Formic acid as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets: effects on growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbial load.

This study explored the ability of formic acid (FA) to replace antibiotics in broiler chicken diets. It examined how FA affected the chickens' growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and gut bacteria. The experiment randomly assigned 300 one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks to 5 groups, each divided into 6 replicates with 10 unsexed chicks. The following were the treatments: 1st group, negative control (NC): only received a basal diet; 2nd group, positive control (PC): received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 grams of Colistin antibiotic per kilogram of diet; 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups (FA2, FA4, and FA6) these groups received a basal diet along with formic acid added at increasing levels: 2, 4, and 6 Cm3 per kilogram of diet, respectively. Results found no significant differences in live body weight (LBW) or body weight gain (BWG) between treatment groups, except for LBW at one week and BWG at 0 to 1 and 4 to 5 wk of age. No significant variations were found in feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatment groups, excluding FI and FCR at 1 to 2 wk of age. The treatments significantly impacted carcass traits, dressing percentage, breast meat, thigh meat, spleen, giblets, blood levels of urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, and albumin, as well as the activity of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in chicks fed different diets compared to control groups. The addition of FA to the diet significantly impacted antioxidant levels. Also, the FA2 group had the highest total bacterial count (TBC). However, the FA6 group was the opposite; it had the lowest levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Coliform. Supplementing broiler diets with formic acid improves blood parameters, antioxidant activity, and gut bacteria counts, with 4.0 cm³ formic acid/kg diet supplementation promoting optimal broiler health and product quality.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails.

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 wk. Quail egg weights were divided into 3 groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11-12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 d) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final 3 d of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 d at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of 5 that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the 4 storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7 to 10 d. However, no significant interaction was observed-additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, 3 wk, and 6 wk. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either 1 d or 4 d.

Does the dietary supplementation of organic nano-zinc as a growth promoter impact broiler's growth, carcass and meat quality traits, blood metabolites and cecal microbiota?

The present investigation aimed to examine the impact of different dietary organic zinc nanoparticle (ZnNP) levels on gut bacteria, meat quality, growth performance, carcass traits, and blood indicators of broilers. A total of 180 unsexed one-wk broiler chicks (Cobb) were allotted to 3 experimental groups and received a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, and 0.4 mg ZnNPs/Kg diet, respectively. The results showed that, after 38 d of age, the supplementary ZnNPs at a level of 0.4 mg/kg raised body weight and weight gain compared to the control and 0.2 mg ZnNPs/kg diet. The addition of ZnNPs improved the daily feed intake. Some of the carcass characteristics in ZnNPs groups excelled that of the control. ZnNPs treatments gave higher dressing % and decreased (P < 0.05) the cholesterol rates, LDL, and uric acid in the blood. In addition, it gave the best concentrations of ALT and AST. The ZnNPs groups exhibited substantially (P < 0.05) improved moisture and fat values in meat samples. The group given ZnNPs at a concentration of 0.4 mg/kg had a substantially (P < 0.05) lower count of TYMC and E. coli. In conclusion, the high level of ZnNPs (0.4 mg/kg) improved the broilers' performance and some of their carcass traits, enhancing their health and meat quality.

Effect of different energy, protein levels and their interaction on productive performance, egg quality, digestibility coefficient of laying Japanese quails.

For the evaluation of the effects of various quantities of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) (kcal/kg diet) in Japanese quail lay chicken meals on performance, digestion coefficients, and nutritional value. An experiment was undertaken in the summer season; 216 eight-wk-old Japanese quail laying hens were allocated at random to 1 of 9 groups in a factorial design (3 × 3) experiment involving 3 levels of CP (18, 20, and 22%) plus 3 levels of ME (2,800, 2,900, or 3,000 kcal/kg ME diet). The testing period lasted from 8 to 20 wk. The findings demonstrated that the relationship between protein and energy levels significantly impacted all productive outcomes except the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01). Throughout the overall period 8 to 20 wk of age, the greatest measurements of egg weight (11.9 g) and egg mass (8.33 g) occurred in hens fed 20% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet, yet the lowest values of egg weight (11.2 g) and egg mass (6.72 g) were noticed in hens fed 22% CP with 2,900 kcal/kg diet. The data showed that the combination of dietary energy and protein levels had a substantial (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) effect on all egg quality trials evaluated. The results indicated that the interaction between dietary energy and protein concentrations substantially impacted DM and EE digestion ratios (P < 0.01). Finally, when feeding layer Japanese quail between the ages of 8 and 20 wk during the summer, a dietary energy content of 2,900 kcal ME/kg with 20% CP is recommended.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Organic Selenium Nanoparticles on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens.

This study examined how broilers up to 38 days of age fared regarding growth efficiency and carcass characteristics concerning selenium nanoparticle activities (SeNPs). A total of 180 one-week-old broiler (Cobb 500) chicks without sex were randomly allocated into three groups, each with six replications of 10 chicks. The trial took 38 days to complete. The three study dietary groups were fed ad libitum feed and water throughout their 38-day of age, along with corn-and-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0 (control), 1.5, and 2.0 ml SeNPs (concentration = 5%) /kg diet, respectively. According to the current findings, the SeNP supplementation groups had greater body weight, weight gain, and performance indicators than the control group after 38 days of the feeding experiment. The findings demonstrated that dietary interventions did not affect the amount of feed consumed (FC) per chick per day or the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The conclusion is that adding SeNPs to broiler diets at 1.5 or 2.0 ml/kg increased productivity. In contrast, lower levels of selenium (Se) (1.5 ml/kg diet) showed encouraging results and could be employed as a useful feed additive in broilers.

Influences of dietary supplementation of ginger powder and frankincense oil on productive performance, blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status and tissues histomorphology of laying Japanese quail.

The objective of the current study was to ascertain the effect of using ginger powder or frankincense oil at different levels on the production rate, biochemical properties of blood, and immune response of laying Japanese quail housed from 12 to 21 wk of age. Three hundred sexually mature quail (200 females and 100 males) were distributed among 5 groups at 12 wk of age in a completely randomized design. Group 1: received basal diet not including additives and acted as a control group. Groups 2 and 3: received a basal diet with 250 and 500 mg ginger/kg feed, respectively. Groups 4 and 5: received a basal diet with 200 and 400 mg frankincense oil/kg feed, respectively. Results revealed that egg production parameters of laying Japanese quail were not influenced by ginger or frankincense oil added in all groups tested during experimental periods except at the time (15-18 wks.). Moreover, egg weight was significantly increased only during the period (15-18 wks.) and total period (12-21 wk of age), and group 5 recorded the highest weight during the 2 periods studied. Feed additives did not impact feed consumption or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Except for WBCs, Hb, and monocytes, treatments impacted blood hematological parameters. Also, blood serum parameters were influenced by feed additives, except total protein, albumin, globulin, and creatinine were not influenced. Moreover, histological examination of the spleen was influenced by feed additives. It is concluded that utilizing frankincense oil or ginger powder in diets of laying Japanese quails enhanced blood serum properties and improved reproductive and productive performance.

Rice Bran as an Alternative Feedstuff in Broiler Nutrition and Impact of Liposorb® and Vitamin E-Se on Sustainability of Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Biochemistry, and Antioxidant Indices.

The impact of dietary rice bran with or without feed additives on the performance, carcasses, and blood profiles of chickens was examined. A total of 245 unsexed one-week-old broiler chicks were divided into seven groups, with seven replications of five chicks each. The treatments were: (1) control, (2) 5% rice bran, (3) 5% rice bran + 0.5 g/kg of Liposorb®, (4) 5% rice bran + 1 g/kg of vitamin E-Se, (5) 10% rice bran, (6) 10% rice bran + 0.5 g/kg Liposorb®, and (7) 10% rice bran + 1 g/kg of vitamin E-selenium. Considering the entire experimental period, it did not affect the in vivo performance of the broilers. However, all the experimental diets decreased dressing % compared with the control (p < 0.01) and the worst values were obtained for the 10% RB groups (75.7, 75.9, and 75.8%, respectively, for 10%RB, 10%RB + Liposorb, and 10%RB + Vit. E-Se groups). All the experimental diets decreased (p < 0.01) the albumin/globulin ratio due to an increased level of serum globulins. Differences in lipid profiles, antioxidants, and immunity parameters in plasma were not related to dietary treatments. In conclusion, the use of rice bran up to 10% in diets had no harmful effect on the overall growth performance of the broilers from 1 to 5 weeks of age. Still, carcass characteristics were negatively affected, except for heart percentage. In addition, the supplementation of Liposorb® or vitamin E-Se to rice bran diets did not recover these harmful effects. Thus, rice bran could be utilized at 10% in broiler diets when growth performance was considered; further research is required.

Efficacy of in ovo delivered resveratrol (Trans 3, 4, 5-trihydroxystilbene) on growth, carcass weights, and blood metabolites of broiler chicks.

This research aimed to determine the impact of in ovo resveratrol (RV) (Trans.3, 4, 5-trihydroxystilbene) injection on performance, carcass weights, and blood constituents in Cobb chicks. A total of 300 fertile broiler breeder eggs were divided into five treatments as 60 eggs in each group, with 6 replicates (10 eggs each). The groups were as follows: (1) negative control (without additive), (2) positive control (saline injection), (3) 1.5 mg RV, 4) 3.0 mg RV, and (5) 4.5 mg in ovo RV injections. Significant changes were found in the amount of forage consumed per day, and the feed conversion ratio between treatment groups. RV injection significantly altered the parameters of the complete lipid profile, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins, in plasma. RV injection significantly affected blood biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, and globulin in broiler chicken plasma. Liver and kidney functions were influenced by the injection of RV eggs into broiler chickens. The antioxidant enzymes also changed significantly after RV injection. Moreover, in egg injection from RV the immunogenicity (IgG and IgM) in broiler chickens were significantly altered. In conclusion, in ovo injection with RV significantly improved liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, and immune function in Cobb broilers.

Effect of dietary modulation of fiber and fat level on liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant and immune parameters in growing Egyptian geese.

Determining the optimal requirements from dietary fiber and fat for Egyptian geese is a matter of great concern regarding health, production and growth. Therefore, the current study estimated the effects of different dietary fiber and fat levels on functions of liver and kidney, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant measurements of the growing Egyptian geese. 150 Egyptian goslings (4 weeks old), with almost the same body weights were randomly allocated into 6 groups (25 goslings/group). All groups were subdivided into five replicates, each replicate contains five geese. Liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant parameters were not significantly affected the different studied levels of fiber and fat or by their interaction. Various levels of fiber significantly affected total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in a concentration-dependent manner and the lowest the lipid profile values were obtained at 12%. In conclusion, the present findings show that use of dietary fiber up to 12% and 5% dietary fat showed no detrimental effects on the immune status and general health of geese and resulted in the preferable lipid profile. This experiment provides a base for further study about the optimal requirements from dietary fiber and fat for the growing Egyptian geese.

Influences of total sulfur amino acids and photoperiod on growth, carcass traits, blood parameters, meat quality and cecal microbial load of broilers.

The current study aimed to discuss the impact of total sulfur amino acids (TSAA) %, photoperiod, and their interaction on growth performance, carcass and blood indices of broiler chicks. A total of 300 unsexed IR broiler chicks one-week old were used in a factorial arrangement (2 × 3), including two photoperiod systems (22 L: 2 D and 16 L: 8 D) and three experimental rations having three grades of Met + Cyst (TSAA) (70%, 85% and 100% of digestible lysine in starter and finisher diets). Results revealed that the higher LBW and BWG were noticed in birds given TSAA at grades of 1.1 or 0.90 % under 22L: 2D photoperiod at five weeks of age and the whole experimental period (1-5 weeks of age), respectively. The highest live body weight (LBW (and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded in birds received 1.1% TSAA under the long photoperiod compared to the control and the other groups. Birds fed 1.3% TSAA consumed more feed than the other groups. The opposite was found in birds fed 1.1% TSAA under the short photoperiod (16L: 8D). The best feed conversion (FCR) was detected by birds fed 1.1% and 0.90% TSAA diets during the whole experimental period. All carcass traits studied were significantly influenced by TSAA levels, except for the relative weights of abdominal fat and spleen. The interaction effect on was significant on all carcass traits except spleen %. In conclusion, the addition of TSAA at level 1.1 and 0.9 % to starter and finisher diets under a long photoperiod regime improved broiler's performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters studied.

Early nutrition programming with Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide: its effect on growth, carcasses, immunity, antioxidants, lipid profile and liver and kidney functions in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to determine the influence of in ovo injection of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide on growth, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcasses, hematology, and blood metabolites in Cobb 500 chicks. At the 7th day of incubation, a total of 250 eggs were randomly divided into five groups with 5 replications of 10 eggs of each: negative control (normal eggs), positive control (0.5 mL saline), 1.5 mg Astragalus membranaceus, 3.0 mg Astragalus membranaceus, and 4.5 mg in ovo Astragalus membranaceus injection. Live body weight and gain were not significantly (linear and quadratic) affected by in ovo injection of Astragalus membranaceus. Kidney and liver functions were influenced by in ovo injection of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides in broiler chickens. Antioxidant enzymes were quadratically increased with Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides, and the highest values achieved with 4.5 mg. The MDA concentration was linearly and quadratically decreased with in ovo injection of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides when compared to negative control. The highest values of IgG and IgM were achieved with 1.5 mg Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides when compared to all other groups. In conclusion, our results indicate that in ovo injection of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides 1.5-4.5 mg in broiler eggs significantly improved serum ALT, AST, AP, creatinine enzymes, antioxidant activity, and immune function.

Effects of in ovo injection of Astragalus kahericus polysaccharide on early growth, carcass weights and blood metabolites in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to determine the impact of in ovo Astragalus kahericus polysaccharide (AKP) injections on performance, carcass weights, and blood constituents in Cobb chicks. Un-sexed 1 day broiler chicks (250) were divided into five treatment groups with five replicates of 10 chicks per group. The groups were as follows: (1) negative control (without additive), (2) positive control (saline injection), (3) 1.5 mg AKP, (4) 3.0 mg AKP, and (5) 4.5 mg in ovo AKP injections. Apart from the control groups, no significant changes in body weight at 3 and 5 weeks of age, and daily weight gains during 0-3 weeks of age were detected among the treatment groups. Daily feed consumption was decreased in AKP groups, while feed conversion ratio was improved with AKP when compared to the PC. AKP injections significantly altered the lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins in the plasma (p < 0.05); but there were no statistical differences in HDL (p > 0.001). AKP injections significantly impacted biochemical blood parameters, including total protein, albumin, and globulin, in broiler chicken plasma (p < 0.05). Liver and kidney functions were influenced by in ovo AKP injections in broilers. Antioxidant enzymes also changed significantly after in ovo injection with AKP. Moreover, in ovo injection of AKP significantly altered immunity (IgG and IgM) in broilers. In conclusion, in ovo injection of AKP significantly improved liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, and immune function in broilers.

Effect of different levels of pomegranate peel powder and probiotic supplementation on growth, carcass traits, blood serum metabolites, antioxidant status and meat quality of broilers.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary pomegranate peel powder (PPP) and probiotic bacteria (PB) on the growth rate, carcass traits, blood serum metabolites, and meat quality of Ross broiler chickens during 1-5 weeks of age. A total of 480 unsexed Ross broiler chicks 7-days old with the beginning bodyweight of 110.58 ± 0.17 g were employed in a complete randomized purpose trail with eight groups; 60 chicks in six replicates (8 × 6 × 10). The dietary treatments were as follows: NC: negative group (without additives) group one; PC: positive control (main diet + 0.5 g Colostin antibiotic/kg feed); PPP 3-5: basal diet + 2, 3, 4 g pomegranate peel powder/kg diet and PPP 6-8: basal diet + 2, 3, 4 g pomegranate peel powder + 1 cm3 probiotic (Bacillus toyonensis (BT)/kg diet, respectively. The results showed that live body weight (LBW) at five weeks and body weight gain (BWG) during 1-5 weeks of age were affected by adding PPP in the ration and the good grads of PPP were 2 and 4 g PPP without PB/kg diet compared to NC and PC, respectively. Otherwise, daily feed conception (DFC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by adding the different grads of PPP with or without PB, except the first period of DFC (1-3 weeks of old) were affected. Results showed a significant effect on all carcass characteristics studied, except gizzard and abdominal fat ratio were not influenced by the treatment used. Likewise, the addition of PPP to broiler chicken diets has a good effect on almost the blood serum metabolites, immunological parameters and quality of meat studied. In the end, the outcome of this study concluded that the addition of PPP to broiler diets has a good effect on the growth rate, blood serum metabolites, immunological parameters and the quality of meat as well as the health aspects.

Consequences of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics and biochemical parameters of growing geese.

This research aimed to investigate the effect of varying dietary crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) quantity on growth, carcass characteristics, biochemical blood parameters and molecular aspects of growing geese. Overall, a total of 180 Egyptian goslings were used in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Two levels of CP (18% and 16%) and three levels of ME (3000, 2900 and 2800 kcal/kg diet) were employed. Growth traits showed no significant differences as a result of different CP or ME levels. Birds fed the higher CP level consumed more feed than the lower. Carcass, dressing, heart, spleen, abdominal fat and thigh percentages within the group fed 18% CP were higher than the other group. Compared with the other ME-based diet, geese fed a low-ME based diet had the highest heart percentage. Feeding growing geese on a 2900 Kcal/kg ME-based diet increased the serum content of total protein and globulin. Geese fed the high-ME diet showed the highest levels of ALP and C4 as compared with other ME levels. Regarding Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), different protein and energy levels did not affect the molecular weight of blood proteins of Egyptian geese during the growing phase. It could be concluded the levels of 16% CP and 2800 kcal/kg ME are enough to maintain the growth performance and the other physiological indices as well as molecular aspects.

Productive performance, fertility and hatchability, blood indices and gut microbial load in laying quails as affected by two types of probiotic bacteria.

This study investigated two kinds of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus toyonensis, B1 and Bifidobacterium bifidum, B2) on laying Japanese quail's performance, egg quality, fertility and hatchability, blood biochemical characteristics and microbiological parameters. A total of 270 mature quails (180 females and 90 males) were distributed into ten groups in a completely randomized design at eight weeks of age. The experimental groups were as follows: T1: basal diet only (control); T2-T5, basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.125% B1, respectively; T6: basal diet plus 0.10% B2; T7-T10: basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.125% B1 plus 0.05% B2, respectively. Results revealed that egg number (EN) and egg weight (EW) were gradually increased (P < 0.01) as the levels of both probiotic types increased. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P < 0.05) better within the total experimental period (8-20 weeks) due to B1 alone or/with B2 supplementation. Values of yolk percentage (Y%) were statistically (P < 0.01) higher only at 8-20 weeks of age and T10 recorded the highest value. By increasing the level of probiotics, fertility and hatchability percentages (F% and H%) were gradually increased (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Creatinine (CR) level was statistically reduced in birds fed T4 diet. Also, urea-N and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were reduced in treated birds. The opposite was found regarding alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusively, using B1 and B2 enhanced the productive performance, some egg quality traits, fertility and hatchability, digestive enzyme activities, and reduced the harmful bacteria in the gut of laying Japanese quail. Our findings could recommend to apply T4 (basal diet + 0.10 % B1), T6 (basal diet + 0.10% B2) and T9 (basal diet + 0.10% B1 + 0.05% B2) levels for the best results.

Effect of graded levels of dietary Bacillus toyonensis and Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation on growth, carcass traits and ileal histomorphometry and microbiota of growing quails.

This experiment investigated the role of graded dietary levels of two probiotic strains (Bacillus toyonensis; BT and Bifidobacterium bifidum; BB) on the growth rate, carcass traits, physiological and histological aspects of growing Japanese quail. One thousand and three hundred sixty one-day-old un-sexed Japanese quail chicks were distributed randomly into ten groups. The 1st group served as a control and fed the basal diet without supplement while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th groups received the control diet supplemented with 0.05, 0.075, 0.10 and 0.125% BT, respectively. The 6th group fed the control diet plus 0.10% BB while the remaining groups (7th to 10th) received the basal diet incorporated with the previous levels of BT rich with 0.05% BB. Dietary supplementation of BT and/or BB increased body weight and gain; however, feed intake and feed conversion were not affected. Amylase activity was significantly elevated in 5th, 7th and 9th groups, while lipase activity was improved in all treatment groups except 3rd and 6th groups. Results obtained concluded that dietary supplementation of BT with or without BB is useful for performance, digestive enzyme activities, blood cholesterols, antioxidant status and ileal histomorphometry and microbiota of growing Japanese quail.

Impacts of Supplementing Broiler Diets with Biological Curcumin, Zinc Nanoparticles and Bacillus licheniformis on Growth, Carcass Traits, Blood Indices, Meat Quality and Cecal Microbial Load.

The current study aimed to investigate the influence of dietary zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs), and Bacillus licheniformis (Bl) on the growth, carcass, blood metabolites, and the count of some cecal microorganisms of Indian River (IR) broilers. Chicks were allotted into seven experimental groups: control group, 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups were given diets enriched with ZnNPs, CurNPs and Bl (3.0, 5.0 and 2.0 cm3/kg diet, respectively). The 4th, 5th and 6th groups were given diets supplemented with ZnNPs (3.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZP); ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) (ZC) and ZnNPs (3.0) + CurNPs (5.0) + Bl (2.0) (ZCP) cm3/kg diet, respectively. The results revealed that ZnNPs and CurNPs exhibited a considerable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. They also inhibited the growth of microbes in a range of 50-95 µg/mL. The diet supplemented with ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl increased the body weight compared to the control after five weeks of age. Additionally, values of daily feed intake increased in these groups; however, the feed conversion ratio decreased. All values of carcass traits were better than that of the control. The treatments led to decreased abdominal lipids compared to the control. The activity of liver enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased in the treated groups. In a converse trend, the levels of oxidative enzymes, amylase, protease, lipase and immunoglobulin were higher than that of the control. Meat quality properties were improved and cecal microbial counts were decreased. In conclusion, the ZnNPs, CurNPs, and Bl improved the broiler's weights, carcass traits, meat quality traits, as well as some blood indices and cecal microbial load. Therefore, the inclusion of ZnNPs, CurNPs, or Bl is recommended for broiler feeding regimens to improve the performance and health status.

Effects of dried okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) powder on growth, carcass characteristics, blood indices, and meat quality of stored broiler meat.

The present study investigated the impacts of dried okra fruit powder (DOFP), used as a natural feed supplement, on growth, carcass, blood, and meat quality parameters of broilers. A total of 240 unsexed, one-week-old chicks were randomly allotted to 4 equal groups with 6 replicates in each group (i.e., 10 birds/replicate). The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control, and 3 DOFP groups, supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g DOFP/kg feed, respectively. The results showed that the highest values of live body weight and body weight gain were observed in the group with 1.0 g of DOFP/kg of feed during the fifth week of age and between 1 and 5 wk of age, respectively. During 1 to 3 wk of age, daily feed consumption of chicks fed DOFP-supplemented diets increased numerically with increasing DOFP levels. Dietary treatments significantly depressed liver, thigh, and dressing fat percentages. Chicks fed the diet containing 1.0 g of DOFP/kg of feed had the lowest values for serum urea and creatinine compared with the other treatment group. In addition, the concentration of liver enzymes decreased with increasing DOFP levels, except for the groups fed 3.0 and 1.0 g of DOFP/kg of diet. Oxidative rancidity of broiler meat samples containing DOFP in their diets was lower than that of the control samples, throughout the storage period. It can be concluded that DOFP is a useful phytogenic additive, which can lower the percentage of abdominal fat of the carcass, as well as alanine aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine in the blood. Furthermore, all sensory characteristics of the meat were improved by the addition of DOFP to broiler diets. It could be concluded that DOFP can be used as a natural supplement in broiler diets for improving growth performance and reducing abdominal fat, blood creatinine, and urea.

Effect of Dietary Protein and Tsaa Levels on Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Composition and Some Blood Components of Egyptian Geese During the Rearing Period.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein, total sulfur amino acids (TSAA), methionine and cystine (M + C) and their interaction on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood components and meat quality of Egyptian geese. A total number of 144 geese at twelve weeks of age were randomly divided into 9 groups (16 birds/each group), each group of birds was sub-divided into 4 replicates, each of 4 birds. There was a significant increase in the bodyweight of geese due to protein and M + C levels (p < 0.01). The studied levels of M + C affected significantly on weight gain of growing geese at the early period of 12-18 wk of age. Feed intake was increased with high dietary levels of CP % or M + C (p < 0.05). There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in percentages of carcass, liver, dressing, breast and wing with high dietary protein level as compared to a moderate or low level. A high level of dietary protein led to increase in concentrations of total protein and albumin, while total lipids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were decreased with increasing level of protein (p < 0.01). Fat percentage of breast muscle was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased with increasing M + C levels. Protein % of breast muscle was increased with increasing protein levels. Finally, it can be concluded that the consumption of diets with high levels of protein or M + C can improve the bodyweight, feed conversion ratio, carcass and meat composition of Egyptian geese during the rearing period (12-24 wk of age).

The Influences of Various Housing Systems on Growth, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Immunity and Oxidative Stress of Meat-Type Ducks.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different housing systems on Pekin ducks. A total of 300-day old Pekin ducklings were randomly divided into four experimental groups; the first housed in a closed house (CH), the second in closed house with open yard (HY), the third group in closed house with swimming pool (CHSP) and the fourth in a closed house with swimming pool and yard (HYSP). Results indicated that the HYSP and CHSP produced higher body weight comparing to the other groups. However, the HYSP gave the highest body weight followed by CHSP then HY and CH. The same trend was observed regarding weight gain and feed-conversion ratio (FCR). Moreover, HYSP, HY and CHSP showed higher dressing percentage, breast muscles and thighs and lower abdominal fat than the CH group. Serum protein was significantly higher in HYSP and HY than that of the closed house. While, lipids, cholesterol and triacylglycerol were significantly lower in groups housed in HY than that of CH. Meat cholesterol and triacylglycerol reduced in groups reared in HY. Housing ducklings in yards and using swimming pools significantly improved the general immunity (phagocytic index and activity and differential leucocytes count), and also improved the oxidative stress parameters. In conclusion, results confirmed that housing ducks in a house supplied with yard and swimming pool can improve its productivity, carcass traits, meat quality, blood lipid profile, immunity and antioxidative status.