Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study compared the effects dietary organic (ferrous glycine [FG]) versus inorganic (ferrous sulfate [FS]) iron in laying hens on performance, egg quality, serum and egg yolk lipids, antioxidant status, and iron enrichment of eggs. A total of 378 Shaver White layers were allotted to 7 treatments with 6 replicates (9 birds each) from 30 to 42 weeks of age. A basal diet (19 mg iron/kg) served as control, while the other six diets were supplemented with either FS or FG to provide 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of added iron. Dietary FG and FS treatments improved (P < 0.05) laying rate, egg weight, and egg quality of layers, relative to the control, albeit eggshell strength and eggshell calcium also deteriorated with the highest level of FS (P < 0.05). The iron treatment groups exhibited a lower serum and egg yolk levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that accompanied by higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and greater activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as compared with the control (P < 0.05). The contents of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were conversely related to the activities SOD and GPx (P < 0.05). The serum and egg fractions (yolk, albumen, and shell) displayed gradually increases in iron contents as the level of iron increased in the diet (P < 0.05), while FG was superior to FS at all tested levels (P < 0.05). To summary, FS can be replaced by FG, with more favorable impacts on egg quality and iron enrichment.

Background Use of more efficient sources of zinc (Zn) in corn–soybean basal diet improves the productivity in the absence of growth promoters. Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of different forms of Zn (hydroxychloride: OHCl, oxide nanoparticles: ONPs) on performance and physiological parameters in broiler chickens. Methods Treatments included control (without use of ZnOHCl and ZnONPs) and three levels of zinc (40, 80 and 110 mg/kg of diets) as either ZnOHCl or ZnONPs. Results The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio for broilers fed with all levels of ZnOHCl, respectively, were greater and smaller than those of ZnONPs and control groups in the entire experiment (p < 0.05). Broilers fed with 110 mg ZnOHCl/kg benefited from the highest anti‐Newcastle antibody titre and the lowest breast drip loss, whereas the heaviest relative weight of lymphatic organs and the smallest number of breast muscle pH were relevant to chickens fed with 110 mg ZnONPs/kg (p < 0.05). All levels of either ZnOHCl or ZnONPs caused better humoral immunity and the villus height:crypt depth than the control group (p < 0.05). However, all treatments had a similar effect on the relative weights of internal organs, the heterophil:lymphocyte, anti‐influenza antibody titre, percentages of fat, dry matter and crude protein of breast meat, intestinal microbiota and serum biochemistry of broilers (p > 0.05). Conclusion To sum up, supplementation of ZnOHCl in broilers’ diets up to 110 mg was more efficient than ZnONPs in most responses relevant to immunology, growth performance and meat quality. The current study aimed to compare three levels of zinc (40, 80 and 110 mg/kg of diets) as either ZnOHCl or ZnONPs. It is shown that ZnOHCl supplementation in broilers’ diets up to 110 mg was more efficient than ZnONPs in most responses relevant to immunology, growth performance and meat quality.

The effects of phosphorylation pre-treatments at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5% levels, as well as microwave application at 200, 400, and 700 watts levels for 2 min, on the functional parameters of egg white powder obtained by the freeze dryer procedure were investigated. P1.5-M200 had the highest oil-holding capacity, emulsion stability, and emulsion activity, while P2.5-M200 had the highest foam capacity. The P2.5-M400 had the largest particle size, and P3.5-M200 had the highest degree of phosphorylation and protein solubility. On the other hand, P3.5-M200 had the highest solution viscosity by 1% (w/v), water-holding capacity, and foam stability, in the treatments that used phosphorylation and microwave treatment simultaneously. FTIR spectroscopy of the unfolding structure of egg white protein revealed changes in the protein’s secondary structure, such as the development of β-sheets and β-turns, as well as the binding of negatively charged phosphate groups on the serine, threonine, and tyrosine side chains. The phosphorylation and microwave treatments reduced the particle size of the egg white protein powder while increasing the surface area of the protein molecules, according to SEM analyses.

Purpose During the apple processing procedures, a large amount of apple pomace is generated which is contains peel, core, seed, calyx, stem, and soft issue. The polyphenolic compounds in apple pomace are strong antioxidants that are able to counterbalance the free radicals; also, it is a rich source of many nutrients such as carbohydrates, minerals, fiber except protein. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of dried apple pomace in broilers diet. Methods The incremental levels of dried apple pomace (4, 8, 12, 16 and 20%) with and without enzyme were used in broilers diet (8 dietary treatments). The growth performance, immune response, gut development, antioxidant capacity (TAC) and blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results The lowest daily weight gain, body weight and poorest feed conversion ratio was obtained by F treatment ( P  < 0.05), enzyme inclusion along with dried apple pomace had positive effect on growth performance. The antibody titter against Newcastle, Influenza and SRBC was increased by C, H, G and H treatments, respectively ( P  < 0.05). Antibody titer against NDV, IDV, and SRBC by 4, 8, 12 and TAC by 12, 16 and 20% of dried apple pomace significantly increased. The villous height by 4, 8, 12 and crypt depth by 12, 16 and 20% dried apple pomace significantly and insignificantly decreased, respectively. Conclusion The results suggested that the incremental levels of dried apple pomace deteriorate growth performance, modified antibody titer production, total antioxidant capacity and blood parameters of broilers.

Purpose Dried lemon pulp (DLP) is a by-product of fruit processing industry and is containing active antioxidants such as flavonoids, isoflavones, and flavones. Thus, current experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary graded levels of DLP on performance, intestinal morphology, and humoral immunity in broiler chickens. Methods Accordingly, a total of 280-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 treatments and 5 replicates of 14 chicks each. Dietary treatments included control (CON) with no additive as well as DLP1: 2.5, 5, and 7.5%; DLP2: 5, 7.5, and 10%; and DLP3: 7.5, 10, and 12% in starter, growing, and finisher phases, respectively. Subsequently, performance, intestinal morphology, and humoral immunity were evaluated throughout the experiment. Results Body weight of chickens decreased when using graded levels of DLP during different periods of the experiment as compared with CON ( P  < 0.05). Also, daily weight gain was lower in those supplemented by 7.5% DLP than CON across finishing period ( P  < 0.05). Therefore, feed conversion ratio of broilers was impaired when using graded levels of DLP across the entire production phase compared to the birds in CON group ( P  < 0.05). Antibody titer against influenza disease virus and sheep red blood cells decreased when using DLP3 and DLP2, respectively ( P  < 0.05). Jejunal crypt depth decreased in chickens fed on DLP3 compared with control. Conclusion Dietary graded levels of DLP modified intestinal segments while deteriorated growth performance of chickens. Furthermore, DLP3 decreased jejunal crypt depth. Thereby, the use of DLP particularly at high levels is not recommended.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Fadrozole hydrochloride and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) on female-to-male sex reversal, hatching traits, and body weight of broiler chickens. On the third day of incubation, fertile eggs were randomly assigned to five experimental groups comprising (i) Fadrozole (0.1 mg/egg), (ii) rhIGF-I (100 ng/egg), (iii) Fadrozole (0.1 mg/egg) + rhIGF-I (100 ng/egg), (iv) vehicle injection (10 mM acetic acid and 0.1% BSA), and (v) non-injected eggs. Eggs in the rhIGF-I-injected groups showed the mode of hatching time at the 480th hour of incubation, 12 hours earlier compared to the other groups, with no statistically significant difference in mortality and hatchability. On Day 1 and 42 of production, 90% of genetically female chicks were masculinized using Fadrozole treatment, while 100% female-to-male phenotypic sex reversal was observed in the Fadrozole+rhIGF-I group. Fadrozole equalized the body weight of both genders, although rhIGF-I was effective on the body weight of male chicks only. Interestingly, combined rhIGF-I and Fadrozole could increase the body weight in both sexes compared to the individual injections (P<0.05). These findings revealed that (i) IGF-I-treated chicken embryos were shown to be an effective option for overcoming the very long chicken deprivation period, (ii) the simultaneous treatment with Fadrozole and IGF-I could maximize the female-to-male sex reversal chance, (iii) the increase in the body weight of masculinized chickens via Fadrozole could be equal to their genetically male counterparts, and (iv) the IGF-I effectiveness, specifically along with the application of aromatase inhibitors in female chicks, indicates that estrogen synthesis could be a stumbling block for the IGF-I action mechanism in female embryos.

The risk of bacteria resistance to specific antibiotics possibly by continuous subtherapeutical administration of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry feed led to a ban on the use of AGP in poultry production. As a result of this ban, alternative substances for poultry growth promotion and disease prevention are being investigated, among which phytogenic and herbal products have received increased attention as natural additives because they have been accepted by consumers as natural additives. The effect of water supplementation of (AV) as an AGP substitute on performance, intestinal microflora, and immune responses of broilers. The five experimental treatments were allocated to four replicates. The following treatments were applied (1) a basal broiler diet (C) and normal drinking water, (2) 0.5% AV gel in drinking water, (3) 0.75% AV gel in drinking water, (4) 1% AV gel in drinking water, and (5) diet C supplemented with flavophospholipol at 4.5 mg/kg and drinking normal water. Vaccines against influenza disease and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) were administrated to immunological stimuli. The populations of spp. and coliforms were enumerated in ileum. Body weight of broilers supplemented with different levels of AV increased compared with control group (p<0.05). Birds supplemented with antibiotic had the best feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) in different periods. Supplementation of 0.5% and 0.75% AV improved F: G entire experimental period compared with control group (p<0.05). Coliform bacteria were reduced in broilers supplemented with different levels of AV or antibiotic (p<0.05). The spp. population in birds supplemented with 0.75%, 1% AV or antibiotic significantly was higher than other groups (p<0.05). Supplementation with 1% AV led to greater antibody titers against SRBC compared with other groups (p<0.05). These findings demonstrated a possibility of supplementing broiler drinking water with 1% AV gel as an alternative for AGP substitution.

Two experiments were performed to explore the effect of dietary supplemental different sources and particle sizes of calcium (Ca) on growth performance, bone mineralisation, blood attributes, and calbindin gene expression in broiler quail. In experiment 1, 480-day old broiler Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were allotted to four dietary treatments based on a factorial arrangement (2 × 2) consisting of basal diets formulated either with limestone or oyster shell with coarse or fine particles. Supplemental coarse oyster shell impaired growth performance and Ca intake compared to coarse limestone (p < .05). The concentration of blood Ca was lower in birds who received supplemental coarse or fine oyster shell than coarse limestone (p < .05). Higher expression of calbindin gene observed in birds fed on the coarse oyster shell (p < .05). In experiment 2, a total of 360 Japanese quail assigned to experimental treatments of feeding: (1) control: a basal diet; (2) choice feeding between a Ca deficient diet and limestone with coarse (granulated) and fine particles; (3) choice feeding between a Ca deficient diet and oyster shell with coarse and fine particles. All birds preferred to use fine Ca particles across the first week of the experiment (p < .05) whereas tended to consume higher fine oyster shell during the entire rearing period (p < .05). Feed conversion ratio impaired in birds subjected to choice feeding (p < .05). Overall, coarse oyster shell decreased the growth of birds in the first experiment. The overall growth of choice-fed birds depressed compared to when received one conventional feed. HIGHLIGHTS Growth of quail decreased when they fed on diets containing coarse oyster shell. Higher expression of calbindin gene observed in quail received coarse oyster shell. Quail tended to use a separate source of Ca when fed with a Ca deficient diet.

This study was conducted to investigate and compare the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with untreated cottonseed meal (CSM), fermented CSM (FCSM), or electron beam-irradiated CSM (ICSM) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and excreta gas emission of broiler chickens. A total of 384 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, with eight replicates per diet and 12 birds per replicate, for six weeks. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet based on corn–SBM and three other diets in which 50% of the SBM (control) was substituted with CSM in its raw, irradiated, and fermented forms. The results showed that throughout the entire rearing period, feeding broiler chickens with ICSM significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) compared to the CSM diet (p < 0.05). Replacing 50% of SBM with FCSM led to a significant improvement in BW, ADG, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the CSM and ICSM diets (p < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant differences in BW, ADG, or FCR were observed between birds fed FCSM and those on the control diet (p > 0.05). Birds fed FCSM diets exhibited the lowest pH value in the crop, ileum, and ceca. Substituting SBM with FCSM significantly reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. counts in the ceca, while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). The AID of protein and ether extract was higher in the FCSM group than in the CSM and ICSM groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the CSM diet, ICSM feeding improved protein digestibility (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens on the FCSM diet exhibited higher intestinal amylase and protease activity than those on the other diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding diets containing FCSM significantly reduced ammonia emissions compared to the other diets (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that microbial fermentation of CSM is a more effective approach than irradiation for enhancing the nutritional value of CSM. Therefore, FCSM is recommended as a viable alternative protein source that can safely replace up to 50% of SBM in broiler chicken diets, particularly during times of fluctuating SBM prices and availability issues.

Total serum protein (TSP) within the first few days of life in the neonatal calf has predictive value for subsequent growth and production in calves before and after weaning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of TSP concentration 24-h after birth (24-h) on the performance and health of Holstein dairy calves. A total of 152 female calves were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected at 24-h, and TSP concentration was measured with a refractometer. Calves based on TSP concentration at 24-h were allocated into three groups: 1 - TSP ≤6.5 g/dL, 2 - TSP between 6.6 and 6.9 g/dL and 3 - TSP ≥7 g/dL. The weighing was done at birth and at days 30 and 60. Starter feed intake was recorded from day 3 to weaning, and body structures were measured at birth and weaning day. Calves with TSP >6.5 g/dL had greater body weight at days 30 and 60 than calves with TSP ≤6.5 g/dL. Average daily gain during 1-30 and 1-60 days of life increased as TSP increased. Furthermore, starter feed intake during the first 60 days of life was greater in calves with TSP ≥7 g/dL than calves with TSP <7 g/dL. The TSP concentration influenced structural growth, and >6.5 g/dL calves had greater heart girth, hip width and body length than ≤6.5 g/dL calves. Moreover, odds ratio for pneumonia decreased as TSP increased, whereas diarrhoea was unaffected. The TSP at 24-h is an important contributing factor for the variation in growth performance and health of preweaning calves, and strategies to improve calf immunity and increase TSP lead to better animal health during preweaning period. These results indicated that TSP ≥6.5 g/dL possibly was associated with greater performance, and this concentration could be considered a baseline for future analyses.