1
|
Lim CI, Choo HJ, Heo KN, Kim HK, Hassan MR, Sulatana S, Whiting IM, Mansbridge SC, Pirgozliev VR. Refining dietary metabolisable energy and crude protein levels in relation to duck performance and behaviour. Br Poult Sci 2024; 65:1-7. [PMID: 38047715 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2023.2278482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
1. The study evaluated the effect of dietary metabolisable energy (ME) content and crude protein (CP) level on the growth performance and behaviour of ducks.2. A total of 720, Cherry Valley ducks were allocated to 36 pens in groups of 20 birds. For the initial period, from 1 to 21 d age, six diets, containing a standard (SME), low (LME) and high (HME) ME of 12.14, 11.93 and 12.35 MJ/kg, and standard (SCP) or high (HCP) CP contents of 210 or 220 g/kg diet, respectively, were mixed. For the period from 22 to 42 d age, the diets contained ME of 12.98 (SME), 12.77 (LME), 13.19 (HME) MJ/kg and the levels of CP were 170 (SCP) or 180 (HCP) g/kg, respectively.3. An ME by CP interaction was seen from 1 to 21 d age in ducks fed HME + HCP diet, which had greater weight gain than those fed LME + SCP (P < 0.05). Compared to LME + SCP, dietary HME decrease feeding but increased walking behaviour compared to LME + SCP and SME + SCP (P < 0.05). High CP in LME and SME diets increased drinking behaviour (P < 0.05), but there was no change in HME diet. Compared to LME, feeding HME reduced ground pecking (P < 0.05). Feeding HME reduced feeding behaviour (P < 0.05) from 22 to 42 d age. During the same period, standing behaviour was reduced in HCP + LME (P < 0.05). Drinking was reduced in LME + SCP compared to SME + HCP and HME + HCP (P < 0.05).4. A diet formulated with HME and HCP is effective for enhancing growth performance of ducks aged 1-21 d and saving time for feeding or ground pecking, which may induce spending more time on other activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C I Lim
- Poultry Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
| | - H J Choo
- Poultry Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
| | - K N Heo
- Poultry Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
| | - H K Kim
- Poultry Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
| | - M R Hassan
- Poultry Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Bangladesh
| | - S Sulatana
- Poultry Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Bangladesh
| | - I M Whiting
- The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK
| | - S C Mansbridge
- The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK
| | - V R Pirgozliev
- The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Aguiar GACC, da Fonseca L, de Farias MRS, Braga GR, Barcellos J, Schultz ÉB, Hannas MI. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: an effective approach for predicting broiler chicken body composition. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103363. [PMID: 38154447 PMCID: PMC10788280 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Two trials were carried out to develop and validate linear regression equations for body composition prediction using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In Trial 1, 300 Cobb500 male chickens raised from 1 to 42 d of age were scanned in DEXA to estimate total weight, fat mass, soft lean tissue (SLT) mass, bone mineral content (BMC), and fat percentage. DEXA estimates were compared to body ash, crude fat, SLT (sum of protein and water) and scale body weight. The dataset was split, with 70% used for prediction equations development and 30% for testing, and the 5k-fold cross-validation analysis was used to optimize the equations. The R2, mean absolute error (MAE), and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) were used as precision and accuracy indicators. A negative correlation (ρ = -0.27) was observed for ash content, while no correlation was observed for protein content (P > 0.05). Predictive linear equations were developed to assess broiler weight (R2 = 0.999, MAE = 25.12, RMSE = 38.99), fat mass (R2 = 0.981, MAE = 13.87, RMSE = 21.28), ash mass (R2 = 0.956, MAE = 3.98, RMSE = 5.61), SLT mass (R2 = 0.997, MAE = 35.73, RMSE = 52.45), water mass (R2 = 0.997, MAE = 29.56, RMSE = 43.94), protein mass (R2 = 0.989, MAE = 12.94, RMSE = 19.05), fat content (R2 = 0.855, MAE = 0.81, RMSE = 1.05), SLT content (R2 = 0.658, MAE = 1.01, RMSE = 1.28), and water content (R2 = 0.678, MAE = 0.99, RMSE = 1.27). All equations passed the test. In Trial 2, 395 Cobb500 male chickens were raised from 1 to 42 d of age and used for validation of prediction equations. The equations developed for weight, fat mass, ash mass, SLT mass, water mass, and protein mass were validated. In conclusion, DEXA was found to be an effective approach for measuring the body composition of broilers when using predictive equations validated in this study for estimate calibration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucimauro da Fonseca
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria R S de Farias
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R Braga
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Joyce Barcellos
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Érica B Schultz
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Melissa I Hannas
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lindholm C, Altimiras J. Physiological and behavioural effects of intermittent fasting vs daily caloric restriction in meat-type poultry. Animal 2023; 17:100849. [PMID: 37263132 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF) is the practice of temporal food restriction to promote metabolic switching between a glucose- and a ketone-based metabolism, which has been reported to come with diverse health benefits. IF practices appear to confer many of the advantages of caloric restriction without restricting total energy intake, and studies in both rodents and humans suggest organism-wide improvements in neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic health. IF is also commonly employed in the commercial rearing of breeding meat-type poultry, i.e. broiler breeders, which require strict feed restriction throughout life to maintain physical health. While the scientific poultry literature holds vast amounts of data on such "skip-a-day" feeding schedules, it has been unclear to what extent avian and mammalian literature may be compared as broiler breeders are typically feed-restricted to around 30% of ad libitum intake even in IF schedules. In this study, we set out to disentangle the effects of IF and caloric restriction in meat-type poultry by employing both IF and daily feeding schedules at two different restriction levels. Our results suggest that the physiological response to IF in chickens is only marginally affected by the intensity of feed restriction, while behavioural parameters are more closely related to feeding level and are expected to better mirror animal welfare. Our results suggest that avian and mammalian literature on IF should be comparable. Meat-type chickens do show some peculiarities in response to IF, such as a reduced insulin sensitivity, but it is currently unclear whether this is true for all chickens or is an effect of the intense selection for rapid growth in meat-type chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Lindholm
- AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Jordi Altimiras
- AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
Collapse
|
5
|
Benson A, Blocher R, Jarrell Z, Meeks C, Habersang M, Wilson J, Davis A. Effect of early photostimulation at 15-weeks of age and everyday spin feeding on broiler breeder performance. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101872. [PMID: 35472741 PMCID: PMC9061623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent broiler breeders from growing too quickly and becoming too large for optimum reproduction, their dietary intake is restricted. While current restricted feeding programs, such as skip-a-day feeding (SAD), improve the economic efficiency of broiler breeder operations, this management practice impacts bird welfare. There is an interest in finding strategies that could reduce the impact of feed restriction during broiler breeder rearing. This research investigated the effects of feeding pullets on an advanced growth curve for early photostimulation at 15 wk (15P) or standard growth curve for photostimulation at 21 wk (21P), using either an every-day-spin feeding program (EDS) or SAD feeding, on the reproductive parameters of broiler breeder hens in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Overall, advancing the growth curve (15P) decreased blood corticosterone levels compared to 21P, but EDS resulted in higher blood corticosterone levels compared to SAD. At the end of rearing in both 15P and 21P, EDS pullets weighed less than SAD pullets. The onset of egg production was 20 and 24 wk of age for the 15P and 21P hens, respectively. Despite an earlier onset, 15P hens did not produce more eggs than 21P hens through 65 wk of age. Egg weight was reduced for 15P compared to 21P until 30 wk of age. The 15P hens had a greater number of double yolk eggs than the 21P hens. Fertility and hatch were not impacted by the advanced growth curve and early photostimulation. Although the current research indicates the potential to reduce feed restriction associated welfare issues by rearing broiler breeder pullets for an earlier photostimulation onset, further research in needed to determine if this management technique can be improved to optimize hen reproductive efficiency.
Collapse
|
6
|
Sweeney K, Aranibar C, Kim W, Williams S, Avila L, Starkey J, Starkey C, Wilson J. Impact of every-day versus skip-a-day feeding of broiler breeder pullets during rearing on body weight uniformity and reproductive performance. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101959. [PMID: 35760003 PMCID: PMC9241026 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic selection for increased growth rate in broilers makes feed restriction programs such as skip-a-day (SAD) feeding, for broiler breeders essential to managing body weight, flock uniformity, and reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to compare intestinal development, weight gain of breeder pullets, and reproductive performance (22–45 wk) when fed a high fiber diet (3.8% crude fiber) on either an every-day (ED) or SAD basis during rearing. The same developer ration and feed amounts were fed to both treatments. Day-old Ross 708 pullet chicks (n = 912) were randomly distributed into 4 floor pens (n = 228/pen, 2 pens/treatment). At 20 wk of age all birds were weighed, and the coefficient of variation (CV) and average body weight was calculated for each treatment. Birds were then distributed into 10 lay pens (n = 35 birds/pen, 5 pens/treatment) at 21.5 wk of age. Light was increased from 8 h to 15.25 h at move to the lay facility, and all birds were daily fed for the remainder of the study. Data were analyzed by SAS SLICE using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. During lay, 25% of the birds from each treatment were weighed weekly to adjust feed and monitor body weight. At 21 wk the ED fed pullets were more uniform (P = 0.0007) than the SAD fed pullets. Eggs were collected daily and set for hatch every 4 wk from 28 to 42 wk of age. No significant difference in the hatch data were observed. The ED fed birds achieved first egg at 166 d of age while the SAD fed birds achieved first egg at 173 d of age. Specific gravity was measured every 2 wk from 30 to 40 wk, with ED reared birds having better overall eggshell quality (P = 0.02) and greater egg weight (P < 0.0001) than those fed SAD. Feeding a high fiber diet on an ED basis during rearing, improved body weight uniformity in rearing, encouraged early lay, improved eggshell quality and increased egg weight.
Collapse
|
7
|
Arrazola A, Widowski TM, Torrey S. In Pursuit of a Better Broiler: Welfare and Productivity of Slower-growing Broiler Breeders during Lay. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101917. [PMID: 35679635 PMCID: PMC9178483 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Current commercial strains of broiler breeders display reproductive dysregulation when fed to satiety, but they can achieve optimal hatching egg production under feed restriction. However, chronic feed restriction in broiler breeders is a welfare concern due to physiological and behavioral signs of hunger, lack of satiety, and frustrated feeding motivation. The purpose of this study was to assess the welfare and productivity of slower-growing broiler breeders during lay. A total of 336 broiler breeders from 5 strains of slower-growing broiler breeders (3 female strains: 100 hens per strain, and 2 male strains: 12 and 24 roosters per strain) were kept in 12 identical pens throughout lay, 4 pens per combination of roosters and hens: A hens with Y roosters, B hens with Y roosters, and C hens with X roosters. According to guidelines, strain B and C hens and X roosters were slower growing strains and strain A hens and Y roosters were intermediate growing strains. Egg production was recorded daily, and settable eggs laid at 30, 40, and 50 wk of age were incubated to hatch. Growth rate, feed and water intake, and welfare indicators (feeding motivation, behavior, and physical assessment: feather coverage, foot and leg health, and keel bone status) were recorded during lay. Additionally, a subsample of 5 hens per pen was dissected for anatomical analyses. Laying rate started and peaked earlier in B hens than in A hens and remained above 70% in both strains, yielding high cumulative egg production (>165 eggs/hen) until 53 wk of age. Until 50 wk of age, fertility and hatched of fertile was high in slower growing broiler breeders, on average, above 95 and 80%, respectively. Compared to A hens, B and C hens had better feather coverage, lower feeding motivation, and lower daily water and feed intake. Results of this study suggest that slower growing broiler breeders show reduced signs of poor welfare and improved productivity during lay although susceptibility to obesity-related problems on laying rate may be strain-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Arrazola
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tina M Widowski
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Torrey
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Afrouziyeh M, Zuidhof MJ. Impact of broiler breeder growth trajectory on plasma corticosterone concentration: a comparison of analytical methods. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101792. [PMID: 35325835 PMCID: PMC8942834 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood concentration of corticosterone (CORT) is a measure of welfare in feed restricted broiler breeders. The RIA and ELISA have been routinely used for measuring CORT in blood, excreta, and feather. Due to the presence of some confounding factors in the aforementioned colorimetric enzyme reaction methods, some methodological difficulties have been attributed to those assays. The correlation between broiler breeder plasma CORT concentrations, measured using ELISA and a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, was the focus of the current study. A total of 36 broiler breeder pullets were used, of which 30 were randomly assigned to one of 10 unique growth trajectories, and 6 were assigned to an unrestricted group. We designed the growth trajectories using a 3-phase Gompertz growth model with 10 levels of BW gain in the prepubertal and pubertal growth phases, ranging from the breeder-recommended target BW (CON) to 22.5% higher (CON+22.5%), in 2.5% increments. The BW trajectories were applied to each individual bird using a precision feeding (PF) system, which collected BW and feed intake data. The birds were classified based on age at first egg (AFE), and 12 birds each having the highest and lowest AFE was selected for the CORT study. Then median photostimulation BW of the candidate birds was used to define the upper (heavy BW) and lower (standard BW) extremes, and plasma CORT levels were evaluated by ELISA and LC-MS/MS methods from their blood collected at 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 wk of age. Concentrations of plasma CORT measured using ELISA method were highly correlated (r = 0.95; P < 0.001) with values measured using LC-MS/MS method, validating interchangeably usage of both methods to measure plasma CORT in broiler breeders. Plasma CORT levels were not affected by photostimulation BW or breeders' age, indicating same welfare status between the precision fed high and low BW groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Afrouziyeh
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5
| | - Martin J Zuidhof
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2P5.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Arrazola A, Torrey S. Welfare and performance of slower growing broiler breeders during rearing. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101434. [PMID: 34547617 PMCID: PMC8463776 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current commercial strains of broiler breeders can only achieve an optimal reproductive performance under feed restriction. However, chronic feed restriction in broiler breeders is a welfare concern because of physiological and behavioral signs of hunger, lack of satiety, and frustrated feeding motivation. The objective of this research was to assess the welfare and performance of slower growing broiler breeders during rearing. A total of 360 broiler breeder chicks from 3 female strains (100 chicks per strain) and 2 male strains (20 and 40 chicks per strain) were raised in four identical pens per strain. Strain B and C pullets and X cockerels were slower growing strains, and strain A pullets and Y cockerels were intermediate growing strains. Birds were weighed and scored individually for footpad lesions, hock burns and feather coverage. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with pen nested in the models and age as a repeated measure. Compared to B and C pullets, strain A pullets grew faster, had poorer body weight uniformity, and started feed restriction 2 wk earlier to control growth rate. Strain A pullets also had higher feeding rate at 3 and 5 wk, higher water intake at 4 and 5 wk, and higher prevalence of footpad lesions at 6 wk than the other pullet strains. Fault bars in wing feathers (an indicator of chronic stress) were more numerous in A pullets than in B and C pullets. Our results indicate that pullets showed little feather coverage loss during early rearing and had good body weight uniformity and low cumulative feed intake at the end of rearing. Slower growing broiler breeders may still require some degree of feed restriction to control growth rate, and strains with lower feed restriction exhibited lower signs of feeding frustration and high body weight uniformity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Arrazola
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Stephanie Torrey
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behaviors, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters of growing Sasso broilers. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:461. [PMID: 34545453 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02890-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different feed restriction regimens on performance, behavioral patterns, blood cortisol, and carcass parameters in Sasso broilers. Sixty healthy 1-day-old unsexed Sasso chicks were randomly assigned to three groups (20 chicks per group) and each group was divided into 4 replicates with 5 chicks each based on feed restriction program during the rearing period (60 days). The first group (G1) is control in which birds were fed ad libitum had free access to feed (no restriction). The second group (G2) was subjected to temporary feed restriction at the first 2 weeks as birds had access to feed for 12 h only after that they had free access to feed until the end of the experimental period. The third one (G3) was subjected to continuous feed restriction as birds had free access to feed for 12 h only throughout the rearing periods. During the study period, growth performance and behavioral patterns were estimated. At the end of the study, blood samples for cortisol testing were taken. Three birds from each group were slaughtered at the end of the study to see how the feed restriction affected carcass parameters. Feed restriction had a substantial impact (P ≤ 0.05) on final body weight and carcass parameters. Feed restriction elevated blood cortisol significantly (P = 0.004). Feed restriction showed a significant impact on some behaviors as feeding, stretching, preening, and aggression. Overall, different feed restriction programs had a wide effect on growth performance, behaviors, cortisol concentration, and carcass parameters of Sasso broilers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Yan C, Xiao J, Chen D, Turner SP, Li Z, Liu H, Liu W, Liu J, Chen S, Zhao X. Feed Restriction Induced Changes in Behavior, Corticosterone, and Microbial Programming in Slow- and Fast-Growing Chicken Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010141. [PMID: 33440656 PMCID: PMC7827424 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Different genotypes of slow- and fast-growing chickens have phenotypic changes in appearance, behavior, and productivity in response to artificial selection. Feed restriction and gut microbiota play a vital role in controlling food intake, nutrition, and health. However, little is known about how feed restriction, as a benefit or chronic stress, influences behavior, stress response, and gut microbial programming in slow- and fast-growing chickens. This study aimed to explore slow- and fast-growing chickens who had feed restricted to 70% of ad libitum or were given ad libitum feed for 30 days to evaluate the effects on behavior, stress response, and gut microbiota. We found that feed restriction can influence behaviors in both slow- and fast-growing breeds. Feed restriction to 70% for 30 days can influence stress response and gut microbiota composition, but some changes are evident only in slow- or only in fast-growing chickens. The study provides a better understanding of how artificial selection has affected chicken biology and their response to stress challenge. Abstract This study aimed to explore the difference between two Chinese local broilers, one slow- and one fast-growing, in their response to a stress challenge. We conducted the study on slow- (Weining chicken) and fast-growing (Jinlinghua chicken) breeds, with 50 chickens from each breed either feed restricted to 70% for 30 days as a stress or given ad libitum to evaluate the effects on behavior, corticosterone, and microbial programming. Standing behavior was more frequent while exploration was less common in fast-growing breeds compared to slow-growing breeds. Food seeking and ingestion, exploration, and drinking increased, while resting decreased in the feed restricted treatments. There was no difference in corticosterone concentration between slow- and fast-growing chickens, but the level was affected by feeding treatments, and the interaction of breed and feed restriction. At the genus-level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus was higher, while Cloacibacillus and Megasphaera was lower in the slow-growing breed compared to the fast-growing breed. Feed restricted birds had a higher abundance of Mucispirillum, but lower abundance of Cloacibacillus, Clostridium XlVa and Clostridium IV. In conclusion, feed restriction to 70% for 30 days as a chronic stress stimulation caused more activity, elevated the stress response, and altered gut microbiota composition, but some changes were only evident in slow- or fast-growing chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation, China Agricultural University, Bijie 553300, China;
| | - Jinlong Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation, China Agricultural University, Bijie 553300, China;
| | - Di Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Simon P. Turner
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Zhiwei Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Hao Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Wen Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
| | - Jian Liu
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation, China Agricultural University, Bijie 553300, China;
| | - Siyu Chen
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation, China Agricultural University, Bijie 553300, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (X.Z.); Tel.: +86-0757-85517214 (S.C.); +86-010-62733417 (X.Z.)
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (C.Y.); (J.X.); (D.C.); (Z.L.); (H.L.); (W.L.)
- Guizhou Nayong Professor Workstation, China Agricultural University, Bijie 553300, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (X.Z.); Tel.: +86-0757-85517214 (S.C.); +86-010-62733417 (X.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|