Effect of rearing system (free-range vs cage) on gut and muscle histomorphology and microbial loads of Italian White breed rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The growing consumers' interest on animal welfare has raised the request of products obtained by alternative rearing systems. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of housing system on gut and muscle morphology and on microbial load in rabbits reared under free-range (FR) and cage system (CS). METHODS: A total of forty weaned (35 days of age) male Italian White breed rabbits were allotted according to the rearing system, and at 91 days of age were randomly selected and slaughtered for the morphological evaluation of tissue from duodenum and longissimus lumborum. Morphometric analysis of the villus height, villus width, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface was performed. The microbial loads on hind muscle was determined by total mesophilic aerobic count (TMAC), Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae; whereas, total anaerobic bacteria count (TABC) and TMAC, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae was determined on caecal content. RESULTS: Rearing system did not interfere with the duodenum and muscle histomorphology in both rabbit groups. Similarly, microbial load of caecal content showed no significant differences on the TABC and TMAC. Conversely, significant difference was found for E. coli strains in caecal content, with the lower counts in FR compared to CS rabbits (p<0.01). Microbiological assay of muscle revealed significant lower TMAC in FR vs CS rabbits (p< 0.05). All rabbit meat samples were negative for E. Coli and Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSION: Free-range could be considered a possible alternative and sustainable rearing system in rabbits to preserve gut environment and muscle quality.

Hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) cake as sustainable dietary additive in slow-growing broilers: effects on performance, meat quality, oxidative stability and gut health.

Hemp seed cake (HSC) (Cannabis sativa L.) is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, high-quality proteins and essential amino acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of HSC on growth performance, meat quality traits, fatty acids profile and oxidative status, and intestinal morphology in slow-growing broilers. A total of 180 male slow-growing broilers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments containing different levels of HSC: 0 (HSC0), 5 (HSC5) or 10% (HSC10). Birds were slaughtered at 49 days of age: breast and thigh muscles were analysed and duodenum mucosa histomorphological features were evaluated. Regardless the level of HSC inclusion, no differences among groups were found for performance and meat quality traits. The thigh and breast fatty acid profile were significantly improved in both HSC groups, with an increase of the long chain fatty acids of n-3 series and decrease of n-6/n-3 ratio. The HSC diets lowered the MDA concentration and lipid hydroperoxides in breast meat. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed a significant increase in villus height, surface area and villus/crypt ratio, with a decrease of crypt depth, suggesting that dietary supplementation with HSC may boost intestinal health status in poultry. In conclusion, dietary HSC did not affect performance, carcass traits and meat quality, while it positively influenced the lipid profile of meat, and improved the oxidative status and gut health, thus representing a valuable and sustainable alternative ingredient in broiler diet.

Pros and Cons of Dietary Vitamin A and Its Precursors in Poultry Health and Production: A Comprehensive Review.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through diet. Despite being one of the earliest vitamins identified, a complete range of biological actions is still unknown. Carotenoids are a category of roughly 600 chemicals that are structurally related to vitamin A. Vitamin A can be present in the body in the form of retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Vitamins are required in minute amounts, yet they are critical for health, maintenance, and performing key biological functions in the body, such as growth, embryo development, epithelial cell differentiation, and immune function. Vitamin A deficiency induces a variety of problems, including lack of appetite, decreased development and immunity, and susceptibility to many diseases. Dietary preformed vitamin A, provitamin A, and several classes of carotenoids can be used to meet vitamin A requirements. The aim of this review is to compile the available scientific literature regarding the sources and important functions, such as growth, immunity, antioxidant, and other biological activities of vitamin A in poultry.

Influence of Dietary Protein Source and Level on Histological Properties of Muscle and Adipose Tissue of Lambs.

The muscle and adipose tissue histological properties in wether and ewe lambs of Gentile di Puglia breed, fed diets including two protein sources [soybean meal (SB) and SB plus distillers dried grain with solubles (DD)] and three protein levels (12.5, 15.7, and 18.9%) were evaluated. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus/rump, cut, and stained (reciprocal aerobic and anaerobic stains) for muscle fiber typing and fat cell characterization. Fibers were classified as α-red, ß-red, and α-white. Lambs fed SB had larger α-white (p < 0.10) and smaller-diameter ß-red and α-red fibers (p < 0.05). Among dietary protein levels, lambs fed 12.5% protein exhibited the highest percentage of α-red and the greatest diameter of α-white fibers, whereas wethers had a higher percentage of α-red (p < 0.05), and ewes had a higher percentage of α-white fibers (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat cells were larger (p < 0.10) in ewes than in wethers. Lambs in the group fed 12.5% protein had larger subcutaneous fat cells at the sacral vertebrae location. Overall, both sources and levels of dietary protein had significant effects on lamb muscle and fat histological features, suggesting the potential of modulating muscle or fiber types through dietary protein strategies.

Effect of Dietary Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) Supplemented with Enzyme Blend on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Status in Laying Hens.

A feeding trial was performed to assess the effects of dietary raw amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) grain (RAG), with or without an enzyme blend, on the productive performance, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status in laying hens. The trial was conducted following a completely randomized design by factorial method, including five levels of RAG (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively) and two levels of enzyme blend (0 -E and 0.025 +E %). A total of 960 White Leghorn (Hy-line W-36) laying hens (56 weeks of age) were divided into 10 groups with eight repetitions, including 12 birds. The trial period was ten weeks. Results showed that RAG levels in feed (>10%) led to a significant decrease in blood total cholesterol (TC), but they also significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p ˂ 0.05) as measured by feed intake (FI), hen daily production (HDP), egg weight (EW), and mass (EM), leading to overall worse productivity compared to the control group. On the contrary, the addition of the enzyme blend led to an improvement in the investigated production traits (p ˂ 0.05), with the exception of HDP. The enzyme blend was also capable of recovering productive performance when combined with low concentrations of RAG (10%) (p ˂ 0.05), and RAG × enzyme blend groups showed the lowest values of TC (p ˂ 0.05). Moreover, the interaction effects for atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) indicated a significant and promising reduction in response to the addition of RAG both in the presence and absence of the enzyme blend (p ˂ 0.05), and this additive also significantly reduced levels of egg yolk cholesterol (p ˂ 0.05). In summary, the evidence gathered in this trial showed that dietary RAG had positive effects on egg quality characteristics, leading to the production of low-cholesterol eggs, and, at the same time, it may improve the health status of laying hens. Furthermore, the addition of an enzyme blend allowed feeding up to 10% RAG in the diet, leading to an optimal balance between animal productivity and the beneficial effects of RAG.

Enrichment of Dairy-Type Lamb Diet with Microencapsulated Omega-3 Fish Oil: Effects on Growth, Carcass Quality and Meat Fatty Acids.

The hypothesis that adding omega-3 oil to feedlot pellets will improve the meat's favourable n-3 PUFA composition was tested in this experiment. Therefore, we evaluated the productive traits and modification of the composition of n-3 PUFA of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in growing lambs supplemented with microencapsulated omega-3 oil (MEOIL) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR). Thirty six one month old Valle del Belice male lambs (14.04 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly distributed to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 12 lambs each) and provided the supplemented diets up to 14 weeks of age: 1. control (CON) pelleted TMR without omega-3 oil supplementation; 2. omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 1% (MEOIL1) supplementation; and 3- Omega-3 oil fortified pelleted TMR at 3% (MEOIL3) supplementation. Supplementing MEOIL at both levels in diet positively impacted (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) and feed efficiency. At the end of feeding period, most carcass quality traits did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among groups, with the exception of carcass dressing and loin yield at both levels of MEOIL. The color and physical traits of LL muscle were affected by MEOIL supplementation (p < 0.05), with no significant change in chemical characteristics. Fatty acids composition of meat in term of linolenic, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both levels of MEOIL. It was concluded that the tested microencapsulated omega-3 oil preparation may be included at 1% in lamb diet for increasing unsaturated fatty acids in meat without any detrimental effects on lamb productivity.

Dietary vitamin D: growth, physiological and health consequences in broiler production.

Vitamins are needed in trace amounts in dietary formulations for poultry; however, they are critical for the health, maintenance, and performance of important body organs. Broilers have a lot of leg issues because of their rapid development and lack of exercise. Because of commercial broilers have limited access to direct sunlight, vitamin D supplementation in the feed is critical to reducing the risk of bone deformation and maximizing development. Vitamin D deficiency causes skeletal abnormalities, which may lead also to financial problems. The latest scientific findings on the source, metabolism, mechanisms of action, and functions of vitamin D in broilers are the subject of this review paper.

Effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin E or vitamin C on egg hatchability, performance, carcass traits and immunity in broiler chickens.

The effect of in ovo feeding of different levels of vitamins C and E on egg hatchability, immune response, growth and carcass traits of broiler chickens were investigated. A total of 672 fertilized eggs were assigned to one of eight experimental groups having three replicates with 28 eggs as follows: (1) negative control (not injected); (2) positive control (injected with 0.2 mL deionized water); (3) vitamin C at 1 mg; (4) vitamin C at 3 mg; (5) vitamin C at 6 mg; (6) vitamin E at 0.5 IU; (7) vitamin E at 0.75 IU; and (8) vitamin E at 1.0 IU. At the end of incubation, the number of chicks hatched, and their individual body weight were recorded. Among hatched birds, a total of 240 mixed chicks were randomly selected (30 subject per group equally shared in three pen floors). Chicks were vaccinated against Avian Influenza, Gumboro, Bronchitis, and Newcastle disease virus. Performance parameters were weekly evaluated until 42 days of age. At days 28 and 42, broiler serum and spleen and Bursa of Fabricius relative weight were assessed as well as on day 42 the carcass traits. From results, in ovo injection with 3 mg of vitamin C or 0.75 IU of vitamin E, increased significantly (p < .05) the embryos hatchability when compared to the negative control. However, body weight at hatch and growth performance parameters showed no differences among treatments. Similarly, in ovo concentrations of vitamins C or E showed no differences on carcass traits, immunity-related organs weight or immune response for anti-Newcastle disease hemagglutination-inhibition and total immunoglobulins against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) when compared to the control groups. Based on findings, it can be concluded that in ovo feeding vitamins E and C supported positively chicken embryos hatchability demonstrating the key-role as antioxidant agents; however, further studies are currently being evaluated.

Physiological dynamics in broiler chickens under heat stress and possible mitigation strategies.

High ambient temperature has emerged as a major constraint for the future development of the poultry industry, especially in the tropics and subtropics. The scarcity of resources coupled with harsh environmental conditions is the most crucial predicaments in the way to rationalize optimum production of broiler. Heat stress disturbs the physiological biochemistry of the broiler which ultimately reduces feed intake and feed efficiency which ultimately results in reduced performance and productivity. Under hot environmental conditions, feed utilization is disturbed by the deposition of fat and oxidative stress. In addition, changes in blood cells, acid-base balance, immune response, liver health, and antioxidant status are some of the major dynamics altered by heat stress. The broilers have a narrow range of temperatures to withstand heat stress. In this review, we have discussed the various physicochemical changes during heat stress, their possible mechanisms, and mitigation strategies to reduce heat stress.

Feeding of Camelina sativa Seeds to Light-Type Gentile di Puglia Lambs: Effect on Productive Performance and Muscle Fatty Acid Composition.

The effect of different amounts of camelina (CAM; Camelina sativa) seeds in lambs of the Gentile di Puglia breed on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality was investigated. Up to 70 days of age, twenty-four male lambs (13.0 ± 0.35 kg) were randomly assigned to three isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) were created to provide: (1) a control diet (CON), (2) an experimental corn-based diet including 5% camelina (CAM5) seeds, and (3) an experimental corn-based diet containing 10% camelina (CAM10) seeds. The presence of CAM in the diet impacted lamb performance (p < 0.05), according to the results of a growth study. Lambs were slaughtered at the conclusion of the feeding period, and none of the carcass characteristics investigated were significantly affected by dietary treatment, with the exception of brisket and rib weight and carcass lean, which were improved (p < 0.05) in lambs fed the CAM diet. The color of lamb flesh from the Longissimus lumborum muscle was affected by CAM diets (p < 0.05), but the chemical content and physical characteristics did not differ across treatments (p > 0.05). The fatty acid composition of lamb meat in muscle was somewhat regulated by the experimental diets, with CAM feeding improving (p < 0.05) the level of linolenic acid and MUFA while reducing SFA and PUFA. As a result of the current data, it can be stated that camelina seed supplementation may be included in the lamb diet because no negative impacts on productivity, as well as an enhancement in meat quality, have been found.

The effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on productive performance, blood constituents, immunity and intestinal microflora in broiler chickens.

A total of 320 one-day-old broiler chickens were used in a 42-day feeding trial to evaluate the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in comparison with a prebiotic on-growth performance, blood constitutes, immunity and intestinal microflora. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet (control); control + prebiotic (Fermacto™); control + 0.1% peppermint; control + 0.1% chicory, respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake was found at 21 and 42 days of growth period in broilers fed diet supplemented with 0.1% chicory compared with other groups. Feeding of prebiotic or chicory led to higher (p < 0.05) feed intake. Chickens fed control diet had higher (p < 0.05) abdominal fat compared with the other groups. Serum blood constituents indicated that broilers fed prebiotic or supplemented with peppermint or chicory had reduced (p < 0.05) levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein than control group. Immunity-related parameters showed that chicken fed chicory had lower (p < 0.05) heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared with the other groups. Intestinal microflora revealed that chickens fed prebiotic or herbals had higher count of Lactobacillus and lower E. coli than control. Thus, it can be concluded that broiler dietary supplementation with prebiotic or chicory can improve performance supporting positively health status.

Interaction of blood calcium with luteal activity, energy metabolites and somatic cells count in post-partum dairy cows.

The aim of the research was to assess whether there was a link between serum calcium (Ca) after calving and serum progesterone, milk somatic cells count and Ca, and other blood metabolites in Achai and crossbred cows. Based on blood calcium level shortly after calving, thirty cows from both breeds were divided into a moderate group (≤10.0 mg/dl of Ca) and a high group (>10.0 mg/dl of Ca), with samples collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post-partum, respectively. On day 35 of the post-partum, crossbred and Achai cows with high blood Ca recorded significantly (p < .01) higher serum progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and milk Ca compared with moderate blood Ca group; however, serum cholesterol was significantly (p < .01) higher in both breeds under high blood Ca. Incidence of subclinical mastitis was significantly (p < .01) higher in crossbred and Achai cows under high blood Ca. The results showed that blood progesterone (OR=2.095), glucose (OR=1.024), triglyceride (OR=4.571), cholesterol (OR=1.111) and milk Ca (OR=1.141) resulted in a greater concentration in crossbred compared to Achai cows. A significant (p < .01) correlation was found between blood Ca and other blood metabolites (progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol) in both breeds. In conclusion, greater serum Ca concentration after calving is associated with greater serum progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and milk Ca in crossbred cows; however, the incidence of subclinical mastitis increased.

Prospects of organic acids as safe alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens diet.

Genetically, modern broilers are fast-growing birds which attain the market age at the age of 5 weeks. To maintain optimum production, antibiotics have been commonly included in the diets as growth promoters. However, due to the increase in antimicrobial resistance, their uses have been banned worldwide. To keep the optimum level of production and health in broiler industry, the use of alternative growth promoters such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and organic acids has been proposed. Chemically, organic acids are weak acids and only partially dissociate. They are considered safe and have been used for preservation of food for centuries. Nowadays, organic acids have been reported for antibacterial, immune potentiating, and growth promoters in broilers. In this review, the effects of dietary inclusion of organic acids on growth, nutrient digestibility, intestinal integrity, immune system, and antibacterial activity in broilers are discussed.

Association among metabolic status, oxidative stress, milk yield, body condition score and reproductive cyclicity in dairy buffaloes.

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic status, stress and ovarian activity through progesterone profile in dairy buffalo as influenced by post-partum days, body condition score (BCS) and lactation number. A total of 45 dairy buffaloes were involved and divided into three factors based on their BCS (2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, respectively), lactation number (1, 2 and 3, respectively), and post-partum intervals (14, 28, 42 and 56, respectively). Based on findings, from day 14 to day 56 after parturition, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (p < .01), while malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol levels decreased significantly (p < .05) on day 56 of the trial. With increased BCS levels, milk yield, blood metabolites and progesterone improved significantly (p < .05), whereas stress indicators decreased significantly (p < .01). Blood metabolites, progesterone and milk production were significantly (p < .01) higher and stress indicators (MDA and cortisol) were significantly (p < .01) lower in lactation stage. Buffaloes with a greater lactation stage and growing post-partum stage had better blood metabolite and progesterone concentrations and less stress. It was concluded that better BCS and increased lactation stage have significant impact on milk yield, stress reduction and restoration of ovarian activity in buffaloes during post-partum period.

Evaluating productive performance, meat quality and oxidation products of Italian White breed rabbits under free-range and cage rearing system.

OBJECTIVE: Free-range systems have been increasingly available to the consumer due to increased demand for more sustainable meat-products. In the current study, the effect of free-range (FR) and cage system (CS) was explored on growth performance, meat quality and oxidation products in Italian White breed rabbits during the growing-fattening phase (5 to 13 weeks of age). METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly allotted to two treatment groups according to the rearing system, and each treatment group was replicated five times with four subjects in each replicate (20 rabbits per treatment-group). All rabbits fed the same diet as pelleted, and under FR system, no additional feeds were available to animals. RESULTS: Rearing system had significant effect on rabbit growth performance, where CS group resulted in higher final body weight (p<0.045) and gain (p<0.029) and better feed efficiency (p<0.025) compared to FR rabbits. Most carcass traits were not affected by rearing system; however, a reduction of abdominal fat content (p<0.015) and meat lipids (p<0.034) was observed in FR rabbits. Rearing system had no effects on meat fatty acid profile, whereas meat from FR rabbits resulted less susceptible to lipid and protein oxidation compared to caged animals. CONCLUSION: In overall, FR system could be suggested as a substitute for conventional caged system because of FR system preserved rabbit meat from oxidation.

Effects of different levels of dietary black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and their combination on productive traits, selected blood constituents, microbiota and immunity of broilers.

The effects of inclusion of powdered seeds of black cumin (B) (Nigella sativa L.) and fenugreek (F) (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on productive traits, selected blood constituents, microbiota and immunity of broilers were studied. A total of 648 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatments, with four pen replicates, each with 18 birds, including three levels of B seed powder (BSP; 0, 5 or 10 g/kg) and three levels of F seed powder (FSP; 0, 5 or 10 g/kg) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Neither powder affected feed intake. The FSP increased (p = 0.048) feed conversion ratio (FCR), but decreased daily BW gain (p = 0.02) between days 0 and 21, while BSP increased daily gain between days 22 and 42 and overall (both p = 0.005). Abdominal fat was decreased (p = 0.003) by BSP. Blood constituents were unaffected by either powder, but ileal Escherichia coli were decreased (p = 0.039) at day 42. The BSP increased a range of immunological titers, where BSP affected positively the measured variables. The interactions between BSP and FSP, specifically on broiler carcass cuts, suggested that where BSP is included at 10 g/kg, the inclusion of FSP at the same level may provide no additional benefit. Thus, while either powder could be included separately, the co-inclusion of both at 10 g/kg is not recommended.

Effect of dietary flaxseed meal supplemented with dried tomato and grape pomace on performance traits and antioxidant status of laying hens.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary flaxseed meal (FSM) supplemented with dried tomato pomace (DTP) and dried grape pomace (DGP) on performance, egg quality, biochemical parameters traits and antioxidant status of laying hens. Birds (1825 ± 87 g of body weight) were divided into 12 dietary groups with six replicates per group (eight birds per replicate), under a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement 2 × 3 × 2 consisted of two levels of DTP (0 and 15%), three FSM levels (0, 4 and 8%) and two levels of DGP (0 and 5%). As a result of this study, there were no significant differences in egg production and weight as well in feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments (p > 0.05). Feeding of DGP reduced significantly feed intake and egg mass when compared to control group (p < 0.05). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of dietary treatment on shell thickness and strength, shape index, Haugh unit and egg specific gravity. Hens consuming 15% DTP and 5% DGP revealed a significantly higher yolk color compared to the other dietary treatments (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no difference among dietary treatments in terms of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol, atherogenic index, triglycerides, total cholesterol levels (p > 0.05). Serum antioxidant parameters as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were not influenced by treatments (p > 0.05). Based on findings, FSM and DTP supplements did not significantly impact most of hens' performance indicators and egg quality parameters, whereas significant improvements were observed by feeding of 15% DTP and 5% DGP on egg traits, in particular on egg-yolk color that plays a key-role in consumer's choice. However, the supplementation of FSM and DTP or DGP even in laying hen diet is still controversial and further research is needed.

Influence of dietary L-carnitine and lysine-methionine levels on reproductive performance and blood metabolic constituents of breeder ducks.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation of different levels of L-carnitine and/or lysine-methionine (Lys-Met) on reproductive performance of breeder ducks. Three L-carnitine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg) and three lysine-methionine (100%, 110% and 120% above the NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations) levels were fed to 180 breeder ducks (144 females and 36 males) in a completely randomized design for 49 days. Laying performance and reproductive traits were evaluated; additionally, uric acid, total protein total, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were assessed. The Lys-Met above 100% NRC (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academy Press) recommendations with or without L-carnitine improved feed utilization (p < .05). Furthermore, Lys-Met above 100% recommendations without L-carnitine improved egg fertility and hatchability. Fertility and hatchability improved in breeders fed on L-carnitine with 120% Lys-Met (p < .05). Serum glucose increased and total cholesterol reduced on 100% Ly-Met without L-carnitine or 110% Ly-Met with 150 mg L-carnitine (p < .05). Glucose was reduced, while total cholesterol increased on 75 mg L-carnitine and 100% Lys-Met (p < .05). Increasing Lys-Met without L-carnitine reduced serum protein (p < .05). Albumin and ALT increased on 75 mg L-carnitine-100% Lys-Met and reduced on 150 mg L-carnitine-120% Lys-Met (p < .05). There were no interaction effects on globulin, uric acid and AST (p > .05). Thus, based on findings, breeder ducks responded to dietary Lys-Met more efficiently than L-carnitine; however, more research is needed to evaluate also economic aspects related to L-carnitine dietary supplementation.

Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera in Poultry Health and Production as Alternative to Antibiotics: A Review.

Because of developing bacterial resistance and increased public awareness of health and food safety problems, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the chicken industry has been outlawed. This problem has spurred the poultry industry and sector to explore for safe antibiotic alternatives and to focus on developing better long-term feed management solutions in order to improve chicken health and growth. As a result, phytogenics have developed as natural antibiotic alternatives, with a lot of potential in the poultry industry. Moringa oleifera has gotten a lot of attention from researchers in the recent past as a natural product with a lot of health advantages for poultry. Moringa is known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as its capacity to activate digestive enzymes in the stomach, owing to the presence of hundreds of essential ingredients. The potential influence of M. oleifera as a natural feed supplement on overall gut health, nutritional digestibility, blood biochemical profile, antioxidant benefits, antibacterial potential, and immunological response is emphasized in this review.

Impact of Microbial Protease Enzyme and Dietary Crude Protein Levels on Growth and Nutrients Digestibility in Broilers over 15-28 Days.

In this trial, a 3 × 2 factorial design with different dietary crude protein levels (CP, 17, 19 and 21%) and two levels of exogenous protease (0 and 30,000 IU/kg) was used. A total of 540 two-week old broilers (Ross-308) was randomly allocated to experimental diets over 15-28 days of age. The interaction between dietary protein levels and enzyme supplementation showed that body weight gain was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in birds fed CP-19 (1114.7 g) and CP-21 (1108.8 g) with enzymes supplementation. Feed intake was higher (p < 0.05) in broilers fed with CP-17 than CP-19 with supplementation of the protease enzyme. Results also revealed that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (p < 0.05) improved in birds fed with CP-19 and CP-21 and protease supplementation. Total tract N retention was lower (p < 0.05) in birds fed CP-17 with no enzyme than the other dietary groups. Similarly, the gross energy (GE) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in birds fed CP-17 with or without the protease enzyme. Abdominal fat was higher (p < 0.05) in CP-17 (0.96%) without the protease enzyme. It was concluded that a diet at 19% CP with the protease enzyme improved the performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers over 15-28 days.