Digestibility and safety of dry black soldier fly larvae meal and black soldier fly larvae oil in dogs

Two trials were conducted to assess the acceptance, safety and digestibility of diets containing various inclusion levels of partially defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) meal and BSFL oil by dogs. In trial 1, 5 extruded diets were evaluated for acceptance in adult Beagle dogs (n = 20; 10 male, 10 female) during a 48-hr period. Diets contained graded levels of BSFL meal (5.0%, 10.0%, and 20.0%), or graded levels of BSFL oil (2.5% and 5.0%), and all diets were well accepted. Thus, a digestibility trial (trial 2) was run with 56 adult dogs (16 male, 40 female) allocated into 7 dietary treatments; dogs were offered an extruded control diet containing no BSFL meal or oil, or extruded diets where BSFL meal partially replaced poultry by-product meal and corn meal at dietary levels of 5%, 10%, or 20% inclusion, or diets with BSFL oil partially replacing poultry fat at a 1:1 ratio at levels of 1%, 2.5%, or 5% inclusion. The treatment diets were fed for 28 d, during which time dogs were monitored for health (via physical examinations, clinical observations, and blood chemistry and hematology) and ingredient evaluation (via body weight, feed consumption, stool observation, and fecal nutrient apparent total tract digestibility). There were no significant differences in body weight or food consumption between treatment groups (P > 0.05) and daily observations indicated that the general health of the animals was maintained throughout the study. Stool quality was maintained at 3.2 to 3.4 (on a 5-point scale with a score of 1 being watery diarrhea and a score of 5 being hard, dry, and crumbly) per treatment group over the fecal observation period (days 22 to 27), indicating a well formed, sticky stool. All group mean hematology and blood chemistry parameters remained within normal limits for dogs. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, and calories was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). In general, amino acid digestibility was not impacted by treatment although some minor changes were observed. Apparent total tract digestibility was high for all nutrients examined. Overall, it was concluded that BSFL meal and BSFL oil are well tolerated by dogs and their consumption results in no impact to physiology that would be concerning. Based on these data, BSFL meal and oil did not affect general health and could be included safely in dog diets.     

黑水虻幼虫替代饲料直接投喂对锦鲤生长消化、肝胰脏抗氧化酶和血清非特异性免疫指标的影响

以锦鲤为试验对象,将黑水虻幼虫活虫和黑水虻幼虫干虫分别替代饲料对锦鲤进行投喂,投喂30 d后测定血清和组织中抗氧化酶活性和非特异性免疫指标。结果表明,干虫组的特定生长率、增重率显著低于对照组和活虫组(P<0.05),而体均重与肥满度各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。血清中ALT活力活虫组显著高于干虫组(P<0.05),AKP活力对照组显著低于活虫组和干虫组(P<0.05),AST活力、ACP活力和溶菌酶活力各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。肝胰脏T-SOD活力和T-AOC对照组显著低于活虫组和干虫组(P<0.05),CAT活力和GSH-Px活力各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。前肠淀粉酶、脂肪酶、胰蛋白酶活力各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。可见,将黑水虻作为一种环保、价格低廉的饲料投喂锦鲤,对其生长、抗氧化能力和非特异性免疫有促进作用,作为新型饲料具有可行性。     

马齿苋粉对肉鸡生长性能和抗氧化能力的影响

文章旨在研究饲粮中添加马齿苋粉对肉鸡生长性能和抗氧化能力的影响。试验选取平均体重接近的1日龄AA肉鸡160只,称重后随机分为4组,试验1、2、3组在对照组饲粮的基础上分别添加0.30%、0.60%、0.90%的马齿苋粉,共处理42 d。结果发现,与对照组相比,肉鸡21日龄时,试验1、2、3组ADG分别增加5.5%、10.0%、6.8%(P <0.05),试验1、2组F/C分别降低8.2%、6.4%(P <0.05);42日龄时,试验1、2、3组ADG分别增加8.9%、9.6%、8.7%(P <0.05),F/C分别降低8.6%、9.6%、10.1%(P <0.05)。此外,21日龄时,试验1、2、3组肉鸡血清中T-AOC比对照组分别增加12.0%、14.4%、10.1%(P <0.05),T-SOD活性分别增加6.6%、10.5%、9.1%(P <0.05),MDA浓度分别降低6.3%、8.0%、5.6%(P <0.05);42日龄时,试验1、2、3组肉鸡血清中T-AOC比对照组分别提高13.9%、20.3%、13.6%(P <0.05),T-SOD活性分别提高10.5%、14.8%、9.5%(P <0.05),MDA浓度分别降低11.1%、14.9%、9.7%(P <0.05),试验1、2组血清中GSH-Px活性较对照组分别提高10.2%、11.8%(P <0.05)。结果表明,饲粮中添加马齿苋粉显著促进肉鸡生长及增强抗氧化能力。     

Yellow mealworm,Tenebrio molitor (Col: Tenebrionidae), larvae powder as dietary protein sources for broiler chickens: Effects on growth performance,carcass traits,selected intestinal microbiota and blood parameters

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM meal) inclusion on the performance, carcass traits, caecum microbiota and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 180-day-old chickens were allocated to three dietary groups with five replicate pens (12 birds/pen). Experimental diets were included a corn-soybean basal diet, and two diets with 2.5% and 5% TM. TM-included diets have been administered for periods of starter (1–10 days) and grower (11–25 days). A regular finisher diet was given to all groups during the 26–42 days of age. Diets containing TM meal did not influence feed intake and mortality percentage. Feed conversion ratio was lower with the 2.5% TM meal diet compared with the control group at starter period (p < .05). Besides, broiler chickens fed TM meal included diet had a higher body weight gain than the control group during 1–10 days of age (p < .05). The carcass characteristics and length and weight of different parts of small and large intestines were not influenced by diets. TM meal inclusion decreased the albumin-to-globulin ratio compared with the control group (p < .05). Additionally, lower total count of aerobic and Escherichia coli bacteria was observed in response to diet inclusion of 5% TM meal. Overall, the inclusion of TM meal in broilers' diet improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in the starting period, decreased albumin-to-globulin ratio and E. coli bacteria content.     

黑水虻幼虫粉对蛋鸡产蛋后期生产性能、蛋品质及血液生理生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加黑水虻幼虫粉对蛋鸡产蛋后期生产性能、蛋品质及血液生理生化指标的影响。选取60周龄、健康、产蛋率接近的海兰褐蛋鸡1080只,随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每个重复45只鸡,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组在基础饲粮中分别添加1%、2%、3%的黑水虻幼虫粉。预试期7 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ、Ⅲ组蛋鸡产蛋后期的产蛋率显著提高(P<0.05),料蛋比显著降低(P<0.05),试验Ⅲ组的破软蛋率显著降低(P<0.05)。2)饲粮中添加黑水虻幼虫粉对蛋鸡产蛋后期的蛋壳颜色、蛋形指数、蛋白高度、哈氏单位、蛋壳厚度、蛋壳强度、蛋黄相对重、蛋壳相对重及蛋黄胆固醇含量均无显著影响(P>0.05)。3)与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ、Ⅲ组蛋鸡产蛋后期血清中天冬氨酸氨基转移酶活性和葡萄糖含量显著提高(P<0.05),试验Ⅲ组血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量显著提高(P<0.05),但饲粮中添加黑水虻幼虫粉对蛋鸡的血液生理指标和其他血清生化指标均没有显著影响(P>0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加黑水虻幼虫粉可提高蛋鸡产蛋后期的生产性能,改善血清生化指标,且不会对蛋鸡机体内环境稳态产生不良影响。     

Effects of larval size and hydrodynamics on the growth rates of the black fly Simulium tribulatum

Black flies are ubiquitous and important members of lotic ecosystems. Size is known to affect many aspects of their life in the aquatic larval stage, including intraspecific competition for feeding sites. As filter feeders, flow affects their ability to feed and reach sufficiently fast flow. This, in turn, can lead to risky fluid‐mediated dispersal behavior in search of better conditions. It is surprising, therefore, that little information is available regarding how physiological and environmental factors combine to affect larval growth rates. The present study determines the relative growth rates of small (0.6 mm) and large (approximately 4 mm) larvae in laboratory flumes designed to produce spatially homogeneous and temporally consistent flow regimes at ecologically relevant velocities (44 and 64 cm/s). Our results indicate that size and flow both influence growth rates and that the 2 interact significantly. Young larvae exhibit faster growth rates and a greater positive response to increased flow speed. This result might help explain why smaller larvae have a greater propensity to disperse than larger larvae: the benefit of increased growth rate that they receive from relocating to faster flow might balance the risks inherent in dispersal.     

Black soldier fly defatted meal as a dietary protein source for broiler chickens: Effects on growth performance,blood traits,gut morphology and histological features

Background: The present study has evaluated the effects of different inclusion levels of a partially defatted black soldier fly(Hermetia illucens L.; HI) larva meal on the growth performance, blood parameters and gut morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 256 male broiler chickens(Ross 308) were reared from d 1 to d 35 and assigned to4 dietary treatments(8 replicates/treatment and 8 birds/replicate). HI larva meal was included at increasing levels(0, 5%, 10% and 15%; HI0, HI5, HI10 and HI15, respectively) in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets formulated for 3 feeding phases: starter(1–10 d), growing(10–24 d) and finisher(24–35 d). Two birds per pen were slaughtered at d 35 and morphometric investigations and histopathological alterations were performed.Results: The live weight(LW) showed linear and quadratic responses to increasing HI larva meal(maximum for HI10 group). Average daily gain(ADG) showed a linear and quadratic responses to HI meal(maximum for HI10 group) during starter and growing periods. A linear decrease was observed for ADG during the finisher period. The daily feed intake(DFI) showed a linear and quadratic effect during the starter period(maximum for HI10 group).Linear and quadratic responses were observed for the feed conversion ratio(FCR) in the growing period and for the whole period of the experiment. The FCR showed a linear response in the finisher period(maximum for HI15).No significant effects were observed for the blood and serum parameters, except for the phosphorus concentration,which showed linear and quadratic responses as well as glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activity, the latter of which showed a linear response. The HI15 birds showed a lower villus height, a higher crypt depth and a lower villus height-to-crypt depth ratio than the other groups.Conclusions: Increasing levels of dietary HI meal inclusion in male broiler chickens may improve the LW and DFI during the starter period, but may also negatively affect the FCR and gut morphology, thus suggesting that low levels may be more suitable. However, no significant effects on the haematochemical parameters or histological findings were observed in relation to HI meal utilization.     

The impact of nutrient density in terms of energy and/or protein on live performance,metabolism and carcass composition of female and male broiler chickens of two commercial broiler strains

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of diet composition on performance, slaughter yield and plasma metabolites, as different modern broiler strains show different responses to feed intake. Broilers of two commercial strains and of both sexes received one of three diets being different in energy and/or protein level [control diet, low energy/low protein diet (LM/LP) and low protein diet (LP)]. Low energy/low protein diet chickens were characterized by significantly lower body weights and feed intake compared with their LP and control counterparts. Broilers of the Cobb strain or broilers that were fed the control diet were most efficient in converting energy to body weight. No significant differences in plasma metabolites were detected due to diet composition or genotype. The diet with the lower energy and crude protein levels reached the lowest slaughter yield but the highest drumstick and wing percentages. The lowest mortality percentages were observed for broilers fed the LM/LP diet, and Cobb birds appeared to be more sensitive for metabolic disorders resulting in death. It is obvious from this study that different genotypes respond differently to changes in diet composition and therefore have adjusted nutritional requirements.     

Replacement of soybean oil by Hermetia illucens fat in turkey nutrition: effect on performance,digestibility, microbial community,immune and physiological status and final product quality

ABSTRACT

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of partial (50%) or total replacement of soybean oil (SO) by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) fat on the growth performance, coefficients of apparent nutrient digestibility, selected internal organ weights and length, pancreatic enzyme activity and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microecology modulation, as well as microbiota activity, physiological and immunological responses in young turkey poults.

2. A total of 216, seven day old female turkeys (B.U.T 6) were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments using six replicate pens per group with 12 birds per pen. The following design of the trial was applied: SO 100% soybean oil; BSFL50 a 50/50 combination of SO and BSFL fat; or 100% BSFL fat (total replacement of SO).

3. The use of BSFL fat did not affect the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, GIT morphology, or quality of the breast and thigh muscles. However, reduced trypsin activity was noticed in the BSFL100 group, but this had no effect on digestibility. Total replacement of SO reduced proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Enterobacteriaceae spp., as well as decreasing levels of IL-6, while partial substitution lowered the TNF-α concentration.

4. The replacement of commonly used SO by BSFL fat can be successfully applied in young turkey poult nutrition. BSFL fat may be considered an antimicrobial agent and support immune responses.     

Effects of dietary inclusion levels of palm oil on growth performance,antioxidative status and serum cytokines of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary palm oil inclusion levels on growth performance, serum antioxidative status and cytokines in Sanhuang broiler chickens. A total of 208 one‐day‐old female Sanhuang chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with four replicates per group and of 13 birds each for a 42‐day feeding trial. Dietary treatments were basal diet without palm oil (control) and diets containing 2%, 4% or 6% palm oil. During days 22 to 42 and the overall experimental period, chickens fed diets supplemented with 4% and 6% palm oil had a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.019) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) (p = 0.031). Average daily gain (ADG) tended to be higher (p = 0.089) for palm oil inclusion treatments compared with the control treatment from days 1 to 42. Dietary 2% and 4% palm oil treatments significantly lowed serum malondialdehyde concentration on day 21 when compared to the control and 6% palm oil treatments (p = 0.027). Dietary 6% palm oil treatment significantly reduced the catalase (CAT) activity (p = 0.018) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) (p = 0.027) in serum in comparison with the control treatment on day 21. No significant differences were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities in serum among dietary treatments on day 21. There were no significant differences in T‐AOC, CAT, SOD and GSH‐Px activities among dietary treatments on day 42. Dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil significantly increased (p = 0.01) serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) content, but improved transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) content in serum on both days 21 and 42 (p = 0.032 and 0.022 respectively) as well as IL‐10 content on day 42 (p = 0.022) when compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 6% palm oil significantly reduced tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) content on days 21 and 42 (p = 0.021 and 0.001 respectively) compared with the control treatment. These results suggest that dietary inclusion of 4% and 6% palm oil could improve the growth performance, modulate the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and show limited effect on antioxidative status in Sanhuang broiler chickens.     

日粮ADF水平对断奶肉兔肠道健康、营养物质消化及生产性能的影响

选用100只体重相近的35日龄断奶新西兰肉兔,随机分为5组,分别饲喂不同水平酸性洗涤纤维(ADF,13%、16%、19%、22%和25%)的日粮,探讨我国生长肉兔适宜的ADF需要量。结果表明:试兔肠道健康状况受日粮ADF水平影响较大,13%和16%ADF组肉兔腹泻发生率和健康风险指数明显高于其他各处理组;平均腹泻时间随ADF水平的提高逐渐下降,其中,25%组显著低于13%组(P<0.05)。13%、16%ADF组的空肠、盲肠和结肠pH均显著低于19%、22%和25%ADF组(P<0.05)。随日粮ADF水平升高,粗纤维消化率逐渐下降(P<0.05),粗蛋白质、粗脂肪和能量消化率先增加后降低(P<0.05),分别以19%和16%ADF组最高。随日粮ADF水平升高,平均日采食量逐渐增加;日增重先增加后降低,以19%ADF组最高,为31.43 g/d。综合分析,断奶至2月龄肉兔适宜的ADF水平为19%。     

嗜酸乳杆菌对黄羽肉鸡生长性能、肠道微生物及经济效益的影响

为探究饲料中嗜酸乳杆菌对肉鸡生产的效果,试验选取11日龄健康的黄羽肉鸡200羽,随机分为5组。分别为对照组(饲喂基础日粮),试验1、2、3、4组在基础日粮中分别添加5、10、15g/kg的嗜酸乳杆菌和150mg/kg的抗菌肽。结果表明:(1)与对照组相比,嗜酸乳杆菌组显著提高了肉鸡的日增重与采食量(P<0.05);但与抗菌肽组相比差异不显著(P>0.05)。(2)添加嗜酸乳杆菌15g/kg时,试验组中盲肠段内的双歧杆菌数量显著提高(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,4个试验组中的盲肠、回肠乳酸杆菌与双歧杆菌均有所提高,但只有试验3、4组呈现显著性差异(P<0.05),除此之外,各分组中回肠大肠杆菌数量无明显差异(P>0.05)。(3)与对照组相比,饲料中添加不同嗜酸乳杆菌能明显提高肉鸡生长性能和饲料利用率,增加经济效益。     

Effects of different dietary sources and levels of selenium supplements on growth performance,antioxidant status and immune parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens

1. Although different impacts of various sources of selenium (Se) on chicken performance have been largely studied, there is a lack of comparative experiments studying the effects of these sources on the immune system and antioxidant indices of broiler tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various sources and levels of dietary Se supplements on performance, antioxidant status and immune parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens.

2. A total of 1200 1-d-old male broilers (Ross × Ross 308) were divided into 8 treatments with 6 replicate pens and 25 birds per pen. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomised design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. Main factors included Se sources as sodium selenite (SS), Se-enriched yeast (SY), DL-selenomethionine (SM) and nano-selenium (NS) and levels at 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg Se.

3. Dietary supplementation of organic Se sources significantly improved average daily gain (ADG), gain: feed ratio and European production efficiency factor (P < 0.05) compared to birds fed on diets supplemented with inorganic source. In addition, ADG was increased in response to increased level of supplemental Se. Based on contrast comparison, there were significant differences in these parameters between organic versus inorganic sources of Se. However, there was no difference between contrast comparisons of NS versus SM and SY.

4. Total anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titres and hypersensitivity were enhanced by increasing supplemental concentration of Se and using organic sources of Se rather than SS (P < 0.05).

5. Oxidation resistance assessment of tissues demonstrated that supplementation of organic sources of Se and increase in supplemental concentration of Se ameliorated glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde formation (P < 0.05). Mostly, there were significant differences between organic versus inorganic sources of Se in oxidation resistance.

6. Overall, dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg/kg Se from an organic source resulted in better production performance and immune system response. Moreover, minimum formation of malondialdehyde in broiler tissue was observed in birds fed on diets supplemented with SM at 0.4 mg/kg.

7. It can be concluded that SM is more effective than other sources of Se in reducing lipid oxidation.     

日粮中添加川芎茎叶对彭县黄鸡生产性能、屠宰性能及器官指数的影响

试验旨在通过研究日粮中添加川芎茎叶对彭县黄鸡生产性能、屠宰性能及器官指数的影响,以期为川芎茎叶的利用提供理论基础。试验随机选取72日龄雄性彭县黄鸡280只,随机分为4组,每组5个重复,每个重复14只。A组为对照组,饲喂基础日粮;B组、C组和D组为试验组,分别饲喂日粮中含1%、3%和5%川芎茎叶的试验日粮,试验期为47 d。结果表明:C组和D组彭县黄鸡末期体重显著高于A组(P < 0.05),分别增加1.56%和1.68%,B组彭县黄鸡末期体重高于A组,增加0.58%,但无显著差异(P > 0.05);与A组相比,D组全净膛率显著提高2.75%(P < 0.05),B组和C组分别提高0.42%和0.62%,但是无显著差异(P > 0.05);C组法氏囊指数最高且比A组、B组和D组分别提高0.22、0.20和0.15,C组法氏囊指数显著高于A组和B组(P < 0.05),C组和D组间差异不显著(P > 0.05),且A组、B组和D组之间无显著差异(P > 0.05)。在本试验条件下,在彭县黄鸡的饲粮中添加川芎茎叶对彭县黄鸡生长发育与健康无负作用,饲粮中含较高比例的川芎茎叶可改善末期体重、全净膛率以及法氏囊指数,并且可提高生产性能和屠宰性能,增强免疫能力。     

早期数量限饲对肉用仔鸡生产性能、胴体品质的影响

试验研究了早期数量限饲对肉用仔鸡生产性能、胴体品质的影响。以320只1日龄AA+肉用仔鸡为试验动物。设4个处理组,每个处理组4个重复,每个重复20只肉仔鸡。对照组根据AA+商品代肉鸡营养标准配制。各处理肉用仔鸡1～7日龄均为自由采食,8～14日龄对照组、限饲90%组、限饲80%组和限饲70%组分别饲喂自由采食量的100%、90%、80%和70%,15日龄恢复自由采食,以后按常规饲养管理。每周末,以重复为单位全部称重。分别于42、49日龄,每个重复随机抽取4只肉用仔鸡禁食12h、称重、屠宰、测定屠体品质。试验结果表明:在第2周,限饲各组肉仔鸡的体重和日增重分别显著低于对照组(P0.05);在第3周,限饲90%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);在第4周,限饲80%和70%组完成补偿生长,体重与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);5、6、7周及2～6、2～7周各组在体重、日增重、日采食量和饲料转化率等都无显著差异(P0.05)。早期数量限饲对肉仔鸡胴体特性没有显著影响(P0.05),限饲70%～80%,具有改善饲料转化效率、胸肌率、腹脂率的作用。     

Effect of dietary Moringa oleifera leaves on the performance,ileal microbiota and antioxidative status of broiler chickens

In this study, we investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) supplements on the performance, ileal microbiota carcass traits and biochemical and antioxidant parameters of broiler chickens. MOL was added to starter, grower and finisher diets at four levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 5.0%). A total of 320 one-day-old mixed-sex Cobb-500 broiler chicks were divided equally into four treatment groups, with 5 replicates of 16 chicks each until 42 days of age. Compared to the control group, chicks fed 0.5% and 1% MOL exhibited a higher final body weight (FBW), greater weight gain (BWG), and better average daily gain (ADG). Feed intake (FI) gradually decreased as the inclusion rate of MOL in the broilers' diet increased to 5%. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and performance index (PI) were observed in broilers that were fed the MOL diet. The percentage of abdominal fat in broilers decreased significantly in response to dietary supplementation with MOL. The haematological profile in the MOL group revealed a lower WBC count and lymphocyte percentage but higher heterophil and H/L ratio without affecting haemoglobin and RBC count. The inclusion of MOL increased total serum protein, Ca and P levels but decreased glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT concentrations. Moreover, dietary MOL increased the activities of GSH, CAT and SOD, GPx and GST while decreasing the TBARS level. The pH value decreased in the ileum of broilers fed the 1% and 5% MOL diet compared to the other treatments. Decreased ileal counts of E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus spp. were observed whereas the total ileal Lactobacillus spp. count increased in broilers fed the MOL diet. In conclusion, the MOL supplement can enhance growth performance and antioxidant status, alter ileal microbiota and protect against enteropathogens with no deleterious effects on the broiler chickens.     

Effect of purine nucleosides on growth performance,gut morphology,digestive enzymes,serum profile and immune response in broiler chickens

1. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of purine nucleosides on performance, gut morphology, intestinal enzymes and immunity functions in broiler chickens from 0 to 21 d of age.

2. A total of 360 1-d-old male chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replications. Experimental diets consisted of a control without any additives and diets containing 0.1% pure adenosine, 0.1% pure guanosine and 0.1% equal aliquots of pure adenosine and guanosine. Two birds per cage (12 birds per treatment) were killed on d 11 and 21 in order to obtain serum samples for lipid profile, jejunal samples for morphology and mucosal immunity, digestive enzymes for epithelial maturation, and bursa and spleen samples for relative weight of immune organs to live body weight.

3. Birds receiving adenosine in their diets showed a significant increase in body weight and average daily gain and a significantly lower feed conversion ratio compared to the control birds. Villus height and width in jejunal samples also increased significantly in birds supplemented with adenosine. Although maltase was not affected by the experimental diets, adenosine increased alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase. Adenosine and its combination with guanosine boosted mucosal immunity as a result of increased IgA production. While there was no significant difference among treatments regarding the relative weight of the spleen, adenosine increased the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius. Present results also showed that adding guanosine to broiler diets had no significant effects on growth, gut morphology, enzymes activity and immunological indices.

4. In conclusion, the improvement in growth performance, gut morphology and immunity in birds receiving adenosine demonstrated that pure adenosine could be a beneficial feed additive for the poultry industry, while guanosine showed no significant improvement.     

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on growth performance,carcass characteristics,and antioxidant status of broiler chickens

Abstract

An experiment was conducted using 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus root powder (AMP), Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and antioxidant enzymes, and metabolites of blood and liver in broiler chickens. The six dietary treatments included a control that was a corn–soybean meal basal diet; basal diet supplemented with 120 mg/kg antibiotic; 350 mg/kg APS; or 5000, 10,000, or 15,000 mg/kg diet of AMP. Supplementation of 10,000 mg/kg AMP increased average daily gain and feed conversion rate of broilers in grower period (22–42 d) and over the entire experiment compared to basic diet. Responses of antioxidant status to dietary APS and AMP varied depending on the age of the broilers. Beneficial effects of AMP on growth and feed utilization of broilers could be obtained by inclusion of AMP at the rate of 10,000 mg/kg diet.     

日粮共轭亚油酸对黄羽肉鸡生长性能及血清中瘦素和脂联素的影响

选用60只1日龄黄羽肉鸡,研究共轭亚油酸(CLA)对其生长性能、腹脂沉积的影响。结果显示,日粮中添加CLA可显著提高49日龄黄羽肉鸡腿肌重(P<0.05),显著降低母鸡的腹脂沉积(P<0.05),但对母鸡的体增重有抑制作用(P<0.05),且能提高血清中瘦素水平(P<0.05)。