Utilization of alternative protein meals with or without multiple-enzyme supplementation in broilers fed low-energy diets

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different protein meals, with or without enzyme supplementation, on the performance of broilers. A diet based on a combination of protein meals (15% soybean meal, and 5% each of sunflower meal, canola meal, rapeseed meal, and cottonseed meal) was compared with 4 other diets containing 15% soybean meal and 20% of sunflower meal, canola meal, rapeseed meal, or cottonseed meal. Experimental diets were formulated to contain 2,630 kcal of ME/kg and 0.95% digestible lysine, with all other essential amino acids set to meet or exceed the ideal protein ratios. Each diet was fed with or without supplemental exogenous enzyme (Rovabio Excel at 500 g/metric ton of feed) to 6 replicate pens of 50 chicks from 1 to 35 d posthatch as coarse mash. In the cottonseed meal-based diet, supplemental enzyme resulted in high 35-d feed intake and FCR compared with the cottonseed meal-fed groups with no enzyme. There was a significant (P < 0.05) diet × enzyme interaction for 35-d feed intake and FCR. Birds fed the sunflower meal-based diet had significantly (P < 0.05) higher final BW gain and lower FCR as compared with those fed rapeseed meal- or cottonseed meal-based diets, whereas the BW gain of birds fed the rapeseed meal-based diet was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared with birds in all other groups. In conclusion, in low-ME broiler diets formulated on a digestible amino acid basis, up to 20% sunflower meal and canola meal can be safely incorporated into the diet. Supplementation of Rovabio failed to exert any positive effect on production parameters when used with diets containing high levels of each of the common protein meals.     

Response of broiler finishers to diets containing graded levels of processed castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal

A 4‐week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of dehulled and cooked castor oil bean (Ricinus communis L) meal on the performance of broiler finishers. Castor oil bean seeds were dehulled and detoxified by cooking in two stages at 100 °C for 50 min per cooking. Sixty 6‐week‐old broiler birds (Anak strain) were randomly divided into four groups of 15 birds each. The groups were fed four isocaloric (2.90 Mcal of metabolizable energy/kg) and isonitrogenous (21% crude protein) diets containing 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% dehulled and cooked castor oil bean meal (CBM) for 4 weeks. Results showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) differences among treatments in average daily feed intake, final body weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Birds fed diets containing 0% and 10% CBM had significantly (p < 0.05) higher feed intake than birds on 15% and 20% CBM diets. The lowest feed intake was recorded at the 20% CBM inclusion level. The highest ADWG was observed in birds fed 0% CBM diet, but this was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the ADWG of birds on 10% CBM diet. Birds fed diets containing10% and 15% levels of CBM had similar and non‐significant (p > 0.05) ADWG. Birds fed 20% CBM diet had the least (p < 0.05) ADWG. Birds fed 0%, 10% and 15% CBM diets had similar FCR and this was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and better than that of birds on 20% CBM diet. The least (p < 0.05) PER was observed in birds fed 20% CBM diet. Birds fed 20% CBM diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher packed cell volume (PCV) than birds on 10% and 15% CBM diets. Birds fed 0%, 10% and 15% CBM diets had similar (p > 0.05) PCV values. Birds fed diets containing 0%, 10% and 15% levels of CBM had similar and significantly (p < 0.05) lower heamoglobin than birds fed 20% CBM diets. There were also significant (p < 0.05) differences among treatments in dry matter (DM), nitrogen, ether extract (EE) and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) retention. Birds fed 0% CBM diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher retention of DM, nitrogen and NFE than birds on 10%, 15% and 20% CBM diets. Birds fed 10% CBM diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher DM, nitrogen and NFE retention than birds on 15% and 20% CBM diets. The lowest retention of DM, nitrogen and NFE was recorded at the 20% CBM inclusion level. Birds fed 0% CBM diet had significantly (p < 0.05) higher EE retention than birds on 15% and 20% CBM diets. The lowest EE retention was observed at the 20% CBM inclusion level. The results of the study indicate that up to 10% dehulled and cooked CBM can be included in broiler finisher rations for optimum performance.     

Effect of rice polishing and phytase supplementation in diets on productive behavior of broilers

The addition of rice polishing (RP) and phytase enzyme to poultry diets was tested on 200 1-day-old broilers weighing 42 g. Birds were assigned to a completely random design with a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement with four treatments and five repetitions of ten birds each. The factors evaluated were RP level (0 and 15 %) and phytase (0 and 150 g/ton). The trial was divided in two phases of 21 days each (42 days total). In phase 1, no treatment effects were observed (P?>?0.10) on poultry productive behavior. In the second phase (21 to 42 days) and on the total trial (1 to 42 days), there were no effects of the treatments on weight gain or feed intake (P?>?0.10). Feed conversion was affected by RP (P?<?0.01) but not by phytase addition (P?>?0.10). In conclusion, phytase did not affect broiler production with or without RP. Addition of 15 % RP in poultry diets represents an alternative to reduce feed costs.     

Performance and economy of production of broilers fed Siam weed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chromolaena odorata</Emphasis>) leaf meal (SWLM)

A 49-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Siam weed leaf meal (SWLM)-based diets on growth, organ, and carcass weight characteristics and economics of production of broilers. Proximate biochemical composition of SWLM and the appropriate inclusion level of SWLM for optimum productivity were also determined. Ninety-six-day-old Chi broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 24 birds, and each group replicated three times. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design marked T1 (0%), T2 (4%), T3 (8%), and T4 (12%). Proximate biochemical results revealed that SWLM is rich in protein (20.52%) and minerals (9.29%). Birds on diets T1 and T2 had similar (p >?0.05) final live weights (FLW), which were higher (p <?0.05) than those on diets T3 and T4. Birds on diet T2 had the highest (p?<?0.05) daily feed intake (DFI) and daily weight gain (DWG), while birds on diet T1 had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed by birds on diet T2. The result of quadratic model regression analyses showed that SWLM levels of 1.48, 1.50, 1.47, and 1.56% supported optimum final live weight, DFI, DWG, and FCR. There were no significant (p >?0.05) differences in the dressing percentage, but there were significant differences in the carcass weight between birds on diet T4 and the other three diets. Similarly, pancreas and spleen had similar (p?>?0.05) weights across the treatments. There was significant difference (p?<?0.05) between birds on diets T1 and T4 in gizzard weight. Cost-benefit ratio was influenced (p?<?0.05) with T4 birds having better income of US$1 per US$10.18 invested. It is concluded that SWLM is rich in essential nutrients and therefore suitable for inclusion in broiler diets at level not beyond 2% for best final live weight, daily weight gain, and thigh weight.     

Body Weight,Carcass Yield,and Intestinal Contents of Broilers Having Sodium and Potassium Salts in the Drinking Water Twenty-Four Hours Before Processing

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of drinking water supplementation with graded increases of Na and K salts on the performance and gut contents of broilers before processing. Birds had no water, tap water, or water supplemented with sodium bicarbonate or potassium chloride in the concentrations of 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45% in the last 12 and 24 h before processing. The last 12 h coincided with preslaughter feed withdrawal. Cobb × Cobb 500 male broilers (46 d old) were set in a completely randomized experimental design with 8 treatments and 9 replications of 9 birds each. Birds were individually processed within a period of 12 h of feed withdrawal every 2 h. Individual weighing was followed with electrical stunning and removal of intestinal contents of the upper (crop through the gizzard) and lower segment (duodenum through cloaca). Water intake increased linearly with greater salt concentrations in the water (P < 0.05). Body weight loss increased linearly through the feed withdrawal; however, it was greater with birds without water access (P < 0.0001). There were no effects of treatments on the yields of carcass and cuts as well as on the intestinal contents at all evaluated times. Intestinal contents from upper and lower segments were decreased with time, but responses to the water treatments were not observed (P > 0.05). It is concluded that increasing water intake through the use of Na and K salts did not affect the rate of gut emptying before processing.     

The effect of vitamin E on cellulitis in broiler chickens experiencing scratches in a challenge model

Two experiments are described; each experiment contained five treatments with each treatment consisting of a specific diet and vitamin E at 8.82 mg, 41.89 mg, 74.96 mg, 108.03 mg, or 141.10 mg vitamin E per kilogram of feed. Birds were raised with continuous feed containing the various levels of vitamin E available throughout the experiment. At 4 wk of age, the birds were scratched on the breast and placed onto avian cellulitis Escherichia coli-seeded litter. One week later, the birds were euthanatized and lesion presence was noted. There appeared to be a positive correlation between vitamin E and the inhibition of cellulitis formation when the birds were fed a diet containing 74.96 mg vitamin E/kg feed. Conflicting results were seen in the two experiments when the birds were fed 41.89 and 108.03 mg vitamin E/kg feed. Both experiments had a high incidence of cellulitis in birds whose diets consisted of 141.10 mg vitamin E/kg feed.     

Performance and meat quality characteristics of broilers fed fermented mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake as replacement for maize

Performance and meat quality characteristics of broilers fed fermented mixture of grated cassava roots and palm kernel cake (FCP-mix) as a replacement for maize were studied. One hundred and eighty (180), 7-day-old broiler chickens were divided into six groups of 30 birds, and each group replicated thrice. Six experimental diets were formulated for both starter and finisher stages with diets 1 and 6 as controls. Diet 1 contained maize whereas diet 6 contained a 1:1 mixture of cassava root meal (CRM) and palm kernel cake (PKC). In diets 2, 3, 4, and 5, the FCP-mix replaced maize at the rate of 25, 50, 75, and 100%, respectively. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design. The proximate compositions of the diets were evaluated. Live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight, and sensory attributes of the meats were obtained from each replicate and data obtained was analyzed statistically. The results showed that live weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and FCR of birds on treatment diets were better than those on the control diets (Diets 1 and 6). The feed cost per kilogram weight gained decreased with inclusion levels of FCP-mix. Birds on diet 1 recorded significantly (p < 0.05) higher dressing percentage than those on the other five treatments. The sensory attributes of the chicken meats were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of FCP-mix in the diets. FCP-mix is a suitable substitute for maize in broiler diet at a replacement level of up to 100% for best live weight, carcass weight yield, and meat quality.     

Selenium contents of eggs from broiler breeders supplemented with sodium selenite or zinc-l-selenium-methionine

This study evaluated the effects of sources and levels of Se in broiler breeder diets on egg production and Se concentration in eggs. Fifty Cobb 500 hens, 22 wk of age, were individually placed in steel cages and fed a basal diet without Se supplementation for 3 wk. Birds were then provided 5 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 1 individual hen, which had dietary Se supplied from sodium selenite (inorganic; Na₂ SeO₃, 45% Se) or from Zn-l-Se-methionine (organic; ZnSeMet, 0.1% Se) as follows: treatment 1, 0.15% Se from Na₂ SeO₃; treatment 2, 0.30% Se from Na₂ SeO₃; treatment 3, 0.15% Se from ZnSeMet; treatment 4, 0.30% Se from ZnSeMet; treatment 5, 0.15% Se from Na₂ SeO₃ + 0.15% Se from ZnSeMet. Evaluations were conducted in 2 periods of 4 wk each. Experimental diets were prepared through the supplementation of corn-soybean meal diets. Egg production and egg weight were recorded daily, whereas specific gravity was measured twice a week from 25 to 32 wk. In the first period, the hens fed 0.30 ppm of organic Se produced more eggs (P < 0.05), whereas no difference (P > 0.05) in egg production was found in the second period. Period evaluations showed that egg weight was not different (P > 0.05), whereas specific gravity decreased (P < 0.05) and Se concentration in eggs increased (P < 0.05) in the second period, regardless of Se source. A comparison between treatments with single Se sources demonstrated that the concentration of Se in eggs followed the increased levels in the feeds when ZnSeMet was used (P < 0.05). However, the supplementation of a combination of sources (Na₂ SeO₃ and ZnSeMet) produced similar egg Se concentrations.     

Effect of dietary defatted diatom biomass on egg production and quality of laying hens

Background

This study was to determine if feeding laying hens with defatted diatom microalgal biomass (DFA) from biofuel production affected their egg production and health status.

Methods

Five replicates of 5 individually caged ISA Babcock White leghorn hens were fed 4 diets, including a corn-soybean meal control diet, a diet containing 7.5% DFA substituting for soybean meal, and diets containing 7.5% or 15% DFA substituting for corn and soybean meal. Body weights, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), rate of egg production, egg size, egg mass, and several characteristics of eggs were determined at 4 and 8 wk. Venous blood was sampled at 4 and 8 wk for measurement of 5 biomarkers of health.

Results

The 15% DFA diet decreased (P <?0.05) feed intake, egg production, and plasma uric acid concentrations as compared with the control diet, but increased (P <?0.05) egg albumen weight and height compared with the 7.5% DFA diets. The two levels of DFA produced dose-dependent (P <?0.05) changes in three color measures of egg yolk, without affecting four hen plasma biochemical indicators of health.

Conclusions

Feeding laying hens with 7.5% DFA in the corn-soybean meal diet for 8 wk had no adverse effect on their health, egg production, or egg quality, but 15% inclusion reduced feed intake, egg production, and efficiency of feed utilization.     

Effects of phytonutrients on growth performance,antioxidative status,and energy utilization of broilers fed low energy diets

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of phytonutrients (PN) on growth performance, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and nutrient utilization of birds fed low energy diets. In Exp. 1, a total of 1,440 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 16 replicates per treatment (48 pens; 30 birds per pen). Birds in treatment 1 were fed diets with normal energy content (NE). Birds in treatment 2 were fed NE diet but with 60 kcal removed (LE). Birds in treatment 3 were assigned to LE diet supplemented with PN (LE + PN). Results indicated that LE diet increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with NE from d 1 to 38, while LE + PN diet prevented this response (P = 0.02). At d 26, birds in the LE + PN group had the highest ileal and jejunal villus height to crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio. At d 39, PN supplementation improved ileal and jejunal VH:CD ratio, compared with LE group. Moreover, birds fed PN diets received a better economic profit. In Exp. 2, 360 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were used in a metabolism study. The treatments used in Exp. 2 were the same as those in Exp.1, with 4 replicates (pens) and 30 birds in each replicate. Dietary apparent metabolism energy (AME), energy and protein digestibility were determined between 21 and 28 d of age. Results showed that chickens fed LE + PN diet tended to have greater AME (P = 0.02) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolism energy (AMEn) (P = 0.03) than birds fed LE diets. It was concluded that LE + PN showed a potential advantage to improve feed conversion and gut health of broilers, as well as economic profits.     

Effect of organic acids–essential oils blend and oat fiber combination on broiler chicken growth performance,blood parameters,and intestinal health

This study evaluated the effect of organic acids–essential oils blend with or without oat hulls (OH) on growth performance, organ weights, blood parameters, gut morphology, microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments consisting of 1) a corn-soybean meal-wheat based diet (BAS), 2) BAS + 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), 3) BAS + protected organic acids–essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed (OE), and 4) BAS + protected organic acids–essential oils at 300 g/1,000 kg of feed + 3% OH (OEOH), in 8 replicate groups. Feeding was in starter (d 0 to 14), grower (d 14 to 24), and finisher (d 24 to 36) phases. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality were determined weekly. On d 36, 8 chickens per treatment were sampled for blood biochemistry, organ weights, cecal SCFA production, and microbiota. Treatments had no effect on FI and FCR at all phases. Both OE and OEOH treatments reduced (P < 0.001) the body weight gain of birds at the starter phase. Birds fed the OEOH treatment had higher (P < 0.001) gizzard weight, while those offered the BMD diet showed a tendency (P = 0.08) to have higher cecal weight. Birds in the OEOH treatment recorded increased ileal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, as well as reduced duodenal crypt depth, while birds in the OE treatment had increased jejunal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Both OEOH and OE treatments increased the number of goblet cells produced in the duodenum and jejunum. Treatments had no effect on SCFA concentrations. Birds in the OE treatment recorded the lowest concentration of blood urea (P = 0.05) and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Both OE and OEOH treatments increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria in the genus Firmicutes_unclassified, Ruminococcus, Turicibacter, and Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified, while reducing (P < 0.001) the relative abundance of potentially harmful Coprobacillus. Conclusively, both protected organic acids–essential oils blend and its combination with oat fibers show potential as tools to achieve antibiotics reduction in broiler production.     

Dietary Wolffia arrhiza meal as a substitute for soybean meal: its effects on the productive performance and egg quality of laying Japanese quails

Wolffia arrhiza meal (WAM) was evaluated as a protein replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in the diet of laying Japanese quails. A total of 480 4-week-old laying quails were randomly allocated to form six groups in a completely randomized design. Each group contained four replicates, with 20 quails per replicate. WAM was incorporated into the diets at levels of 0, 4.00, 8.00, 12.0, 16.0 and 20.0%. The results showed that feed intake per bird per day, daily egg-laying rate, feed cost per 100 egg weight, egg width, egg length, egg weight, eggshell thickness, yolk height and shell quality characteristics in terms of breaking time, Young's modulus, work, maximum force, fracturability, breaking stress, stiffness and power showed no statistically significant differences (P?>?0.05) among the 0 to 16.0% levels of WAM. However, these performance measures were significantly lower with 20.0% WAM in the formulated ration (P?<?0.05). Mortality showed no significant differences among dietary treatments (P?>?0.05). The color intensity of the yolk increased as SBM was replaced with increasing amounts of WAM (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, WAM could be successfully used in place of SBM. However, the amount used should not exceed 16.0%.     

不同形态及不同粗纤维水平日粮对1～50日龄鸵鸟生长性能的影响

比较不同形态及不同粗纤维水平日粮对1～50日龄鸵鸟生产性能的影响,为鸵鸟雏鸟的全价颗粒饲粮配制提供试验论证及合理的粗纤维水平数据。选取1日龄健康的鸵鸟160只,随机分为4个处理(1个对照组,3个试验组),每处理4个重复,每重复10只雏鸟,对照组日粮形态为精料(粗纤维为5%)+苜蓿青草,3个试验组的日粮形态为全价颗粒饲料(其粗纤维水平分别为4%、5%、6%)。饲喂精料+苜蓿青草形态日粮的雏鸟体增重和饲料效率显著高于饲喂全价颗粒饲料的各处理(P0.05),并且没有雏鸟死亡;3个不同粗纤维水平的颗粒料的采食量和体增重的差异都不显著(P0.05),其中粗纤维水平为5%的颗粒饲料饲喂的效果相对较好,但该组的死亡率最高,为15.0%。以精料+苜蓿青草形态的日粮饲喂1～50日龄鸵鸟的效果好于饲喂全价颗粒饲料的效果;全价颗粒饲料粗纤维水平过低会引起鸵鸟雏鸟的粪干便秘并造成死亡,本试验表明,1～50日龄鸵鸟饲料中的粗纤维水平不宜低于6%。     

Dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide level and xylanase supplementation influence performance,egg quality and nutrient utilization in laying hens fed wheat-based diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide (sNSP) content and xylanase supplementation on production performance, egg quality parameters, and nutrient digestibility in Hy-line Brown layers from 25 to 32 wk of age. A total of 144 Hy-line Brown laying hens (25 wk of age) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 wheat-based dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design, with 36 replicates of individual hens per treatment. The diets were formulated to contain either a high or low sNSP level (at 13.3 or 10.8 g/kg) and were supplemented with either 0 or 12,000 BXU/kg exogenous xylanase. Birds were fed these treatment diets for an 8-wk period, and hen production performance, including daily egg production, average egg weight, daily egg mass, feed conversion ratio and proportion of dirty and abnormal eggs were measured at bird age 25 to 28 wk and 29 to 32 wk. An interaction between sNSP content of the diet and xylanase supplementation was observed on daily egg production from 25 to 28 wk of age (P = 0.018); birds fed the high sNSP diet without xylanase had lower egg production than those fed any other treatment. An interaction between the 2 dietary factors was also observed on hen weight gain at 29 to 32 wk of age (P = 0.014), with birds fed the low sNSP diet with 12,000 BXU/kg xylanase presenting greater weight gain compared to those fed the high sNSP diet with 12,000 BXU/kg xylanase. Feed intake at 29 to 32 wk of age was reduced by xylanase supplementation (P = 0.047). Xylanase supplementation also increased yolk colour score at both 28 and 32 wk of age, and decreased yolk weight at 32 wk of age (P = 0.014, 0.037 and 0.013, respectively). Birds fed the low sNSP diet presented lower protein digestibility (P = 0.024) than those fed the high sNSP diet. Additionally, birds fed high sNSP presented higher shell reflectivity at both 28 and 32 wk of age (P = 0.05 and 0.036, respectively). The influence of duration of feeding the treatment diets on egg quality was also determined. It was observed that egg weight, yolk weight and yolk colour score consistently increased over time, regardless of experimental treatment effects. In contrast, Haugh Unit and albumen height significantly decreased throughout the study period in all treatments, although this was less pronounced in hens fed the treatment with high sNSP and no supplemental xylanase. A reduction in shell breaking strength over time was observed only in hens fed the treatments without xylanase addition, and shell thickness was improved over time only in birds fed the low sNSP diet with xylanase. The impacts of the dietary treatments were largely inconsistent in this study, so a solid conclusion cannot be drawn. However, these findings do indicate that dietary NSP level influences layer production performance, and thus should be considered when formulating laying hen diets. It also proved that further research is warranted into how to optimize the benefits of xylanase application in laying hens.     

Apparent metabolizable energy value of whole date palm (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phoenix dactylifera</Emphasis> L.) and its possible use as a feedstuff for aged laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of whole date palm (WDP) with and without enzyme supplementation on aged laying hen’s performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of WDP was determined by the total collection method using ten adult leghorn cockerels. WDP was substituted with a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 40% level, and then the metabolizable energy of this experimental diet and basal diet was determined. After that, a total number of 256 Bovanz 95-week-old hens were randomly allocated into eight groups consisting of four replicates of eight birds each, based on a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Eight iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets including one corn-soybean meal-based control diet and two, three, and four corn-soybean meal-based diets included 70, 140, and 210 g/kg ground WDP, respectively. Each of the diets supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07 g/kg Natozim Plus). There was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit among the treatments (P > 0.05). However, yolk color score significantly decreased as dietary WDP level increased. The serum biochemical metabolites were not significantly affected by WDP and enzyme supplementation (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the relative weight of different organs except for abdominal fat. Our findings show that using WDP up to 21% of the diet was more economic and had no adverse effect on productive performance and serum metabolites of laying hens. However, WDP had an adverse effect on yolk color which can be ameliorated by carotenoid supplementation.     

Cassava root chips andMoringa oleifera leaf meal as alternative feed ingredients in the layer ration

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of cassava root chips (CRC) andMoringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) inclusion in layer rations on egg laying performance, egg quality parameters, fertility, and hatchability. One hundred twenty Dominant CZ layers, 22 wk of age, and 12 cocks were used and equally divided into 4 dietary treatments with 3 replications. Treatment rations contained CRC and MOLM [i.e., T₁ (0% CRC and 0% MOLM), T₂ (50% CRC and 0% MOLM), T₃ (0% CRC and 5% MOLM), and T₄ (50% CRC and 5% MOLM)]. The CRC and MOLM were used to substitute for 100% corn grain and 5% soybean meal, respectively. Hens were weighed at the start and end of the experiment and BW change was calculated. Data on DM intake, hen-day egg production, egg weight, and egg mass were recorded daily. Egg quality parameters were determined at an interval of 15 d on 4 eggs per replicate. Fertility and hatchability of eggs, as well as mortality of birds and embryonic mortality of fertile eggs during the incubation period were recorded. From the chemical analysis, the calculated ME content of CRC was 3,852 kcal/kg of DM and the CP content of MOLM was 28%. The DM intake of birds, hen-day egg production, egg mass, FE, and mortality rate were not influenced by treatments. Body weight change and egg weight were higher for T₄ as compared with other treatments. Most external and internal egg quality parameters, especially yolk color, were improved when the diet contained MOLM. Fertility showed nonsignificant differences among treatments. However, hatchability percentage for T₁ was lower than the other treatments. In conclusion, CRC at 50% of the diet, CRC replacing corn grain 100%, or MOLM at 5% of the diet replacing soybean meal can impart similar or better positive effects on egg production, egg quality parameters, eggs fertility, and hatchability of Dominant CZ layers. Thus, 50% CRC, 5% MOLM, or a combination of both can successfully be used in the diet of layers as energy and protein feed ingredients, respectively.     

Effect of quantitative feed restriction on broiler performance

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of quantitative feed restriction on the performance of broilers. A total of 270 unsexed broilers were randomly allocated to three treatments: with no feed restriction (T1), one week (T2) and two (T3) weeks of feed restriction from 22 days of age and then fed ad libitum until the age of 42 days. Treatments were replicated three times with 30 birds per replicate. Birds were fed with starter, grower and finisher diets. The feed consumed and body weights were recorded every week from the third to the sixth week. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed for each week. At Week 6, body weights of T3 birds were similar (P > 0.05) to those of T1 and T2 birds. There were also no treatment effects on the ADG at Week 6. In addition, no treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed on ADFI at each stage of growth. Since ADFI and FCR were similar among the three groups, it was concluded that feed restriction by limiting the time to eat was not successful. There was also no evidence of compensatory growth in the restricted groups.     

不同纤维水平的全混合颗粒日粮对幼龄鸵鸟生长性能的影响

试验探讨不同纤维水平的全混合颗粒日粮对1～50日龄鸵鸟生产性能的影响,为幼龄鸵鸟的全混合颗粒日粮配制提供依据。试验选取1日龄健康鸵鸟160只,随机分为4个处理,每处理4个重复,每重复10只雏鸟,对照组日粮形态为精料（粗纤维为5%）＋苜蓿青草,3个试验组的日粮形态为全价混合型颗粒饲料,粗纤维水平分别为4%、5%、6%3个水平。试验结果表明,饲喂全混合型颗粒日粮的雏鸟日增重和饲料效率显著低于饲喂精料＋苜蓿青草形态日粮处理（P〈0.05）;3个不同粗纤维水平颗粒料的采食量和日增重差异不显著（P〉0.05）,其中粗纤维水平为6%的颗粒饲粮饲喂的效果相对较好。     

The Effect of Levels of α-Galactosidase Enzyme on Performance of Broilers Fed Diets Based on Corn and Soybean Meal

A study was conducted with male chicks of a commercial broiler strain to evaluate the effects of different dosage levels of a commercial α-galactosidase enzyme. Diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal to meet the nutrient standards of top poultry companies. The positive control diet was formulated with no adjustment in the ME content of the soybean meal associated with enzyme supplementation. The negative control diet was formulated assuming a 10% improvement in the ME of the soybean meal. The negative control diet was supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g of enzyme per kilogram of soybean meal to provide for 0, 45, 90, 135, or 180 galactosidase units (GALU)/kg of soybean meal. Each of the test diets was fed in mash form to 8 replicate pens of 30 birds. Body weight, feed efficiency, mortality, and calorie conversion were determined at 14, 35, and 42 d of age. Body weight, feed efficiency, and mortality were not significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary treatment. Birds fed the negative control with no enzyme supplement were numerically reduced in body weight or feed efficiency as compared with the control diet; however, addition of the enzyme was without benefit. When unadjusted energy values were analyzed, birds fed the negative control diet were more efficient in calorie conversion, but this finding was unrelated to enzyme addition, suggesting that diet composition was responsible for the differences in calorie utilization. When adjusted energy values were compared, birds fed the negative control tended to have higher (less efficient) calorie conversion than those fed the positive control with little or no indication of improvement from the addition of the α-galactosidase enzyme. Results of this study show no benefit from the addition of the enzyme used in this trial.     

Prebiotics and probiotics used alone or in combination and effects on pullet growth and intestinal microbiology

A study was conducted examining the effects of prebiotics and probiotics separately and in combination on growth parameters, fecal and cecal microbiota. Six dietary treatments consisted of: 1) control, 2) control + 0.2 lb/ton calculated to contain 1 × 10¹⁰Pediococcus acidilactici/kg, 3) control + 0.2 lb/ton calculated to contain 2 × 10¹⁰ live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii/kg, 4) control + 2 lb/ton yeast cell wall extract (YCWE), 5) control + 0.2 lb/ton calculated to contain 1 × 10¹⁰ /kg Pediococcus acidilactici/kg and + 2 lb/ton YCWE, and 6) control + 0.2 lb/ton calculated to contain 2 × 10¹⁰/kg live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii/kg + 2 lb/ton YCWE. Dietary treatments had 10 replicates during the brooder phase; 6 replicates from grower phase through conclusion of the study. Bovan white pullets were utilized for the study. There was not a significant difference between treatments for feed intake, body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion. There were no significant differences between treatments for Salmonella enteritidis presence or fecal counts of E. coli, coliform, and Salmonella spp. Cecal E. coli and coliform counts were not affected by treatment. There was a significant treatment by time effect for Enterobacteriaceae cecal counts. Enterobacteriaceae counts increased at 16 wk of age and decreased through the study for all treatments, except for YCWE. The addition of prebiotics and probiotics, individually or in combination, did not significantly improve growth or alter the potentially pathogenic bacteria microbiology of feces or ceca in pullet chicks.