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Four fistulated Boer cross-bred bucks with 25 kg average body weight was used to test the effects of dietary treated rice straw supplemented with A. paniculata and O. stamineus on in-vivo rumen parameters and microbial population in goats. The study was conducted in 4 periods (4 x 4 Latin square design), where each period was for a duration of 22 d; 10 dof adaptation period, 5 dof sampling and 7 dof change-over. The animals were fed once daily at 0800 (3% body weight) with 60% of urea-treated rice straw and 40 % of one of four concentrate diets: T1-basal diet + 1% A. paniculata, T2-basal diet + 1% O. stamineus, T3-basal diet + 0.5% of A. paniculata and 0.5% O. stamineus (AO) and T4-basal diet without supplementation of herbs. Clean water was provided ad libitum and the animals were individually penned. Rumen contents were sampled at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 12 hafter the onset feeding and the pH was recorded. Rumen pH, VFA's, concentration of ammonia and microbial population in the rumen fluid were measured. The mean rumen pH was the highest (P

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920?s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950?s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 ? e?ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napier cultivars is mainly reflected by the extensive lignification of their cell wall structure.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a herbaceous plant in the family of Malvaceae, native to Africa and India and primarily produced for its fibre. It has been suggested that the immature kenaf is suitable to be used as fodder for ruminants. The crude protein content of the kenaf depends on the soil nutrient levels and other environmental and management factors. The study aims to evaluate the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer at different levels on the plant height, yield, nutrient content and in vitro gas production of immature kenaf. There were five different levels of additional inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (urea: 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 kg/ha) and were given to Kenaf V36 which was initially fertilized with NPK (15:15:15). Kenaf V36 seeds were obtained from National Kenaf and Tobacco Board and used as planting materials. The kenaf plants were watered twice daily and fertilized with inorganic fertilizer on day 10 and 20 after planting. On day 35 after planting, the dry matter yield (DM yield), plant height, proximate analysis, Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro gas production were determined. The result shows that the DM yield ranged from 0.55 to 0.62 tonnes per hectare. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in CP, NDF and ash of kenaf fertilized with different levels of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. There are highly significant differences (P<0.01) in plant height, DM content and gas production of kenaf fertilized with different levels of inorganic fertilizer application of immature kenaf fertilised with 40 kg/ha and harvested on day 35 post-planting was observed to reach the optimum performance and suitable as ruminant feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on fermenting potato waste (PW), and the in-vitro digestibility of the fermented potato via gas production. Potato waste was assigned to three treatments: PW plus zero media (P0), PW plus 5 % sugar solution (PS) and PW + 5 % sugar solution + yeast (PSY); the treatments were replicated six times and fermented for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours in a two-factor factorial design (CRD) factorial. Because of higher crude protein, ether extract and lower crude fibre contents, fermented PW at 72 hours was used for the in-vitro gas production for determination of metabolizable energy (ME), in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The results of PW fermentation over time revealed that there was no interaction (P>0.05) between treatments and the time of fermentation, hence main factors were separately analysed. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) of PSY were significantly (P<0.05) higher than values across P0 and PS. The proximate values and fibre components were highest (P<0.05) at 72 hours of fermentation. Similarly, the in-vitro gas produced by PSY at 2h was highest (P<0.05) across treatments. However, no difference (P>0.05) was observed during the remaining incubation periods. The IVDMD and IVOMD digestibility of P0, PS and PSY were similar (P>0.05). It was therefore concluded that inoculating potato waste with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fermented for 72 hours improved nutrient contents and digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem statement: Bacteria can perform a variety of beneficial functions, for example many lactic acid bacteria are responsible for fermentation of silage in the process of forage conservation. In the making of silage, epiphytic lactic acid bacteria are usually insufficient in numbers to promote efficient lactate fermentation. This study was conducted to identify the predominant indigenous bacteria, with emphasis on lactic acid bacteria, from Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Approach: Two different condition of growth using nutrient and MRS agar were prepared for isolation of the bacteria. In total, 18 purified isolates were identified by BIOLOG identification system which comprised of 9 bacterial species. Standard plate count in the both conditions was considered. Results: Three bacterial species based on the first condition of growth were identified which were belonging to Flavimonas oryzihabitans, Enerobacter cloacae, Sphingomonas paucimobilis B. Lactic acid bacteria based on the second condition of growth were belonging to Weissella confusa, Weissella paramesenteroides, Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. dextranicum, Lactococcus lactis ssp. hordniae. Result of plate count showed that 8.3 x [10.sup.3] CFU lactic acid bacteria are available per gram of fresh guinea grass. Conclusion: Three heterofermentative and one homo-fermentative lactic acid bacteria were identified which would be suggested to use as bacterial inoculants because of the insufficient amount of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria and the availability of pathogenic bacteria in the grass. Key words: Isolation, identification, predominant bacteria, guinea grass, INTRODUCTION The natural feeds for ruminants are generally grasses, forbs and forages. Grassland either native or improved, are predominantly used in ruminant production systems throughout the world. Guinea grass (Panicum [...]

Problem statement: Supplementation of broiler diets with cristalline amino acids (i.e. lysine, ethionine and threonine) may support equal broiler growth and improve overall amino acids balance and enable a reduction in CP level of diets. Approach: A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental L-leucine in diets containing recommended levels and low crude protein (20 and 18%, respectively) with constant metabolizable energy (3200 kcal [kg.sup.-1]) for broilers from 21-42 day of age. Six experimental diets were formulated with three levels of supplemental L-leucine, 0, 0.5 and 0.67% and two levels of crude protein. A total of 180 1 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were randomly divided into 36 experimental pens, 5 chickens in each pen, with each diet replicated 6 times. The dietary treatments were offered from 21-42 days of age. Feed intake, body weight gain and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were measured on a weekly basis. At the end of the feeding trial the birds were slaughtered and carcass analyses conducted. Results: Feed intake, weight gain and FCR were not affected by increasing levels of L-leucine supplementation. Weight gain was significantly reduced (p Key words: Leucine, low-protein diet, broiler, carcass characteristics, INTRODUCTION Major changes in feeding strategies in poultry production have been proposed to alleviate environmental problems related to increasing nitrogen output in animal manure by large animal production units. During [...]

The study was conducted at the Goat Farm, Biotechnology Centre of DVSS Keningau, Sabah, to determine the effect of two groups of scrotal circumferences on sexual performance and the correlation between scrotal circumference and sexual performance in Boer bucks. Ten healthy Boer bucks aged 1.5 years with an average body weight of 61.15±1.87 kg were randomly selected. They were divided into two groups according to their scrotal circumference. The scrotal circumference between 25 to 28 cm was grouped as G-I (n=5), while G-II (n=5) consisted of the scrotal circumference between 29 to 32 cm. Bucks were fed with commercial pellets and Napier grass according to the farm's routine practice. Data on the scrotal circumference and sexual performance, including latency to the first mount, number of mounts, latency to the first ejaculation, refractory period, number of ejaculations, and mating efficiency, were collected every two weeks for five consecutive weeks. Results indicated that Boer bucks with a scrotal circumference between 29 to 32 cm improved their sexual performance; the number of mounts significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of ejaculations and mating efficiency significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to the Boer bucks with a scrotal circumference between 25 to 28 cm. A high correlation was reported between scrotal circumference and the number of mounts (r= -0.476, P<0.01), while scrotal circumference correlated with mating efficiency (r = 0.323, P<0.05). In conclusion, scrotal circumference between 29 to 32 cm can influence the sexual performance of Boer bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the egg consumers, it would be of interest if the information on the label claimed by the egg producer is true and safe food to consume. Information on the label of egg packaging has always been argued by consumers because some of them believe that the information stated on the label mislead. This study aims to validate the information on the label of the egg packaging claimed by the egg producer based on the best before date (BBD) with egg quality to help consumers to consume a quality and safe product. A study had been carried out where two egg grades, B and C were used as replicates. The weight of eggs was measured and divided into two groups. Then, they were subjected to storage at room (RT: 24ºC to 26ºC) and refrigerator temperature (FT: 1ºC to 10ºC) from the day bought until reached the best before date. Results were analysed using t-test and ANOVA using SAS software. The result proposed that the mean egg weight exceed the egg weight stated on the label of the packaging. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) on egg weight, Haugh unit, specific gravity, yolk width, yolk weight (%) and albumen weight (%). In contrast, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) for shape index, yolk colour, shell weight (%) and shell thickness. Egg stored in refrigerator temperature showed better quality until best before date than the egg in room temperature. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of information on the egg label and for consumers to choose an egg with the longest best before date. The low temperature of storage also needs to take into account to maintain the egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of various estrus synchronization programs on estrus detection rate (EDR) and pregnancy rate (PR) in lactating dairy cows. Spring-calving, lactating dairy cows (n = 3,096) were allocated to one of six treatments: 1) PG (n = 514), estrus detection for 10 d before the onset of the breeding season (BS), cows detected in estrus received [PGF.sub.2[Alpha]] (PGF) 8 d after estrus, and all cows to be bred by d 11 of BS; 2) PG+EBZ (n = 510), as in PG, plus cows treated with PGF received 1 mg of estradiol benzoate 48 h later; 3) C (n = 522), progestogen (controlled intravaginal drug release; CIDR) inserted per vaginum 10 d before BS for 8 d, PGF treatment on the day before CIDR removal, and AI within 6 d after CIDR withdrawal; 4) C+EBZ (n = 520), as in C, plus 10 mg of estradiol benzoate 10 d before BS; 5) C+BUS (n = 517), as in C, plus 10 [[micro]gram] of buserelin on the day of CIDR insertion; or 6) CON (n = 513), no treatment, and a 32-d period of AI. Relative to other CIDR-treated groups, estradiol benzoate at the time of CIDR insertion reduced (P < .05) the EDR (C, 85.0%; C+EBZ, 75.9%; C+BUS, 88.5%). The PR to first AI was reduced (P < .05) by C compared with other treatments (PG, 60.9%; PG+EBZ, 57.2%; C, 46.6%; C+EBZ, 60.5%; C+BUS, 57.9%; CON, 60.1%). The interval from the onset of BS to AI and pregnancy was reduced (P < .05) by up to 9 d by estrus synchronization relative to controls (PG, 5.5 [+ or -] .2 d; PG+EBZ, 5.2 [+ or -] .2 d; C, 1.7 [+ or -] .1 d; C+EBZ, 2.3 [+ or -] .1 d; C+BUS, 1.6 [+ or -] .04 d, CON, 10.4 [+ or -] .3 d). In conclusion, an 8-d progestogen-buserelin-PGF treatment resulted in the best overall estrus detection and pregnancy rates, which would be beneficial to a compact calving program. Key Words: Cows, Estrus, Progesterone, GnRH, Estradiol, Prostaglandin [F.sub.2[Alpha]]

The purpose of this experiment was to identify the most suitable oestrus synchronisation protocol using 30 mg fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges with oestradiol benzoate (OB) for sheep. Thirtyfour Dorper crosses ewes, randomly allocated into three groups. Ewes in each group are either received FGA with i) corn oil (Control; n=11); ii) 0.05 mg OB (OB-L; n=11) or iii) 0.25 mg OB (OB-H; n=12). A day before FGA removal, one ml of prostaglandin (PG) was injected into each ewe regardless of their treatment groups. Oestrus behaviours observation was conducted with the involvement of four alternate fertile rams after 24 hours post-FGA removal and OB injection. Data of oestrus response and behaviour was analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results showed that all ewes in OB-L and OB-H groups had oestrus within 60 hours of observation, while only 36.4% in the Control group. Meanwhile, ewes with standing oestrus in OB-L and OB-H groups had a shorter interval compare to Control group. Moreover, ewes in OB-L and OB-H groups showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) percentage of ewes express their oestrus behaviour compared to ewes in Control group. The results suggested that synchronisation using intravaginal FGA with OB either low or high dose improve the oestrus response of Dorper crosses ewes compared to synchronisation with non-administration of OB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A digestibility trial was conducted at the MARDI Jeram Pasu, Kelantan, to determine the effect of two levels of organic selenium supplementation on the apparent nutrient digestibility, nutrient balance, total digestible nutrient, and metabolizable energy of matured Boer bucks. A total of nine matured bucks (age of two years) were selected and randomly and equally allotted to three different dietary treatments: Groups A and B were supplemented with 0.3 and 0.6 mg Se/kg DM, respectively, while group C with no Se supplementation (control group). The mean initial body weight was 31.67±0.60 kg. They were fed a basal diet with 60% formulated pellet and 40% Brachiaria dictyoneura grass (age of 6 weeks) at 3% DM of body weight. The bucks were placed in individual metabolic cages with separated faecal and urine collection facilities. The digestibility trial was carried out for five days using a completely randomized design (CRD). Supplementation of Se at 0.3 mg/kg DM significantly increased (P<0.05) the digestibility (%) of CP and Se and the Se balance (%). Se supplementation at 0.60 mg/kg DM had significantly increased (P<0.05) the digestibility of nutrients in the Boer bucks. Se supplementation at 0.60 mg/kg had improved (P<0.05) the digestibility (%) of ash, CP, EE, CF, ADF, NDF, P, Ca, Cu and Se, as well as CP, P, Ca, Cu and Se balances. Se supplementation at 0.60 mg/kg DM also had significantly increased (P<0.05) the dietary TDN (%) and ME. In conclusion, supplementation at 0.60 mg/kg DM can influence the nutrient digestibility of matured Boer bucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive process in female mammals is characterized by cyclic alteration in the female tract. During the oestrous cycle, the primordial follicle will be developed into the Graafian follicle before the ovulation and it takes place under the influence of hormonal control. This work was carried out to study the general pattern of innervation in the ovary at different stages of the oestrous cycle. Twenty-four adult female Sprague Dawley rats were used to perform the goal of the study. These rats were sacrificed after the detection of their cycle stage by vaginal smears and the ovaries were fixed and section using a frozen cryostat. Detection of nerve fibers was done using the immunohistochemistry technique. The results from this study showed that there is innervation in the ovary throughout the oestrous cycle indicated by the presence of PGP 9.5- immunoreactive nerve fibres. The number of nerve fibres found during each stage of the oestrous cycle significantly varies; the nerve fibre count during the oestrus stage was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the nerve fibre count at proestrus, metestrus, and diestrous stage. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry PGP 9.5 marker was a useful approach and indicator for nerve fibers distribution in organs which can be changed with different physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts were made to reduce the wide gap between requirement and availability of local feed by having a better utilization strategy of unconventional feed resources. Malaysia is one of the world's largest palm oil producers. The process of extraction of palm oil produces empty fruit bunch (EFB), which is considered as waste product. Biological delignification using white rot fungi (WRF) was reported to enhance the feeding values of agricultural by-products used in ruminant rations by fungal degradation of lignin. Steam sterilization before fungi inoculation is known to affect substrate composition. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of steam sterilization of oil palm EFB fibres on the nutritive composition of oil palm EFB fibres treated with mycelia culture of Ganoderma lucidum at different incubation periods as a potential ruminant feedstuff. Shredded oil palm EFB fibres were prepared as sterilized substrate in polypropylene bags and inoculated with mycelia culture of G. lucidum. The uninoculated sterilized substrate was compared with unsterilized substrate. All inoculated substrates were incubated starting from week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 with 4 replications for each period. All samples were analysed for their nutritive compositions. Result showed that only crude protein and cellulose content were significantly changed after steam sterilization process where crude protein was reduced from 6.07% to 1.97% and cellulose increased from 22.35% to 27.52%. All nutritive composition analysed (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ash, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) for oil palm EFB fibres treated with G. lucidum showed significant changes across incubation period. Its lignocellulose components such as lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose were significantly reduced by 21%, 20% and 35%, respectively after 12 weeks of incubation. These results suggest that oil palm EFB fibres treated with mycelial culture of G. lucidum have potential to be utilized as ruminant feedstuff. Ganoderma lucidum was proven to have the ability in delignification of lignin in oil palm EFB fibres. Exploitation of this biological treatment could possibly maximize the use of locally available agro-industrial by-products to increase the production of local cost-effective feed for ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is one of the essential products in the human diet, rich in nutritive components. The interspecific differences of goat and cow milk composition clearly show that goat milk is rich in beneficial fatty acids content. The composition and fatty acids of milk is affected by various factors including stage of lactation. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid) and fatty acid profiles at different stages of lactation in the dairy goats. Milk yield and samples were obtained from 33 lactating Jamnapari crossbred goats, aged between 2 and 4 y, from a dairy goat farm. Does were fed with the same diet (cut fodder and soy wastes) throughout the lactation period. Milk samples were taken from each goat on 10-15, 42-63 and 98-112 d postpartum and named as early, mid, and late lactation stage, respectively. Milk samples were analysed to determine milk composition and fatty acids profile. Results revealed that milk yield was the highest (P<0.05) during mid-lactation (785 mL) and consequently low in fat (F) and total solid (TS) content. The milk yields were higher (P<0.05) in F and TS content at early (5.10% F,14.65% TS) and late (4.56% F,14.71% TS) lactation stages. The protein (3.57%) and lactose (5.29%) content remained unchanged (P>0.05) throughout this study. Low level of cholesterol-raising fatty acids in human nutrition known as myristic and palmatic acids were detected at early lactation stages (P<0.05) compared to mid and late lactation stages. However, the value of individual medium-chain triglycerides in particularly caproic and caprylic acids were also at low value (P<0.05) during early lactation stage. Oleic acid had a higher value at the beginning of lactation (P<0.05) until the mid-stage of lactation. The fat content which coincided with oleic acid was concentrated during early lactation stages with the expense of caproic and caprylic acids which were also beneficial in human nutrition. In conclusion, milk yield, composition and fatty acid profiles of Jamnapari goats were altered by the stage of lactation. Low levels of individual MCT, especially caprylic and capric acids, and including myristic and palmatic acids (long chain fatty acid) in goat milk during the early stage of lactation. The highest value of rumenic acid and the decrease in stearic and oleic acid levels in goat milk occurred during mid-stage of lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Napier grass is a C4 type tropical grass and commonly used as ruminant feedstuffs due to its promising yield. The preservation of Napier grass is to ensure continuous feed supply for the animals during shortage of forages as well as preserving the quality of the grasses. The study on nutritive quality of fresh and ensiled Napier cultivars was conducted at March 2014 at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Four Napier cultivars (Common Napier, Silver Napier, Red Napier and Dwarf Napier) were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall types and Dwarf Napier as short cultivar. Results revealed that Common Napier and Red Napier had significantly higher (P≤0.05) dry matter yield (DMY). Both Silver and Dwarf Napier have the lowest DMY (P≤0.05) regardless of the grass height. Generally, Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.18) and nutritive value (10% crude protein (CP); 66% in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD); 56% in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)) than tall cultivars. The process of fermentation clearly decreased the nutritive value of Napier cultivars. The ensiling process decreased (P≤0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content (72 to 67%), IVDMD (69 to 61%)and increased (P≤0.05) the IVOMD (52 to 58%) and gross energy (16 to 17 MJ/kg).Regardless of the feed types, the CP content of Napier cultivars surpassed 7% of the minimum requirement for rumen microbial sustainability. There were interaction (P≤0.05) between cultivars and feed types on CP, potential gas production (A+B), metabolisable energy (ME) and degradation rates (C). The CP content of Common, Red and Dwarf Napier increased numerically due to ensiling process. Nevertheless, the ME content and C value declined gradually after the ensiling process. The compaction during ensiling process could affect the quality of Napier cultivars in particular the IVDMD and the degradation rates due to leaching of nutrient. It is concluded that the nutritive value of Napier cultivars were generally decreased due to preservation mechanism. Despite, the CP content and total gas production of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was performed to determine the effects of varying levels of baker's yeast supplementation on growing performance, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 200 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used and divided equally into 5 dietary treatments: T1 (control), T2 (control + 0.1% baker's yeast), T3 (control + 0.2% baker's yeast), T4 (control + 0.4% baker's yeast), and T5 (control + 0.8% baker's yeast) with 4 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. All birds were given the same management and environmental conditions. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed, with T4 (71.26±0.03 g/d) showed the highest value in weight gain compared to control diet (66.59±0.50 g/d). In FCR, T4 (1.86±0.08) showed the lowest value compared to control diet (2.07±0.08). Also in ileum villus height T4 (1226.1±0.81 µm) showed the highest value compared to control diet (1080.7±0.48 µm). However, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed for cryptal depth, dry matter and metabolizable energy among all treatments. Meat, bone, and fat ratios recorded significant differences (P<0.05) between dietary treatments and control group. However no significant difference was observed in the dressing percentage among all dietary treatments. The study indicates that dietary supplementation of 0.4% baker's yeast in the diet increases the growth performance and carcass characteristics, and also improves intestinal morphology and nutrient absorption of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]