A conventional hatchery vs "on-farm" hatching of broiler chickens in terms of microbiological and microclimatic conditions.

"On-farm hatching" is one of the proposed alternatives to conventional hatchery-hatching. This solution reduces distress and improves the welfare of the chicks around the hatching period. Therefore, it seemed interesting to compare conventional hatchery and "on-farm" hatching in terms of microbiological and microclimatic conditions. Hatching eggs (Ross 308) were incubated in a commercial hatchery. The control group (HH, 683 eggs) hatched in a conventional hatcher, while the other eggs were transported into the experimental chicken-hall for on-farm hatching, and set in pens directly on litter (OL, 667 eggs) or plastic trays (OT, 678 eggs). One-day-old chicks were also placed in the experimental hall. Microclimatic parameters were controlled every 12 h. The microbiological status of the surface of the eggshells and the litter was assessed based on the total number of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and also the selected individual genus/species of bacteria. The hatchability of HH was 96.4% in comparison to 93.9% and 95.8% for OL and OT, respectively (P > 0.05). On the other hand, 2.1% of the HH chicks were found injured/dead, while only 0.2-0.3% of the on-farm groups were. The total number of aerobic mesophilic microflora on the surface of as-hatched shells was 4.93 ± 0.629 log CFU/g in HH, while only 1.14 ± 0.995 and 1.93 ± 1.709 log CFU/g in OL and OT, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, the total count of bacteria in the litter in the on-farm hatched pens was 1.9-fold lower than in pens set with HH chicks (P < 0.001). In summary, on-farm hatching results in hatchability that is no worse than in a conventional hatcher, while the microbiological status of as-hatched eggshells and litter is significantly better. Therefore, on-farm hatching seems to provide appropriate environmental conditions for newly hatched chicks and poses no epizootic risk.

Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions.

The objective of this study was to identify and compare the quality characteristics and concentrations of various compounds in eggs from several pure breeds and lines of hens reared under the same environmental conditions and fed a commercial feed. A total of 280 hens aged 52 to 56 wk belonging to 14 different breeds or lines of hens worldwide were included in this study. Their eggs were characterized by wide differences in various egg quality parameters. Breeds and lines of hens with a higher lutein content in eggs were characterized by a lower beta-carotene content (e.g. Hy line brown, Cochin miniature, Ayam Cemani) (P < 0.001). Additionally, vitamin D, cholesterol, and fatty acid contents were also different between eggs, from 1.51 to 1.79 µg/100g; from 14.1 to 15.4 mg/g fat, PUFA from 19.6 to 22.8 g/100g fat, and SFA from 32.8 to 37.8 g/100g fat respectively (P < 0.001). Lysozyme content also exhibited significant variation among breeds, with some showing a 2-fold higher content in eggs compared to others (0.31% - cochin miniature, 0.66% Faverolle) (P < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that intensively selected hen breeds like Hy-line Brown Hybrid had an improved egg quality seen by the increase in many parameters (e.g., egg weight, Haugh unit, Lutein, vitamins D, MUFA) compared to pure breed hens. In conclusion, genetic differences between breeds and lines of hens have a significant impact on the quality of eggs.

Research Note: Amylase supplementation improves starch and amino acids digestibility of faba bean for broilers.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of amylase on the nutritional value and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN) of faba bean (FB) seeds in broiler chicken nutrition. The study was conducted on a total of 84, one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308). The birds were fed a reference corn-soybean meal diet form d 1 to 16, and they were divided into three groups (1st day). The first group (1) was fed the same reference diet as in the first part, whereas 50% of the reference diet was replaced by FB seeds in experimental groups (2 and 3). Group 3 was supplemented with amylase, which contained 0.14 g/kg dry matter (DM). At the end of the study period, excreta and digesta samples were collected from all groups to estimate the nutritional value. Some fraction of starch found in the seeds was part of starch which is resistant to digestion (143.9 g/kg DM). The addition of exogenous amylase to the diet increased the apparent ileal digestibility of DM, CP, and starch in FB seeds. The AMEN value increased as a result of enzyme addition (P < 0.05). The group 3 showed higher apparent ileal digestibility of essential amino acids (Lys, Leu, Phe, His) as well as nonessential amino acids (Tyr, Ala, Pro) in FB seeds. It could be concluded that FB seeds supplemented with exogenous amylase have a greater nutrition value for broiler chickens.

Effect of weight and storage time of broiler breeders' eggs on morphology and biochemical features of eggs, embryogenesis, hatchability, and chick quality.

The transfer of hatchability results obtained under experimental conditions to the commercial ground with a positive financial effect proves the value and usefulness of these data. On the other hand, finding results on commercial processes of broiler breeders' egg incubation in the literature is challenging. The presented study aimed to determine the effects of egg weight and storage time on the physical, biochemical characteristics of hatching eggs, embryogenesis and hatchability in Ross 308 broiler breeders. On the laying day, the eggs were divided into four weight groups: S - small eggs (57-61 g), M - medium eggs (62-66 g), L - large eggs (67-71 g), and XL - extra-large eggs (72-76 g). The eggs were then stored for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days under controlled conditions. As the egg storage time increased, a decrease in the yolk quality (lower index) was observed. The highest Haugh units were found in eggs from the S and M groups. The cholesterol content of the M, L, and XL groups was lower on days 7, 14, and 21 as compared to that of eggs only stored for 3 days. Egg weight loss during incubation decreased with an increase in the egg weight. An extension of the egg storage time caused an increase in the loss of egg weight. On the 14th and 18th days of hatching, an increase in the eggshell temperature was noted with an increase in the weight of the egg. The eggs stored for 7 days were characterised by the highest shell temperature on each day. The highest hatchability percentage was recorded for the M group. The hatchability rate decreased with the prolongation of the storage time, while the number of crippled chicks after hatching increased. The results confirmed that the increased weight of the eggs and prolonged storage time (14 and 21 days) increased the weight and decreased the length of the newly hatched chicks, respectively. Chicks from the heaviest eggs and those stored for 14 and 21 days showed poor results on the Pasgar score® test. The observations indicate the need to adopt various (of those available) methods to assess the quality of newly hatched chicks in hatcheries in order to produce high-quality broiler chickens. The results also indicate that prolonged egg storing beyond 14 days may affect the thyroid hormone economy during the hatching of chicks, especially in the XL group.

Assessment of crop usage in ad libitum fed birds and short-term phytase efficiency as affected by acid addition.

1. A field assessment was performed to map the extent of crop usage and thus retention time in broiler chickens. In addition, a broiler experiment was carried out to study the short-term effect of acid addition on phytase efficacy in the crop.2. In the field assessment, the crop content of 40 ad libitum fed broiler chickens from 4 different farms were sampled at 10, 20 and 30 d of age. The dry matter (DM) content varied from 0 to 32 g.3. From 11 d of age, 120 individually caged chickens were intermittently fed a high phytate-P diet with either no addition or 500 FYT C. braakii-derived phytase added or both phytase and 1.4% formic acid added. Excreta were collected for assessment of phosphorus (P) retention. At 20 and 21 d of age, starved birds were fed for 1 h, and thereafter crop and gizzard contents were collected every 20 min until 140 min after start of the feeding. At 60 and 140 min, the contents from the jejunum and ileum were collected.4. All diets reduced the concentration of phytate in the crop, however the combination of acid and phytase resulted in a higher degradation (P < 0.05) than the other diets from 20 min after the start of feeding. Simultaneously, the concentration of the smaller inositol phosphate isomers, such as inositol-5-phosphate, increased (P < 0.05). Phytase increased (P < 0.05) P retention, and the combination of acid and phytase increased jejunal P digestibility (P < 0.05) compared to the other diets.5. The results indicated that lower pH in the crop due to acid addition improved phytase efficacy and increased P digestibility in the anterior digestive tract, even with short retention times.

The effect of protease and Bacillus licheniformis on nutritional value of pea, faba bean, yellow lupin and narrow-leaved lupin in broiler chicken diets.

1. This study investigated the nutritional value (digestibility of ileal crude protein and amino acids (AAs)) and the AMEN value of legumes (pea, faba bean, yellow lupin, and narrow-leaved lupin) with or without protease. 2. Two hundred, one-day-old, male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to ten groups. Each group received one of five different protein raw materials - either peas, faba beans, yellow lupins or narrow-leaved lupins, with or without protease produced from Bacillus licheniformis. The birds were kept in individual cages. Nutrient digestibility was calculated using the difference method. The total duration of the study was 23 d, and the study involved two phases - accommodation phase (d 1-18) and experimental phase (d 18-23). 3. The effect of protease on response traits was not consistent between the legumes. The enzyme increased the digestibility of some AAs in the pea (arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, alanine, and proline), faba bean (lysine, arginine, glycine, and asparagine), and yellow lupin diets (lysine, valine, and serine), but this effect was not observed in the narrow-leaved lupin diet. The change in AMEN values due to protease addition was only statistically significant for the pea diet (P < 0.05), whereas in the case of other legume species, the difference was insignificant (P > 0.05). 4. Exogenous protease increased the digestibility of AAs present in pea, faba bean, and yellow lupin seeds but not in narrow-leaved lupin diets. The AMEN value of peas increased with protease supplementation, but no effect of protease was found for the AMEN values of faba bean and both the lupin diets.

4G versus 3G-enabled telemedicine in prehospital acute stroke care.

BACKGROUND: Time to reperfusion treatment is closely related to outcome in ischemic stroke. Prehospital stroke work-up in CT-equipped mobile stroke units is effective in reducing time to thrombolytic treatment. Current evidence predominantly comes from mobile stroke units staffed with neurologists but telemedicine-guided management may be acceptable for providing neurological expertise in ambulances. With unsatisfactory experiences in third-generation (3G)-based approaches, fourth-generation (4G) networks may provide adequate audio-visual quality but systematic comparisons of technological parameters and decision-making are lacking. METHODS: Trained actors presented stroke symptoms and paramedics assisted the remotely guided extended National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (eNIHSS) assessment on the mobile stroke unit in Berlin, Germany. We compared technical parameters of 4G and 3G connections, assessed audio-visual quality of examination, and analyzed reliability of neurological assessment and treatment decisions made by the remote neurologist versus the mobile stroke unit neurologist. RESULTS: 4G and 3G connections were evaluated in 40 scenarios each. Connectivity was not available in 17% of 4G- and 15% of 3G-attempts with 6% simultaneous unavailability of both networks. The remote examiners graded audio and video quality in 4G better than in 3G with slightly shorter assessment duration in 4G (mean: 9 (SD:5) vs. mean 11 (SD:3) min, p = 0.10). Reliability of the eNIHSS sum scores was high with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.987-1.00) for 4G and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99) for 3G. None of the remote treatment decisions differed from onsite decisions. CONCLUSIONS: 4G mobile communications provided higher quality of video-examination and allowed reliable remote assessment of stroke symptoms but coverage was still incomplete in both networks.

Influence of graded levels of meals from three lupin species on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens.

1. This study investigated the effect of different levels of seeds of lupin species (Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus luteus and Lupinus albus) on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy of poultry diets. 2. A control diet containing corn-soybean meal and test diets containing 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg of three lupin species were fed to broiler chickens during a 35-day study period. There were 10 replicate cages of 8 broiler chickens per treatment. 3. Growth performance of the birds fed with yellow and white lupin diets was found to be similar to that of the birds in the control group. The use of narrow-leaved lupin seeds in the diet quadratically decreased the body weight gain of birds and increased feed conversion ratio during all the experimental periods (0-14, 15-35 and overall 0-35 days of age). 4. A significant interaction between lupin species and their inclusion levels for apparent metabolisable energy and apparent ileal digestibility of starch was observed, showing a negative effect of increasing levels of narrow-leaved lupin. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated that the presence of raffinose and non-starch polysaccharides is a key factor affecting the nutritive value of lupin, 5. Yellow and white lupins could be utilised as an alternative ingredient for soybean meal in the diet of broiler chickens without any adverse effects on growth performance. The narrow-leaved counterpart diet reduced broiler performance, and hence did not provide a satisfactory outcome.

The effect of faba bean extrusion on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolizable energy, excretion of sialic acids and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Soybean meal in broiler chicken diets can partly be replaced by faba bean seeds. Unfortunately, high levels of antinutritional factors and resistant starch found in these seeds can have a detrimental impact on both broiler chickens' performance and nutrient digestibility. It is, however, possible to increase the usefulness of faba bean for broiler nutrition by a technological process known as extrusion. In this study, the authors made and attempt to investigate the effect of different forms of faba bean seeds (raw or extruded) on broiler chicken performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEN), nutrient utilization and meat quality, as well as on the excretion of total and free sialic acids. In the trial, the total of 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used. Experimental birds were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, each containing 10 replication (floor pens); one replication included nine birds. The first group contained 300 g/kg diet of raw faba bean seeds, whereas the second group - 300 g/kg diet of extruded faba bean seeds. The applied extrusion process was found to exert a positive impact and led to a decrease in phytic phosphorus, H, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in studied faba bean seeds. Experimental birds fed diets containing extruded faba bean seeds were characterized by a lower feed intake (2299 g) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) (1.52 g/g) in comparison with the other group (feed intake 2466 g; FCR 1.61 g/g). Extrusion of faba bean seeds improved dry matter retention, dietary AMEN value, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and starch, as well as most amino acids. In addition, the above-mentioned process resulted in a decrease in the excretion of total and free sialic acids. Extruded faba bean seeds failed to have a significant impact on broiler meat quality. It was concluded that application of extrusion can increase the use of faba bean seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

Spectroscopic properties and molecular structure of copper phytate complexes: IR, Raman, UV-Vis, EPR studies and DFT calculations.

The copper phytate IP6Cu, IP6Cu2 and IP6Cu3 complexes were synthesized changing the phytate to metal mole ratio. The obtained products have been characterized by means of chemical and spectroscopic studies. Spectroscopic ATR/IR, FT-Raman, UV-Vis, EPR and magnetic measurements were carried out. The structures of these compounds have been proposed on the basis of the group theory and geometry optimization taking into account the shape and number of the bands corresponding to the stretching and bending vibrations of the phosphate group and metal-oxygen polyhedron. The role of the inter- and intra-hydrogen bonds in stabilization of the structure has been discussed. EPR studies showed that a local rhombic symmetry of copper ions appears in the studied phytates. Dominant interactions show antiferromagnetic properties depending on the content of paramagnetic ions.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal viscosity of laying hens.

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance and nutrient utilisation of laying hens. 2. The experiment was conducted with 360 laying hens aged 21 weeks fed one of 6 treatments, including a corn-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 g/kg WLM. 3. A linear increase in feed intake (p < 0.001) was observed with higher levels of WLM from 0 to 300 g/kg. Laying rate decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) and egg weight (at 6th, 12th and 18th weeks of the trial) decreased linearly with WLM inclusion from 0 to 300 g/kg. Birds fed 60 g/kg or more of WLM laid lighter eggs (p < 0.05) than CON hens. When 240 g/kg or more WLM was included into the diet, laying rate was affected negatively (p < 0.05). 4. As WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg, apparent metabolisable energy and pre-caecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein decreased quadratically (p < 0.05). When 300 g/kg of WLM was used, there was a tendency (p < 0.1) to decrease pre-caecal starch digestibility. WLM dose exerted a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on total sialic acid excretion. As WLM increased, the viscosity of ileal digesta linearly increased (p < 0.05). 5. In the 6th and 12th weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05), eggshell thickness decreased linearly when 240 g/kg of WLM was added. At the 6th, 12th and 18th weeks, a linear decrease in eggshell content was observed (p < 0.05) after WLM addition. 6. In conclusion, the graded inclusion of WLM into laying hens' diets resulted in depressed performance, AMEN and eggshell quality.

[Lung Health Data of the Study of Health in Pomerania - a Review of Samples, Methods and First Results]. / Pneumologisch relevante Daten aus der "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP) ­ eine Übersicht zu den Kohorten, Methoden und ersten Ergebnissen.

Investigating reasons for differing life expectancy and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors between old and new states of the Federal Republic of Germany an epidemiological study in Western Pomerania - the population-based project Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) - was planned.Prevalence and incidence of common risk factors, subclinical disorders and clinical diseases have been assessed since 1997 in five-year intervals. The third follow up (SHIP-3) was assessed between 2014 and 2016. In addition, an independent representative population sample was investigated between 2008 - 2012 (SHIP-TREND). Recently, the first follow up of this cohort has been started (SHIP-TREND-1). This paper reports the methodological approaches for detecting pneumological relevant morbidities in this population-based study. It aims to offer insights for potential cooperation with interested research groups.

The effect of Lupinus albus seeds on digestibility, performance and gastrointestinal tract indices in pigs.

The effect of soya bean meal (SBM) substitution in the diet with white lupine (WL) seeds on performances and some parameters of the digestive tract of pigs were studied. The digestibility experiment was performed on 30 pigs using difference method combined with marker method, where one group was offered basal diet and in diet of experimental groups 25% of the basal diet was substituted with SBM or WL meal. The growth experiment was conducted on 48 pigs of approximately 20 kg body weight. The animals from the control group were fed with diet containing SBM, whereas in the experimental groups 50% or 100% of SBM was substituted with WL seeds. At the end of the experiment, eight pigs from each group were euthanized, and digesta and tissues were sampled. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and dry matter was higher (p < 0.05), but crude fibre and ether extract were lower (p < 0.05) in the WL seeds than in SBM. Substituting 50% of SBM in the control diet with WL seeds did not affect significantly pig performance. Total substitution of SBM with WL seeds impacted negatively pigs growth and feed intake (p < 0.05), but it did not affect the length of villi and crypt depth. It also significantly increased ileum digesta viscosity and ammonia concentration in the ileum and caecum digesta. In the ileal digesta of animals offered WL seeds, an increased (p < 0.05) total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae numbers were found, whereas reduced number of yeast and mould was found in the caecal digesta. The substitution of 50% SBM with WL seeds in the growing pig diet did not affect pigs' results, but the total substitution significantly decreased the performance of pigs and affected intestinal ecology.

Influence of graded inclusion of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal on performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of white lupin (Lupinus albus) meal (WLM) addition on the intestinal viscosity, bird performance, nutrient utilisation and villi morphology of growing broiler chicks. The experiment was conducted with 480 broiler chicks divided into 6 dietary treatments, including a maize-soybean meal control diet (CON) and 5 experimental diets containing 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 g/kg WLM. During the period from d 0 to 35, birds fed on 200 or higher WLM/kg were characterised by lower body weight gain and feed intake than CON. The use of 150 g of WLM/kg increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to CON treatment. Apparent metabolisable energy corrected to zero N balance (AMEN) and apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and starch, linearly decreased as WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg. There was a quadratic effect of WLM dose on sialic acid excretion. A strong negative linear correlation was found between the excretion of sialic acid and AMEN. The viscosity of ileal digesta was linearly increased as WLM increased. The effect of WLM dose on ileum villus height (VH) was linear, while that on ileum villus area (VA) was quadratic. Both parameters decreased as WLM increased from 0 to 300 g/kg. In conclusion, the use of over 150 g/kg of WLM in broiler diets depressed performance results. However, depression of nutrient utilisation was only observed when 250 or 300 g/kg of WLM was used.

Effect of different doses of coated butyric acid on growth performance and energy utilization in broilers.

We recently applied four dietary treatments in experiments I and II to determine the effect of protected calcium butyrate (BP) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. A group of one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks (total 960, 480 per trial) were used in the study. In experiment I, the basal diets were fed with protected BP inclusion (0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 g/kg of finished feed) (BP) or without (C). In experiment II, 4 different diets were tested: 1) basal diet with no supplementation (C), 2) basal diet supplemented with protected BP (0.3 g/kg) (BP), 3) basal diet supplemented with avilamycin (6 mg/kg, active substance) a common antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) (Av), and 4) basal diet supplemented with the combination of both avilaymicin and BP. In experiment I, considering the entire study period, the use of BP improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) irrespective of the dose. Apparent total tract crude fat digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEN) were improved after BP supplementation (P<0.05). In experiment II, A or AB diets improved (P<0.05) body weight gain compared to the control treatment. The diets Av, BP, and AvB improved (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio compared to the control treatment. Birds from the treatment diet were characterized by having the thickest mucosa (P<0.05). On days 14, 35, and 42, the use of AB diets improved AMENcontent compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acid data showed that Av or AvB treated birds were characterized by higher Asp, Glu, Cys, Gly, and Ala ileal digestibility than the control animals (P<0.05). The use of Av, BP, or AvB increased ileal digestibility of Thr, Ser, and Pro (P<0.05). There is an indication that BP, alone or in combination with avilamycin, improve the digestion and absorptive processes and consequently birds performance results.

EPR Properties of Concentrated NdVO4 Single Crystal System.

Single crystals of NdVO4 were grown by the Czochralski method under ambient pressure in a nitrogen atmosphere. Obtained crystals were transparent with strong violet coloring. Temperature and angular dependences of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the samples in the 3-103 K temperature range were analyzed applying Dyson like lineshape typically used for concentrated magnetic system. EPR-NMR program was used to find local symmetry and spin-Hamiltonian parameters of neodymium ions.

The effect of protease, amylase, and nonstarch polysaccharide-degrading enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and growth performance of broiler chickens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets.

A study was conducted to determine if amylase and protease addition would improve nutrient digestion during the first 2 wk of growth. The experimental treatments included a control corn-soybean meal-based diet and diets supplemented with either amylase or amylase plus protease. No effect of enzyme supplementation was observed on BW gain and feed conversion ratio. This was corroborated by similar ileal starch and protein digestibility values, which averaged 96.8, 96.8, and 96.9% and 83.9, 80.1, and 79.6%, respectively, for the control and for the amylase or amylase plus protease supplemented diets. Total tract digestibility of starch averaged 97.8, 97.7 and 97.7% for the 3 diets and was followed by a similar diet with AMEn values of 3,129, 3,129, and 3,106 kcal/kg. In another study, a 2(3) factorial arrangement of 8 dietary treatments was used to evaluate the effect of corn particle size (conventional or coarse vs. fine) and the addition of a nonstarch polysaccharide enzyme, amylase, or both on growth performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 d of age. Chickens fed a diet containing a conventionally ground corn (geometric mean diameter of 736 µm) showed higher (P < 0.001) BW gain (808 vs. 750 g/bird) and lower feed conversion ratio (1.27 vs. 1.32) than those consuming a fine corn-containing diet (geometric mean diameter of 482 µm). This was further substantiated by a lower AMEn content (2,852 vs. 2,972 kcal/kg). Addition of amylase had no effect on growth performance of chickens fed a conventional corn-containing diet, but improved BW gain, feed conversion ratio, and diet AMEn in those fed the finely ground corn, possibly due to increased starch digestion in the upper gut. Addition of nonstarch polysaccharide enzymes was effective for both diets, with the most pronounced effects observed in feed conversion ratio for the conventional corn-containing diet (1.27 vs. 1.23) and BW gain (750 vs. 789 g/bird) for the fine corn-containing diet. This was followed by the same magnitude of difference in diet AMEn content, which increased from 2,972 to 3,042 and 2,852 to 3,009 kcal/kg following enzyme addition.

The effect of microbial phytase and myo-inositol on performance and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed wheat/corn-based diets.

A total of 1,200 Ross broiler chickens were used in 2 separate feeding studies to explore the effect of myo-inositol (MYO) and phytase on performance and blood biochemistry of broilers fed diets formulated to be either adequate or insufficient in Ca and digestible P (dP). Supplementation of diets that were formulated to be insufficient in Ca and dP with MYO resulted in improved BW gain and feed conversion ratio in both experiments. However, these effects were most pronounced in the finisher phase, and moderate negative effects were observed during the starter period. Supplementation of the diet with microbial phytase improved BW gain and feed conversion ratio to a similar extent as was observed with MYO, and there was a degree of subadditivity between the 2 additives. Blood glucose concentrations were increased by both MYO and phytase, though possibly by different mechanisms, because insulin concentrations were not directly relatable to circulating glucose levels, especially when both MYO and phytase were applied simultaneously. The increase in blood glucose concentrations with MYO and phytase was most pronounced in the diet with a lower Ca and dP concentration. It can be concluded that dietary supplementation with MYO or phytase was effective in improving performance of commercial broiler chickens. However, further work is required to explore complex ontogenetic effects of MYO and possible involvement of both MYO and phytase in Na-dependent transport mechanisms.

Lyophilized Carnobacterium divergens AS7 bacteriocin preparation improves performance of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Carnobacterium divergens AS7 bacteriocin (divercin AS7) on growth performance, digestibility, fermentation processes, selected microbial populations, and histomorphology in broiler chickens challenged with a mixture of 3 Clostridium perfringens isolates. In total, 480 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (12 replicate pens of 10 birds per treatment). The diets were either nonsupplemented or supplemented with a lyophilized preparation of divercin AS7. On d 18, 19, and 20, half of the birds were challenged twice a day with the C. perfringens mixture. The C. perfringens challenge did not influence broiler BW gain but impaired feed conversion ratio from d 29 to 42 (P=0.023) and throughout the experimental period (P=0.038). Moreover, the C. perfringens challenge resulted in decreased pH levels of crop, gizzard, and ileum contents (P<0.05) and reduced the numbers of lactic acid bacteria in the ceca (P=0.01). Divercin supplementation decreased broiler feed intake from d 14 to 28 (P=0.001) but increased BW gain from d 29 to 42 (P=0.048). The divercin supplementation increased the AMEn level (P=0.015) and reduced digesta pH in crop and ileum (P=0.004 and P=0.042, respectively), but of nonchallenged birds only. Divercin supplementation, moreover, increased gizzard lactate concentrations (P=0.003). The crop concentrations of lactate and succinate and the ileum concentration of lactate were increased by divercin supplementation (P=0.005, P=0.027, and P=0.002, respectively) and C. perfringens challenge (P=0.034, P=0.053, and P=0.0002, respectively). Divercin supplementation decreased villus heights (P=0.0006) and crypt depths (P=0.044) in noninfected birds, whereas in challenged birds, villus heights (P<0.0001) were increased. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a very complex response pattern of broilers exposed to C. perfringens challenge and dietary divercin AS7 supplementation, but it indicated that divercin AS7 may partly counterbalance the negative effects associated with C. perfringens.

Dietary divercin modifies gastrointestinal microbiota and improves growth performance in broiler chickens.

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary administration of a divercin AS7 liquid preparation on broiler chicken performance, nutrient digestibility, counts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and coliform bacteria, as well as on the microbial activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as expressed by digesta pH and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid. 2. A total of 450 1-d-old male Ross 308 chickens were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments, with 15 pens per treatment and 10 birds per pen. The dietary treatments consisted of a positive control (PC) supplemented with 60 mg/kg salinomycin, a negative control (NC) without any additives, and the divercin (DIV) supplemented diet containing 0 x 2 mL/kg of the liquid divercin AS7 preparation. 3. The dietary divercin AS7 supplementation significantly increased body weight gain at 35 d compared to the NC group. Moreover, the pH of crop contents was higher and that of caecal contents lower in birds fed on the divercin supplemented diets. 4. Significantly lower counts of LAB were observed in the crops and caeca of the birds treated with divercin. Further, the divercin supplementation decreased lactic and succinic acid concentrations in the crop and ileum. 5. The present study demonstrates that the use of divercin supplemented diets can influence composition and activity of the microbiota in the broiler chicken GIT even in the lower parts that should otherwise not be targeted due to the peptide structure of the bacteriocin.