Evaluation of optimum inclusion levels of Biostrong® 510 as replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chickens production under field conditions in Nigeria

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Biostrong® 510 as  replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). A total of 396 day old Ross broiler chicks were allotted randomly to six dietary treatments each replicated thrice, with 22 chicks per replicate. Biostrong® 510 was included at 0g, 15g, 17.5g and 20g/100 Kg diet for T1-T4 respectively while T5 and T6 had Oxytetracyclineand water-grade Neocyril plus respectively. Data was collected ongrowth performance indices, haematological parameters, liver function indices, ileum and ceacum microbial contents, tibia bone quality indices, and litter quality indices. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Dunnett test of significance. The result for the starter phase showedbirds on the AGPs had significantly (P<0.05) higher final weight and weight gain than birds on Biostrong® 510 and control. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the controlthan for birds on antimicrobials. Haematological indices was not significantly (P>0.05) different, while liver function indices showed decreased concentration for Alanine-amino transferase (ALT) (24.33-12.67 μL) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (140.67-81.33 μL respectively) for the Biostrong® 510 diets compared to control treatment values of 34.00μL and 294.00μL for ALT and ALP respectively. Feed consumption was significantly highest for finisher birds on control diet as birds fed growth promoters utilized significantly less feed, to gain similar weights with the control. Biostrong® 510 significantly improved feed conversion similar to the antibiotics. There was significantly (P<0.05) higher values for dry matter content of litter for birds fed Biostrong® 510 above the control and AGPs. Bone density was significantly (P<0.05) higher for Biostrong® 510 diets. Potential pathogenic bacteria species identified were mainly in treatments with no Biostrong® 510. It is concluded that Biostrong® 510 though did not significantly improve growth of broiler chickens, but however improved feed conversion, similar Onimisi, P.A., Moses, O. and Jegede J.O. 203 to the antibiotics; significantly lowered cost of production even more than the AGPS; improved bone strength, and litter quality and consequently the health of birds.Biostrong® 510is therefore a potential replacement for antibiotic growth promoters.Key words: Biostrong® 510, Antibiotic growth promoter, Performance, broiler chickens

Growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler chicken fed raw and boiled senna obtusifolia seed meal

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler chicken fed raw and boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal. Three hundred (300) Ross day old chicks were used for this study. Chicks were randomly allotted to five treatment groups in a complete randomized design having three replicate with twenty birds each. Birds were housed in a deep litter system where water and feed was provided ad-libitum for eight weeks. Five experimental diets were formulated with inclusion of raw and boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal at two different levels 5% and 10% each for raw and boiled respectively. Diets were coded as T1(Control), T2(5% Raw S. obtusifolia seed meal), T3 (10% Raw S. obtusifolia seed meal), T4 (5% Boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal; (BSOSM first user define) and T5(10% Boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal), respectively. Data collected from this study on growth performance and hematological parameters were analyzed using general linear model of SAS, 2009. Differences among means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Result obtained from this study shows that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg gain across treatment groups at the starter and finisher phases. On the other hand, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference recorded on feed intake, mortality record and all the hematological parameters measured. Birds fed 5% BSOSM had increased weight gain at the starter phase and improved feed conversion ratio in the finisher phase than other treatment groups. Also, birds fed control diet had increased weight gain at the finisher phase and improved feed conversion ratio in the starter phase than other treatment groups. Hematological parameters obtained in this study revealed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences across treatment groups. This implies that S. obtusifolia seed meal is safe for feeding broiler birds either raw or boiled with inclusion levels of up to 10% without any adverse effect on the performance. Key words: Growth performance, hematology, broiler chicken, Senna obtusifolia, Ross breed

Synergetic effect of enzymes and probiotic in improving sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) based diets for broiler chickens

The study was carried out to assess the synergetic effect of the combination of enzymes and probiotic in sorghum based diet for broiler chickens. Three hundred and ninety-six (396) Ross broiler chicks were allotted to six (6) dietary treatments with three (3) replicates, each having twenty-two (22) birds in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1, maize based diet; T2, sorghum based diet; T3, Sorghum based diet with Ronozyme® ProAct and Enviva® Pro 202 GT; T4, Sorghum based diet with Roxazyme® G2G and Enviva® Pro 202 GT; T5, Sorghum based diet with Axtra XAP® 101 TPT and Enviva® Pro 202 GT, and T6, Sorghum based diet with Enviva® Pro 202 GT. Diets were formulated to meet standard requirements. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) difference in the growth performance of birds in starter and finisher phase. Results for digestibility and carcass values in some parameters showed significant (P < 0.05) difference across the different treatment diet, with birds fed sorghum based diet alone having the least values. The net profit (‎₦/bird) for birds fed sorghum based diet without feed additive was low compared with birds fed sorghum based diet with enzyme and probiotics in combination. It was concluded that the synergetic effect of exogenous enzymes and probiotics in sorghum based diets showed complementary effect on performance and increased net profit of broiler production. Keywords: Poultry; sorghum; enzymes; probiotic

Growth performance of broiler chickens fed replacement levels of red and black finger millet (Eleusine coracana) varieties at starter phase

This study examined effect of red and black finger millet (RBFM) (Eleusine coracana) on performance of broiler chicks as replacement for maize using 600 chicks for 28 days. Using 2x5 factorial arrangement in completely randomized design with RBFM inclusion at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% replacing maize in diets. Ten dietary treatments replicated 3 times containing 20 chicks/replicate and growth parameters determined. Results showed improvement in weights of birds fed diets containing 25% (669.50g) and 50% (677.50g) RBFM which had no statistical difference with birds fed control diets (679.80g) in main effect. Final weight and weight gain of birds fed diets containing RBFM up to 50% (684.90g and 670.00g) performed better than birds fed control diets (679.80g) in interaction. Feed intake was poorest in birds fed black finger millet at 75% (748.22g). FCR of chicks fed diets at 25% (1.70) red finger millet compared with birds fed control (1.62) diets. Cost/kg gain was increasing as RBFM were increasing, least cost was at 25% (₦222.60) red finger millet which can be compared with control (₦189.10). It can be concluded that RBFM can be alternative for maize as source of energy in chicks’ diets up to 50% without affecting performance

Effect of a commercial brand of organic acids on the performance of broiler chickens

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Biotronic®SE (BSE), a commercial brand of Bio acids on the performance of   broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty broiler chickens were assigned to four experimental diets, each with three replicates  having 20 chicks per replicate. Treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4were supplemented with 0g, 300g 400g, and 500g BSE at the starter   phase (0-4 weeks) and0g, 200g 300g, and 400g BSE at the finisher phase (5-8 weeks) respectively. Treatment diets and clean water were suppliedad libitum for the eight weeks of the experiment. Growth  parameters taken include initial weight, final weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per kilogram and feed cost per kilogram gain for all treatments. At the end of the finisher phase, six birds selected to represent the  average weight per replicate were used for carcass analysis and  measurement of pH of intestinal organs. All data generated were subjected to analysis of variance and differences in mean were  compared using Duncan multiple range test. From the result of the study, birds fed diets containing 300g\100kg BSE showed   significantly (P<0.05) better performance in terms of weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kg gain at the starter  phase. However at the finisher phase birds supplemented with 400g\100kgBSE showed best performance in terms of feed  conversion ratio and feed cost per kg gain.Significant (p<0.05) differences existed for breast and back cut parts but with no   specific trend and similarly for intestinal length and gizzard while all the other carcass parameters were not significantly (p>0.05) different across the treatments. The PH values for the intestinal organs showed no significant (p>0.05) differences for crop,   duodenum, jejunum and ileum. There was however significant (p<0.05) differences for proventriculus, gizzard, caecum, Colon and liver. It may be concluded that supplementation of broiler diets with 300g\100kg of feed at starter phase and 400g\100kg at finisher phase improves broiler performance and significantly reduce cost of production.Keywords: Broiler chickens, Biotronic®SE, growth, intestinal p

Effect of Different Inclusion Levels of CRINA® Poultry Plusas Replacement for Antibiotic Growth Promoters on the Performance of Broiler Chickens Reared under Field Conditions in Nigeria

A total 396 day old Ross broiler chicks were used in a feeding trial to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed diets  supplemented with different levels of CRINA® Poultry Plus, as replacement for AGPs. Chicks were allotted randomly to six   treatments each replicated thrice, with 22 chicks per replicate. CRINA® Poultry  Plus was included at 0g, 30g, 35g and 40g/100 Kg diet representing T1-T4   espectively while T5 and T6 had Oxytetracycline and water-grade Neocyril plus  respectively. Data was collected on growth performance, haematology, liver function, ileum and ceacum microbes, carcass quality, tibia bone quality, and litter quality. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatment means  were compared using the Dunnett test of significance. In the starter phase, broilers fed diet containing Oxytetracycline had  significantly (P<0.05) highest values for final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and better feed conversion ratio. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed for albumin and blood urea nitrogen while ALT, ALP AST were not significantly (P > 0.05)  different. Birds fed levels of CRINA® Poultry Plus had significantly higher bone dry matter and bone ash than birds in the control group and on antibiotics. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in dry matter and a significant decrease in excreted nitrogen in the litter for treatments containing CRINA® Poultry Plus.CRINA® Poultry Plus did not improve growth in broiler chickens; it however significantly  improved bone quality and litter quality which have positive implication on the health of birds.Key words: CRINA® Poultry Plus, Antibiotic growth promoter, Performance, broiler chickens

Apparent nutrient digestibility, liver function indices and lipid profile of broiler chickens fed raw and boiled sickle pod (Senna obtusifolia) seed meal

This study was carried out to determine the apparent nutrient digestibility, liver function and lipid profile of broiler chickens fed raw and boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal. The experiment was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Three hundred and thirty (330) day old chicks were used for this study. Chicks were allotted in a complete randomized design to five (5) treatment groups with three (3) replicate having twenty birds per replicate. Five (5) experimental diets were formulated with inclusion of 5% and 10% raw and boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal each at both starter and finisher phases. Data collected were analyzed using the statistical package of SAS and differences between means were separated using Dunnett test. Results showed that there were no significant differences in most parameters measured on apparent nutrient digestibility except for ether extract. The liver enzymes parameters (ALT, AST and ALP) showed no significant differences and were within the normal range as reported in literature. Results obtained from lipid profile showed that significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in total cholesterol and HDL except for triglyceride and LDL. Birds fed 10 % BSOSM had significantly (P<0.05) higher serum cholesterol and HDL than those fed 0% SOSM. Birds fed RSOSM and BSOSM had lower triglycerides values than the control. This indicated that inclusion of S. obtusifolia seed meal in the diets of broiler chickens could reduce the risk of heart problem. It was concluded that inclusion of raw and boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal up to 10% in the diets of broiler chickens had no adverse effect on apparent nutrient digestibility and liver function. However, up to 10% inclusion of S. obtusifolia increased the cholesterol and HDL level in the serum. Lower percentage (less than 10 %) of raw and boiled S.obtusifolia seed meal should be use in the diets of broiler chickens to reduce adverse effect on cholesterol level

Evaluation of optimum inclusion levels of biostrong® 510 15% as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken production under field conditions in Nigeria

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Biostrong® 510 15% (BSG) in broiler chickens diet. It was included at 0 g, 75 g, 100 g and  125 g/100 Kg diet, for T1-T4 respectively while T5 had Oxytetracycline. Data was collected on growth performance indices, haematological parameters, liver function indices, kidney function, blood mineral profile, immune response, antioxidant capacity, villi morphometrics, lipid profile,  ileum and ceacum microbial contents, carcass quality parameters, and tibia bone quality indices. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Tukey test of significance. Growth performance showed that broilers fed diet containing 100g BSG had optimum performance among other levels. Haematological and liver function indices were not  significantly (P>0.05) different. Birds fed BSG showed decreased cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein compared to the control treatment. Birds fed levels of BSG and AGP had significantly higher bone weight, bone density, bone dry matter and bone ash as compared to birds on the control group. All carcass evaluation parameters were significantly (P<0.05) different among treatments except for dressed weight, breast and kidney. Levels of BSG in the diet significantly lowered the cost of production than AGPs of finisher broilers improved liver health, bone strength, villi characteristics, increased beneficial bacteria population and also prevent the colonization of the gut by pathogenic bacteria thus improving the health of the birds. Biostrong® 510 15%, can therefore effectively replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken production. Keywords: Biostrong® 510 15%, Antibiotic growth promoter, Performance, broiler chicken

Prevalence of aflatoxin b1 in some common poultry feed ingredients and optimum inclusion levels of mycofix binder as feed additive on performance of broiler chickens

A preliminary study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) contamination and common moulds growing in some selected poultry feed raw materials in Zaria. Five different feed raw materials: Maize (MZ), soybean cake (SBC), groundnut cake (GNC), brewers dried grain (BDG) and maize offal (M/O), were collected from four feed mills and the open market. The common moulds isolated from the samples were Mucor spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillum spp., Curvularia spp. and Rhizopus spp. AfB1 contamination showed that maize and soya bean cake were less than the 20 parts per billion (ppb) permissible limits forAfB1 in poultry feed ingredients, while BDG, M/O and GNC were 40, 60 and 80%respectively above 20 ppb permissible limits. A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to Mycofix™ a toxin binder. Three hundred and thirty Ross, 1-day old broiler chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments, each with three replicates of 22 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1 was the control diet without Mycofix™ while treatments 2, 3, 4 and 5 had Mycofix™ included at 100, 200, 300 and 400 g /100kg diet, respectively at both starter and finisher phases. Experimental diets and water were given to the birds ad libitum during eight weeks of the feeding trial. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using General Linear Model procedure of SAS and significant differences among treatment means were compared using Dunnette test of significance. Results of the starter phase showed that birds fed 400 g/100kg Mycofix™ diet had the best final body weight (902.67g), weight gain (839.67g) and average daily weight gain (29.98g). Birds fed 200 g /100 kg Mycofix™ had the lowest feed conversion ratio of 1.60 and the least cost per kilogram gain (₦138.52). At the finisher phase, birds on 400 g/100kg Mycofix™ diet had the best final weight (2345.3g), weight gain (1403.3g), average daily gain (50.1g), feed conversion ratio (2.1) and least feed cost per kilogram gain (₦167.20). It may be concluded that addition of Mycofix™ to diets of broiler chickens at 400g/ 100kg at both starter and finisher phases of the study improved performance significantly and gave the least cost of production

Inclusion of enzymes and eubiotics in sorghum based diet for broiler chicken production

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed sorghum-based diet (SBD) with inclusion of enzymes and eubiotics. Five  hundred 1-day old Ross broiler chicks were allotted to seven dietary treatments with three replicates and each having 24 birds, respectively. The design was a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 (T1) was maize- based diet; T2, SBD alone; T3, SBD with Ronozyme® ProAct enzyme; T4, SBD with Roxazyme® G2G enzyme; T5, SBD with Axtra® XAP 101 TPT enzyme, T6, SBD with Biostrong® 510 15% essential oil and T7, SBD with  Enviva® PRO 202 GT probiotics. The initial and final body weights, feed/gain ratio, cost/Kg, carcass and prime cuts weight and nutrient digestibility were determined. Results of the experiment indicated non-significant (P>0.05) differences in the final weight and weight gain of birds across all  treatment. However, broiler chicks in T1, T4, T5, T6 and T7 had the best feed/gain ratio (1.65, 1.65, 1.70, 1.68 and 1.70) which was significantly (P<0.05) different from birds placed on diet treatments T2 and T3 (1.83 and 1.73). The feed cost required to produce one kilogram of meat was lowest for T1 and T4 (185.79 and 188.48 N /Kg) followed by T3, T5 and T7 (198.79, 193.25 and 198.65 N /Kg) and highest for T2 and T6 (205.29 and  204.09 N /Kg). Carcass evaluation showed that dressed weight of T3, T4 and T5 compared (P>0.05) favorably with T1 while T2, T6 and T7 were similar. Nutrient digestibility of broiler birds showed nonsignificant (P>0.05) differences except for crude fibre. Economics of production showed that the inclusion of feed additives in SBD increased the net profit of broiler birds. It can be concluded that the use of enzymes and eubiotics improved the  performance and net profit of broiler chickens. Keywords: Broilers, Sorghum, Enzymes, Eubiotic