HERBAL-ORIGIN ADDITIVES - NOT ONLY TO REPLACE CHEMICAL COCCIDIOSTATS BUT ALSO TO IMPROVE THE MEAT QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

Broiler chicken production is widely applicable due to its rapid development, ease of feeding, low conversion ratio, and nutrients required by the human body. Natural products have emerged as a more naturalistic method of preventing coccidiosis, as have herb-based additives used to improve production performance and meat quality. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the impact of feed supplemented with an herbal-origin additive on broiler chickens’ meat quality characteristics. The feeding trial was carried out with 1-d-old 600 Ross 308-line combination broiler chickens, which were divided into 2 groups with 4 replicate pens: the control group was fed a standard compound feed (with usual coccidiostats), and the experimental group was fed a standard compound diet (without usual coccidiostats) + 500 g/t herbal-origin additive. At the end of the trial, 10 broilers (35-d-old) were randomly selected from each group and euthanized; breast and thigh muscles were collected post- mortem. The morphological composition of carcasses and the physico-chemical composition of muscles were determined. Results showed that the herbal-origin additive in feed significantly lowered total breast fillet weight and leg muscle yield, but increased breast muscle thickness and carcass weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the experimental group lowered pH in thigh muscles by 0.22, decreased fat content in the breast muscles, and on the contrary, increased it in the thigh; significantly lowered breast muscle redness and drip loss, but increased water binding capacity (P<0.05). An uneven trend was discovered in the cooking loss results: the experimental group decreased the indicator in the breast muscles, while the one in the thighs significantly increased (P<0.05). Although the tendentious herbal additive mechanisms were not revealed during our study, this kind of inclusion in poultry feed can positively impact some breast and thigh muscle quality features

CAN FRESHWATER CLADOPHORA GLOMERATA MACROALGAL BIOMASS BE COMBINED IN RABBIT DIETS TO ENHANCE NOT ONLY RABBIT MEAT QUALITY BUT ALSO RABBIT HEALTH?

Despite numerous challenges and rising consumer demands, strategies for growing healthy animals and improving sustainability are being pursued, such as using natural, renewable sources to replace traditional feed materials. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the impact of macroalgal C. glomerata biomass on rabbit physiological features. The feeding trial (52-122 days) was carried out with twenty male Californian rabbits assigned to two dietary treatments (n=10 rabbits/treatment) and fed standard compound diet (SCD) and SCD + 4% C. glomerata (CG4). Macroalgal biomass was collected from the Lithuanian River Šventoji. At the end of the feeding trial, twelve rabbits (n=6 rabbits/treatment) were randomly selected and euthanized; samples were collected post-portem. A comprehensive analysis of rabbit organ development, histomorphometry, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) accumulation in intestinal contents was performed. The CG4 treatment had no impact on organ or intestinal development or the concentration of NH3-N in the duodenum (P>0.05). However, the crypt depth was significantly lower in the duodenum of CG4 compared to SCD, but 14.40 μm deeper in the ileum (P<0.05). Although CG4 had no impact on villus height, it had an impact on the villus/crypt ratio (V/C), which was higher in the duodenum in CG4 but lower in the ileum in SCD (P<0.05). After examining the gut contents from the duodenum, CG4 significantly reduced the lactic acid concentration, which was almost four times lower compared to SCD (P<0.05). Overall, C. glomerata in rabbit diets can improve the crypt depth in the ileum and therefore the absorption of nutrients that remain digested; nevertheless, it can reduce the crypt depth in the duodenum and thus the digestive area required to carry out the primary nutrient absorption. Moreover, such inclusion can reduce the concentration of lactic acid, whose decrease can affect weaker peristalsis and bowel movements

The relationship between different laying hen housing systems in Lithuania and egg production quality and chemical composition

AbstractEgg consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about animal welfare, so it is crucial to develop a better understanding of whether alternative housing systems lead to higher quality eggs. So, the current study was designed to assess the egg quality characteristics, sensory features, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol levels of eggs produced in enriched caging and barn housing systems. An experiment was conducted on Lohmann Brown Classic line laying hens (aged 28–48 weeks) fed analogous feed and housed in enriched cages and barn housing systems. Eggs’ quality traits, nutritional value, and sensory acceptance were evaluated. Hens kept in enriched cages had higher liveability and lay rates but lower feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at almost all trial periods. Barn-laid eggs were heavier and had larger yolks; enriched cage eggs showed higher albumen, Haugh unit (28, 32, 36 weeks of age), stronger and thicker eggshells (32 weeks of age); barn-laid eggs stronger and thicker eggshell (48 weeks of age), higher SFA (start of the trial) and PUFA (at the end) contents. The differences between enriched cage and alternative barn housing systems are negligible, as no clear trend was discovered between them during different trial periods while hens were fed an identical diet

River-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass as a more sustainable and functional feed raw material for growing rabbits

Animal scientists actively seek strategies for ensuring the sustainable viability of animal ecosystems, with a focus on exploring alternative feed raw materials to reduce reliance on traditional ones. So, this study aims to analyse the impact of river-sourced Cladophora glomerata macroalgal biomass on the growth, slaughter performance, and physiological development of rabbits. Thirty weaned (52 days of age) Californian rabbits were assigned to three dietary treatments: standard compound diet (SCD), SCD enriched with 4% C. glomerata (CG4), and SCD enriched with 8% C. glomerata (CG8). Growth performance was recorded throughout the feeding trial, and at its conclusion (122 days of age), rabbits were euthanized, slaughtered, and subjected to intestinal analysis. Incorporation of CG diets showed no significant impact on body weight or average daily gain (p > 0.05); however, CG8 significantly lowered daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The SCD resulted in a significantly higher lung percentage (p < 0.05), while CG diets had minimal effects on remaining slaughter performance traits. In duodenal content, CG-enriched diets increased acetic and propionic acid levels but reduced lactic (p < 0.05). Duodenal villus height remained stable, while in the ileum, CG4 inclusion resulted in a significantly higher villus (p < 0.05). Duodenal crypt depth increased with biomass supplementation; conversely, in the ileum, increased biomass led to decreased crypt depth (p < 0.05). In general, recent research suggests that adding C. glomerata to rabbit diets can be an effective alternative without adverse effects on growth, slaughter performance, or physiologial development

Influence of linseed oil, natural and synthetic antioxidants on laying hens productivity, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and ammonia nitrogen

Poultry and eggs are nutritious and healthy foods that contain high-quality proteins and low levels of fat compared with other meats. Recent studies have shown that poultry performance is closely associated with colonic health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplemented linseed oil, lycopene and santoqun on laying hens produc tivity, short chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentration in caecum. A total of 40 Lohman Brown laying hens which were 30 weeks old were assigned to three treatment groups (10 hens per each treatment group) and fed with the experimental diets for 8 weeks. The I (control) group compound feed was supplemented with linseed oil (4.5%), the II (experimental) group – was supplemented with linseed oil (4.5%) + lycopene (25g/kg) and III (experimental) group – linseed oil (4.5%) = santoqun (0.15g/kg) and keeping in the same conditions. The results shown that on laying hens productivity parameter antioxidants did not had any statistical significant effect. Statistical significant results were get just in butyric acid content in laying hens caecum, it decreased from 22 to 35% (P>0.05). The results of this study clearly demonstrate that natural and synthetic antioxidants used in laying hens nutrition decreased SCFA and ammonia nitrogen content in caecum

The Influence of different levels of calcium and phosphorus on serum morphological parameters in chickens

Analizuojant lesaluose esančio monokalcio fosfato poveikį viščiukų broilerių fiziologinei būklei, produktyvumui, lesalų sąnaudoms, išsaugojimui bei Ca ir P kiekiui kraujo serume, buvo atliktas lesinimo bandymas su skirtingu monokalcio fosfato bei įsisavinamojo fosforo kiekiu. Nustatyta, kad norint pasiekti optimaliausią lesalų įsisavinimo ir svorio santykį Ca ir P santykis lesale turi būti 2-2,4:1, o įsisavinamojo fosforo kiekis - 0,4-0,44 proc. Kraujo serumo tyrimų duomenys rodo, kad fosforo kiekis lesaluose tiesiogiai proporcingas jo kiekiui kraujo serume. Atitinkantis fiziologinę normą visų grupių kraujo pH rodo, kad organizmo buferinės sistemos sugeba neutralizuoti fosforo perteklių, tačiau padidėjęs kitų makroelementų kiekis rodo, kad lesaluose fosforo daugis yra netinkamas, taip pat netinkamas yra Ca ir P santykisThe objective if this experiment was to investigate the influence of manocalcium phosphate and available phosphorus in the feed on the physiological state, productivity, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality of chickens. Eight hundred ROSS 208 line 1 days age chickens were divided into 4 equal groups (Groups 1-4) with 200 chickens in each. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Chickens were fed ad libitum - Group 1 (controls), Groups 2-4 (experimental) with diet supplemented 1,3%, 0,45%, 1.45% and 2,45% of monocalcium phosphate, and 0.44%, 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% of available phosphorus, respectively. The chickens were weighed on 1,8, 25 and 35 day of experiment and the consumption of feed was detected. At the end of experiment blood samples were collected from the underwing vein for detection of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels in serum. This experiment demonstrated that for the optimal feed utilization and weight ratio, Ca/P ratio in the feed of chickens was in the level of 2-2.4:1, and available phosphorus - from 0.4 to 0.44% (Group 2). It was shown statistically significant correlation between phosphorus content in the feed and in serum of chickens. Further, pH corresponded physiological rate in all groups and showed the possibility of chickens to compensate the enlarged phosphorus content in the feedVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŽemės ūkio akademij

The Effect of extruded full-fat rapeseed on productivity and eggs quality of isa brown laying hens

The eight-week feeding trial was conducted involving 27-wk-old Isa brown laying hens to study the effect of dry extrusion processing on partial reduction in total glucosinolates content of locally produced rapeseed and on productivity and eggs quality parameters of laying hens. Thirty-six hens were randomly assigned one of three treatments (CONTR, AERS and HERS), each comprising 12, individual caged layers. The main composition of the diets was the same, but extruded soya bean seed were replaced with 2.5% of the extruded rapeseed in the AERS group and 4.5 % in the HERS group. Rapeseed was extruded together with faba beans. Due to extrusion process the glucosinolates content was reduced by 7.83 μmol/g of rapeseed. The results of conducted trial shows, that during all experimental period egg production parameters, such as the average feed intake (6529.17 vs. 6257 g/hen/14 day; P < 0.05) and laying intensity (94.35% vs. 89.29; P < 0.05) were statistically different for HERS and CONTR laying hens respectively. Only the feed conversion ratio to produce 1 kg of eggs, kg in AERS group was by 11 % lower compared to CONTR group (P < 0.05). By analysing the effect of extruded rapeseed on egg mass, the statistical differences between treatments were no determined. The dietary treatments did not affect egg weight, albumen height, haugh units, albumen and yolk pH. However, in the HERS group were get eggs with the more intensive yolk color, higher redness (a) and yellowness (b) values. The inclusion of full-fat extruded rapeseed had no effect on egg shell quality parameters, i.e. shell breaking strength, shell weight with and without coat and shell index, but in the experimental groups were get eggs with the thinner shell (P < 0.05). The internal egg quality analysis showed that with higher content of extruded rapeseed (4.5 %) level in the diet, the total cholesterol in the eggs yolk decreased by 1.92 mg/g in comparison wi[...]

Effect of betaine, a methyl group donor, on broiler chicken growth performance, breast muscle quality characteristics, oxidative status and amino acid content

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with betaine on broiler chickens’ growth and slaughter performance, breast muscle histomorphometric and physicochemical properties, oxidative status and amino acid content. A total of 1000 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into four treatments. Control group chickens were fed with standard compound diet (SCD), the chickens from experimental groups B1, B2 and B3 receiving SCD supplemented with 1 g/kg (B1), 2 g/kg (B2) and 3 g/kg (B3) betaine anhydrous, respectively. Each treatment had five replicate pens. Feeding test results showed that betaine reduced broilers’ mortality but increased feed conversion ratio (p < .05). Forty broiler chickens (5 weeks old) were slaughtered and slaughter performance showed that 2 g/kg betaine inclusion improved breast muscle percentage and yield (p < .05). Betaine dosage of 1 g/kg into feed increased breast muscle fibre areas (p < .05). Betaine affected some physicochemical properties: higher a and the highest drip loss in B2; the highest cooking losses in B1, B2; the highest shear force and fat content in SCD; the highest amounts of ashes in B1, B2 (p < .05). Lower malondialdehyde levels were observed in all betaine-treated groups (p < .05), except B1 fresh meat samples. The highest total amino acid content and a greater amount of essential amino acids were obtained in SCD breast muscles (p < .05), except equally highest amounts of methionine were found in both SCD and B3 samples (p < .05). However, according to our study results, betaine, as a methyl group donor, in broiler chicken diets cannot replace methionine as an essential amino acid

The Influence of chelators, Zn sulphate and Silicic acid on pigs for fattening productivity and meat quality

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of special additives such as chelators, zinc sulphate and cilicic acid on productivity parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of pigs for fattening. The test started with 40 days old fattening pigs (mongrel (mother) and Yorkshire (father)) and lasted up to 156 days of age. During the fattening period pigs were divided into 2 groups (control and experimental) after 4 replicates (total of 8 pens). Each group was followed by 16 fattening pigs. The pigs were fed for 16 weeks’ ad libitum with a standard wheat-barley-soybean meal compound (Control group) supplemented with chelators, zinc sulphate and silicic acid (dosage 2 kg/t of feed, Experimental group). Meat traits in live pigs were measured by ultrasonic equipment Piglog 105. The samples for the analysis of physical and chemical properties, cholesterol content were taken The results of the present study suggest that supplementation of chelators, zinc sulphate and silicic acid during all experimental period tends to positively affect on average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs for fattening (P < 0.05). Pigs evaluation with Piglog 105 showed that thickness of fat in the first and second point was by 4% and 3% respectively higher in comparison to the Control group (P< 0.05). Carcass weight, yield and length, also thickness of fat showed no significant difference among the groups. The water holding capacity of meat in Experimental group was by 5.28% lower and tenderness – by 12% lower compared with Control group (P < 0.05). According to the pig meat chemical composition of the treatment groups, a statistically significant difference among it was not determined. Cholesterol concentration in muscles of pigs for fattening fed diets supplemented with chelators, zinc sulphate and silicic acid was lower by 7.93mg/100 g of muscle in comparison to the Control group. These results sug[...]

Freshwater Cladophora glomerata biomass as promising protein and other essential nutrients source for high quality and more sustainable feed production

A scientific justification, focused on the development of the sustainability of feed ingredients and farm animals’ ecosystems, is required. Thus, it is crucial to search for alternative feed materials from natural sources for potential applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prospective utilization of freshwater Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) as an alternative source of protein and other essential nutrients in animals’ feed. For this purpose, chemical analysis was performed on collected biomass samples from the Lithuanian rivers, Dubysa (B1), Šventoji (B2), Nevėžis (B3), and Jūra (B4). Microelements (Ca > K > N > P > Mg), trace elements (Zn > Cu), and heavy metals (Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd) have not exceeded permissible levels. The crude protein content of C. glomerata biomass ranged from 16% to 21.5% DM. The essential amino acid profile excelled, with the highest total amino acid amount of 140.99 g/kg in B4. The highest total presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (11.71%) as well as the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (0.22) was observed in B1. The lowest ratio of omega-6/omega-3 was in B1 (1.30). As a result of bioaccumulation, C. glomerata could serve as a source of proteins, as well as amino and fatty acids, implying that biomass could be an alternative and a beneficial component of animal feed