Influence of two plant extracts on broilers performance, digestibility, and digestive organ size

Responses of Broiler Chickens to Diets of Different Nutritional Planes Supplemented With or Without Organic Acids

BACKGROUND

Scientific information on the diets of various nutritional planes supplemented with organic acids is scarce in tropical environments.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of broilers to diets of different nutritional planes supplemented with or without organic acids. A total of 240 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks of the Cobb 500 strain were randomly assigned to 6 treatments, each with 4 replicates having 10 chicks.

METHODS

The treatments were chickens fed an optimal diet (optimal energy and protein) (Diet 1), a medium diet (medium energy and protein) (Diet 2) and a low diet (low energy and protein) (Diet 3), while diets 4, 5 and 6 were diets 1, 2 and 3 supplemented with 4, 6 and 8 g/kg organic acid (Fysal-MP), respectively. The study was laid out in a completely randomized design.

RESULTS

The birds fed diets with organic acid supplementation recorded similar (p > 0.05) final weights compared to those fed an optimal diet (T1); however, the weights were higher (p < 0.05) compared to the chickens on a low diet without organic acid (T3). The feed conversion ratio was better in birds fed diets containing organic acid, irrespective of the nutritional plane. Birds on medium diets with organic acids recorded a higher (p < 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase compared to those on low diets during the starter phase. Birds on a low diet without organic acid recorded a lower (p < 0.05) basal width compared to those on other diets. The microbial counts were reduced (p < 0.05) in broilers fed organic acids, with the lowest reduction in the group fed medium diets with 6 g/kg organic acids.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that organic acid supplementation enhanced blood parameters, carcass traits, growth performance and microbial counts in broiler chickens.

A thorough review of phytogenic feed additives in non-ruminant nutrition: production, gut health, and environmental concerns

The increasing demand for sustainable livestock production has intensified interest in phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) as viable alternatives to conventional growth promoters and antibiotics. Derived from plant-based sources such as herbs, spices, and essential oils, PFAs have demonstrated significant potential to enhance production performance, improve gut health, and mitigate environmental impact in non-ruminant systems. Bioactive compounds such as thymol, carvacrol, menthol, and anethole play a crucial role in modulating gut microbiota, strengthening immune responses, and reducing gastrointestinal disorders. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties further support animal health while reducing antibiotic dependence, addressing growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, they contribute to improved nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency, leading to enhanced growth performance. From an environmental perspective, their use is associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced waste contamination, aligning with sustainability goals in modern livestock systems. PFAs improve feed efficiency, leading to reduced feed waste and lower resource input, which in turn decreases the environmental burden of livestock production. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties may reduce the need for synthetic chemicals in animal health management, further minimizing the release of harmful substances into the environment. Despite these promising benefits, inconsistencies in research findings highlight the need for further studies to determine optimal inclusion levels and clarify their mechanisms of action. Future research should focus on developing standardized formulations, improving bioavailability, and assessing long-term effects on animal health and performance. Additionally, advancements in delivery technologies and synergistic combinations with other feed additives could enhance their efficacy. By synthesizing the latest developments, this review underscores the potential of PFAs as a strategic tool for optimizing non-ruminant productivity, ensuring animal welfare, and promoting environmentally sustainable livestock production.

Investigating Coriander Leaf Phenolics With HPLC-UV and Their Role in Modulating Nitrogen Metabolism

Coriander leaves (Coriandrum Sativum L.) contain quercetin, a flavanol from the flavonoid polyphenol group that helps prevent various metabolic disorders. This study aimed to use HPLC-UV to investigate phenolic compounds in coriander leaves and their impact on nitrogen metabolism. Twenty-four healthy Wistar albino rats weighing 160 ± 10 g were divided into four groups: NC (no coriander), CT1, CT2, and CT3. They received coriander leaf powder at levels of 12.2, 16, and 20.33 g/100 g of feed, respectively, based on the availability of quercetin on a dry matter (DM) basis. Feed intake was found higher in CT3 (27.27 g) and CT2 (25.43 g), while CT1 (24.96 g) and NC (24.66 g) showed a nonsignificant (p ≥ 0.05) trend; however, a similar trend was observed in weekly feed intake. After three weeks, rats in the CT3 group showed a 20 g reduction in body weight compared to the NC group (149.64 g vs. 163.41 g). The feed conversion and feed efficiency ratios (FCR & FER) were decreased in all treated groups due to the reduction in body weight (BW). The digestibility of DM and soluble carbohydrates was reduced in rats fed the CT3 diet while crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), and ash showed increasing trends. The rats that were fed different levels of coriander in the diet showed positive nitrogen balance. There was a reduction in serum uric acid in CT1 (0.72 ± 0.04 mg/dL) and CT2 (0.81 ± 0.03 mg/dL) as compared to other treatment groups. These nitrogen parameters had a positive impact on nitrogen metabolism, along with a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on total serum protein and a non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) effect on creatinine. Liver enzymes showed significant improvements in rats that were fed varying amounts of coriander powder. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels improved in all treatment groups, with a significant increase observed in CT1 (52.27 ± 0.27 mg/dL). In conclusion, 130 g of dry coriander containing 136 mg of quercetin can be effectively included in various food recipes in dry or wet form to improve serum indices and weight management in healthy people.

Dietary Nigella sativa nanoparticles enhance broiler growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, gene expression modulation, and cecal microbiota during high ambient temperatures

Environmental heat stress causes significant economic loss in the poultry industry. Therefore, interest has increased in using feed additives to reduce the negative impacts of heat stress on the chickens and improve production performance. This study aimed to assess the effect of supplementing with Nigella sativa nanoparticles (Nano-NS) as an anti-stress and growth promoter in broiler diets under hot climatic conditions. A total of 375 male one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly divided into a control group and four treatment groups (75 chicks/group). The first group fed a basal diet without additives, the second group fed a basal diet supplemented with avilamycin at 50 mg/kg, and the other groups fed a basal diet supplemented with 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg Nano-NS, respectively. Despite that feed intake was not affected, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, and crude protein digestibility improved in broilers fed Nano-NS (P < 0.05) compared with avilamycin and the control groups. Adding Nano-NS led to an increase in the dressing percentage and the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and thymus. Serum high-density lipoprotein levels increased while total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed Nano-NS compared with control groups. Furthermore, Nano-NS supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the Lactobacillus population and a decrease (P < 0.05) in the E. coli and C. perfringens population in chicks fed Nano-NS. In the intestinal tissues, mucin 2 (MUC2) gene expression increased in chickens fed 50 mg/kg Nano-NS compared to other groups. It is concluded that adding Nano-NS (up to 50 mg/kg) reduced the negative effects of heat stress via enhancing growth performance, immune responses, and antioxidant status, modulating the microbial community structure, and increasing the expression of the MUC2 gene in broilers under high ambient temperature.

Effects of microencapsulated essential oils and seaweed meal on growth performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology, liver functions, and plasma biomarkers in broiler chickens

Globally, poultry production has increased to meet the demand for animal protein. Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters have been used to enhance growth performance and prevent infections in commercial poultry practices. However, concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance have triggered interest in alternative solutions, such as essential oils (EOs) and seaweed additives. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of a microencapsulated blend of EOs (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and thymol) and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed meal on growth performance, intestinal function, blood biomarkers, and hepatic gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 440 Arbor Acres chicks were randomly assigned to either a control (CON) or treatment (NEX) group. Each treatment was divided into 11 replicates (20 birds per replicate). NEX chicks were supplemented with 100 mg/kg feed containing a microencapsulated blend of EOs (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and thymol) and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed meal. Data were analyzed using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS software. Each replicate was considered an experimental unit. Over a 35-d period, NEX supplementation improved the feed conversion ratio (P = 0.02), reduced mortality rate (P = 0.01), and increased the European performance efficiency factor. No differences in carcass traits were observed between the 2 treatments (P > 0.05). Jejunal digestive enzyme activities, particularly those of amylase and lipase, were higher in NEX birds (P < 0.05) and correlated with morphometric parameters, such as villus height (P = 0.04) and muscular layer thickness (P < 0.01). Gene expression analysis revealed the upregulation of key genes related to nutrient transporters (solute carrier family 5 member 1 gene (SLC5A1), solute carrier family 1 member 1 gene (SLC1A1), solute carrier family 15 member 1 gene (SLC15A1)) in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and lipid metabolism (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha gene (PPARA) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene (MTTP)) in the liver (P < 0.05) of NEX-supplemented birds. NEX treatment altered plasma biomarkers, including increased glucose (P < 0.01), insulin (P < 0.01), and protein profiles (P < 0.05) but decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.03), suggesting enhanced metabolic health. NEX supplementation improved growth performance, economic efficiency, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, liver function, and metabolic biomarkers in broiler chickens.

Meat Quality, Intestinal Microbiology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broilers Fed Different Levels of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves Powder

BACKGROUND

Today, customers pay more attention to the feed composition and carcasses of poultry, and the interest in using natural and safe compounds such as medicinal plants and their extracts in animal feed is increasing.

OBJECTIVES

The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on the meat quality, intestinal microbiology and serum biochemical parameters in broilers.

METHODS

The experiment was conducted with 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks with a factorial arrangement including three levels of green tea powder (GTP) and three levels of mulberry leaf powder (MLP), with nine treatments and six replications in a completely randomized design for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP.

RESULTS

The results showed that the lowest lightness (L*), drip loss and total cholesterol levels, and the highest Lactobacillus population were observed in treatments: 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP, 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP (p < 0.05). The groups receiving 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP had the highest pH 24 h (p < 0.05). The chickens fed with 1% and 2% GTP showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MAD) levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that using the GTP and MLP in the diet of broilers could improve meat quality traits and beneficial ileal bacteria populations and reduce serum lipid and MDA levels.

Shortening of the telomere length during the transition period of dairy cows in relation to biological stress

Telomere length (TL) is a recognized biomarker for ageing in multiple species. In dairy cattle, the transition period is considered a very stressful period. We hypothesized that TL shortens during this period. Holstein cows (n = 61) were followed during the transition period. Blood and milk samples were collected at - 7, 3, 6, 9, 21d relative to calving to determine concentrations of oxidative, energetic metabolic, and inflammatory markers. Average relative leukocyte TL was measured by a modified qPCR protocol 7d before and 21d after parturition. We confirmed TL attrition during the transition period (P = 0.02), as TL was 1.05 ± 0.229 (mean ± SD) before, and 0.97 ± 0.191 (mean ± SD) after parturition. Univariable analyses assessed associations between blood markers and TL shortening. Greater plasma oxidative parameters, including oxidized glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, were positively and negatively (respectively) associated with TL attrition. Higher blood α- and β-globulin were all positively associated, while IGF-1, albumin-globulin ratio and albumin were negatively associated with TL attrition. Greater serum amyloid A and haptoglobin were linked with greater TL shortening. This study reveals significant TL shortening during the transition period in dairy cows and identifies significant associations with oxidative stress, metabolic stress, and inflammation. While these associations are observed, no causality can be established. Our findings suggest the need for further research to explore the effects of transition-related stress on TL dynamics.

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) in broilers diet improve growth performance, intestinal microflora and immunity

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) extract (HPE), powdered H. perforatum (PHP), and selenium (Se) on growth, intestinal flora, and immunity of broiler chicks were investigated. In total, 504 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 6 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as negative control (NC) group (basal diet), containing organic Se 0.2% in the starter and grower period as positive control (PC), containing 1% PHP in the starter and grower period, and HPE I, HPE II, and HPE III groups containing respectively, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mL / kg HPE in the starter and grower period. The results on performance showed that a significant (P < 0.05) higher body weight of chickens in the HPE III group was observed when compared with that of the NC and PHP groups. Although average daily weight gain and feed intake are significant in the HPE III group, the difference in terms of total feed conversion rate was insignificant (P > 0.05). The liver weights in PC and HPE III were lower compared to HPE I (P < 0.05). The difference in total lactic acid bacteria count (TLABC) between the NC group and all HPE groups was found to be significant (P ˂ 0.05), in addition to TLABC was higher in the HPE III group than other groups (P = 0.001). The highest serum antibody titers to the Newcastle disease vaccine were determined in the HPE III group on the 24th, 35th, and 42nd days of age. IL-1B and IL-6 were found to be insignificant between the groups in chickens (P ˃ 0.05). TNF-α in the HPE III group was greatly increased than the other groups and significant compared to the NC and HPE I groups (P = 0.018). In conclusion, 4.5 mL / kg HPE, which has a low production cost and is easy to extract and without causing environmental problems, varied significantly in their impact on growth performance, intestinal microflora, and immunity of growing broilers.

T, Biswas A. Production performance, serum lipid profile and gut health in Indian native Kadaknath chickens fed diet incorporated with liquorice root powder

The principal constituent of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is glycyrrhizin, a triterpene saponin that is approximately many times sweeter than sucrose, the main active component. This study aimed to investigate the dietary liquorice root powder (LRP) on production performance, serum biochemical, gut health and carcass characteristics of Kadaknath (KN) birds as replacement of antibiotic growth promoter. Day-old Kadaknath chicks (n = 240) with uniform body weight were selected randomly and divided into six different treatments, each one with five replicates and eight birds per replicate, and raised in battery brooder cages for 15 weeks. Corn soya based basal diet (T1) was prepared. In addition to the basal diet, five experimental diets were created with varying amounts of LRP i.e., T2: T1+ 0.1 % LRP, T3: T1+ 0.3 % LRP, T4: T1+ 0.5 % LRP, T5: T1+ 0.7 % LRP, and T6: T1+ 0.0335 % Chlortetracycline (CTC). Body weight gain and feed intake significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in T3 group on 0-5 wks and 5-9 wks of age. Significant (P ≤ 0.01) reduction in the feed intake was noted in the T5 group which was fed with maximum level (0.7 %) of inclusion of LRP. Dietary inclusion of liquorice in higher doses resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in serum lipids such as triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol concentrations and a significant increase in the HDL cholesterol. Decrease in the coliform count of caecum significantly (P ≤ 0.05), but dose-dependent lactobacilli proliferation was seen in the caecum of treated birds (P ≤ 0.01). Supplementation of liquorice root powder in kadaknath birds resulted in significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the villus length and VH: CD ratio. Thus it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of liquorice root powder improved the bird's growth performance, serum lipid profile and gut health of Kadaknath birds.

Leptin, adiponectin, biochemicals, metabolic hormones and performance characteristics of broiler administered with spices essential oil

A study was conducted to evaluate adipokines, metabolic hormones and serum biochemicals of broiler chicken administered with essential oils (EO) of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and garlic. EO of the four spices were extracted by steam distillation using standard procedures. The EO were administered to 200 one- day-old unsexed broiler birds randomly allotted to five treatment groups (each of the four spices EO plus a control group) replicated 10 times in a completely randomized design. The spices EO were added to water consumed by the birds at 30 ml/L and standard diets were fed in a 42-day feed trial to determine weight changes and feed consumption. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected, serum obtained and were assayed for metabolic and biochemical indicators. Results obtained indicates that the weight gain trends shows that birds on cinnamon EO and garlic EO were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on turmeric EO. Abdominal fat of birds on EO were significantly (p < 0.05) lesser than birds on control. Cholesterol of birds on EOs-based treatments were significantly (p < 0.05) lesser than birds on control. Triiodothyronine of birds were not significantly influenced by EOs. Insulin of birds on EOs were statistically (p < 0.05) reduced compared with those on control. Consumption of cinnamon EO significantly (p < 0.05) increased adiponectin of birds compared with garlic EO. Intake of garlic EO significantly (p < 0.05) enhance leptin of birds compared with cinnamon EO. This study suggests that cinnamon and garlic EO are potent oral phytogenic supplements to promote growth and lean yield in broiler chicken.

Effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano on growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver enzyme activities, excreta microbiota and ileal morphology of Campylobacter jejuni-challenged broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to mitigate the detrimental impact of Campylobacter jejuni on broiler chickens.

OBJECTIVE

The experiment aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano powder on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age.

METHODS

A total of 192 one-day-old male broiler chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups. The treatments included: negative control (NC; basal diet without additives and no C. jejuni challenge), positive control (PC; basal diet with C. jejuni challenge), PC with cinnamon, rosemary or oregano powder (3 g/kg each), and PC with Erythromycin (55 mg/kg). Except for the NC group, all chicks were orally challenged with 2 × 108 CFU/mL C. jejuni daily from days 21-25. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed during the rearing period (0-42 days). On day 42 of age, fresh excreta samples were collected from each pen to determine apparent dry matter digestibility and excreta microbiota. In addition, at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate blood profile and liver enzyme activities.

RESULTS

C. jejuni challenge (PC treatment) decreased BWG, EER and PER, while increasing FCR of broiler chickens (p < 0.05), whereas rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin improved these performance parameters akin to NC. PC diet showed negative effect in ileal morphology, alleviated by additives except cinnamon (p < 0.05). Dietary additives successfully reduced Campylobacter levels and increased Lactobacilli counts in the PC. Rosemary and oregano lowered plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase elevation by C. jejuni challenge in the PC group was prevented by rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oregano and rosemary alleviate the impact of C. jejuni challenge.

Response of broilers to supplementation of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil in hot ambient conditions

Heat stress has various detrimental effects on poultry production. The aim of the study was to alleviate the effects of heat stress in broiler production. For this purpose, 288 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were obtained from a commercial hatchery and randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups; CON: corn-soybean meal based commercial diet, SEO100: CON with 100 mg/kg Sage essential oil (SEO) and SEO200: CON with 200 mg/kg SEO with 96 birds in each group (4 replicates each) in a completely randomized design under hot ambient temperatures for 42 days. No differences were observed in the body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio at 42 days of age among groups. However, there was a significant increase in 21-day body weight in SEO200 chicks compared to CON. Furthermore, the addition of SEO significantly decreased the mortality rate under heat stress conditions. The total oxidant status value was lower in broiler chickens in which SEO was added to their diets. While the total antioxidant status value was higher in SEO100 chicks, it did not show a linear increase. Additionally, the results demonstrated that the addition of SEO to broiler diets under heat stress did not have a significant effect on inspected meat quality traits, with the exception of the b*(yellowness) value of breast muscle. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that 200 mg/kg SEO can be added to diets for the welfare of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions for struggling with oxidants and increasing viability. Further research is needed to investigate the antioxidant activity and meat quality of different levels of SEO in hot ambient conditions.

Effects of oregano and/or rosemary extracts on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, cecal bacteria, tight junction proteins, and antioxidants-related genes in heat-stressed broiler chickens

The study examined the impact of adding oregano extract and/or rosemary to broiler diets to counteract the growth inhibition caused by heat stress (HS). It also investigated the effects on the activity of digestive enzymes, microbiological composition, and the expression of antioxidant and tight junction-related proteins. Three hundred- and fifty-day-old male broilers, were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups, with each group comprising 5 replicates, and each replicate containing 10 chicks in a cage. The diets were: 1) a basal diet, 2) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of rosemary, 3) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of rosemary, 4) a diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg of oregano, 5) a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of oregano, 6) a combination diet containing 50 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano, and 7) a combination diet containing 100 mg/kg each of rosemary and oregano. Dietary oregano extract enhanced the growth and feed utilization of heat-stressed birds, especially at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. Moreover, oregano extract improved jejunal protease and amylase activities. The extracts of rosemary and oregano significantly reduced IgG and IgM levels. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly upregulated intestinal integrity-related genes including jejunal CLDNI, ZO-1, ZO-2, and MUC2. Dietary 50 mg oregano extract significantly downregulated hepatic NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expressions. Our results suggest that incorporating oregano leaf extract into the diet at a concentration of 50 mg/kg improves the growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress. This improvement could be attributed to enhanced gut health and the modulation of genes associated with oxidative stress and tight junction proteins.

Effect of dietary medicinal plants on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with Campylobacter jejuni

BACKGROUND

Phytogenic additives would be helpful to alleviate the adverse effect of Campylobacter jejuni on the performance and physiological responses of broiler chickens.

OBJECTIVE

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) and Thymbra spicata (TS) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, intestinal microbiota and immune responses of broilers challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age.

METHODS

A total of 240 male broiler chickens were divided into 6 groups and fed various diets: a control diet; the control diet supplemented with EP at 0.25% (EP25) or 0.50% (EP50); the control diet supplemented with TS at 0.25% (TS25) and 0.50% (TS50); or the control diet containing erythromycin at 55 ppm. Chicks were orally challenged with C. jejuni on Days 21 and 23 of age.

RESULTS

EP and TS25 diets enhanced European production efficiency factor, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. TS25 increased duodenal villous height (VH) and surface area on Day 42 of age. EP25 diet increased ileal VH compared to control and erythromycin diets. Diets containing certain EP25 and TS increased the Bifidobacterium population and decreased C. jejuni population on Day 39 of age. EP50 and TS50 diets increased antibody titration against Newcastle disease virus.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, EP and TS dietary supplementation improved performance, microflora, intestinal morphology and immune responses in C. jejuni-challenged broilers.

Food safety control in poultry industry: prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from raw chicken and the potential use of Origanum essential oils as alternative to antibiotics

1. The extensive use of antimicrobials in poultry production may contribute to the emergence of resistant bacteria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and resistance of different E. coli strains isolated from raw chicken meat and to investigate the possibility to use Lebanese native oregano essential oils as alternatives.2. In total, 250 chickens from Lebanese markets were examined for the presence of E. coli. Isolates were then screened for susceptibility using 19 antibiotics and two essential oils extracted from oregano plants.3. Of the 250 chickens tested, 80% were contaminated with E. coli. Main resistance was seen against amoxycillin, ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, tylosin, streptomycin and erythromycin. The highest rate of sensitivity was found in 86.1% of strains to Amoxycillin/Clavulanic acid, 80.09% to Tilmicosin. Both essential oils from Origanum syriacum (98%) and O. ehrenbergii (97.3%) showed promising potential in inhibiting the growth of the tested bacteria. Oil from O. syriacum exhibited superior efficacy against 200 E. coli strains, inhibiting 46.1% at 200 mg/l and all at 400 mg/l, while O. ehrenbergii oil showed slightly lower inhibition, affecting 41.6% at 200 mg/l and all at 400 mg/l.

Effects of Mixed Organic Acids and Essential Oils in Drinking Water on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Capacity, and Immune Status in Broiler Chickens

In order to evaluate the effects of acidifiers and essential oils in drinking water on growth, intestinal digestive capacity, and immune status in broilers, a total of 480, 1-day-old Arbore Acres broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments including normal tap water (Ctr) and tap water supplemented with acidifier I (ACI), acidifier I and essential oils (ACI+EO), and acidifier II (ACII). Both ACI+EO and ACII increased final body weight. The pH value of the crop and gizzards was reduced by ACI+EO, and ACII decreased the pH values of the proventriculus and gizzards (p < 0.05). Compared with control group, ACI, ACI+EO, ACII significantly enhanced lipase activity in jejunum but ACII decreased the level of serum total cholesterol and total triglyceride (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, ACI+EO and ACII significantly increased the relative weight of the spleen, increased the level of serum IgA and IgM, and decreased E. coli in excreta, while ACII significantly decreased Salmonella in excreta (p <0.05). All treatments significantly increased Lactobacillus in excreta. In conclusion, ACI+EO improved immune status and ACII was effective in reducing Salmonella and promoting Lactobacillus, contributing to intestinal health.

Impact of Partial Replacement of Clover by Anise, Basil, Mint and Fennel Remnants in Rabbits Diet on Blood Constituents

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The clover plant (alfalfa) is considered the primary fiber source in the rabbit diet in Mediterranean Sea countries like Egypt, so researchers are always trying to find alternatives and aromatic and medicinal plant remnants could be one of them. So, this study was designed to determine the effects of some aromatic and medicinal plant remnants on New Zealand white rabbits' blood hematological and biochemical aspects. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 108 weaned white New Zealand rabbits at five weeks of age were used to consider the effect of using remnants of mint, fennel, basil and anise with or without probiotics to replace 50% from alfalfa hay in rabbits' diets. Four remnants were obtained after etheric oil distillation and were incorporated in rabbit diets at level 17.5% without probiotics and with probiotics (replacement 50% of alfalfa hay). Rabbits were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups; the experimental period lasted eight weeks. Rabbit blood hematological and blood biochemical were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> The highest values of RBC 6.03 μL, HCT 37.13%, WBC 12.70 μL and lymph percentage were found in the basil+probiotics group. In contrast, the highest value of hemoglobin (HGB 10,50 g/dL), MCV 64.13 fl, MCH 23.27pg, MCHC 36.40 g/dL, PLT 463 μL, urea 50.33 mg/dL and creatinine 1.30 mg/dL were found in anise+probiotic group. In contrast, RDW-CV 33.17%, Mid 13.17 μL, granulocytes (Gran 7.13 μL) and PDW 16.73 in the mint group. Furthermore, RDW-SD (34.40 fl) and procalcitonin (PCT 0.35%) were found in the control group and the highest values ALT 142 IU/L and AST 77.33 IU/L were found in the fennel group. The highest albumin value (3.10 g/dL) was found in the anise group and the highest total protein (TP 5.23 g/dL) was found in the mint+probiotic group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results proved that using these medicinal plant remnants and probiotics as substitutes for half the amount of alfalfa used in the diet of New Zealand white rabbits did not have a negative effect and improved their health condition.

Supplemental effects of different production methods of pine needle additives on growth performance, intestinal environment, meat quality and serum of broiler chickens

OBJECTIVE

Pine needles are rich in many nutrients and exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant biological activities; however, the effects of different production methods of pine needle additives on the growth performance and intestinal flora of broiler chickens are not known.

METHODS

Normal diets were supplemented with pine needle fermentation juice (PNF), pine needle soaking juice (PNS), or pine needle powder (PNP), and the associated effects on growth performance, relative organ weights, intestinal development, intestinal histological morphology, intestinal flora, meat quality, and serum indicators in broiler chickens were observed.

RESULTS

The results showed that PNF, PNS, and PNP all significantly improved feed utilisation and promoted the growth and development of broilers. All three additives also significantly improved the structure of the intestinal flora, specifically increasing the diversity of bacteria; increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium, Rikenella, and Blautia; and decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus. The antioxidant properties of pine needles were also found to intensify lipid metabolic reactions in the blood, thus leading to lower triglycerides and total cholesterol. Meanwhile, high doses of PNF reduced jejunum and ileum weights and also increased meat yellowness. Lastly, none of PNF, PNS, or PNP had an effect on relative organ weights or intestinal histological morphology.

CONCLUSION

The addition of pine needles to the diet of broiler chickens can effectively promote their growth performance as well as improve their intestinal flora and serum status without side effects; in particular, the dose of 0.2% of either PNF and PNS is expected to have the capacity to replace growth-promoting antibiotics as diet additives.

Growth performance, carcass traits and meat physical characteristics of growing Japanese quail fed ginger powder and frankincense oil as feed additives

This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were 7 d old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups. Each group was divided into 3 replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the 2 levels of frankincense oil at 5 wk of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 wk significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and 2 levels of frankincense oil at 1 to 3 wk, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3 to 6 wk, and 1 to 6 wk of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense at 3 to 6 wk and 1 to 6 wk of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200 mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having 2 levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.

Effects of Micellar Quercetin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbiota, Meat Quality, and Physiological Status in Broiler Chickens

This study investigated the impacts of micellar quercetin (MQ) supplementation on growth performance, meat stability, excreta gas emissions, and physiological status. During a 35-day trial, 640 Ross 308 broilers were utilized. These birds were one day old, with an average initial body weight of 43.34 ± 1.43 g. They were randomly distributed across four experimental diets, each consisting of 10 replicate pens with 16 chicks per pen. The diets included the following: control (CON) with 0% micellar quercetin (MQ), TRT1 with 0.025% MQ, TRT2 with 0.050% MQ, and TRT3 with 0.100% MQ. The results indicate that broilers fed diets with increasing levels of MQ exhibited significantly higher body weight gains (BWGs) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a clear linear increase in the breast muscle percentage with higher levels of quercetin supplementation (p < 0.05), while the breast color remained consistent across all groups (p > 0.05). Both cooking loss and drip loss exhibited a linear decrease as MQ levels in the diet increased (p < 0.05). The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) tended to decrease with higher MQ levels. Thyroxine (T4) and lymphocyte levels also showed a linear increase with increasing MQ dosage in the diet (p < 0.05). However, no significant effects were observed on nutrient digestibility, gas emissions, or fecal microbial components (Lactobacillus, E. coli, and Salmonella) with higher levels of MQ supplementation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, augmenting quercetin levels in the diet positively influenced the BWG, breast muscle development, and meat quality parameters such as cooking loss and drip loss, with beneficial effects on blood profiles.

Buriti oil as an alternative to the use of antimicrobials in broiler diets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects and economic viability of diets containing different levels of antibiotic and buriti oil (BO) on performance, carcass and cut yields, and relative weight of organs of broilers. A total of 432 one- to 42-day-old male chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with six treatments, each consisting of six replicates of 12 birds. The treatments consisted of one diet with antibiotic without BO, one diet without antibiotic (DWA) without BO, and four DWA containing increasing levels of BO (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%). Average weight and weight gain (WG) of broilers fed with DWA + BO were similar to those of birds fed control diet. Feed intake and feed conversion (FC) were not different among treatments. Relative weight of pancreas linearly increased in the birds fed diets containing BO. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.40% of BO in the diets promoted the improvement of WG and FC, respectively. Cost of feed management, ratio, gross margin, and gross income did not differ among treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of 0.45% of BO in diets without antibiotics is economically feasible and allows recovering the performance of broilers.

Validating the use of a newly developed cinnamaldehyde product in commercial broiler production

Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative to antibiotics for animal production. In the current study, 4 trials were conducted on a commercial broiler farm to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of an encapsulated cinnamon EO product (NE-OFF) on the bird growth performance, gut health, and gene expression in the ileum, spleen, and liver relating to the host response to heat and other stresses, including potential NE challenge. In each trial, approximately 30,000 Cobb or Ross broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments: a raised without antibiotics (RWA) commercial diet as positive control, an adjusted RWA commercial diet as negative control, and the negative control diet supplemented with 2 different dosages of NE-OFF, which was added during feed pelleting. Although the final average body weight did not differ significantly among treatment groups, birds fed NE-OFF had an increased ratio of villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum, and reduced fecal oocyst counts. Trial 2 was conducted in the summer and had a necrotic enteritis (NE) outbreak. The supplementation of NE-OFF reduced the NE incidence and bird mortality. The samples from Trial 2 were hence selected for the analyses of Clostridium perfringens and NetB toxin gene abundance in the ileum, and host responses. The C. perfringens population appeared to be positively correlated with the NetB gene abundance. The gene expression analysis suggested that NE-OFF supplementation improved nutrient absorption and transportation as well as antioxidant activities to help the birds against stress. These on-farm trial results support the hypothesis that the use of NE-OFF as a feed additive can improve bird gut health and performance in commercial broiler production, especially for preventing NE outbreaks when birds are under stress.

The Effect of Borage (Borago officinalis) Extract on Growth Performance and Immune System of Broilers at High-Density Conditions

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of borage extract (BE) on growth performance and the immune system of broilers at high-stocking-density. A total of 330 male Ross 308 broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design with six experimental treatments each with three replications. Treatments were T1: 10 broilers/m2 (positive control group), T2: 20 broilers/m2 (negative control group), T3: 20 broilers/m2 + 150 mg/l of borage extract (BE), T4: 20 broilers/m2 + 300 mg/l of BE, T5: 20 broilers/m2 + 450 mg/l of BE, and T6: 20 broilers/m2 + 600 mg/l of BE. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly and immune responce were examined twice. The use of BE could improve weight gain, feed intake, and FCR in broilers reared at a high-stocking-density. BE treatment improved the immune response of broilers. According to the results, the use of BE at 600 mg/l is useful in reducing the effects of density stress. Therefore, BE can be used as a nutritional strategy to improve the bird performance in stressful conditions.

In ovo delivery of oregano essential oil activated xenobiotic detoxification and lipid metabolism at hatch in broiler chickens

In ovo interventions are used to improve embryonic development and robustness of chicks. The objective of this study was to identify the optimal dose for in ovo delivery of oregano essential oil (OEO), and to investigate metabolic impacts. Broiler chickens Ross 308 fertile eggs were injected with 7 levels of OEO (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 µL) into the amniotic fluid at embryonic d 17.5 (E17.5) (n = 48). Chick quality was measured by navel score (P < 0.05) and/or hatchability rates (P < 0.01) were significantly decreased at doses at or above 10 or 20 µL/egg, respectively, indicating potential toxicity. However, no effects were observed at the 5 µL/egg, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms were effective to maintain homeostasis in the developing embryo. To pursue a better understanding of these mechanisms, transcriptomic analyses of the jejunum were performed comparing the control injected with saline and the group injected with 5 µL of OEO. The transcriptomic analyses identified that 167 genes were upregulated and 90 were downregulated in the 5 µL OEO compared to the control group injected with saline (P < 0.01). Functional analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEG) showed that metabolic pathways related to the epoxygenase cytochrome P450 pathway associated with xenobiotic catabolic processes were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, long-chain fatty acid metabolism associated with ATP binding transporters was also upregulated in the OEO treated group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that low doses of OEO in ovo have the potential to increase lipid metabolism in late stages (E17.5) of embryonic development. In conclusion, in ovo delivery of 5 µL OEO did not show any negative impact on hatchability and chick quality. OEO elevated expression of key enzymes and receptors involved in detoxification pathways and lipid metabolism in the jejunum of hatchling broiler chicks.

Dietary supplement of fermented grass forage regulates growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of broiler chickens

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

Investigation and assessment of natural radioactivity in commercial animal feeds in Texas

Commercial animal feed in Texas was characterized by determining natural gamma emitters including 40K,137Cs, and Uranium (235U and 238U) and Thorium (232Th) series to obtain basic radioactivity values. The measured activity concentration of natural radionuclides in animal feed was low enough for safe consumption by animal and largely depended on the type of animal feed.40K was the predominant radionuclide showing the highest activity concentration in animal feed. The radioactivity concentration of 214 Bi and 214Pb in 238U decay series was 1.39 and 1.33 Bq/kg in corn, respectively, lower than in other animal feed types. On the other hand, the vitamin/mineral mix samples showed higher concentrations of 214 Bi (9.04 Bq/kg) and 214Pb (10.19 Bq/kg). Beef cattle feed, poultry feed, and vitamin/mineral mix exhibited higher activity concentration of 228Ac and 212Pb in 232Th decay series. Gamma radionuclides appeared to be highly and significantly correlated within each decay series. 235U was present at low levels in all feed samples while the anthropogenic radionuclide of 137Cs was not detected irrespective of the type of animal feed. This study highlights an importance of establishing a current baseline of radioactivity concentration in animal feed in Texas in which the largest animal feed consumption in the US exists.

Immunity, rumen metagenomics, ruminal variables, and growth performance of calves fed milk with sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil

The study aimed to determine the effect of sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil (EO) to the drinking milk until the weaning stage of Holstein calves on the growth performance, body measurements, ruminal fermentation, rumen metagenomic profile, proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-1β], immune globulins (IgG, IgM, and IgE), and acute phase proteins (serum amyloid-A, SAA). In the study, 24 Holstein calves were divided into three groups as 0 μL (SAG0; control group), 100 μL (SAG100), or 200 μL (SAG200) of sage EO to the milk per calf per day. The addition of sage EO to the milk linearly increased the live weight, feed intake, and daily body weight gain (P < 0.05). The addition of sage EO to the milk in calves linearly increased serum IgG titter dose dependently (P < 0.05), but serum IgM and IgE titters did not change (P > 0.05). The concentrations of serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the weaned calves linearly decreased by the sage aromatic oil addition to the milk (P < 0.05). The serum SAA concentrations of calves did not differ among the control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). Probiotic Bifidobacterium and Acidaminococcus genus in calf rumen fluid can increase by sage EO addition to milk. The relative abundance of genus Prevotella, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Prevotella_9 increase with sage EO. The ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration and total short chain fatty acid (T-SCFA) molarity decreased by sage EO addition to the drinking milk (P < 0.05). The molarities of iso butyric (IBA) and iso valeric acids (IVA) in rumen fluid of the weaned calves linearly reduced by the increasing sage EO dose to the milk (P < 0.05). The butyric acid (BA) and iso caproic acid (ICA) molarities in rumen fluid did not change by the sage EO addition (P > 0.05). Consequently, it has been observed that sage EO addition to the milk of calves positively affected the immune system variables and performance parameters. Sage EO addition of calves before weaning may support the immune system in the eventual immunosuppression at the weaning stage.

Alleviation of negative effect of heat stress through supplementations of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L) powders in diets of broiler chickens

This study was designed to assess the effect of cinnamon powder (CNP) and turmeric powder (TP) on growth performance, antioxidant status, liver function, meat quality and lactate dehydrogenase activity of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. A total of 200, one day old as-hatched broiler chickens (ROSS 308) were randomly allotted into five treatments with four replicates (n = 10). Treatment groups were control (C): fed basal diet; T1: 0.5% CNP; T2: 1.0% CNP; T3: 0.5% TP and T4: 1.0% TP. Results indicated that body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved significantly (p < 0.05) in treatments fed CNP and TP. Serum malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase activity were decreased (p < 0.05) while blood superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity were increased (p < 0.05) in treatments fed CNP and TP. Addition of CNP and TP decreased (p < 0.05) serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Treatments fed CNP and TP resulted increased (p < 0.05) breast and thigh meat monounsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and water holding capacity while decreased (p < 0.05) saturated fatty acid and cook loss. In conclusion CNP and TP possess advantageous effect on growth performance, antioxidant status, liver function, meat quality and lactate dehydrogenase activity.

Using cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L) powders as an antibiotic growth promoter substitutions in broiler chicken's diets

In the current study supplementations of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder (CNP) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L) powder (TP) as an antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and hematological profile of broiler chickens have been investigated. A total of 240, one day old as-hatched broiler chickens (ROSS 308) were randomly assigned into five treatments with four replicates per treatment and 10 chickens per replicate. Treatment groups were C: control (fed basal diet); CNP1: 0.5% CNP; CNP2: 1.0% CNP; TP1: 0.5% TP; TP2: 1.0% TP and 500 mg oxytetracycline (OTC)/kg of diet. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved (p < 0.05) by CNP and TP while OTC improved BWG and FCR. Ileal and cecal Lactobacillus and total aerobes were significantly improved while coliforms and Escherichia coli were decreased by CNP, TP, and OTC. The percentage of packed cell volume (%PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, and white blood cell (WBC) count was increased by CNP and TP while OTC decreased %PCV, Hb, RBC, and increased WBC count. In conclusion, the results showed that OTC can be safely replaced by CNP and TP at 1.0% dose rate in broiler chicken's diets.

Effects of Platycladus orientalis Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance, Fur-Production, Serum Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Raccoon Dogs

Platycladus orientalis leaves are rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer high medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P. orientalis leaf extract (PLE) on the growth performance, fur quality, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty healthy male black raccoon dogs, aged 85 (±5) days, were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 g/kg PLE for 125 days (designated as groups P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively). The results revealed that the raccoon dogs in group P1 exhibited increased average daily gain and underfur length while showing a decreased feed/gain ratio compared to group P0 (p < 0.05). However, the heart index in group P2 was significantly lower than in group P0 (p < 0.05), and the kidney index and serum alanine aminotransferase activities in group P3 were higher than in groups P2 and P0 (p < 0.05), suggesting potential adverse effects at higher PLE dosages. Notably, dietary PLE supplementation led to a reduction in serum glucose concentrations (p < 0.05), which may have implications for glucose regulation. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of dietary supplementation with 0.25 g/kg PLE on the raccoon dogs' intestinal microbiota using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed significant alterations in the microbial community structure, with a notable decrease in the abundance of Prevotella copri in response to 0.25 g/kg PLE supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing raccoon dogs' diet with 0.25 g/kg PLE can lead to improved growth performance and a positive influence on the intestinal microbiota. However, caution should be exercised regarding higher dosages, as they may have adverse effects on certain parameters. As a result, PLE holds promise as a potential feed additive for fur animal production.

Effects of dietary piperine supplementation on innate immunity, growth performance, feed utilization and intestinal morphology of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Piperine, the main bioactive component of black pepper (Piper nigrum) or long pepper (Piper longum), has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This study was carried out to evaluate the supplemental effects of piperine in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) diets. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain different levels of piperine at 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 2.00 g/kg (Con, P25, P50, P75, P100, and P200, respectively). Diets were randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish (initial weight 27.6 ± 0.4 g, 30 fish/tank) and fed three times daily for 8 weeks. Results showed that dietary piperine significantly improved fish growth and feed utilization efficiency. The highest growth, including the highest Igf-1 mRNA expression, was observed in the P50 group, while P50 and P75 groups showed the highest protein efficiency ratio. Compared to the Con group piperine supplemented groups had significantly higher lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin level, and phagocytosis activities. Plasma cholesterol was significantly lower in fish fed P200 diet. Dry matter and protein digestibility were higher in P25, P50, and P75 groups than in Con group. Dietary piperine increased the intestinal villi length and goblet cell counts. In the challenge test against Edwardsiella tarda, all the groups supplemented with piperine showed higher cumulative survival compared to Con group. Therefore, these findings indicate that dietary piperine supplementation can improve growth performance, innate immunity, disease resistance, diet digestibility, and intestinal morphology of olive flounder. The optimum dietary piperine level seems to be approximately 0.5 g/kg for the fish.

Nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens

The poultry industry has significant coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) challenges, leading to high mortality and unacceptable growth without antibiotic treatment. This research explored supplementing Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil in poultry feed to mitigate coccidiosis and prevent or lessen NE in broilers. In vivo studies consisted of 384 and 320 Cobb 500 male broiler chicks distributed in a randomized complete block experimental design for trials 1 and 2, respectively. The first trial compared 3 concentrations (1, 2, and 5 mL/kg) of black cumin seed oil (BCSO), and trial 2 compared 2 concentrations (2 and 5 mL/kg) BCSO, with birds challenged with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens (Cp) strains Cp#6 and Cp#4, respectively. Broiler live performance, NE disease outcomes, and Cp populations were measured for both trials. A commercially available BCSO oil product, determined in a preliminary in vitro study to have the highest anti-Cp activity, was selected for in vivo studies. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated the major bioactive compounds p-cymene, thymoquinone, carvacrol, and thymol were present in the BCSO. In trial 1 with strain Cp#6, BCSO concentrations of 2 and 5 mL/kg reduced NE lesion score and mortality rate to 1.6% compared with 7.8% for positive control, with no adverse impact on live performance. In trial 2 with strain Cp#4, BCSO reduced NE lesion scores and mortality rate to 35.9% compared with 51.6% for positive control and also improved weight gain when there was a Cp infection in broiler chickens. The current study compared NE in broilers challenged with 2 different Cp strains producing different levels of NE. Following Cp infection, both the population of vegetative cells and spores of Cp in cecal contents decreased for all treatments in trial 2. In conclusion, BCSO at concentrations of 2 and 5 mL/kg enhanced broiler live performance and alleviated NE and has potential as a natural, non-medication antimicrobial nutritional supplement for use as a feed additive in chickens.

Red osier dogwood and its use in animal nutrition: A review

As the human population increases globally, the food animal industry has not been spared from the monumental demand for edible animal products, particularly meat. This has necessitated the simultaneous expansion of the productivity of the animal sector to meet the ever-growing human needs. Although antibiotics have been used in food animal production with commendable positive impacts on their growth performance, their sole contributive factor to the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance has ushered the strict restrictions placed on their use in the animal sector. This has handed a setback to both animals and farmers; thus, the intense push for a more sustainable antibiotic alternative for use in animal production. The use of plants with concentrated phytogenic compounds has gained much interest due to their beneficial bioactivities, including antioxidant and selective antimicrobial. While the reported beneficial activities of phytogenic additives on animals vary due to their varying total polyphenol concentrations (TPC), red osier dogwood (ROD) plant materials boast of high TPC with excellent antioxidant prowess and growth improvement capacities compared to some plant extracts commonly used in research. However, its adoption in research and commercial scale is still low. Thus, the present review aims to provide concise information on the dietary potential of ROD plant materials in animal feeding.

Immunostimulant potential of Moringa Oleifera leaves alcoholic extract versus Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks

The current study was conducted to evaluate the immunoenhancement effect of Moringa oleifera leaves alcoholic extract (MOLE) versus Oregano essential oil (OEO) against cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in broilers chicks. A total of a three hundred one-day-old chicks were assigned randomly into three main dietary groups, control, MOLE, and OEO for 14 days. After 14 days the three main experimental groups were subdivided into six groups, control, cyclophosphamide, MOLE, MOLE and Cyclophosphamide, OEO, and OEO and cyclophosphamide. Each group of these six groups was subdivided into three subgroups. Supplementation of broiler chicks with MOLE and OEO for 14 days significantly increased body weight compared to the control group. However, injection of broiler chicks with cyclophosphamide significantly induced body weight loss, impaired immunological response represented by decreasing total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs depletion, and increased the mortality rate. In contrast, supplementation of cyclophosphamide treated chicks with MOLE and OEO significantly reduced cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses, as it showed significant increase in body weight, total leukocytic count, differential leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and hemagglutinin inhibition titer for New Castle disease virus, lymphoid organs proliferation, and reduced the mortality rate. This study indicated that MOLE and OEO supplementation ameliorated cyclophosphamide induced body weight loss and impaired immunological responses.

Repression of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strain AG10 in Drosophila melanogaster In Vivo Model

Probiotic bacteria exhibiting antagonistic activities against pathogenic bacteria are widely considered as potential options for the prevention and treatment of various infectious diseases and represent potential substitutes of antibiotics. Here we show that the L. plantarum AG10 strain represses the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro and diminishes their negative effects in vivo in a Drosophila melanogaster model of survival on embryonic (larvae) and pupa stages. In an agar drop diffusion test, L. plantarum AG10 exhibited antagonistic properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and repressed the growth of E. coli and S. aureus during milk fermentation. In a Drosophila melanogaster model, L. plantarum AG10 alone did not provide any significant effect, either during the embryonic stage or during further development of the flies. Despite this, it was able to restore the viability of groups infected with either E. coli and S. aureus, almost to the level of non-treated control at all stages of development (larvae, pupa and adult). Moreover, in the presence of L. plantarum AG10, pathogens-induced mutation rates and recombination events reduced 1.5-2-fold. The genome of L. plantarum AG10 was sequenced and deposited at NCBI under the accession number PRJNA953814 and consists of annotated genome and raw sequence data. It consists of 109 contigs and is 3,479,919 bp in length with a GC content of 44.5%. The analysis of the genome has revealed considerably few putative virulence factors and three genes responsible for the biosynthesis of putative antimicrobial peptides, with one of them exhibiting a high probability of antimicrobial properties. Taken together, these data allow the suggestion that the L. plantarum AG10 strain is promising for use in both dairy production and probiotics as a preservative from foodborne infections.

Nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, carcass yield, and meat microbiology of broilers fed diets supplemented Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), and their composite

The effect of dietary supplementation of Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and their composite on nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, carcass yield, and meat microbiology were investigated in a 52-day boiler feeding trial. Three hundred and sixty unsexed Ross broilers were used for the study. Four experimental diets were formulated for the starter (0-28 days) and finisher (29-56 days) phases: diet 1 was the control without phytogenic supplementation, diet 2 (supplemented with 1% Ethiopian pepper (EP)), diet 3 (supplemented with 1% clove (CL)), and diet 4 (supplemented with 1% mix of equal quantity (0.5% each) of Ethiopian pepper and clove (EPCL)). Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 15 birds per replicate. Nutrient digestibility was determined on days 28 and 56, gut microflora was determined for the small intestine and caecum on day 56, carcass yield, organ weights, and meat microbiology were also determined on day 56. Data obtained were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance using SAS 2000 and significant means were separated using Tukey's test in the same software. At day 28, broilers fed the diet supplemented EPCL had the highest (P < 0.05) dry matter digestibility (DMD, 86.81%) crude protein digestibility (CPD, 71.28%), and ash digestibility (64.24%). Broilers fed EP supplemented diet had reduced (P < 0.05) DMD (70.50%). Increased (P < 0.05) ether extract digestibility (EED) was observed for broilers fed the diet supplemented CL (75.27%) and EPCL (76.43%). Ash digestibility (AD) was lowest (P < 0.05) for broilers fed control diet (50.30%). At day 56, broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and those fed the EPCL supplemented diet had higher (P < 0.05) CPD (78.07%, 79.35%) and EED (70.20%, 71.42%) than other treatments. Ash digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for broilers fed diet supplemented EPCL (74.60%) than other treatments. Intestinal clostridium count reduced (P < 0.05) and lactobacillus count increased (P < 0.05) in the intestine and caecum of broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and those fed EPCL supplemented diet. Intestinal coliform and salmonella count reduced (P < 0.05) for broilers fed the diet supplemented EP and those fed the EPCL supplemented diet. Dietary supplementation of EPCL resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) body weight (BW, 2551.38 g), dressing percentage (DP, 81.68%), and percentage of breast muscle (20.01%). Supplementation of EP, CL, and EPCL in the diet of broilers resulted in higher (P < 0.05) spleen weight while dietary supplementation of EP and EPCL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) thymus weight. Clostridium count was reduced (P < 0.05) in the meat of broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and EPCL and the lowest (P < 0.05) salmonella count was observed in the meat of broilers fed the diet supplemented with EPCL. In conclusion, the current study reveals that dietary supplementation with EP and CL composite improves nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, and dressing percentage with reduced meat microbial load of broilers.

The Effect of Encapsulated Propyl Propane Thiosulfonate (PTSO) on Apparent Ileal Digestibility and Productive Performance in Broiler Chickens

This study analyzed the effects of different dietary doses of encapsulated propyl propane thiosulfonate (Pe-PTSO) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and productive performance in broilers. A total of 100 one-day-old Cobb 500 were housed in battery cages for 20 days. At 10 days of age, the birds were assigned to one of five diets: negative control (P0), 250 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P250), 500 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P500), 750 mg/kg of Pe-PTSO (P750), and positive control, nicarbazin-narasin (ION). Titanium dioxide was the external marker, which was added to the diets from day 17 to 20. In the birds fed the P250 diet, there was a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the AID values for amino acids and energy compared to those that consumed the P0 diet. Furthermore, the P250 diet significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) the average daily weight gain compared to the P0 diet. No significant differences were observed between treatments in average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. In summary, the inclusion of 250 mg of encapsulated PTSO per kg in broiler chickens diet improved the digestibility of amino acids and energy, as well as weight gain.

Influence of Achyranthes japonica extracts supplementation in the diets of finishing pigs

BACKGROUND

Herbs and their extracts have been used for a long time in animal industries as alternatives to an antibiotic.

OBJECTIVES

This study was evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) on the performance and production parameters in finishing pigs.

METHODS

Totally, 100 pigs with an average body weight of 50.33 ± 4.61 kg were used as a 10-week feeding trial. Pigs (five replicates, three barrows and two gilts per pen) were allotted randomly to four treatments as the addition of 0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% of AJE in basal diets.

RESULTS

A linear increase (p < .05) in average daily gain was observed during week 5, week 10 and overall period, and a linear decrease (p < .05) was observed in the feed conversion ratio during week 5. A linear increase (p < .05) in dry matter, protein digestibility and faecal ammonia emission on week 5 and week 10 and a linear increase (p < .05) in serum total protein concentration on week 10 of pigs fed diets supplemented with graded levels of AJE was observed. Faecal lactic acid bacteria counts showed a linear increase (p < .05) on week 5 with the increasing levels of AJE.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, there existed improvements in growth performance, nutrients digestibility, serum total protein, faecal coliform bacteria and lactic acid bacteria counts and faecal ammonia emission in the finishing pigs fed with AJE-supplemented diet.

Application of botanical products as nutraceutical feed additives for improving poultry health and production

Poultry is one of the most consumed sources of animal protein around the world. To meet the global demands for poultry meat and eggs, it is necessary to improve their nutrition to sustain the poultry industry. However, the poultry industry faces several challenges, including feedstuff availability, the banning of antibiotics as growth promoters, and several environmental stressors. Therefore, there is a critical need to include available nutraceuticals in the diet to sustain the poultry industry. Nutraceuticals are natural chemical substances that positively influence animal physiological and productive traits. Botanical products (such as fenugreek seeds, ginger roots, and olive leaves) are among the most commonly used nutraceuticals and are gradually gaining popularity in the poultry industry due to their immense benefits in nutrition and therapeutic properties. They can be added to the diet separately or in combination (as a natural antioxidant and immunostimulant) to improve poultry health and production. Botanical products are rich in essential oils and essential fatty acids, which have multiple benefits on the animal's digestive system, such as activating the digestive enzymes and restoring microbiota balance, enhancing poultry health, and production. These nutraceuticals have been shown to stimulate the expression of several genes related to growth, metabolism, and immunity. In addition, the essential oil supplementation in poultry diets up-regulated the expression of some crucial genes associated with nutrient transportation (such as glucose transporter-2 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-1). Previous studies have suggested that supplementation of botanical compounds increased broiler body weight and hen egg production by approximately 7% and 15%, respectively. Furthermore, the supplementation of botanical compounds enhanced the reproductive efficiency of hens and the semen quality of roosters by 13%. This review article discusses the significant effects of some botanical products in the poultry industry and how they can benefit poultry, especially in light of the ban on antibiotics as growth promoters.

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on growth performance, intestinal mucosa activity, digestive enzymes, absorption capacity, and immunity in broiler chickens

Gut health is multifaceted and is largely influenced by the rearing environment and the diet. The use of phytochemicals rich in phenolics and flavonoids can improve the digestive health of chickens and lead to better growth performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, absorption function, organ weights and immunity of broilers. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups: an unsupplemented control and VA-1, VA-3 and VA-5 receiving VALM incorporation at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 g/kg, respectively. Each treatment had six replicates of 10 chickens. On d 42, six chickens per replicate were isolated and euthanised. Digesta from the jejunal segments (10 cm) was collected for analysis of the digestive enzymes. The remaining digesta was then washed out with ice-cold phosphate-buffered saline before the jejunal segments (10 cm) were opened longitudinally to collect the mucosa by scraping. For the preparation of the homogenate, intestinal mucosa samples were homogenised with 154 mmol/l of ice-cold sodium chloride solution and centrifuged at 4 °C for 900 s. To determine immunoglobulins, glutathione and D-xylose, the supernatant was extracted and stored at -20 °C. Supplementation with VALM did not significantly influence the relative weights of organs in the different treatments. However, VALM at 3 g/kg caused a significant increase in amylase and trypsin concentration (P<0.05). Immunoglobulin A and intestinal secretory immunoglobulin G concentrations were significantly improved (P<0.05) in the birds fed 3 g/kg VALM. This supported the premise that 3 g/kg VALM in feed can improve gastric immunity status and digestive enzyme secretion.

Effect of citrus-coconut electrolyte blend on growth performance, haemato-biochemical status, organs development and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

INTRODUCTION

In a bid to mitigate growing concerns regarding the use of antibiotics in food animals OBJECTIVES: This study determined the growth performance, haemato-biochemical status, organ development and intestinal morphology of Arbor Acre broiler chicken strain on oral administration of citrus-coconut electrolyte blend (CCEB) for 26 days.

METHODS

One-hundred ninety-two chicks were brooded for 2 weeks and thereafter divided on a weight equalization basis into four groups (0, 5, 10 and 15 ml CCEB per litre of water) of six replicates each and eight birds per replicate. Phytochemical screening of CCEB was determined, while data collected for growth performance, organ proportions and intestinal morphology were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Phytochemical composition revealed the abundance of phenols (128.40 mg/100g) and tannins (78.10 mg/100g) in CCEB. All productive performance parameters measured were not significantly (p < 0.05) different across treatment means. However, significantly (p < 0.05) highest concentrations (134.47 and 66.48 mg/dl, respectively) for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the lowest concentration (38.34 mg/dl) for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were recorded in birds on 15 ml of CCEB/litre of water. Furthermore, a progressive reduction (p < 0.05) in the bursa of Fabricius was observed with increasing CCEB/litre of water. The supplementation of CCEB did not influence (p > 0.05) duodenal morphological parameters.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that 15 ml of CCEB/litre of water enhanced the production of HDL, reduced LDL, and improved immunity via the reduction of the bursa of Fabricius in broiler chickens.

The effect of combined dietary supplementation of herbal additives on carcass traits, meat quality, immunity and cecal microbiota composition in Hungarian white geese

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with herbal additives on meat quality, slaughter performance and the cecal microbial community in Hungarian white geese. A total of 60 newborn geese were assigned equally into the control group (CON) and the herbal complex supplemented group (HS). The dietary supplementations consisted of Compound Herbal Additive A (CHAA) including Pulsatilla, Gentian and Rhizoma coptidis, and Compound Herbal Additive B (CHAB) containing Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes, Poria cocos and Licorice. The geese in the HS group received a basal diet supplemented with 0.2% CHAA from day 0 to day 42 at the postnatal stage. Then from day 43 to day 70, the geese in HS group were provide a basal diet with 0.15% CHAB. The geese in the CON group were only provided with the basal diet. The results showed that the slaughter rate (SR), half chamber rates (HCR), eviscerated rate (ER) and breast muscle rate (BMR) in the HS group tended to increase slightly compared with the CON group (ns). In addition, the shear force, filtration rate and pH value of breast muscle and thigh muscle in the HS group were slightly enhanced compared to the CON group (ns). Significant increased levels in carbohydrate content, fat content and energy (P < 0.01) and significant decreased levels in cholesterol content (P < 0.01) were observed in the muscle of the HS group. The total amino acid (Glu, Lys, Thr and Asp) content in the muscle increased in HS group than in the CON group (P < 0.01). Dietary herb supplementations significantly increased the levels of IgG in serum (P < 0.05) on day 43 and higher levels of IgM, IgA and IgG (P < 0.01) were also observed in the HS group on day 70. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that herbal additives increased the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibited the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the geese caecum. Altogether, these results offer crucial insights into the potential benefits of incorporating CHAA and CHAB into the diets of Hungarian white goose. The findings indicate that such supplementations could significantly improve meat quality, regulate the immune system and shape the intestinal microbiota composition.

Effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and chronic heat stress on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiology in broiler chickens

This study was conducted on 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks, using a 2 × 6 factorial design (ambient temperature, A x feed additive, F), for a period of 42 days. The chicks assigned to different groups were exposed to thermoneutral (TN, 24 ± 1 °C) and constant heat stress (HT, 36 ± 1 °C) conditions, and were only fed on a basal diet, and a basal diet supplemented with either 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol, 50 IU/kg α-tocopherol, or 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of cumin essential oil (CEO). The results showed that heat stress adversely affected performance and carcass characteristics, and increased both the mortality rate and footpad lesions. Moreover, constant chronic heat stress showed negative effects on serum biochemistry and the intestinal microbiota, increased antioxidant activity in both the plasma and breast meat, and increased counts of the pathogenic microorganisms in the small intestine. On the other hand, dietary CEO supplementation positively affected these parameters. CEO had a slight effect on performance, carcass characteristics, mortality rate and the incidence of footpad lesions. When compared to the control group, it was determined that CEO generally had a positive effect on lipid peroxidation in the plasma and tissues and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, CEO positively affected serum biochemistry and counts of beneficial microorganisms in the small intestine.

Effects of Supplemented Resveratrol on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation and Growth Performance of Hanwoo Calves

We investigated the effects of resveratrol supplementation on in vitro ruminal fermentation and growth performance of Hanwoo calves. Treatment with three resveratrol concentrations (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) was used for in vitro ruminal fermentation. Resveratrol concentrations and pH of rumen fluid were negatively correlated (p < 0.05); therefore, total gas production, total volatile fatty acids, and acetate, propionate, and butyrate levels were significantly higher in the treatments than in the control at all time periods (p < 0.05). The appropriate resveratrol concentration that could be added without negative effects on the rumen was 0.3%. In farm experiments, we divided 14 Korean cattle calves into control (C) and 0.3% resveratrol (T) groups. There were no significant differences in the daily weight gain, feed conversion, final body weight, body length, withers height, and height at hip cross in the resveratrol-fed Hanwoo calves. Immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher in the treatment than in the control (p < 0.05), but IgA and IgM levels did not differ. Supplemental feeding of resveratrol is beneficial to in vitro ruminal fermentation, but it is important to supplement it at 0.3%. Furthermore, resveratrol affects calf immunoglobulin G.

Impact of Supplementing Phytobiotics as a Substitute for Antibiotics in Broiler Chicken Feed on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Biochemical Parameters

To determine the level of application and the effectiveness of the use of plant feed additives from sweet chestnut wood extract (Castanea Sativa Mill) in the diet of Cobb-500 cross broiler chickens, four groups were formed via the balanced groups method. The chickens in the experimental groups were supplemented with sweet chestnut wood extract in the main diet rather than a feed antibiotic at an amount of 500 g per ton of compound starter feed and 250 g per ton of grower and finisher in the second experimental group; 650 g per ton of compound starter feed and 325 g per ton of grower and finisher in the third experimental group; and 800 g per ton of compound starter feed and 400 g per ton of grower and finisher in the fourth experimental group. Supplementation with phytobiotics led to an increase in the digestibility of the dry matter in the second and third groups compared to the first experimental group. Furthermore, broiler chickens supplemented with a medium dose of phytobiotics revealed a significant difference in both crude protein and fiber when compared to the second experimental group (91.95% and 12.11% vs. 88.98% and 10.07%, respectively). The preslaughter weight of the birds in the phytobiotics supplemented groups was higher than in those fed with the lowest dosage of phytobiotic by 5.47%, and the difference was significant. There were no significant differences in terms of the blood biochemical parameters between the groups. In summary, the inclusion of plant feed additives from sweet chestnut wood extract as a substitute for an antibacterial drug in the diet of broiler chickens did not deteriorate the blood biochemical parameters and improved the intensity of the nutrient digestion process. As a result, it enhanced the quality indicators of the broiler carcass during the entire growth period.

Use of Cinnamon and its Derivatives in Poultry Nutrition

The recent trend toward banning the use of antibiotics in poultry feed as a growth promoter directs the scientific community to look for natural alternatives with potential growth-promoting and immunomodulating properties. Phytogenic feed additives have attracted significant attention as alternatives to antibiotics to improve growth performance and enhance immune responses. They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties, depending on their chemical structure and composition. Scientists are using these non-conventional ingredients as feed additives in the form of oil or powder. Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids produced from aromatic plants. Their application has gained momentum in controlling cholesterol as free radical scavengers, anti-microbials, antifungals, and stimulants of digestive enzymes. EO's possible antimicrobial features against harmful pathogens are primarily associated with the high content of volatile components in oils. The current chapter highlights the beneficial impact of cinnamon oil as a feed additive on poultry growth performance, meat quality, carcass traits, and its hypo-cholesterolaemic impact, antioxidant act, microbiological aspects, and immunomodulatory effects.

Fish oil, Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa improve feed efficiency and meat quality of the broiler chicken.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2074785/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Total 288 Ross-308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed in a complete block design at 2×3 (Two different phytochemicals, i.e., Azadirachta indica, and Curcuma longa at three different levels, i.e., 0, 0.063, and 0.125% of the basal diet) factorial arrangement. Final live weight (FLW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), carcass characteristics, cardio-pulmonary morphometry, haemato-biochemical indices, gut morphology, ileal nutrient digestibility, tibia morphometry, meat quality and fatty acid profile were measured. Results indicated that, supplementation of Azadirachta indica leaf meal (AILM) decreased the FLW, ADFI, ADG, gizzard weight, right ventricular diameter and increased the FE, tibia calcium content, left ventricular weight and the ratio of right and left ventricle. The AILM substantially increased the malonaldehyde concentration in the Pectoralis major muscle of the broiler chicken at 7th and day 14th days. The Curcuma longa powder (CLP) decreased the FLW, ADFI and ADG without affecting the FE and increased the weight of right ventricle, left ventricle and tibia length. The AILM and CLP interacted to decrease the ADFI, total saturated fatty acid content and increase the FE, ω-6, ω-9, total unsaturated fatty acids, total poly-unsaturated fatty acids and the ratio of total unsaturated: saturated fatty acid in the breast muscle of the broiler chicken. It was concluded that Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa in combination with fish oil improved the FE and meat quality of the broiler chicken at the expense of ADFI and ADG.