Influence of Butyrate Loaded Clinoptilolite Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance,Development of Intestine and Antioxidant Capacity in Broiler Chickens

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary butyrate loaded clinoptilolite (CLI-B) on growth performance, pancreatic digestive enzymes, intestinal development and histomorphology, as well as antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal mucosal in chickens. Two hundred forty 1-day-old commercial Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups: CON group (fed basal diets), SB group (fed basal diet with 0.05% sodium butyrate), CLI group (fed basal diet with 1% clinoptilolite), and CLI-B group (fed basal diet with 1% CLI-B). The results showed that supplementation of CLI-B significantly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conservation ratio at both 21 and 42 days of age, improved the pancreatic digestive enzymes activities (P < 0.05), increased the villus length and villus/crypt ratio (P < 0.05), and decreased the crypt depth of intestine (P < 0.05) as compared to the other experimental groups. Furthermore, the CLI-B environment improved the antioxidant capacity by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) in intestine mucosal, and decreasing the NO content and iNOS activity (P < 0.05) in serum. In addition, CLI-B supplementation had improved the development of intestine and antioxidant capacity of broilers than supplementation with either clinoptilolite or butyrate sodium alone. In conclusion, 1% CLI-B supplementation improved the health status, intestine development and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens, thus appearing as an important feed additive for the poultry industry.     

Effects of Iron Glycine Chelate on Growth, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, Fecal Mineral Excretion, and Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Broilers

The study was conducted to determine the effects of iron glycine chelate (Fe-Gly) on growth, tissue mineral concentrations, fecal mineral excretion, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities in broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old commercial broilers (Ross?×?Ross) were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with six replications of ten chicks per replicate. Broilers were fed a control diet with no Fe supplementation, while five other treatments consisted of 40, 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg diets from Fe-Gly, and 160?mg Fe/kg from ferrous sulfate, respectively. After a 42-day feeding trial, the results showed that 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly improved the average daily gain (P?<?0.05) and average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) of broilers (4?C6?weeks). Addition with 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg from Fe-Gly and 160?mg Fe/kg from FeSO₄ increased Fe concentration in serum (P?<?0.05), liver (P?<?0.05), breast muscle (P?<?0.05), tibia (P?<?0.05), and feces (P?<?0.01) at 21 and 42?days. There were linear responses to the addition of Fe-Gly from 0 to 160?mg/kg Fe on Fe concentration in serum (21?days, P?=?0.005; 42?days, P?=?0.001), liver (P?=?0.001), breast muscle (P?=?0.001), tibia (P?=?0.001), and feces (21?days, P?=?0.011; 42?days, P?=?0.032). Liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of chicks were increased by the addition of 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly to diets at 42?days. There were no differences in liver catalase activities of chicks among the treatments (P?>?0.05). This study indicates that addition with Fe-Gly could improve growth performance and iron tissue storage and improves the antioxidant status of broiler chickens.     

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Copper Sulfate or Tribasic Copper Chloride on the Growth Performance, Liver Copper Concentrations of Broilers Fed in Floor Pens, and Stabilities of Vitamin E and Phytase in Feeds

An experiment was conducted using a total of 840, 1-day-old, Arbor Acres commercial male broilers to compare copper (Cu) sulfate and tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC, Cu₂(OH)₃Cl) as sources of supplemental Cu for broilers fed in floor pens. Chicks were randomly allotted to one of seven treatments for six replicate pens of 20 birds each, and were fed a basal corn–soybean meal diet (10.20 mg/kg Cu) supplemented with 0, 100, 150, or 200 mg/kg Cu from either Cu sulfate or TBCC for 21 days. Chicks fed 200 mg/kg Cu as TBCC had a higher (P?<?0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than those consuming other diets. Liver Cu contents of broilers fed diets supplemented with TBCC were numerically lower (P?>?0.05) than those of broilers fed diets supplemented with Cu sulfate. The vitamin E contents and the phytase activities in the feed fortified with TBCC were higher (P?<?0.01) and numerically higher (P?>?0.05) compared with those in the feeds fortified with Cu sulfate stored at room temperature, respectively. The vitamin E contents in liver and plasma of broilers fed diets supplemented with TBCC were higher (P?<?0.05) than those of birds fed diets supplemented with Cu sulfate. This result indicates that TBCC is more effective than Cu sulfate in improving the growth of broilers fed in floor pens, and it is chemically less active than Cu sulfate in promoting the undesirable oxidation of vitamin E in feeds.     

How Bad Is Aluminum Exposure to Reproductive Parameters in Rats?

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.     

Downregulation of TLR4 and 7 mRNA Expression Levels in Broiler’s Spleen Caused by Diets Supplemented with Nickel Chloride

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important immune receptors in discriminating self from nonself and in initiating the innate and adaptive immune response. TLR4 and TLR7 have been proven to be highly expressed in chicken’s spleen. Thus, this study was to evaluate the TLR4 and TLR7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in the spleen of broilers fed diets supplemented with nickel chloride (NiCl₂) using the methods of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Two hundred forty-one-day-old avian broilers were equally divided into 4 groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl₂ for 42 days. Results showed that TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen were lower (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01) in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. It was concluded that dietary NiCl₂ in excess of 300 mg/kg could lower TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen of broilers, implying that NiCl₂ could impair the innate and adaptive immunity in spleen by injuring immunocytes and/or decreasing the content of cytokines through TLRs.     

Effects of Selenium Source and Level on Growth Performance, Tissue Selenium Concentrations, Antioxidation, and Immune Functions of Heat-Stressed Broilers

An experiment is conducted to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) source and level on growth performance, tissue Se concentrations, antioxidation, and immune functions of heat-stressed broilers from 22 to 42?days of age. A total of 210 22-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male chicks were assigned by body weight to one of seven treatments with six replicates of five birds each in a completely randomized design involving a 3?×?2 factorial arrangement plus one Se-unsupplemented basal diet control (containing 0.027?mg of Se/kg). The three Se sources were sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃), Se yeast, and AMMS Se (Se protein), and the two supplemental Se levels were 0.15 or 0.30?mg Se/kg. All birds were reared under heat-stressed condition (33?±?1?°C during 0900?C1700?hours and 27?±?1?°C during 1900?C0700?hours with a relative humidity of 60?C80?%). The results showed that heat-stressed chicks fed Se-supplemented diets had higher (P?<?0.10) average daily feed intake, Se concentrations in liver and breast muscle, liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, serum antibody titers against H5N1(Re-4 strain), H5N1(Re-5 strain) and lower (P?<?0.01) mortality compared with the control. Chicks fed the diets supplemented with 0.30?mg/kg of Se had higher (P?<?0.05) Se concentrations in liver and breast muscle, liver GSH-Px activity, and serum antibody titer against H5N1 (Re-4 strain) than those fed the diets supplemented with 0.15?mg/kg of Se. Broilers fed the diets supplemented with Se yeast had higher (P?<?0.001) Se concentrations in liver and breast muscle than those fed the diets supplemented with Na₂SeO₃ or AMMS Se. However, broilers fed the diets supplemented with AMMS Se had higher (P?<?0.05) serum antibody titers against H5N1 (Re-4 strain) and H5N1 (Re-5 strain) than those fed the diets supplemented with Na₂SeO₃. These results indicated that Se yeast was more effective than Na₂SeO₃ or AMMS Se in increasing tissue Se retention; however, AMMS Se was more effective than Na₂SeO₃ or Se yeast in improving immune functions of heat-stressed broilers.     

Effects of Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens

To investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecium on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota of broilers, 264 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments with six replicates in a 2?×?2 factorial arrangement and fed four diets with two levels of C. butyricum (0 or 1?×?10⁹ cfu/kg) and two levels of E. faecium (0 or 2?×?10⁹ cfu/kg) for 42 days. There was no significant interaction between C. butyricum and E. faecium on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and cecal microbiota of broilers. However, broilers supplemented with E. faecium had lower (P?=?0.022) serum leptin level at day 21 and higher (P?<?0.001) fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME), and acetyl–CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA levels in the liver at day 42. Supplementation of C. butyricum improved (P?<?0.05) the average daily feed intake and average daily gain, increased (P?=?0.016) the serum insulin level at 21 days of age, enhanced (P?<?0.05) the content of intramuscular fat, activities of FAS in the liver and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the breast muscle, mRNA expression of FAS, ME, and ACC in the liver and LPL in the breast muscle at 42 days of age, but reduced (P?=?0.030) cecal Bacteroidetes relative abundance at 21 days of age. The results of this study indicate that the increased intramuscular fat content of broilers fed C. butyricum as observed may be the result of enhanced lipogenesis.     

In vivo immunomodulatory effects of plant flavonoids in lipopolysaccharide-challenged broilers

Plant flavonoids are generally regarded as natural replacers of synthetic growth promoters in poultry production. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of plant flavonoids, such as genistein and hesperidin, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 700 21-day-old commercial Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned into six treatment groups, each having six pens of 20 chicks/pen. Chicks were fed a basal diet without any additive (control, CON), 5 mg genistein/kg feed (G5), 20 mg hesperidin/kg (H20), or a basal diet with a combination of genistein and hesperidin (1 : 4) with doses of 5 mg/kg feed (GH5), 10 mg/kg (GH10) and 20 mg/kg (GH20) for 6 weeks. Half of the birds from each treatment were separated, and either challenged with 0·9% sodium chloride solution or Escherichia coli LPS (250 μg/kg BW) on days 16, 18 and 20. The results showed that both genistein and hesperidin improved (P<0.01) the plasma antioxidant status of growing broilers, by increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreasing malondialdehyde production. LPS challenge further increased (P<0.05) TAOC and SOD levels. Regardless of LPS challenge, both genistein and hesperidin improved the humoral and mucosal immunity by increasing the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers (P<0.01), as well as anti-Newcastle disease and anti-avian influenza antibody titers (P<0.05). Supplementation of both the plant flavonoids generally increased (P<0.05) the immune organs indices (spleen, thymus and bursa). Thus, supplementation of basal diet of broiler chicks, either with genistein or hesperidin, improved immune and antioxidant status of growing broilers. In addition, combined supplementation of both the flavonoids showed further improvement than individual compounds.     

Effects of dietary chromium picolinate and peppermint essential oil on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress conditions

A study was conducted using 240 female day-old broiler chicks to evaluate the effects of dietary chromium picolinate (CrPic), peppermint essential oil (P.mint), or their combination on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of female broiler chicks raised under heat stress conditions (HS, 23.9 to 38 °C cycling). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were obtained from 1 to 42 days of age. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment (day 42), birds were bled to determine some blood biochemical parameters and weighed for final body weight (BW). ADFI, ADG, and BW were not influenced significantly by dietary CrPic and P.mint (P?>?0.05). A significant interaction between dietary CrPic and P.mint on FCR (P?=?0.012) was detected. FCR significantly decreased in chicks fed the diet including both CrPic and P.mint compared with the CrPic group. Significant interaction between dietary P.mint and CrPic on serum concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, and albumin were observed (P?<?0.05), but the other measured blood biochemical parameters were not statistically affected by dietary treatments (P?>?0.05). The serum concentrations of glucose, triglycerides were decreased (P?<?0.05) in broilers fed the diet including both CrPic and P.mint. Plasma chromium (Cr) content increased significantly (P?<?0.05) in birds fed the CrPic-included diet compared with the control group (P?<?0.05). From the results of the present experiment it can be concluded that dietary supplementation with combined P.mint and CrPic could have beneficial effects on some blood biochemical parameters of female chicks reared under heat stress conditions.     

Role of Selenium from Different Sources in Prevention of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Syndrome in Broiler Chickens

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) syndrome in broilers is associated with hypoxia, which prevails at high altitude. Oxidative stress is the pathogenic mechanism underlying PAH. Because selenium is key element in the structure of antioxidant enzymes, we evaluated pulmonary hypertensive responses in broiler chickens fed with diets supplemented with organic or nano-selenium. One hundred forty-four broilers (starting at 5 days old) were fed with (i) control group: birds received a standard diet; (ii) nano-selenium group: birds were fed with basal diet supplemented with nano-selenium at 0.3 mg/kg; and (iii) organic selenium group: birds received basal diet supplemented with organic selenium at 0.3 mg/kg. We assessed growth performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant variables, blood parameters, and small intestine morphology. Although Se supplementation did not affect growth performance, carcass traits, and organ weight (P > 0.05), the right to total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV), malondialdehyde concentration in the liver, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio were significantly lower in the nano-selenium group relative to the control (P < 0.05). Chickens that received nano-selenium also elicited significantly higher antibody titers after 24 h of an injection of sheep red blood cells (P < 0.05). Nano-selenium supplementation also significantly increased villus height, absorptive surface area, and lamina propria thickness relative to the control (P < 0.05) in different segments of the small intestine. In contrast, organic selenium supplement improved intestinal morphometry only in the jejunum. We conclude that dietary supplementation of 0.30 mg/kg nano-selenium could prevent right ventricular hypertrophy as reflected by reduced RV:TV, reduced levels of lipid peroxidation in the liver, and improved gut function.     

Changes of the Serum Cytokine Contents in Broilers Fed on Diets Supplemented with Nickel Chloride

Cytokines are immunoregulatory proteins which play an important role in the immune system. The purpose of this study was to examine the serum cytokine contents including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induced by dietary nickel chloride in broilers by enzyme-linked immunospecific assay. A total of 240 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn–soybean basal diet as control diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of nickel chloride. During the experimental period of 42 days, the results showed that the serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α contents were lower (p?<?0.05 or p?<?0.01) in the 300, 600, 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. It was concluded that dietary nickel chloride in the range of 300 to 900 mg/kg could reduce the serum cytokine contents, which could finally impact the immune function in broilers.     

Suppressive Effects of Dietary High Fluorine on the Intestinal Development in Broilers

Fluoride (F) is a well-recognized hazardous substance. Ingested F initially acts locally on the intestines. The small intestine plays a critical role in the digestion, absorption, and defense. In this study, therefore, we investigated the effects of fluorine on the intestinal development by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and histochemistry. A total of 280 one-day-old avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine, 22.6 mg/kg) or the same basal diet supplemented with 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II, and III) in the form of sodium fluoride for 42 days. The results showed that the intestinal gross, histological, and ultrastructural changes were observed in the high fluorine groups II and III. Meanwhile, the intestinal length, weight, viscera index, villus height, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, diameter, muscle layer thickness, and goblet cell numbers were significantly lower (p?<?0.01 or p?<?0.05), and the intestinal diameter to villus height ratio was markedly higher (p?<?0.01 or p?<?0.05) in the high fluorine groups II and III than those in control group. In conclusion, dietary fluorine in the range of 800–1,200 mg/kg obviously altered the aforementioned parameters of the intestines, implying that the intestinal development was suppressed and the intestinal functions, such as digestion, absorption, defense, or osmoregulation were impaired in broilers.     

An l-Arginine supplement improves broiler hypertensive response and gut function in broiler chickens reared at high altitude

An experiment was carried out to examine the effects of supplemental dietary arginine (ARG) on growth, hypertensive response, and gut function in broilers reared at high altitude (2,100 m). A total of 120 day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) were divided equally into two treatment groups. Treatments included a control basal diet composed of corn and soybean meal and an experimental diet to which an l-ARG supplement was added at 10 g/kg. The trial lasted for 42 days. There were no treatment differences with regard to feed intake, body weight gain, or feed conversion ratio. However ARG supplementation did increase the plasma concentration of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator (P?<?0.05), and attenuated indices of pulmonary hypertension as reflected by reductions in the hematocrit and the right to total ventricular weight ratio (P?<?0.05). Significantly enhanced intestinal mucosal development was observed in broilers receiving ARG supplement when compared with controls (P?<?0.05), suggesting that ARG supplementation increased the absorptive surface area of the jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, broiler diets supplemented with ARG beneficially improved pulmonary hemodynamics and appeared to enhance gut function.     

Effect of polyphenols extracted from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed coat on pathophysiological changes and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase activity in heat-stressed broilers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of polyphenols extracted from the tamarind seed coat (PETSC) on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, red blood cell parameters and bilirubin in heat-stressed broilers. One hundred forty-seven broilers, 18-days old were divided into two groups. In group 1, broilers were maintained at an environmental temperature of 26?±?2 °C throughout the experimental period. In group 2, the broilers were maintained at 38?±?2 °C (cyclic temperature: 26?±?2 °C; ?38?±?2 °C; and ?26?±?2 °C, and broilers were maintained at 38?±?2 °C for 6 h/ day) and received PETSC at a concentration of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 mg/kg in their diet ad libitum. Parameters were investigated on days 1, 7, 14 and 21 of the experimental period. Results showed that GPx activity of heat-stressed broilers that received 100 mg/kg of PETSC in their diet was lower (P?<?0.05) than that in broilers fed the other concentrations. The mean total red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration of heat-stressed broilers that received 100 mg/kg PETSC was higher (P?<?0.05) than those in broilers in group 1 and those fed the other concentrations. The mean bilirubin level in the excreta of heat-stressed broilers that received 100 mg/kg of PETSC was lower (P?<?0.05) than that in broilers that received 0, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg of PETSC. This showed that PETSC could reduce GPx activity and bilirubin in feces, and increase red blood cell parameters in heat-stressed broilers.     

Influence of Phytase Transgenic Corn on the Intestinal Microflora and the Fate of Transgenic DNA and Protein in Digesta and Tissues of Broilers

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of phytase transgenic corn (PTC) on intestinal microflora, and the fate of transgenic DNA and protein in the digesta and tissues of broilers. A total of 160 1-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly assigned to 20 cages (8 chicks per cage) with 10 cages (replicates) for each treatment. Birds were fed with a diet containing either PTC (54.0% during 1–21 days and 61.0% during 22–42 days) or non-transgenic isogenic control corn (CC) for a duration of 42 days. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between birds fed with the PTC diets and those fed with the CC diets in the quantities of aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, colibacillus and lactobacilli, or microbial diversities in the contents of ileum and cecum. Transgenic phyA2 DNA was not detected, but phyA2 protein was detected in the digesta of duodenum and jejunum of broilers fed with the PTC diets. Both transgenic phyA2 DNA and protein fragments were not found in the digesta of the ileum and rectum, heart, liver, kidney, and breast or thigh muscles of broilers fed with the PTC diets. It was concluded that PTC had no adverse effect on the quantity and diversity of gut microorganisms; Transgenic phyA2 DNA or protein was rapidly degraded in the intestinal tract and was not transferred to the tissues of broilers.     

Impact of an energy- and nutrient-reduced diet containing 10% lignocellulose on animal performance,body composition and egg quality of dual purpose laying hens

In response to ethical concerns regarding the killing of day-old male chicks of layer breeds, the use of dual purpose chickens is increasingly discussed in public while data on nutritional requirements of dual purpose laying hens are not available. The present study examined the impact of an energy- and nutrient-reduced diet containing lignocellulose on performance, body composition and egg quality of dual purpose hens. Female Lohmann Dual chicks were allocated to 12 pens and fed two different diets for 52 weeks: a control (CON) and a treatment diet (LC), based on CON but diluted with 10% lignocellulose. During the trial, animal performance, whole-body composition and egg quality parameters of hens were consistently ascertained. The results showed that LC-fed hens had lower body weights compared to those receiving CON (p < 0.05). During the laying period, feed intake was increased in LC-fed hens (p < 0.001). LC-fed hens showed a higher egg production and egg mass resulting in an improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05) and laid smaller eggs compared to CON-fed hens (p < 0.001). At 52 weeks of age, bodies of LC-fed hens had higher protein and lower fat contents than those fed with CON diet (p ≤ 0.001). Mean body weight was positively correlated to the body fat content (p = 0.004) and body fat content was negatively correlated to the egg production (p = 0.043). Analyses of the egg quality showed that yolk mass at all sampling points and albumen mass at 27 and 42 weeks were lower in hens fed with diet LC compared to those fed with diet CON (p< 0.05). In conclusion, the feeding of energy- and nutrient-reduced diets containing 10% lignocellulose reduced the body fat content and simultaneously improved the laying performance in dual purpose hens.     

Effect of raw and fermented grape seed on growth performance,antioxidant capacity,and cecal microflora in broiler chickens

Grape seed (GS) is a by-product of the fruit juice and wine industry with the potential to be an alternative to synthetic antioxidants due to its antioxidant activity. Agro-industrial residues can be converted to more effective products by solid-state fermentation. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of GS and fermented grape seed (FGS) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and cecal microflora in broiler chickens. A total of 128 female broilers were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each consisting of four replicates of eight birds. Throughout the 42-day feeding period, the birds were fed with soybean-corn based diet (CON), 0.15 g/kg synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) supplemented diet (AO), 5 g/kg GS supplemented diet (GS), and 5 g/kg FGS supplemented diet (FGS). Dietary GS, FGS, and AO supplementation increased the BW (P < 0.05) and average daily weight gain (ADG, P < 0.05) compared with the CON group in the overall period of 42 days. Dietary FGS also increased the ADG (P < 0.05) in the period of 22–42 days compared with the control group. The pH of the breast meat of the chickens fed GS was higher (P < 0.01) than CON and FGS groups. Dietary FGS and AO decreased the b* value (P < 0.01) of breast meat compared with the CON group. Grape seed had the highest serum glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05) and catalase (CAT, P < 0.01) levels among the treatment groups. The FGS also increased serum CAT level (P < 0.01) compared with the AO group. Moreover, dietary FGS supplementation increased Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in the cecum compared with the other treatment groups and decreased Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05) compared with the CON and AO groups. The present findings indicate that GS and FGS can be used in broiler diets as alternatives to synthetic antioxidants.     

Serum cation profile of broilers at various stages of exposure to deoxynivalenol

The present experiment was carried out to investigate if levels of serum cations in broilers are modulated differently at various stages of exposure to deoxynivalenol (DON). Male broiler chicks at 7 days of age were fed a basal diet (0.27 mg of DON; 0.01 mg of zearalenone/kg), or either a low DON diet (1.68 mg of DON; 0.15 mg of zearalenone/kg) or a high DON diet (12.21 mg of DON; 1.09 mg of zearalenone/kg) produced using extracts from Fusarium graminearum cultures. Blood samples from the birds were collected during weeks 2, 4, and 5 of exposure. The high DON diet resulted in lower serum calcium levels compared to the basal diet at all the 3 sampling stages, while the low DON diet resulted in lower serum calcium levels only during weeks 2 and 5. Serum potassium levels were reduced under both the DON diets during weeks 2 and 5, while no diet-associated changes were found for serum levels of magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Under the present experimental conditions, the serum levels of calcium were consistently modulated in the broilers exposed to the DON-contaminated diets. The modulation of serum levels of potassium was, however, dependent upon the stage of exposure to DON.     

Lack of Effect of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Growth Performance and Serum Insulin, Glucose, and Lipoprotein Levels in Broilers Reared Under Heat Stress Condition

This study evaluated the effects of supplemental dietary chromium (Cr) on the performance, carcass traits, and some serum parameters of broilers under a heat stress (23.9 to 37 °C cycling) condition. A total of 150 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) according to a completely randomized design were assigned into five treatment groups. Each treatment consisted of three replicates and each replicate contained ten chicks. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 600, and 1,200 μg kg^?1 Cr in the form of Cr chloride (CrCl₃) and Cr L-methionine from 1 to 49 days of age. Blood samples were collected from two birds in each replicate to determine serum parameters at 35 and 49 days of age. The body mass, feed intake, and conversion ratio were not influenced by dietary Cr (P?>?0.05). Dietary supplementation of Cr from either CrCl₃ or Cr L-methionine caused increased serum concentrations of Cr (P?<?0.05), but had no effect on serum insulin and glucose concentrations at both sampling times (P?>?0.05). Serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also not significantly affected (P?>?0.05) by dietary treatments, whereas total cholesterol concentration decreased in chicks fed Cr L-methionine compared to the control (P?<?0.05).     

Effect of Dietary High Molybdenum on the Cell Cycle and Apoptosis of Kidney in Broilers

The experiment was conducted with the objective of examining the effects of high molybdenum on the cell cycle and apoptosis of kidney in broilers by the methods of flow cytometry. Three hundred 1-day-old Avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups, and fed on diets as follows: control diet (Mo 13 mg/kg) and high molybdenum diets (Mo 500 mg/kg, high molybdenum group I; Mo 1,000 mg/kg, high molybdenum group II; Mo 1,500 mg/kg, high molybdenum group III) for 6 weeks. The results showed that the relative weight of kidney were higher (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01), and the cellular percentages of G₀/G₁ phase were lower, and cellular percentages of S phase and the proliferating index were higher in high molybdenum groups II and III than in control group (P?<?0.01). The percentage of renal cell apoptosis was increased in high molybdenum groups II and III when compared with that of control group (P?<?0.01). Immunohistochemical test showed that there were increased frequencies of positive cells containing Bax protein and decreased frequencies of positive cells containing Bcl-2 protein in high molybdenum groups II and III. It was concluded that dietary high molybdenum (1,000 mg/kg and 1,500 mg/kg) impaired the progression of renal cells from S phase to G₂M phase obviously and induced renal cell apoptosis.