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Duman M, Şekeroğlu A, Tainika B. The potential of pumice as a litter material and its influence on growth performance, carcass parameters, litter quality traits, behavior, and welfare in broiler chickens. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:130. [PMID: 38635010 PMCID: PMC11026241 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the possibilities of pumice (light stones) as litter material in broiler production. Experimental treatments included wood shavings (WS), acidic pumice (AP), and basic pumice (BP) alone, and in combination; wood shaving + acidic pumice (WSAP) and wood shaving + basic pumice (WSBP) in a ratio of 1:1. Two trials were performed, one in summer, and the other in winter. Each trial involved 750 mixed-sex Ross (308) broilers. Also, there were 15 replicate pens with 50 broilers and a stocking density of 12.5 birds/m2 for each pen at the beginning of each trial. Performance, litter quality, carcass parameters, body and leg abnormalities, body temperature, fear and stress responses, proportional asymmetry, and some behavior expressions were investigated. The litter treatment influenced the final live body weight, litter moisture, ammonia concentration, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, breast blister, hot carcass yield, heart, liver, spleen, abdominal fat, wing and neck ratio, breast and back cleanliness, and the expression of dust bathing and foraging behaviors (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a seasonal effect on live body weight, feed conversion ratio, livability, litter pH, 42-day litter moisture, hot carcass yield, back cleanliness, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, footpad temperature, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and expression of pecking behavior (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). It is suggested that acidic pumice stone alone or in a mixture with wood shavings could be used as a reliable litter material, alternative to wood shavings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Duman
- Department of Laboratory and Veterinary Health, Bor Vocational School, Niğde Omer Halisdemir University, Niğde, 51240, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Şekeroğlu
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, 51240, Turkey
| | - Brian Tainika
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, 51240, Turkey
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Zhou S, Watcharaanantapong P, Yang X, Thornton T, Gan H, Tabler T, Prado M, Zhao Y. Evaluating broiler welfare and behavior as affected by growth rate and stocking density. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103459. [PMID: 38308899 PMCID: PMC10847911 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103459] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the welfare and behaviors of Cobb 700 broilers as affected by growth rate (GR) and stocking density (SD). Slower-growth (weight gain < 50 g/d) and medium-growth (weight gain = 50-60 g/d) broilers were produced by providing 57.1% and 78.6% of the feed intake listed in the Cobb 700 production manual for standard (fed ad libitum) broilers (weight gain > 60 g/d). Broilers at all 3 GRs were reared at 2 SDs of 30 and 40 kg/m2. Broiler welfare indicators, including gait score, tibia strength, feather coverage, and footpad condition were evaluated when birds reached 1, 2, and 3 kg of body weight. The activity index was determined by overhead cameras and image processing, and the time spent at feeders was recorded using the radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems. The results show that it took 45 d for standard, 52 d for medium-growth, and 62 d for slower-growth broilers to reach a 3 kg market body weight. Feed conversion ratios (FCR, kg/kg) were 1.57 for standard, 1.67 for medium-growth, and 1.80 for slower-growth broilers. Growth rate and SD had an interaction effect on feather cleanliness (P = 0.03), and belly feather coverage (P = 0.02). Slower-growth broilers were more active and had better feather coverage and gait scores than medium-growth and standard broilers (all P < 0.01) but may feel hungry and depressed, medium-growth broilers spent the most time at the feeder among the 3 growth groups (P = 0.02), and standard broilers showed the best production performance. Broilers at 30 kg/m2 showed better bone strength (P = 0.04), and footpad condition (P < 0.01) compared to those at 40 kg/m2. In conclusion, reducing GR and SD may slightly improve broiler leg health at the high expense of compromised production performance and prolonged production cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Zhou
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Xiao Yang
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tanner Thornton
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Hao Gan
- Biosystems Engineering & Soils Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Tom Tabler
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Maria Prado
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Yang Zhao
- Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
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Liu KL, He YF, Xu BW, Lin LX, Chen P, Iqbal MK, Mehmood K, Huang SC. Leg disorders in broiler chickens: a review of current knowledge. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:5124-5138. [PMID: 37850850 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2270000] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Ensuring improved leg health is an important prerequisite for broilers to achieve optimal production performance and welfare status. Broiler leg disease is characterized by leg muscle weakness, leg bone deformation, joint cysts, arthritis, femoral head necrosis, and other symptoms that result in lameness or paralysis. These conditions significantly affect movement, feeding and broiler growth performance. Nowadays, the high incidence of leg abnormalities in broiler chickens has become an important issue that hampers the development of broiler farming. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent leg diseases and improve the health of broiler legs. This review mainly discusses the current prevalence of broiler leg diseases and describes the risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention of leg diseases to provide a scientific basis for addressing broiler leg health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Li Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Feng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Wen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lu-Xi Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Pan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Kashif Iqbal
- Institute of Continuing Education and Extension, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Shu-Cheng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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Khan K, Kaya M, Fidan ED, Kilimci FS. Impact of litter on femur and tibial morphology, bone biomechanics, and leg health parameters in broiler chickens. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:1393-1402. [PMID: 36915925 PMCID: PMC10472162 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0335] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study effects of three types of beddings on broiler leg health and bone biomechanics were evaluated. METHODS A total of 504 male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly placed on three beddings (4 replicates/group; 42 birds/pen), zeolite-added litter (ZL), plastic-grid flooring (PF), and wood shavings (WS). On day 42, chickens were weighed, slaughtered, and samples (bone, muscle, and drumstick) were collected. Bones were subjected to leg health tests, morphometric measurements, biomechanical testing, and ash analysis. RESULTS Broilers in PF and WS groups showed higher live weight than the ZL group (p<0.001), and the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and varus valgus deformity due to distal bending was significantly higher in PF (p<0.001). Multinomial logistic regression showed that bedding has a significant (p = 0.038) contribution toward the development of TD. Tibial strength (p = 0.040), drumstick width (p = 0.001), and total femur and epiphyseal ash contents (p = 0.044, 0.016) were higher in the ZL group. Chicken live weight was correlated with tibial length and weight (r = 0.762, 0.725). CONCLUSION Flooring and the type of bedding material directly affect broiler bone length, strength and leg health. Plastic bedding improves the slaughter weight of chickens on the expense of leg deformities, and zeolite litter improves leg health and bone strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (sub-campus Jhang), Lahore 35200,
Pakistan
| | - Mehmet Kaya
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016,
Turkey
| | - Evrim Dereli Fidan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016,
Turkey
| | - Figen Sevil Kilimci
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın 09016,
Turkey
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Bashir N, Şekeroğlu A, Tainika B, Gür FM, Duman M, Şentürk YE. Effect of different pasture species on welfare and behavior of slow-growing broiler chickens in free-range production system. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:206. [PMID: 37198460 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03616-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of various pasture species on the welfare and behavior of slow-growing broiler chickens in the free-range production system. After 21 days completely indoors, the birds were permitted access to outdoor pens cultivated with one of the following pasture treatments: Medicago sativa (A), Trifolium repens (WC), Lolium perenne (PR), and a mixture (Mix, A + WC + PR). The range availability was restricted between 08:30 and 16:30 daily. It was found that pasture type had a significant effect on the fluctuating asymmetry of the face and radius length (P < 0.01). Duration of tonic immobility and blood parameters did not differ among the pasture species and between sexes at 11 weeks of broiler age (P > 0.05). Pasture treatment had no significant effect on broiler behaviors (P > 0.05). However, the age of broilers had a significant effect on pecking, dustbathing, and scratching (P < 0.01). Pecking behavior was affected by the time of the day; morning and afternoon (P < 0.01). Location had a significant effect on pecking and stretching behaviors (P < 0.01). In the study, dustbathing behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.01), age and time of the day (P < 0.01), and location, age, and time of the day (P < 0.05). Scratching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and time of the day (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.01). Stretching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.05). It was concluded that access to the studied pasture species does not affect the evaluated welfare traits and observed behaviors. Therefore, it is suggested that other pasture species should be investigated to identify their effect on slow-growing strains in the free-range production system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bashir
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Şekeroğlu
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey.
| | - Brian Tainika
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Fatih Mehmet Gür
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Duman
- Department of Laboratory and Veterinary Health, Bor Vocational School, Niğde Omer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Yunus Emre Şentürk
- Department of Animal Production and Technologies, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, 51240, Niğde, Turkey
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Xiao C, Zhu Q, Comer L, Pan X, Everaert N, Schroyen M, Song B, Song Z. Dietary 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol and additional vitamin E improve bone development and antioxidant capacity in high-density stocking broilers. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad369. [PMID: 37933958 PMCID: PMC10642724 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad369] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D3] and additional vitamin E on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, bone development, and carcass characteristics at different stocking densities on commercial broiler farms. A total of 118,800 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial treatment consisting of two dietary vitamin levels (5,500 IU vitamin D3 and 60 IU vitamin E: normal diet, using half 25-(OH)D3 as a source of vitamin D3 and an additional 60 IU of vitamin E: 25-(OH)D3+VE diet) and two stocking densities (high density of 20 chickens/m2: HD and 16 chickens/m2: LD). The experiment lasted for 42 d. The results showed that high-density stocking negatively affected the growth performance of broilers during the first four weeks, whereas the vitamin diet treatment significantly improved the feed conversion ratios (FCR) during the last 2 wk. Vitamin diets increased catalase at 14 and 42 d, and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels at 42 d in high-density-stocked broilers. The interaction showed that serum vitamin E levels were significantly improved at 28 d of age in high-density-stocked broilers as a result of the vitamin diets. Stocking density and dietary treatments were found to significantly affect bone development, with the vitamin diet significantly increasing metatarsal length and femoral bone strength in broilers from high-density stocking density at 28 d of age. High stocking density increased the proportion of leg muscles and meat yield per square meter. In general, 25-(OH)D3 and additional vitamin E suppressed oxidative stress and ameliorated the negative effects of high-density stocking on bone development in a commercial chicken farm setting. Vitamin diets improved the FCR of broilers, while high-density stocking resulted in better economic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanpi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - Qijiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Luke Comer
- Nutrition and Animal Microbiota Ecosystems lab, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Xue Pan
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Nadia Everaert
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Martine Schroyen
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux 5030, Belgium
| | - Bochen Song
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
| | - Zhigang Song
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources, Department of Animal Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271000. China
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Sánchez-Casanova RE, Sarmiento-Franco L, Phillips CJC. The Effects of Providing Outdoor Access to Broilers in the Tropics on Their Behaviour and Stress Responses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151917. [PMID: 35953909 PMCID: PMC9367317 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151917] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The effects of outdoor access for broilers have been tested under temperate conditions, where free-range systems have begun to be widely used. However, under tropical conditions, where the birds may be heat-stressed outside, the benefits of providing a free-range area may be less evident. We compared whether access to an outdoor area improved behavior and several physiological welfare indicators of broilers at two stocking densities in a tropical environment. There were no major effects of outdoor access on broiler behavior, except that resting was reduced by providing outdoor access to older birds and those at low stocking densities inside. However, outdoor access increased heterophil numbers in summer, but not in winter, which may indicate heat stress. We concluded that the effects of outdoor access on the welfare of broilers in the tropics are dependent on season and stocking density. Abstract The effects of outdoor access, stocking density, and age on broiler behavior, stress, and health indicators in a tropical climate were assessed over two seasons, winter and summer. Two hundred and forty Cobb500 male chickens were allocated to one of four treatments, with six replicates of ten birds in each: low stocking density indoors with outdoor access (LO); high stocking density indoors with outdoor access (HO); low stocking density indoors without outdoor access (LI); and high stocking density indoors without outdoor access (HI). Scan sampling was used to record their behavior both indoors and outdoors. At 28 and 42 days old, blood samples were obtained to determine the heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio. At 42 days old, chickens were culled and inspected for footpad dermatitis (FPD), and bone quality was examined. Their spleens and bursas of Fabricius were collected and weighed, relative to carcass weight (RW). A factorial analysis was used to test the effects of season (winter or summer), outdoor access (with or without), stocking density (low: 5 animals/m2 or high: 10 animals/m2), and age (28 or 42 days) on the behavior and stress and health indicators. There were no major effects of providing outdoor access on behavior, except that resting was reduced by providing outdoor access to older birds and those at low stocking densities inside. Resting was also greater in indoor and high-density treatments during winter. The bursa of Fabricius was heavier in summer in outdoor birds. The tibia bones were shorter in the outdoor birds. Heterophil numbers were greater in the outdoor treatments in summer but not in winter. These results indicate that outdoor access can increase activity in some situations, and potentially increase bone strength, but it may also increase the risk of stress, particularly heat stress in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubí E. Sánchez-Casanova
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116, Itzimná, Mérida, Yucatan 97100, Mexico;
- Correspondence:
| | - Luis Sarmiento-Franco
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116, Itzimná, Mérida, Yucatan 97100, Mexico;
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia;
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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Solomon H, Adejoro FA, Nkukwana TT. Efficacy of three heat-stable microbial phytases on growth performance and bone development and strength of broilers fed diets deficient in available phosphorus. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2020-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the response of broilers to either of three phytase enzymes in a P-deficient diet. A total of 2340 as-hatched Cobb500 chicks were allocated to nine treatments, each with 13 replicate pens. Starter and finisher diets consisted of a positive control (PC), negative control 1 and 2 (NC1, NC2). The PC, NC1 and NC2 diets had Ca:avP ratios of 0.50, 0.33 and 0.43 in the starter feed; and 0.46, 0.22 and 0.35 in the finisher feed; NC1 diets were then supplemented with Phytaverse, Quantum Blue and Axtra-PHY at 500 and 1000 FTU/kg. Enzyme type had a significant effect on body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and production efficiency factor (PEF) during the 0-7 d period. Interactions between enzyme type and inclusion levels had a significant effect on feed intake (FI) at 1-21 d (P =0.02) and 1-35 d (P =0.031) age. While FI decreased as Axtra-PHY inclusion levels increased from 500 to 1000 FTU/kg feed, FI increased in birds supplemented with Quantum Blue, but with no effects on Phytaverse supplemented birds. Increasing enzyme dose to 1000 FTU/kg feed improved bone breaking strength but did not affect growth performance, tibia ash, Ca or P concentration of the birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanaa Solomon
- University of Pretoria, 56410, Department of Animal and Wildlife Science, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Thobela Tryphina Nkukwana
- University of Pretoria, 56410, Department of Animal and Wildlife Science, Pretoria, South Africa, 0002
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Jeon JJ, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Kang HHK, Kim CH, Kim HS, Kang BS, Kim SH, Jang A. Effects of Animal Welfare-Certified Rearing Systems on the Blood Parameters and Meat Quality Characteristics of Broilers at the Farm Level in Korea. Food Sci Anim Resour 2022; 42:128-141. [PMID: 35028579 PMCID: PMC8728506 DOI: 10.5851/kosfa.2021.e68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to the conventional farms (CF) rearing of broilers, the rearing
management of animal welfare-certified farms (AF) must provide low stocking
density, perch, air regulation, and feeding plant-based protein. This study
aimed to compare the effects of rearing management in CF and AF on blood
parameters, meat quality, and bioactive compound content in Ross 308 broiler
chickens at the farm level before transportation to slaughterhouses. Blood and
meat samples were obtained at 28-35-day-old chickens from three CF and three AF.
In blood samples, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05),
triglyceride (p<0.001), glucose (p<0.01), total protein
(p<0.001), albumin (p<0.01), and white blood cell (p<0.001)
levels as well as the heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio [stress index (SI),
p<0.001] were lower in broilers from AF than in CF. In meat samples,
shear force (p<0.001, p<0.05), and carnosine contents
(p<0.001, p<0.05) in both breast and thigh meat from AF were
higher than those in meat from CF. The contents of linoleic acid
(p<0.001), α-linolenic acid (p<0.001), and eicosapentaenoic
acid (p<0.05) were higher in the samples from AF than those from CF. This
study reveals that such differences are influenced by the different rearing
factors in nutrition, housing, and management practices between CF and AF.
Supplementation of plant-based protein and enough space to move due to lower
stocking density accounts for the large differences between them. These results
can be used as preliminary data showing that the AF system reduces the SI and
enhances carnosine and polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in chicken meat at the
farm level before transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Joo Jeon
- Poultry Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang 25342, Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Kim
- Poultry Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang 25342, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- Department of Applied Animal Science, College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - HHwan-Ku Kang
- Poultry Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang 25342, Korea
| | - Chan-Ho Kim
- Animal Welfare Research Team, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Jeonju 55365, Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Poultry Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang 25342, Korea
| | - Bo-Seok Kang
- Poultry Research Institute, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Pyeongchang 25342, Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Kim
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology Team, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Animal Science, Jeonju 55365, Korea
| | - Aera Jang
- Department of Applied Animal Science, College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Dao HT, Moss AF, Bradbury EJ, Swick RA. Bone mineralisation status of broilers fed reduced-protein diets supplemented with l-arginine, guanidinoacetic acid and l-citrulline. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an21539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Güz BC, de Jong IC, Da Silva CS, Veldkamp F, Kemp B, Molenaar R, van den Brand H. Effects of pen enrichment on leg health of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254462. [PMID: 34941896 PMCID: PMC8700046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pen enrichment for broiler chickens is one of the potential strategies to stimulate locomotion and consequently contribute to better leg health and welfare. This study was designed to evaluate effects of using a plethora of pen enrichments (barrier perches, angular ramps, horizontal platforms, large distance between feed and water and providing live Black Soldier fly larvae in a dustbathing area) on tibia characteristics, locomotion, leg health and home pen behaviour of fast and slower-growing broiler chickens. The experiment was set up as a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with a total of 840 male broiler chickens in a complete randomized design (7 pens per treatment and 30 chickens per pen) with the following treatments: 1) pen enrichment (enriched pen or non-enriched pen); 2) broiler strain (fast-growing Ross 308 or slower-growing Hubbard JA 757). Home pen behaviour and use of enrichment were observed. At approximately 1400 and 2200 g body weight, two chickens per pen were randomly selected and slaughtered, to investigate tibia morphological, biophysical and mechanical characteristics and leg health. Pen enrichment positively affected tibia biophysical characteristics, e.g., osseous volume (Δ = 1.8 cm3, P = 0.003), total volume (Δ = 1.4 cm3, P = 0.03) and volume fraction (Δ = 0.02%, P = 0.002), in both fast and slower-growing chickens, suggesting that pen enrichment particularly affects ossification and mineralization mechanisms. Accordingly, locomotion and active behaviours were positively influenced by pen enrichment. However, pen enrichment resulted in lower body weight gain in both strains, which might be due to higher activity or lower feed intake as a result of difficulties of crossing the barrier perches. Regarding the strain, slower-growing chickens showed consistently more advanced tibia characteristics and more active behaviour than fast-growing chickens. It can be concluded that pen enrichment may lead to more activity and better bone development in both fast and slower-growing chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahadır Can Güz
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Ingrid C. de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Carol Souza Da Silva
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur Veldkamp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Roos Molenaar
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
| | - Henry van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
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Xue J, Liu Z, Huang X, Chen Y, Chen Z, Wang Q, Wang B, Wang C. Estimates of stocking density of female geese in different growth stages. J APPL POULTRY RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2021.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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13
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KHAN K, SEVİL KİLİMCİ F, KARA M. Biomechanical tests: applications and their reliability for the prediction of bone strength in broiler chicken. MEHMET AKIF ERSOY ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.24880/maeuvfd.936262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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14
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Effects of stocking density on the performance, tibia mineralization, and the expression of hypothalamic appetite genes in broiler chickens. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The current study investigated the effects of stocking density (SD) on the performance, tibia mineralization, and the hypothalamic appetite genes expression in broilers. A total of 2,800 1-d-old male broilers (Cobb 500) were distributed in a completely randomized design to 1 of 5 SD treatments with 8 replicate cages for each treatment. The SD treatments were 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, and 22.5 birds/m2, corresponding to 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 birds per cage (4 m2/cage), respectively. The concentration of tibia phosphorus was determined by the ammonium metavanadate colorimetric method and the mRNA abundance in different tissues was measured by the real-time quantitative PCR method. The data were analyzed by the one-way and/or two-way analysis of variance and polynomial contrasts were used to determine the effect of increasing SD. Feed intake linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing SD during d 1-42 production period. On d 42, body weight and tibia breaking strength were significantly lower in the groups of 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5 birds/m2 than in the groups of 12.5 and 15 birds/m2 (P < 0.01). Concentrations of ash and phosphorus in the tibia of broilers linearly decreased (P < 0.03) with increasing SD on d 42. The SD of 22.5 birds/m2 decreased the mRNA abundance of neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY-receptor (NPYR) 1, and NPYR2 (P < 0.05), while it increased melanocortin receptor 4 mRNA abundance (P = 0.012) in the hypothalamus of broilers as compared with the SD of 12.5 birds/m2 on d 21 and 42. The mRNA abundance of hypothalamic cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), and CRF-receptor 1 (CRFR1) were higher (P < 0.05) in the group of 22.5 birds/m2 than in the group of 12.5 birds/m2 on d 21. We concluded that increasing stocking density beyond 15 birds/m2 (corresponding to the 45 kg/m2 at 42 days of age) suppressed final BW and bone mineralization of broilers raised in multitier cage system. Hypothalamic NPY and CRF signaling might be involved in the anorexigenic effect of HSD.
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Pritchard A, Robison C, Nguyen T, Nielsen BD. Silicon supplementation affects mineral metabolism but not bone density or strength in male broilers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243007. [PMID: 33284796 PMCID: PMC7721172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Because leg injuries produce welfare concerns and impact production for broilers, numerous interventions have been suggested as potential solutions. One mineral which may affect bone quality is silicon. The objective of this study was to determine if supplementing bioavailable silicon could affect bone morphology, mineralization, and strength without negatively influencing welfare and meat quality. Male broilers were raised from d 1 after hatching until 42 d of age and randomly assigned to treatment groups for silicon supplementation in water: Control (no supplement, C; n = 125), Normal (0.011 ml supplement/kg bodyweight, N; n = 125) and High (0.063 ml supplement/kg bodyweight, H; n = 125). Toe damage, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, and keel blisters were assessed on d 42. Blood samples were collected from wing veins for serum osteocalcin, pyridinoline cross-links, and mineral analysis. Clinical QCT scans and analysis were conducted immediately before four-point bending tests of tibias. Texture analysis was performed on cooked fillets. Silicon supplementation tended to increase daily water consumption in N and H as compared to C (P = 0.07). Footpad dermatitis and hock burn scores were higher in H than in N or C (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Supplementation altered serum minerals (P < 0.001), but bone density, morphology, and strength measures were similar among groups. The highest level of supplementation in the current study on a kg bodyweight basis was above recommended intakes but below previous amounts demonstrating silicon’s positive influence on bone, indicating that previously suggested minimum thresholds need to be reevaluated. Factors such as growth rate and mechanical loading likely play a greater role in developing bone quality than trying to supplement on top of good basic nutrition alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Pritchard
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Cara Robison
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tristin Nguyen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Brian D. Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
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Ma H, Xu B, Li W, Wei F, Kim WK, Chen C, Sun Q, Fu C, Wang G, Li S. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the behavior, serum indicators, and bone quality of broilers under stocking density stress. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4653-4661. [PMID: 32988500 PMCID: PMC7598135 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) dietary supplementation on the behavior, physiological and oxidant stress indicators, and bone quality in broilers under high stocking density (HSD) stress. A total of one thousand eight hundred 22-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 18 pens (2.97 × 2.03 m) in 3 groups: 14 birds/m2 (NSD, normal stocking density) or 18 birds/m2 (HSD) or 18 birds/m2 plus 300 mg/kg ALA dietary supplement (HSD + ALA, high stocking density + alpha-lipoic acid). Each treatment had 6 replicates, and the experiment lasted 3 wk. The HSD group was significantly lower than the NSD group (P < 0.05) in the frequency of eating, walking, and preening behavior. The alkaline phosphatase activity and serum calcium content were significantly higher, and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was significantly lower in the HSD group than in the NSD group (P < 0.05). When compared with the NSD group, the HSD group showed an increase (P < 0.05) in serum heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase (CAT) activity, whereas a decrease (P < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The HSD group was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the NSD group in the tibia and femur breaking strength, bone mineral density, and BMC. Importantly, the addition of ALA into the diets of the HSD group enabled the HSD + ALA group to recover to the levels of NSD group (P > 0.05) in the standing and preening behavior, alkaline phosphatase activity, PTH concentration, H/L ratio, CAT, T-AOC, MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px. These results indicate that the increase of stocking density lowered the bone quality, increased the physiological and oxidative stress indicators, and modified the behavior of broilers, whereas ALA dietary supplementation could counteract the reduction in the performance and physiological responses of broilers under high-density environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wenjia Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chongxiao Chen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Quanyou Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chen Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Gaili Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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17
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Pedersen IJ, Tahamtani FM, Forkman B, Young JF, Poulsen HD, Riber AB. Effects of environmental enrichment on health and bone characteristics of fast growing broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020; 99:1946-1955. [PMID: 32241475 PMCID: PMC7587693 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2019.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing environmental enrichment for broilers is a potential strategy to increase welfare, activity, and health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on health and leg bone characteristics of broilers. One control and 8 types of enrichment were included: 2 distances between food and water (7 and 3.5 m), roughage, vertical panels, straw bales, 2 platforms (30 and 5 cm), and a lowered stocking density (34 kg/m2). Birds were kept according to conventional Danish guidelines. The study included 58 pens with approximately 500 birds each. On day 35 of age, 25 birds per pen were killed and included in a postmortem analysis of wooden breast, body condition scores, pathological conditions (femoral head necrosis, arthritis, tenosynovitis, fractures, tibial dyschondroplasia, and twisted tibiotarsus), muscle width of the lower leg, and tibiotarsus properties (bone strength, weight, length, and proximal diameter, middle diameter, and distal diameter). It was predicted that environmental enrichment would have a positive effect on pathology with the exceptions that environmental enrichment that increased activity would pose a risk factor for wooden breast development, and straw bales would be a risk factor for bacterial infections (arthritis, tenosynovitis, and femoral head necrosis). Furthermore, it was hypothesized that enriched groups would have increased muscle width, bone strength, and dimensions of the tibiotarsus. Broilers with 7 m between food and water had a longer distal diameter of the tibiotarsus than those with straw bales (P = 0.04). The birds provided with vertical panels had wider leg muscle than the treatments with roughage (P = 0.045), 3.5 m distance (P = 0.049), and straw bales (P = 0.044). No effects were found for the remaining outcomes. These results suggest that provision of vertical panels and increased distance between resources can result in larger muscle and bone dimension, possibly having a positive effect on leg health. Furthermore, the provision of environmental enrichment does not appear to be a risk factor for wooden breast or bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida J Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark.
| | | | - Björn Forkman
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Jette F Young
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Tjele 8830, Denmark
| | - Hanne D Poulsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele 8830, Denmark
| | - Anja B Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele 8830, Denmark
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18
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Sánchez-Casanova R, Sarmiento-Franco L, Phillips C, Zulkifli I. Do free-range systems have potential to improve broiler welfare in the tropics? WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1707389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Sánchez-Casanova
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - L. Sarmiento-Franco
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - C.J.C. Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Idrus Zulkifli
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Sanchez-Casanova R, Sarmiento-Franco L, Segura-Correa J, Phillips CJC. Effects of Outdoor Access and Indoor Stocking Density on Behaviour and Stress in Broilers in the Subhumid Tropics. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1016. [PMID: 31766675 PMCID: PMC6940855 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies investigating the welfare of commercial-line broiler chickens raised in houses with outdoor access in the tropics are scarce, and none have investigated whether responses vary according to indoor conditions. Hence, we assessed the effects of providing outdoor access at two indoor stocking densities on broiler chickens' growth, behaviour, stress responses and immunity in a tropical region of Mexico. One hundred and sixty chickens were assigned to one of four treatments in a factorial design: with or without outdoor access and low or high stocking density indoors. Ad libitum sampling was used to build a purpose-designed ethogram. Scan sampling was used to record the number of birds engaged in each activity of this ethogram, both indoors and outdoors. Heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and serum corticosterone levels were tested in weeks four and six of age. When the birds were 42 days old, they were slaughtered, and the bursa and spleen harvested and weighed. In an interaction between stocking density and outdoor access, birds at the high stocking density with no outdoor pens spent the least time walking and preening and more time lying (p < 0.05). Birds given outdoor access foraged more, but only at indoor low stocking densities (p < 0.05). Outdoor access reduced heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, indicating reduced stressor response. Birds with low stocking density indoors and outdoor access appeared more responsive to stressors, with elevated corticosterone and reduced spleen and bursa weights (p < 0.05). There were welfare benefits of outdoor access, principally in terms of increased activity, which were reflected in slower growth in the birds with outdoor access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubi Sanchez-Casanova
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116, Itzimna, Mérida, Yucatán 97100, Mexico; (R.S.-C.); (J.S.-C.)
| | - Luis Sarmiento-Franco
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116, Itzimna, Mérida, Yucatán 97100, Mexico; (R.S.-C.); (J.S.-C.)
| | - Jose Segura-Correa
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Km 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. 4-116, Itzimna, Mérida, Yucatán 97100, Mexico; (R.S.-C.); (J.S.-C.)
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, University of Queensland, White House Building (8134), Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
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21
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Antioxidant Defence Systems and Oxidative Stress in Poultry Biology: An Update. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8070235. [PMID: 31336672 PMCID: PMC6680731 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8070235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry in commercial settings are exposed to a range of stressors. A growing body of information clearly indicates that excess ROS/RNS production and oxidative stress are major detrimental consequences of the most common commercial stressors in poultry production. During evolution, antioxidant defence systems were developed in poultry to survive in an oxygenated atmosphere. They include a complex network of internally synthesised (e.g., antioxidant enzymes, (glutathione) GSH, (coenzyme Q) CoQ) and externally supplied (vitamin E, carotenoids, etc.) antioxidants. In fact, all antioxidants in the body work cooperatively as a team to maintain optimal redox balance in the cell/body. This balance is a key element in providing the necessary conditions for cell signalling, a vital process for regulation of the expression of various genes, stress adaptation and homeostasis maintenance in the body. Since ROS/RNS are considered to be important signalling molecules, their concentration is strictly regulated by the antioxidant defence network in conjunction with various transcription factors and vitagenes. In fact, activation of vitagenes via such transcription factors as Nrf2 leads to an additional synthesis of an array of protective molecules which can deal with increased ROS/RNS production. Therefore, it is a challenging task to develop a system of optimal antioxidant supplementation to help growing/productive birds maintain effective antioxidant defences and redox balance in the body. On the one hand, antioxidants, such as vitamin E, or minerals (e.g., Se, Mn, Cu and Zn) are a compulsory part of the commercial pre-mixes for poultry, and, in most cases, are adequate to meet the physiological requirements in these elements. On the other hand, due to the aforementioned commercially relevant stressors, there is a need for additional support for the antioxidant system in poultry. This new direction in improving antioxidant defences for poultry in stress conditions is related to an opportunity to activate a range of vitagenes (via Nrf2-related mechanisms: superoxide dismutase, SOD; heme oxygenase-1, HO-1; GSH and thioredoxin, or other mechanisms: Heat shock protein (HSP)/heat shock factor (HSP), sirtuins, etc.) to maximise internal AO protection and redox balance maintenance. Therefore, the development of vitagene-regulating nutritional supplements is on the agenda of many commercial companies worldwide.
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Lee S, Kim DH, Keum MC, Han E, An BK, Chang HH, Choi YH, Moon BH, Lee KW. Effects of fumonisin B1 and mycotoxin binders on growth performance, tibia characteristics, gut physiology, and stress indicators in broiler chickens raised in different stocking densities. Poult Sci 2018; 97:845-854. [PMID: 29272444 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of stocking density, fumonisin B1 (FB), and mycotoxin binder (TB) on growth performance, bone quality, physiological stress indicators, and gut health in broiler chickens. Day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 1,440/experiment) were randomly allocated to 72 floor pens in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, using 3 stocking densities (12.5 birds/m2 [HSD], 10 birds/m2 [MSD], or 7.5 birds/m2 [LSD]), 2 levels of purified FB (0 or 10 ppm), and 2 levels of TB (0 or 0.2%). Each treatment had 6 replicates (n = 6/treatment) and experiments lasted 34 days. All data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA with stocking density level, FB, and TB as main factors. Body weight gain and feed intake were lower (P < 0.05) in broilers kept at HSD and MSD compared to LSD-housed counterparts. Birds fed an FB-contaminated diet exhibited a higher feed-to-gain ratio compared with those fed an FB-free diet (P < 0.05). None of the treatments affected intestinal morphology or ileal secretory immunoglobulin A levels. Stocking density affected tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05), which was lower in chickens housed at HSD compared with LSD-housed chickens. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) was elevated (P < 0.05) in HSD and MSD groups compared with the LSD group. Serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in chickens fed the FB-contaminated diet compared with the control diet-fed counterparts. Significant interaction (P < 0.05) between FB and TB on serum NO levels was noted. In summary, increasing stocking density lowered growth performance and bone quality, but increased the H/L ratio. Dietary TB did not affect FB-induced increases in the feed-to-gain ratio. No interaction was observed between stocking density and FB for the measured variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lee
- Laboratory of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - D-H Kim
- Laboratory of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - M-C Keum
- Laboratory of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - E Han
- BIOMIN Singapore Ltd., 3791 Jalan Bukit Merah, 159471 Singapore
| | - B-K An
- Laboratory of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - H-H Chang
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - Y-H Choi
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, South Korea
| | - B-H Moon
- Celltech, Co., Ltd., Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk, 27622, South Korea
| | - K-W Lee
- Laboratory of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
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Sun ZW, Fan QH, Wang XX, Guo YM, Wang HJ, Dong X. High stocking density alters bone-related calcium and phosphorus metabolism by changing intestinal absorption in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2018; 97:219-226. [PMID: 29112750 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Live performance, bone health and metabolic responses to the interaction among stocking density and dietary concentrations of total calcium (TCa) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) were determined on 2,232 Ross 308 female broilers over a 3-wk experimental period. From 22 d of age, birds were randomly divided into 48 groups and provided with different corn-soybean meal-based diets varying in TCa (0.70% or 0.90%) and NPP (0.28% or 0.36%) content at 1 of 2 stocking densities [28.6 (LSD, 13 broilers/m2) and 39.6 (HSD, 18 broilers/m2) kg of predicted final BW/m2 floor space], according to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with 6 replications in each treatment. Regardless of NPP supplementation, a high-TCa (0.90%) diet aggravated the impact of HSD on growth (BW gain and feed efficiency, P < 0.001) and motility (gait score, P < 0.001). This might be explained by deteriorating tibia quality (relative weight, mineral composition and biomechanical property; P < 0.01), due to the involvement of decreasing duodenal absorption (type IIb sodium-phosphate co-transporter mRNA, P < 0.001) in reduced phosphorus retention (P < 0.001). On the contrary, increasing dietary NPP (0.36%), particularly if high in TCa (0.90%), boosted TCa retention (P < 0.05) by improving absorption (calcium-binding protein D28k transcription, P < 0.05) for LSD chickens, hence enhancing bone development (relative tibia weight and tibia breaking strength, P < 0.05) and leg health (walking ability, P < 0.05). Together, HSD and LSD birds show an impaired TCa tolerance and a higher TCa+NPP threshold, respectively, to allow the optimization of bone quality via altered intestinal absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z W Sun
- College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, P. R. China.,Jiurui Agricultural Group Co. Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266061, P. R. China
| | - Q H Fan
- Laizhou Inspection and Testing Center, Yantai, Shangdong 261400, P. R. China
| | - X X Wang
- Jiurui Agricultural Group Co. Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266061, P. R. China
| | - Y M Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, P. R. China
| | - H J Wang
- College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, P. R. China
| | - X Dong
- College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong 266109, P. R. China
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24
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Zhang YR, Zhang LS, Wang Z, Liu Y, Li FH, Yuan JM, Xia ZF. Effects of stocking density on growth performance, meat quality and tibia development of Pekin ducks. Anim Sci J 2018; 89:925-930. [PMID: 29682864 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the effects of stocking density on performance, meat quality and tibia development in Pekin ducks reared on a plastic wire floor. A total of 372 healthy, 21-day-old, male ducks with similar body weight (BW) were randomly allotted to stocking densities of five (low), eight (medium) and 11 (high) birds/m2 . Each group had six replicates. Results showed that compared with the low density group, medium and high stocking density caused a decrease in final BW at 42 days old, and in average daily gain, European performance index (p < .01) and meat pH at 45 min postmortem (p < .001), and an increase of meat drip loss (p < .01). High stocking density resulted in an increase of feed/gain ratio (p < .001), but a decrease of tibia calcium (p < .01) and phosphorus content (p < .05). Meat color, shear force values, tibia size (weight, length, and width) and breaking strength were not significantly influenced by stocking density. In conclusion, stocking density over eight birds/m2 negatively affects growth performance, but meat quality and tibia development are not dramatically influenced. Based on this study, the stocking density of male Pekin ducks should be adjusted between five and eight birds/m2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Ru Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Shuang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Huang Li
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry Service(South Section), Beijing, China
| | - Jian Min Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Fei Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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25
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Yin L, Wang Z, Yang H, Xu L, Zhang J, Xing H. Effects of stocking density on growth performance, feather growth, intestinal development, and serum parameters of geese. Poult Sci 2017; 96:3163-3168. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pex136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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26
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Ma ZL, Gao Y, Ma HT, Zheng LH, Dai B, Miao JF, Zhang YS. Effects of taurine and housing density on renal function in laying hens. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2017; 17:952-964. [PMID: 27921400 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1600014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the putative protective effects of supplemental 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid (taurine) and reduced housing density on renal function in laying hens. We randomly assigned fifteen thousand green-shell laying hens into three groups: a free range group, a low-density caged group, and a high-density caged group. Each group was further divided equally into a control group (C) and a taurine treatment group (T). After 15 d, we analyzed histological changes in kidney cells, inflammatory mediator levels, oxidation and anti-oxidation levels. Experimental data revealed taurine supplementation, and rearing free range or in low-density housing can lessen morphological renal damage, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation levels and increase anti-oxidation levels. Our data demonstrate that taurine supplementation and a reduction in housing density can ameliorate renal impairment, increase productivity, enhance health, and promote welfare in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Li Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.,Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau of Dongyang City in Zhejiang Province, Dongyang 322100, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hai-Tian Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liu-Hai Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bin Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jin-Feng Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yuan-Shu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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27
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Li J, Miao Z, Tian W, Yang Y, Wang J, Yang Y. Effects of different rearing systems on growth, small intestinal morphology and selected indices of fermentation status in broilers. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:900-908. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Shanxi Agricultural University; Shanxi China
| | - Zhiqiang Miao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Shanxi Agricultural University; Shanxi China
| | - Wenxia Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Shanxi Agricultural University; Shanxi China
| | - Yu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Shanxi Agricultural University; Shanxi China
| | - Jundong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Shanxi Agricultural University; Shanxi China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology; China Agricultural University; Beijing China
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28
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Shakeri JS, Lightfoot TL, Raffa GF. Novel Nonsurgical Approach to Stabilization of Bilateral Pathologic Femoral Fractures in an Egg-laying Maroon-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura frontalis). J Avian Med Surg 2016; 30:179-86. [DOI: 10.1647/2014-040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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29
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Dai B, Zhang YS, Ma ZL, Zheng LH, Li SJ, Dou XH, Gong JS, Miao JF. Influence of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2016; 16:456-64. [PMID: 26055907 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1400256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to study the effects of dietary taurine and housing density on oviduct function in laying hens. Green-shell laying hens were randomly assigned to a free range group and two caged groups, one with low-density and the other with high-density housing. Each group was further divided into control (C) and taurine treatment (T) groups. All hens were fed the same basic diet except that the T groups' diet was supplemented with 0.1% taurine. The experiment lasted 15 d. Survival rates, laying rates, daily feed consumption, and daily weight gain were recorded. Histological changes, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation and anti-oxidation levels were determined. The results show that dietary taurine supplementation and reduced housing density significantly attenuated pathophysiological changes in the oviduct. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA binding activity increased significantly in the high-density housing group compared with the two other housing groups and was reduced by taurine supplementation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression in the high-density and low-density C and T groups increased significantly. In the free range and low-density groups, dietary taurine significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α mRNA. Supplementation with taurine decreased interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA expression significantly in the low-density groups. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA expression was significantly higher in caged hens. IL-10 mRNA expression was higher in the high-density C group than in the free range and low-density C groups. Supplementation with taurine decreased IL-10 mRNA expression significantly in the high-density group and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the free range hens. We conclude that taurine has important protective effects against oviduct damage. Reducing housing density also results in less oxidative stress, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower levels of inflammatory mediators in the oviduct. Therefore, both dietary taurine and reduced housing density can ameliorate oviduct injury, enhance oviduct health, and promote egg production in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau of Dongyang, Dongyang 322100, China; Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou 225125, China
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30
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Tu Y, Siegel PB. Asymmetries in chickens from lines selected and relaxed for high or low antibody titers to sheep red blood cells. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2015; 28:323-7. [PMID: 25656213 PMCID: PMC4341075 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.14.0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wattle length, width, and area were measured to classify bilateral asymmetries in four lines of chickens. The lines were the S26 generation of White Leghorns selected for high (HAS) or low (LAS) response to sheep red blood cells and sublines in which selection had been relaxed for three generations (high antibody relaxed [HAR] and low antibody relaxed [LAR]). Antibody titers (AB) were greater for HAS than for HAR with both greater than for LAS and LAR which while different for males did not differ for females. The low antibody lines were heavier and reached sexual maturity at younger age than the high antibody lines. In general, wattle length, width, and area were greater in the low than high antibody lines. In 24 comparisons for bilaterality 18 exhibited fluctuating asymmetry and 6 exhibited directional asymmetry with 5 of the 6 being for wattle length. There was not a clear pattern for changes in degree of asymmetry when selection was relaxed for 3 generations. For females, the relative asymmetry (RA) of wattle area was larger (p≤0.05) for HAR than for LAR and not different from the selected lines and relaxed lines. There were no differences among lines for RA of wattle length and width of females and wattle length, width, and area of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjie Tu
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - P B Siegel
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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31
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Jankowski J, Mikulski D, Tatara MR, Krupski W. Effects of increased stocking density and heat stress on growth, performance, carcase characteristics and skeletal properties in turkeys. Vet Rec 2014; 176:21. [PMID: 25371498 DOI: 10.1136/vr.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Effects of increased stocking density and heat stress on growth, feed conversion, carcase characteristics and skeletal system properties in turkeys were determined. One-day-old males (n=1674) were divided into two weight-matched groups exposed to different environmental conditions. Controls were reared at a stocking density of 2.8 birds/m(2) and at thermo-neutral temperature (TnT group), while the experimental group was exposed to heat-stress (HSID group) and reared at a stocking density of 3.4 birds/m(2) and ambient temperature increased by 5°C. At 28 days of age, 27 birds from each group were sacrificed, while at 126 days of age, 54 birds from each group were slaughtered. Increased stocking density and ambient temperature during the first four weeks of life increased the body weight (BW) of turkeys and weight, length, volume, vertical internal and horizontal external diameters of the tibia in the HSID group compared with the TnT group (P<0.05). In turkeys older than four weeks, increased stocking density and ambient temperature significantly decreased daily feed intake, final BW and relative weight of drumstick muscle by 4.7 per cent, 4.0 per cent and 3.3 per cent, respectively (P<0.05). The weight, length, volume, vertical and horizontal diameters, cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, volumetric bone mineral density, maximum elastic strength and ultimate strength of bones were significantly lower in turkeys in the HSID group (P<0.05) at 126 days compared with turkeys in the TnT group at the same age. These results indicate that, up to four weeks of age, turkeys tolerate increased stocking density and heat stress better than birds between 5 and 18 weeks of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jankowski
- Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, Department of Poultry Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - D Mikulski
- Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, Department of Poultry Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 5, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - M R Tatara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, Lublin 20-950, Poland II Department of Radiology, Medical University in Lublin, ul. Staszica 16, Lublin 20-081, Poland
| | - W Krupski
- II Department of Radiology, Medical University in Lublin, ul. Staszica 16, Lublin 20-081, Poland
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32
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Ma Z, Zhang J, Ma H, Dai B, Zheng L, Miao J, Zhang Y. The influence of dietary taurine and reduced housing density on hepatic functions in laying hens. Poult Sci 2014; 93:1724-36. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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33
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Sun ZW, Yan L, G YY, Zhao JP, Lin H, Guo YM. Increasing dietary vitamin D3 improves the walking ability and welfare status of broiler chickens reared at high stocking densities. Poult Sci 2014; 92:3071-9. [PMID: 24235214 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary vitamin D3 and stocking density on growing performance, carcass characteristics, bone biomechanical properties, and welfare responses in Ross (308) broilers. Experimental diets, containing 1, 10, or 20 times the NRC recommended level of vitamin D3 (200 IU/kg), were formulated with low, medium, or high vitamin D3 levels for 3 growing phases. Two stocking densities were 10 and 16 birds/m(2). One-day-old hatchlings (1,872 males) were randomly assigned to 6 pens in each treatment. Results showed that high stocking density decreased the feed intake, BW gain (P < 0.01), breast muscle yield (P = 0.010), and tibial development (P < 0.01), whereas increasing feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001), and the scores of gait, footpad and hock burn, and abdominal plumage damage (P < 0.01), particularly toward the age when birds attained their market size. Increasing dietary vitamin D3 improved the birds' walking ability and tibial quality (P < 0.05), and reduced the development of footpad or hock dermatitis and abdominal plumage damage (P < 0.01), some aspects of which were age-dependent and appeared to vary with stocking density. These data indicate that increasing supplemental vitamin D3 has a favorable effect on walking ability and welfare status of high stocking density birds, but not on performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z W Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094 P. R. China
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