Impact of dichromatic lighted incubation on hatching result and post-hatch performance of broiler chickens.

This study was planned to evaluate the impact of dichromatic lights during incubation on the hatching and post-hatch performance of broiler chickens. A total of 500 eggs of broiler breeder (Ross 308; Age 44 weeks) were evenly divided according to a completely randomized design into 4 treatments having 5 replicates and 25 eggs each. Treatments consisted of dichromatic lights Blue + Red (BR), Green + Red (GR) and Green + Blue (GB) provided at an intensity of 250 lx for 12 h a day along with a Dark (D) environment. After hatching 200 chicks (50 from each respective light group) were divided into 4 treatments with 5 replicates each having 10 chicks. Results indicated a higher embryo index (13.12%) in the GR group on the 12th day of incubation; while an ideal hatch window was observed in GR and GB (98.18% and 96.00% hatched chicks) lighting groups. In hatching traits, higher hatchability (86.15) and hatch of fertile (93.85) percentages were observed in GR lighting followed by GB, BR and Dark treatment groups; while dead-in shell embryos were lowest in the GR group. In growth performance, higher feed intake (513.20 g) and body weight (479.20 g) were observed in the GB group followed by GR, BR and dark group; and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in the GR group (1.06). In welfare parameters, improved physical asymmetry (0.90 mm) and tonic immobility (54.40 s) were measured in the GR group followed by GB, BR and the dark group. It was concluded that under experimental conditions when broiler breeder eggs are provided with GR lighting during incubation, it can help to improve hatchability, growth performance and welfare traits in chicks.

Effects of Supplemented Coriander, Ajwain, and Dill Seed Essential Oils on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Gut Health, Meat Quality, and Immune Status in Broilers.

Numerous studies have assessed the benefits and optimal dosage of supplementation with essential oils (EOs), including extracts from plants of the Apiaceae family, as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in broilers. However, little consideration has been given to the actual chemical composition of the evaluated EOs when drawing critical conclusions, even though EO composition can vary with different extraction conditions and plant characteristics. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of EOs from seeds of plants of the Apiaceae family: coriander (CEO), ajwain (AjEO), and dill (DEO), containing 56.8% linalool, 68.2% thymol, and 41.1% carvone, respectively, on the growth performance, gut health, and immune status of broilers. In total, 660 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 11 experimental diet groups and fed for 35 days with either the control diet, basal diet with added AGP (lincomycin, 500 mg/kg), or one of nine EO diets supplemented with CEO, AjEO, or DEO at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg. Final body weights were improved by supplementation with not only AGP but also any EO except AjEO at 600 mg/kg; within each EO, supplementation of CEO at 400 mg/kg, AjEO at 200 mg/kg, and DEO at 200 mg/kg afforded the best growth performance. EO supplementation had beneficial effects on gut morphology, such as increased villus height in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and against harmful microbiota, such as reduction of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. populations. Furthermore, EOs enhanced humoral immunity and improved meat quality by reducing drip loss, likely consequent to their antioxidant properties. Overall, this study presents evidence that CEO, AjEO, and DEO can each play a pivotal role in replacing AGPs, as well as providing information regarding optimal doses for broilers.

Optimizing rice-fish co-culture: Investigating the impact of rice spacing density on biochemical profiles and production of genetically modified tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and Cyprinus carpio.

Rice fish co-culture synergistically boosts food production, resulting in numerous advantages across the environmental, social, and financial domains. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of three different rice spacing densities, rice high density (RHD) 9inch×12inch, rice medium density (RMD) 12inch × 12inch, rice low density (RLD) 15inch×12inchon both rice and fish. Various parameters were assessed to evaluate the performance of the co-culture system, including water quality, growth parameters, muscle quality, soil characteristics, rice stem characteristics, and rice yield parameters. When comparing the species, it was observed that GMT (Genetically Male Tilapia) demonstrated superior weight gain (303.13g vs 296.41g) and specific growth rate (1.16 vs 1.15). Regarding the proximate composition, results showed that RMD had the highest crude protein and fat content compared to RLD and RHD. GMT also exhibited greater crude protein and fat content than Cyprinus carpio, with RMD showing the highest values. Treatment groups significantly influenced the amino acid profile of experimental species, with RMD exhibiting the highest values. GMT showed significantly higher levels of essential, non-essential, half-essential, and umami amino acids compared to Cyprinus carpio. The interaction between RMD and GMT further demonstrated significant differences in various amino acid categories with RMD. A non-significant difference was observed among the treatments regarding soil biochemical characteristics. Regarding the rice stem characters, the height of the plant, panicle length, and stem length of rice were found to be comparable in the RMD and RLD groups however, significantly higher in RHD. Regarding rice yield parameters, no significant differences were observed among the other treatment groups, except for yield per hectare (yield/ha), which was significantly higher in the RHD group compared to RMD and RLD. Additionally, 1000-grain weight and panicle number (ears per hill) were significantly higher in the RLD treatment than in the other treatments. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the RMD treatment consistently yielded superior results compared to RLD and RHD. Furthermore, within the rice-fish co-culture system, GMT proved to be a more competent species compared to Cyprinus carpio. The study provides data to understand the interactions between rice spacing density, fish growth and overall productivity can guide the development of sustainable and profitable rice-fish co-culture systems.

Characteristics of Essential Oils of Apiaceae Family: Their Chemical Compositions, in vitro Properties and Effects on Broiler Production.

There has been an upsurge of interest in the phytobiotics coincident with the onset of the potential ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in the broiler industry and because many kinds of nutraceuticals play an important role in improving growth performance, feed efficiency, and gut health of broilers. In the previous years, significant biological activities of essential oils (EOs) belonging to phytobiotics were observed, including anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. We found new perspectives on the roles of EOs, particularly extracts from the Apiaceae family, which is one of the largest plant families, in potential replacement of AGPs, and on the chemical composition involved in regulating microorganism activity and oxidative damage. Furthermore, the positive effects of EOs on broiler production and the possible mechanisms inducing the involvement of gut health and growth performance have been studied.

Sodium arsenate induced genotoxicity, morphometric and morphological changes in mice embryo and protective role of Moringa oleifera extracts.

The present study was carried out to find the comparative ameliorative role of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts against sodium arsenate induced genotoxic, morphometric and morphological changes in mice embryo. Seven to eight week old pregnant females (N=44) with body weight of 20-25g at gestation day zero were divided randomly in groups (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K). Group A was of control while all others were experimental groups and administered with selected doses of sodium arsenate as toxicant (6mg/kg B.W and 12mg/kg/B.W) and Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts as antidote (150mg/kg and 300mg/kg B.W). Significant (p<0.05) amelioration at dose 300mg/kg of Moringa oleifera leaf extract was observed against sodium arsenate induced morphological abnormalities like micromelia, excencephally, cryptothalmia, anopthalmia, laproschisis and morphometric changes like fetus weight, head circumference, crown rump and snout length were observed. Significant protection of DNA was showed in Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated groups (27.50±2.51) as compared to sodium arsenate (66.25±2.75). So concluded that sodium arsenate induced teratogenicity can be decreased using Moringa extract especially of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as it contains bioactive compounds like phenolics.

Interventions in mating strategies of broiler breeder during peak and post peak phase influence hatching traits.

The study evaluated the effect of housing system, insemination frequency, and sperm concentration on hatching traits of commercial broiler breeder. Experiment was set up as 2 × 4 × 4 factorial arrangement under completely randomized design. A total of 960 broiler breeder females (Ross-308) were divided evenly (480) into two groups for Artificial Insemination in cages (AIC) and on deep litter floor (AIF) with 41 and 48 males were allocated for aforesaid flocks, respectively. Females birds of both flocks (AIC and AIF) were further divided into 4 treatment groups to apply 4 various insemination frequencies at 4, 6, 8, and 10th days. These treated groups were further divided into 4 subgroups to apply each of insemination frequencies with 4 different sperm concentrations per insemination dose 100, 125, 150, and 175 × 106 sperms during peak phase of production which were replaced with 200, 225, 250, and 275 × 106 sperms in post peak phase. According to the results, significantly higher egg production, fertility, hatchability and number of chicks were documented when AI was conducted in cages as compared to deep litter floor. Although, the best reproductive performance was observed on 4 and 6th day insemination frequencies on all subjected sperm concentrations during peak; however, these parameters were found better on only 4th day during post peak. Sperms concentrations of 150, 175 × 106 during peak and 250 and 275 × 106 during post peak brought forth the best reproductive performance on all insemination frequencies. Although, embryonic mortality was significantly higher, when AI was conducted in floored flocks particularly when repeated after 4th day; however, various sperm concentrations found inert. In conclusion, AI found advantageous in caged flock as compared to floored. The consortium of different insemination frequencies and sperms concentrations are required for sustainable reproductive traits with progression of breeder age.

Impact of light stimulation during incubation on hatching traits and post-hatch performance of commercial broilers.

Light in terms of photo- and scoto-periods is the key ambient factor affecting the physiology of birds through establishing normal biological clock and circadian rhythms. In natural incubation light significantly influences embryonic development, however, at commercial setups eggs are incubated under a dark environment. Presently not a single commercial poultry hatchery is using light during incubation; hence, comprehensive studies are needed to address the industry for considering light as a potential embryonic growth stimulant. In the present study, white Light-emitting diodes (LEDs; 5000 K) were installed in the incubator and 250 lx light intensity was provided for 0, 12, and 24 h per day during the whole incubation period. A total of 900 broiler hatching eggs (Hubbard classic; from 58 weeks old parents) were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups, having 5 replicates of 60 eggs each, a tray was considered as replicate during incubation and these eggs were incubated under standard incubation protocols. After hatching, a total of 300 chicks were picked and divided into 3 described treatments (0, 12, and 24 h of photo-stimulation to eggs during incubation) having 5 replicates of 20 birds each. The results indicated that incubation of eggs under 12 and 24 h of lighting significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) hatch window, hatchability % (0.0002), a hatch of fertile % (0.001), and carcass yield % (0.0454). Embryonic mortality, dead germs, and dead in shell embryos were lower in eggs incubated under 12 h light. Significantly better FCR (0.0006), stress susceptibilities such as H/L ratio (0.0227), and physical asymmetry (0.0065) were observed among the birds incubated under 12 h light (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, an appropriate light stimuli (12 h) may help to improve hatching traits and post-hatch performance of commercial broiler.

Effects of dietary organic acids on performance, cecal microbiota, and gut morphology in broilers.

Organic acids have exhibited great potential as an antibiotic replacement and as an additive work tremendously for health maintenance of broiler chicken. To explore more about organic acids, a total of 900 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were procured from a local hatchery and distributed into 9 treatment groups having 5 replicates of 20 birds each; duration of the biological trial was of 35 days. Group T1 served as control group without any dietary supplementation. Other groups T2 and T3 were boosted with different levels (125 g/ton and 250 g/ton) of enramycin (antibiotic), T4, T5, and T6 were supplemented with different levels (2 kg/ton, 3 kg/ton, and 4 kg/ton) of ammonium formate and ammonium propionate, and T7, T8, and T9 were fed with different levels (2 kg/ton, 3 kg/ton, and 4 kg/ton) of calcium formate and calcium propionate. The findings declared significant improvement (P < 0.05) in body weight gain and FCR in groups T3, T5, and T9 while feed intake was not affected. Carcass evaluation depicted significantly better (P < 0.05) dressed and eviscerated weight along with carcass yield (T5, T7, T8, T9). Broilers fed organic acid supplemented diet had significantly lower (P < 0.05) total bacterial count (T3, T5, T8, T9) and positively improved (P < 0.05) villi length (T5, T6, T9) as compared with control group. However, total protein, globulin, HDL, and LDL levels were determined to be non-significant (P > 0.05) among different organic acids treatments. Hence, organic acids can be utilized as a better replacement for antibiotics. Supplementation of organic acids at a dose rate of 3 kg/ton and 4 kg/ton is recommended for efficient performance of broilers.

Effects of different light durations during incubation on hatching, subsequent growth, welfare, and meat quality traits among three broiler strains.

Present study was aimed to evaluate the hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers strains under the intermittent and continuous light regime during incubation. In total, 2250 eggs from Hubbard classic, Cobb-500, and Ross-308 strains (750 eggs from each of same age breeders) were incubated under three different light durations. First treatment was the incubation totally under darkness where no light was able to penetrate in the assigned section of machine. In the second treatment, eggs were incubated at 12 h of lightness and 12 h of darkness. In the third treatment, the eggs received lightning of 24 h. Data were collected for hatching traits and hatch window, growth performance, welfare aspects, and meat quality. A two-way factorial analysis was performed using SAS software applying Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that hatching traits were improved when Hubbard breeder eggs were provided with light period of 12 h. However, gait score was non-significantly different among the treatment. The meat quality was better in Hubbard broilers obtained after 12 h of intermittent light during incubation. Blood biochemistry was also improved in Hubbard broilers of 12 h of light duration. It was concluded that 12 h of light period during incubation is beneficial for getting better hatchability and subsequent performance of Hubbard broilers.

Influence of Long-Distance Transportation Under Various Crating Densities on Broiler Meat Quality During Hot and Humid Weather.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of transportation distance and crating density on broiler meat quality during hot and humid weather. Breast meat samples were collected from broilers (Ross-308) after transportation for 80, 160, and 240 km at crating densities of 10, 12, and 15 birds per crate. The broilers were transported in plastic crates of 0.91 × 0.55 × 0.31 m (length × width × height) in summer at an ambient temperature of 27.2-33.6°C and relative humidity of 52.7-62.9%. The birds were then slaughtered, and the meats' physicochemical characteristics, marination and cooking attributes were measured. Meat pH at 2 hours (h) postmortem (PM) was significantly higher in birds transported for 80 and 160 km compared to those transported for up to 240 km, while meat pH at 24 h PM was higher in birds transported for up to 160 km compared to the other treatments; however, no effect of different crating densities on meat pH and drip loss was observed. Meat losses such as drip loss, thaw loss, cooking loss in raw and marinated breast, and meat shear force were significantly higher in birds transported for up to 240 km compared to the other treatments. An increase in crating density above 12 birds per crate also increased thaw loss, whereas crating density of 12 birds per crate and higher increased cooking loss and meat shear force. Meat lightness also increased significantly with the increase in transportation distance above 160 km and crating density above 12 birds per crate. In conclusion, transportation of broilers for more than 80 km with crating density higher than 12 birds per crate during summer was associated with severe losses in yield and deterioration in physical appearance and functional characteristics of meat.

Effects of different mating strategies in broiler breeder during peak and postpeak phase on subsequent broiler performance.

Two experimental trials on commercial broiler (Ross-308) were conducted to evaluate the carryover effect of artificial insemination (AI) in parent flock (PF) kept in cages (C), and on floor (F) in comparison to natural mating (NM) in floored PF. A total of 900 broiler chicks were obtained from 38-week-old PF (peak production), representing C, F, and NM evenly during first trial, whereas in second trial, similar number of chicks were obtained from same PF during postpeak phase (55 wk of age). Subsequent effects of AI and NM in PF were evaluated by bacteriology, posthatch mortality, growth performance, immune response, and carcass traits on experimental birds (broiler). Chicks being produced through NM exhibited significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved growth performance (feed conversion ratio, weight gain, European efficiency factor) along with the least (P ≤ 0.05) posthatch mortality and prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Pullorum, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Moreover, the experimental chicks obtained from floored PF subjected to AI particularly during postpeak phase expressed the highest (P ≤ 0.05) contamination of the said pathogens along with posthatch mortality. However, immune response against New Castle disease and infectious bronchitis vaccines and slaughtering parameters remained nonsignificant (P > 0.05) among the 3 treatments under both trials. It is concluded that the best growth performance along with the least depletion and microbial load of concerned pathogens were being pertained by the experimental birds representing NM.

Meat Quality and Cooking Characteristics in Broilers Influenced by Winter Transportation Distance and Crate Density.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of transportation distance and crating density on meat quality traits during winter. ROSS-308 broilers aged 35 days were divided into 10 treatment groups based on three transportation distances (80, 160, and 240 km) with three crating densities (10, 12, and 15 birds per crate) along with birds slaughtered on farm without crating as a control group. Each treatment was replicated 10 times and placed at various locations in the truck. The birds were transported in plastic crates of 0.91 m×0.55 m×0.30 m at ambient temperature and relative humidity of 3.6-9.5°C and 63.3-78.8%, respectively. The breast meat quality parameters including pH, color, drip loss, shear force, marinade uptake and retention, cooking losses, and yield were determined. The results showed significantly higher pH 15 min post-slaughter (PS), drip loss, lightness, marinade uptake, raw meat cooking yield, and shear force in birds slaughtered on farm without any transportation. The birds transported for 240 km had significantly higher pH at 2 hours (h) PS, marinade retention, and cooking yield. Whereas, pH at 24 h PS, meat redness, yellowness, chroma, and marinated meat cooking yield were significantly higher in all transported treatments compared to the control group. Among different crating densities, the birds transported with 10 birds per crate showed significantly higher meat redness, marinade retention, and cooking yield. The crating density of 15 birds per crate had significantly higher lightness, hue, cooking loss, and shear force. However, no effect of crating density was observed on meat pH, drip loss, and marinade uptake. It can be concluded that an increase in transportation distance and low crating density during winter can negatively affect physical quality of meat with significant improvement in marination and cooking characteristics.

Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera leaf and flower extracts on sodium arsenate induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in mice embryo.

The study is aimed to investigate the protective role of Moringa oleifera extracts against sodium arsenate induced embryo toxicity in albino mice. Forty four pregnant mice were divided into 11groups (A-K). Group A was control while B and C were sodium arsenate treated groups with dose, A (0.00), B (6.00, 0.00), C (12.00, 0.00). Group D to G were of sodium arsenate+Moringa oleifera flower extract treated groups with doses D (6.00, 150.00), E (6.00, 300.00), F (12.00, 150.00), G (12.00, 300.00) and groups H to K were sodium arsenate+Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated groups H (6.00, 150.00), I (6.00, 300.00), J (12.00, 150.00) and K (12.00, 300.00) mg/kg B.W. Moringa oleifera leaf extract treated groups showed significant (p<0.05) amelioration against sodium arsenate induced histopathological changes as malformed heart, spina bifida, enlarged ventricles, poorly developed kidneys, anopthalmia and cavitation in brain. Significant (p<0.05) increased in malondialdehyde 36±0.81 and decreased glutathione 8.25±0.95 values in sodium arsenate treated groups were observed as compared to control 22.5±0.57 and 19±0.81.Whereas Moringa oleifera leaf extract at dose of 300mg/kg B.W normalizesd the malondialdehyde 23±0.81 and glutathione 17.75±3.20 values. So concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has ameliorative effects against sodium arsenate induced embryotoxicity.

Production analysis of broiler farming in central Punjab, Pakistan.

This study examined the analysis of personal and production performance of broiler farming in 10 cities of central Punjab (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Nankana, and Kamalia) of Pakistan. These districts are densely populated and renowned for broiler production. Primary data were collected through a survey of 100 poultry farmers. Personal and production information were collected from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was employed in the form of averages and percentages. The comparison among different districts was made through one-way ANOVA technique followed by Tukey's HSD test. Parameters were observed significantly in experience of farmer, age, number of sheds, capacity of farm, and flock/annuum during the survey of Gujranwala and Kasur, while the high percentage of graduate farmers was observed in Lahore and Sheikhupura regions. Significant results were observed during the production performance feed efficiency and mortality in Okara and Kasur as well as maximum administration of both live and killed vaccine in Lahore through drinking water in Nankana. In the districts of Sheikhupura and Kamalia, farmers due to lake of education left their dead birds on the surface ground. In conclusion, this study pointed out the exact trend of modern broiler farming and its price fluctuation in Punjab (Pakistan) as well as the reason behind the losses to the farmers.