The impact of full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal on the health and immune system function of broiler chickens.

Introduction: Alternative protein sources have recently been attracting growing interest as potential components of livestock nutrition. This study evaluated the effect on broiler health of replacing the soybean protein component of poultry feed with processed insect protein from farmed Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae. Material and Methods: A total of 384 male broiler chicks were divided into four diet groups (eight pens/treatment and 12 birds/pen) and reared to the 42nd day of life (dol). Each treatment group received a starter diet until the 14th dol, then a grower diet until the 35th and finally a finisher diet until the 42nd. The soybean meal in standard diets was replaced with full-fat HI larvae meal in the following amounts: 0% for the control group HI-0, 50% for group HI-50, 75% for group HI-75, and 100% for group HI-100. At 1 dol, chicks were vaccinated against Marek's disease, coccidiosis, Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis and at 7 dol against avian metapneumovirus infections using live-attenuated vaccines. Blood and spleen samples were collected at three and six weeks of age and analysed using ELISA, flow cytometry, haematology and biochemistry. Results: On the 42nd dol, as the content of larvae meal in the chickens' diets increased, the birds' body weights decreased significantly. The substitution of the protein source had no effect on the haematological markers. In chicks that received larvae meal, there was a decrease in creatine kinase activity and phosphorus levels and an increase in calcium and uric acid levels in serum. Raising the proportion of full-fat HI larvae meal in the diet raised the percentage of T CD3+CD8a+ cells and lowered that of T CD3+CD4+ cells in both sample types. Chickens fed larvae meal had significantly lower post-vaccination anti-infectious bronchitis virus antibody titres. Conclusion: The poorer production results and impaired health in experimental birds may indicate lower than 50% protein substitution with full-fat HI larvae meal to be optimal.

The effects of hen's age and egg storage duration on selected growth parameters of turkey embryos.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hen's age (A) and egg storage duration (T) on selected growth parameters of turkey embryos. At 32, 38, 46, and 51 wk of hen's age, 1,512 eggs laid on one or 2 consecutive days were collected randomly and marked. At each sampling date, the eggs were randomly divided into 4 groups and were stored for various periods of time, that is, 7, 10, 13, and 17 d. All eggs were stored at a temperature of 15°C and relative air humidity of 76%. On d 9, 15, 21, and 24 of incubation, 5 eggs containing live embryos were randomly selected from each group for analysis of the following parameters: relative body weight (RBW) of embryos, relative weight of the yolk sac (RWY), relative weight of unused albumen (RWA). The effects of hen's age and egg storage duration on the RBW of embryos were observed on d 15, 21, and 24 of incubation (P < 0.05). The effects of hen's age and egg storage duration on RWY were noted on all analyzed days of incubation (P < 0.05). Embryos in eggs laid by younger hens (aged 32 and 38 wk) and stored for a shorter period were characterized by a faster rate of albumen utilization than embryos in eggs laid by older hens (aged 46 and 51 wk). The largest amount of unused albumen was found in eggs laid by hens in wk 51 of the laying season (P < 0.05), and stored for 17 d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, numerous interactions (AxT) between selected growth parameters of turkey embryos indicate that the quality of hatching eggs changes with hen's age, affecting their suitability for long-term storage under standard conditions. Therefore, eggs laid by younger breeders should not be stored for longer periods due to undesirable changes in RWY and RWA.

Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of the Pectoralis major Muscle in Broiler Chickens Fed Diets with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of full-fat Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal used as a substitute for 50%, 75% and 100% of soybean meal (SBM) in diets fed to male Ross 308 broiler chickens on the proximate chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the Pectoralis major (PM) muscle. The muscles of chickens fed HI larvae meal were characterized by a higher (p < 0.05) total concentration of pigments and lower (p < 0.05) ash content. At the lowest dietary inclusion rate (50%) of HI larvae meal, the PM muscle had a lower (p < 0.05) content of fat and collagen, compared with the remaining treatments. An analysis of the fatty acid profile of the PM muscle revealed that the total concentrations of saturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) and the total concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of HI larvae meal. The changes in the fatty acid profile of muscles in birds receiving HI larvae meal led to a decrease in the nutritional value of fat. The present findings indicate that the ≥50% inclusion rate of full-fat HI larvae meal as a protein source alternative to SBM in broiler chicken diets is too high due to its negative effect on the fatty acid profile of meat.

Partial and Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Full-Fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Meal in Broiler Chicken Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Carcass Quality and Meat Quality.

The aim of this study was to compare selected growth performance parameters and slaughter characteristics in broiler chickens fed diets with a different content of full-fat Hermetia illucens L. (HI) larvae meal. The experiment was performed on 384 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) reared to 42 d of age and assigned to four dietary treatments (HI0-control diet and diets where soybean meal protein (SBM) was replaced with HI protein in 50%, 75% and 100%, respectively). The final body weights of chickens were as follows: 3010.0 g (HI0), 2650.0 g (HI50), 2590.0 g (HI75) and 2375.0 g (H100, p < 0.05). The carcasses of chickens from the experimental groups contained less meat and more abdominal fat. The feed conversion ratio for the entire experimental period was similar in groups HI0, HI50 and HI75 and more desirable than in group HI100 (p < 0.05). The meat of broiler chickens from groups HI75 and HI100 was characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) lower juiciness and taste intensity than the meat of birds from groups HI0 and HI50. The replacement of SBM protein with full-fat HI larvae meal in broiler diets exceeding 50% significantly compromised the growth performance of birds and the carcass and meat quality.

Effective Microorganisms (EM) Improve Internal Organ Morphology, Intestinal Morphometry and Serum Biochemical Activity in Japanese Quails under Clostridium perfringens Challenge.

The effect of effective microorganisms (EM) on internal organ morphology, intestinal morphometry, and serum biochemical activity in Japanese quails under Clostridium perfringens challenge was determined. After 30 days of EM addition, one group of quails was orally inoculated with Clostridium perfringens. The second group did not receive EM and was inoculated with C. perfringens. In the gut, EM supplementation reduced the number of lesions, enhanced gut health, and protected the mucosa from pathogenic bacteria. EM showed an anti-inflammatory effect and fewer necrotic lesions in villi. In the internal organs, EM showed a protective effect against a typical lesion of C. perfringens infection. Necrosis and degeneration of the hepatocytes, necrosis of bile ducts, and bile duct proliferation were more severe in the infected group without EM. Morphometric evaluation showed significantly higher villi in the jejunum after EM addition. A greater crypt depth was observed in the C. perfringens group. Biochemical analysis of the blood indicated lower cholesterol on the 12th day of the experiment and between-group differences in total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and albumin levels in the EM group. Further studies are needed to improve EM activity against pathologic bacteria as a potential alternative to antibiotics and to develop future natural production systems.

The effects of hen's age and egg storage time on the frequency of occurrence of physical defects in turkey poults.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between hen's age and egg storage time on the frequency of occurrence and type of physical defects in turkey poults. The experimental materials comprised 6,048 eggs laid by BUT 6 turkey hens at 32, 38, 46, and 51 wk of age (1,512 eggs per week), which were randomly divided into 4 groups (378 eggs per group) and stored for different periods of time, i.e., 7, 10, 13, and 17 D. After incubation, poults were evaluated individually. Egg weight and the hatch-weight of poults increased with hen's age (P < 0.001). The relative body weight of poults, expressed as a percentage of egg weight, was highest in the group of the youngest hens (70.6%). Prolonged egg storage before incubation contributed to an increase in the percentage of poults with physical abnormalities (P < 0.001). Umbilical abnormalities were most common regardless of the week of the laying season and egg storage time.

Suitability of layer-type male chicks for capon production.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of age and caponization on the growth performance and carcass quality characteristics of Leghorn cockerels. The experiment was conducted on 224 Leghorn cockerels. At 8 wk of age, 112 birds were surgically castrated by a qualified veterinarian in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No. 543/2008. The birds were divided into 2 sex categories (with 8 replications per group and 14 birds per replication). The birds were raised to 28 wk of age, and were fed commercial diets ad libitum. From 12 wk of age, at 4-wk intervals, 8 intact cockerels and 8 capons (1 bird per replication) were selected randomly and slaughtered. Caponization had a beneficial influence on the feed conversion ratio (FCR). FCR (kg/kg) based on body weight (BW) gain, carcass weight gain, and edible weight gain was lower in capons from 24 wk of age (P < 0.05), and FCR based on lean weight gain was lower in capons from 21 wk of age (P < 0.05). The content of edible components expressed as a percentage of the total BW of cockerels and capons was similar in the corresponding age groups. Caponization had no effect on the total lean meat content of the carcass (P = 0.744), but differences were found between the weights of breast muscles and leg muscles. In week 24 and 28, the weight of breast muscles was higher in capons than in cockerels (P < 0.05). Cockerels had higher leg muscle weight than capons, and significant differences were noted in week 16 and in 28 (P < 0.05).

Effects of caponization and age on the histology, lipid localization, and fiber diameter in muscles from Leghorn cockerels.

Poultry researchers seek general and native lines of birds for capon production. The primary aim is to find high-quality meat with valuable sensory attributes. Castration decreases androgen levels and changes lipid metabolism, resulting in the accumulation of abdominal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular fat, which changes the flavor, texture, and tenderness of the meat. Histological analysis of selected skeletal muscles from Leghorn capons and cockerels was the main aim of the present study, along with examination of lipid localization in muscle tissue. We also assessed fiber type and diameter in the pectoral muscles (pectoralis major). The experiment was performed on 200 Leghorn cockerels; testes were removed at 8 wk of age. At 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 wk of age, 6 cockerels and 6 capons were slaughtered, and samples from the pectoral and thigh muscles were evaluated. Differences in the focal necrosis of the fibers with infiltration of lymphoid cells (P < 0.05) were observed in thigh muscles, with higher numbers in cockerels than in capons. All examined locations in the pectoral and thigh muscles of capons (around the blood vessels, in the perimysium, in the endomysium, and in the sarcoplasm) showed higher concentrations of lipids compared to levels in cockerels. The analysis of fiber type in pectoralis major muscles revealed that all fibers were type IIB. The diameters of the fibers of the pectoral muscles were different (P < 0.05) at 28 wk of age, and the diameters of the giant fibers were different (P < 0.05) at 16 wk of age. The high concentration of lipids in the skeletal muscles of Leghorn capons is remarkable. Thus, ethical reasons as well as economic reasons should be considered when one-day-old cockerels are eliminated.

Interactions between fawns and does of farmed fallow deer Dama dama in the postnatal period.

The aim of the present study was to describe the suckling behavior of the offspring of farmed European fallow deer Dama dama in the postnatal period. Video surveillance footage from the first 18 days postpartum was analyzed in detail to reveal that the duration of interactions between the mother and the offspring changed with the fawns' age. The duration of mother-offspring interactions was longest between postpartum days 12 and 18. The frequency of interactions at different times of the day varied in the analyzed periods. The results of the study could be used to increase the welfare of farmed deer.

The parasites of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as an indicator of health status and quality of the environment

The mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a host to internal and external parasites. A heavy parasite burden indicates poor immunological status and a pathogen-contaminated environment. The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic examination of isolated intestines and gizzards of 130 mallard ducks from birds kept in the breeding farm. Scrapings of intestinal mucosa were examined by flotation and with the sedimentation method. The results of the flotation method indicate the presence of coccidia oocysts in the ileum scrapings from one of five male mallards aged six weeks, one out of five aged 10 weeks and three out of five aged 12 weeks. In female mallards, oocysts were found in two of five birds aged 12 weeks and in two of five aged 16 weeks. No macroscopic lesions were found in the intestinal mucosa. Adult forms of the nematode Amidostomum anseris were found in the gizzards of six mallards aged 20 weeks and in two aged 22 weeks. The relatively low prevalence of parasitic infections reflects the purity of the environment, good immunity status of the birds and good management of the farm.

The effect of age on the growth rate of tissues and organs and the percentage content of edible and inedible components in Koluda White geese.

The parts of carcasses of slaughtered animals that are not intended for human consumption are referred to as inedible components. The total percentage of edible to inedible components in the carcasses of different poultry species is an important economic consideration. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of age on the growth rate of tissues and organs and the percentage change in edible to inedible components in geese. A flock of 240 Polish Koluda White geese was raised to 12 wk of age. The percentage content of edible components increased (P < 0.001) and the percentage content of inedible parts decreased (P < 0.001) as the birds grew older. Among edible components, the most considerable changes were noted in the growth rates of muscle tissue (10.5% increase; P < 0.001) and giblets (5.1% decrease; P < 0.001). The percentage share of muscle tissue increased to 10 wk of age. Lean meat weight increased from 175 g in wk 2 to 1,482 g in wk 12. The increase in lean meat weight varied considerably between body parts. The proportion of breast muscles in total meat weight increased substantially (by 26%), whereas the proportion of leg muscles decreased (by 34%). An increase in the weight of skin with subcutaneous fat was observed until the end of the rearing period, but the percentage content of this component remained at a similar level throughout the experiment (19.1 to 19.6%). The decrease in the percentage content of inedible components was mostly due to a decrease in the share of slaughter offal (by approximately 6.5%) because the proportion of bones remained at a stable level (approximately 11.9 to 11.5%). The weight of abdominal fat, which can be classified as edible or inedible, increased significantly with age, from 15.1 g in wk 2 to 205.1 g in wk 12, accounting for 1.6% and 4.0% total BW, respectively.

Age-related changes in the percentage content of edible and nonedible components in turkeys.

The total percentage content of edible and nonedible components in the carcasses of different poultry species is an important economic consideration. Age has a significant effect on the growth rate of birds and carcass tissue composition. The objective of this study was to determine age-related changes in the percentage content of edible and nonedible components in turkeys. The experimental materials comprised 2-wk-old Big 6 turkeys, raised to 20 wk of age (males) and 16 wk of age (females). The percentage content of edible components increased, and the percentage content of nonedible components decreased with age. The percentage content of edible components increased by approximately 20% in males (from 2 to 20 wk) and 25% in females (from 2 to 16 wk). At slaughter, 20-wk-old males were characterized by a higher content of edible components, compared with 16-wk-old females, because at 2 wk of age the proportion of nonedible components was 13.2% higher in females than in males. Among edible components, the content of muscle tissue and skin with subcutaneous fat increased, and the content of giblets decreased. The share of muscle tissue in the total BW of males and females increased by 20.5 and 21.9%, respectively. The share of skin with subcutaneous fat increased by 3.5% in males and 5.8% in females. The proportion of giblets decreased by around 4% in both males and females. The decrease in the percentage content of nonedible components was mostly due to a decrease in the share of slaughter offal (by 14.5% in males and 18.9% in females), accompanied by minor changes in the proportion of bones (by 4.1% in males and 2.1% in females).