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Lipids (fats and oils) are a concentrated source of energy in poultry diets that improves palatability, feed consistency, provides essential fatty acids and increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fresh oil is an expensive energy source and its exposure to air, heat, metallic catalyst during storage and processing may lead to its oxidative deterioration. This review highlights the response of modern poultry to dietary oxidized oil on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, gut health, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood chemistry and tissue oxidative status. Literature shows that in moderately (peroxide value (PV): 20 to 50 meq kg−1) and highly (PV: 50 to 100 meq kg−1 or above) oxidized oils, lipid peroxidation causes rancid odours and flavours that negatively affect feed palatability, reduces intestinal villus height that decreases the surface area available for nutrients absorption. The oxidation products also damage fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) in blood resulting in an oxidative stress. The use of oxidized oil in poultry diets has no significant effect on dressing percentage, pH and meat colour, whereas carcass weight decreases and drip loss of meat increases. Overall, there is a contradictory data regarding the influence of oxidized oil in poultry feed depending on the PV and inclusion levels. The reviewed literature shows that the use of mildly oxidized (PV < 20 meq kg−1) oil in poultry feed with 4 to 5% inclusion level decreases the feed cost and ultimately cost of poultry production without compromising their growth performance. It can, therefore, partially replace fresh oil as an efficient, cost effective and sustainable energy source in poultry diets.

An experiment was executed to test the hypothesis that supplementation of dietary threonine (d-Thr), above NRC recommendation to diets containing poorly digestible protein source (PS) may compensate its detrimental effects on overall performance of broilers. In total, nine hundred 1-day-old mixed sex broilers (Ross-308) were randomly distributed over 6 (2 × 3) experimental diets comprising 5 replicates of 30 broilers each for 35 d. The experimental diets contain either soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM) with 3 levels (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation) of d-Thr. During the course of the trial (0 to 35 D), interactions (P < 0.05) between PS and d-Thr were observed for feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass, and gut health parameters. The broilers fed recommended level (100%) of d-Thr had 7 and 5% poorer FCR compared with those fed diets with 110 and 120% d-Thr, respectively. For villus height (VH), an interaction (P = 0.007) was found between PS and d-Thr level. Broilers consuming SBM diets had 22% longer villi, 10% deeper crypts, and 30% greater VH to crypt depth ratio (VCR) compared to those fed CM. The broilers fed 110% d-Thr diets had 9% lower crypt depth (CD) and 15% greater VCR compared with those fed diets containing NRC recommended levels. CM resulted in 9% lower protein digestibility with lower (P < 0.05) of some AA, whereas it was improved by 7% in broilers fed 120% d-Thr supplemented diets. The bursa and spleen weights were positively affected (P < 0.001) by PS. Threonine supplementation (10%) resulted in 25% greater thymus, 18% heavier bursa, and 30% greater infectious bursal disease titer. In conclusion, supplementation of d-Thr, above NRC recommendation, resulted in a better growth performance and carcass traits, improved ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, better gut health, and immunity in broilers.

The impacts of dietary levels of oxidized vegetable (sunflower) oil on growth performance, gut morphology, nutrients utilization, serum cholesterol and meat fatty acid profile were evaluated in Ross 308 straight-run (n = 192) day-old broilers. The broilers were arbitrarily distributed among four dietary treatments including; FVO: fresh vegetable oil (1 mEq kg−1), LOO: low oxidized (20 mEq kg−1), MOO: moderately oxidized (40 mEq kg−1), and HOO: highly oxidized vegetable oil (60 mEq kg−1) with 5% inclusion containing six replicates. Results revealed that the broilers consuming MOO and HOO based diets showed reduced (p = 0.05) feed intake, body weight gain and carcass weight accompanied by a poorer feed conversion ratio than those consuming FVO. Villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, ileal digestibility of crude protein (p = 0.041), crude fat (p = 0.032) and poly unsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.001) in thigh muscles were decreased, whereas crypt depth (p = 0.001), serum cholesterol levels (p = 0.023) and short chain fatty acids (p = 0.001) were increased (p < 0.001) by increasing dietary oxidation level. In conclusion, MOO and HOO exerted deleterious effects on growth, carcass weight, gut development and nutrients utilization. Low oxidized vegetable oil (20 mEq kg−1), however, with minimum negative effects can be used as a cost effective energy source in poultry diets.

2 experiments were conducted to explore nutrient composition, AME, AMEn, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP, and amino acids (AA) of 4 indigenous protein sources including canola meal (CM), rapeseed meal (RSM), guar meal (GM), and sunflower meal (SFM) collected from 2 different locations, Multan (MUL; n = 3) and Sukkur (SKR; n = 3), of Pakistan. Higher (P 0.05) dry matter (DM), CP, and gross energy (GE), whereas lower (P 0.05) ash contents were found in SKR, CM, and RSM compared with those from MUL. The MUL GM had higher (P 0.05) crude fiber (CF) and CP, whereas lower (P 0.05) GE compared with those from SKR. The SFM from MUL had higher DM, whereas lower CF and CP contents than SKR. In the first experiment, 216 21-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were distributed over 8 test diets (4 ingredients × 2 locations) and 1 basal diet, with 4 replicates containing 6 birds each (9 × 4 × 6), in a complete randomized design to determine AME and AMEn. The results indicated higher (P 0.05) AME and AMEn in MUL CM than SKR. In the second experiment, 216 21-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were raised in 36 cages (6 birds each) to determine SID of CP and AA in a complete randomized design. 8 test diets (4 ingredients × 2 locations) and a protein-free diet, with 4 replicates each, were tested. The SID of CP and some AA were higher (P 0.05) in MUL CM and RSM than SKR. The SKR GM had a higher (P 0.05) SID of CP, arginine, methionine, threonine, valine, and cysteine compared with that from MUL. The SFM from MUL had higher (P 0.05) SID of CP, arginine, histidine, methionine, valine, alanine, aspartate, cysteine, and serine than SKR. In conclusion, major differences do exist between CM, GM, RSM, and SFM from different locations in terms of nutrients, AME, digestible CP, and AA contents for male broilers.

The aim of present study was to determine the effects of supplementation of either synbiotic or probiotic on growth performance and carcass characteristics, gut health, cecal microbiota prolife and apparent ileal digestibility of protein, amino acids, and energy in broilers. Two hundred and forty-day-old straight-run broilers (Ross 308) were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments including basal diet (control), supplemented with either synbiotic (Nutromax P) or probiotic (Actera), each at 0.5 and 1 g/kg of the diet for 5 weeks. The overall findings of the study indicated better (p < 0.05) growth performance of broilers by synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg) compared with those fed probiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented and control diets. The broilers consuming diet supplemented with 1 g/kg synbiotic has an increased carcass yield in comparison with those fed control diet. The findings of gut health indicated significantly increased villus height and goblet cells, by synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg), compared with control diet in broilers. The broilers fed 1 g/kg synbiotic supplemented diets had 18% increased protein, 9 to 31% higher amino acid, and 34% better energy digestibility, whereas 8.4% decreased protein digestibility in broilers fed probiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented compared with control diet in broilers. The broilers fed synbiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented diets had increased cecal Lactobacillus and decreased Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium count compared with those fed control diet. In conclusion, synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg) resulted in improved production performance, balanced cecal microbial composition, and better digestibility of nutrients in broilers compared with those fed control and diets supplemented with probiotics.

The inclusion of straw in high concentrate total mixed rations (TMRs) of male fattening goats can provide the necessary fiber to prevent ruminal acidosis and maintain growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the physical form (PF) of the diet (pelleted vs. conventional) and the straw level (SL) of wheat straw (WS) (15% versus 25%) in total mixed rations on feed intake, growth, total tract digestibility, and blood metabolites of fattening goats. Thirty-two male Beetal goats (27.4 &plusmn, 0.28 kg body weight (BW)) were divided randomly into the following four dietary treatments with a 2 &times, 2 factorial arrangement (n = 8/treatment): (1) CTMR15 (conventional TMR containing 15% WS), (2) CTMR25 (conventional TMR containing 25% WS), (3) PTMR15 (pelleted TMR containing 15% WS), and (4) PTMR25 (pelleted TMR containing 25% WS). Both conventional and pelleted 15% WS TMR had 33.7% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 19.3% acid detergent fiber (ADF), whereas in 25% WS TMR the NDF and ADF contents were 38.7% and 22.9%, respectively. The experimental diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous (crude protein (CP) = 15%). The dry matter intake (DMI) (1.265 vs. 1.044 kg/day) and average daily gain (ADG) (0.176 vs. 0.143 kg/day) were higher (p &lt, 0.05) in pelleted vs. conventional TMR-fed goats. Irrespective of the PF of the TMR, the 15% WS-fed animals had greater (p &lt, 0.05) DMI (1.206 vs. 1.102 kg/day) and ADG (0.172 vs. 0.144 kg) when compared to those fed on 25% WS diets. Furthermore, feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) was higher (p &lt, 0.05) in the 25% WS-fed goats when compared with the 15% WS-fed animals. Digestibility coefficients, nitrogen balancing, hepatic enzymes, blood metabolites, and hematological parameters were similar (p &gt, 0.05) across all treatments. In conclusion, feeding pelleted TMR with WS improved DMI and growth performance as compared to those fed conventional TMR, and 15% WS performed better than 25% WS without exerting any adverse effects on blood metabolites, liver enzymes, or hematological parameters.

The physical form of the diet and level of straw in fattening total mixed rations (TMR) can influence sorting behavior and rumen morphometry. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment were to evaluate two levels of wheat straw (WS) in conventional and pelleted TMR on feed sorting behavior, rumen morphometry, the thickness of stratum corneum (SC), and color of reticulorumen mucosa. Thirty-two Beetle male goats (8 goats/treatment) were assigned to one of the four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: CTMR15 and CTMR 25 (conventional TMR containing 15 and 25 % WS, respectively), the PTMR15 and PTMR25 (pelleted TMR containing 15 and 25 % WS, respectively). In PTMR, the WS was ground to 8 mm and then pelleted. Feed sorting behavior of goats fed conventional TMR was evaluated twice weekly using Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS). At the end of the experiment, goats (n = 8/treatment) were slaughtered and rumen tissues preserved for further rumen morphometric examination. The CTMR25 fed goats consumed more medium ( 8 mm) and short (> 1.18) particles. There was a significant interaction (P 0.05) by the PF or the SL in the diet. The thickness of stratum corneum (SC) (18.55 μm) was highest (P

A study to examine the impact of selenium forms on productive traits and egg selenium deposition in Aseel was conducted. A total of 96 selenium-treated 21-week-aged Aseel birds were used, 84 females (1726.25 ± 121.65 g) and 12 males (1973.17 ± 182.84 g) from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties. Birds were distributed into four experimental groups (21 females and 3 males/variety), further subdivided into three treatment groups A, B and C with 8 birds each, 7 females and 1 male (4 varieties ×3 Se treatments ×8 birds/treatment). Group A and B were the experimental while, C was a control group. Ration for the birds of group A included 0.3 ppm Se-enriched yeast, group B with 0.3 ppm sodium selenite, while, group C received a basal ration containing no selenium. Experimental birds were maintained separately in battery cages from 22 to 42 weeks. The pullets received Se-enriched yeast (organic source of selenium) supplemented ration gained the sexual maturity earlier (168.61 ± 0.64 d) and represented increased (p ≤ .05) body weight (1973.56 ± 3.43 g); egg production (38.17 ± 1.27%); egg mass (112.52 ± 2.63 g); FCR/dozen eggs (3.26 ± 0.06); FCR/kg egg mass (6.77 ± 0.23) and the selenium contents in the whole egg (11.70 ± 0.01 μg), in egg yolk (8.31 ± 0.01 μg) and in egg albumen (3.33 ± 0.01 μg). It is concluded that Se-enriched yeast is more potent than sodium selenite and is a key supplement used to improve production performance and egg-selenium status of Aseel.

The growth performance of six-hundred (600) growing Japanese quails,distributed according to completely randomized design into 3 treatment groups(5 replicates/ treatment of 40 birds each) was recorded to evaluate the effect of feeding single and multi-strain bacteria. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. Significant(P£0.05) results were observed regarding weight gain, folds of weight gain and FCR in the group fed multi-strain bacteria. Improved(P£0.05)total tract protein digestibility was detected in birds fed the diet containing multi-strain bacteria. Higher blood glucose level (P£0.05)was noticed in the group fed with single-strain bacteria.Blood cholesterol level inbirds fedsingle and multi-strain bacteria was found higher (P£0.05). Enhanced(P£0.05)carcass characteristics and dressing percentage were recorded in birds fed with single strain bacteria.Superior (P£0.05) weights of bursa and spleen wererecordedin the group fed with single-strain bacteria.

Two hundred-forty 3-weeks-old Aseel birds from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties of indigenous Aseel were chosen (60 birds/variety, 30 males and 30 females) to evaluate the influence of selenium supplements on growth performance. The birds of either sex were divided according to randomized complete block design into A, B and C treatment groups (10 birds/treatment); A and B were experimental, while C was control. Se-enriched yeast (organic selenium) and sodium selenite (inorganic selenium) were supplemented @ 0.3 mg/kg in the basal diets of group A and B, respectively, while, group C was fed without additional selenium. Birds were maintained individually in battery cages from 4-21 weeks. Statistically, the results showed the reduced (P>0.05) feed intake, while enhanced (P£0.05) nutrient utilization for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat and ash; superior feed conversion ratio; higher live final body weight; lower (P£0.05) mortality and rearing cost in Se-enriched yeast fed birds, chiefly in the males of Lakha variety than those received sodium selenite supplemented or control diet. The study concluded that the organic selenium supplement (Se-enriched yeast) had a major influence in improving the overall growth performance of Aseel.

In total, 240 three-weeks-old sexed birds (191.06±6.01g), 120 + 120 from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties of local Aseel were used to determine the influence of selenium forms on growth during three growth phases. Birds were divided into four equal groups, 60 birds/variety (30 + 30 ), further subdivided into A, B and C treatment groups, 10 bids/treatment. Each group was allocated starter, grower and finisher diets. Group A was offered the diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm Se-enriched yeast and the diet of group B included 0.3 ppm sodium selenite, while group C was fed with un-supplemented control diet. Birds were maintained individually for 18 weeks. Feed intake was decreased, while, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain were improved in males and females of Lakha, while best results detected in males during all growth phases in Se-enriched yeast fed groups. In conclusion, Se-enriched yeast had the positive effect in improving growth parameters of native Aseel.

Selenium was believed to be toxic to animals, however, in 1957, selenium was reported as a dietary vital nutrient. Selenium is available in inorganic and organic forms. In 1974, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated the supplementation of selenium in poultry diets. In 1994, the National Research Council recognized selenium as a dietary essential nutrient for laying hens. The maximum allowed selenium addition level is 0.30 mg/kg. One of the most common supplements used is sodium selenite (SS), the inorganic selenium source. However, in 2000, the FDA approved the use of the organic source of selenium, Se-enriched yeast (SY) in poultry diets. Selenium has valuable effects on animal immune status, growth parameters, production and reproduction. Experimentally, it has been indicated that SY benefits more than that of SS due to its more bioavailability. Selenium inclusion in food-animal diets has an extra nutritional advantage to human consumers of Se-enriched food-animal products.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate yeast sludge cell wall (YSCW) and commercial toxin binders against different levels of aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) in broilers. A total of 390 one day old (1-d-o) chicks were divided into 13 groups with treatments (three replicates / treatment ten birds in each). Negative control (NC) contained no AFB1 and toxin binder in feed. Positive control (PC) was offered with different AFB1 levels (100, 200 and 300 µg/kg) in feed which were being produced in the laboratory earlier. The remaining treatments included YSCW, bentonites, combination of bentonites and glucomannan (Bent + Gluc) at different AFB1 levels in factorial arrangement from 8th to 28th days of age. Among positive control, 200 and 300 µg/kg AFB1 levels showed 37.42% and 36.38% decrease in weight gain causing 1.41 and 1.35 times increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to NC. YSCW and Bent + Gluc showed better weight gain (87.9, 83.45 and 75.48% for YSCW and 83.37, 82.83 and 78.35 for Bent + Gluc vs 66.26, 62.6 and 63.6% for PC as compared to NC) at 100, 200 and 300 µg AFB1/kg, respectively. The dietary treatments, aflatoxin levels and toxin binders showed non-significant effect for feed intake, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and significant on albumin and uric acid. It was concluded that AFB1 affect the growth at different levels significantly. Like other toxin binders, YSCW was found to nullify the deleterious effects of AFB1 and showed non-significant effect among themselves at different AFB1 levels.

A study to investigate the influence of selenium on final body weight and slaughter traits of Aseel was conducted. Three-weeks-old 120 cockerels from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties of Aseel were randomly selected and distributed into four groups, 30 cockerels each, subdivided into 3 treatment groups A, B (experimental groups), and C (control group) with 10 cockerels in each treatment. Birds were assigned three experimental diets. The diet for the birds of group A incorporated 0.3 mg/kg Se-enriched yeast and group B included 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite, while C was fed the diet without Se (control diet). Final body weight, dressed weight, dressing%, eviscerated weight, eviscerated%; chest, thigh and giblets weight; selenium content in chest and thigh in Se-yeast fed birds were significantly increased than those got sodium selenite or control diet. The study concluded that Se-enriched yeast is more effective in improving body weight and slaughtering characteristics of Aseel.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of selenium sources on egg and hatching traits of native Aseel chicken. Selenium-treated 21-weeks-aged 84 pullets and 12 cockerels from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties (21 pullets and 3 cockerels per variety) were divided into three treatment groups A, B and C (7 pullets and 1 cockerel per group). Group A and B were experimental and C was control. Ration for group A was included 0.3 mg/kg Se-yeast, B was included 0.3 mg/kg sodium selenite and C with No selenium. Se-yeast supplementation presented increased egg weight, shell thickness, yolk index, Haugh units; enhanced egg length, breadth, volume, shape index and surface area; decreased dead germ%, dead in shell%, clear egg% and enhanced hatchability%, the hatch of fertile% and chick weight. Present study concluded that Se-yeast is a superior supplement in improving egg quality, geometry and hatching features of indigenous Aseel varieties.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) occurs in milk and dairy products, resulting from metabolism of ingested aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in contaminated feedstuffs. The toxic effects of AFM1 include carcinogenesis, reduced protein synthesis, and immunosuppressant effects. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of aflatoxin M1 in milk and milk products of Punjab, the major milk producing province in Pakistan. Two hundred thirty two milk samples from local shops, household farms, and large scale farms; and 138 sweets (Mithae) from local shops were collected from the 36 districts of Punjab province. These samples were analyzed for aflatoxin M1 by ELISA technique. The AFM1 incidence rates in milk and sweets were 76.3% and 97%, respectively. Average AFM1 concentration in milk was 0.252 μg/L and in sweets was 0.48 μg/kg. Results were compared with the European Union permissible levels of aflatoxin M1 in milk (0.05 μg/L) and milk products (0.05 μg/kg). Contamination level in 75 milk and 108 sweets sample was higher than these levels. No positive correlation was observed between the level of AFM1 in milk and the level of AFM1 in sweets samples, which was likely caused by the large variations in milking and sweets processing. The results indicated that the community is constantly exposed to these toxins. Regulatory mechanism should be implemented to control the toxins in milk and milk products. As feed is the main source of AFM1 in milk the level of aflatoxins in livestock feeds should also be kept to the minimum.

The present study had two objectives: first, to determine the carry over or excretion percentage of aflatoxin B1 (AFBI) in milk in form of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and second, to assess the reduction in excretion of AFM1 in milk using different organic and inorganic toxin binders available in Pakistani market. Lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes (n=16) were randomly selected and were divided into four treatment groups designated as A, B, C and D. In each treatment 500 μg/Kg of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was fed along with no sequestering agent added (control); and three toxin binders: Fixar Viva in group B, Mycosorb in group C and T5X in group D. These toxin binders were added at concentration of 0.25% of dry matter intake of animal. It resulted in 2.13% carryover in milk as AFM1. A significant reduction (P

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