Use of black pepper oil in growing-quail diets and its impact on growth, carcass measurements, intestinal microbiota, and blood chemistry

Supplements derived from plants are utilized to maintain and promote the growth efficiency of animals. The use of black pepper oil (BPO) has recently generated significant scientific interest, primarily because of its potential beneficial effects on both humans and animals. The goal of the current study was to determine how dietary BPO supplementation affected growth performance, characteristics of growing quails' immunity, antioxidant status, and carcass yield. A total of 240 growing quails (1 week old) were divided into five equal groups, each with 36 birds (four replicates of 12 each). A basal diet containing no BPO (0 g kg−1) was given to the first group, and the second, third, and fourth groups were given a diet that was supplemented with BPO (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g kg−1, respectively). In comparison to a control group, quails' diets that were supplemented with 0.8 g BPO kg−1 showed improvements in final live body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio of 10.68 %, 12.6 %, and 18.2 %, respectively. During the whole study period (1 to 5 weeks), quails fed diets with 0.8 g BPO consumed less feed than the other groups and control. Due to BPO treatment, there were no statistically significant changes in any of the carcass parameters. BPO-supplemented groups had significantly elevated plasma levels of albumin and globulin than control groups (P < 0.05), but the ratio was reported to be significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in birds supplemented with diets containing BPO compared to the control group. When compared to the control, the liver enzyme activity (aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) in blood plasma was reported to be significantly increased in the quails given 0.4 and 0.8 g BPO kg−1. Glutathione and catalase activities were significantly higher in the group given diets supplemented with BPO (1.2 g kg−1) than they were in the control group. In comparison to the control, the supplementation of BPO in the diets of quail significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) the lipid profile in the plasma, moreover decreasing the caecal content pH (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control, the populations of lactobacilli, coliform, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli in the caecum significantly decreased in the BPO-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BPO supplementation in Japanese quails' diet can boost growth performance and antioxidant indices, enhance lipid profile and carcass traits, and reduce intestinal infections

Evaluation of genetic diversity within different rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) genotypes utilizing start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers

This work aimed at studying the genetic diversity among different rabbit genotypes reared in Egypt by two different molecular markers (start codon targeted, SCoT, and inter-simple sequence repeat, ISSR) to improve breeding strategies. Five different groups of rabbits were used Gabali (Gab), New Zealand white (NZW), Californian (Cal), Rex, and Papillon (Pap). DNA was extracted and analyzed using SCoT and ISSR-PCR, and the obtained fragments were analyzed. Six SCoT primers scored 60 bands with 78.33 % polymorphism; primer SCoT 6 was the most polymorphic marker with 92.31 % polymorphism, while SCoT 5 was the lowest with 60 %. A dendrogram based on SCoT-PCR revealed that the Rex breed was the most genetically different. Seven ISSR primers gained 56 bands in total with 49.762 % polymorphism. ISSR 4 was the most polymorphic primer that detected 75 % of polymorphism, while ISSR 6 was not able to detect any polymorphism. It was suggested that the SCoT markers may be more effective than ISSR for differentiating and identifying the genetic variations within investigated breeds. Also, the usage of molecular markers of SCoT and ISSR may be more proper for calculating genetic diversity and common ancestry among tested rabbit breeds. Furthermore, evaluating genetic variability is important for enhancing existing breeds' adaptation to ecological alterations and crucial for preservation or breeding purposes

Effects of Varying Dietary DL-Methionine Levels on Productive and Reproductive Performance, Egg Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Quail Breeders

The present study was carried out to study the effects of varying dietary DL-methionine (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 g/kg) levels on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and blood biochemical parameters of quail breeders. In total, 150 mature Japanese quails at eight weeks of age were randomly allotted to five groups of 30 for each group. Each group included five replicates, each of six quails (four females and two males). The results showed that egg number, egg weight and egg mass were higher (p < 0.05) with the addition of all DL-methionine levels than that of the control group. Quails from the control group had a lower feed intake (p < 0.001) and a worse feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those from the DL-methionine-treated groups. Supplementation of DL-methionine up to 2.5 g/kg in quail diets increased fertility and hatchability percentages. Birds fed DL-methionine at 1.5 g/kg had the best egg production indices, better FCR and the highest values of fertility and hatchability. Egg weight, yolk %, Haugh unit, egg shape index and unit surface shell weight (USSW) were increased and eggshell % was decreased in quail supplemented with DL-methionine levels compared with the control quail (p < 0.05). Dietary DL-methionine levels did not affect (p > 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and packed cell volume (PCV) of quails. DL-methionine levels (0.5 and 2.5 g/kg) augmented lymphocytes and basophile (p < 0.05). Low DL-methionine levels (0.5 or 1.5 g/kg) improved liver enzymes and kidney functions. Dietary DL-methionine levels (except 3.5 g/kg) declined serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and decreased lipid profile parameters (except high-density lipoprotein—HDL). Supplementation of DL-methionine at 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg increased immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001) compared with the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DL-methionine (1.5 g/kg) can enhance the reproductive performance and egg quality of quail breeders. DL-methionine use at levels of 0.5 or 1.5 g/kg improved the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant parameters of Japanese quail

Impact of dietary supplemental bile salts on growth performance, carcass, immunity and antioxidant parameters and bacteriology of broiler chicks

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bile salts on the growth performance, carcase estimates, immunity and antioxidant measurements, some blood biochemical parameters, intestine enzyme activities and microbiology of broiler chickens. One hundred twenty 1 day old of Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 5 replicates of 6 chicks each for 42 days. The first group was the basal diet only and served as control. The second, third and fourth groups were fed the basal diet plus 0.5, 1 and 1.5 ml bile salts/kg diet, respectively. Body weight and daily body weight gain were linearly (p < .01) increased with increasing bile salt levels compared to control. Addition of bile salts to broiler diets significantly (p < .01) decreased feed intake and improved feed conversion than control. The addition of 1.0 ml bile salts to broiler chicks' diets increased plasma proteins concentrations, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase compared with the control group. The cholesterol and triglyceride levels, liver enzymes and intestinal enzymes (amylase, protease and lipase) activities were significantly (p < .05 or 0.01) increased in bile salt groups. While, malondialdehyde was significantly (p < .01) decreased in all treated groups compared to control. Total bacteria, total fungi, Escherichia coli and Salmonella were decreased in broiler chicks fed diet supplemented with bile salts. It could be concluded that bile salts especially levels (0.5 and 1.0 ml/kg diet) have a positive impact on growth performance and carcass traits, blood biochemical measurements, intestinal enzymes activities, digestibility of nutrients and microorganism's content of broiler chicks.Highlights Addition bile salt to broiler diets improved growth rate and feed conversion. Addition bile salt to broiler diets improved nutrients digestion. The addition of 1.0 ml bile salts in broiler diets increased total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase. Total fungi, Escherichia coli and Salmonella were decreased in chicks fed diet supplemented with bile salt

Use of Aspergillus japonicas culture filtrate as a feed additive in quail breeder’s nutrition

This study was carried out to study the beneficial role of organic acids and other beneficial compounds produced by Aspergillus japonicas and their effects on the egg production, egg quality, fertility, and hatchability as well as blood metabolites of quail breeders. A number of 150 mature 8-week of age Japanese quails (100 females and 50 males) were used and divided into 5 groups. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were fed basal diet with 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 ml Aspergillus japonicas culture filtrate/kg diet, respectively. The use of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate improved egg number, egg mass and feed conversion ratio when compared to control. The use of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate quadratically improved feed conversion ratio when compared to control at all ages. Quail breeders fed 2 and 3 ml Aspergillus japonicas filtrate-treated diets consumed less feed than the other diets (0, 1, or 4 ml) during 8–12 week-old and the overall period. Supplementation of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate to quail diets improved fertility percentage during 12–16 and 8–16 week of age, the best level was 2 ml/kg of filtrate. Addition of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate to quail diets reduced the shell percentage and shell thickness, but increased the Haugh unit. The use of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate in quail breeder’s diets tended to decline total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL in plasma. Inclusion of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate in the diets of quail breeders improved the immune parameters. The activity of SOD and TAC was higher in Aspergillus japonicas filtrate groups than the control. In conclusion, supplemental Aspergillus japonicas filtrate could improve productive and reproductive performance, lipid profile, immunity, and antioxidant indices.Highlights Use of Aspergillus filtrate in quail diets improved egg production and egg mass. Use of Aspergillus japonicas filtrate to quail diets improved fertility percentage Use of Aspergillus filtrate in quail diets improved immunity and antioxidant indices Dietary addition of Aspergillus filtrate improved lipid profile

Effect of Aspergillus japonicas culture filtrate on performance, carcase yield, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbiota and blood constituents of quail

This study was carried out to examine the beneficial role of organic acids and other beneficial compounds produced by Aspergillus japonicas and their effects on performance, carcase yield, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbiota and blood constituents of quail. 240 quails (7 days old) were allotted to 5 groups consisting of 48 quail chicks (4 replicates of 12 chicks). The first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups were fed basal diet with 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 mL A. japonicas culture filtrate/kg diet, respectively. The addition of A. japonicas culture filtrate up to 3 mL/kg feed increased body weight at 3 and 5 weeks-old and body weight gain from 1–3, 3–5 and 1–5 weeks, the best level was 3 mL/kg feed. Quails fed A. japonicas filtrate diets recorded the best feed conversion ratio in comparison with the control. Dietary addition of A. japonicas filtrate tended to decline triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL and increased HDL values in the plasma. Use of A. japonicas filtrate in diets up to 2 mL/kg improved the immune indices. The levels of SOD and TAC, GSH and CAT as well as digestive enzymes were improved due to A. japonicas filtrate supplementation compared to control. Plasma levels of MDA were decreased (p = .0001) in the quails fed Aspergillus filtrate (1 or 2 mL/kg). Quails fed rations enriched with filtrate exhibited lower colonisation of Escherichia coli, coliform and Salmonella. In conclusion, supplemental A. japonicas culture filtrate could improve the performance, digestive enzymes, immunity, antioxidant indices and mitigate intestinal pathogens.Highlights Use of Aspergillus filtrate improved in quail diets performance and digestive enzymes. Use of Aspergillus filtrate in quail diets improved immunity and antioxidant indices. Dietary addition of Aspergillus filtrate mitigated intestinal pathogens

Evaluation of dried tomato pomace as a non-conventional feed: Its effect on growth, nutrients digestibility, digestive enzyme, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of growing quails

This work evaluated the effect of sun-dried tomato waste (SDTP) on growth, carcasses, digestibility of nutrients, digestive enzymes, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of 250 one-week-old growing Japanese quail. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet (BD) (control), Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed on the BD containing 3, 6, 9 and 12% SDTP respectively. SDTP significantly improved the body weights and gains at 3 weeks of age compared with control, and the 6% SDTP level seems to be the optimal level used throughout the first 3–5 weeks of age. With 6, 9 or 12% SDTP, the percentages of liver and giblets and the meat percentages of moisture and crude protein were improved significantly relative to control or 3%. In quail diets, the percentage of ether extract was reduced with increasing the SDTP. The studied levels of SDTP did not significantly change the digestibility of DM, OM, CP or NFE. The highest levels of amylase and lipase enzymes were recorded in the 6% SDTP, opposite to control. SDTP at 9 and 12% significantly decreased the total cholesterol than all other treatments. The highest and the lowest HDL levels were shown in 12 and 9% SDTP respectively. The 12% SDTP showed the highest SOD, TAC, IgM, IgG and Complement 3 values among all groups. The different levels of SDTP significantly reduced the MDA content than control. The highest caecal E. coli and Salmonella spp counts were found in control and 6% inclusion level followed by 9% and finally 3 and 12% SDTP. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of SDTP can enhance the growth and health status of growing quails via improving the nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, and blood chemistry and reducing the intestinal pathogens

Evaluation of genetic diversity within different rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) genotypes utilizing start codon targeted (SCoT) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers

&lt;jats:p&gt;Abstract. This work aimed at studying the genetic diversity among different rabbit genotypes reared in Egypt by two different molecular markers (start codon targeted, SCoT, and inter-simple sequence repeat, ISSR) to improve breeding strategies. Five different groups of rabbits were used Gabali (Gab), New Zealand white (NZW), Californian (Cal), Rex, and Papillon (Pap). DNA was extracted and analyzed using SCoT and ISSR-PCR, and the obtained fragments were analyzed. Six SCoT primers scored 60 bands with 78.33 % polymorphism; primer SCoT 6 was the most polymorphic marker with 92.31 % polymorphism, while SCoT 5 was the lowest with 60 %. A dendrogram based on SCoT-PCR revealed that the Rex breed was the most genetically different. Seven ISSR primers gained 56 bands in total with 49.762 % polymorphism. ISSR 4 was the most polymorphic primer that detected 75 % of polymorphism, while ISSR 6 was not able to detect any polymorphism. It was suggested that the SCoT markers may be more effective than ISSR for differentiating and identifying the genetic variations within investigated breeds. Also, the usage of molecular markers of SCoT and ISSR may be more proper for calculating genetic diversity and common ancestry among tested rabbit breeds. Furthermore, evaluating genetic variability is important for enhancing existing breeds' adaptation to ecological alterations and crucial for preservation or breeding purposes. &lt;/jats:p&gt

Does dietary supplementation with lettuce seed oil enhance broiler performance, immunity, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant parameters, and intestinal microbiota?

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of lettuce seed oil (LSO) on the performance, carcass yield, kidney and liver indices, immunity, lipid profile, and cecal microbiota of fattening chicks. A total of 200, 7-day-old Cobb-500 were distributed into 5 experimental groups; each group contained 5 replicates with 8 birds each. The first group 1) the basal diet (only); 2) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (0.50 mL/kg); 3) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (1.00 mL/kg); 4) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (1.50 mL/kg); and 5) the basal diet plus lettuce seed oil (2.00 mL/kg). No significant effect was observed on growth performance, carcass traits, or kidney function at any level of oil. But, liver function was significantly affected due to LSO levels. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol—TC, triglyceride—TG, low-density lipoprotein—LDL, and very low-density lipoprotein—VLDL) were significantly reduced by using LSO levels compared to the control group. Dietary LSO significantly increased immunological and antioxidant parameters, except for malondialdehyde-MDA, which was reduced. On the other hand, the cecal microbiota was significantly improved by LSO additives. It was concluded that the dietary supplementation of LSO had beneficial effects on liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and the bacteriology of fattening chicks

Use of Chemical Nano-Selenium as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent in Quail Diets and Its Effect on Growth, Carcasses, Antioxidant, Immunity and Caecal Microbes

Nano-minerals are used to enhance mineral bioavailability, which helps improve animal growth and health. The use of chemical nano-selenium (Che-SeNPs) has lately attracted great scientific interest, mainly due to its potential benefits for poultry. The current study was conducted to investigate the impact of the dietary supplementation of Che-SeNPs on the growth performance, carcass traits, blood constituents, antioxidant status, immunity, and gut microbiota of Japanese quails. A total of one week-old 180 Japanese quails were randomly distributed into four equal groups, and each group consisted of 45 unsexed birds with five replications (nine birds each). The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation (0 g/kg Che-SeNPs), and the second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets containing 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g/kg Che-SeNPs, respectively. The results showed that the dietary supplementation of Che-SeNPs significantly (p &lt; 0.0001) increased body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, but decreased feed intake (p &lt; 0.0001) compared to the control group. The highest values of growth performance were recorded in the group fed 0.4 g Che-SeNPs g/kg feed. Che-SeNPs levels did not affect the carcass traits, relative organs (except liver), or blood hematology (except platelet count and hemoglobin level) of quails. Plasma total protein, albumin, aspartate amino transferase (AST), and urea values were not affected by dietary Che-SeNPs, but alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase values declined. Globulin and creatinine values were linearly increased with the inclusion of Che-SeNPs (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) in quail diets compared to the control. The supplementation of Che-SeNPs in quail diets significantly improved (p &lt; 0.05) the plasma lipid profile and activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to the control group. Immunoglobulin G values of Che-SeNPs (0.4 and 0.6 g/kg) were higher (p &lt; 0.05) than those in the control group. The groups fed diets supplemented with Che-SeNPs showed lower (p &lt; 0.0001) total bacterial count, total yeast and molds count, Coliform, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella spp. colonization, and higher (p = 0.0003 and 0.0048) lactic acid bacteria counts than those in the control group. In conclusion, Che-SeNPs supplemented up to 0.4 g/kg can improve the performance, lipid profile, antioxidant indices, and immunity, as well as decrease intestinal pathogens in quails during the fattening period (1–5 weeks of age)