cyst) in broilers. The experimental diets were formulated by using three levels of Met + Cyst, i.e., 74%, 77% and 80% of digestible lysine. Met + Cyst was provided either from DL-Met or L-Met. A total of 450 day-old broilers were divided into six groups (five replicates of 15 birds each) in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement under completely randomized design. Weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was determined. At the end of the experiment (35 days), two birds from each replicate were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics and serum homocysteine. Results indicate that the combined effect of L-Met and DL-Met significantly affected (p < 0.05) the WG in the starter period and FI in the finisher period. Neither source nor level of methionine influenced (p > 0.05) the FI, WG and FCR of broilers during the starter, finisher or overall phase of growth. The interaction between sources and levels of methionine did not influence (p > 0.05) the feed intake, weight gain and FCR during the overall phase of growth. Source of methionine had no (p > 0.05) effect on carcass characteristics. Methionine levels had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on carcass weight, chest weight and thigh weight. The interaction between sources and levels of methionine had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the liver weight. The sources of methionine had significant (p < 0.05) effects on the liver and heart weight, while methionine levels significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the liver and gizzard weight. Finally, it was concluded that if DL-Met and L-Met are included in feed at a standard level, they are equally effective as a source of methionine for broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colibacillosis is a major disease affecting poultry leads to high morbidity and mortality which causing tremendous economic losses worldwide. These economic disparities are amplified among low and middle-income where sanitation and hygiene are challenged by the increasing demand for quality sources of animal protein. With a view to investigating the prevalence of virulence genes and QACs resistance genes as well as monitoring the antibiogram of E. coli strains, a total of 368 specimens were collected from diseased broiler chickens (n = 226) and environmental sources (n = 142) at large-scale poultry farms in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The bacteriological examination proved that E. coli prevalence was 26.76% and 50.44% in the farm environment and diseased broilers, respectively. In tandem, the isolated E. coli strains were serogrouped, determining the most common serotypes were O78, O1:H7, O91:H21 and O126. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility against 12 antibiotics, screened for 4 virulence genes (iss, papC, eaeA, and cfaI), and screened for 3 QACs resistance genes (qacEΔ1, qacA/B, and qacC/D). All the tested strains were positive for iss and papC genes, only 20.3% of the tested strains were positive for eaeA gene, moreover, the examined strains were negative to CFAI gene. Furthermore, all the tested strains were positive for qacEΔ1, qacA/B, and qacC/D genes. In conclusion; virulence genes (iss, papC) as well as QACs resistance genes are common in avian Pathogenic E. coli and environmental strains and are mainly associated with multi-drug resistance phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is a significant challenge in the poultry industry due to their related use of antimicrobial compounds and the drastic losses in production and livability. This study investigated the preventive impacts of dietary supplementation of Salvadora persica (SP) and/or Pulicaria undulata (PU) extracts on growth traits, biochemical and immune parameters, and related gene expression of E. coli -infected broilers. A total of 120 one-day-old Cobb broilers were used. The chicks were allocated into eight equal groups (3 replicates/ group; 5 chicks per each replicate) as follows: G1; control negative, G2; SP-treated, G3; PU-treated, G4; SP/PU-treated, G5; E. coli infected, G6; E. coli infected and SP-treated, G7; E. coli infected and PU-treated, G8; E. coli infected and SP/PU-treated groups. Results revealed significant improvement in average body weight (ABW), average weight gain (AWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers fed diets supplemented with SP and/or PU compared to control and E. coli infected groups. Moreover, significant (P < 0.05) reduction in ALT, AST, creatinine, and uric acid was reported in other treated groups compared to the single E. coli -infected broilers. On the contrary, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum immunoglobulin and protein concentration was also reported in treated groups when compared to E. coli -infected untreated group. In addition, feeding broilers with SP and/or PU significantly improved (P < 0.05) the relative weight of immune-related organs and gene expression of TLR-15, with subsequent down-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA transcripts. Supplementing broilers with dietary SP and/or PU could be promising in the prevention of E. coli infection via stimulating significant improvement of immune-related gene expression, immune-related organ weight, and down-regulation of inflammatory-related genes, with subsequent enhancement of the growth performance of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of fermented Juncao grass (FG) on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and antioxidative properties of broilers. A total of 240 (21-d-old) broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments of sixty birds, with six replicate pens and ten birds in each. Fermented grass was added to the basal diet at four levels with 0, 5, 10, and 15% FG. The results revealed that broilers fed 5% FG had significantly higher (P < 0.05) final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (WG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The best conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for broilers supplemented with 5% FG compared to the group supplemented with 15% FG (P < 0.05). Increasing FG % decreased (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. However, FG increased (P < 0.05) proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels increased (P < 0.05) with increasing FG %. In addition, increasing FG % in broiler rations significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum antioxidant levels of T-AOC, GSH-PX, SOD, CAT, NO and GSH, but decreased (P < 0.05) MDA levels compared to the control group. Conclusively, fermented Juncao grass would be considered a novel herbal feed additive for improving broiler performance, immunity, antioxidant, and health status. Nevertheless, further research at the molecular level is needed to quantify the effects of these herbal components on cellular and humoral immune functions in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heat stress is a major environmental problem affecting poultry production around the world. • Heat stress triggers a series of negative physiological responses, such as depressed immune response, endocrine disorders, and reproductive problems. • Methionine amino acid has an important role in initiating the translation of proteins associated with body functions. • Several studies have shown that the dietary supplementation of certain essential amino acids can mitigate the problems resulting from Heat Stress in birds. • To date, no reports about using nanomethionine in mitigating the effect of heat stress in poultry are present. This study investigated the effects of nanomethionine (nano-meth) on performance, antioxidants, and gene expression of HSP70, HSP90 and Heat Shock factor-1 (HSF-1) from the liver, and TLR4 from the jejunum, of broiler chickens reared under normal temperatures or under heat stress. Three hundred 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups. Group 1 served as control. Under normal temperature, birds in group 2 received nano-meth (10 mL/L of drinking water) from d1 until the experiment ended. Group 3 birds were heat-stressed (HS) and did not receive any supplementation. Group 4 received nano-meth in the same dose from d1 old until experiment ended, and the birds were exposed to HS. Group 5 birds were HS and received supplementation of nano-meth during the HS period only. Nano-meth improved (P < 0.0001) final body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and also decreased (P < 0.0001) the effect of HS on growth performance. Reduction (P < 0.0001) in malondialdehyde and changes in antioxidant enzymes GPX and CAT activity indicated the antioxidant effect of nano-meth. Nano-meth supplementation caused an increase in the expression of HSP70 , HSP90 and HSF1, and a downregulation of TLR4 gene expression. Additionally, nano-meth-supplemented groups showed marked improvement in the histological liver structure, intestinal morphology and villus height compared to control or HS groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of rearing Cobb500 broiler chickens under 3 different housing systems (floor litter, floor plastic, and batteries) without or with feed additive (Butinov) on broiler performance, blood parameters and carcass traits were evaluated. Three hundred 1-day-old chicks were distributed in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (6 treatments each of 5 replicates). The results showed that reared broilers on litter or plastic floors had high values (P ≤ 0.01) of bird's weight (BW), weight gain (WG), and feed intake (FI) throughout the entire study period (1–42 d of age) compared with rearing on batteries. Rearing broilers in the different housing systems and with or without feed additives did not affect (P ≥ 0.05) total feed conversion (FCR). Different rearing systems or feed additives did not influence broiler chicks' carcass traits and some serum blood parameters. The plastic floor system significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) blood serum corticosterone compared with litter and batteries. Feed additive (Butinov) decreased the level of T 4 (P ≤ 0.05) in blood serum. Plastic floors or batteries significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) the level of antibody titer against avian influenza virus (HIAV) compared to chicken reared on a litter floor. The results suggested that using housing systems of litter or plastic floors could improve broiler growth performance without adversely affecting carcass traits and blood characteristics compared with rearing in batteries. Also, broiler diets' feed additive (Butinov) and their interaction with rearing systems did not improve broiler growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]