Search

Ochratoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, often contaminating staple grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. These toxins pose significant health risks through dietary exposure. This study aimed to assess the effects of ochratoxins on the growth and development of broiler chickens, especially in the context of the ongoing global food crisis. We evaluated key growth parameters, including body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate, using 30-day-old chicks separated into three (3) different groups including the control. The chicks were administered feeds contaminated with ochratoxins at concentrations of 0 ml, 0.6 ml, and 1.2 ml. Our analysis showed that as the concentration of ochratoxins increased, there was a notable decrease in weight gain and feed intake, accompanied by a deterioration in the feed conversion ratio and an increase in mortality rate. Specifically, significant variations (p<0.05) were observed across all parameters, with the highest concentrations of ochratoxins (0.6 ml and 1.2 ml) leading to adverse effects on the growth performance of the broiler birds. Mortality rates were recorded at treatment levels of 0.6 ml and 1.2 ml, highlighting the detrimental impact of higher ochratoxin levels on broiler health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry sector is facing multiple challenges among which infectious diseases are major hindrances. Coccidiosis, especially cecal coccidiosis is the most prominent disease because of its acute nature and high mortality. Controlling through synthetic chemicals and ionophores is becoming less effective, botanicals especially essential oils are being considered for the control of coccidiosis. In this study, broiler birds at day 10 of age were divided into 6 groups. Three concentrations of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) essential oil 1, 2 and 3% (v/w) were administered orally to estimate their anticoccidial effects compared to toltrazuril medicated, infected non-medicated, and non-infected non-medicated controls. Oocysts per gram of feces, oocyst score, fecal score, lesion score, feed conversion ratio, weight gain, complete blood profile, and liver and renal function-related serum parameters were evaluated. Analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used to compare the means and analyze statistically. The results showed that flaxseed essential oil had significant (p<0.05) anticoccidial activity in reducing oocysts per gram, oocyst score, fecal score, and lesion score. There was a significant decrease in mortalities, while weight gain and FCR were also improved by therapy of flaxseed essential oil at a concentration of 3%. Flaxseed essential oil also showed significant positive effects on red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration. Total proteins and albumins were significantly (p<0.05) increased by the flaxseed essential oil while other serum-related parameters remained in the normal range. The results suggest that the flaxseed essential oil can be used for the control of coccidiosis in broiler birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and twenty (120) apparently healthy day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks, were used in a study to evaluate the effects of substitution of antibiotics with selected medicinal plant leaf meal on their production indices. The study which was carried out from September to November 2022 consists of eight treatment groups designated as T to T. Eight experimental diets were formulated such that T served as the control, T 1 8 1 2 (5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal), T (5% Neem leaf meal) T (5% Spondias mombin leaf meal), T (2.5% 3 4 5 combination each of moringa and Neem leaf meal), T (2.5% combination each of Moringa and Spondias 6 mombin leaf meal) T (2.5% combination each of Neem and Spondias mombin leaf meal), and T (1.66% each 7 8 of Moringa, Neem and Spondias mombin leaf meal) respectively. Parameters evaluated for the broiler chicken include weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, haematology and carcass characteristics of the broilers. The study lasted for 63 days. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance using SPSS,22. Mean separation was done using the least significant difference. The weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio as well percentage mortality for the broiler chicken all differed (P<0.05). The broiler chicken dressed weight, dressing percentage, breast cut, thigh, drumstick, shank and wing were significant (P<0.05) higher for T. The organs of the broiler chicken such as gizzard, crops, 4 proventriculus, small intestine, large intestine and caecum were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the feeding trial. The WBC, Hb and the platelet of the broiler chicken were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the study materials. The work therefore recommends that medicinal plant leaf meal can be used in place of antibiotics growth promoters as they positively affected the broiler growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was done to know the incidence of coccidiosis in naturally affected broiler birds in 10 different farms located in Ayodhya and Sultanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh for six months (October, 2021 to March, 2022). These farms were visited during study period to screen the cases of coccidiosis on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms like marked depression and weakness, decreased feed intake, feed conversion and diarrhoea. Out of total 22600 birds under observation at the ten farms, 7300 were clinically found to be naturally affected with coccidiosis. The overall incidence of the coccidiosis was 30.96%. Out of 5 farms in Ayodhya district, total 11500 birds were under observation, 3781 birds were clinically affected. The overall incidence in Ayodhya district was 31.49%. Out of 5 farms in Sultanpur district, total of 11100 birds were under observation, 3519 birds were clinically affected. The overall incidence in Sultanpur district was 30.43%. In the present study, the overall mortality was 26.74%. The average calculated oocyst index 1.17 μm, length 19.65 μm, width 17.49 μm and morphological features indicated that the measured oocysts were of E. tenella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High cost of feedstuff especially maize and its major contribution of energy source between man and livestock. The study assessed the effect of yam tuber waste meal on broiler bird performance and as an alternative kitchen garbage waste. Specific objectives determined the growth performances, carcass parameters and cost benefits. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 220day old broiler chicks (mixed sexes) of Agric-tech were selected for the study. The diets consist of Diet 1 = 44% maize and 0% yam tuber waste meal, Diet 2 = 32% maize and 12% yam tuber waste meal, Diet 3 = 22% maize and 22% yam tuber waste meal and Diet 4 = 12% maize and 32% yam tuber waste meal, where palm kernel cake, wheat offal, soybean meal, local fish meal, limestone, vitamin premix, lysine, methionine and salt were used to balance the diets. The feed intake was measured daily, while the weight gain, feed efficiency, efficiency of feed utilization, cost benefits and feed conversion ratio were calculated at the end of the study. The result of the weight gain, the efficiency of feed utilization, feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain had the same significance level (p<0.05) on Diets 3 and 4, respectively, higher than those fed to the other Diets. While the total feed intake and cost benefits analysis showed significance (p<0.05) among each other, the average daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not significant (p>0.05) among treatments. The dress percentage, dress weight and liveweight were significant (p<0.05) across the treatments. Conclusively, using yam tuber waste meal in replacement for maize in broiler diets revealed no adverse effect; and could serve as an alternative for kitchen garbage waste. The study, therefore, recommends that; yam tuber waste meal be included at 22 - 32% in broiler diets without deleterious effects in all parameters studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of CO 2 is relatively large in poultry farms and high accumulations of this gas reduce animal welfare. Good control of its concentration is crucial for the health of the animals. The vocalizations of the chickens can show their level of well-being linked to the presence of carbon dioxide. An audio recording system was implemented and audio raw data was processed to extract acoustical features from four cycles of forty days, three of them from the same farm. This research aims to find the most relevant acoustic features extracted from the broiler's calls that are related to the CO 2 concentration and that could help to automate procedures. The results are encouraging since MFCC 6, 9, 4 and 3 are the most important features that relate the vocalizations of the chickens to the gas concentration, furthermore there is a clear and more similar representativeness trend during birds' life period from day 15 to day 40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins negatively impact intestinal cell viability, leading to the depletion of beneficial bacteria and rendering birds susceptible to intestinal infections such as necrotic enteritis (NE). Furthermore, they impair the effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis supplementation on broiler birds exposed to mycotoxins and subsequent necrotic enteritis infection. A total of 280 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into eight groups and subjected to B. licheniformis supplementation (1 × 10 6  CFU/kg of feed) and mycotoxin exposure (aflatoxin and ochratoxin A, each at 150 ppb). Clostridium perfringens (3 × 10 10  CFU/ml) was later administered to induce necrotic enteritis. This study evaluated body weight, feed intake, relative organ weights, hematological and serum biochemical parameters and performed histopathological examinations of liver, kidney and intestine. All the obtained data was statistically analyzed (P ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrated that B. licheniformis supplementation reduced the susceptibility to necrotic enteritis in broilers initially exposed to mycotoxins. Body weight and feed intake were significantly decreased in groups challenged with mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis, both individually and concurrently, compared to the control group. Relative weights of the liver, kidney and intestine were significantly higher in treatment groups. Hematological analysis revealed significantly lower erythrogram parameters (TEC, Hb, and PCV) in birds fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed, with or without necrotic enteritis. Hepatic and renal biomarkers were significantly elevated, and serum protein levels (total protein, albumin) were significantly lower. In contrast, birds supplemented with B. licheniformis and challenged with either mycotoxins or NE showed no significant differences in body weight, feed intake, erythrogram and leucogram compared to the control group. However, B. licheniformis did not mitigate these effects when supplemented in group with concurrent challenge of mycotoxins and NE, however, intensity of changes was reduced. In conclusion, B. licheniformis supplementation effectively alleviates the pathological changes induced by mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis when presented individually but is not sufficiently effective against the combined challenge of mycotoxins and necrotic enteritis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The general acceptability of plants with proven records of medicinal values in the tropics in recent times has necessitated the use of dried avocado pear in the broiler diet and its possible effects on haematological variables and biochemical indices. The study focused on haematological and biochemical responses of broilers to varying levels of the inclusion of dried avocado pear seeds. The inclusion levels were 0% of the dried avocado pear seed meal as a control, 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5%. The experiment lasted for eight weeks: four weeks for the starter phase (for the acclimatization of the birds and the maturation of their GIT) and four weeks for the test trials (the finisher phase). The result showed significant differences (P

The study was conducted in 12 different private and commercial broiler flocks for one year. Out of 23906 broiler birds examined, 1714 were clinically found to be naturally affected with gout, the incidence and mortality of gout being 7.17% and 4.37% respectively. The highest prevalence of this disease was recorded during colder months (833, 9.68%, 439, 7.06%) followed by summer (384, 5.40%) and lowest in rainy season (58, 2.92%). Of the susceptible age of first three weeks, the incidence was more during second week (9.96%), followed by first (7.63%) and third week (6.01%) of age. Out of the 12 flocks which were screened for gout 10 flocks were of cob breed (83.34%), one flock of Hubbard (8.33%) and one of Kasila breed (8.33%). The birds affected with gout had a significant (P=0.01) increase in serum uric acid (34.42 ± 1.10). The levels of serum creatinine were significantly (P>0.01) increased (2.14 ± 0.02). The mean values of TLC and PCV in the affected birds were significantly (P>0.01) high. TEC and Hb were also significantly (P>0.05) higher than control birds.

The concentration of CO2 is relatively large in poultry farms and high accumulations of this gas reduce animal welfare. Good control of its concentration is crucial for the health of the animals. The vocalizations of the chickens can show their level of well-being linked to the presence of carbon dioxide. An audio recording system was implemented and audio raw data was processed to extract acoustical features from four cycles of forty days, three of them from the same farm. This research aims to find the most relevant acoustic features extracted from the broiler’s calls that are related to the CO2 concentration and that could help to automate procedures. The results are encouraging since MFCC 6, 9, 4 and 3 are the most important features that relate the vocalizations of the chickens to the gas concentration, furthermore there is a clear and more similar representativeness trend during birds’ life period from day 15 to day 40.

The increase in cost of Broiler Birds' feed, feed ingredients, and food security have raised concerns in exploring crop residues that can be nutritional, affordable and sustainable in Broiler Birds' feed formulation. In this study the potential of fermented mango seeds kernel, watermelon seeds, and African locust beans seed flour using Lactobacillus Plantrum isolated from Ogi and Nono supplemented as additive in Broiler Birds' feeds were evaluated. Three (3) replicate of 72 day old broilers were as seeds in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) of finisher and starter feeds. The results showed an improved performance of the feeds supplemented with fermented fruits seeds as compared to the control. Furthermore, the Anti-nutritional contents were markedly reduced with significant variation (P< 0.05) across the broiler diets T2 and T4 as compared to T1. This implies that the fermented fruits additives could possibly provide the additional nutritional requirements for growth enhancement in broiler birds. Hence, these fermented fruits can be recommended as alternative additives in the formulation of Broiler Birds' feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in 12 different private and commercial broiler flocks for one year. Out of 23906 broiler birds examined, 1714 were clinically found to be naturally affected with gout, the incidence and mortality of gout being 7.17% and 4.37% respectively. The highest prevalence of this disease was recorded during colder months (833, 9.68%, 439, 7.06%) followed by summer (384, 5.40%) and lowest in rainy season (58, 2.92%). Of the susceptible age of first three weeks, the incidence was more during second week (9.96%), followed by first (7.63%) and third week (6.01%) of age. Out of the 12 flocks which were screened for gout 10 flocks were of cob breed (83.34%), one flock of Hubbard (8.33%) and one of Kasila breed (8.33%). The birds affected with gout had a significant (P=0.01) increase in serum uric acid (34.42 ± 1.10). The levels of serum creatinine were significantly (P>0.01) increased (2.14 ± 0.02). The mean values of TLC and PCV in the affected birds were significantly (P>0.01) high. TEC and Hb were also significantly (P>0.05) higher than control birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antecedentes: el ajo (Allium sativum) contiene principios activos que favorecen la salud del tracto gastrointestinal de las aves‚ y que mejoran las respuestas fisiológicas en el organismo del animal. Objetivo: realizar un análisis comparativo entre la suplementación con ajo y el concentrado comercial en pollos de engorde de la línea Ross‚ midiendo la longitud de las vellosidades intestinales y la ganancia de peso del ave. Métodos: se realizaron tres momentos experimentales‚ cada uno conformado por 60 pollos de engorde. Distribuidos en 20 animales por tratamiento. Se realizaron tres tratamientos‚ T1: grupo control (sin suministro de ajo)‚ T2: inclusión de 40 g de ajo por kilo de concentrado comercial y T3: inclusión de 60 g de ajo por kilo de concentrado. Las aves fueron recibidas de 1 día de nacidas. Las variables dependientes fueron el peso de los animales (gramos) evaluadas aleatoriamente los días 1‚ 7‚ 14‚ 21 y 28 y la longitud de las vellosidades intestinales a nivel del duodeno (μm) evaluadas aleatoriamente los días 1‚ 21 y 42. Resultados: para el total de la población analizada respecto a la variable peso durante los días 1‚ 7‚ 14‚ 21 y 28 postratamiento‚ se registró una diferencia altamente significativa para los tres tratamientos. Los resultados y pruebas estadísticas evidencian como la inclusión de 30 y 60 g de materia seca de ajo en la dieta‚ tuvieron como respuesta un mejor peso en las evaluaciones postratamiento realizadas. Mientras que en el análisis estadístico de la longitud de las criptas de las vellosidades intestinales con relación a la edad de los animales tuvo una diferencia altamente significativa con el tratamiento T2 y T3. Conclusiones: el uso del ajo como suplemento en la alimentación de pollos engorde mejora la ganancia de peso por generar una mayor tasa de renovación celular relacionadas con el incremento en la altura y ancho de las vellosidades intestinales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry farming is the most organized and economically viable sector in animal agriculture. As sub-lethal AF is a constant threat to broiler industry and produces immunosuppression, birds would be more prone to coccidiosis even under reduced infective dose. So it is important to study the response of sub-infectious dose of coccidia in an immunecompromised state. The susceptibility of broiler chicks to sub-infective dose of sporulated oocyst of Eimeria tenella in sub-lethal aflatoxicosis was revealed by significant alterations in serological parameters.

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the attribution of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Cassia tora toward its growth promoting effect in broiler birds. Materials and Methods: A limit test was conducted for C. tora extract in Wistar albino rats. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of leaves of C. tora was carried out. In-vitro antibacterial activity was measured by disc diffusion method. 1-day-old Ven Cobb broiler birds (n=90) were randomly allocated into three groups consisting of three replicates with 10 birds in each group. The birds of group T1 (Control) received basal diet, whereas birds of group T2 (Standard) received an antibiotic (Lincomycin at 0.05% in feed). The birds of group T3 (Test) received Cassia tora extract (CSE) at 0.4 g/L in drinking water in addition to basal diet. The treatment was given to birds of all the groups for 6 weeks. Antioxidant activity of C. tora was determined in blood of broiler birds. Cumulative body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing percent, and organ weight factor were evaluated to determine growth performance in broiler birds. Results: Phytochemicals in C. tora were screened. Sensitivity to Escherichia coli and resistant to Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in in-vitro antibacterial activity test. At the end of 6th week, antioxidant activity reflected significantly (p≤0.05) lower level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde and higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH peroxidase in broiler birds of group T2 and T3 as compared to broiler of group T1. Mean cumulative body weight gain of birds of T2 and T3 were significantly (p≤0.05) higher as compared to T1. Mean FCR of birds of group T3 decreased significantly than group T1. Conclusion: Supplementation of C. tora leaves extract at 0.4 g/L in drinking water improved growth performance in broiler birds due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it could be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in poultry ration.

The present study was conducted for isolation and identification of possible causative agents from broiler birds affected with swollen head syndrome in and around Anand, Gujarat. During six months of study period, a total 40 swab samples were collected from 20 different commercial broiler farms affected with swollen head syndrome. All the twenty broiler flocks under the study were found positive for the presence of Escherichia coli. During the study, overall total of 83 different bacterial isolates were obtained from 20 affected broiler flocks. The isolates included Escherichia coli (34.94%), Staphylococcus aureus (32.53%), Proteus spp. (6.02%), Corynebacterium spp. (7.23%) and Gram negative rods (19.28%). Escherichia coli was found to be the highest prevalent pathogen in swollen head syndrome during the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gemifloxacin is a fourth generation fluoroquinolone drug having broad-spectrum and good antibacterial activity at low plasma/tissue concentration. The present study was designed to investigate safety of gemifloxacin @ 10 mg/kg body weight after repeated oral administration at 24 hr interval for 5 days in 6 broiler birds of 5-6 week age. It was found safe based on non-significant alteration in haematological (Hb, PCV, TEC and TLC) and serum biochemical (AST, ALT, ACP, ALP, LDH, creatinine, total bilirubin and uric acid) parameters that were evaluated before and at 24 hourly interval for 5 days during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective was to study the growth performance of the broiler birds after feeding Okara meal containing with or without non-starch polysaccharides degrading enzyme. Materials and Methods: 220 day-old broiler chicks were individually weighed and divided randomly into five treatment groups (T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 ) consisting of 44 chicks each which was further subdivided into four replicates of 11 chicks. The feed consumption in each replicates of five groups was recorded daily for a total period of 6 weeks experimental feeding. Results: The average total feed consumption of six weeks was 3948.10±7.60, 4088.76±8.30, 4415.33±9.44, 4381.24±9.25 and 4728.76±10.05 (g) in groups T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 respectively. The differences were statistically non-significant (P>0.05) among the various groups. The average total body weight gain and average daily weight gain in birds of group T4 were significantly higher (P

Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the attribution of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Cassia tora toward its growth promoting effect in broiler birds. Materials and Methods: A limit test was conducted for C. tora extract in Wistar albino rats. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of leaves of C. tora was carried out. In-vitro antibacterial activity was measured by disc diffusion method. 1-day-old Ven Cobb broiler birds (n=90) were randomly allocated into three groups consisting of three replicates with 10 birds in each group. The birds of group T1 (Control) received basal diet, whereas birds of group T2 (Standard) received an antibiotic (Lincomycin at 0.05% in feed). The birds of group T3 (Test) received Cassia tora extract (CSE) at 0.4 g/L in drinking water in addition to basal diet. The treatment was given to birds of all the groups for 6 weeks. Antioxidant activity of C. tora was determined in blood of broiler birds. Cumulative body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing percent, and organ weight factor were evaluated to determine growth performance in broiler birds. Results: Phytochemicals in C. tora were screened. Sensitivity to Escherichia coli and resistant to Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in in-vitro antibacterial activity test. At the end of 6th week, antioxidant activity reflected significantly (p=0.05) lower level of erythrocyte malondialdehyde and higher levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and GSH peroxidase in broiler birds of group T2 and T3 as compared to broiler of group T1. Mean cumulative body weight gain of birds of T2 and T3 were significantly (p=0.05) higher as compared to T1. Mean FCR of birds of group T3 decreased significantly than group T1. Conclusion: Supplementation of C. tora leaves extract at 0.4 g/L in drinking water improved growth performance in broiler birds due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it could be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter in poultry ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative ability of locally available bentonite clay (BN) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) toxicity in broiler chicks. In the first experiment the broiler chicks were kept on feeds contaminated with AFB1 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg) alone and in combination with bentonite clay (3.7 and 7.5 g/kg). In the second experiment OTA (0.15, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg) alone and concurrently with bentonite clay (3.7, 7.5 and 15 g/kg) was fed to the broiler chicks. The dietary addition of AFB1 and OTA alone exerted deleterious effects on the performance, sero-biochemical and oxidative status of the broiler chicks. A concurrent dietary incorporation of BN (3.7 and 7.5 g/kg) ameliorated the adverse effects of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg AFB1 on body weight, FCR, serum ALT and urea concentration. Serum creatinine, total protein and albumin concentrations were mostly significantly lower in combination groups suggesting a partial or no amelioration. Dietary incorporation of BN at all levels only partially alleviated the deleterious effects of 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg dietary OTA on performance, serobiochemical and oxidative stress, but amelioration was absent when the concentration of OTA in the feed was 1 mg/kg. Results suggested that the dietary incorporation of BN (3.7 and 7.5 g/kg) ameliorated the adverse effects of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg of AFB1 on various parameters. However, BN at all levels did not alleviate the deleterious effects of OTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out on 240 day-old broiler chicks, which were divided randomly into four treatment groups having three replicate of 20 birds each. The four treatments viz. control group (T0), To+0.50 % turmeric powder (T1), To+0.50 % ginger powder (T2) and control+turmeric and ginger powder at level of 0.50 % each (T3). At the end of 6th week, haematology studies revealed the significant (P<0.05) difference in TEC count and haemoglobin which were higher in the supplementation groups. The TLC count found numerically higher in treatment groups over control group. The differences in serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and HI titre in all treatment groups were similar except serum triglyceride which was significantly lowered (P<0.05). Thus, the results of present study indicate that the performance of broilers in turmeric and ginger supplemented groups (T1, T2 and T3) have higher TEC and haemoglobin with lower level of serum triglyceride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of sudden death of broiler birds above 40 days suddenly increased in the month of August 2008 in Kathmandu valley. Birds that were presented for post-mortem examination in Central Veterinary Laboratory Tripureswor Kathmandu were usually found dead on their backs with wings out-stretched. Incidence rate was recorded between 1.5 to 2.5% of the flock. The mean mortality due to sudden death syndrome was 1.3 - 9.6% and mortality usually occurs after 6 week of age. There are no outstanding gross lesions on post mortem examinations, except for muscle oedema, pulmonary, renal and liver congestion, and congestive splenomegaly. Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Candida spp, E.coli, Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the usual organisms isolated from culture samples of liver, lung, spleen and proventriculus. Reduction of mortality was achieved by feed restriction, supplementation of glucose containing electrolyte, liquid toxin binder, Immunomodulaters, acidifier and antibiotic therapy. The condition seems to be related to fast growth rate. A practical approach seems to use diets with 5-7% reduction in nutrient density. The provision of more space and supportive treatment with anti-stress medicine may also be beneficial. This incidence of sudden death syndrome in birds in Kathmandu Valley was reported for the first time and needs to be investigated further. [Veterinary World 2008; 1(9.000): 265-267]

Aim: The objective was to study the growth performance of the broiler birds after feeding Okara meal containing with or without non-starch polysaccharides degrading enzyme. Materials and Methods: 220 day-old broiler chicks were individually weighed and divided randomly into five treatment groups (T, T, T, T and T ) consisting of 44 chicks each which was further subdivided into four replicates of 11 chicks. The 1 2 3 4 5 feed consumption in each replicates of five groups was recorded daily for a total period of 6 weeks experimental feeding. Results: The average total feed consumption of six weeks was 3948.10±7.60, 4088.76±8.30, 4415.33±9.44, 4381.24±9.25 and 4728.76±10.05 (g) in groups T, T, T, T and T, respectively. The differences were statistically non-significant (P>0.05) 1 2 3 4 5 among the various groups. The average total body weight gain and average daily weight gain in birds of group T were 4 significantly higher (P<0.01) than birds of other groups except T group. It showed that 25 percent replacement of ground nut 3 cake with Okara meal and addition of non-starch polysaccharides degrading enzyme (provizyme-bro) had positive effect on growth performance of birds. The increase in weight in broilers of enzyme added group T in comparison to their counterpart 4 without enzyme group (T and T ) attributed to degradation of non-starch polysaccharides in ration, thereby, enhancing the 2 3 utilization of other nutrients. Conclusion: The findings indicated that 25 percent replacement of ground nut cake with Okara meal and addition of nonstarch polysaccharides degrading enzyme had positive effect on growth performance of birds. So, Okara meal feeding had no adverse effect on growth performance of the broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to determine the effect of enzyme supplemented high fibre sunflower meal on performance of broiler birds. The study used sunflower meals (SFM) supplemented with commercial enzymes Grindazym and from National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) which were fed to 320-day old Hubbard broiler chicks. The study suggested that enzyme supplementation can help improve the digestion of fiber contents of SFM and increases the bioavailabity of metabolized energy. The study concluded that enzyme supplemented SFM is safe to use as bird feed and it does not compromise the performance of the birds and reduces the cost of feed production.