Attaining the optimal feed conversion ratio is the unaltered goal for poultry breeding, meat yield is one of the vital reference indexes for that. Folic acid is involved in protein metabolism by acting as a transmitter of one carbon unit, and the detail mechanism for the high-dose folic acid on growth of broiler skeletal muscle is still unclarified. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect and regulatory mechanism of folic acid on deposition and metabolism of protein in broiler breast muscle. A total of 196 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. The chicks were fed corn-soybean diet with folic acid levels of 1.3 mg/kg (CON) or 13 mg/kg (FA), respectively. The results showed that high dose of folic acid significantly increased the body weight gain, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers during 1 to 42 d. Compared with control group, folic acid statistically augmented the breast muscle ratio of broilers at 42 d, abdominal fat percentage was also decreased in FA group. Folic acid significantly increased the gene expression of folate receptor (FR) in duodenum and jejunum at 21 d, and its relative expression in jejunum of broilers at 42 d. Furthermore, relative expression of myogenin in broiler breast muscle was upregulated in folic acid group. Folic acid supplementation significantly enhanced the protein expression of phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (AKT) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) in the breast muscle of broilers at 21 d and 42 d. In conclusion, the results proved that high-dose folic acid activated the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and increased the activity of phosphorylation of S6K1, thereby regulating the protein deposition in breast muscle. Meanwhile, the gene expression of the myogenic determinant factor was upregulated by folic acid and then promoted the growth of breast muscle. Consequently, the growth performance, meat production and feeding efficiency were improved of broilers by adding folic acid at 13 mg/kg.

Methionine (Met), an essential amino acid in poultry diets, when overdosed may cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which is mainly a trigger for cardiovascular diseases in humans. Homocysteine is neutralized (remethylated) in the presence of folic acid (FA), which also plays an important role in hematopoiesis and participates in the synthesis of DNA, and its deficiencies may result in the development of neural tube defects. One of the basic tools in studying the impact of both xenobiotics and nutrients on the animal organism is hematological analysis. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of in ovo supplementation with Met and FA on the hematological parameters of broiler chickens. On the 17th day of incubation, embryonated eggs (Ross 308) were injected with 5 or 25 mg of Met per egg (M5 and M25), 3 and 15 mg of FA per egg (F3 and F15), or a mixture of these 2 compounds (M5/F3 and M25/F15). The broilers were reared in accordance with welfare regulations and fed with commercial diets ad libitum. Blood samples were collected on the first, seventh, and 35th day of rearing (D1, D7, and D35), and complete hematological analysis was performed. The observed changes in red blood cell parameters probably result from physiological changes occurring during bird growth. Mean erythrocyte volume decreased with the age of chickens in the control, M5, and M25 groups, but not in those supplied with FA. Among supplemented groups, the number of white blood cells on D1 was lower only in group M5 than in the sham (C) group. The analysis of leukograms showed no significant differences between the groups. Comparing D1 with D7 in the group injected with a higher dose of Met and FA (MF25/15), a statistically significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes and a significant decrease in the percentage of heterophils were observed. In addition, in the group injected with a higher FA dose (F15), there was statistically significant reduction in the percentage of eosinophils and a significant increase in the percentage of monocytes at day 7 compared with day 1. It seems that Met supplementation led to temporary immunosuppression in the animals.

Excess abdominal fat reduces carcass yield and feed conversion ratio, thereby resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Our previous study demonstrated that dietary addition of folic acid reduced fat deposition and changed gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid. However, whether folic acid regulating abdominal fat deposition was mediated by gut microbiota was unclear. A total of 210 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups including the control (CON), folic acid (FA), and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) groups. From 14th day, broiler chickens in CON and FA groups were given perfusion administration with 1 mL diluent daily, while 1 mL fecal microbiota transplantation suspension from FA group prepared before was perfusion in FMT group receiving control diets. The result showed that abdominal fat percentage was significantly lower in FA and FMT groups when compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Morphology analysis revealed that the villus height of jejunum and ileum were significantly higher in FMT group (P < 0.05), and the villus height of jejunum was also significantly higher in FA group (P < 0.05), while the diameter and cross-sectional area (CSA) of adipocytes were significantly decreased in FA and FMT groups when compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Western blot results indicated that the expression levels of FOXO1 and PLIN1 in FMT group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FABP4 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Chao1, Observed-species, Shannon and Simpson indexes in FA and FMT groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05), but the microbiota were similar between FMT and FA groups (P < 0.05). LEfSe analysis determined that Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Dehalobacterium were found to be predominant in FA group, while Oscillospira, Shigella, and Streptococcus were the dominant microflora in FMT group. Furthermore, these cecal microbiota were mostly involved in infectious disease, cellular community prokaryotes, cell motility and signal transduction in FA group (P < 0.05), whereas functional capacities involved in signal transduction, cell motility, infectious disease and environment adaptation were enriched significantly of cecal microbiota in FMT group (P < 0.05). In summary, both fecal microbiota transplantation from the broiler chickens of dietary added folic acid and dietary folic acid addition effectively reduced abdominal fat deposition, indicating that the regulatory effect of folic acid on abdominal fat deposition was mediated partly by gut microbiota in broiler chickens.

Mitigating the negative effects of heat stress (HS) is a critical challenge for the global poultry industry. This study evaluated the thermoregulatory potential of 3 in ovo delivered bioactive substances using selected gut health parameters. Eggs were incubated and allotted to 5 groups, and respective bioactive substances delivered. These groups included-the noninjected, in ovo saline, in ovo folic acid (FA), in ovo probiotics (P), and in ovo essential oil (EO). At hatch, chicks were assigned to 5 new posthatch treatment combinations, including A) Negative control (NC)-noninjected eggs offered a basal corn-wheat-soybean diet, B) Antibiotics-NC + 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate, C) In ovo FA-eggs injected with FA + NC diet, D) In ovo probiotics-eggs injected with probiotics + NC diet, E) In ovo + in-water EO-eggs injected with EO and supplied EO via drinking water + NC diet. Birds were raised for 28 d in 8 replicate cages/treatment (6 birds/cage) and exposed to either a thermoneutral (24°C ± 0.2) or HS challenge (31°C) condition from d 21 to d 28. The in ovo delivered FA and EO treatments reduced (P < 0.001) hatchability by at least 26% compared to NC. Induced HS reduced (P < 0.001) total plasma protein, total antioxidant capacity, and villus width in the duodenum and jejunum. Independent of HS and compared to NC, the in ovo + in-water EO treatment resulted in (P < 0.05) at least a 15% increase in villus height: crypt depth across the 3 gut sections. The in ovo + in-water EO treatment also increased the relative mRNA expression of intestinal barrier-related genes (Claudin1,3,4, Occludin, Zona occludens-2, and Mucin 2). Under HS, the in ovo + in-water EO treatment recorded a 3.5-fold upregulation of amino acid transporter gene (SLC1A1), compared to NC. Subject to further hatchability optimization, the in ovo + in-water delivery of EO show potential to afford broiler chicken thermotolerance.

There is limited information on feeding egg-type chick breeders n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and its impact on hatching egg quality and embryonic fatty acid (FA) utilization. We investigated the effects of feeding brown and white egg-type chick breeders diets containing sources of n-3 PUFA on egg composition, apparent embryonic FA utilization, and intestinal FA transporter in hatchlings. Twenty-six-week-old ISA brown and Shaver white breeders were fed either 1) control (CON); 2) CON + 1% of microalgae (DMA, Aurantiochytrium limacinum) fermentation product, as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); or 3) CON + 2.60% of coextruded full-fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (FFF, 1:1 wt/wt) as a source of α-linolenic acid (ALA). Test diets had similar total n-3 and n-6:n-3 ratio. Eggs were hatched, and residual yolk (RY) samples taken for FA analyses. Apparent embryonic FA utilization was calculated by subtracting concentration of FA in RY from concentration of FA in yolk before incubation. There was an interaction between strains and diets (P < 0.05) on DHA in phospholipid and triglyceride fractions of yolk. Both n-3 PUFA sources increased DHA to a greater extent in Shaver white than in ISA brown. The interactive effect of strains and diets (P = 0.019) on embryonic utilization of ALA was such that DMA and FFF reduced ALA utilization, and this pattern was more prevalent in Shaver white birds than in ISA brown birds. There was no interaction between strains and diets on DHA utilization (P > 0.05). Embryos from hens fed n-3 PUFA sources used less total FA in phospholipid fraction (P < 0.001), and they preferentially used more DHA than CON embryos. Shaver white embryos used more (P < 0.05) ALA and DHA than ISA brown embryos. Although data suggested Shaver white had higher propensity of depositing DHA than ISA brown, irrespective of strain, feeding n-3 PUFA modified embryonic pattern of FA utilization toward utilization of DHA.

This study investigated the effects of dietary Paenibacillus xylanexedens ysm1 supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune response, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88. A total of 320 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 floor pens, 10 birds/pen) including 1) negative control (NC) birds fed a basal diet and not challenged with E. coli K88; 2) positive control (PC) birds fed a basal diet and challenged with of E. coli K88; 3) P. xylanexedens ysm1 treatment (PRO) birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 1 × 109P. xylanexedens ysm1 cfu/kg feed and challenged with E. coli K88; and 4) antibiotic treatment (ANT) birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg of colistin sulphate/kg of feed and challenged with E. coli K88. The E. coli challenge decreased (P < 0.05) BWG in PC birds compared with the ANT birds on days 21 and 28. The FCR was higher (P < 0.01) in PC birds compared with the NC, PRO, and ANT birds on days 14, 21, and 28. Compared with the NC, PRO, and ANT birds on day 28, PC birds had shorter villi and higher number of goblet cells in both jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001). Irrespective of the dietary treatments, the E. coli challenge reduced the number of PCNA-positive cells in both the jejunum and ileum on day 28. Paenibacillus xylanexedens ysm1 treatment resulted in higher concentration of mucosal sIgA in the jejunum as compared to the other treatment groups on days 14 and 28. The numbers of cecal E. coli were reduced (P = 0.017) in broilers treated with P. xylanexedens ysm1 or antibiotic in comparison with the PC group on day 28. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of this new probiotic bacteria P. xylanexedens ysm1 improved broiler performance by modulating intestinal morphology, enhancing immune response, and reducing the number of E. coli in the cecum.

A total of 392 Cobb 500 off-sex male broiler chicks were used in a 21-day experiment to study the effect of protease, xylanase, and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) on improving growth performance, nutrient utilization (ileal digestibility and total tract retention), gene expression of nutrient transporters, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbiota profile of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. Chicks at 0-day old were allocated to 8 treatments in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement: 1) corn-soybean meal diet with no enzyme (Con); 2) Con plus 0.2 g/kg protease alone (PRO); 3) Con plus 0.2 g/kg protease combined with 0.1 g/kg xylanase (PRO + XYL); or 4) Con plus 0.5 g/kg xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS); with or without Eimeria challenge. The 4 diets were formulated to be marginally low in crude protein (183 g/kg). Challenged groups were inoculated with a solution containing E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. tenella oocysts on d 15. Eimeria depressed (P < 0.01) growth performance and nutrient utilization. Supplemental protease improved (P < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake in the prechallenge phase (d 0-15) but had no effect during the infection period (d 15-21). There was no interaction between infection and feed supplementation for nutrient utilization. The supplementations of either PRO or XOS alone increased (P < 0.01) total tract retention of Ca and tended (P < 0.1) to improve total tract retention of N, P, AME, and AMEn. Eimeria decreased (P < 0.05) expressions of GLUT2, GLUT5, PepT1, ATP2B1, CaSR, Calbidin D28K, NPT2, and ZnT1 but increased (P < 0.01) expression of GLUT1. XOS supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ATP2B1 expression. Protease decreased (P < 0.05) isobutyrate concentration in unchallenged treatments but not in challenged treatments. Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) cecal saccharolytic SCFAs acetate and propionate but increased (P < 0.01) branched-chain fatty acid isovalerate. The supplementation of PRO + XYL or XOS increased (P < 0.05) cecal butyrate or decreased cecal isobutyrate concentrations, respectively. PRO + XYL and XOS decreased cecal protein levels in unchallenged birds but not challenged ones. Eimeria challenge significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the microbial richness (Observed features) and diversity (Shannon index and phylogenetic diversity) and changed the microbial composition by reducing the abundance of certain bacteria, such as Ruminococcus torques, and increasing the abundance of others, such as Anaerostipes. In contrast, none of the additives had any significant effect on the cecal microbial composition. In conclusion, PRO or XOS supplementation individually improved nutrient utilization. All the additives decreased the cecal content of branched-chain fatty acids, consistent with decreased cecal N concentration, although the effects were more pronounced in unchallenged birds. In addition, none of the feed additives impacted the Eimeria-induced microbial perturbation.

In a market undergoing constant evolution, the production of chicken meat that consumers would perceive as "natural" and "animal friendly" is crucial. The use of probiotics in rurally reared chickens could represent a major opportunity to achieve mutual benefit for both the industry and consumers. A total of 264 male Kabir chicks were randomly distributed to one of 2 dietary treatments: the L group received a commercial feed supplemented with 2.0 g/100 kg of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL, while the C group received the same basal diet without the additive. To assess the effects of probiotic supplementation in the chickens' diet, productive performance was evaluated at d 21 and 42, whereas microbiological analyses of the intestinal content and intestinal histology and morphometry were performed at the end of the trial (d 42). At d 21 and 42, L birds showed better (P < 0.001) performance in terms of body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Enterococci, staphylococci, and Escherichia coli populations were not influenced by dietary treatment. On the contrary, Lactobacillus population increased (P = 0.032) in the L group. Furthermore, a tendency (P = 0.069) was observed for the coliforms to be influenced by diet, with lower values in the L group in comparison to the C group. Histological techniques revealed that the number of goblet cell containing neutral mucins was lower in the C group. Morphometric evaluations demonstrated that the probiotic supplementation increased the height of the mucosal layer by improving (P = 0.040) villus height, while crypt depth was unaffected. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that it is possible to use Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) in rurally reared chicken breeds with positive effects on performance and gut health.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding the different levels of the dietary fat on the expression of genes encoding proteins involving energy metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid synthesis including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) of laying hens in the intestine. Birds fed diets with 3 levels of fat, that is, low (LF), medium (MF), and high fat (HF) were reared from 22 to 42 wk of age. Jejunum tissue was collected at week 42 for gene expression analysis. Dietary fat content as ether extract, net energy to AME ratio, and CP content of 3 treatment groups were as follows: LF: 25, 0.735, 187 (g/kg, DM); MF: 61, 0.739, 185 (g/kg, DM); HF: 73, 0.752, 181 (g/kg, DM). The BW, fat pad weight (g), fat pad-to-BW ratio (%) was the same for all the treatments (P > 0·05). Birds fed a diet containing HF increased the AME daily intake per metabolic BW (BW0.75) (P < 0.05). The expression of jejunal PPARγ was increased in the birds fed MF than that fed LF (P < 0.05). Dietary fat level did not affect the expression of other genes: protein kinase AMP-activated noncatalytic subunit gamma 2, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2, succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A, ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase Rieske iron-sulfur polypeptide 1, cytochrome c oxidase subunit III, ATP synthase subunit alpha, avian adenine nucleotide translocator, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (P > 0·05). The mitochondrial count per cell showed no difference among the 3 groups with different dietary treatments (P > 0·05). The results suggest that PPARγ may be important to the energy expenditure during nutrient absorption, digestion, and metabolism, and respiratory chain complexes, and other genes involving mitochondrial energy metabolism and lipogenesis may be less responsive to dietary treatment.

With the increase of consumer demand for high-quality animal protein, it becomes imperative to improve meat quality through nutritional strategy. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol that exists in grapes and grape products, and it has been considered as a potential functional feed additive. Here, we aimed to explore the optimal dose of resveratrol in Pekin ducks' diet and its effect on improving meat quality. A total of 432 male Pekin ducks (1-day-old) were selected and randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups, with each group containing 6 replicates. Four different levels of resveratrol were evaluated (0, 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg) for 42 d. The carcass traits, meat quality, and muscle fiber characteristics of Pekin ducks were investigated. Results showed that a∗24h, b∗24h, intramuscular fat, crude protein, total flavor amino acid content of duck breast muscle, and a∗45min of duck leg muscle were increased (P < 0.05) by resveratrol. Resveratrol also reduced abdominal fat deposition, shear force, L∗45min of breast muscle and drip loss, shear force, and L∗45min of leg muscle. In addition, the breast muscle fibers of resveratrol-fed ducks had lower diameter and cross-sectional area and higher density (P < 0.05). Overall, we conclude that dietary resveratrol supplement can effectively improve Pekin duck meat quality, the optimal additional range in diet being 300 to 450 mg/kg. Its underlying mechanism might be partly through stimulation of intramuscular fat and flavor amino deposition and alteration of muscle fiber characteristics.

Phytase is of importance to the poultry industry because of its ability to hydrolyze phytate and release phosphorus (P) for use by poultry. However, the effect of age on phytase efficacy is not fully understood. A total of 864 day-old broiler chicks were used to investigate the effect of age and feeding length on phytase efficacy using growth performance, mineral utilization, and tibia ash as response criteria of evaluation. The experiment was arranged as a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial in a randomized complete block design with 3 diets including; a positive control (PC; 0.4% non-phytate P (nPP)), a negative control (NC; 0.2% nPP) and a NC diet supplemented with phytase at 2,000 FYT/kg; 2 ages (i.e., days 14 and 22); and 2 feeding lengths (i.e., 2 and 5 D) with 8 replicates each. Birds fed the NC had decreased (P < 0.01) body weight gain and feed efficiency compared with birds fed the PC regardless of age or feeding length. Similarly, birds fed the phytase-supplemented diet had improved (P < 0.01) performance as compared to birds fed the NC regardless of age. There were no significant differences in P utilization between birds fed for 2 to 14 D or 22 D and birds fed for 5 D to both ages. However, phytase was more efficacious at day 14 than day 22 when mineral utilization was considered because the super dose of phytase elicited greater response in birds fed the phytase supplemented diet for 2 D until day 14. In contrast, percentage tibia ash improved (P < 0.01) in birds fed phytase supplemented diet for 5 D at both ages as compared with birds fed for 2 D. In conclusion, testing phytase products, even at high doses, for 2 D during the second week in the life cycle of broiler chicks, can be recommended from the results of this study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of Bacillus subtilis (BS), ATCC 6051a strain, as a probiotic bacterium in broiler diets based of 2 protein sources (soybean meal [SBM] and cowpea seeds [CWP]), on growth performance (GP), carcass traits, bone mineralization, and microflora population (0 to 42 d age). The SBM and CWP starter, grower, and finisher diets were tested in the presence or absence of BS (5.0 × 1011 CFU spores g-1 feed) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design. Broilers were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments with 6 replicate pens per treatment (20 chicks per pen). The results showed that broilers fed CWP had comparable GP (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) to the birds fed the SBM diet. Carcass, breast and legs' yield, organ size (i.e., gizzard, liver, pancreas, small intestine, cecum), and bone development were not affected by the protein source. The addition of BS in both types of diet improved BWG (P < 0.001) and feed efficiency, especially in the grower and finisher period (P = 0.047; P = 0.043, respectively). In addition, BS significantly decreased abdominal fat (P = 0.026) and cecum weight (P = 0.034) and increased tibia bone P concentration (P = 0.015). Furthermore, BS decrease cecal pH (P = 0.010) and reduced Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. from cecum and excreta broilers (P < 0.001; P < 0.0001, respectively). It is concluded that the BS significantly improved the GP of broilers and can beneficially affect the gut and excreta bacterial community in both SBM and CWP diets.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of low crude protein diets supplemented with arginine, glutamine, methionine, and/or threonine on apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, gene expression of nutrient transporters, and tight junction proteins of broiler chickens challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. A total of five hundred seventy-six, 12-day-old male broiler chickens were allocated into 8 treatments, and 6 replicate cages of 12 chickens per cage. This experiment included a nonchallenged control (NC) fed regular corn-soybean meal-based diet (Regular diet, 19% crude protein), an Eimeria-challenged control (CC) fed Regular diet, an Eimeria challenge group fed low-crude protein diet (LCP, 16% crude protein), 4 Eimeria challenge groups fed low-crude protein diet supplemented with 0.75% arginine, glutamine, methionine, and threonine, respectively (ARG, GLN, MET, and THR), and an Eimeria challenge group fed low-crude protein diet with 0.75% supplemented arginine, glutamine, methionine, and threonine collectively as a combination group (COMB). On d 14, birds in the challenge groups were gavaged with a mixed Eimeria spp. solution containing 12,500 oocysts of E. maxima, 12,500 oocysts of E. tenella, and 62,500 oocysts of E. acervulina. The results showed that the Eimeria challenge reduced overall growth performance, but the LCP had no adverse impacts on intestinal health and growth of Eimeria-infected birds compared to the CC. Additionally, supplementation of crystalline arginine, glutamine, methionine, and threonine improved the apparent ileal digestibility of these specific amino acids on 6 dpi. Moreover, the THR treatment increased villus height in the duodenum. The ARG treatment decreased intestinal permeability and gene expression of amino acid transporters, whereas the GLN and THR treatments both reversed adverse effects of coccidiosis on gene expression of tight junction protein (claudin 1). However, the MET and COMB treatments exacerbated infection severity of coccidiosis. In summary, adding 0.75% of arginine, glutamine, or threonine in a low crude protein diet can improve the intestinal health of birds challenged with a mild coccidia infection.

A 42-day experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of a stimbiotic (STB) and wheat bran (WB) in broiler chickens receiving diets (DT) based on corn or wheat. A total of 960 Cobb 500 male broiler chicks at zero-day old were allocated to 64 pens with 8 treatments, 8 replicates per treatment, and 15 birds per replicate. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, with the factors as diet (corn-soybean meal or wheat-soybean meal), STB (with or without), and WB (0 or 50 g/kg). Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and mortality-corrected FCR data were collected for the starter (d 0-10), grower (d 10-28), and finisher (d 28-42) phases. Ileal digesta and jejunal tissue were collected on d 18 and 42. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial using a mixed model of JMP. There was no significant 3-way interaction for growth performance and expression of nutrient transporters. There was a significant SB × WB for FCR (P < 0.05) in the grower phase. Stimbiotic supplementation and WB inclusion individually improved (P < 0.05) FCR regardless of cereal type, but this effect was not observed when the two were combined. In the overall phase (d 0-42), birds receiving corn-based diets had higher (P < 0.05) FI and BWG than those receiving wheat-based diets. There was a significant 3-way interaction for ileal digestible energy (IDE) (P < 0.05) and N digestibility (ND) on d 18 and 42 (P < 0.05). There was no effect of STB or WB in corn-based diets, whereas WB inclusion decreased IDE in wheat-based diets, but STB supplementation increased IDE with or without WB. In corn-based diets, WB inclusion increased ND, whereas ND was decreased in wheat-based diets. Supplementation with STB had no effect on ND, but STB increased ND in wheat-based diets with and without WB. Ileal DE was greater (P < 0.05) for wheat- than corn-based diets on d 42. Wheat bran inclusion increased ND in corn-based diets whereas, with STB supplementation, there was no difference in ND with or without WB. There was no difference in ND with or without STB or WB in wheat-based diets. There was a significant STB × DT on the expression of GLUT-1 (P < 0.05). In corn-based diets, STB produced an upward expression of GLUT-1, whereas in wheat-based diets, STB supplementation had no effect. On d 42, stimbiotic supplementation produced upward (P < 0.05) expression of SGLT-1. In conclusion, STB supplementation in wheat- or corn-based diets and with WB inclusion improved energy digestibility. On the other hand, WB inclusion in wheat-based diets decreased nutrient digestibility especially on d 18, thus making room for a positive response to STB supplementation in wheat-based diets compared to the marginal response to STB supplementation observed in corn-based diets.

The objective of this study was to estimate phosphorus (P) equivalency of exogenous phytase relative to P from monosodium phosphate (MSP) in broiler chickens. To attain this objective, the impact of dietary MSP or exogenous phytase on growth performance, ileal digestibility of P, and bone characteristics in broiler chickens was assessed. Six experimental diets consisting of a P-deficient basal diet based on corn and soybean meal, basal diet plus 0.9 or 1.8 g/kg of inorganic P from MSP, and basal diet plus 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FYT/kg of exogenous phytase. Calcium to P ratio in all diets was maintained at 1.5:1. A total of 576 male broiler chickens (Cobb 500; initial BW = 190 ± 17 g) on d 8 post hatching were allotted to the 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design using BW as a blocking factor. Each dietary treatment contained 8 replicate cages with 12 birds per cage. On d 11 post hatching, 7 birds from each cage were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and dissected for the collection of ileal digesta. On d 18, ileal digesta were also collected from the remaining 5 birds in each cage. The left femur and tibia were collected from the bird with the median BW on d 11 and 18 from each cage, and analyzed for bone breaking strength and bone ash. Weight gain and gain-to-feed ratio linearly or quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in every period as the inclusion rate of MSP or phytase increased. Ileal digestibility of P linearly increased (P < 0.05) on d 11 with increasing MSP, but there was no significant effect on d 18. Increasing phytase concentration linearly increased (P < 0.05) ileal digestibility of P on d 11 and 18. Increasing dietary MSP or phytase linearly increased ileal digestible P concentration in diets (P < 0.05). Bone breaking strength and bone ash linearly or quadratically increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion rate of MSP or phytase on d 11 and 18. The equivalency of 1,000 FYT/kg of exogenous phytase based on dietary ileal digestible P concentration was 1.5 and 1.2 g/kg of inorganic P in diets on d 11 and 18, respectively. The current results showed that the supplementation of MSP or exogenous phytase can increase growth performance, ileal P digestibility, bone breaking strength, and bone ash in young broiler chickens.

The impact of feeding sources of n-3 fatty acids (FA) to ISA brown and Shaver white breeders and their female offspring during rearing on egg production, eggshell, tibia, and keel bone attributes was examined. Breeders were fed Control (CON) or CON + 1% dried microalgae (DMA: Aurantiochytrium limacinum) as the source of docosahexaenoic acid or CON + 2.6% of a coextruded mixture of full-fat flaxseed (FFF) and pulses as a source of α-linolenic acid. Day-old offspring were fed 1) breeder CON-pullet CON (CON-CON), 2) breeder CON-pullet DMA (CON-DMA), 3) breeder CON-pullet FFF (CON-FFF), 4) breeder DMA-pullet CON (DMA-CON), 5) breeder DMA-pullet DMA (DMA-DMA), 6) breeder FFF-pullet CON (FFF-CON), and 7) breeder FFF-pullet FFF (FFF-FFF). At 18 wk of age (WOA), pullets were fed a common layer diet to 42 WOA for egg production and bone quality assessments. There was no (P > 0.05) interaction between strains and diets and the main effect of diets on egg production, egg mass, and eggshell quality. There was an interaction (P = 0.008) between strain and diet on egg weight (EW); however, the strain effect on EW (P < 0.001) was such that ISA brown had heavier eggs than Shaver white. Shaver white had higher (P < 0.001) eggshell %, eggshell, and tibia breaking strength (BS), as well as tibia ash concentration compared with ISA brown hens. In contrast, ISA brown hens exhibited heavier (P < 0.05) tibia and keel bones. Feeding breeders DMA and pullets both sources of n-3 FA increased tibia medullary ash concentration compared with other diets (P < 0.001). Shaver white hens showed greater decline in tibia BS (83.7 vs. 96.3%) and ash content (84.1 vs. 94.3%) than ISA brown hens from 18 to 42 WOA (P < 0.05). Strain and diets exhibited independent effects on eggshell, tibia, and keel attributes. Provision of α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid to breeders and offspring improved tibia medullary ash concentration at 42 WOA.

The present experiment aimed to compare toxic effects of dietary organic or inorganic selenium (Se) and to predict of Se intake and tissue Se concentrations in broiler chickens based on feather Se concentrations. A total of four hundred twenty 7-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Organic Se (selenium yeast) or inorganic Se (sodium selenite) was added to the basal diet at the levels of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg Se. All experimental diets were fed to birds on an ad libitum basis for 28 d. Results indicated that a significant interaction (P < 0.01) was observed between Se sources and inclusion levels for the BW gain and feed intake of broiler chickens with inorganic Se at 15 mg/kg in diets showing a greatest negative effect. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of uric acid. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) relative liver weight. No significant interactions were observed between Se sources and inclusion levels in diets on hepatic antioxidant capacity. Increasing inclusion levels of Se in diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) Se concentrations in the liver, breast, and feather. The concentrations of Se in the breast, liver, and feather were greater (P < 0.05) for organic Se than for inorganic Se in diets. The toxic levels of organic or inorganic Se in broiler diets were near 7 or 9 mg/kg based on the BW gain, respectively. The prediction equations indicate that feather Se concentrations in broiler chickens can be used to predict both daily Se intake and Se concentrations in the liver and breast.

A study was conducted to evaluate the P digestibility in soybean meal (SBM) using the regression method with different basal diet that varied in protein sources. The treatments were organized in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, where 4 semipurified diets were formulated with varying source of protein (no protein supplement, or added casein, potato protein isolate (PPI), or dried egg albumen (DEA) at 60 g/kg) and 3 dietary levels of SBM (290, 370, or 450 g/kg). The study was a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage. The experimental diets were fed from d 19 to 22 posthatching, excreta samples were collected from d 20 to 22, and ileal digesta samples were collected on d 22. Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure. The digestibility and total tract utilization of DM, P, Ca, and N were affected by protein source (P < 0.05). Diets with casein presented the highest (P < 0.05) digestibility of N. Increasing SBM level in all dietary protein sources reduced (P < 0.001) the digestibility and total tract utilization of DM. The regression-derived ileal digestibility of P in SBM was 57.8 (SE = 3.78), 63.2 (SE = 5.02), 58.8 (SE = 4.53), and 35.3% (SE = 5.27) for diets without protein supplement, with casein, PPI, or DEA, respectively; the corresponding P retention were 52.2 (SE = 11.09), 83.4 (SE = 14.89), 42.6 (SE = 15.88), and 51.9% (SE = 14.67). The protein source affected (P < 0.05) the slope and intercept of P digestibility in SBM. A comparison of the coefficients using confidence intervals demonstrated that the ileal digestibility of P in SBM determined in diets with DEA was lower (P < 0.05) than the other protein sources, which did not differ from one another. These results indicate that the selection of dietary protein supplements may affect P digestibility assays using the regression method.

Sour cherry kernels are waste products of the fruit juice industry. Solid-state fermentation has great potential for recycling the agro-industrial residues. In the present study, the effect of raw sour cherry kernel (RC) and fermented sour cherry kernel (FC) by Aspergillus niger on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality in broiler chickens was investigated. A total of 343 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to 7 treatments with 7 replicates for each treatment and 7 birds in each replicate. The chicks were fed on a basal diet (control) and basal diet supplemented with RC or FC at the 1, 2, and 4% level. Dietary RC improved (P < 0.001) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the 1% inclusion level although chicks fed 2 and 4% RC had lower (P < 0.01) body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed intake (FI) from day 1 to 42, compared with that of the birds in the control group. Dietary FC with 1% inclusion level increased (P ≤ 0.05) BWG from day 22 to 42 and also enhanced (P < 0.001) the FCR from day 1 to 42. However, 4% dietary FC had an adverse effect (P < 0.01) on BW, BWG, FI, and the FCR, compared with the control group. The bursa of Fabricius weight was raised (P < 0.01) as the supplemental FC level increased. Dietary RC and FC elevated gut weight (P < 0.01) and length (P ≤ 0.05). Broilers fed on 2% FC had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) ash level and a lower (P ≤ 0.05) b* value in thigh meat, compared with the 2% RC group. The results indicate that FC can be used in broiler nutrition up to 2% level although RC can be added to broiler diets up to 1% level without a detrimental effect on growth performance. Dietary inclusion of 1% RC or FC can be recommended due to the positive effects on broiler chickens.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of feeding corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal permeability, and utilization of energy and nutrients in broiler chickens. Two trials (growth and metabolism trials) were conducted. In the growth trial, a total of four hundred 7-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to contain 5 inclusion levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% DON-contaminated DDGS in diets and were fed to birds for 21 d. Results indicated that increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS decreased (linear, P < 0.01) BW gain and feed efficiency of broiler chickens. The relative organ weights of the liver and breast were decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) by increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. The transepithelial electrical resistance values as a measure of intestinal permeability were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) by increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. In the metabolism trial, a total of twenty four 22-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments consisting of 0, 10, or 20% inclusion of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets. Each treatment had 8 replicates. Increasing inclusion levels of DON-contaminated DDGS in diets decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) MEn (AMEn and TMEn) and apparent total tract retention of nitrogen and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract in diets. In conclusion, feeding diets containing more than 10% DON-contaminated DDGS to broiler chickens has negative effects on growth performance, intestinal permeability, and utilization of energy and nutrients in diets. Therefore, it is suggested that if DDGS is contaminated with DON, inclusion level of DDGS should be limited, possibly at less than 5.0% in broiler diets.